System and method for regulating temperature of item of furniture

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system for regulating the temperature of a portion of an article of furniture and a method of using the same. The system may include at least one sensor configured to detect a biological signal of a user of the item of furniture. The system may include a temperature control device configured to vary the temperature of the portion of the item of furniture. The system may include a processor configured to (i) specify a time at which the item of furniture wakes the user based on the bio-signal of the user detected by the at least one sensor while the user is using the item of furniture, when the user is sleeping on the item of furniture, and to (ii) specify a time at which the item of furniture wakes the user based on the bio-signal of the user detected by the at least one sensor while using the item of furniture. And (ii) changing the temperature of the portion of the item of furniture by the temperature control device prior to the time.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with an application date of December 2, 2019, an application number of 201980091062.9, and an invention title of "Systems and Methods for Regulating the Temperature of Furniture Articles" (the corresponding PCT application has an application date of December 2, 2019, and an application number of PCT / US2019 / 064056).

[0002] Cross-reference

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 774,659, filed on December 3, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 804,729, filed on February 12, 2019, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Regulating the temperature of a furniture article (e.g., a bed) can help improve the quality of a person's activity on the furniture (e.g., sleeping in the bed). Current methods for supporting and / or improving user sleep can include electric blankets, heating pads, or bed warmers. For example, an electric blanket can be a blanket with an integrated electric heating device that can be placed above the top of the bedsheet or below the bottom of the bedsheet. Electric blankets can be used to preheat the bed before use or to keep an occupant warm in the bed. However, turning on an electric blanket may require the user to manually turn it on. Additionally, an electric blanket does not provide additional functions other than heating the bed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] This disclosure describes techniques related to regulating the temperature of a furniture article. More specifically, this disclosure describes using a fluid (e.g., a liquid or a gas) and one or more temperature regulators of the fluid to regulate the temperature of a portion of the furniture article.

[0006] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a system for changing the temperature of a portion of a furniture article, the system comprising: (a) at least one sensor that is a part of the furniture article, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect a biometric signal of a user of the furniture article; (b) a temperature control device coupled to a portion of the furniture article, wherein the temperature control device is configured to change the temperature of a portion of the furniture article; and (c) a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor and the temperature control device, wherein the processor is configured to (i) when a user is sleeping on the furniture article, based on the biometric signal of the user detected by the at least one sensor when the user uses the furniture article, specify a time for the furniture article to wake up the user, and (ii) change the temperature of a portion of the furniture article via the temperature control device before the time.

[0007] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of a portion of a furniture item, the method comprising: (a) providing (i) at least one sensor that is part of the furniture item, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect a biological signal of a user of the furniture item, (ii) a temperature control device that is coupled to a portion of the furniture item, wherein the temperature control device is configured to change the temperature of a portion of the furniture item, and (iii) a processor that is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and the temperature control device; (b) detecting, with the help of the at least one sensor, a biological signal of the furniture user when the user is using the furniture item; (c) specifying, with the help of the processor, a time for the furniture item to wake up the user when the user is sleeping on the furniture item, at least in part based on the detected biological signal of the user; and (d) changing, with the help of the processor, the temperature of a portion of the furniture item by the temperature control device before the time.

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

[0009] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of a portion of a furniture item, the method comprising: (a) providing (i) a temperature control device that is operably coupled to a portion of the furniture item and is configured to change the temperature of a portion of the furniture item, and (ii) a processor that is communicatively coupled to the temperature control device; and (b) specifying, with the help of the processor, a time for the temperature control device to change the temperature of a portion of the furniture item at least in part based on a predetermined wake-up time of the user, wherein the time is before the predetermined wake-up time of the user.

[0010] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the system comprising: (a) a portion of the furniture item configured to hold a fluid; (b) a reservoir in fluid communication with the portion of the furniture item, wherein the reservoir is configured to contain the fluid; (c) a temperature regulator in fluid communication with the portion of the furniture item and the reservoir, wherein the temperature regulator is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid when the container does not contain the fluid; and (d) a processor operably coupled to the temperature regulator, wherein the processor is programmed to control the temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby regulating the temperature of the portion of the furniture item.

[0011] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the method comprising: (a) providing a temperature regulator in fluid communication with (i) a portion of the furniture item capable of holding a fluid and (ii) a reservoir capable of containing the fluid, wherein the temperature regulator is capable of regulating the temperature of the fluid when the reservoir does not contain the fluid; and (b) controlling the temperature regulator by a computer system to regulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby regulating the temperature of the portion of the furniture item.

[0012] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the system comprising: (a) a furniture item including a first portion and a second portion, wherein each of the first portion and the second portion is configured to hold a fluid; (b) a common temperature controller configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid, wherein the common temperature controller includes (i) a first passage in fluid communication with the first portion of the furniture item and (ii) a second passage in fluid communication with the second portion of the furniture item, wherein the first passage and the second passage are configured to hold the fluid; and (c) a processor operably coupled to the common temperature controller, the processor being programmed to control the common temperature controller to regulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby independently regulating a first temperature of the first portion of the furniture item and a second temperature of the second portion of the furniture item.

[0013] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the method comprising: (a) providing a common temperature controller configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid, wherein the common temperature controller includes (i) a first passage in fluid communication with the first portion of the furniture item and (ii) a second passage in fluid communication with the second portion of the furniture item, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the furniture item are configured to hold the fluid, and wherein the first passage and the second passage are configured to hold the fluid; and (b) controlling the common temperature controller to regulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby independently regulating a first temperature of the first portion of the furniture item and a second temperature of the second portion of the furniture item.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing machine-executable code that, when executed by one or more computer processors, implements any of the methods above or elsewhere herein.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system that includes one or more computer processors and a computer memory coupled thereto. The computer memory contains machine-executable code that, when executed by one or more computer processors, implements any of the methods above or elsewhere herein.

[0016] In light of the following detailed description, other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, in which only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be recognized, the present disclosure is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0017] Incorporation by reference

[0018] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments of the invention in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also referred to herein as "figures" and "illustrations"), in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a bed device according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 shows an example of a bed device according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 shows an example of a layer including a mattress device according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4A shows a user sensor placed on a sensor strip according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4B is a sensor strip according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4Cis a flow chart of a process for manufacturing a sensor bar body according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4D is a flow chart of a process for manufacturing a sensor bar tail according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 5D Different configurations of sensor strips are shown according to one embodiment to accommodate mattresses of different sizes.

[0028] Figure 6A The division of the heating coils into zones and sub-zones according to one embodiment is shown.

[0029] Figure 6B and Figure 6C Independent control of different sub-zones according to one embodiment is shown.

[0030] Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C is a flow chart of a process for deciding when to heat or cool a bed assembly according to various embodiments.

[0031] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a process for recommending a bedtime to a user according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 9 is a flow chart of a process for activating a user alert according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 10 is a flow chart of a process for shutting down an appliance according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 11 is a diagram of a system capable of automatically controlling home appliances according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 12 is an illustration of a system capable of controlling appliances and a home, according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 13 is a flow chart of a process for controlling an electrical appliance according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 14 is a flow chart of a process for controlling an electrical appliance according to another embodiment.

[0038] Figure 15 is a diagram of a system for monitoring biosignals associated with a user and providing notifications or alerts, according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 16 is a flowchart of a process for generating a notification based on a history of biometric signals associated with a user.

[0040] Figure 17 is a flowchart of a process for generating a comparison between a biometric signal associated with a user and a target biometric signal according to one embodiment.

[0041] Figure 18 is a flowchart of a process for detecting the onset of a disease according to one embodiment.

[0042] Figure 19 is an illustration of a machine in the example form of a computer system within which a set of instructions can be executed to cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods or modules discussed herein.

[0043] Figure 20 is an example of adjusting the temperature of a bed.

[0044] Figure 21 is an example of a block diagram for adjusting the temperature of a bed.

[0045] Figure 22 is an example of a block diagram for adjusting the current supplied to a thermoelectric element to adjust the temperature of a bed.

[0046] Figures 23A through 23H shows an example of a system for regulating the temperature of a portion of a furniture item.

[0047] Figures 24A through 24G shows an example of a system for regulating the temperatures of multiple portions of a furniture item.

[0048] Figure 25 and Figure 26 shows an example of a method for regulating the temperature of a furniture item.

[0049] Figure 27 and Figure 28 shows different examples of a method for regulating the temperature of a furniture item. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many variations, changes, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed.

[0051] The terms "furniture", "furniture item", or "a piece of furniture" are used interchangeably herein and can refer to a bed, crib, cradle, chair, seat, loveseat, sofa, chaise longue, headrest, stool, ottoman, bench, or any panel intended to be covered with fabric. The furniture item can be used in a home, office, medical institution (e.g., hospital), or vehicle (such as a car, truck, boat, bus, train, etc.). The furniture item can be used by at least one person (and / or at least one animal, such as a pet). The furniture item can be intended for use by at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more people. The furniture item can be used by at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 person. In an example, the furniture item can be a bed, and the bed can come in a variety of sizes, including single, single extra long, double, queen, king, super king, etc. In another example, the furniture item can be a baby warmer (i.e., a babytherm) for providing heat at one or more temperatures to a baby.

[0052] The term "bed" or "bed device", used interchangeably herein, can be a furniture item for sleeping or resting. The bed can include a mattress, mattress pad, and / or covering (such as a blanket). One or more users can sleep or rest on and / or adjacent to the surface of the bed. The surface can be the top surface of the bed. The top surface of the bed can be flat or textured. The bed can be a mattress. The bed can be a mattress pad that covers at least a portion of the mattress surface or at least one surface of the mattress. Alternatively or in addition, one or more users can sleep under the surface of the bed. The surface can be one or more surfaces of a covering, such as, for example, a blanket. The blanket can be disposed on top of at least a portion of one or more users. The bed can be a blanket.

[0053] The bed of the present disclosure can assist one or more users in falling asleep in the bed (e.g., assist one or more users in falling asleep faster). Compared with sleeping in a different bed, the bed of the present disclosure can assist one or more users in falling asleep at least about 0.1 hour faster. Compared with sleeping in a different bed, the bed of the present disclosure can assist one or more users in falling asleep at least about 0.1 hour, 0.2 hours, 0.3 hours, 0.4 hours, 0.5 hours, 0.6 hours, 0.7 hours, 0.8 hours, 0.9 hours, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours or more. Compared with sleeping in a different bed, the bed of the present disclosure can assist one or more users in falling asleep at most about 2 hours, 1.5 hours, 1 hour, 0.9 hours, 0.8 hours, 0.7 hours, 0.6 hours, 0.5 hours, 0.4 hours, 0.3 hours, 0.2 hours, 0.1 hour or less. The bed of the present disclosure can assist one or more users in maintaining sleep in the bed for a longer time (e.g., an indefinite period or a predetermined period). Compared with sleeping in a different bed, the bed of the present disclosure can assist one or more users in maintaining sleep for at least about 0.5 hour. Compared with sleeping in a different bed, the bed of the present disclosure can assist one or more users in maintaining sleep for at least about 0.1 hour, 0.2 hours, 0.3 hours, 0.4 hours, 0.5 hours, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 2.5 hours, 3 hours, 3.5 hours, 4 hours, 4.5 hours, 5 hours or more. Compared with sleeping in a different bed, the bed of the present disclosure can assist one or more users in maintaining sleep for at least about 5 hours, 4.5 hours, 4 hours, 3.5 hours, 3 hours, 2.5 hours, 2 hours, 1.5 hours, 1 hour, 0.5 hour, 0.4 hours, 0.3 hours, 0.2 hours, 0.1 hour or less. When sleeping or resting in the bed, the bed can shorten or extend the sleep stages of one or more users. The bed can assist one or more users in entering or exiting sleep stages when waking up, sleeping or lying in the bed to rest. The bed can improve the sleep quality of one or more users.

[0054] The bed of the present disclosure can assist a user in waking up from sleep. The bed of the present disclosure can use one or more alarm mechanisms to wake up the user from sleep. The alarm mechanism can include a personal device (e.g., a mobile device, a computer, a digital alarm, etc.) or the bed itself (e.g., a mattress, a bedsheet, a blanket, a pillow, a mattress frame, etc.). In some cases, the bed can adjust (or regulate) one or more settings of the bed. Such one or more settings of the bed can include temperature, position relative to a stationary position of the bed, movement (e.g., vibration, translation, rotation, etc.). In an example, the bed may be capable of increasing and / or decreasing the temperature of a part of the bed (e.g., a part of the bed surface) to wake up a user sleeping on that part of the bed. Such a bed can be referred to as a thermal alarm. In some cases, the bed can be configured to wake up the user at a predetermined wake-up time input by the user before sleep. In some cases, the bed may not receive data from the user indicating the predetermined wake-up time. In some cases, the bed can be configured to automatically determine the wake-up time (e.g., the optimal wake-up time) to wake up the user at least partially based on one or more detected biological signals of the user of the bed. The bed may be capable of using one or more sensors to detect the movement, presence, and / or absence of the user of the bed to determine whether the user wakes up and / or gets out of bed. Additionally, the bed can be configured to automatically reduce and / or turn off one or more alarm mechanisms when it is determined by one or more sensors that the user wakes up and / or gets out of bed at least partially.

[0055] The temperature of a furniture item (e.g., a bed, such as a mattress, a mattress pad, or a blanket) can be controlled (e.g., increased, decreased, or maintained). The temperature of at least a part of the furniture item can be controlled. The temperature of the furniture item can be adjusted or maintained before, during, or after one or more users use it (e.g., sleep or rest for a period of time). In an example, the bed can be preheated (e.g., automatically or according to user preferences) before one or more users use it. In some cases, the temperature of two or more parts of a furniture item (e.g., a bed) can be controlled separately or synchronously.

[0056] The terms “biological signal” and “bio signal” can be used interchangeably. Examples of biological signals can include cardiac signals (e.g., heart rate or sound), respiratory (breathing) signals (e.g., respiratory rate or sound), movement, temperature, movement, sweating, sound, neural activity, etc. A furniture item (e.g., a bed) may be capable of detecting one or more biological signals of one or more users. The furniture item may be capable of adjusting the characteristics of the furniture item (e.g., the temperature of the furniture item or movement (such as vibration), geometric configuration, etc.) to control (e.g., increase, decrease, or maintain) one or more biological signals of one or more users of the furniture item.

[0057] As used herein, the term "sleep stage" can refer to light sleep, deep sleep, or rapid eye movement ("REM") sleep. Sleep has two main stages: non-REM sleep and REM sleep. A person can first experience non-REM sleep, followed by a shorter period of REM sleep. In some cases, a person may experience a continuous cycle of non-REM sleep and REM sleep. Non-REM sleep may have three stages. Each stage can last from 5 to 15 minutes. A person can experience all three stages before entering REM sleep. In the first stage, a person's eyes may be closed, but the person may be easily awakened. This stage may last from 5 to 10 minutes. This stage can be considered light sleep. In the second stage, a person may be in a light sleep state. The person's heart rate may slow down and the person's body temperature may drop. The person's body may be preparing for deep sleep. This stage can also be considered light sleep. The third stage may be the deep sleep stage. A person may be more difficult to wake up during this stage. If a person is awakened, the person will feel disoriented for several minutes. During the deep stage of non-REM sleep, the body can repair and regenerate tissues, build bone and muscle, and strengthen the immune system. REM sleep can occur 90 minutes after a person falls asleep. In some cases, a person may dream during REM sleep. The initial stage of REM sleep typically can last 10 minutes. Any later stage of REM sleep may become longer, and the last stage of REM sleep may last about an hour. During REM sleep (e.g., during the last stage of REM sleep), a person's heart rate and breathing may speed up. A person may have intense dreams during REM sleep because the brain is more active. REM sleep may affect the learning of certain mental skills.

[0058] As used herein, "sleep pattern" can refer to (i) one or more biological signals and / or (ii) a repetition or variation of one or more sleep stages of a user of a bed. A sleep pattern can be described over a period of time (e.g., 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, etc.), as well as a count of one or more biological signals or one or more sleep stages. A sleep pattern can include a preferred setting of one or more biological signals or one or more sleep stages of a user. A preferred setting of one or more biological signals can include the type of one or more biological signals, as well as a preferred value or range of values of one or more biological signals (e.g., a user's preferred body temperature or body temperature range). A preferred setting of one or more sleep stages can include the type of one or more sleep stages, as well as a preferred value or range of values of one or more sleep stages.

[0059] The bed can identify sleep disorders of one or more users. Examples of sleep disorders can include sleep disorders such as insomnia, primary hypersomnia (e.g., narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, recurrent hypersomnia, post-traumatic hypersomnia, menstruation-related hypersomnia), sleep-related breathing disorders (e.g., sleep apnea, snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome), circadian rhythm sleep disorders (e.g., delayed sleep phase disorder, advanced sleep phase disorder, non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder), parasomnias (e.g., bedwetting, bruxism, cataplexy, exploding head syndrome, sleep terrors, REM sleep behavior disorder, sleep talking), jet lag, restless legs syndrome, etc. Methods and systems for monitoring a person's sleep pattern in bed and detecting the person's sleep disorders (e.g., snoring, sleep apnea, etc.) are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0135632 (“DETECTING SLEEPING DISORDERS”), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0060] A furniture item (e.g., a bed) can use one or more sensors and / or one or more computer systems to identify one or more biometric signals and / or sleep sequences of one or more users. One or more sensors can be part of the furniture item, or can not be part of the furniture item. One or more sensors can be part of the space (e.g., a room) around the furniture item. One or more sensors can be worn by one or more users. One or more sensors can be used to detect characteristics of the furniture item (e.g., temperature, movement, etc.).

[0061] The term “module” generally refers to a software, hardware, or firmware component (or any combination thereof). A module is typically a functional component that can generate useful data or other output using one or more specified inputs. A module can be independent or can not be independent. An application (also referred to as an “app”) can include one or more modules, or a module can include one or more applications.

[0062] The term “on top” can mean two objects where the first object is “on top” of the second object and can be rotated such that the first object is above the second object relative to the ground. The two objects can be in direct or indirect contact, or can not be in contact at all.

[0063] Systems and methods for regulating the temperature of a furniture item

[0064] The present disclosure provides a system for regulating the temperature of a furniture item and a method of using the same. In some embodiments, the system can include a furniture item. The furniture item can be operatively coupled to at least one sensor (e.g., at least one user sensor) configured to detect one or more biometric signals of at least one user of the furniture item (e.g., when at least one user is on the furniture item). The detected one or more biometric signals can be used to regulate the temperature of the furniture item. In some cases, at least one sensor can be part of the furniture item. Alternatively, at least one sensor can not be part of the furniture item.

[0065] In some embodiments, the system can include a temperature control device (or temperature controller, used interchangeably herein) configured to adjust the temperature of the furniture item. The temperature control device can be operatively coupled to the furniture item. The temperature control device can not be coupled to the furniture item. Alternatively, at least a portion of the temperature control device can be coupled to the furniture item (e.g., can be disposed above or below the furniture item, can be disposed within the furniture item, etc.). In some cases, the temperature control device can include a temperature regulator capable of regulating the temperature of at least a portion of the temperature control device such that the temperature control device can direct heat (i) from the temperature control device and towards at least a portion of the furniture item, or (ii) from at least a portion of the furniture item and towards the temperature control device. In some cases, the temperature regulator may be capable of regulating the temperature of a fluid in thermal communication with at least a portion of the temperature control device and the furniture item. During temperature regulation, such fluid can direct heat (i) from the temperature control device towards at least a portion of the furniture item, or (ii) from at least a portion of the furniture item towards the temperature control device.

[0066] In some embodiments, the system can include a processor. The processor can be operatively coupled to at least one sensor (e.g., or one or more components within at least one sensor), the temperature control device (e.g., or one or more components within the temperature control device), or both. The processor can be configured to direct (e.g., automatically direct) the temperature regulation of at least a portion of the furniture item. In some cases, regulating the temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item can affect a user of the furniture item to, for example, improve sleep quality, fall asleep, or wake up.

[0067] Figure 1FIG. is a diagram of an example furniture item according to one embodiment, specifically a bed apparatus (e.g., a mattress or a bed pad). Any number of sensors (or user sensors) 140, 150 monitor biometric signals associated with a user, such as a heart rate, a respiration rate, a temperature, a movement, or a presence associated with the user. Any number of environmental sensors 160, 170 monitor environmental characteristics, such as a temperature, a sound, a light, or a humidity. The user sensors 140, 150 and the environmental sensors 160, 170 transmit their measurements to a processor 100. The environmental sensors 160, 170 measure environmental characteristics associated with the environmental sensors 160, 170. In one embodiment, the environmental sensors 160, 170 are placed beside the bed. The processor 100 determines based on biometric signals associated with the user, historical biometric signals associated with the user, user-specified preferences, exercise data associated with the user, or received environmental characteristics, control signals, and the time at which the control signals are sent to the bed apparatus 120.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the processor 100 is connected to a database 180 that stores biometric signals associated with one or more users of a furniture item (e.g., a bed apparatus). Additionally, the database 180 may store average biometric signals associated with the user, a history of biometric signals associated with the user, etc. The database 180 may be associated with a user, or the database 180 may be associated with a furniture item (e.g., a bed apparatus).

[0069] Figure 2 FIG. shows an example of a Figure 1 furniture item (e.g., a bed apparatus) according to one embodiment. Sensors (e.g., sensor strips) 210 associated with a mattress 200 of the bed apparatus 120 monitor biometric signals associated with a user sleeping on the mattress 200. The sensor strips 210 may be built into the mattress 200 or may be part of a bed pad apparatus. Alternatively, the sensors 210 may be part of any other piece of furniture, such as a rocking chair, a sofa, an armchair, etc. The sensors 210 include a temperature sensor or a piezoelectric sensor. Environmental sensors 220 measure environmental characteristics, such as a temperature, a sound, a light, or a humidity. According to one embodiment, the environmental sensors 220 are associated with the environment surrounding the mattress 200. The sensors 210 and the environmental sensors 220 transmit the measured environmental characteristics to a processor 230. In some embodiments, the processor 230 may be similar to Figure 1 the processor 100. The processor 230 may be connected to the sensors 210 or the environmental sensors 220 via a computer bus (such as an I2C bus). Additionally, the processor 230 may be connected to the sensors 210 or the environmental sensors 220 via a communication network.

[0070] As an example, the communication network connecting the processor 230 to the sensor 210 or the ambient sensor 220 includes one or more networks, such as a data network, a wireless network, a telephone network, or any combination thereof. The data network can be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), public data network (such as the Internet), short-range wireless network, or any other suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially-owned proprietary packet-switched network, for example, a proprietary cable or fiber optic network, etc., or any combination thereof. Additionally, the wireless network can be, for example, a cellular network and can employ various technologies, including Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Internet Protocol (IP) data broadcasting, satellite, Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET), etc., or any combination thereof.

[0071] The processor 230 is any type of microcontroller, or any processor in a mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal, which includes a mobile device, station, unit, device, multimedia computer, multimedia tablet computer, Internet node, cloud computer, communicator, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, netbook computer, tablet computer, Personal Communication System (PCS) device, personal navigation device, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), audio / video player, digital camera / video camera, positioning device, television receiver, radio broadcast receiver, e-book device, gaming device, accessories and peripherals of these devices, or any combination thereof.

[0072] Figure 3 An example of at least some components (e.g., layers) of a Figure 1 furniture item (e.g., a bedding device) according to one embodiment is shown. In some embodiments, the bedding device 120 is a pad that can be placed on top of a mattress. The bedding device 120 comprises a plurality of parts (e.g., a plurality of layers). The top (e.g., top layer) 350 comprises fabric. Another part (e.g., another layer) 340 comprises a matrix (e.g., batting) and sensors (e.g., sensor strips) 330. Different parts (e.g., different layers) 320 can be at least part of a temperature control device. In the example, layer 320 comprises coils for cooling or heating the bed device. Alternatively, layer 320 can comprise a fluid in fluid flow channels for cooling or heating the furniture item. Layer 310 comprises a waterproof material.

[0073] According to another embodiment, layer 320 comprises a material (e.g., solid, semi-solid, gel, liquid, or a combination thereof) that can be heated from about 0.5 degrees Celsius (°C) to about 50 °C or cooled from about 50 °C to about 0.5 °C. In some cases, the material can be heated from about 0.5 °C to about 50 °C or cooled from about 50 °C to about 0.5 °C without changing the properties of the material, such as the state of matter. Alternatively, the material properties can change during heating or cooling, and such material properties can be reversible. In some cases, the material can be cooled from about 10 °C to about 50 °C without changing the properties of the material, such as the state of matter. Examples of such materials can be air, water, argon, synthetic materials (such as polymers, carbon nanotubes), etc. According to one embodiment, layer 320 is connected to an external thermal regulator that heats or cools the material based on a signal received from processor 230. The material of layer 320 can be heated or cooled to a temperature within a range between about 10 °C and about 50 °C. The temperature of such material can be adjusted by at least about 0.1 °C, 0.2 °C, 0.3 °C, 0.4 °C, 0.5 °C, 0.6 °C, 0.7 °C, 0.8 °C, 0.9 °C, 1 °C, 2 °C, 3 °C, 4 °C, 5 °C, 6 °C, 7 °C, 8 °C, 9 °C, 10 °C, 11 °C, 12 °C, 13 °C, 14 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C, 40 °C, 45 °C, 50 °C or higher. The temperature of such material can be adjusted by at most about 50 °C, 49 °C, 48 °C, 47 °C, 46 °C, 45 °C, 40 °C, 35 °C, 30 °C, 25 °C, 20 °C, 15 °C, 14 °C, 13 °C, 12 °C, 11 °C, 10 °C, 9 °C, 8 °C, 7 °C, 6 °C, 5 °C, 4 °C, 3 °C, 2 °C, 1 °C, 0.9 °C, 0.8 °C, 0.7 °C, 0.6 °C, 0.5 °C, 0.4 °C, 0.3 °C, 0.2 °C, 0.1 °C or lower. The external thermal regulator can be part of a temperature control device operably coupled to a furniture item.

