Bed rest and sleep support system

Abstract

This device improves breathing (opens the airway) in users with respiratory conditions such as sleep apnea, maintains a healthy respiratory state, and prevents accidents during sleep. It also improves physical condition after waking up. [Solution] The present invention relates to a pillow and mattress, and integrates and controls the shape of the pillow and mattress in real time according to body pressure distribution, blood oxygen saturation, respiratory sounds, etc. With the present invention, a stable sleeping posture is possible at angles between supine (horizontal, 0°) and side sleeping (approximately 90°), and the back pain and other issues are alleviated. The system detects apnea and starts raising the body from 0° by controlling the height, incline, and shape of the pillow and mattress, detects that the airway has opened when sleeping at an angle (e.g., 30°), maintains a sleeping posture of approximately 30° (e.g.), and continues to control the body to a normal state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to For users who are lying down or sleeping. body pressure distribution Position of body parts, posture respiratory state, respiratory rate Breath sounds, heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, blood flow, body temperature and blood oxygen saturation level Based on user status information including at least one of the following , Pillow section and The height, incline, shape, hardness, or support pressure of each part of the mattress are coordinated. Regarding adjustable bed and sleep support systems. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventional bedding, in particular urethane mattresses Fluid cell mattresses and pillows , static shape Or, many support the body according to a predetermined support state. Changes in posture, body pressure distribution, and respiratory status that occur while lying down or sleeping. It was difficult to keep up consistently.

[0003] The user is lying on their back, or at an angle. lateral position Alternatively, if you change your posture to lying face down, etc., shoulder width, Depending on the shape of the head, body size, and the arrangement of each part of the body, the head, neck, shoulders, waist and The appropriate support height and support shape for the buttocks, etc., will change.

[0004] For example, the relative height between the shoulders and the head differs between lying on your back and lying on your side. Because they are different, the pillow part height 、 inclination and shape Different adjustments will be necessary regarding this. Changing only the pillow portion may result in an inappropriate relative positioning of the neck, shoulders, and torso.

[0005] Even if only the mattress portion is changed, the user's head will shift relative to the pillow portion. The support for the head and neck may change. Therefore, the pillow and Simply adjusting the mattress independently will not improve the overall support of the body. It is difficult to maintain properly.

[0006] Depending on the sleeping position, posture, or breathing pattern, the firmness and height of the pillow or mattress may vary. Devices for adjusting the inclination or shape are known. However, user status information and, Drive status of the pillow and mattress sections information and Based on this, we will coordinate the two. The configuration being adjusted had room for improvement.

[0007] Furthermore, raising or lowering a portion of the support surface can affect gravity, friction, and the interaction between body parts. Displacement differences can cause the body to slide down, localized sinking, uneven pressure distribution, or contact with the support surface. A gap may occur.

[0008] Therefore, the user's condition and the drive unit's condition are continuously acquired, and the pillow and The mattress section is controlled individually, by zone, or collectively, and the support state is controlled. A bed and sleep support system that can correct positional shifts and uneven pressure distribution caused by changes in position It is in demand.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0009]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to use user status information and drive status information of the variable support unit to A bed and sleep support system that can coordinately control the pillow and mattress sections. The purpose is to provide.

[0011] Another problem of the present invention is, User of Physique, Posture And to accommodate individual differences in body pressure distribution, Height, incline, shape, hardness, or support pressure for each body part The objective is to provide an adjustable bed and sleep support system.

[0012] Another problem of the present invention is the slippage and displacement of the body due to changes in the support state. To suppress localized sinking or uneven distribution of body pressure, and to maintain a support state that is suitable for the user or The goal is to provide a readjustable bed and sleep support system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] The present invention provides a reclining / sleep support system comprising a pillow section and a mattress section that support the user, A sensor unit that acquires user status information, Pillow Department And Mattress department Each is provided with one or more variable support parts, and based on user status information It includes a control unit that controls the variable support section. The control unit controls the state of head support by the pillow section, In coordination with the body support provided by the mattressTo control.