[0074] According to another embodiment, layer 320 containing the material is integrated in a mattress, sheet, bedspread, bed frame, etc. Layer 320 containing the material can also be integrated with any furniture item.

[0075] Figure 4A User sensors 420, 440, 450, 470 placed on sensor 400 according to one embodiment are shown. In some embodiments, user sensors 420, 440, 450, 470 can be similar to Figure 2The sensor 210 or a part thereof. Sensors 470 and 440 include piezoelectric sensors that can measure biosignals associated with a user, such as heart rate and respiration rate. Sensors 450 and 420 include temperature sensors. According to one embodiment, sensors 450 and 470 measure biosignals associated with one user, while sensors 420 and 440 measure biosignals associated with another user. The analog-to-digital converter 410 converts the analog sensor signals into digital signals for transmission to the processor. Computer buses 430 and 460, such as I2C buses, transmit the digitized biosignals to the processor.

[0076] Figure 4B is a sensor (e.g., a sensor strip) 400 according to one embodiment. Sensor 400 includes several layers, such as fabric layer 471, foam layers 473, 475, piezoelectric sensors 470, 440, a reinforcement (e.g., a polymer reinforcement such as a polycarbonate reinforcement) 485, reinforcing foam 487, and temperature sensors 450, 420. The region 477 of the fabric layer 471 is the tail region of the sensor 400. Leads 489 associated with the piezoelectric sensors 470, 440 and the temperature sensors 450, 420 are placed on top of the tail region 477. The fabric layer 471 includes two short sides and two long sides. The length of the short sides varies from 40 mm to 70 mm. The fabric layer 471 has at least one coated surface. The foam layers 473, 475 also have two short sides and two long sides. One of the long sides includes a plurality of protrusions 491 and a plurality of gaps 493 between the plurality of protrusions 491.

[0077] Figure 4CFIG. 0 is a flow chart of a process for manufacturing the body of a sensor 400 according to one embodiment. In step 472, the fabric layer 471 is arranged with the coated surface facing up. In step 474, the first foam layer is applied to the fabric layer 471. In one embodiment, the first foam layer 473 is centered on the fabric layer 471, having a margin of 10 mm from the first short side and a margin of 5 mm from the long side. The margin to the second short side of the fabric layer 471 is greater than the margin to the first short side. In one embodiment, the margin to the second short side is at least twice as large as the margin to the first short side. The margin to the second short side of the fabric layer 471 is considered the tail of the sensor 400, which includes the tail region 477 of the fabric layer 471. In step 476, two temperature sensors 450, 420 are placed on the first foam layer 473. In one embodiment, the temperature sensors are placed 17 mm from the long side of the fabric layer 471. In step 478, two piezoelectric sensors 470, 440 are placed on the first foam layer 473. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric sensors are centered on the fabric layer 471. In step 480, a second foam layer 475 is applied on top of the piezoelectric sensors. In one embodiment, the second foam layer 475 is centered on the fabric layer 471, having a margin of 10 mm from the short side and a margin of 5 mm from the long side. Additionally, the second foam layer 475 is placed as a mirror image of the first foam layer 473 and is staggered with the first foam layer 473. In step 482, a second fabric layer is applied on top of the second foam layer 475. In step 484, the entire assembly including all the layers is laminated.

[0078] Figure 4D FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a process for manufacturing the tail (e.g., sensor strip) 400 of a sensor according to one embodiment. In step 486, a first polycarbonate reinforcement layer 485 is placed on top of the tail region 477 of the fabric layer 471. In one embodiment, the polycarbonate reinforcement layer 485 has dimensions of 40 mm to 70 mm × 5 mm to 25 mm. The 40 mm to 70 mm side matches the length of the 40 mm to 70 mm side of the sensor 400. In step 488, a first reinforced foam layer 487 is applied on top of the polycarbonate reinforcement layer 485. In step 490, the wires 489 of the piezoelectric sensors 470, 440 and the leads 489 of the temperature sensors 450, 420 are placed on top of the first reinforced foam layer 487 and passed through the tail region 477 of the fabric layer 471. In step 492, a second reinforced foam layer is applied on top of the leads 489. The second reinforced foam layer has the same dimensions as the first reinforced foam layer 487. In step 494, a second polycarbonate reinforcement layer is applied on top of the second reinforced foam layer. The second polycarbonate reinforcement layer has the same dimensions as the first polycarbonate reinforcement layer 485. In step 496, the entire tail assembly is laminated.

[0079] Figure 5A and Figure 5B illustrate different configurations of a sensor (e.g., a sensor strip) according to one embodiment to fit beds of different sizes (e.g., mattresses of different sizes). Figure 5C and Figure 5D illustrate how such different configurations of the sensor can be achieved. Specifically, sensor 400 includes computer buses 510, 530, and sensor strip 505. Computer buses 510, 530 can be bent at predetermined locations 540, 550, 560, 570. Bending computer bus 515 at location 540 results in the maximum total length of computer bus 530. Computer bus 530 in combination with sensor strip 505 is suitable for a king-size mattress 520. Bending computer bus 515 at location 570 results in the minimum total length of computer bus 510. Computer bus 510 in combination with sensor strip 505 is suitable for a twin-size mattress 500. Bending computer bus 515 at location 560 enables sensor 400 to fit a full-size bed. Bending computer bus 515 at location 550 enables sensor 400 to fit a queen-size bed. In some embodiments, the twin-size mattress 500 or the king-size mattress 520 can be similar to Figure 2 mattress 200.

[0080] Figure 6AShows the division of the heating coil 600 into zones and sub - zones according to an embodiment. Specifically, the heating coil 600 is divided into two zones 660 and zone 610, each zone corresponding to a user of the bed. Each of the zones 660 and 610 can be heated or cooled independently of the other zones in response to the needs of the user. To enable independent heating of the two zones 660 and 610, the power supply associated with the heating coil 600 is divided into two zones, each power zone corresponding to a single user zone 660, 610. Additionally, each of the zones 660 and 610 is further subdivided into sub - zones. Zone 660 is divided into sub - zones 670, 680, 690, and 695. Zone 610 is divided into sub - zones 620, 630, 640, and 650. The coil distribution within each sub - zone is configured such that the sub - zone is heated uniformly. However, the sub - zones may differ from each other in terms of coil density. For example, the data associated with the user sub - zone 670 has a lower coil density than sub - zone 680. When the coil is heated, this will cause sub - zone 670 to have a lower temperature than sub - zone 680. Similarly, when the coil is used for cooling, sub - zone 670 will have a higher temperature than sub - zone 680. According to an embodiment, the sub - zones 680 and 630 with the highest coil density correspond to the lower back of the user; and the sub - zones 695 and 650 with the highest coil density correspond to the feet of the user. According to an embodiment, even if the user switches sides of the bed, the system will correctly identify which user is sleeping in which zone by identifying the user based on any one or a combination of the following signals: heart rate, breathing rate, body movement, or body temperature associated with the user.

[0081] In another embodiment, the power supply associated with the heating coil 600 is divided into multiple zones, each power zone corresponding to the sub - zones 620, 630, 640, 650, 670, 680, 690, 695. The user can independently control the temperature of each of the sub - zones 620, 630, 640, 650, 670, 680, 690, 695. Additionally, each of the users can independently specify the temperature preference for each of the sub - zones. Even if the user changes sides of the bed, the system will correctly identify the user and the preferences associated with the user by identifying the user based on any one or a combination of the following signals: heart rate, breathing rate, body movement, or body temperature associated with the user.

[0082] Figure 6B and Figure 6CIllustrates independent control of different sub - regions in each of zones 610, 660 according to one embodiment. A set of uniform coils 611 connected to the power management box 601 heats or cools the bed uniformly. Another set of coils targets specific areas of the body, such as the neck, back, legs, or feet, and is stacked on top of the uniform coils 611. Sub - region 615 heats or cools the neck. Sub - region 625 heats or cools the back. Sub - region 635 heats or cools the feet, and sub - region 645 heats or cools the feet. Power is distributed to the coils via the duty cycle of power source 605. By assigning a power duty cycle to each set of coils, consecutive sets of coils can be heated or cooled at different levels. The user can independently control the temperature of each sub - region.

[0083] Figure 7A Is a flowchart of a process for determining when to heat or cool a bed device according to one embodiment. At block 700, the process obtains a biometric signal associated with the user, such as presence in bed, movement, respiratory rate, heart rate, or temperature. The process obtains the biometric signal from a sensor associated with the user. Additionally, at block 710, the process obtains environmental characteristics, such as the amount of ambient light and the temperature of the bed. The process obtains the environmental characteristics from an environmental sensor associated with the bed device. If the user is in bed, the temperature of the bed is low, and the ambient light is low, then the process sends a control signal to the bed device. The control signal contains an instruction to heat the bed device to an average night - time temperature associated with the user. According to another embodiment, the control signal contains an instruction to heat the bed device to a user - specified temperature. Similarly, if the user is in bed, the temperature of the bed is high and the ambient light is low, then the process sends a control signal to the bed device to cool the bed device to an average night - time temperature associated with the user. According to another embodiment, the control signal contains an instruction to cool the bed device to a user - specified temperature.

[0084] In another embodiment, in addition to obtaining a biometric signal and environmental characteristics associated with the user, the process also obtains a history of the biometric signal associated with the user. The history of the biometric signal can be stored in a database associated with the bed device or in a database associated with the user. The history of the biometric signal contains the average bedtime for each day of the week for the user; that is, the history of the biometric signal contains the average bedtime associated with the user on Monday, the average bedtime associated with the user on Tuesday, etc. For a given day of the week, the process determines the average bedtime associated with the user on that day of the week and sends a control signal to the bed device, allowing the bed sufficient time to reach the desired temperature before the average bedtime associated with the user. The control signal contains an instruction to heat or cool the bed to the desired temperature. The desired temperature can be determined automatically, such as by averaging historical night - time temperatures associated with the user, or can be specified by the user.

[0085] Figure 7B is a flowchart of a process for cooling or heating a bed device according to another embodiment. In step 750, the processor 230 obtains a biosignal associated with a user, where the biosignal includes a respiration rate associated with the user, a heart rate associated with the user, a movement associated with the user, or a temperature associated with the user. In step 755, the processor 230 identifies the user based on at least one of the following: the heart rate associated with the user, the respiration rate associated with the user, the movement associated with the user, or the temperature associated with the user. In step 760, based on the user identification, the processor 230 obtains from the database 180 a normal biosignal range associated with a sleep stage among a plurality of sleep stages associated with the user, where the normal biosignal range includes a normal temperature range associated with the user. In step 765, the processor 230 identifies a sleep stage among a plurality of sleep stages associated with the user based on the normal biosignal range and the biosignal. The plurality of sleep stages includes sleep stages including a wake stage, a light sleep stage, a deep sleep stage, or a rapid eye movement sleep stage. In step 770, when the temperature associated with the sleep stage is outside the normal temperature range associated with the sleep stage, the processor 230 sends a control signal to a temperature control device coupled to the mattress, the control signal including an instruction to heat or cool the mattress to a temperature within the normal temperature range.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the processor 230 obtains a biosignal associated with a user from a sensor 210 coupled to the mattress, where the sensor 210 measures the biosignal associated with the user. In another embodiment, the processor 230 obtains a biosignal associated with a user from a wearable device (such as a Fitbit bracelet) coupled to the user, the wearable device measuring the biosignal of the user. The processor 230 may also store the biosignal in the database 180.

[0087] According to another embodiment, the processor 230 determines the current time. The processor 230 identifies the user based on at least one of the following: the heart rate associated with the user, the respiration rate associated with the user, the movement associated with the user, or the temperature associated with the user. Based on the user identification, the processor 230 obtains a wake-up time associated with the user. When the current time is at most 3 hours before the wake-up time, the processor 230 sends a control signal to a temperature control device coupled to the mattress, the control signal including a shutdown instruction.

[0088] The processor 230 can detect the sleep stage by detecting a slowdown in heart rate, a drop in temperature, and a normal respiration rate. The processor 230 can also detect the sleep stage by detecting the end of the previous sleep stage. For example, a healthy user typically cycles through light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep sequentially throughout the night. When the REM sleep stage ends, the light sleep stage begins, followed by the deep sleep stage.

[0089] According to another embodiment, the processor 230 obtains the perspiration associated with the user from a perspiration sensor built into the sensor 210. When the user perspires, the processor sends a control signal to cool the temperature control device by a fraction of a degree Celsius until the user stops perspiring. The processor 230 maintains the temperature at which the user does not perspire. The fraction of a degree Celsius can be 1 / 10, 1 / 5, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 1, etc. According to another embodiment, based on the total amount of perspiration of the user during sleep, the processor 230 recommends the amount of liquid (such as water or electrolytes) that the user should consume when waking up.

[0090] According to another embodiment, the processor 230 sends a control signal to cool or heat the temperature control device by a fraction of a degree Celsius and monitors the user's sleep quality. For example, the processor 230 monitors whether the user experiences sleep cycles in sequence and whether the sleep cycles last for a normal amount of time. Once the user's sleep cycles become irregular or do not last for a normal amount of time, the processor records the last temperature at which the user slept soundly. The last temperature at which the user slept soundly is the limit of the comfortable temperature range associated with the user. The limit can be the high temperature limit or can be the low temperature limit. The fraction of a degree Celsius can be 1 / 10, 1 / 5, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 1, etc. The processor 230 stores the comfortable temperature range associated with the user, including the high temperature limit and the low temperature limit and heats or cools the bed to a temperature within the comfortable temperature range.

[0091] Figure 7CA flowchart of a process for cooling or heating a bed device according to yet another embodiment. In step 775, the processor 230 obtains a biosignal associated with a user, where the biosignal includes a respiration rate associated with the user, a heart rate associated with the user, movement associated with the user, or a temperature associated with the user. In step 780, based on the biosignal, the processor 230 detects when the user has transitioned to sleep. The processor 230 detects the sleep transition by detecting a slowing of the heart rate, a normal heart rate, a drop in temperature, and / or a normal respiration rate. In step 785, when the user has transitioned to sleep, the processor 230 sends a control signal to a temperature control device coupled to the mattress, the control signal including an instruction to cool the mattress to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may be an average nighttime temperature associated with the user, the predetermined temperature may be in the range of 27°C to 35°C, or the temperature may be specified by the user. The biosignal may be measured by the sensor 210 or any other sensing device, such as a wearable sensor, e.g., a fitbit bracelet.

[0092] According to another embodiment, the processor 230 obtains the ambient temperature around the user. The ambient sensor 220 may supply the ambient temperature to the processor 230. When the ambient temperature is outside the range of 35°C to 36°C, the processor 230 sends a control signal to a temperature control device coupled to the mattress, the control signal including an instruction to adjust the mattress to a temperature within the range of 27°C to 35°C, a temperature specified by the user, or a user-related temperature. The user-related temperature may be a setpoint predetermined by using the user's historical data. The user's historical data may include multiple body temperatures of the user over a set period of time (e.g., over a period of at least 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, or more). The user's historical data may include the average of multiple body temperatures of the user over the set period of time.

[0093] According to another embodiment, the processor 230 identifies the user based on at least one of the following: a heart rate associated with the user, a respiration rate associated with the user, a temperature associated with the user, or movement associated with the user. Based on the user identification, the processor 230 determines an average bedtime associated with the user. The average bedtime may be the same for each day of the week, or may include an average Monday bedtime, an average Tuesday bedtime, an average Wednesday bedtime, an average Thursday bedtime, an average Friday bedtime, an average Saturday bedtime, or an average Sunday bedtime. At the average bedtime associated with the user, the processor 230 sends a control signal to a temperature control device coupled to the mattress, where the control signal includes one of an instruction to heat the temperature control device to a temperature within the range of 27°C to 35°C or an instruction to cool the temperature control device to a temperature within the range of 37°C to 35°C. The temperature may be a temperature specified by the user.

[0094] Figure 20 is another example of adjusting the temperature of the bed. In Figure 20 , a user who intends to sleep on the mattress 200 can use the computing device 2005 to select a temperature setting 2015 that indicates a certain preference for cooling and / or heating, and view the sleep information 2020 from last night to obtain and view information related to how the user sleeps. For example, the hub 2040 (e.g., a temperature control device or circuit) can be a device that includes a processor 230 that receives various data disclosed herein, such as temperature, biometric signals, and other types of information regarding the user's sleep, and generates a temperature adjustment 2035 for the mattress 200. This can cause the mattress to heat or cool, thereby improving the user's sleep experience. A temperature sensor can provide a back temperature 2030 that indicates the current temperature of the mattress 200. As the temperature changes, the temperature 2030 provided to the hub 2040 can change, and if the temperature indicated by the temperature 2030 is too hot (e.g., above a threshold temperature) or too cold (e.g., below a threshold temperature), the hub 2040 can generate a temperature adjustment 2035 that can allow the mattress 200 to change temperature in response to the current conditions. Thus, a feedback loop can be implemented in which the temperature of the mattress 200 is adjusted multiple times throughout the night as the user sleeps. As discussed later herein, the temperature adjustment 2035 can include data or signals that can be used to adjust the temperature of the mattress 200, e.g., a signal that provides a specific current for generating a voltage across a thermoelectric element to appropriately heat or cool the mattress 200.

[0095] In some cases, the mattress 200 can include different zones 660 and 610, as previously described. This can allow two different people (or users) sleeping on the mattress 200 to perform different heating or cooling throughout the user's sleep experience. For example, one person sleeping in zone 660 (e.g., the left side of the bed) may cause zone 660 to be heated, while another person sleeping in zone 610 (e.g., the right side of the bed) may cause zone 610 to be cooled. Thus, different parts of the mattress 200 can be heated and / or cooled differently. In another example, both zones 660 and 610 can be heated, but one zone can be heated to a higher temperature than the other. Similarly, both zones 660 and 610 can be cooled, but one zone can be cooled to a lower temperature than the other.

[0096] The hub 2040 can manage different sleep experiences for different zones 660 and 610. For example, two different computing devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablet computers, smart watches, laptop computers, etc.) can be communicatively coupled to the hub 2040 via a wireless network such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standard, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave, etc. This can allow different computing devices to receive and provide different sleep information 2025, such as different temperature settings 2015 and different last night's sleep information 2020. For example, one computing device can be set or indicated by the hub 2040 as the computing device for a user sleeping on zone 660. Different computing devices can be set or indicated by the hub 2040 as the computing devices for users sleeping on zone 610. Thus, when data is received from a computing device, the device providing the data and the zone associated with the computing device can be determined and operated accordingly (e.g., heated to a specific temperature later in the evening). When data is to be provided to a computing device (e.g., last night's sleep information 2020), the hub 2040 can provide information related to the zone associated with the computing device to the computing device such that different users sleeping on the same mattress 200 will receive different information.

[0097] In addition to the coils discussed previously, a variety of heating or cooling mechanisms can also be used with the techniques described herein. For example, forced directed gas (e.g., air) cooling (or heating), liquid (e.g., water) cooling (or heating), thermoelectric cooling (or heating), modifications thereof, or combinations thereof can be used for furniture items such as the mattress or mattress pad of a bed.

[0098] Regarding forced directional air cooling, the hub 2040 or the mattress 200 may include a directional fan or blower that can direct air into the mattress 200. For example, one or more channels (e.g., baffles) may be integrated within a layer of the mattress 200 (e.g., beneath the surface on which the user sleeps) to provide cavities for forcing air through. In some cases, one or more channels may be a continuous network of channels. One or more channels may include hollow portions that extend through the mattress 200 and that permit the propagation or flow of a fluid (e.g., a liquid or a gas). In some cases, the gas may comprise air. One or more channels may be concentrated over regions of the mattress 200 that are high temperature regions where the user sleeps, e.g., portions of the mattress 200 that will be beneath the user's back, shoulders, and hips. Other regions, such as regions near the user's legs, may include less or no obstructed regions as these regions may not be as useful for heating or cooling. Thus, different portions of the mattress 200 may have different concentrations of one or more channels to facilitate air flow, with some portions having no channels at all. Accordingly, air may be blown into an inlet of one or more channels integrated within the mattress 200. In some cases, air may be blown into both an inlet and an outlet of one or more channels such that air circulates through the mattress 200.

[0099] In some cases, if cooling is desired, air may be provided that is at a temperature lower than the temperature indicated by temperature 2030 (e.g., by blowing air into an inlet of one or more channels of the mattress 200). If heating is desired, air may be provided that is at a temperature higher than the temperature indicated by temperature 2030. Accordingly, a temperature adjustment 2035 may be generated by the hub 2040 to adjust a forced directional air cooling mechanism (e.g., a fan, an air conditioning unit, etc.) to provide a suitable temperature.

[0100] Regarding liquid cooling, a liquid (e.g., water) may be pumped into one or more channels (e.g., baffles). The temperature of the water may be adjusted in a manner similar to the way air is blown into a baffle structure. The liquid may be circulated from outside of the mattress 200, into one or more channels of the mattress 200, absorb heat, and then exit the mattress 200 to be pumped back. This may allow the liquid to transfer heat outside of the mattress 200 and be cooled outside of the mattress 200. Accordingly, the liquid may transfer heat away from the mattress 200 and circulate outside of the mattress such that heat is distributed away from the mattress 200. This may result in cooling of the mattress 200 (e.g., a reduction in temperature).

[0101] Thermoelectric temperature regulation (e.g., heating and / or cooling) may be achieved using an electric-based system (e.g., via a thermoelectric engine). The thermoelectric engine may be configured to convert electrical energy into a heat flux (or a temperature difference), or convert a heat flux into electrical energy. The thermoelectric engine may be a solid state device.

[0102] In some embodiments, a furniture item (e.g., a bed) can include a thermoelectric engine in a furniture item (e.g., a mattress or mattress pad) as a mechanism for regulating the temperature of the furniture item. Such thermoelectric engines can have moving parts (e.g., fans, pumping parts, etc.) or can be without moving parts (e.g., fans, pumping parts, etc.), and can be quieter than liquid or air cooling. For example, a thermoelectric engine for adjusting the temperature of mattress 200 can include thermoelectric elements integrated on a printed circuit board embedded within mattress 200 or a covering on mattress 200. When an electric current (e.g., an electric current, such as a flow of charge measured in amperes) is provided to the thermoelectric elements and a voltage is generated across the thermoelectric elements, a heat flux can be generated, resulting in a separation of high and low temperatures across the thermoelectric elements. That is, heat can be separated to one side of the thermoelectric elements of the thermoelectric engine, causing one side to be hotter than the other side (which is cooler than the hotter side). Thus, heat (or energy) can be distributed away from a user sleeping on mattress 200. The thermoelectric elements can also be concentrated in areas of mattress 200 that are the high temperature areas where the user sleeps, such as a portion of mattress 200 that will be under the user's back, shoulders, and hips, similar to the baffles described above. Thus, other areas, such as areas near the user's legs, can include fewer thermoelectric elements or even no thermoelectric elements, as these areas may not be as useful for heating or cooling. Thus, different parts of mattress 200 can have different concentrations of thermoelectric elements to facilitate heat transfer.

[0103] In some embodiments, the temperature regulation mechanism of a furniture item can include a combination of thermoelectric temperature regulation and a fluid (e.g., a liquid or a gas). In such cases, the fluid can flow into and out of one or more channels of the furniture item, and the thermoelectric temperature regulator can regulate the temperature of the fluid (e.g., water), thereby regulating the temperature of the furniture item. The fluid at the regulated temperature can flow through one or more channels of the furniture item (e.g., a bed) to (i) maintain the temperature of a user of the furniture item, (ii) supply heat to the user of the furniture item, or (iii) extract heat from (or cool) the user of the furniture item. The thermoelectric temperature regulator can be part of the furniture item or can be not part of the furniture item. The thermoelectric temperature regulator can include a thermoelectric engine for regulating the temperature of the fluid and a reservoir for containing the fluid. The thermoelectric engine can be separated from the reservoir and in fluid communication with the reservoir. In some cases, the reservoir can regulate the temperature of the fluid. Alternatively, the reservoir can be not configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the reservoir. In such cases, the fluid contained in the reservoir may not be heated or cooled inside the reservoir. In such cases, the fluid that is outside the reservoir and flows through or adjacent to the thermoelectric engine (e.g., flows through one or more channels of the thermoelectric engine, flows through one or more channels directly adjacent to the thermoelectric engine, etc.) can be heated or cooled by the thermoelectric engine.

[0104] The thermoelectric engine can include at least one thermoelectric unit. The thermoelectric engine can include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more thermoelectric units. The thermoelectric engine can include at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 thermoelectric unit. Each thermoelectric unit can be configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid flowing through or adjacent to each thermoelectric unit.

[0105] For each thermoelectric unit, the first direction of the current passing through the thermoelectric unit can increase the temperature on one side of the thermoelectric unit, thereby increasing the temperature of the fluid (e.g., water) flowing through or adjacent to one side of the thermoelectric unit. The second direction of the current passing through the thermoelectric unit that is opposite to the first direction can decrease the temperature of the side of the thermoelectric unit, thereby decreasing the temperature of the fluid flowing through or adjacent to the side of the thermoelectric unit. In some cases, the first direction can be a positive current, and the second direction can be a negative current. In some cases, the first direction can be a negative current, and the second direction can be a positive current.

[0106] In some cases, phase change materials can also be used to facilitate the transfer of heat between a user and a furniture item (such as, for example, between the user and the mattress 200). For example, if a thermoelectric engine is implemented (e.g., without or in combination with a fluid) to regulate the temperature of the mattress 200, the phase change material can be used to transfer heat away from the sides of the thermoelectric element such that the heat is distributed further away from where the user sleeps (e.g., another area of the mattress 200 such as below where the user sleeps, to the side, etc.). That is, the phase change material can be distributed on or within the mattress 200 such that it transfers heat from the hotter or colder side of the thermoelectric element away from the person sleeping on the mattress 200.