[0014] User status information is, Body pressure distribution, Position of body parts, posture, breathing Condition, respiratory rate, breath sounds, Heart rate, pulse rate , blood oxygen saturation, It includes at least one of blood flow, blood pressure, and body temperature. The sensor unit receives this information real time Alternatively, it can be acquired at predetermined time intervals.

[0015] The variable support section controls at least one of the height, inclination, shape, hardness, or support pressure of the support surface. Change. The variable support unit can be electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, water pressure, or gel pressure. Piston type, mechanically driven type, bellows type, motor gear type, wire driven type, Motor screw type, pump type, electromagnetic type, dielectric polymer or shape memory alloy This can be one or a combination of the drive mechanisms used.

[0016] At least one of the one or more variable support parts includes a pressure sensor, a displacement sensor, Includes at least one of a load sensor, a torque sensor, or a drive current sensor. It may be equipped with a drive status sensor. The control unit receives user status information and The drive status information can be used individually or in combination of multiple types.

[0017] The control unit provides one or more variable support units. real time Individually, by zone, or It can be controlled in an integrated manner. Individual control includes control of adjusting one variable support part. Zone control adjusts multiple variable support parts corresponding to body parts, etc., as a group. The integrated control system includes controls that coordinately adjust the pillow and mattress sections.

[0018] A plate can be placed between the variable support part and the support surface. At least a portion is connected by a flexible connecting material, and localized support is provided by a variable support section. The upward force can be distributed. Configuration without plates or connecting materials, A configuration in which multiple plates are arranged independently of each other can also be adopted.

[0019] The control unit includes feedback control, feedforward control, and hybrid control. Adaptive control, passive control, active control, semi-active control, PID control, optimal control, learning control or At least one control method of cooperative control can be used.

[0020] Semi-active control utilizes the user's load or the displacement occurring in the support member to control the variable support part. Includes control for adjusting the operating state or support characteristics. Active control, passive control and semi-active control are, It can be used alone or in combination.

[0021] The sensor unit includes a pressure sensor, load sensor, distance sensor, position sensor, Vision sensors, imaging sensors, television cameras, thermal imaging cameras, Accelerometer, angular velocity sensor, posture sensor, temperature sensor, respiration sensor, Respiratory sound sensor, heart rate sensor, pulse sensor, blood pressure sensor, blood flow sensor, Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) sensor, photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor or One or a combination of displacement sensors can be used. Each sensor can be used individually, in combination with others, or It can be arranged in a matrix.

[0022] The support surface consists of a low-rebound material, a gel layer, foamed resins of different hardnesses, and zoning urethane. A multi-layered mat or one or a combination of fabric materials is placed to protect the user's body. It can disperse the localized pressure or frictional force acting upon it.

[0023] The variable support parts include the head, shoulders, torso, lower back, buttocks, thighs, knees, lower legs, feet, It can be divided into multiple zones corresponding to at least one of the upper limbs or hand. The control unit is The height, slope, shape, hardness, or support pressure can be adjusted for each zone.

[0024] The control unit, based on changes in body pressure distribution, the position of body parts, or the displacement of the variable support parts, It detects at least one of the following: body slippage, displacement, or localized sinking. A variable support part corresponding to the detected body part, or a part below, to the side, or adjacent to it. By activating it, the body's support structure can be corrected.

[0025] The area of ​​the mattress corresponding to the head is deformed by the variable support part. A pillow shape or neck support shape can be formed integrally with the mattress section. Even when in use, it can form a continuous support surface that includes the boundary between the pillow section and the mattress section.

[0026] The control unit adjusts the height, inclination, shape, hardness, or support pressure for each user. Support shape data can be recorded. Support shape data can be used as the initial shape for the next use or In addition to being usable for control conditions, it can also be used to design or use static pillows or mattresses that are suitable for the user. It can be output as data for manufacturing.