[0107] Phase change materials can include organic materials such as, for example, carbohydrates or lipids. Examples of organic phase change materials include lauric acid, TME (63%) / H2O (37%), paraffin 14-carbon, paraffin 15-carbon, paraffin 16-carbon, paraffin 17-carbon, paraffin 18-carbon, paraffin 19-carbon, paraffin 20-carbon, paraffin 21-carbon, paraffin 22-carbon, paraffin 23-carbon, paraffin 24-carbon, paraffin 25-carbon, paraffin 26-carbon, paraffin 27-carbon, paraffin 28-carbon, paraffin 29-carbon, paraffin 30-carbon, paraffin 31-carbon, paraffin 32-carbon, paraffin 33-carbon, paraffin 34-carbon, formic acid, octanoic acid, glycerol, p-lactic acid, methyl palmitate, camphene ketone, brominated docosane, octanoyl ketone, phenol, heptadecanone, 1-cyclohexyl octadecane, 4-heptadecanone, p-joluidine, cyanamide, methyl eicosatrienoate, 3-heptadecanone, 2-heptadecanone, hydrocinnamic acid, cetyl acid, α-naphthylamine, camphene, o-nitroaniline, 9-heptadecanone, thymol, methyl behenate, diphenylamine, p-phenylacetanilide, succinic anhydride, benzoic acid, styrene, benzamide, acetic acid, polyethylene glycol 600, capric acid, capric acid, pentadecanoic acid, tristearin, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, acetamide, methyl fumarate, variants thereof or combinations thereof. Alternatively or in addition, phase change materials can include inorganic materials such as, for example, salts (e.g., hydrated salts), inorganic eutectics or hygroscopic materials. Examples of inorganic phase change materials include water, sodium sulfate (Na2SO4·10H2O), NaCl·Na2SO4·10H2O, Mn(NO3)2·6H2O / MnCl2·4H2O (4%), Na2SiO3·5H2O, aluminum, copper, gold, iron, lead, lithium, silver, titanium, zinc, NaNO3, NaNO2, NaOH, KNO3, KOH, NaOH / Na2CO3 (7.2%), NaCl (26.8%) / NaOH, NaCl / KCL (32.4%) / LiCl (32.8%), NaCl (5.7%) / NaNO3 (85.5%) / Na2SO4, NaCl / NaNO3 (5.0%), NaCl (5.0%) / NaNO3, NaCl (42.5%) / KCl (20.5%) / MgCl2, KNO3 (10%) / NaNO3, KNO3 / KCl (4.5%), KNO3 / KBr (4.7%) / KCl (7.3%), variants thereof or combinations thereof. In some cases, phase change materials (e.g., paraffin) can be used for thermal energy storage and thus can be used to store heat away from the user's body when the user is sleeping on the mattress 200. The phase change material can be embedded within a memory foam (e.g., polyurethane) material that makes up the mattress 200. In an example, paraffin can be "sprayed" throughout the memory foam such that the mattress 200 includes a layer of memory foam impregnated with paraffin as the phase change material.In some cases, capsules or outer shells (e.g., made of rubber, plastic, etc.) of phase change materials (e.g., paraffin wax) can be integrated within the mattress 200. In an example, the capsule can contain paraffin wax such that it can be isolated to a specific layer of the mattress 200. This can provide a layer of paraffin wax within the mattress 200 as a phase change material, resulting in greater temperature regulation (e.g., cooling effect) than if the paraffin wax were embedded throughout the memory foam. In such cases, more heat can be taken away from the user.

[0108] In some cases, the outer shell of the phase change material (e.g., paraffin wax) can be beneath a layer of memory foam where the user sleeps. For example, the mattress 200 can include a layer of memory foam (e.g., the layer closer to the person sleeping on the mattress 200), and beneath the memory foam can be a layer of thermoelectric elements. Beneath the layer of thermoelectric elements, the outer shell of the phase change material (e.g., paraffin wax) can be positioned such that the heat separated by the thermoelectric elements can be distributed downward and away from the other side of the memory foam (e.g., the layer of memory foam on which the user sleeps that is opposite the side closest to the thermoelectric elements). Thus, as described above, the three layers can be positioned adjacent to each other to distribute heat toward or away from the person sleeping on the mattress 200.

[0109] In some cases, the phase change material can also be concentrated in a portion of the mattress 200 that is expected to be beneath the user's back, shoulders, and hips. Other portions of the mattress 200, such as the area beneath the user's legs when sleeping, can have a lower concentration of the phase change material or no phase change material.

[0110] The computing device 2005 can also be used to provide additional temperature settings. In some cases, a user may wish to produce a heating or cooling effect during a specific time period. In some cases, a user may wish to set multiple time periods with different temperature set points. In some cases, some users may only wish to provide a heating or cooling effect from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM. The time periods can include the normal time periods during which a user tends to sleep. Thus, providing a heating or cooling effect only during those time periods can help the user fall asleep, but also prevents the system from being used later in the night when the user is asleep. This helps reduce the power cost of operating the system. The hub 2040 can also provide information related to adjusting the mattress temperature to the computing device 2005 via a wireless network (e.g., the WLAN network as described previously).

[0111] Figure 21 is another example of a block diagram for adjusting the temperature of a furniture item (e.g., a bed). In Figure 21 In, at block 2105, the temperature associated with the bed (e.g., the mattress of the bed) can be determined. For example, in Figure 20In [the device], one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperature sensors) in a part of the mattress 200, integrated within the mattress 200, placed on the mattress 200, integrated within a covering placed on the mattress 200, etc. can be used to determine the temperature of the mattress 200. One or more such sensors can measure one or more temperatures indicative of the user's body temperature. In some cases, the temperature can be the temperature of the user sleeping on the mattress 200. In some cases, the user may wear an activity tracker, smartwatch, etc., which can be used as a sensor to determine the user's body temperature. In some cases, the temperature can be the ambient temperature within the bed apparatus (e.g., the mattress 200) or in the bedsheet or quilt of the mattress 200 (e.g., a temperature higher than the mattress 200 but lower than the bedsheet under which the person is sleeping), which may or may not indicate the user's body temperature.

[0112] At block 2110, it can be determined that the temperature is outside the threshold range. For example, Figure 20 the hub 2040 in [the device] can receive the temperature 2030 from a sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor). The hub 2040 may attempt to regulate the temperature of the mattress 200 to a specific range. If the temperature 2030 is below the range, this may mean that the person sleeping on the mattress 200 is cold. If the temperature 2030 is above the range, that may mean that the person sleeping on the mattress 200 is hot.

[0113] Therefore, at block 2115, the temperature associated with the mattress can be adjusted. For example, in Figure 20 [the device], the hub 2040 can generate a temperature adjustment 2035. The temperature adjustment 2035 can be an analog signal that provides a certain amount of current supplied to the thermoelectric elements of the mattress 200, such that the thermoelectric elements can be used to distribute heat away from the person sleeping on the mattress 200, as described above. Alternatively or in addition, the temperature adjustment 2035 can be computer-implemented instructions to direct a thermoelectric temperature regulator to adjust (i) the temperature of a fluid (e.g., water) flowing between the thermoelectric temperature regulator and one or more channels of a furniture item (e.g., a bed), and (ii) the flow of such fluid through one or more channels of the furniture item, thereby adjusting the temperature of at least a part of the furniture item. In some cases, the temperature adjustment 2035 can include digital data (e.g., instructions for a thermoelectric temperature regulator, fan, pump, etc.) to provide heating or cooling of the fluid. In some cases, an analog signal as described can also be provided to the thermoelectric temperature regulator, fan, pump, etc.

[0114] Figure 22 is an example of a block diagram for adjusting the current supplied to one or more thermoelectric elements of a thermoelectric regulator to adjust the temperature of a furniture item (e.g., a bed). In Figure 22In [description], at block 2205, the temperature associated with a bed (e.g., the mattress of the bed) can be determined. For example, in Figure 20 In [description], the temperature 2030 provided by one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperature sensors) can be received by the hub 2040. The temperature 2030 can provide temperature readings from one or more sensors of the mattress 200. At block 2210, it can be determined that the temperature is below a threshold temperature. The threshold temperature can be a predetermined temperature (e.g., the temperature recommended by a doctor, the average temperature when a user uses a furniture item, etc.). The threshold temperature can be a temperature pre-specified by the user. For example, the hub 2040 can determine that the temperature 2030 is below the threshold temperature range, which means that the person sleeping on the mattress 200 is too cold. Therefore, at block 2215, the current supplied to the thermoelectric elements can be decreased. For example, the hub 2040 can provide a temperature adjustment 2035 by supplying a lower current than the current it provided previously. This can result in a decrease in the current supplied to the thermoelectric elements, and thus a lower voltage across these thermoelectric elements. As described above, this reduces the heat separation ability of the thermoelectric elements, and thus less heat can be distributed away from the person sleeping on the mattress 200. That is, the temperature difference between the two sides of the thermoelectric elements can be decreased, thereby reducing heat distribution. This can allow the temperature to increase within the threshold range so that the person is no longer cold. Such methods can be implemented when a thermoelectric regulator (i) directly adjusts the temperature of a furniture item, or (ii) adjusts the temperature of a fluid flowing through one or more channels of a furniture item, thereby adjusting the heat distribution in the furniture item.

[0115] At block 2220, it can be determined that the temperature is above the threshold temperature. For example, if the temperature increases to a high temperature that is now above the threshold temperature range, this may indicate that the person sleeping on the mattress 200 is too hot. Therefore, at block 2225, the current supplied to the thermoelectric elements can be increased. This results in a higher voltage across the thermoelectric elements, thereby improving the heat separation ability. This causes the temperature difference across the thermoelectric elements to increase due to heat concentrating towards one end. Then, as described above, a phase change material can be used to distribute the concentrated heat away. This allows the temperature to decrease. Therefore, a feedback loop can be implemented such that in Figure 20 In [description], the hub 2040 continuously or periodically (e.g., every second, every minute, every ten minutes, every time movement on the mattress 200 is detected, every time snoring is heard, etc.) receives and analyzes the temperature 2030 and adjusts the temperature adjustment 2035 to heat or cool the mattress 200 to provide a better sleep experience.

[0116] In some cases, one or more thermoelectric elements of one or more thermoelectric engines can be used to cool and heat a furniture item (e.g., a bed or the mattress of a bed). For example, by changing the direction of the current of the signal supplied to the thermoelectric elements, the operating mode can be switched from cooling to heating, or from heating to cooling.

[0117] Thermal alarm

[0118] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for regulating the temperature of a portion of a furniture item (e.g., for waking a user of the furniture item). The system can include a sensor. The sensor can be a part of the furniture item. Alternatively, the sensor can not be a part of the furniture item but be operatively coupled to the furniture item. The sensor can be configured to detect a biological signal of a user of the furniture item. In some cases, the user can be one of multiple users of the furniture item, and the sensor can be configured to detect each individual biological signal of the multiple users. The system can include a temperature control device operatively coupled to the furniture item, and the temperature control device can be configured to adjust the temperature of the furniture item. The temperature control device can be thermally coupled to the furniture item. The temperature control device can be coupled to (e.g., in contact with) the furniture item. The system can include a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor and the temperature control device, and the processor can be configured to specify a time for the furniture item to wake the user based on the biological signal of the user detected by the sensor when the user is sleeping on the furniture item. The processor can also be configured to regulate (e.g., change) the temperature of a portion of the furniture item via the temperature control device before that time. The processor can be a part of the furniture item. Alternatively, the processor can not be a part of the furniture item and be communicatively and operatively linked to the furniture item and one or more components of the furniture item. In some cases, the processor can be configured to specify the time without user input to the processor (e.g., via a physical sensor or a graphical user interface (GUI) of a computer system operatively coupled to the processor).

[0119] The system can include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more sensors. The system can include at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 sensor. An individual sensor can be configured to detect the biological signal of at least one user. In an example, an individual sensor may be capable of detecting one or more biological signals of multiple users of the furniture item. In some cases, multiple sensors can communicate operatively with each other. The system can include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more temperature control devices. The system can include at most 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 temperature control device. In some cases, multiple temperature control devices can communicate operatively with each other.

[0120] In some cases, the processor may also be configured to specify a time based at least in part on a detected user's biosignal and a history of the user's biosignal data, and to regulate the temperature of a portion of the furniture item before the time, thereby waking up the user of the furniture item. The history of the user's biosignal data may include one or more measurements of the user's biosignal when using the furniture item.

[0121] In some cases, the history of the user's biosignal data may include measurements of the user's biosignal during the user's current use of the furniture item (e.g., during the user's current sleep). The history of the biosignal data may include data measured from at least about the past 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 50 minutes, 60 minutes, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, 12 hours or more. The history of the biosignal data may include data measured from at most about the past 12 hours, 11 hours, 10 hours, 9 hours, 8 hours, 7 hours, 6 hours, 5 hours, 4 hours, 3 hours, 2 hours, 1.5 hours, 60 minutes, 50 minutes, 40 minutes, 30 minutes, 20 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute or less.

[0122] The current usage time of the furniture item by the user can range from approximately 0.1 hour to approximately 16 hours. The current usage of the furniture item by the user can be within at least approximately 0.1 hour. The current usage of the furniture item by the user can be within at most approximately 16 hours. The current usage of the furniture item by the user can be in the following ranges: approximately 0.1 hour to approximately 0.5 hour, approximately 0.1 hour to approximately 1 hour, approximately 0.1 hour to approximately 2 hours, approximately 0.1 hour to approximately 3 hours, approximately 0.1 hour to approximately 4 hours, approximately 0.1 hour to approximately 6 hours, approximately 0.1 hour to approximately 8 hours, approximately 0.1 hour to approximately 10 hours, approximately 0.1 hour to approximately 12 hours, approximately 0.1 hour to approximately 14 hours, approximately 0.1 hour to approximately 16 hours, approximately 0.5 hour to approximately 1 hour, approximately 0.5 hour to approximately 2 hours, approximately 0.5 hour to approximately 3 hours, approximately 0.5 hour to approximately 4 hours, approximately 0.5 hour to approximately 6 hours, approximately 0.5 hour to approximately 8 hours, approximately 0.5 hour to approximately 10 hours, approximately 0.5 hour to approximately 12 hours, approximately 0.5 hour to approximately 14 hours, approximately 0.5 hour to approximately 16 hours, approximately 1 hour to approximately 2 hours, approximately 1 hour to approximately 3 hours, approximately 1 hour to approximately 4 hours, approximately 1 hour to approximately 6 hours, approximately 1 hour to approximately 8 hours, approximately 1 hour to approximately 10 hours, approximately 1 hour to approximately 12 hours, approximately 1 hour to approximately 14 hours, approximately 1 hour to approximately 16 hours, approximately 2 hours to approximately 3 hours, approximately 2 hours to approximately 4 hours, approximately 2 hours to approximately 6 hours, approximately 2 hours to approximately 8 hours, approximately 2 hours to approximately 10 hours, approximately 2 hours to approximately 12 hours, approximately 2 hours to approximately 14 hours, approximately 2 hours to approximately 16 hours, approximately 3 hours to approximately 4 hours, approximately 3 hours to approximately 6 hours, approximately 3 hours to approximately 8 hours, approximately 3 hours to approximately 10 hours, approximately 3 hours to approximately 12 hours, approximately 3 hours to approximately 14 hours, approximately 3 hours to approximately 16 hours, approximately 4 hours to approximately 6 hours, approximately 4 hours to approximately 8 hours, approximately 4 hours to approximately 10 hours, approximately 4 hours to approximately 12 hours, approximately 4 hours to approximately 14 hours, approximately 4 hours to approximately 16 hours, approximately 6 hours to approximately 8 hours, approximately 6 hours to approximately 10 hours, approximately 6 hours to approximately 12 hours, approximately 6 hours to approximately 14 hours, approximately 6 hours to approximately 16 hours, approximately 8 hours to approximately 10 hours, approximately 8 hours to approximately 12 hours, approximately 8 hours to approximately 14 hours, approximately 8 hours to approximately 16 hours, approximately 10 hours to approximately 12 hours, approximately 10 hours to approximately 14 hours, approximately 10 hours to approximately 16 hours, approximately 12 hours to approximately 14 hours, approximately 12 hours to approximately 16 hours or approximately 14 hours to approximately 16 hours. The current usage range can be approximately 0.1 hour, approximately 0.5 hour, approximately 1 hour, approximately 2 hours, approximately 3 hours, approximately 4 hours, approximately 6 hours, approximately 8 hours, approximately 10 hours, approximately 12 hours, approximately 14 hours or approximately 16 hours.

[0123] In some cases, the history of the user's biosignal data can include measurements of the user's biosignals during one or more previous uses of a furniture item (e.g., one or more previous sleep sessions of the user on the furniture item). The previous use can include at least 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, 10 months, 11 months, 12 months, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years or more. The previous use can include at most about the past 5 years, 4 years, 3 years, 2 years, 12 months, 11 months, 10 months, 9 months, 8 months, 7 months, 6 months, 5 months, 4 months, 3 months, 2 months, 4 weeks, 3 weeks, 2 weeks, 7 days, 6 days, 5 days, 4 days, 3 days, 2 days or 1 day.

[0124] In some cases, one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 1 year before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 10 months before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 8 months before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 6 months before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 4 months before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 2 months before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 1 month before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 3 weeks before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 2 weeks before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 1 week before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 6 days before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 5 days before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 4 days before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 3 days before the time. In some cases, one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 2 days before the time.

[0125] In some cases, the processor can be communicatively coupled to at least one database, where the at least one database includes a database associated with the furniture item or a database associated with the user. In some cases, the processor can be configured to obtain the history of the user's biosignal data (e.g., current history, previous history, or both) from the at least one database.

[0126] In some cases, the processor may also be configured to identify a user from multiple users of the furniture item at least in part based on a detected biometric signal of the user. In some cases, the processor may also be configured to obtain a history of biometric signal data of the user from multiple users at least in part based on the identity of the user.

[0127] In some cases, the biometric signal of the user may include a cardiac signal, a respiratory signal, movement, temperature, and / or sweating. In some cases, the biometric signal of the user may include two or more of the following: a cardiac signal, a respiratory signal, movement, temperature, and sweating. In some examples, the biometric signal of the user may include temperature and at least one of the following: a cardiac signal and a respiratory signal. In some cases, the biometric signal of the user may include three or more of the following: a cardiac signal, a respiratory signal, movement, temperature, and sweating. In some examples, the biometric signal of the user may include temperature, a cardiac signal, and a respiratory signal.

[0128] In some cases, the processor may identify a user from multiple users based on a cardiac signal (e.g., the amplitude and / or frequency of the cardiac signal) and / or a respiratory signal (e.g., the amplitude and / or frequency of the respiratory signal). In some cases, the processor may use a piezoelectric sensor to detect the cardiac signal and / or the respiratory signal. The detected cardiac signal and / or respiratory signal may be compared with multiple historical data of the cardiac signal and / or respiratory signal of multiple users to identify a user from the multiple users of the furniture item. The multiple historical data of the cardiac signal and / or respiratory signal may be stored in one or more databases that are operably communicable with the processor of the furniture item. In some cases, the processor may detect and / or confirm the presence of a user based on the temperature of the surface of the furniture item detected by a sensor. In some cases, the processor may use a temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the surface of the furniture item. In an example, if the processor detects a sudden change in the temperature of the surface of the furniture item, such data may indicate that one or more users have initiated or ended using the furniture item.

[0129] In some cases, the furniture item may include both a piezoelectric sensor and a temperature sensor, where the piezoelectric sensor and the temperature sensor are disposed on opposite sides of a layer of the furniture item (e.g., on opposite surfaces of a layer of a bed device).

[0130] In some cases, a temperature control device may include a temperature-adjustable pad and a controller for adjusting the temperature of the pad. The controller may or may not be part of a furniture item. The temperature-adjustable pad may be part of a furniture item. In some cases, the temperature-adjustable pad may be positioned at a distance from a temperature sensor such that the temperature sensor does not read the temperature of the temperature-adjustable pad. In some cases, the temperature-adjustable pad may be on or adjacent to a layer that includes a piezoelectric sensor and a temperature sensor, where the temperature sensor and the temperature-adjustable pad may be on opposite sides of the layer. In some cases, the temperature sensor and the temperature-adjustable pad may be on the same side of the layer, but with sufficient spacing and / or insulation therebetween.

[0131] In some cases, the processor may also be configured to identify a user from a plurality of users of the furniture item at least in part based on a detected biometric signal of the user. In some cases, the processor may also be configured to specify a time to wake up the user at least in part based on the identity of the user, and to adjust the temperature of a part of the furniture item before that time to wake up the user of the furniture item.

[0132] In some cases, at least one sensor of the furniture item may be configured to detect a first biometric signal and a second biometric signal of a user. The first biometric signal and the second biometric signal of the user may be different types of biometric signals of the user. In some cases, the processor may be configured to (i) determine the presence of the user on the furniture item based on the first biometric signal, (ii) identify the user from a plurality of users of the furniture item based on the second biometric signal, and (iii) specify a time for the furniture item to wake up the user based on the identity of the user. In some examples, the first biometric signal may be the temperature of the user. In some examples, the second biometric signal may be the heart signal of the user. In some examples, the second biometric signal may be the breathing signal of the user.

[0133] In some cases, at least one sensor of the furniture item may be configured to detect a first biometric signal of a first user of the furniture item and a second biometric signal of a second user of the furniture item. In such cases, the processor may be configured to (i) identify the first user from the first user and the second user based on the first biometric signal and specify a first time for the furniture item to wake up the first user based on the identity of the first user, and (ii) identify the second user from the first user and the second user based on the second biometric signal and specify a second time for the furniture item to wake up the second user based on the identity of the second user. The first time and the second time may be the same or may be different.

[0134] In some cases, a user's identity can include a circadian rhythm associated with the user. In some cases, the processor can also be configured to specify a time at least in part based on the user's circadian rhythm and regulate the temperature of a portion of a furniture item before that time to wake the user of the furniture item. The user's circadian rhythm can include the pattern of the user sleeping and / or waking up from one or more time periods (e.g., one or more 24-hour periods or cycles). The one or more time periods can include at least about 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months or more. The one or more time periods can be at most about 5 months, 4 months, 3 months, 2 months, 4 weeks, 3 weeks, 2 weeks, 7 days, 6 days, 5 days, 4 days, 3 days, 2 days or 1 day. In some cases, each of the one or more time periods can be part of a 24-hour cycle, such as at least 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, 12 hours of a 24-hour cycle.

[0135] In some cases, a user's circadian rhythm can be generated by a furniture item (e.g., a processor of the furniture item) by using (i) one or more sensors (e.g., at least one sensor of the furniture item) to detect one or more biometric signals of the user, and / or (ii) one or more additional sensors associated with the user (e.g., a wearable sensor). In some cases, the wearable sensor can include a smartwatch.

[0136] In some cases, a user's identity can include multiple sleep stages associated with the user. In some cases, the processor can also be configured to identify the user's sleep stage from the multiple sleep stages. In some cases, the processor can also be configured to specify a time at least in part based on the identified sleep stage of the user and regulate the temperature of a portion of a furniture item before that time to wake the user of the furniture item. In some cases, the user may be in or about to enter the sleep stage most suitable for waking up, and the processor can specify a time at least in part based on the identified sleep stage of the user and regulate the temperature of a portion of a furniture item before that time. In some cases, the user may be in an undesired sleep stage, and the processor can specify a time at least in part based on the identified sleep stage of the user and regulate the temperature of a portion of a furniture item before that time.

[0137] In some cases, a user's identity can include the user's activity data. Activity data can include the user's exercise patterns and / or food consumption data. Examples of exercise patterns can include the duration and / or frequency of walking, running, swimming, basketball, baseball, hockey, tennis, gymnastics, standing duration, etc. Examples of food consumption data can include the types of food the user eats (e.g., basic foods, pre-packaged meals, home-cooked meals, fruits, vegetables, etc.), the amount of food the user eats, the frequency of the user's food consumption, and / or the time of day the user eats food. In some cases, the processor can also be configured to specify a time at least in part based on the user's activity data and regulate the temperature of the furniture item before that time to wake up the user of the furniture item. In some cases, based on the exercise pattern and / or the user's food consumption data, the processor can allow the user to wake up faster or slower compared to a furniture item without such a processor. In an example, the processor can regulate the user's metabolism by delaying the time to regulate the temperature of the furniture item to wake up the user, thus giving the user more time to metabolize food and its nutrients during sleep.

[0138] In some cases, a user's identity can include the user's scheduled wake-up time. In some cases, the processor can be configured to retrieve the user's scheduled wake-up time and regulate the temperature of the furniture item before the user's scheduled wake-up time to wake up the user of the furniture item. In an example, the user can provide a preferred wake-up time, which can be a specific day of the week or not a specific day of the week. In such cases, the processor can obtain such a preferred wake-up time of the user from the user's identity (e.g., the user's digital profile) and regulate the temperature of the furniture item to wake up the user at or around the user's preferred wake-up time.

[0139] In some cases, a user's identity can include a history of one or more wake-up times when the user uses the furniture item. In some cases, the processor can also be configured to specify a time at least in part based on the history of one or more wake-up times of the user and regulate the temperature of the furniture item before that time to wake up the user of the furniture item. The furniture item (e.g., one or more sensors of the furniture item) may be able to detect the movement, presence, and / or absence of the user on the furniture item. The detected movement, presence, and / or absence of the user on the furniture item can be used to (i) determine when (e.g., the time) the user wakes up from sleep and (ii) generate a history of one or more wake-up times of the user.

[0140] In some cases, the processor may also be configured to specify a time at least partially based on the average wake-up time of the user in the history of one or more wake-up times of the user, and regulate the temperature of the furniture item before that time, so as to wake up the user of the furniture item. The processor may obtain the history of one or more wake-up times of the user and generate (e.g., calculate) the average wake-up time of the user. Thus, the processor may regulate the temperature of the furniture item at a specific time such that the user may wake up at or near the average wake-up time of the user.