[0027] The adjustable support section of the mattress controls the height, incline, or shape of the mattress surface. By making changes, the shape of the pillow supporting the hands, feet, and head can be altered. A chair-like support surface or a support surface that assists the user in getting up. It can form at least one.

[0028] The control unit drives the variable support part of the pillow or mattress to press, Forming at least one of vibration or roller-like movement, to massage or It can provide stimulation equivalent to acupressure. The intensity, speed, location, and duration of the stimulation are as follows: It can be set based on user status information or the actions of the user or caregiver. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the present invention, the support state of the pillow portion and the mattress portion can be changed in coordination, It allows for easy adjustment of the relative support of the head, neck, shoulders, torso, waist, buttocks, and legs.

[0030] By using user status information and drive status information individually or in combination, Depending on the user's posture and pressure distribution, one or more variable support parts are individually adjusted. Adjustments can be made on a zone-by-zone basis or as a unified group.

[0031] It detects body slippage, displacement, localized sinking, or uneven pressure distribution. By correcting the corresponding support area, the user's response to changes in the support state This can reduce the burden.

[0032] Active control, passive control, and semi-active control Select from multiple control methods or By combining these components, adjustments can be made according to the user's condition and the support conditions.

[0033] By recording support shape data for each user, adjustments can be made for the next use. Design of a static pillow or mattress, or support members that are suitable for the user. It can be used in manufacturing.

[0034] The mattress surface may have hand rests, foot rests, pillow-shaped or chair-shaped support surfaces. Because it can form a shape that assists in getting up, it is useful when lying down, sleeping, and getting up. It can accommodate multiple support conditions.

[0035] By utilizing pressing, vibration, or roller-like movement by the variable support part, The body support function and the stimulation function equivalent to massage or acupressure are common. This can be achieved through the drive configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows the overall configuration, sensing, and control flow of the bed rest / sleep support system according to the present invention.

[0037] [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration in which an electrically operated variable support unit is placed in the pillow section.

[0038] [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration in which an electrically operated variable support unit is placed in the mattress section.

[0039] [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration in which a fluid pressure type or bellows type variable support is arranged in the pillow section.

[0040] [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration in which a fluid pressure type or bellows type variable support is arranged in the mattress section.

[0041] [Figure 6] This diagram shows the state of the variable support parts of the pillow and mattress sections in the standard support position.

[0042] [Figure 7] This diagram shows a state in which the pillow and mattress are displaced in a coordinated manner in a gentle oblique support posture (sleeping at an angle), while suppressing body slippage, displacement, localized sinking, or uneven distribution of body pressure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] The bed rest and sleep support system shown in Figure 1 is: pillow Department 10. Mattress section 20. Pressure sensor 30. PPG sensor 31, posture sensor 32, pillow / mattress integrated control device 40, Pillow section control / drive unit 51, mattress section control / drive unit 52, communication unit 60 and It is equipped with a sensor information integration and collection control device 70.

[0044] The pressure sensor 30 is located in the pillow section 10 and the mattress section 20. At least one of them is singular, Multiple or matrix-like arrangements are used to acquire information on body pressure distribution and changes in the position of body parts. The PPG sensor 31 is Heart rate, pulse rate, pulse wave, blood oxygen saturation, or respiratory status Corresponding information can be obtained. The posture sensor 32 is User or support surface It can acquire the tilt or movement.

[0045] Sensor information integration and collection control device 70 It acquires information from multiple sensors, Determine the position, posture, pressure distribution, or user condition of body parts. The pillow / mattress integrated control device 40 is Based on the requested information, pillow Department 10 Variable support section 11 and variable support section 21 of mattress section 20 Determine the control variable.

[0046] Variable support parts 11 and 21 If a drive status sensor is provided, Sensor information integration and collection control device 70 pressure, displacement, load, torque or Obtain information on the drive current. The integrated control device 40 is User status information and Each type of drive status information can be used individually or in any combination of multiple types.

[0047] The pillow portion 10 shown in Figure 2 consists of a pillow top layer 13 and One or more arranged below it Variable support part 11 It is equipped with the following. Above the variable support part 11 end Plate 12 It can be placed. adjacent Plate 12 to connecting material 17 They can be connected or arranged independently of each other. Cell 14 and chamber wall 15 A configuration that includes, Any configuration that does not include these elements can be adopted.

[0048] Figure 3 As shown The mattress section 20 is the upper layer 23 of the mattress. And below that one or more arranged It includes a variable support part 21. above end A plate 22 can be placed there. The adjacent plate 22 is connected to the connecting member 27. Therefore, connect They can be arranged independently of each other. Cell 24 and Chamber wall 25 Both configurations that include these features and configurations that do not include them can be adopted. Furthermore, reference numerals 11 and 21, which are labeled as "actuators" in the drawing, These correspond to the variable support parts 11 and 21 in this specification, respectively.

[0049] Variable support parts 11, 21 The stroke, support force, response speed, number of units, and spacing between units are as follows: It can be set according to the user's physique, intended use, and the area being supported. Pillow section 10 and The mattress section 20 includes: The same type of variable support may be used. Different types of adjustable support parts may be combined.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4 and 5 In a fluid pressure configuration, Pumps 19, 29, Flow channels, valves and Using a pressure sensor, the height of the bellows, fluid cell, or fluid piston and The support pressure can be adjusted. Fluid movement caused by the user's load can be controlled by a valve or Semi-active control, which is adjusted by flow resistance, is also possible.

[0051] Figure 6 In the standard support posture shown, Integrated control unit 40 This includes the distribution of body pressure, the position of body parts, The system acquires the posture and user status, and provides a variable support unit corresponding to that status. 11, 21 Position and bearing capacity can be stored as reference information.

[0052] The support status is determined based on user status information or instructions from the user or caregiver. If you want to make a change, The integrated control device 40 controls the pillow section 10 and the mattress section 20. Variable support parts 11, 21 Control is performed individually, by zone, or in an integrated manner. Control that gently tilts the entire body, and the head, shoulders, waist, buttocks, legs, etc. Controls that change the angle or height individually can be performed independently or simultaneously. In this specification, "oblique support posture (sleeping facing diagonally)" means the user's whole body or At least part of the body is in a supine position, etc. This refers to a position that is tilted or rotated relative to the standard support position.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7 In a gently oblique support position, the head, shoulders, torso, waist and Variable support section for the buttocks, etc. 11, 21 To coordinate the displacement. Not limited to the angle of inclination, but also considering body pressure distribution, posture, position of body parts, and user condition. The tilt direction and amount can be set accordingly. The oblique support position is the supine position and Includes intermediate positions between lying on your side and lying on your side. The solution does not require tilting the entire mattress to a specific angle. Height, incline, shape, or support pressure for each body part It may be formed by adjustment.

[0054] Sensor information is acquired during or after changes in the support state to detect body slippage. If displacement, localized sinking, or uneven pressure distribution is detected, the affected area, The variable support parts below, to the side, or adjacent to it are activated. The support surface has a rounded or raised section on its side, or the buttocks, waist, By supporting the shoulders or legs, the movement of the body can be restricted.

[0055] The integrated control device 40 is After changing the support status, user status information and The drive status information is reacquired, the current support state is maintained, and additional adjustments are made. Alternatively, a portion of the changes can be reversed. The adjustment speed and amount are as follows: It can be adjusted according to the user's physique, posture, and condition.

[0056] Mattress section 20 Variable support section According to 21, Footrest that supports the foot, A hand rest for supporting the hand or upper limb, a pillow shape for supporting the head, It is possible to form a chair-like support surface or a support surface that assists the user in getting up. These support shapes can be formed individually or in combination.