[0141] In some cases, the identity of the user may include the user's predetermined biometric signal level. Examples of the user's predetermined biometric signal level may include a predetermined heart signal level, a predetermined respiratory signal level, a predetermined movement level, a predetermined temperature level, and / or a predetermined sweating level. In some cases, the processor may also be configured to specify a time at least partially based on the user's predetermined biometric signal level, and regulate the temperature of the furniture item before that time, so as to wake up the user of the furniture item. In some cases, once the predetermined biometric signal (e.g., detected by one or more sensors of the furniture item) is reached, the processor may specify the time at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 times or more. In some cases, when the predetermined biometric signal (e.g., detected by one or more sensors of the furniture item) is reached at most 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 time, the processor may regulate the temperature of the furniture item to wake up the user. Alternatively or in addition, the processor may be configured to specify the time when the detected biometric signal of the user is expected (or projected) to reach the predetermined biometric signal at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 times or more (or at most 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 time). In some cases, the processor may specify the time when the user's current biometric signal is within a range (e.g., a predetermined range) away from the user's predetermined biometric signal level. Alternatively or in addition, the processor may be configured to specify the time when the user's current biometric is expected (or predicted) to be within a range away from the user's predetermined biometric signal level.

[0142] In an example, the user may be suspected of having a health condition (e.g., heart disease), and it may be beneficial for the user to wake up (or be woken up by the furniture item) before, during, and / or after reaching the predetermined heart signal during sleep. In another example, the user may be suspected of having a cold or the flu, and it may be beneficial for the user to wake up before, during, and / or after reaching a predetermined temperature (e.g., 102°F) during sleep. Other examples of the user's health condition may include but are not limited to sleep disorders, neurological disorders, mental illnesses (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder), blood diseases, cancer, metabolic diseases, eye diseases, organ diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, heart diseases, addictions (e.g., drug addiction), etc.

[0143] In some cases, a user's identity can include one or more future events of the user. In some cases, the processor can also be configured to regulate the temperature of a furniture item at least in part based on one or more future events of the user, so as to wake up the user of the furniture item. One or more future events of the user can include the time and / or location of one or more future events. In some cases, one or more future events may occur on the same day that the user is sleeping. In some cases, the processor can be operably linked to a digital profile or user that includes the user's digital calendar. In some cases, the processor can be operably linked to one or more personal devices of the user (e.g., a mobile device, a computer, etc.) to access the user's digital calendar. In some cases, information about one or more future events can be provided by the user as input data to the processor of the furniture item. In some cases, the processor can determine a wake-up time that provides the user with sufficient time to prepare for one or more future events after waking up (e.g., take a shower, get dressed, go to an event, etc.).

[0144] In some cases, a user's identity can include the geographical location of the user when using the furniture item. In some cases, the processor can also be configured to regulate the temperature of the furniture item at least in part based on the geographical location of the user, so as to wake up the user of the furniture item. Examples of the user's geographical location can include the continent, country, town, city, longitude, and / or latitude where the user is when using the furniture item. The processor of the furniture item can communicate digitally with one or more databases (e.g., via the Internet) to obtain such data related to the geographical location of the user. The processor of the furniture item can communicate digitally with one or more personal devices of the user to obtain such data related to the geographical location of the user. In some cases, the geographical location can be provided by the user.

[0145] In some cases, the processor can also be configured to regulate the temperature of the furniture item at least in part based on the weather conditions at the geographical location (e.g., snow, rain, earthquake, hurricane, etc.), so as to wake up the user of the furniture item.

[0146] In some cases, the processor can also be configured to obtain the current and / or predicted traffic conditions at or near the geographical location. In some cases, the processor can also be configured to regulate the temperature of the furniture item at least in part based on the current and / or predicted traffic conditions, so as to wake up the user of the furniture item. In some examples, when using the geographical location of the user while using the furniture item, the processor can adjust the user's wake-up time according to the severity or lightness of the morning traffic conditions. In an example, if the traffic conditions are predicted to be bad from 7:00 am to 9:00 am, the processor can regulate the temperature of the furniture item to wake up the user before 7:00 am.

[0147] In some cases, the processor may include a Global Positioning System (GPS) or may be operatively coupled to a Global Positioning System (GPS) to retrieve data regarding the geographical location of the furniture item and / or the user of the furniture item. The processor may be coupled to the GPS via a wireless signal (e.g., Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) or a cable connection such as USB (e.g., USB2.0, USC-C, micro USB, etc.). In some cases, the processor may be operatively coupled to a user device (e.g., via a wireless signal or a cable connection). Examples of user devices may include but are not limited to tablet computers, mobile phones, smart phones, smart watches, smart glasses, etc. The user device may include a GPS or may be operatively coupled to a GPS, and the processor may retrieve data regarding the geographical location of the furniture item and / or the user through the user device. Additionally, the processor, the GPS, and / or the user device may be operatively coupled to (1) a weather database (e.g., National Weather Service, AccuWeather, Weather Underground, WeatherBug, etc.) to retrieve past, current, and / or predicted weather conditions of the geographical location, and / or (2) a traffic database (e.g., Department of Transportation, Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps, Sygic, MapQuest, INRIX Traffic, HERE WeGo, inRoute, Glob, Scout, ETA, etc.) to retrieve past, current, and / or predicted ground (e.g., cars, buses, subways, trains, rental bicycles, rental scooters, etc.) and / or air transportation traffic conditions at or near the geographical location.

[0148] In some cases, the processor may retrieve data regarding one or more future events (or one or more scheduled events) of the user through the user device (e.g., from a calendar or scheduling application operatively coupled to the user device).

[0149] In some cases, the processor may also be configured to determine the wake-up time of the user of the furniture item at least partially based on detected biometric signals of the user. In some cases, the processor may also be configured to regulate (e.g., change) the temperature of the furniture item before the determined user wake-up time so as to wake up the user of the furniture item at or near the determined user wake-up time.

[0150] To wake the user, the processor may start changing the temperature of the furniture item at least 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes, 40 minutes, 45 minutes, 50 minutes, 55 minutes, 60 minutes or more before the determined user wake-up time. To wake the user, the processor may start changing the temperature of the furniture item at most 60 minutes, 55 minutes, 50 minutes, 45 minutes, 40 minutes, 35 minutes, 30 minutes, 25 minutes, 20 minutes, 15 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes or less before the determined user wake-up time. In an example, to wake the user, the processor may start changing the temperature of the furniture item about 30 minutes before the determined user wake-up time.

[0151] To wake the user, the processor can regulate the temperature of the furniture item at a rate of at least about 0.1°F per hour, 0.2°F per hour, 0.3°F per hour, 0.4°F per hour, 0.5°F per hour, 0.6°F per hour, 0.7°F per hour, 0.8°F per hour, 0.9°F per hour, 1°F per hour, 2°F per hour, 3°F per hour, 4°F per hour, 5°F per hour, 6°F per hour, 7°F per hour, 8°F per hour, 9°F per hour, 10°F per hour, 11°F per hour, 12°F per hour, 13°F per hour, 14°F per hour, 15°F per hour, 16°F per hour, 17°F per hour, 18°F per hour, 19°F per hour, 20°F per hour, 25°F per hour, 30°F per hour, 35°F per hour, 40°F per hour or higher. To wake the user, the processor can regulate the temperature of the furniture item at a rate of at most about 40°F per hour, 35°F per hour, 30°F per hour, 25°F per hour, 20°F per hour, 19°F per hour, 18°F per hour, 17°F per hour, 16°F per hour, 15°F per hour, 14°F per hour, 13°F per hour, 12°F per hour, 11°F per hour, 10°F per hour, 9°F per hour, 8°F per hour, 7°F per hour, 6°F per hour, 5°F per hour, 4°F per hour, 3°F per hour, 2°F per hour, 1°F per hour, 0.9°F per hour, 0.8°F per hour, 0.7°F per hour, 0.6°F per hour, 0.5°F per hour, 0.4°F per hour, 0.3°F per hour, 0.2°F per hour, 0.1°F per hour or lower. In an example, the processor can regulate the temperature of the furniture item at a rate of about 10°F per hour (or 5°F per hour) to wake the user. In some cases, the processor can be configured to determine (e.g., automatically determine) the rate at which a temperature control device regulates (e.g., increases or decreases) the temperature of a portion of the furniture item. In an example, different sensors can be configured to measure the temperature of a portion of the furniture item (e.g., the temperature of a portion of a mattress or mattress pad), and the processor can be configured to determine the rate at least in part based on the temperature of a portion of the furniture item.

[0152] To wake the user, the processor may instruct the temperature control device to change (e.g., increase or decrease) the temperature of the furniture item by at least about 0.1°F, 0.2°F, 0.3°F, 0.4°F, 0.6°F, 0.7°F, 0.8°F, 0.9°F, 1°F, 2°F, 3°F, 4°F, 5°F, 6°F, 7°F, 8°F, 9°F, 10°F, 11°F, 12°F, 13°F, 14°F, 15°F, 16°F, 17°F, 18°F, 19°F, 20°F, 25°F, 30°F, 35°F, 40°F or more. In some cases, to wake the user, the processor may increase and / or decrease the temperature of the furniture item by at most about 40°F, 35°F, 30°F, 25°F, 20°F, 19°F, 18°F, 17°F, 16°F, 15°F, 14°F, 13°F, 12°F, 11°F, 10°F, 9°F, 8°F, 7°F, 6°F, 5°F, 4°F, 3°F, 2°F, 1°F, 0.9°F, 0.8°F, 0.7°F, 0.6°F, 0.5°F, 0.4°F, 0.3°F, 0.2°F, 0.1°F or less.

[0153] In some embodiments, before changing the temperature of a portion of the furniture item, the processor may be configured to specify a target temperature to which the temperature of the portion of the furniture item will be changed. In some cases, the target temperature of the furniture item for waking the user may depend on the user (e.g., the user's temperature during the current sleep), the environment of the furniture item, the geographical location and weather conditions around the user and the furniture item, etc.

[0154] In some cases, the target temperature for waking the user may be specified (e.g., by the processor) at least in part based on the user temperature detected during the current sleep of the furniture item. In some examples, the target temperature may be at least in part based on the user's current temperature. The current temperature may be at a predetermined time, such as at about 6:00 p.m., about 6:30 p.m., about 7:00 p.m., about 7:30 p.m., about 8:00 p.m., about 8:30 p.m., about 9:00 p.m., about 9:30 p.m., about 10:00 p.m., about 10:30 p.m., about 11:00 p.m., about 11:30 p.m., about 12:00 a.m., about 12:30 a.m., about 1:00 a.m., about 1:30 a.m., about 2:00 a.m., about 2:30 a.m., about 3:00 a.m., about 3:30 a.m., about 4:00 a.m., about 4:30 a.m., about 5:00 a.m., about 5:30 a.m., about 6:00 a.m., about 6:30 a.m., about 7:00 a.m., about 7:30 a.m., about 8:00 a.m., about 8:30 a.m., about 9:00 a.m., etc. Alternatively, the current temperature may be the average or median temperature during the user's current sleep, the highest temperature of the user measured during the user's current sleep, or the lowest temperature of the user measured during the user's current sleep.

[0155] In some cases, the difference between the target temperature to wake the user and the user's current temperature can be at least about 0.1°F, 0.2°F, 0.3°F, 0.4°F, 0.5°F, 0.6°F, 0.7°F, 0.8°F, 0.9°F, 1°F, 1.1°F, 1.2°F, 1.3°F, 1.4°F, 1.5°F, 1.6°F, 1.7°F, 1.8°F, 1.9°F, 2°F, 2.1°F, 2.2°F, 2.3°F, 2.4°F, 2.5°F, 2.6°F, 2.7°F, 2.8°F, 2.9°F, 3°F, 3.1°F, 3.2°F, 3.3°F, 3.4°F, 3.5°F, 3.6°F, 3.7°F, 3.8°F, 3.9°F, 4°F, 4.5°F, 5°F, 6°F, 7°F, 8°F, 9°F, 10°F, 15°F, 20°F, 25°F, 30°F or more. In some cases, the difference between the target temperature to wake the user and the user's current temperature can be at most about 30°F, 25°F, 20°F, 15°F, 10°F, 9°F, 8°F, 7°F, 6°F, 5°F, 4.5°F, 4°F, 3.9°F, 3.8°F, 3.7°F, 3.6°F, 3.5°F, 3.4°F, 3.3°F, 3.2°F, 3.1°F, 3°F, 2.9°F, 2.8°F, 2.7°F, 2.6°F, 2.5°F, 2.4°F, 2.3°F, 2.2°F, 2.1°F, 2°F, 1.9°F, 1.8°F, 1.7°F, 1.6°F, 1.5°F, 1.4°F, 1.3°F, 1.2°F, 1°F, 0.9°F, 0.8°F, 0.7°F, 0.6°F, 0.5°F, 0.4°F, 0.3°F, 0.2°F, 0.1°F or less.

[0156] Alternatively or in addition, the target temperature to wake the user can be specified (e.g., by a processor) at least in part based on the temperature of the user detected during a previous sleep on the furniture item.

[0157] In some cases, a target temperature for waking a user can be specified (e.g., by a processor) based at least in part on the temperature of a furniture item during the user's current sleep. In some examples, the target temperature can be based at least in part on the current temperature of a portion of the furniture item. The current temperature can be the temperature of a portion of the furniture item measured at a predetermined time, such as at about 6:00 p.m., about 6:30 p.m., about 7:00 p.m., about 7:30 p.m., about 8:00 p.m., about 8:30 p.m., about 9:00 p.m., about 9:30 p.m., about 10:00 p.m., about 10:30 p.m., about 11:00 p.m., about 11:30 p.m., about 12:00 a.m., about 12:30 a.m., about 1:00 a.m., about 1:30 a.m., about 2:00 a.m., about 2:30 a.m., about 3:00 a.m., about 3:30 a.m., about 4:00 a.m., about 4:30 a.m., about 5:00 a.m., about 5:30 a.m., about 6:00 a.m., about 6:30 a.m., about 7:00 a.m., about 7:30 a.m., about 8:00 a.m., about 8:30 a.m., about 9:00 a.m., etc. Alternatively, the current temperature can be the average or median temperature of a portion of the furniture item during the user's current sleep, the highest temperature of a portion of the furniture item measured during the user's current sleep, or the lowest temperature of a portion of the furniture item measured during the user's current sleep.

[0158] In some cases, the difference between the target temperature to wake the user and the current temperature of a portion of the furniture item can be at least about 0.1°F, 0.2°F, 0.3°F, 0.4°F, 0.5°F, 0.6°F, 0.7°F, 0.8°F, 0.9°F, 1°F, 1.1°F, 1.2°F, 1.3°F, 1.4°F, 1.5°F, 1.6°F, 1.7°F, 1.8°F, 1.9°F, 2°F, 2.1°F, 2.2°F, 2.3°F, 2.4°F, 2.5°F, 2.6°F, 2.7°F, 2.8°F, 2.9°F, 3°F, 3.1°F, 3.2°F, 3.3°F, 3.4°F, 3.5°F, 3.6°F, 3.7°F, 3.8°F, 3.9°F, 4°F, 4.5°F, 5°F, 6°F, 7°F, 8°F, 9°F, 10°F, 15°F, 20°F, 25°F, 30°F or more. In some cases, the difference between the target temperature to wake the user and the current temperature of a portion of the furniture item can be at most about 30°F, 25°F, 20°F, 15°F, 10°F, 9°F, 8°F, 7°F, 6°F, 5°F, 4.5°F, 4°F, 3.9°F, 3.8°F, 3.7°F, 3.6°F, 3.5°F, 3.4°F, 3.3°F, 3.2°F, 3.1°F, 3°F, 2.9°F, 2.8°F, 2.7°F, 2.6°F, 2.5°F, 2.4°F, 2.3°F, 2.2°F, 2.1°F, 2°F, 1.9°F, 1.8°F, 1.7°F, 1.6°F, 1.5°F, 1.4°F, 1.3°F, 1.2°F, 1°F, 0.9°F, 0.8°F, 0.7°F, 0.6°F, 0.5°F, 0.4°F, 0.3°F, 0.2°F, 0.1°F or less.

[0159] Alternatively or in addition, the target temperature to wake the user can be specified (e.g., by a processor) based at least in part on the temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item detected during a previous sleep of the user on the furniture item.

[0160] In some cases, the processor can use one or more environmental sensors to detect one or more environmental characteristics (e.g., environmental temperature, light, noise, humidity, etc.) around the user and determine (i) the wake-up time, (ii) the rate of temperature change of the furniture item to wake the user, (iii) the target temperature of the furniture item to wake the user, and / or (iv) the duration of regulating the temperature of the furniture item based at least in part on the detected biometric signals of the user and one or more environmental characteristics of the user.

[0161] In some cases, a target temperature for waking a user (e.g., by a processor) can be specified at least in part based on an ambient temperature of an environment around a furniture item during the user's current sleep. In some examples, the target temperature can be at least in part based on the current ambient temperature of the environment around the furniture item. The current temperature can be the temperature of the environment measured at a predetermined time, such as at about 6:00 p.m., about 6:30 p.m., about 7:00 p.m., about 7:30 p.m., about 8:00 p.m., about 8:30 p.m., about 9:00 p.m., about 9:30 p.m., about 10:00 p.m., about 10:30 p.m., about 11:00 p.m., about 11:30 p.m., about 12:00 a.m., about 12:30 a.m., about 1:00 a.m., about 1:30 a.m., about 2:00 a.m., about 2:30 a.m., about 3:00 a.m., about 3:30 a.m., about 4:00 a.m., about 4:30 a.m., about 5:00 a.m., about 5:30 a.m., about 6:00 a.m., about 6:30 a.m., about 7:00 a.m., about 7:30 a.m., about 8:00 a.m., about 8:30 a.m., about 9:00 a.m., etc. Alternatively, the current ambient temperature can be the average or median temperature of the environment during the user's current sleep, the highest temperature of the environment measured during the user's current sleep, or the lowest temperature of the environment measured during the user's current sleep.

[0162] In some cases, the difference between the target temperature to wake the user and the current temperature of the environment around the furniture item can be at least about 0.1°F, 0.2°F, 0.3°F, 0.4°F, 0.5°F, 0.6°F, 0.7°F, 0.8°F, 0.9°F, 1°F, 1.1°F, 1.2°F, 1.3°F, 1.4°F, 1.5°F, 1.6°F, 1.7°F, 1.8°F, 1.9°F, 2°F, 2.1°F, 2.2°F, 2.3°F, 2.4°F, 2.5°F, 2.6°F, 2.7°F, 2.8°F, 2.9°F, 3°F, 3.1°F, 3.2°F, 3.3°F, 3.4°F, 3.5°F, 3.6°F, 3.7°F, 3.8°F, 3.9°F, 4°F, 4.5°F, 5°F, 6°F, 7°F, 8°F, 9°F, 10°F, 15°F, 20°F, 25°F, 30°F or more. In some cases, the difference between the target temperature to wake the user and the current temperature of the environment around the furniture item can be at most about 30°F, 25°F, 20°F, 15°F, 10°F, 9°F, 8°F, 7°F, 6°F, 5°F, 4.5°F, 4°F, 3.9°F, 3.8°F, 3.7°F, 3.6°F, 3.5°F, 3.4°F, 3.3°F, 3.2°F, 3.1°F, 3°F, 2.9°F, 2.8°F, 2.7°F, 2.6°F, 2.5°F, 2.4°F, 2.3°F, 2.2°F, 2.1°F, 2°F, 1.9°F, 1.8°F, 1.7°F, 1.6°F, 1.5°F, 1.4°F, 1.3°F, 1.2°F, 1°F, 0.9°F, 0.8°F, 0.7°F, 0.6°F, 0.5°F, 0.4°F, 0.3°F, 0.2°F, 0.1°F or less.

[0163] Alternatively or in addition, the target temperature to wake the user can be specified (e.g., by a processor) based at least in part on the ambient temperature of the environment around the furniture item detected during a previous sleep of the user on the furniture item.

[0164] In some cases, to wake up a user, regulating the temperature of a furniture item can include increasing and / or decreasing the temperature of the furniture item. In some cases, to wake up a user, the temperature regulation of the furniture item can only include increasing the temperature at one or more rates. In some cases, to wake up a user, the temperature regulation of the furniture item can only include decreasing the temperature at one or more rates. In some cases, to wake up a user, regulating the temperature of the furniture item can include a combination of increasing and decreasing the temperature of the furniture item. In an example, to wake up a user, the temperature regulation of the furniture item can include one or more phases of increasing and decreasing (and / or vice versa) the temperature of the furniture item, with or without an intermittent pause after each phase.

[0165] In some cases, a sensor can be part of a first portion of the furniture item, which is configured to detect a user's biosignal on the first portion of the furniture item. In some cases, a temperature control device can be coupled to a second portion of the furniture item, which is configured to regulate the temperature of the second portion of the furniture item. The first portion and the second portion of the furniture item can be the same or different. In an example, the first portion and the second portion of the furniture item can be different. In some cases, a processor can be communicatively coupled to the sensor and the temperature control device, and the processor can be configured to regulate the temperature of the second portion of the furniture item at least in part based on the detected biosignal of the user on the first portion of the furniture item, so as to wake up the user of the furniture item. In some cases, the first portion and the second portion of the furniture item can be two opposite sides of a component of the furniture item (e.g., the top side and the bottom side of a bed device).

[0166] In some cases, the temperature control device can also be configured to independently regulate the temperature of each of a plurality of zones of the second portion of the furniture item. Each of the plurality of zones of the second portion of the furniture item is sufficient for a person to use (e.g., sleep on).

[0167] In some cases, the processor can also be configured to (i) regulate (e.g., automatically regulate) the first temperature of the first zone of the plurality of zones of the second portion of the furniture item at least in part based on the first detected biosignal of the first user on the first zone, so as to wake up the first user at a first time, and (ii) regulate (e.g., automatically regulate) the second temperature of the second zone of the plurality of zones of the second portion of the furniture item at least in part based on the second detected biosignal of the second user on the second zone, so as to wake up the first user at a second time. The first time and the second time can be the same or can be different. In some cases, the first time and the second time can be different, and waking up the first user at an earlier time point does not interfere with the sleep of the second user.

[0168] In some embodiments, a portion of a furniture item can include multiple zones. The multiple zones can include at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more zones. The multiple zones can include at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2 zones. In some examples, a portion of a furniture item includes a first zone and a second zone, and a temperature control device can be configured to independently change the temperature of each of the first zone and the second zone. In such cases, the processor can be configured to independently: (i) when a first user is sleeping on the first zone of the furniture item, based on a first biometric of the first user detected by at least one sensor, specify a first time for the furniture item to wake up the first user, and change the temperature of the first zone of the furniture item before the first time, and (ii) when a second user is sleeping on the second zone of the furniture item, based on a second biometric of the second user detected by at least one sensor, specify a second time for the furniture item to wake up the second user, and change the temperature of the second zone of the furniture item before the second time.

[0169] In some cases, a subject system for regulating the temperature of a furniture item to wake up a user of the furniture item can utilize any of the subject furniture items (or any of the subject bed devices) of the present disclosure, for example, as Figure 1 shown in FIGS. 4 and 23 to 24.

[0170] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of a furniture item (e.g., a portion of a furniture item) to wake up a user of the furniture item. The method can include providing (i) at least one sensor that is a part of the furniture item, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect a biometric signal of a user of the furniture item, (ii) a temperature control device that is coupled to a portion of the furniture item, wherein the temperature control device is configured to change the temperature of a portion of the furniture item, and (iii) a processor that is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and the temperature control device. The method can include detecting a biometric signal of a user of the furniture item with the help of at least one sensor while the user is using the furniture item. The method can include, with the help of the processor, specifying a time for the furniture item to wake up the user at least partially based on the detected biometric signal of the user when the user is sleeping on the furniture item. The method can include changing the temperature of a portion of the furniture item by the temperature control device before the time with the help of the processor.

[0171] Figure 27An example of a method for regulating the temperature of a portion of a furniture item is shown. The method may include providing (i) at least one sensor that is part of the furniture item, where the at least one sensor is configured to detect a biological signal of a user of the furniture item, (ii) a temperature control device that is coupled to a portion of the furniture item, where the temperature control device is configured to change the temperature of a portion of the furniture item, and (iii) a processor that is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and the temperature control device (process 2710). The method may include detecting, with the help of the at least one sensor, a biological signal of a user of the furniture item while the user is using the furniture item (process 2720). The method may include, with the help of the processor, specifying, when the user is sleeping on the furniture item, a time for the furniture item to wake up the user, at least in part based on the detected biological signal of the user (process 2730). The method may include, with the help of the processor, changing the temperature of a portion of the furniture item by the temperature control device before the time (process 2740).

[0172] Figure 28 Another example of a method for regulating the temperature of a portion of a furniture item is shown. The method may include providing (i) a temperature control device that is operably coupled to a portion of the furniture item, the temperature control device being configured to change the temperature of a portion of the furniture item, and (ii) a processor that is communicatively coupled to the temperature control device (process 2810). The method may include, with the help of the processor, specifying, at least in part based on a predetermined wake-up time of the user, a time for the temperature control device to change the temperature of a portion of the furniture item, where the time is before the predetermined wake-up time of the user (process 2820).

[0173] Temperature control device

[0174] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the system including: at least a portion of the furniture item configured to hold a fluid; a reservoir in fluid communication with at least a portion of the furniture item, the reservoir being configured to hold the fluid; a temperature regulator in fluid communication with at least a portion of the furniture item and the reservoir, the temperature regulator being configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid; and a processor operably coupled to the temperature regulator, the processor being programmed to control the temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the fluid and thereby regulate the temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item.

[0175] The furniture item can include a bed or a seat. The bed can include a mattress, a mattress pad (i.e., a mattress cover), a blanket, functional variants thereof, or combinations thereof. The mattress can be used alone or in combination with a mattress pad. The mattress pad can be used alone or in combination with a mattress. The mattress pad can cover at least a portion of the mattress. The mattress can be of different shapes (e.g., spherical, cylindrical, box-shaped, etc.). The mattress can have one or more sides (e.g., at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more sides). The mattress pad can be on one or more sides of the mattress or adjacent to one or more sides of the mattress. In an example, the mattress pad can cover the top side of the mattress. In another example, the mattress pad can cover all sides of the mattress. The seat can be at least a portion (e.g., a portion of an area, a layer in a multi-layer, etc.) of a larger furniture item such as, for example, a chair, a loveseat, a sofa, a chaise longue, a stool, a bench, a divan, or variants thereof.