[0057] The variable support parts 11 and 21 of the pillow part 10 or the mattress part 20 Sequentially or repeatedly By driving it, it can create pressing, vibration, oscillating, or roller-like movement. This provides stimulation equivalent to massage or acupressure. It can be applied to one or more parts of the body.

[0058] Integrated control unit 40 This includes the adjustment amount, adjustment speed, and zone used for each user. The system can record the support status and user status information after adjustment. The recorded information is as follows: It can be used for initial setup, updating control conditions, or learning-type control for the next use.

[0059] Support shape data is for static pillows, mattresses, or other body support members. Can be used for design or manufacture. Static support members include foamed resin, gel, Fiber materials, wood, metal, or combinations thereof can be used.

[0060] Communications Department 60 This is between an external terminal, a wearable sensor, or a recording device. It can transmit and receive user status information, drive status information, control conditions, or control history. The user or caregiver can start and stop the control using an external terminal or control unit. Support conditions or control conditions can be set.

[0061] If a sensor malfunction, drive malfunction, communication malfunction, or condition exceeding the set range occurs during control... If detected,The integrated control device 40 is Variable support section Stop 11 and 21. Reduce the displacement rate, revert a portion of the change, or set a preset value. It can be transitioned to a supported state.

[0062] The above embodiments are illustrative and the shape, dimensions, material, and number of each component may vary. The arrangement, driving method, sensor type, and control method are in line with the spirit of the invention. They can be modified or combined as long as they do not deviate from the norm. [Industrial applicability]

[0063] This invention Pillows, mattresses, futons, beds, sofa beds, chairs that double as bedding, Rest support devices, care support bedding, transport support devices, examination support tables, It can be used for seats in aircraft and other vehicles.

[0064] This invention relates to homes, accommodations, rest facilities, care facilities, medical facilities, mobile vehicles, and others. It can be used in places where the user is supported in a lying or sitting position. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 100 users 10 Pillow part 11 Pillow section Variable support section 12. Plate for the pillow section 13 Pillow top layer 14. Chamber or cell in the pillow section 15. Chamber wall of the pillow section 16. Base plate of the pillow section 17 Connecting material for the pillow section 18 Pillow section Drive status sensor 19 Pillow section Fluid pump 20 Mattress section 21 Mattress section Variable support section 22 Mattress plate 23. Upper layer of mattress 24. Chamber or cell in the mattress section 25 Chamber wall of the mattress section 26 Mattress base plate 27 Connecting material for mattress section 28 Mattress section Drive status sensor 29 Mattress section Fluid pump 30. Pressure sensor or sensor matrix 31. Photoplethysmography (PPG) Sensor 32. Posture Sensor 33 Fluid pressure regulating valve or pressure sensor 40 Pillow and Mattress Integrated Control Device 51 Pillow control・ Drive unit 52. Mattress section control. Drive unit 60 Communications Department 70 Sensor Information Integration and Acquisition Control Device

Claims

1. A reclining bed and sleep support system whose shape is variable according to the user's body shape and sleeping position, and which has a control means that integrates and controls the height, incline and shape of the pillow that supports the user's head, and the height, incline and shape of the mattress that supports the body, based on real-time information of the user's weight distribution and some or a combination of biological information such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood flow, blood pressure, respiratory rate, respiratory sounds, and body temperature.

2. The reclining and sleep support system described in claim 1 is a reclining and sleep support system in which the height, inclination, and shape are controlled by actuators according to the user's body shape and sleeping posture, and the actuators installed on the pillow and mattress, one, multiple or more times, can be electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, water pressure, gel pressure, piston drive, mechanical drive, bellows drive, motor gear drive, wire motor drive mechanism, motor screw drive mechanism, pump drive mechanism, electromagnetic actuator drive mechanism, or a drive mechanism made of dielectric polymer material or shape memory alloy, and combinations thereof can also be used.