[0176] The temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item can be regulated (e.g., by a fluid in at least a portion of the furniture item). Regulating the temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item can include maintaining the temperature at a predetermined temperature or temperature range, increasing the temperature, and / or decreasing the temperature. The temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item can be in a range between about 10°C and about 50°C. The temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item can be at least about 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C or higher. The temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item can be at most about 50°C, 45°C, 40°C, 35°C, 30°C, 29°C, 28°C, 27°C, 26°C, 25°C, 24°C, 23°C, 22°C, 21°C, 20°C, 19°C, 18°C, 17°C, 16°C, 15°C, 14°C, 13°C, 12°C, 11°C, 10°C or lower. In some cases, the temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item sensed (felt) by one or more users of the furniture item can be in a range between about 13°C and about 44°C. The temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item can be increased and / or decreased by at least about 0.1°C, 0.2°C, 0.3°C, 0.4°C, 0.5°C, 0.6°C, 0.7°C, 0.8°C, 0.9°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C or more increments. The temperature of at least a portion of the furniture item can be increased and / or decreased by at most about 5°C, 4°C, 3°C, 2°C, 1°C, 0.9°C, 0.8°C, 0.7°C, 0.6°C, 0.5°C, 0.4°C, 0.3°C, 0.2°C, 0.1°C or less increments.

[0177] In some cases, the predetermined temperature range for furniture items suitable for adults can be in the range of about 14°C to about 20°C (e.g., for teenagers or the elderly). The predetermined temperature range for furniture items suitable for adults can be at least about 14°C, 14.5°C, 15°C, 15.5°C, 16°C, 16.5°C, 17°C, 17.5°C, 18°C, 18.5°C, 19°C, 19.5°C, 20°C or higher. The predetermined temperature range for furniture items suitable for adults can be at most about 20°C, 19.5°C, 19°C, 18.5°C, 18°C, 17.5°C, 17°C, 16.5°C, 16°C, 15.5°C, 15°C, 14.5°C, 14°C or lower. The predetermined temperature range for furniture items suitable for infants (e.g., 0 to 12 months old) or toddlers (e.g., 12 to 36 months old) can be between about 17°C and about 22°C. The predetermined temperature range for furniture items suitable for infants or toddlers can be at least about 17°C, 17.5°C, 18°C, 18.5°C, 19°C, 19.5°C, 20°C, 20.5°C, 21°C, 21.5°C, 22°C or higher. The predetermined temperature range for furniture items suitable for infants or toddlers can be at most about 22°C, 21.5°C, 21°C, 20.5°C, 20°C, 19.5°C, 19°C, 18.5°C, 18°C, 17.5°C, 17°C or lower. The average of the predetermined temperature and / or predetermined temperature range for infants or toddlers can correspondingly be equal to, higher than, or lower than the average of the predetermined temperature and / or predetermined temperature range for adults.

[0178] At least a portion of the furniture item can be configured to transfer (e.g., add or remove) heat between at least a portion of the furniture item and a user of a system on or adjacent to at least a portion of the furniture item. The user can sit, lie down, and / or sleep on the furniture item (such as, for example, a bed). The user can sit on the furniture item (such as, for example, a seat). The temperature of the body surface or internal temperature of the user of the furniture item can be maintained, increased, or decreased to a predetermined temperature (or temperature range) by the transferred heat.

[0179] At least a portion of the furniture item can be configured to hold a fluid. Alternatively or in addition, at least a portion of the furniture item can be configured to permit the fluid to flow through, under, over, or adjacent to at least a portion of the furniture item. The fluid can be a liquid or a gas. The liquid can include an aqueous liquid (e.g., water) or a non-aqueous liquid (e.g., oil). The gas can include air or argon. The fluid can be configured to be heated or cooled. The temperature of the fluid can be regulated (e.g., by a temperature regulator). The regulated temperature of the fluid can be in the range of about 10°C to about 50°C. The regulated temperature of the fluid can be at least about 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C or higher. The regulated temperature of the fluid can be at most about 50°C, 45°C, 40°C, 35°C, 30°C, 25°C, 20°C, 19°C, 18°C, 17°C, 16°C, 15°C, 14°C, 13°C, 12°C, 11°C, 10°C or lower.

[0180] The temperature of the fluid can be increased and / or decreased (e.g., by a temperature regulator) in increments of at least about 0.1°C, 0.2°C, 0.3°C, 0.4°C, 0.5°C, 0.6°C, 0.7°C, 0.8°C, 0.9°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C or more. The temperature of the fluid can be increased and / or decreased by at most about 5°C, 4°C, 3°C, 2°C, 1°C, 0.9°C, 0.8°C, 0.7°C, 0.6°C, 0.5°C, 0.4°C, 0.3°C, 0.2°C, 0.1°C or less.

[0181] The temperature of the fluid can be increased and / or decreased (e.g., by a temperature regulator) at a rate within the range of from about 0.01 °C (°C / minute) to about 5 °C / minute per minute. The temperature of the fluid can be increased and / or decreased at a rate of at least about 0.01 °C / minute, 0.02 °C / minute, 0.03 °C / minute, 0.04 °C / minute, 0.05 °C / minute, 0.06 °C / minute, 0.07 °C / minute, 0.08 °C / minute, 0.09 °C / minute, 0.1 °C / minute, 0.2 °C / minute, 0.3 °C / minute, 0.4 °C / minute, 0.5 °C / minute, 0.6 °C / minute, 0.7 °C / minute, 0.8 °C / minute, 0.9 °C / minute, 1 °C / minute, 2 °C / minute, 3 °C / minute, 4 °C / minute, 5 °C / minute or higher. The temperature of the fluid can be increased and / or decreased at a rate of at most about 5 °C / minute, 4 °C / minute, 3 °C / minute, 2 °C / minute, 1 °C / minute, 0.9 °C / minute, 0.8 °C / minute, 0.7 °C / minute, 0.6 °C / minute, 0.5 °C / minute, 0.4 °C / minute, 0.3 °C / minute, 0.2 °C / minute, 0.1 °C / minute, 0.09 °C / minute, 0.08 °C / minute, 0.07 °C / minute, 0.06 °C / minute, 0.05 °C / minute, 0.04 °C / minute, 0.03 °C / minute, 0.02 °C / minute, 0.01 °C / minute or lower.

[0182] The fluid may be able to maintain a set temperature for about 0.1 hour to about 10 hours. The fluid may be able to maintain a set temperature for at least about 0.1 hour, 0.2 hour, 0.3 hour, 0.4 hour, 0.5 hour, 0.6 hour, 0.7 hour, 0.8 hour, 0.9 hour, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours or more. The fluid may be able to maintain a set temperature for at most about 10 hours, 9 hours, 8 hours, 7 hours, 6 hours, 5 hours, 4 hours, 3 hours, 2 hours, 1.5 hours, 1 hour, 0.9 hour, 0.8 hour, 0.7 hour, 0.6 hour, 0.5 hour, 0.4 hour, 0.3 hour, 0.2 hour, 0.1 hour or less.

[0183] The temperature of a fluid that is held and / or flows through a portion of a furniture item can indicate the temperature of the portion of the furniture item. The temperature of the portion of the furniture item can be the same as or substantially the same as the temperature of the fluid that is held and / or flows through the portion of the furniture item. The temperature of the portion of the furniture item can equilibrate to the temperature of the fluid that is held and / or flows through the portion of the furniture item within a range of from about 0.1 minutes to about 60 minutes, if initially different. The temperature of the portion of the furniture item can equilibrate to the temperature of the fluid that is held and / or flows through the portion of the furniture item in at least about 0.1 minutes, 0.2 minutes, 0.3 minutes, 0.4 minutes, 0.5 minutes, 0.6 minutes, 0.7 minutes, 0.8 minutes, 0.9 minutes, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 50 minutes, 60 minutes or more. The temperature of the portion of the furniture item can equilibrate to the temperature of the fluid that is held and / or flows through the portion of the furniture item in at most about 60 minutes, 50 minutes, 40 minutes, 30 minutes, 20 minutes, 10 minutes, 9 minutes, 8 minutes, 7 minutes, 6 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute, 0.9 minutes, 0.8 minutes, 0.7 minutes, 0.6 minutes, 0.5 minutes, 0.4 minutes, 0.3 minutes, 0.2 minutes, 0.1 minutes or less.

[0184] The temperature regulator may not be part of the reservoir. The temperature regulator may be outside the reservoir or may be configured not to be in physical contact with the reservoir. The temperature regulator may be configured to regulate the temperature of a fluid not contained in the reservoir (e.g., outside the reservoir). The temperature regulator may include at least one channel (e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 channels) configured to hold the fluid and / or permit fluid flow. At least one channel of the temperature regulator may be connected to each other. At least one channel of the temperature regulator may be a thermoelectric engine. Alternatively or in addition, at least one channel of the temperature generator may be disposed on or adjacent (e.g., in contact with) at least one heat device (e.g., at least one thermoelectric engine) such that the at least one heat device regulates the temperature of at least one channel of the temperature generator, thereby regulating the temperature of the fluid in at least one channel of the temperature generator. In some cases, at least two heat devices may be stacked on top of each other (e.g., stacked), adjacent to each other (e.g., parallel or perpendicular), or opposite each other (e.g., at opposite ends of at least one channel of the temperature generator). In some cases, at least one heat device may be at least one thermoelectric engine. The temperature regulator may include at least one thermoelectric engine configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid. The temperature regulator may include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more thermoelectric engines configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid. The temperature regulator may include at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 thermoelectric engine configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid. Alternatively or in addition, the temperature regulator may be part of the reservoir.

[0185] The system may include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more temperature regulators. The system may include at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 temperature regulator. Multiple temperature regulators may communicate with each other or may not communicate with each other. In some cases, the temperature regulator may be part of a furniture item or may not be part of a furniture item.

[0186] The system may include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more reservoirs. The system may include at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 reservoir.

[0187] The reservoir can be configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid. In an example, the reservoir can include at least one thermal device (e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more thermal devices) configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the reservoir. The at least one thermal device can be inside and / or outside the reservoir (e.g., on the outer sidewall of the reservoir or adjacent to the outer sidewall of the reservoir). Alternatively or in addition, the at least one thermal device can be part of at least one sidewall of the reservoir.

[0188] The reservoir may not be configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid. In such cases, the fluid can be withdrawn from the reservoir (e.g., by gravity, by an external force such as an external pump), and the temperature of the withdrawn fluid can be regulated (e.g., by a temperature generator that is not part of the reservoir). The reservoir can include at least one outlet orifice for withdrawing the fluid from the reservoir. The at least one outlet orifice can be in fluid communication with the reservoir and another device (such as a gate (e.g., a valve) and / or a pump) that controls or permits fluid flow. The reservoir can include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more outlet orifices for the fluid to be withdrawn. In some cases, the fluid withdrawn from the reservoir (e.g., through at least one outlet orifice) can be configured to re-enter the reservoir. In some cases, the fluid withdrawn from the reservoir may not be configured to re-enter the reservoir.

[0189] The reservoir can be sealed or may not be sealed. In some cases, the reservoir can be sealed so that the fluid contained in the reservoir can be isolated from the ambient air outside the reservoir. Such a sealed reservoir can slow down or prevent the fluid from escaping from the reservoir (e.g., evaporation of a liquid). The reservoir can include at least one container configured to hold the fluid. The container can be removable from the reservoir or may not be removable from the reservoir. The container can be a barrel. The container can have a lid or may not have a lid. The lid can be removable from the container or may not be removable from the container. In some cases, the container can be sealed to slow down or prevent the fluid from escaping from the reservoir (e.g., evaporation of a liquid).

[0190] The reservoir may not leak. The reservoir can be located above or below the height of a furniture item (e.g., the mattress of a bed). The reservoir can be approximately at the height of the furniture item.

[0191] The reservoir can include one or more sensors to detect the amount of fluid contained in the reservoir (e.g., contained in the container of the reservoir). The reservoir can include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more such sensors. The reservoir can include at most 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 such sensor. The sensor can include an electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light, etc.) sensor. The sensor can be a camera. The sensor can be a water sensor.

[0192] The system can also include at least one pump configured to retrieve fluid from the reservoir. The system can include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more pumps. The system can include at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 pump. Such pumps can be configured to operate via one or more energy sources (e.g., manual operation, electricity, engine, wind power, etc.). Such pumps can include positive displacement pumps, gear pumps, screw pumps, lobe pumps, peristaltic pumps, piston pumps, compressed air powered double diaphragm pumps, hydraulic pumps, velocity pumps, runoff pumps, axial flow pumps, ejector jet pumps, gravity pumps, steam pumps, valveless pumps, etc. At least one pump can be in fluid communication with one or more reservoirs, the containers from each of one or more reservoirs, one or more temperature regulators, and / or one or more parts of a furniture item. At least one pump can be configured to direct fluid flow between at least one pump and the reservoir. At least one pump can be configured to direct fluid from the pump through the temperature regulator and back to the pump. The at least one pump can be configured to prevent fluid from flowing from the at least one pump to the reservoir. Alternatively or in addition, at least one pump can be configured to allow fluid to flow from at least one pump to the reservoir. The pump can be configured to separate the fluid in the temperature regulator from the fluid contained in the reservoir. Alternatively or in addition, the pump can be configured to allow the fluid in the temperature regulator to flow back into the reservoir. In some cases, the pump can be configured to direct fluid from the pump through the temperature regulator, through a part of the furniture item, and back to the pump. Alternatively or in addition, the pump can be configured to direct fluid from the pump through a part of the furniture item, through the temperature regulator, and back to the pump.

[0193] The processor can be coupled to at least one pump and programmed to control at least one pump to retrieve fluid from the reservoir. The processor can also be configured to control at least one pump to direct fluid flow between at least one pump and the reservoir. The processor can also be configured to control at least one pump to direct fluid from at least one pump through the temperature regulator and back to at least one pump.

[0194] The system can include at least one gate disposed between the reservoir and the temperature regulator. The system can include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more gates. The system can include at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 gate. The gate can be configured to control the flow of fluid between the reservoir and the temperature regulator. The gate can be configured to control the fluid flow away from the reservoir and towards the temperature regulator. The gate can be configured to prevent the fluid flow away from the temperature regulator and towards the reservoir. Alternatively or in addition, the gate can be configured to allow the fluid flow away from the temperature regulator and towards the reservoir. In some cases, a pump can be disposed between the reservoir and the temperature regulator, and the gate can be disposed between the reservoir and the pump. Such a gate can be configured to control the fluid flow between the reservoir and the pump. The gate can be configured to control the fluid flow away from the reservoir and towards the pump. The gate can be configured to prevent the fluid flow away from the pump and towards the reservoir. Alternatively or in addition, the gate can be configured to allow the fluid flow away from the pump and towards the reservoir. The gate can be in fluid communication with one or more reservoirs, one or more pumps, one or more temperature regulators, and / or one or more parts of the furniture item.

[0195] The gate can include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more orifices (e.g., ports) that allow fluid to flow into and / or out of the gate. The gate can include at most about 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 orifice. In some cases, the gate can be a one-way gate, a two-way gate, a three-way gate or a four-way gate. The gate can be a valve. The valve can be a check valve, a flap valve, a non-return valve, a reflux valve, a holding valve or a one-way valve. In some cases, the gate can be a gravity gate (e.g., a gravity valve). The gravity gate can use gravity to draw fluid away from the reservoir (e.g., outside the reservoir) and towards the pump and / or the temperature regulator.

[0196] The gate may also include air purification orifices. The air purification orifices may be coupled to an air purification channel. The air purification orifices and / or the air purification channel may be configured to purify (or remove) air in the gate and / or any other components (e.g., one or more channels) of a system configured to hold or permit fluid flow. The air purification orifices and / or the air purification channel may prevent fluid leakage from the system. In some cases, the gate may be in fluid communication with (i) an air purification channel, (ii) a channel that permits fluid flow between the gate and a portion of a furniture item, (iii) a channel that permits fluid flow between the gate and a container, and (iv) a channel that permits fluid flow between the gate and a pump. In some cases, the above four channels may be vertically coupled to the gate in descending order (e.g., from top to bottom) of (i) the air purification channel, (ii) the gate-furniture item channel, (iii) the gate-reservoir channel, and (iv) the gate-pump channel.

[0197] A portion of a furniture item may include at least one channel configured to hold fluid and / or permit fluid flow. A portion of a furniture item may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more channels. A portion of a furniture item may include at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 channel. One or more channels of a particulate portion of a furniture item may include a plurality of interconnected channels configured to hold fluid and / or permit fluid flow. The plurality of interconnected channels may be a mesh (or porous) network structure to assist the furniture item in breathing. One or more channels may be a fluid circulation pad (e.g., a water circulation pad).

[0198] A portion of an item may include an inlet orifice for allowing fluid to flow into the portion of the item (e.g., from a gate, a pump, and / or a temperature regulator). The inlet orifice may be in fluid communication with the gate, the pump, and / or the temperature regulator. A portion of an item may include an outlet orifice for allowing fluid to flow out of the portion of the item (e.g., to a gate, a pump, and / or a temperature regulator). The outlet orifice may be in fluid communication with the gate, the pump, and / or the temperature regulator. The inlet orifice and / or the outlet orifice may include a gate (e.g., a valve) to allow or prevent fluid flow.

[0199] A furniture item can include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more parts. A furniture item can include at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 part. Each of the multiple parts of the furniture item can correspond to an area where each user sits, rests or sleeps. Each of the multiple parts of the furniture item can correspond to different areas that contact or are adjacent to different parts of the user's body (e.g., feet, legs, buttocks, arms, back, neck, head, etc.). The temperature of the multiple parts of the furniture item can be regulated independently or uniformly. In an example, different areas of a bed can be set (e.g., by a processor) to different temperatures for different users. In another example, different areas of a bed can be set (e.g., by a processor) to different temperatures for different body parts of a user.

[0200] The system can also include another part of the furniture item configured to hold a fluid. A part of the furniture item and the another part of the furniture item can be different. The another part of the furniture item can be in fluid communication with a temperature regulator. Alternatively, the another part of the furniture item can be in fluid communication with another temperature regulator configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid. The temperature regulator and the another temperature regulator can be different. The temperature regulator and the another temperature regulator can be not in fluid communication with each other. Alternatively or in addition, the temperature regulator and the another temperature regulator can be in fluid communication with each other. The another temperature regulator can be in fluid communication with a reservoir. The temperature regulator and the another temperature regulator can be in fluid communication with a common (or the same) reservoir.

[0201] A processor can be operably coupled to the another temperature regulator. The processor can also be programmed to control the another temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby regulating the temperature of the another part of the furniture item. The processor can also be programmed to independently control the temperature regulator and the another temperature regulator, thereby independently regulating the temperature of a part of the furniture item and the temperature of the another part of the furniture item. The processor can also be programmed to jointly control the temperature regulator and the another temperature regulator, thereby uniformly regulating the temperature of a part of the furniture item and the temperature of the another part of the furniture item.

[0202] The system can also include a sensor for detecting a fluid property. The sensor can be a temperature sensor. The sensor can be in direct or indirect contact with the fluid. The sensor can be a part of the following: a gate (e.g., a valve), a pump, a temperature regulator, a part of the furniture item, or one or more channels (e.g., a water circuit) configured to hold and / or allow fluid flow.

[0203] The system may further include at least one heat sink configured to absorb heat from its surroundings. The at least one heat sink may be disposed on or adjacent to a temperature regulator (e.g., a thermoelectric engine). The system may include at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 heat sinks. The system may include at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 heat sink. One or more heat sinks may be configured to absorb heat from the temperature regulator.

[0204] The system may further include at least one fan (e.g., a dual fan) configured to regulate the temperature of one or more components of the system. The system may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more fans. The system may include at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 fan. One or more fans may be configured to blow or pull air across one or more heat sinks to regulate the temperature of the one or more heat sinks. The operation of the one or more fans does not affect the operation of the temperature regulator in regulating the temperature of the fluid. The operation of the one or more fans may not affect the operation of a sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor) configured to detect a characteristic (e.g., temperature) of the fluid.

[0205] The system may further include an additional portion of the furniture item, the additional portion including at least one sensor that (i) is operatively coupled to a processor and (ii) is configured to detect a biometric signal of at least one user of the furniture item. The biometric signal includes a cardiac signal (e.g., heart rate), a respiratory signal (e.g., respiratory rate), movement, temperature, and / or perspiration of at least one user of the furniture item. The processor may be configured to determine the shape of the cardiac signal based at least in part on the amplitude and / or frequency of the cardiac signal. The processor may be configured to determine the shape of the respiratory signal based at least in part on the amplitude and / or frequency of the respiratory signal.

[0206] One or more channels disclosed herein (e.g., one or more channels configured to at least hold and / or permit fluid flow) may comprise a fluid-insoluble (e.g., water-insoluble) material. The one or more channels may comprise a polymeric material, a metallic material, a ceramic material, any functional modification thereof, or any combination thereof. Examples of polymeric materials include polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, ethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile copolymer, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate butyrate, vinylpyrrolidone copolymer, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate, methacrylic acid copolymer, methacrylic acid copolymer, any functional modification thereof, or any combination thereof.

[0207] The processor may also be programmed to control the temperature regulator to adjust the temperature of the fluid based on the detected biosignals of at least one user. The processor may control the temperature regulator to adjust the temperature of the fluid such that the temperature of the fluid (and / or the temperature of a portion of the furniture item) may be the same as, substantially the same as, lower than, and / or higher than the detected temperature of at least one user. The processor may also be programmed to (i) identify at least one user based on the detected biosignals of at least one user, and / or (ii) control the temperature regulator to adjust the temperature of the fluid based on the identity of the at least one user. The identity of the at least one user may include age, gender, physical condition, geographical location, a predetermined temperature of a portion of the furniture item, a predetermined temperature range of a portion of the furniture item, or the history of the biosignals of the at least one user when using the furniture item (e.g., the average fluid temperature when the user is sleeping in the bed, or the average user temperature when the user is sleeping in the bed).

[0208] The processor may also be configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid based on the identity of the user, thereby adjusting the temperature of a portion of the furniture item. The processor may be programmed to determine that the same user has used (e.g., slept on) a portion of the furniture item for one or more days (e.g., at least about 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, or more). On the next day, the processor may be programmed to adjust the temperature of the fluid (e.g., via a temperature generator) before the predicted time of use by the same user (e.g., the average time the user initiated use of the furniture item in the past one or more days). The processor may preheat or precool the fluid, thereby preheating or precooling a portion of the furniture item. Preheating or precooling a portion of the furniture item may help balance the temperature between the portion of the furniture item and the user's temperature. Alternatively or in addition, the user may preset a desired temperature and a desired time for the controller to pre-adjust the temperature of a portion of the furniture item to the desired temperature at the desired time.

[0209] The system may include a sensor operably coupled to a processor and configured to detect a biosignal of at least one user of a furniture item. Such a sensor may not be part of the furniture item. The sensor may be a smartwatch or a fitness tracker. At least one user may be wearing the sensor. The processor may also be configured to adjust the temperature of a fluid based on the detected biosignal of at least one user. In some cases, the biosignal may be the temperature of at least one user, and the processor may also be configured to adjust the temperature difference between the temperature of the fluid (e.g., the fluid being held or flowing through a portion of the furniture item) and the temperature of at least one user (e.g., increase or decrease). In some cases, the processor may also be programmed to adjust the temperature of the fluid before at least one user uses the furniture item, thereby pre-adjusting the temperature of a portion of the furniture item before at least one user uses the furniture item.

[0210] The processor may also be configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid based on the detected biosignal of at least one user so as to regulate the sleep duration of at least one user (e.g., sleep longer or wake up faster). The processor may also be programmed to adjust the temperature of the fluid based on the detected biosignal of at least one user so as to regulate the metabolism of at least one user (e.g., help the user burn more fat while sleeping). The processor may also be configured to apply a preset temperature setting (or temperature profile) to the temperature regulator so as to apply the preset temperature setting to a portion of the furniture item. The preset temperature setting may be based on the user's biofeedback. The biofeedback may be provided by the user or determined by the processor using the biosignals and / or identity detected of the user. Examples of biofeedback include pregnancy, menopause, fever, illness, fatigue, cancer, sleep disorders, heart disease, or other physical conditions.

[0211] The processor can also be programmed to monitor (i) the biosignals of at least one user, (ii) the sleep pattern of at least one user based on the biosignals of at least one user detected over a period of time, and / or (iii) the temperature setting of a part of a furniture item over a period of time. The processor can also be configured to compare the biosignals, sleep patterns, and / or temperature settings between two or more users. In an example, the processor can compare and identify two or more users with similar or approximately the same sleep pattern, and compare the temperature settings of a part of the furniture items of two or more users (e.g., the temperature recordings of the fluid being heated and cooled). The processor can also be configured to initiate a group of two or more users based on the comparison of biosignals, sleep patterns, and / or temperature settings. In an example, the processor can initiate a group of two or more users with similar biosignals (e.g., similar heart signals indicating heart disease, such as, for example, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, etc.). Within the created group, the processor can compare the sleep pattern and the temperature setting of a part of the furniture item of each user, and determine which temperature setting seems to produce the most ideal biosignals (e.g., more regular auditory or respiratory signals) and / or sleep pattern (e.g., falling asleep faster, moving less, sleeping longer, waking up fewer times). Subsequently, the processor can be programmed to apply (e.g., automatically apply) the temperature setting of the furniture item of the group of users to the temperature setting of the furniture item of another user in the group. Alternatively or in addition, the processor can suggest such an application of the temperature settings of different users to the user (e.g., for improving sleep quality). The processor can utilize a user interface (e.g., a graphical user interface, or GUI) on a user personal device (e.g., a mobile phone, a smartphone, a smartwatch, smart glasses, etc.) to allow two or more users of the created group to communicate and share information (e.g., voice, text, image, video, etc.). Such a group can act as a support group.

[0212] In some cases, the processor can also be configured to connect (i) the user and any data collected and / or created by the processor for the user, and (ii) the doctor. The doctor may be able to use a user interface on the doctor's personal device to evaluate (i) the biosignals of at least one user, (ii) the sleep pattern of at least one user based on the biosignals of at least one user detected over a period of time, and / or (iii) the temperature setting of a part of a furniture item over a period of time. The processor can utilize the GUIs on the user personal device and the doctor's personal device to allow the user and the doctor to communicate and share information (e.g., voice, text, image, video, etc.). Such a GUI can reduce the time for the user to consult the doctor to discuss the user's biosignals, sleep patterns, and / or physical condition.

[0213] The processor may be capable of using artificial intelligence (e.g., one or more machine learning algorithms) to analyze a database containing biometric signals, sleep patterns, and / or temperature settings of furniture items for multiple users. One or more machine learning algorithms of the artificial intelligence may be capable of comparing multiple data in the database and creating a group of two or more users based on the comparison.

[0214] The processor may be operatively coupled to other components and their configurations described in the foregoing system for regulating the temperature of a portion of the furniture item.

[0215] One or more components described in the foregoing system for regulating the temperature of a portion of the furniture item may be encapsulated in a temperature regulation tower. In some cases, the temperature regulation tower may include one or more reservoirs, one or more valves, one or more temperature regulators, one or more pumps, or a combination thereof. The components of the temperature regulation tower may be in fluid communication with each other (directly or indirectly). The temperature regulation tower may be in fluid communication with the furniture item, such as, for example, one or more portions of the furniture item (e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more portions of the furniture item). In some cases, the temperature regulation tower may be in fluid communication with multiple furniture items (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more beds). In an example, a common temperature regulation tower including a common reservoir and two or more temperature regulators may be in fluid communication with two or more furniture items to regulate (independently or consistently) the temperature of the two or more furniture items. In another example, a common temperature regulation tower including a common reservoir and multiple temperature regulators may be in fluid communication with multiple beds (e.g., multiple cribs) to regulate (independently or consistently) the temperature of the multiple beds. In some cases, the furniture item may be in fluid communication with one or more temperature regulation towers.

[0216] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the method comprising: (a) providing a temperature regulator that is in fluid communication with (i) a portion of the furniture item capable of holding fluid and (ii) a reservoir capable of containing fluid, wherein the temperature regulator is capable of regulating the temperature of the fluid; and (b) controlling the temperature regulator by a computer system to regulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby regulating the temperature of a portion of the furniture item. The methods disclosed herein may utilize all components, configurations, and uses described in the foregoing system to regulate the temperature of the furniture item.

[0217] The method may further comprise controlling the temperature regulator by a computer system to regulate the temperature of the fluid not in the reservoir (or not in the container of the reservoir). The temperature of the fluid in the reservoir may or may not be regulated.

[0218] The computer system may include a computer program product that includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable code encoded therein, the computer-executable code being adapted to be executed to implement the method of regulating the temperature of a furniture item as described above.

[0219] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the system including: a furniture item including a first portion and a second portion, where each of the first portion and the second portion is configured to hold a fluid; a common temperature controller configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid, where the common temperature controller includes (i) a first passage in fluid communication with the first portion of the furniture item, and (ii) a second passage in fluid communication with the second portion of the furniture item, where the first passage and the second passage are configured to hold the fluid; and a processor operably coupled to the common temperature controller, the processor being programmed to control the common temperature controller to regulate the temperature of the fluid so as to independently regulate a first temperature of the first portion of the furniture item and a second temperature of the second portion of the furniture item. The system disclosed herein may utilize all of the components, configurations, and uses described in the foregoing systems and methods to regulate the temperature of a furniture item.

[0220] The first portion and the second portion of the furniture item may be different. In use, the first portion and the second portion of the furniture item may be used (e.g., occupied) by a common user (or the same user). Alternatively or in addition, in use, the first portion and the second portion of the furniture item may be used (e.g., occupied) by different users.

[0221] The common temperature controller may include a reservoir in fluid communication with the first passage and the second passage of the common temperature controller, the reservoir being configured to hold the fluid. The reservoir may or may not be configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid.

[0222] The common temperature controller may include (i) a first temperature regulator in fluid communication with the first passage and configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid, and / or (ii) a second temperature regulator in fluid communication with the second passage and configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid. The first temperature regulator and the second temperature regulator may or may not be part of the reservoir. The first temperature regulator and / or the second temperature regulator may be a thermoelectric engine. The first temperature generator and the second temperature generator may or may not be in fluid communication with each other.

[0223] A common temperature controller may include: (i) a first pump in fluid communication with a first channel, the first pump configured to direct fluid flow between the first channel and a first portion of a furniture item; and / or (ii) a second pump in fluid communication with a second channel, the second pump configured to direct fluid flow between the second channel and a second portion of the furniture item. The first pump may be in fluid communication with a reservoir, a first temperature regulator, and / or the first portion of the furniture item (e.g., at least via the first channel of the common temperature controller). The second pump may be in fluid communication with a reservoir, a second temperature regulator, and / or the second portion of the furniture item (e.g., at least via the second channel of the common temperature regulator). The first pump and the second pump may be in communication with each other or may not be in communication with each other.

[0224] The common temperature controller may include (i) a first gate disposed between the reservoir and the first temperature regulator, the first gate configured to prevent fluid flow away from the first temperature regulator and toward the reservoir, and / or (ii) a second gate disposed between the reservoir and the second temperature regulator, the second gate configured to prevent fluid flow away from the second temperature regulator and toward the reservoir. In some cases, the first gate may be disposed between the reservoir and the first pump, and the first pump may be disposed between the first gate and the first temperature regulator. In some cases, the second gate may be disposed between the reservoir and the second pump, and the second pump may be disposed between the second gate and the second temperature generator. The first gate may be in fluid communication with the reservoir, the first pump, the first temperature generator, and / or the first portion of the furniture item (e.g., at least via the first channel of the common temperature controller). The second gate may be in fluid communication with the reservoir, the second pump, the second temperature generator, and / or the second portion of the furniture item (e.g., at least via the second channel of the common temperature regulator). The first gate and the second gate may be in communication with each other or may not be in communication with each other.

[0225] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of a furniture item, the method including: (a) providing a common temperature controller configured to regulate the temperature of a fluid, where the common temperature controller includes (i) a first channel in fluid communication with a first portion of the furniture item, and (ii) a second channel in fluid communication with a second portion of the furniture item, where the first portion and the second portion of the furniture item are configured to hold fluid, and where the first channel and the second channel are configured to hold fluid; and (b) controlling the common temperature controller to regulate the temperature of the fluid so as to independently regulate a first temperature of the first portion of the furniture item and a second temperature of the second portion of the furniture item. The methods disclosed herein may utilize all of the components, configurations, and uses described in the foregoing systems and methods to regulate the temperature of the furniture item.

[0226] Figures 23A through 23HAn example of a system for regulating the temperature of a furniture item (e.g., a bed, a mattress, or a mattress topper) is schematically shown, the system comprising a fluid circuit (e.g., a water circuit). Reference Figure 23A, system 2300 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to hold a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 configured to hold the fluid (e.g., a removable or non-removable container). Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid held in the container 2315. System 2300 includes a pump 2330 in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the pump 2330 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. System 2300 includes a temperature regulator 2340 in fluid communication with the pump 2330 (and thus indirectly in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310). The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 (e.g., maintain, increase, and / or decrease). The temperature regulator 2340 can be multiple temperature regulators (or multiple temperature regulation units), where each temperature regulator among the multiple temperature regulators is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 either consistently or independently of each other. The temperature regulator 2340 can include a thermoelectric engine. The pump 2330 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310, and (ii) direct the fluid 2320 to flow from the pump 2330 to the temperature regulator 2340. System 2300 includes a portion 2355 of a furniture item 2350 configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The portion 2355 of the furniture includes channels 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of multiple channels) configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 can be held in and / or flow through the channels 2360 to regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture. The channels 2360 are in fluid communication with the temperature regulator 2340 and the pump 2330. The pump 2330 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 to flow from the channels 2360 to the temperature regulator 2340. The fluid circuit (e.g., water circuit) of system 2300 includes the fluid 2320 flowing away from the pump 2330, to the temperature regulator 2340, to the channels 2360 of the portion 2355 of the furniture, and back to the pump 2330. The pump 2330 is configured to draw the flow of the fluid 2320 out of the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the drawn fluid 2320 to the fluid circuit. The pump 2330 separates (i) the fluid 2320 held in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 flowing into, through, and / or adjacent to the temperature regulator 2340. The temperature regulator 2340 is not part of the reservoir 2310.System 2300 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biometric signals (e.g., cardiac signals, respiratory signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 can be part of furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 and a portion 2355 of the furniture can be in different parts of furniture item 2350. System 2300 can regulate the temperature of a portion 2355 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biometric signals of at least one user of furniture item 2350.

[0227] Reference Figure 23B, the system 2301 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to hold a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 configured to hold the fluid (e.g., a removable or non-removable container). Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid held in the container 2315. The system 2301 includes a pump 2331 that is in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the pump 2331 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The system 2301 includes a portion 2355 of a furniture item 2350 configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The portion 2355 of the furniture includes channels 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of channels) configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 may be held in and / or flow through the channels 2360 to regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture. The channels 2360 are in fluid communication with the pump 2331. The pump 2331 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310, and (ii) direct the fluid 2320 to flow from the pump 2331 to the channels 2360. The system 2301 includes a temperature regulator 2341 in fluid communication with the channels 2360 and the pump 2331. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 (e.g., maintain, increase, and / or decrease). The temperature regulator 2341 may be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulation units), where each temperature regulator of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 either consistently or independently of each other. The temperature regulator 2341 may include a thermoelectric engine. The pump 2331 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 to flow from the temperature regulator 2341 to the channels 2360. The fluid circuit (e.g., water circuit) of the system 2301 includes the fluid 2320 flowing away from the pump 2331, to the channels 2360 of the portion 2355 of the furniture, to the temperature regulator 2341, and back to the pump 2331. The pump 2331 is configured to draw the flow of the fluid 2320 out of the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the drawn fluid 2320 to the fluid circuit. The pump 2331 separates (i) the fluid 2320 held in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 flowing into, through, and / or adjacent to the temperature regulator 2341. The temperature regulator 2341 is not part of the reservoir 2310.The system 2301 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biometric signals (e.g., cardiac signals, respiratory signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 can be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 and a part 2355 of the furniture can be in different parts of the furniture item 2350. The system 2301 can regulate the temperature of a part 2355 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biometric signals of at least one user of the furniture item 2350.

[0228] Reference Figure 23C, the system 2302 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to hold a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 configured to hold the fluid (e.g., a removable or non-removable container). Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid held in the container 2315. The system 2302 includes a valve 2370 in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2370 can be a gravity valve that only allows the fluid 2320 to flow in a direction away from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and toward the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2370 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The system 2302 includes a pump 2330 in fluid communication with the valve 2370. The pump 2330 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2370. The system 2302 includes a temperature regulator 2340 in fluid communication with the pump 2330. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 (e.g., maintain, increase, and / or decrease). The temperature regulator 2340 can be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulation units), where each temperature regulator of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 either consistently or independently of each other. The temperature regulator 2340 can include a thermoelectric engine. The pump 2330 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2370, and (ii) direct the fluid 2320 to flow from the pump 2330 to the temperature regulator 2340. The system 2302 includes a portion 2355 of a furniture item 2350 configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The portion 2355 of the furniture includes channels 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of channels) configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 can be held in and / or flow through the channels 2360 to regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture. The channels 2360 are in fluid communication with the temperature regulator 2340 and the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to permit the fluid 2320 to flow from the channels 2360 and toward the pump 2330. The fluid circuit (e.g., a water circuit) of the system 2302 includes the fluid 2320 flowing away from the valve 2370, to the pump 2330, to the temperature regulator 2340, to the channels 2360 of the portion 2355 of the furniture, and back to the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the received fluid 2320 to the fluid circuit.Valve 2370 separates (i) fluid 2320 contained in container 2315 of reservoir 2310 from (ii) fluid 2320 flowing into, through, and / or adjacent to temperature regulator 2340. Temperature regulator 2340 is not part of reservoir 2310. System 2302 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., cardiac signals, respiratory signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of furniture item 2350. One or more sensors 2365 may be part of furniture item 2350. One or more sensors 2365 and a portion 2355 of the furniture may be in different parts of furniture item 2350. System 2302 may regulate the temperature of a portion 2355 of the furniture at least in part based on the detected biosignals of at least one user of furniture item 2350.

[0229] Reference Figure 23D, system 2303 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to hold a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to hold the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. System 2303 includes a valve 2371 in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2371 can be a gravity valve that only allows the fluid 2320 to flow away from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and in the direction of the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2371 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. System 2303 includes a pump 2331 in fluid communication with the valve 2371. The pump 2331 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2371. System 2303 includes a portion 2355 of a furniture item 2350 configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The portion 2355 of the furniture includes a passage 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of multiple passages) configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 can be held in and / or flow through the passage 2360 to regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture. The passage 2360 is in fluid communication with the pump 2331. The pump 2331 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2371, and (ii) direct the fluid 2320 to flow from the pump 2331 to the passage 2360. System 2303 includes a temperature regulator 2341 in fluid communication with the passage 2360 and the valve 2371. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 (e.g., maintain, increase, and / or decrease). The temperature regulator 2341 can be multiple temperature regulators (or multiple temperature regulation units), where each temperature regulator among the multiple temperature regulators is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 either consistently or independently of each other. The temperature regulator 2341 can include a thermoelectric engine. The valve 2371 is configured to permit the fluid 2320 to flow from the temperature regulator 2341 and towards the pump 2331. The fluid circuit (e.g., water circuit) of system 2303 includes the fluid 2320 flowing away from the valve 2371, flowing to the pump 2331, flowing to the passage 2360 of the portion 2355 of the furniture, flowing to the temperature regulator 2341, and flowing back to the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the received fluid 2320 to the fluid circuit. The valve 2371 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 flowing into, through, and / or adjacent to the temperature regulator 2341.The temperature regulator 2341 is not part of the reservoir 2310. The system 2303 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biometric signals (e.g., cardiac signals, respiratory signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 can be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 and a part 2355 of the furniture can be in different parts of the furniture item 2350. The system 2303 can regulate the temperature of a part 2355 of the furniture at least partially based on the detected biometric signals of at least one user of the furniture item 2350.

[0230] Reference Figure 23E, the system 2304 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to hold a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to hold the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid held in the container 2315. The system 2304 includes a valve 2370 in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2370 can be a gravity valve that only allows the fluid 2320 to flow in a direction away from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and towards the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2370 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The system 2304 includes a temperature regulator 2340 in fluid communication with the valve 2370. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2370. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 (e.g., maintain, increase, and / or decrease). The temperature regulator 2340 can be multiple temperature regulators (or multiple temperature regulation units), where each temperature regulator among the multiple temperature regulators is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 either consistently or independently of each other. The temperature regulator 2340 can include a thermoelectric engine. The system 2304 includes a pump 2330 in fluid communication with the temperature regulator 2340. The pump 2330 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the temperature regulator 2340, and (ii) direct the fluid 2320 from the pump 2330 and towards a furniture item 2350. The system 2304 includes a portion 2355 of the furniture item 2350 configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. A portion 2355 of the furniture includes channels 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of multiple channels) configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 can be held in and / or flow through the channels 2360 to regulate the temperature of a portion 2355 of the furniture. The channels 2360 can be in fluid communication with the pump 2330 and the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to permit the fluid 2320 to flow from the channels 2360 and towards the temperature regulator 2340. The fluid circuit (e.g., water circuit) of the system 2304 includes the fluid 2320 flowing away from the valve 2370, flowing to the temperature regulator 2340, flowing to the pump 2330, flowing to the channels 2360 of a portion 2355 of the furniture, and flowing back to the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the received fluid 2320 to the fluid circuit.Valve 2370 separates (i) fluid 2320 contained in container 2315 of reservoir 2310 from (ii) fluid 2320 flowing into, through, and / or adjacent to temperature regulator 2340. Temperature regulator 2340 is not part of reservoir 2310. System 2304 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., cardiac signals, respiratory signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of furniture item 2350. One or more sensors 2365 can be part of furniture item 2350. One or more sensors 2365 and a portion 2355 of the furniture can be in different parts of furniture item 2350. System 2304 can regulate the temperature of a portion 2355 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user of furniture item 2350.

[0231] Reference Figure 23F, the system 2305 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to hold a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to hold the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid held in the container 2315. The system 2305 includes a valve 2371 in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2371 can be a gravity valve that only allows the fluid 2320 to flow away from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and in the direction of the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2371 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The system 2305 includes a temperature regulator 2341 in fluid communication with the valve 2371. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2371. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 (e.g., maintain, increase, and / or decrease). The temperature regulator 2341 can be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulation units), where each temperature regulator among the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 either consistently or independently of each other. The temperature regulator 2341 can include a thermoelectric engine. The system 2304 includes a portion 2355 of a furniture item 2350 configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The portion 2355 of the furniture includes a passage 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of a plurality of passages) configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 can be held in and / or flow through the passage 2360 to regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture. The passage 2360 can be in fluid communication with the temperature regulator 2341. The system 2305 includes a pump 2331 in fluid communication with the passage 2360. The pump 2331 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the passage 2360 and (ii) direct the fluid 2320 from the pump 2331 and towards the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to permit the fluid 2320 to flow from the pump 2331 and towards the temperature regulator 2341. The fluid circuit (e.g., water circuit) of the system 2305 includes the fluid 2320 flowing away from the valve 2371, flowing to the temperature regulator 2341, flowing to the passage 2360 of the portion 2355 of the furniture, flowing to the pump 2331, and flowing back to the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the received fluid 2320 to the fluid circuit.Valve 2371 separates (i) fluid 2320 contained within container 2315 of reservoir 2310 from (ii) fluid 2320 flowing into, through, and / or adjacent to temperature regulator 2341. Temperature regulator 2341 is not part of reservoir 2310. System 2305 further includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biometric signals (e.g., cardiac signals, respiratory signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of furniture item 2350. One or more sensors 2365 may be part of furniture item 2350. One or more sensors 2365 and a portion 2355 of the furniture may be in different parts of furniture item 2350. System 2305 may regulate the temperature of a portion 2355 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biometric signals of at least one user of furniture item 2350.

[0232] Reference Figure 23G, the system 2306 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 configured to contain the fluid (e.g., a removable or non-removable container). Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. The system 2306 includes a valve 2370 that is in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2370 can be a gravity valve that only allows the fluid 2320 to flow in a direction away from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and towards the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2370 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The system 2306 includes a portion 2355 of a furniture item 2350 configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The portion 2355 of the furniture includes channels 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of channels) configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 can be held in and / or flow through the channels 2360 to regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture. The channels 2360 can be in fluid communication with the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to permit the fluid 2320 to flow from the container 2315 and towards the channels 2360. The system 2306 includes a temperature regulator 2340 in fluid communication with the channels 2360. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the channels 2360. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 (e.g., maintain, increase, and / or decrease). The temperature regulator 2340 can be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulation units), where each temperature regulator of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 either consistently or independently of each other. The temperature regulator 2340 can include a thermoelectric engine. The system 2306 includes a pump 2330 in fluid communication with the temperature regulator 2340 and the valve 2370. The pump 2330 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the temperature regulator 2340, and (ii) direct the fluid 2320 from the pump 2330 and towards the valve 2370. The fluid circuit (e.g., a water circuit) of the system 2306 includes the fluid 2320 flowing away from the valve 2370, flowing into the channels 2360 of the portion 2355 of the furniture, flowing into the temperature regulator 2340, flowing into the pump 2330, and flowing back to the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the received fluid 2320 to the fluid circuit.Valve 2370 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained within the vessel 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 flowing into, through, and / or adjacent to the temperature regulator 2340. The temperature regulator 2340 is not part of the reservoir 2310. The system 2306 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biosignals (e.g., cardiac signals, respiratory signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 may be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 and a portion 2355 of the furniture may be in different parts of the furniture item 2350. The system 2306 may regulate the temperature of a portion 2355 of the furniture based at least in part on the detected biosignals of at least one user of the furniture item 2350.

[0233] Reference Figure 23H, the system 2307 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 configured to contain the fluid (e.g., a removable or non-removable container). Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. The system 2307 includes a valve 2371 in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2371 can be a gravity valve that only allows the fluid 2320 to flow in a direction away from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and towards the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2371 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The system 2307 includes a portion 2355 of a furniture item 2350 configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The portion 2355 of the furniture includes a passageway 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of multiple passageways) configured to hold and permit the flow of the fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 can be held in and / or flow through the passageway 2360 to regulate the temperature of the portion 2355 of the furniture. The passageway 2360 can be in fluid communication with the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to permit the fluid 2320 to flow from the container 2315 and towards the passageway 2360. The system 2307 includes a pump 2331 in fluid communication with the passageway 2360. The pump 2331 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the passageway 2360, and (ii) direct the fluid 2320 from the pump 2331 and towards a temperature regulator 2341. The system 2307 includes a temperature regulator 2341 in fluid communication with the pump 2331 and the valve 2371. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the pump 2331. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 (e.g., maintain, increase, and / or decrease). The temperature regulator 2341 can be multiple temperature regulators (or multiple temperature regulation units), where each temperature regulator among the multiple temperature regulators is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 either consistently or independently of each other. The temperature regulator 2341 can include a thermoelectric engine. The fluid circuit (e.g., a water circuit) of the system 2307 includes the fluid 2320 flowing away from the valve 2371, flowing into the passageway 2360 of the portion 2355 of the furniture, flowing into the pump 2331, flowing into the temperature regulator 2341, and flowing back to the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the received fluid 2320 to the fluid circuit.The valve 2371 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained within the vessel 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 flowing into, through, and / or adjacent to the temperature regulator 2341. The temperature regulator 2341 is not part of the reservoir 2310. The system 2307 further includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biometric signals (e.g., cardiac signals, respiratory signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 can be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 and a portion 2355 of the furniture can be in different portions of the furniture item 2350. The system 2307 can regulate the temperature of a portion 2355 of the furniture at least in part based on the detected biometric signals of at least one user of the furniture item 2350.

[0234] As Figures 23A through 23F shown, at least two fluid circuits (e.g., at least about 2, 3, 4, 5, or more fluid circuits) or functional modifications thereof can be combined into a common system that includes a common reservoir. The common system can include a common furniture item (e.g., a bed). At least two fluid circuits can be in fluid communication with the common furniture item (e.g., in fluid communication with at least two different portions of the common furniture item). At least two fluid circuits can be in fluid communication with the common reservoir. A processor can be configured to control (independently or in concert) the at least two fluid circuits to regulate the temperature of the fluid in each of the at least two fluid circuits, thereby regulating (independently or in concert) the temperature of at least two different portions of the common furniture item. Alternatively or in addition, the common system can include at least two furniture items (e.g., at least two beds). Each of the at least two fluid circuits can be in fluid communication with each of the at least two furniture items. A processor can be configured to control (independently or in concert) the at least two fluid circuits to regulate the temperature of the fluid in each of the at least two fluid circuits, thereby regulating (independently or in concert) the temperature of the at least two furniture items. The at least two fluid circuits in fluid communication with the common reservoir can have the same fluid flow direction or different fluid flow directions. FIG. 24 shows an example of such a system that includes a common reservoir and at least two fluid circuits.

[0235] Figures 24A through 24F An example of a system for regulating the temperature of two portions of a furniture item (e.g., a bed, a mattress, or a mattress pad) is schematically shown, the system including two fluid circuits (e.g., two water circuits). Refer Figure 24A, system 2400 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to hold a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to hold the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. System 2400 includes two fluid circuits that are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid circuits may be in fluid communication with each other or may not be in fluid communication with each other. The reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid circuits of the system 2400. The first fluid circuit includes (i) a pump 2330, (ii) a temperature regulator 2340, and (iii) a passage 2360 of a portion 2355 of a furniture item 2350. The pump 2330 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the pump 2330 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit from the pump 2330 to the temperature regulator 2340, to the passage 2360, and back to the pump 2330. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit. The second circuit may include features that may be the same as or different from the first circuit. Reference Figure 24A , the second fluid circuit includes (i) a pump 2331, (ii) a temperature regulator 2341, and (iii) a passage 2361 of a portion 2356 of a furniture item 2350. The pump 2331 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the pump 2331 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit from the pump 2331 to the temperature regulator 2341, to the passage 2361, and back to the pump 2331. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit. System 2400 further includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biometric signals (e.g., cardiac signals, respiratory signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 may be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365, a portion 2355 of the furniture, and a portion 2356 of the furniture may be in different parts of the furniture item 2350. System 2400 may regulate the temperature of a portion 2355 of the furniture and / or the temperature of a portion 2356 of the furniture at least in part based on the detected biometric signals of at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of the furniture item 2350. AsFigure 23A As shown, the first fluid circuit of system 2400 can utilize all the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2300. As Figure 23A shown, the second fluid circuit of system 2400 can utilize all the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2300.