3. A reclining and sleep support system according to claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, in addition to sensor information on weight distribution and sleeping posture from sensors installed in addition to actuators, biological information such as biological state, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood flow, blood pressure, respiratory rate, respiratory sounds, and body temperature, sensor data from pressure sensors, displacement sensors, load sensors, torque sensors, current sensors, etc., within each actuator, can be used to drive and control the actuators in real time in an integrated or individual manner, either individually or in any combination of these sensor data.

4. A reclining and sleep support system according to claims 1 to 3, wherein a plate is placed between a pillow and a mat or cloth installed on the upper surface of the mattress and each actuator supporting them, and the actuators are connected by a material, and the upward thrusting force from each actuator can be distributed. The connecting material can be anything as long as it has a connecting function, and its connection, shape, material, and configuration can be arbitrary. It is also possible to use no connecting material at all in this bed and sleep support system.

5. A bed and sleep support system that can be controlled by feedback control, feedforward control, hybrid control, adaptive control, passive control, active control, PID control, optimal control, learning-type control (AI, etc.), cooperative control, etc., using biological state data before going to sleep or during sleep, in the sleep support system according to claims 1 to 4.

6. A reclining and sleep support system according to claims 1 to 5, which makes it possible to use each sensor individually or in combination of multiple types and numbers for control, by utilizing the characteristics of pressure sensors, distance sensors, vision sensors, IMU (accelerometer / angular velocity) sensors, temperature sensors, thermographic cameras, TV cameras, etc., which are arranged individually, in groups, or in a matrix, in order to measure the weight distribution on the pillow or mattress, sleeping posture, and the arrangement and state of each part of the body with high precision and continuously.

7. A reclining bed and sleep support system according to claims 1 to 6, wherein the system allows for combinations of materials that distribute frictional forces and pressures received by the body by appropriately arranging multiple types of matting materials and fabrics, such as low-rebound material or gel layer in zones where load distribution is difficult, or zoning urethane with varying hardness or multi-layered mats, in order to locally change hardness or absorb localized pressure that may cause stress to the user.

8. The reclining bed and sleep support system described in claims 1 to 7 provides a reclining bed and sleep support function that can control the position, tilt, height, and shape of each part of the body, and a multi-zone structure that allows for adjustment of the height, tilt, and hardness of each zone of the body (e.g., shoulders: softer) to adjust the flexibility of the members that support each part, enabling lateral rounded tilt and shape control to prevent the shoulders, waist, and buttocks from sinking too much.

9. In the reclining bed and sleep support system described in claims 1 to 8, when the shape of the pillow and mattress is changed by controlling the shape, height, and inclination, there is a possibility that a certain part may slide down or that changes in posture may occur due to differences in gravity and friction between different parts. In such cases, the reclining bed and sleep support system has a function to maintain the state and comfort of each part of the body by driving actuators individually or in zones to prevent sliding down or movement of parts.

10. A reclining and sleep support system according to claims 1 to 9, wherein an actuator within the mattress can deform the mattress alone to create the shape of a pillow that supports the head, and the reclining and sleep support system has the function of controlling and adjusting the surface shape, height, and inclination of the mattress alone as an integral part of the pillow.

11. A lying-down and sleep support system according to claims 1 to 10, which can improve symptoms during lying down and sleep by controlling the height, inclination, shape, and hardness of pillows and mattresses, and which can store the results of these control in shape memory and reflect them in a static mold using any material that can reflect them in a mold or resin material such as urethane, thereby providing data for creating passive pillows and mattresses that are tailored to individual users.

12. A reclining and sleep support system according to claims 1 to 11, wherein an actuator in the mattress controls and adjusts the shape, height, and inclination of the mattress surface to create a shape for the user to use as a footrest, handrest, pillow, etc. when reclining or sleeping, and also to create a chair shape or a function or shape to assist in getting up when getting up.

13. A reclining bed and sleep support system according to claims 1 to 12, which is capable of having a massage function or acupressure function by driving actuators inside the mattress or pillow. Furthermore, depending on the type of actuator, this bed and sleep support system can create any desired massage mode, such as vibration or roller-like drive.

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