[0236] Referring Figure 24B , system 2401 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 configured to contain the fluid (e.g., a removable or non-removable container). Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. System 2401 includes two fluid circuits that are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid circuits may be in fluid communication with each other or may not be in fluid communication with each other. The reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid circuits of system 2401. The first fluid circuit includes (i) a pump 2330, (ii) a temperature regulator 2340, and (iii) a passage 2360 of a portion 2355 of a furniture item 2350. The pump 2330 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the pump 2330 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit from the pump 2330 to the passage 2360, to the temperature regulator 2340, and back to the pump 2330. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit. The second circuit may include features that may be the same as or different from the first circuit. Referring Figure 24B, the second fluid circuit includes (i) a pump 2331, (ii) a temperature regulator 2341, and (iii) a passage 2361 of a part 2356 of a furniture item 2350. The pump 2331 is configured to retrieve or receive fluid 2320 from a container 2315 of a reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the pump 2331 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit to flow from the pump 2331 to the passage 2361, to the temperature regulator 2341, and back to the pump 2331. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit. The system 2401 further includes one or more sensors 2365 that are configured to detect biometric signals (e.g., heart signals, respiration signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 can be a part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365, a part 2355 of the furniture, and a part 2356 of the furniture can be in different parts of the furniture item 2350. The system 2401 can regulate the temperature of a part 2355 of the furniture and / or the temperature of a part 2356 of the furniture at least partially based on the detected biometric signals of at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of the furniture item 2350. As Figure 23B shown, the first fluid circuit of the system 2401 can utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of the system 2301. As Figure 23B shown, the second fluid circuit of the system 2401 can utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of the system 2301.

[0237] Reference Figure 24C, system 2402 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to hold a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 configured to hold the fluid (e.g., a removable or non-removable container). Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. System 2402 includes two fluid circuits that are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid circuits may be in fluid communication with each other or may not be in fluid communication with each other. The reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid circuits of system 2402. The first fluid circuit includes (i) a pump 2330, (ii) a temperature regulator 2340, and (iii) a passage 2360 of a portion 2355 of a furniture item 2350. The pump 2330 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the pump 2330 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit from the pump 2330 to the temperature regulator 2340, to the passage 2360, and back to the pump 2330. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit. The second circuit may include features that may be the same as or different from the first circuit. Reference Figure 24C , the second fluid circuit includes (i) a pump 2331, (ii) a temperature regulator 2341, and (iii) a passage 2361 of a portion 2356 of a furniture item 2350. The pump 2331 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the pump 2331 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit from the pump 2331 to the passage 2361, to the temperature regulator 2341, and back to the pump 2331. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit. System 2402 further includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect a biosignal (e.g., a cardiac signal, a respiratory signal, movement, temperature, and / or sweating) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 may be part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365, a portion 2355 of the furniture, and a portion 2356 of the furniture may be in different parts of the furniture item 2350. System 2402 may regulate the temperature of a portion 2355 of the furniture and / or the temperature of a portion 2356 of the furniture at least in part based on the detected biosignal of at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of the furniture item 2350. AsFigure 23A As shown, the first fluid circuit of system 2402 can utilize all the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2300. As Figure 23B shown, the second fluid circuit of system 2402 can utilize all the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2301.

[0238] Referring Figure 24D , system 2403 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to hold a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 configured to hold the fluid (e.g., a removable or non-removable container). Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid held in the container 2315. System 2403 includes two fluid circuits that are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid circuits may be in fluid communication with each other or may not be in fluid communication with each other. The reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid circuits of system 2403. The first fluid circuit includes (i) a valve 2370, (ii) a pump 2330, (iii) a temperature regulator 2340, and (iv) a passage 2360 of a portion 2355 of a furniture item 2350. The valve 2370 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2370 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2370 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit from the valve 2370 to the pump 2330, to the temperature regulator 2340, to the passage 2360, and back to the valve 2370. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit. The second circuit may include features that may be the same as or different from the first circuit. Referring Figure 24D, the second fluid circuit includes (i) valve 2371, (ii) pump 2331, (iii) temperature regulator 2341, and (iv) passage 2361 of a portion 2356 of furniture item 2350. Valve 2371 is configured to retrieve or receive (e.g., by gravity) fluid 2320 from container 2315 of reservoir 2310. Valve 2371 is configured to prevent fluid 2320 from flowing away from valve 2371 and back into container 2315 of reservoir 2310. Pump 2331 is configured to direct fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit from valve 2371 to pump 2331, to temperature regulator 2341, to passage 2361 and back to valve 2371. Temperature regulator 2341 is configured to regulate the temperature of fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit. System 2403 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biometric signals (e.g., cardiac signals, respiratory signals, movement, temperature, and / or sweating) of at least one user of furniture item 2350. One or more sensors 2365 can be part of furniture item 2350. One or more sensors 2365, portion 2355 of the furniture, and portion 2356 of the furniture can be in different parts of furniture item 2350. System 2403 can regulate the temperature of portion 2355 of the furniture and / or the temperature of portion 2356 of the furniture at least partially based on the detected biometric signals of at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of furniture item 2350. As Figure 23C shown, the first fluid circuit of system 2403 can utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2302. As Figure 23C shown, the second fluid circuit of system 2403 can utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2302.

[0239] Reference Figure 24E, system 2404 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to hold a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to hold the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. System 2404 includes two fluid circuits that are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid circuits may be in fluid communication with each other or may not be in fluid communication with each other. The reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid circuits of system 2403. The first fluid circuit includes (i) a valve 2370, (ii) a pump 2330, (iii) a temperature regulator 2340, and (iv) a passage 2360 of a portion 2355 of a furniture item 2350. The valve 2370 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2370 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2370 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit from the valve 2370 to the pump 2330, to the passage 2360, to the temperature regulator 2340, and back to the valve 2370. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit. The second circuit may include features that may be the same as or different from the first circuit. Reference Figure 24E, the second fluid circuit includes (i) valve 2371, (ii) pump 2331, (iii) temperature regulator 2341, and (iv) passage 2361 of a portion 2356 of furniture item 2350. Valve 2371 is configured to retrieve or receive (e.g., by gravity) fluid 2320 from container 2315 of reservoir 2310. Valve 2371 is configured to prevent fluid 2320 from flowing away from valve 2371 and back into container 2315 of reservoir 2310. Pump 2331 is configured to direct fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit from valve 2371 to pump 2331, to passage 2361, to temperature regulator 2341, and back to valve 2371. Temperature regulator 2341 is configured to regulate the temperature of fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit. System 2404 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biometric signals (e.g., cardiac signals, respiratory signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of furniture item 2350. One or more sensors 2365 can be a part of furniture item 2350. One or more sensors 2365, a portion 2355 of the furniture, and a portion 2356 of the furniture can be in different parts of furniture item 2350. System 2404 can regulate the temperature of a portion 2355 of the furniture and / or the temperature of a portion 2356 of the furniture at least partially based on the detected biometric signals of at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of furniture item 2350. As Figure 23D shown, the first fluid circuit of system 2404 can utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2303. As Figure 23D shown, the second fluid circuit of system 2404 can utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2303.

[0240] Reference Figure 24F, System 2405 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to contain a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 configured to contain the fluid (e.g., a removable or non-removable container). Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. System 2405 includes two fluid circuits that are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid circuits may be in fluid communication with each other or may not be in fluid communication with each other. The reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid circuits of System 2405. The first fluid circuit includes (i) a valve 2370, (ii) a pump 2330, (iii) a temperature regulator 2340, and (iv) a passage 2360 of a portion 2355 of a furniture item 2350. The valve 2370 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2370 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2370 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit from the valve 2370 to the pump 2330, to the temperature regulator 2340, to the passage 2360, and back to the valve 2370. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit. The second circuit may include features that may be the same as or different from the first circuit. Reference Figure 24F, the second fluid circuit includes (i) valve 2371, (ii) pump 2331, (iii) temperature regulator 2341, and (iv) passage 2361 of a part 2356 of furniture item 2350. Valve 2371 is configured to retrieve or receive (e.g., by gravity) fluid 2320 from container 2315 of reservoir 2310. Valve 2371 is configured to prevent fluid 2320 from flowing away from valve 2371 and back into container 2315 of reservoir 2310. Pump 2331 is configured to direct fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit from valve 2371 to pump 2331, to passage 2361, to temperature regulator 2341 and back to valve 2371. Temperature regulator 2341 is configured to regulate the temperature of fluid 2320 in the second fluid circuit. System 2405 also includes one or more sensors 2365, the one or more sensors 2365 being configured to detect biosignals (e.g., heart signals, respiration signals, movement, temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of furniture item 2350. One or more sensors 2365 may be part of furniture item 2350. One or more sensors 2365, part 2355 of the furniture, and part 2356 of the furniture may be in different parts of furniture item 2350. System 2405 may regulate the temperature of part 2355 of the furniture and / or the temperature of part 2356 of the furniture at least partially based on the detected biosignals of at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of furniture item 2350. As Figure 23C shown, the first fluid circuit of system 2405 may utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2302. As Figure 23D shown, the second fluid circuit of system 2404 may utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2303.

[0241] Reference Figure 24G, system 2406 includes a reservoir 2310 configured to hold a fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir includes a container 2315 configured to hold the fluid (e.g., a removable or non-removable container). Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the container 2315. System 2406 includes two fluid circuits that are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid circuits may be in fluid communication with each other or may not be in fluid communication with each other. The reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid circuits of system 2406. The first fluid circuit includes (i) a valve 2370, (ii) a temperature regulator 2340, (iii) a passage 2360 of a portion 2355 of a furniture item 2350, and (iv) a pump 2330. The valve 2370 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravity) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2370 is configured to prevent the fluid 2320 from flowing away from the valve 2370 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit. The pump 2330 is configured to direct the fluid 2320 in the first fluid circuit from the valve 2370 to the temperature regulator 2340, to the passage 2360, to the pump 2330, and back to the valve 2370. The second circuit may include features that may be the same as or different from the first circuit. Reference Figure 24G , the second fluid circuit includes the same features as the first circuit. System 2406 also includes one or more sensors 2365 configured to detect biometric signals (e.g., cardiac signals, respiratory signals, movement, temperature, and / or sweating) of at least one user of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365 may be a part of the furniture item 2350. The one or more sensors 2365, a portion 2355 of the furniture, and a portion 2356 of the furniture may be in different parts of the furniture item 2350. System 2406 may regulate the temperature of a portion 2355 of the furniture and / or the temperature of a portion 2356 of the furniture at least in part based on the detected biometric signals of at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of the furniture item 2350. As Figure 23F shown, the first fluid circuit of system 2406 may utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2305. As Figure 23F shown, the second fluid circuit of system 2406 may utilize all of the components and configurations described in the fluid circuit of system 2305.

[0242] Figure 25An example of a method for regulating the temperature of a furniture item is shown. The method may include providing a temperature regulator in fluid communication with (i) a portion of the furniture item capable of holding a fluid and (ii) a reservoir capable of containing the fluid, wherein the temperature regulator is capable of regulating the temperature of the fluid when the reservoir does not contain the fluid (process 2510). The method may include regulating the temperature of the fluid by controlling the temperature regulator with a computer system to thereby regulate the temperature of a portion of the furniture item (process 2520).

[0243] Figure 26 Another example of a method for regulating the temperature of a furniture item is shown. The method may include providing a common temperature controller configured to regulate the temperature of a fluid, wherein the common temperature controller includes (i) a first channel in fluid communication with a first portion of the furniture item and (ii) a second channel in fluid communication with a second portion of the furniture item, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the furniture item are configured to hold the fluid, and wherein the first channel and the second channel are configured to hold the fluid (process 2610). The method may include controlling the common temperature controller to regulate the temperature of the fluid to thereby independently regulate a first temperature of the first portion of the furniture item and a second temperature of the second portion of the furniture item (process 2620).

[0244] Bio-signal processing

[0245] The techniques disclosed herein classify the sleep stages associated with a user as light sleep, deep sleep, or REM sleep. Light sleep includes stage 1 sleep and stage 2 sleep. The techniques perform the classification based on the respiration rate associated with the user, the heart rate associated with the user, the movement associated with the user, and the body temperature associated with the user. Generally, when a user wakes up, the respiration is unstable. When the user is sleeping, the respiration becomes regular. The transition between waking and sleeping is fast and lasts less than 1 minute.

[0246] Figure 8A flowchart of a process for recommending a bedtime to a user according to one embodiment. At block 800, the process obtains a history of sleep stage information associated with the user. The history of sleep stage information includes the amount of time the user spends in each of the sleep stages, light sleep, deep sleep, or REM sleep. The history of sleep stage information can be stored in a database associated with the user. Based on this information, the process determines how much light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep the user needs on average per day. In another embodiment, the history of sleep stage information includes the average bedtime associated with the user for each day of the week (e.g., the average bedtime associated with the user on Monday, the average bedtime associated with the user on Tuesday, etc.). At block 810, the process obtains a wake-up time specified by the user, such as an alarm setting associated with the user. At block 820, the process obtains exercise information associated with the user, such as the distance the user ran that day, the amount of time the user spent exercising at the gym, or the number of calories the user burned that day. According to one embodiment, the process obtains the exercise information from the user's phone, a wearable device, a Titbit bracelet, or a database storing exercise information. Based on all this information, at block 830, the process recommends a bedtime to the user. For example, if the user has not gotten enough deep sleep and REM sleep in the past few days, the process recommends an earlier bedtime to the user. Additionally, if the user exercises more than the average daily exercise amount, the process recommends an earlier bedtime to the user.

[0247] Figure 9It is a flowchart of a process for activating a user alert according to an embodiment. At block 900, the process obtains a composite biometric signal associated with the user. The composite biometric signal associated with the user includes a heart rate associated with the user and a respiration rate associated with the user. According to an embodiment, the process obtains the composite biometric signal from a sensor associated with the user. At block 910, the process extracts a heart rate signal from the composite biometric signal. For example, the process extracts the heart rate signal associated with the user by performing low-pass filtering on the composite biometric signal. Additionally, at block 920, the process extracts a respiration rate signal from the composite biometric signal. For example, the process extracts the respiration rate by performing band-pass filtering on the composite biometric signal. The respiration rate signal includes the respiration duration, the pause between respirations, and the number of respirations per minute. At block 930, the process obtains the user's wake-up time, such as an alert setting associated with the user. Based on the heart rate signal and the respiration rate signal, the process determines the sleep stage associated with the user, and if the user is in light sleep and the current time is at most one hour earlier than the alert time, then at block 940, the process activates the alarm. Waking up the user during deep sleep or REM sleep is harmful to the user's health because the user will feel disoriented, groggy, and will suffer from impaired memory. Therefore, at block 950, when the user is in light sleep and the current time is at most one hour earlier than the user-specified wake-up time, the process activates the alarm.

[0248] Figure 10 It is a flowchart of a process for turning off an electrical appliance according to an embodiment. At block 1000, the process obtains a composite biometric signal associated with the user. The composite biometric signal includes a heart rate associated with the user and a respiration rate associated with the user. According to an embodiment, the process obtains the composite biometric signal from a sensor associated with the user. At block 1010, the process extracts a heart rate signal from the composite biometric signal by, for example, performing low-pass filtering on the composite biometric signal. Additionally, at block 1020, the process extracts a respiration rate signal from the composite biometric signal by, for example, performing band-pass filtering on the composite biometric signal. At block 1030, the process obtains environmental characteristics from an environmental sensor associated with the sensor strip, including temperature, humidity, light, sound. Based on the environmental characteristics and the sleep state associated with the user, at block 1040, the process determines whether the user is sleeping. If the user is sleeping, then the process turns off the electrical appliance at block 1050. For example, if the user is asleep and the environmental temperature is higher than the average night temperature, then the process will turn off the thermostat. Additionally, if the user is asleep and the light is on, then the process turns off the light. Similarly, if the user is asleep and the TV is on, then the process turns off the TV.

[0249] Smart Home

[0250] Figure 11 This is a diagram of a system capable of automatically controlling household appliances according to an embodiment. Any number of user sensors 1140, 1150 monitor biometric signals associated with a user, such as temperature, motion, presence, heart rate, or respiratory rate. Any number of environmental sensors 1160, 1170 monitor environmental characteristics, such as temperature, sound, light, or humidity. According to one embodiment, the environmental sensors 1160, 1170 are placed beside the bed. The user sensors 1140, 1150 and the environmental sensors 1160, 1170 transmit their measurements to the processor 1100. The processor 1100 determines based on the current biometric signals associated with the user, the historical biometric signals associated with the user, user-specified preferences, exercise data associated with the user, and the received environmental characteristics, control signals, and the time to send the control signals to the appliances 1120, 1130.

[0251] The processor 1100 is any type of microcontroller, or any processor in a mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal, which includes a mobile device, station, unit, device, multimedia computer, multimedia tablet computer, Internet node, cloud computer, communicator, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, netbook computer, tablet computer, personal communication system (PCS) device, personal navigation device, personal digital assistant (PDA), audio / video player, digital camera / video camera, positioning device, television receiver, radio broadcast receiver, e-book device, game device, accessories and peripherals of these devices, or any combination thereof.

[0252] The processor 1100 can be connected to user sensors 1140, 1150 or environmental sensors 1160, 1170 via a computer bus such as the I2C bus. Additionally, the processor 1100 can be connected to user sensors 1140, 1150 or environmental sensors 1160, 1170 via a communication network 1110. As an example, the communication network 1110 that connects the processor 1100 to user sensors 1140, 1150 or environmental sensors 1160, 1170 includes one or more networks such as a data network, a wireless network, a telephone network, or any combination thereof. The data network can be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), public data network such as the Internet, a short-range wireless network, or any other suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially owned proprietary packet-switched network, for example, a proprietary cable or fiber optic network, etc., or any combination thereof. Additionally, the wireless network can be, for example, a cellular network and can employ various technologies including Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), etc., and any other suitable wireless medium, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Internet Protocol (IP) data broadcasting, satellite, Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET), etc., or any combination thereof.

[0253] Figure 12 is an illustration of a system capable of controlling appliances and a home according to one embodiment. The appliances that can be controlled by the system disclosed herein include sirens, coffee makers, locks, thermostats, bed devices, humidifiers, or lights. For example, if the system detects that the user has fallen asleep, the system sends control signals to turn off the lights, engage the lock, and lower the temperature of the thermostat. According to another example, if the system detects that the user has woken up and it is morning, the system sends a control signal to the coffee maker to start making coffee.

[0254] Figure 13It is a flowchart of a process for controlling an electrical appliance according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, at block 1300, the process obtains a history of biometric signals, such as at what time the user goes to bed on a particular day of the week (e.g., the average bedtime associated with the user on Monday, the average bedtime associated with the user on Tuesday, etc.). The history of biometric signals can be stored in a database associated with the user or in a database associated with the bed device. In another embodiment, at block 1300, the process also obtains user-specified preferences, such as the preferred temperature of the bed associated with the user. Based on the history of biometric signals and the user-specified preferences, at block 1320, the process determines a control signal and the time to send the control signal to the electrical appliance. At block 1330, the process determines whether to send a control signal to the electrical appliance. For example, if the current time is within half an hour of the average bedtime associated with the user on a particular day of the week, the process sends a control signal to the electrical appliance at block 1340. For example, the control signal includes an instruction to turn on the bed device and the user-specified temperature of the bed. Alternatively, the temperature of the bed is automatically determined, such as by estimating the average nighttime temperature of the bed associated with the user.

[0255] According to another embodiment, at block 1300, the process obtains a current biometric signal associated with the user from a sensor associated with the user. At block 1310, the process also obtains environmental data, such as ambient light, from an environmental sensor associated with the bed device. Based on the current biometric signal, the process identifies whether the user is asleep. If the user is asleep and the light is on, the process sends an instruction to turn off the light. In another embodiment, if the user is asleep, the light is off, and the ambient light is high, the process sends an instruction to the blinds to close. In another embodiment, if the user is asleep, the process sends an instruction to the lock to engage.

[0256] In another embodiment, at block 1300, the process obtains a history of biometric signals, such as what time the user goes to bed on a particular day of the week (e.g., the average bedtime associated with the user on Monday, the average bedtime associated with the user on Tuesday, etc.). The history of biometric signals can be stored in a database associated with the bed device or in a database associated with the user. Alternatively, the user can specify the bedtime for each day of the week for the user. Additionally, the process obtains exercise data associated with the user, such as the number of hours the user spends exercising or the heart rate associated with the user during exercise. According to one embodiment, the process obtains the exercise data from the user's phone, a wearable device, a Fitbit bracelet, or a database associated with the user. Based on the average bedtime for the day of the week and the exercise data during the day, the process determines, at block 1320, the expected bedtime associated with the user for the evening. The process then sends an instruction to the bed device to heat up to a desired temperature before the expected bedtime. The desired temperature can be specified by the user or can be automatically determined based on the average night-time temperature associated with the user.

[0257] Figure 14 is a flowchart of a process for controlling an appliance according to another embodiment. At block 1400, the process receives a current biometric signal associated with the user, such as the heart rate, respiratory rate, presence, movement, or temperature associated with the user. At block 1410, based on the current biometric signal, the process identifies the current sleep stage, such as light sleep, deep sleep, or REM sleep. At block 1420, the process also receives a current environmental characteristic value, such as temperature, humidity, light, or sound. At block 1430, the process accesses a database that stores historical values associated with the environmental characteristic and the current sleep stage. That is, the database associates each sleep stage with an average historical value of different environmental characteristics. The database can be associated with the bed device, can be associated with the user, or can be associated with a remote server. At block 1440, the process then calculates a new average value of the environmental characteristic based on the current value of the environmental characteristic and the historical value of the environmental characteristic and assigns the new average value to the current sleep stage in the database. If there is a mismatch between the current value of the environmental characteristic and the historical average, the process, at block 1450, regulates the current value to match the historical average. For example, the environmental characteristic can be the temperature associated with the bed device. The database stores the average bed temperature corresponding to each of the sleep stages, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep. If the current bed temperature is lower than the historical average, the process sends a control signal to increase the bed temperature to match the historical average.

[0258] Monitoring of Biometric Signals

[0259] Biological signals associated with a person, such as heart rate or respiratory rate, indicate the health status of the person. Changes in biological signals can indicate the immediate onset of a disease or a long-term trend that increases the risk of a disease associated with the person. Monitoring such changing biological signals can predict the onset of a disease, seek help when the disease immediately occurs, or provide advice to a person when the person is chronically exposed to a higher disease risk.

[0260] Figure 15 FIG. is a diagram of a system for monitoring biological signals associated with a user and providing notifications or alerts according to one embodiment. Any number of user sensors 1530, 1540 monitor biological signals associated with the user, such as temperature, motion, presence, heart rate, or respiratory rate. The user sensors 1530, 1540 pass their measurements to the processor 1500. The processor 1500 determines whether to send a notification or alert to the user device 1520 based on the biological signals associated with the user, the historical biological signals associated with the user, or user-specified preferences. In some embodiments, the user device 1520 and the processor 1500 may be the same device.

[0261] The user device 1520 is any type of mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal, which includes a mobile device, a station, a unit, a device, a multimedia computer, a multimedia tablet computer, an Internet node, a communicator, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a netbook computer, a tablet computer, a personal communication system (PCS) device, a personal navigation device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an audio / video player, a digital camera / video camera, a positioning device, a television receiver, a radio broadcast receiver, an e-book device, a gaming device, accessories and peripherals of these devices, or any combination thereof.

[0262] The processor 1500 is any type of microcontroller or any processor in a mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal, which includes a mobile device, a station, a unit, a device, a multimedia computer, a multimedia tablet computer, an Internet node, a cloud computer, a communicator, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a netbook computer, a tablet computer, a personal communication system (PCS) device, a personal navigation device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an audio / video player, a digital camera / video camera, a positioning device, a television receiver, a radio broadcast receiver, an e-book device, a gaming device, accessories and peripherals of these devices, or any combination thereof.

[0263] The processor 1500 may be connected to the user sensors 1530, 1540 via a computer bus (such as the I2C bus). In addition, the processor 1500 may be connected to the user sensors 1530, 1540 via the communication network 1510. As an example, the communication network 1510 that connects the processor 1500 to the user sensors 1530, 1540 includes one or more networks, such as a data network, a wireless network, a telephone network, or any combination thereof. The data network may be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), public data network (such as the Internet), short-range wireless network, or any other suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially-owned proprietary packet-switched network, such as a proprietary cable or fiber optic network, etc., or any combination thereof. In addition, the wireless network may be, for example, a cellular network and may employ various technologies, including Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), etc., and any other suitable wireless medium, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Internet Protocol (IP) data broadcasting, satellite, Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET), etc., or any combination thereof.

[0264] Figure 16A flowchart of a process for generating a notification based on a history of biosignals associated with a user, according to one embodiment. At block 1600, the process obtains a history of biosignals associated with the user, such as a presence history, a movement history, a respiration rate history, or a heart rate history. The history of biosignals can be stored in a database associated with the user. At block 1610, the process determines whether there is an irregularity in the history of biosignals within a time frame. If there is an irregularity, then at block 1620, the process generates a notification to the user. The time range can be specified by the user or can be automatically determined based on the type of irregularity. For example, when the user is sick, the heart rate associated with the user rises within a one-day time frame. According to one embodiment, the process detects an irregularity, specifically, the daily heart rate associated with the user is higher than normal. Thus, the process warns the user that the user may be sick. According to another embodiment, the process detects an irregularity, such as that in the past few days, an elderly user spends at least 10% more time in bed each day than the historical average. The process generates a notification to the elderly user or the caregiver of the elderly user, such as how much time the elderly user spends in bed. In another embodiment, the process detects an irregularity, such as that during a ten-year period, the resting heart rate increases by more than 15 beats per minute. Such an increase in the resting heart rate doubles the likelihood of the user dying from heart disease compared to those with a stable heart rate. Thus, the process warns the user that the user is at risk of developing heart disease.

[0265] Figure 17 A flowchart of a process for generating a comparison between a biosignal associated with a user and a target biosignal, according to one embodiment. At block 1700, the process obtains a current biosignal associated with the user, such as a presence, movement, respiration rate, temperature, or heart rate associated with the user. The process obtains the current biosignal from a sensor associated with the user. The process then obtains a target biosignal at block 1710, such as a biosignal specified by the user, a biosignal associated with a healthy user, or a biosignal associated with an athlete. According to one embodiment, the process obtains the target biosignal from the user or a database storing biosignals. At block 1720, the process compares the current biosignal associated with the user and the target biosignal and generates a notification 1730 based on the comparison. The comparison between the current biosignal associated with the user and the target biosignal includes detecting a higher frequency in the current biosignal than in the target biosignal, detecting a lower frequency in the current biosignal than in the target biosignal, detecting a higher amplitude in the current biosignal than in the target biosignal, or detecting a lower amplitude in the current biosignal than in the target biosignal.

[0266] According to one embodiment, Figure 17The process can be used to detect whether an infant has a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (“SIDS”). Among SIDS victims less than one month old, the heart rate is higher than that of healthy infants of the same age during all sleep stages. SIDS patients over one month old show a higher heart rate during the REM sleep stage. In the case of monitoring an infant's SIDS risk, the process obtains a current biosignal associated with the sleeping infant, and a target biosignal associated with the heart rate of a healthy infant, where the heart rate is at the high end of the healthy heart rate spectrum. The process obtains the current biosignal from a sensor strip associated with the sleeping infant. The process obtains the target biosignal from a biosignal database. If the frequency of the infant's biosignal exceeds the target biosignal, the process notifies the infant's caregiver that the infant has a higher risk of SIDS.

[0267] According to another embodiment, Figure 17 the process can be used for fitness training. The normal resting heart rate range for adults is 60 to 100 beats per minute. Generally, a lower heart rate at rest means more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular health. For example, the normal resting heart rate of a trained athlete may be close to 40 beats per minute. Therefore, the user can specify a target resting heart rate of 40 beats per minute. The process Figure 17 generates a comparison 1720 between the actual biosignal and the target biosignal associated with the user, and based on the comparison, the process generates a notification 1730 as to whether the user has reached his goal or whether the user needs more exercise.

[0268] Figure 18 is a flowchart of a process for detecting the onset of a disease according to one embodiment. At block 1800, the process obtains a current biosignal associated with the user, such as the presence, movement, temperature, respiratory rate, or heart rate associated with the user. The process obtains the current biosignal from a sensor associated with the user. Additionally, at block 1810, the process obtains a history of biosignals associated with the user from a database. The history of biosignals contains biosignals associated with the user accumulated over time. The history of biosignals can be stored in a database associated with the user. At block 1820, the process then detects a difference between the current biosignal and the history of biosignals, where the difference indicates the onset of a disease. At block 1830, the process then generates an alert to the user's caregiver. The difference between the current biosignal and the history of biosignals contains a higher frequency in the current biosignal than in the history of biosignals, or a lower frequency in the current biosignal than in the history of biosignals.

[0269] According to one embodiment, Figure 18The process can be used to detect the onset of a seizure. The normal heart rate of a healthy person is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. During a seizure, the average heart rate associated with this person exceeds 100 beats per minute. Figure 18 The process detects that the heart rate associated with the user exceeds the normal heart rate range associated with the user. Then, the process issues an alert to the user's caregiver that the user is having a seizure. Although rare, a seizure can cause the average heart rate associated with a person to drop below 40 beats per minute. Similarly, Figure 18 The process detects whether the current heart rate is below the normal heart rate range associated with the user. Then, the process issues an alert to the user's caregiver that the user is having a seizure.

[0270] Figure 19 FIG. is a diagram of an example form of a machine, a computer system 1900, within which a set of instructions can be executed to cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods or modules discussed herein.

[0271] In Figure 19 the example of, the computer system 1900 includes a processor, a memory, a non-volatile memory, and an interface device. For simplicity of illustration, various general-purpose components (e.g., cache memory) are omitted. The computer system 1900 is intended to illustrate a hardware device on which any component (and any other component described in this specification) described in Figures 1 through 18 the example of can be implemented. The computer system 1900 can be of any suitable known or convenient type. The components of the computer system 1900 can be coupled together via a bus or via some other known or convenient means.

[0272] The present disclosure contemplates a computer system 1900 in any suitable physical form. By way of example and not limitation, the computer system 1900 can be an embedded computer system, a system-on-chip (SOC), a single-board computer system (SBC) (e.g., a computer-on-module or a system-on-module (SOM)), a desktop computer system, a laptop or notebook computer system, an interactive kiosk, a mainframe, a computer system grid, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a server, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, the computer system 1900 can include one or more computer systems 1900; be single or distributed; span multiple locations; span multiple machines; or reside in the cloud, which can include one or more cloud components in one or more networks. Where appropriate, one or more computer systems 1900 can perform one or more steps of one or more of the methods described or illustrated herein without substantial spatial or temporal limitations. By way of example and not limitation, one or more computer systems 1900 can perform one or more steps of one or more of the methods described or illustrated herein in real time or in batch mode. Where appropriate, one or more computer systems 1900 can perform one or more steps of one or more of the methods described or illustrated herein at different times or at different locations.

[0273] The processor can be, for example, a conventional microprocessor such as an Intel Pentium microprocessor or a Motorola PowerPC microprocessor. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the term "machine-readable (storage) medium" or "computer-readable (storage) medium" includes any type of device accessible by the processor.

[0274] The memory is coupled to the processor via, for example, a bus. By way of example but not limitation, the memory can include random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM). The memory can be local, remote, or distributed.

[0275] The bus also couples the processor to non-volatile memory and a drive unit. The non-volatile memory is typically a magnetic floppy or hard disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, read-only memory (ROM) (such as a CD-ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM), magnetic or optical card, or another form for storing large amounts of data. During the execution of software in computer 1900, some of the data is typically written into memory through a direct memory access process. The non-volatile memory can be local, remote, or distributed. Since a system can be created with all the applicable data available in memory, the non-volatile memory is optional. A typical computer system generally includes at least a processor, memory, and means (e.g., a bus) for coupling the memory to the processor.

[0276] Software is typically stored in non-volatile memory and / or a drive unit. In fact, it may even be impossible to store an entire large program in memory. However, it should be understood that for software to run, if needed, it is moved to a computer-readable location suitable for processing, and for purposes of illustration, this location is referred to herein as memory. Even when the software is moved into memory for execution, the processor typically uses hardware registers to store values associated with the software, and ideally a local cache is used to accelerate execution. As used herein, when a software program is said to be "implemented in a computer-readable medium," the software program is assumed to be stored in any known or convenient location (from non-volatile memory to hardware registers). When at least one value associated with the program is stored in a register readable by the processor, the processor is considered to be "configured to execute the program."

[0277] The bus also couples the processor to a network interface device. The interface can include one or more of a modem or a network interface. It should be understood that the modem or network interface can be considered part of computer system 1900. The interface can include an analog modem, ISDN modem, cable modem, token ring interface, satellite transmission interface (such as "Direct PC"), or other interfaces for coupling the computer system to other computer systems. The interface can include one or more input devices and / or output devices. By way of example and not limitation, I / O devices can include a keyboard, mouse, or other pointing device, disk drive, printer, scanner, and other input and / or output devices, including a display device. By way of example and not limitation, the display device can include a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), or some other suitable known or convenient display device. For simplicity, it is assumed that the controller for any device not depicted in the Figure 9 example resides in the interface.

[0278] In operation, the computer system 1900 may be controlled by operating system software that includes a file management system, such as a disk operating system. An example of operating system software with associated file management system software is the operating system family from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington, and its associated file management system. Another example of operating system software and its associated file management system software is the Linux TM operating system and its associated file management system. The file management system is typically stored in non-volatile memory and / or a drive unit and causes the processor to perform various actions required by the operating system to input and output data and store data in memory, including storing files on the non-volatile memory and / or drive unit.

[0279] Some portions of the detailed description may be presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. Here, an algorithm is usually considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations leading to a desired result. The operations are those requiring physical manipulation of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. Sometimes, mainly for reasons of common usage, it has proven convenient to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc.

[0280] However, it should be borne in mind that all such and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise, it will be readily understood from the following discussion that throughout the description, discussions using terms such as "processing" or "computing" or "estimating" or "determining" or "displaying" or "generating" refer to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the registers and memories of the computer system into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer system memory or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0281] The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to configure a more specialized device to perform the methods of some embodiments. The structure required for a variety of these systems will become apparent from the following description. Additionally, these techniques have not been described with reference to any particular programming language, and thus a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the various embodiments.

[0282] In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a stand-alone device or can be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine can operate as a server or a client in a client-to-server network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

[0283] The machine can be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, an iPhone, a Blackberry, a processor, a telephone, a network appliance, a network router, a switch, or a bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.

[0284] Although the machine-readable medium or machine-readable storage medium is shown as a single medium in the exemplary embodiments, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "machine-readable storage medium" should be understood to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database and / or associated caches and servers) that store one or more sets of instructions. The terms "machine-readable medium" and "machine-readable storage medium" should also be understood to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a machine and that causes the machine to perform any one or more of the methods or modules of the presently disclosed techniques and innovations.

[0285] Generally speaking, the programs executed to implement the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as part of an operating system or a specific application, component, program, object, module, or sequence of instructions known as a "computer program". A computer program typically contains one or more instructions that are set at different times in different memories and storage devices of a computer, and when read and executed by one or more processing units or processors in the computer, cause the computer to perform operations to execute the elements related to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0286] Moreover, although the embodiments have been described in the context of full-featured computers and computer systems, those skilled in the art will understand that the various embodiments can be distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that the present disclosure applies equally regardless of the specific type of machine or computer-readable medium used to actually effect the distribution.

[0287] Other examples of machine-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or computer-readable (storage) media include, but are not limited to, recordable-type media (such as volatile and non-volatile storage devices, floppy disks and other removable disks, hard disk drives, optical disks (e.g., compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.)), and transmission-type media (such as digital communication links and analog communication links).

[0288] In some cases, the operation of a memory device (such as a change in state from binary 1 to binary 0, or vice versa) can involve a transformation (such as a physical transformation). For a particular type of storage device, such a physical transformation can involve the physical transformation of an article to a different state or thing. For example, but not limited to, for some types of memory devices, a change in state may involve the accumulation and storage of charge, or the release of stored charge. Similarly, in other storage devices, a change in state can involve a physical change or transformation of magnetic orientation, or a physical change or transformation of molecular structure, such as from crystalline to non-crystalline, or vice versa. The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all cases where a change in state from binary 1 to binary 0 or vice versa in a storage device can involve a transformation such as a physical transformation. Instead, the foregoing is intended as illustrative examples.

[0289] A storage medium can generally be non-transitory or include a non-transitory device. In this case, a non-transitory storage medium can include a tangible device, which means that the device has a specific physical form, although the device can change its physical state. Thus, for example, non-transitory means that the device remains tangible despite such a change in state.

[0290] In many embodiments disclosed in the present application, the technology enables multiple different users to use the same furniture item equipped with the currently disclosed technology. For example, different people can sleep in the same bed. In addition, two different users can switch which side of the bed they sleep on, and the technology disclosed herein will correctly identify which user is sleeping on which side of the bed. The technology identifies users based on any of the following signals, alone or in combination: heart rate, respiratory rate, body movement, or body temperature associated with each user.

[0291] The methods and systems of the present disclosure may be combined with or modified by other methods and systems for detecting a user's biological signals or conditions (e.g., sleep disorders), adjusting the temperature or configuration of a bed (e.g., the mattress or mattress pad of the bed), adjusting the user's biological signals or conditions (e.g., sleep disorders), adjusting the operation of household appliances, etc., such as, for example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0351556 ("BED DEVICE SYSTEM AND METHODS"), U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0128488 ("APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR HEATING OR COOLING A BED BASED ON HUMAN BIOLOGICAL SIGNALS"), U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0135882 ("ADJUSTABLE BEDFRAME AND OPERATING METHODS FOR HEALTH MONITORING"), and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0135632 ("DETECTING SLEEPING DISORDERS"), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0292] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. The following claims are intended to define the scope of the invention and thereby cover methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents.

[0293] Embodiment

[0294] Thermal alarm

[0295] Embodiment 1. A system for changing the temperature of a part of a furniture item, the system comprising: at least one sensor that is part of the furniture item, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect a biological signal of a user of the furniture item; a temperature control device coupled to a part of the furniture item, wherein the temperature control device is configured to change the temperature of a part of the furniture item; and a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor and the temperature control device, wherein the processor is configured to (i) when the user is sleeping on the furniture item, specify a time for the furniture item to wake up the user based on the biological signal of the user detected by the at least one sensor when the user uses the furniture item, and (ii) change the temperature of a part of the furniture item by the temperature control device before that time.

[0296] Embodiment 2. The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the processor is configured to change the temperature of a part of the furniture item at least 10 minutes before that time.

[0297] Embodiment 3. The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the processor is configured to change the temperature of a part of the furniture item at least 30 minutes before that time.

[0298] Embodiment 4. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein in (ii), the rate of change of the temperature of a part of the furniture item is at most 30°F / hour.

[0299] Embodiment 5. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein in (ii), the rate of change of the temperature of a part of the furniture item is at most 10°F / hour.

[0300] Embodiment 6. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein before (ii), the processor is further configured to specify a target temperature to which the temperature of a part of the furniture item will be changed.

[0301] Embodiment 7. The system according to Embodiment 6, wherein the target temperature is specified based on the current temperature of the user.

[0302] Embodiment 8. The system according to Embodiment 7, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the user is at least 1.5°F.

[0303] Embodiment 9. The system according to Embodiment 7, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the user is at least 3°F.

[0304] Embodiment 10. The system according to Embodiment 6, wherein the target temperature is specified based on the current temperature of a part of the furniture item.

[0305] Embodiment 11. The system according to Embodiment 10, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of a part of the furniture item is at least 1.5°F.

[0306] Embodiment 12. The system according to Embodiment 10, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of a part of the furniture item is at least 3°F.

[0307] Embodiment 13. The system according to Embodiment 6, wherein the target temperature is specified based on the ambient temperature of the environment around the furniture item.

[0308] Embodiment 14. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the processor is further configured to specify a time based on the user's circadian rhythm data.

[0309] Embodiment 15. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the processor is further configured to specify a time based on the user's sleep stage data.

[0310] Embodiment 16. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the processor is further configured to specify a time based on the user's health condition.

[0311] Embodiment 17. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the processor is further configured to specify a time based on the user's scheduled events.

[0312] Embodiment 18. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the processor is further configured to specify a time based on the geographical location of the furniture item.

[0313] Embodiment 19. The system according to Embodiment 18, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the time based on the traffic conditions near the geographical location.

[0314] Embodiment 20. The system according to Embodiment 18, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the time based on the weather conditions near the geographical location.

[0315] Embodiment 21. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the time based on the ambient temperature of the environment around the furniture item.

[0316] Embodiment 22. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 21, wherein changing includes increasing the temperature of a part of the furniture item.

[0317] Embodiment 23. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 21, wherein changing includes decreasing the temperature of a part of the furniture item.

[0318] Embodiment 24. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the furniture item is a bed.

[0319] Embodiment 25. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the user's biological signal includes the user's cardiac signal.

[0320] Embodiment 26. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the user's biological signal includes the user's respiratory signal.

[0321] Embodiment 27. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the user's biological signal includes the user's sweating signal.

[0322] Embodiment 28. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the user's biological signal includes the user's temperature.

[0323] Embodiment 29. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the user's biological signal includes the user's movement.

[0324] Embodiment 30. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the user's biological signal includes two or more components selected from the group consisting of the user's cardiac signal, the user's respiratory signal, the user's sweating signal, the user's temperature, and the user's movement.

[0325] Embodiment 31. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 30, wherein a part of the furniture item includes a plurality of zones, and wherein the temperature control device is configured to selectively change the temperature of each of the plurality of zones.

[0326] Embodiment 32. The system according to Embodiment 31, wherein the processor is configured to selectively change the temperature of each of the plurality of zones before the time.

[0327] Embodiment 33. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 32, wherein the processor is configured to (i) automatically specify the time for the furniture item to wake up the user based on the user's biological signal detected by at least one sensor when the user uses the furniture item, and (ii) automatically change the temperature of a part of the furniture item through the temperature control device before the time.

[0328] Embodiment 34. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 32, wherein the processor is further configured to specify the time based on the user's biological signal and the history of the user's biological signal data, wherein the history of the biological signal data includes a plurality of measurements of the user's biological signal when the user uses the furniture item.

[0329] Embodiment 35. The system according to Embodiment 34, wherein the processor is communicatively coupled to at least one database, wherein the at least one database includes a database associated with a furniture item or a database associated with a user, and wherein the processor is further configured to obtain a history of the user's biosignal data from the at least one database.

[0330] Embodiment 36. The system according to Embodiment 34, wherein the history of the user's biosignal data includes measurements of the user's biosignals during the user's current use of the furniture item.

[0331] Embodiment 37. The system according to Embodiment 36, wherein the range of the current use is about 1 to 12 hours before the time.

[0332] Embodiment 38. The system according to Embodiment 36, wherein the range of the current use is about 1 to 8 hours before the time.

[0333] Embodiment 39. The system according to Embodiment 36, wherein the range of the current use is about 1 to 6 hours before the time.

[0334] Embodiment 40. The system according to Embodiment 34, wherein the history of the user's biosignal data includes measurements of the user's biosignals during one or more previous uses of the furniture item.

[0335] Embodiment 41. The system according to Embodiment 40, wherein the one or more previous uses occurred at least about 1 day to 1 year before the time.

[0336] Embodiment 42. The system according to Embodiment 40, wherein the one or more previous uses occurred at least about 1 day to 1 month before the time.

[0337] Embodiment 43. The system according to Embodiment 40, wherein the one or more previous uses occurred at least about 1 day to 1 week before the time.

[0338] Embodiment 44. The system according to Embodiment 34, wherein the processor is further configured to (i) identify the user of the furniture item from among multiple users of the furniture item based on the user's biosignals, and (ii) obtain a history of the user's biosignal data at least in part based on the identity of the user.

[0339] Embodiment 45. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 44, wherein the processor is further configured to (i) identify the user of the furniture item from among multiple users of the furniture item based on the user's biosignals, and (ii) specify a time based on the identity of the user.

[0340] Embodiment 46. The system according to Embodiment 45, wherein the identity of the user comprises one or more user data selected from the group consisting of: circadian rhythm data associated with the user, sleep stage data associated with the user, activity data associated with the user, the user's scheduled wake-up time, the history of the user's wake-up time, the user's historical average wake-up time, the user's scheduled biological signal level or range, one or more future events of the user, and the user's geographical location.

[0341] Embodiment 47. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 46, wherein at least one sensor comprises at least one piezoelectric sensor.

[0342] Embodiment 48. The system according to Embodiment 47, wherein at least one piezoelectric sensor is configured to measure the user's cardiac signal and / or respiratory signal when the user uses a furniture item.

[0343] Embodiment 49. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 46, wherein at least one sensor comprises at least one temperature sensor.

[0344] Embodiment 50. The system according to Embodiment 49, wherein at least one temperature sensor is configured to measure the user's temperature when the user uses a furniture item.

[0345] Embodiment 51. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 50, wherein a part of the furniture item comprises a first zone and a second zone, and wherein the temperature control device is configured to independently change the temperature of each of the first zone and the second zone.

[0346] Embodiment 52. The system according to Embodiment 51, wherein the processor is configured to independently: (i) when a first user sleeps on the first zone of the furniture item, based on the first biometric of the first user detected by at least one sensor, specify a first time for the furniture item to wake up the first user, and change the temperature of the first zone of the furniture item before the first time, and (ii) when a second user sleeps on the second zone of the furniture item, based on the second biometric of the second user detected by at least one sensor, specify a second time for the furniture item to wake up the second user, and change the temperature of the second zone of the furniture item before the second time.

[0347] Embodiment 53. A method for regulating the temperature of a part of a furniture item, the method comprising: (a) providing (i) at least one sensor that is part of the furniture item, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect a biological signal of a user of the furniture item, (ii) a temperature control device that is coupled to a part of the furniture item, wherein the temperature control device is configured to change the temperature of a part of the furniture item, and (iii) a processor that is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and the temperature control device; (b) with the help of the at least one sensor, detecting a biological signal of a user of the furniture item when the user uses the furniture item; (c) with the help of the processor, when the user is sleeping on the furniture item, specifying a time for the furniture item to wake up the user based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the user; and (d) with the help of the processor, changing the temperature of a part of the furniture item by the temperature control device before the time.

[0348] Embodiment 54. The method according to Embodiment 53, further comprising changing the temperature of a part of the furniture item at least 10 minutes before the time with the help of the processor and the temperature control device.

[0349] Embodiment 55. The method according to Embodiment 53, further comprising changing the temperature of a part of the furniture item at least 30 minutes before the time with the help of the processor and the temperature control device.

[0350] Embodiment 56. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 55, wherein the rate of change of the temperature of a part of the furniture item is at most 30°F / hour.

[0351] Embodiment 57. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 55, wherein the rate of change of the temperature of a part of the furniture item is at most 10°F / hour.

[0352] Embodiment 58. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 57, further comprising specifying, with the help of the processor, a target temperature to which the temperature of a part of the furniture item will be changed.

[0353] Embodiment 59. The method according to Embodiment 58, wherein the target temperature is specified based on the current temperature of the user.

[0354] Embodiment 60. The method according to Embodiment 59, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the user is at least 1.5°F.

[0355] Embodiment 61. The method according to Embodiment 59, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the user is at least 3°F.

[0356] Embodiment 62. The method according to Embodiment 58, wherein the target temperature is specified based on the current temperature of a part of the furniture item.

[0357] Embodiment 63. The method according to Embodiment 62, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of a part of the furniture item is at least 1.5°F.

[0358] Embodiment 64. The method according to Embodiment 62, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of a part of the furniture item is at least 3°F.

[0359] Embodiment 65. The method according to Embodiment 58, wherein the target temperature is specified based on the ambient temperature of the environment around the furniture item.

[0360] Embodiment 66. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 65, further comprising specifying a time with the help of a processor based on the user's circadian rhythm data.

[0361] Embodiment 67. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 65, further comprising specifying a time with the help of a processor based on the user's sleep stage data.

[0362] Embodiment 68. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 65, further comprising specifying a time with the help of a processor based on the user's health condition.

[0363] Embodiment 69. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 65, further comprising specifying a time with the help of a processor based on the user's scheduled events.

[0364] Embodiment 70. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 65, further comprising specifying a time with the help of a processor based on the geographical location of the furniture item.

[0365] Embodiment 71. The method according to Embodiment 70, further comprising determining a time with the help of a processor based on the traffic conditions near the geographical location.

[0366] Embodiment 72. The method according to Embodiment 70, further comprising determining a time with the help of a processor based on the weather conditions near the geographical location.

[0367] Embodiment 73. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 65, further comprising determining a time with the help of a processor based on the ambient temperature of the environment around the furniture item.

[0368] Embodiment 74. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 73, wherein changing comprises increasing the temperature of a part of the furniture item.

[0369] Embodiment 75. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 73, wherein changing comprises lowering the temperature of a part of the furniture item.

[0370] Embodiment 76. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 75, wherein the furniture item is a bed.

[0371] Embodiment 77. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 76, wherein the user's biological signal comprises the user's cardiac signal.

[0372] Embodiment 78. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 76, wherein the user's biological signal comprises the user's respiratory signal.

[0373] Embodiment 79. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 76, wherein the user's biological signal comprises the user's sweating signal.

[0374] Embodiment 80. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 76, wherein the user's biological signal comprises the user's temperature.

[0375] Embodiment 81. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 76, wherein the user's biological signal comprises the user's movement.

[0376] Embodiment 82. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 76, wherein the user's biological signal comprises two or more components selected from the group consisting of the user's cardiac signal, the user's respiratory signal, the user's sweating signal, the user's temperature, and the user's movement.

[0377] Embodiment 83. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 82, wherein a part of the furniture item comprises a plurality of zones, and wherein the temperature control device is configured to selectively change the temperature of each of the plurality of zones.

[0378] Embodiment 84. The method according to Embodiment 83, further comprising selectively changing the temperature of each of the plurality of zones with the aid of a processor before said time.

[0379] Embodiment 85. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 84, further comprising, with the aid of a processor, (i) automatically specifying a time for the furniture item to wake up the user based on the user's biological signal detected by at least one sensor when the user uses the furniture item, and (ii) automatically changing the temperature of a part of the furniture item by means of the temperature control device before said time.

[0380] Embodiment 86. The method according to any one of Embodiments 53 to 84 further includes specifying a time, with the help of a processor, based on a user's biological signal and a history of the user's biological signal data, where the history of the biological signal data includes a plurality of measurements of the user's biological signal when using a furniture item.

[0381] Embodiment 87. The method according to Embodiment 86, where the processor is communicatively coupled to at least one database, where the at least one database includes a database associated with the furniture item or a database associated with the user, and the method further includes obtaining, with the help of the processor, a history of the user's biological signal data from the at least one database. [0382...

Claims

1. A system for changing the temperature of a part of a furniture item, the system comprising: At least one sensor, the at least one sensor being part of the furniture item, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect a biological signal of a user of the furniture item; A temperature control device, the temperature control device being coupled to the part of the furniture item, wherein the temperature control device is configured to change the temperature of the part of the furniture item; And A processor, the processor being communicatively coupled to the sensor and the temperature control device, wherein the processor is configured to (i) specify a time for the furniture item to wake up the user based on the biological signal of the user detected by the at least one sensor when the user is sleeping on the furniture, and (ii) change the temperature of the part of the furniture item by the temperature control device before the time.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to change the temperature of the part of the furniture item at least 10 minutes before the time.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to change the temperature of the part of the furniture item at least 30 minutes before the time.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein in (ii), the rate of change of the temperature of the part of the furniture item is at most 30°F / hour.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein in (ii), the rate of change of the temperature of the part of the furniture item is at most 10°F / hour.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein before (ii), the processor is further configured to specify a target temperature to which the temperature of the part of the furniture item will be changed.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the target temperature is specified based on the current temperature of the user.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the user is at least 1.5°F.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the target temperature is specified based on the current temperature of the part of the furniture item.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to (i) automatically specify the time for the furniture item to wake up the user based on the biological signal of the user detected by the at least one sensor when the user is using the furniture item, and (ii) automatically change the temperature of the part of the furniture item by the temperature control device before the time.

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