Adjustable articulated bed system and computer-implemented method for controlling the adjustable articulated bed system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjustable articulated bed system comprising: a bed base (10) having a liftable bed platform (12) with at least one liftable articulated section (14) at one of its ends; a movement mechanism to lift the articulated section (14) and / or the platform (12); a posture change activation mechanism; a biometric sensor; a user interface for entering data relating to the health conditions of the user; a control processor connected to the sensor and configured to receive and process data, as well as to generate commands to lift the bed and / or actuate the posture change activation mechanism to change the user's posture and / or lift the bed according to the user's health needs. The invention further relates to a computer-implemented method for controlling the system.

Description

[0001] ADJUSTABLE ARTICULATED BED SYSTEM AND COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED PROCEDURE FOR CONTROLLING THE ADJUSTABLE ARTICULATED BED SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of sleep systems, especially to an adjustable articulated bed system optimized for both side and back sleepers, and to a computer-implemented procedure for controlling the adjustable articulated bed system to improve sleep quality and health.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Currently, adjustable beds have gained immense popularity due to their numerous benefits, including the ability to adopt positions like zero gravity, which help relieve pressure points and improve circulation. However, conventional adjustable bed designs have significant limitations in meeting the specific needs of side sleepers or those who change position during the night, who constitute the majority. These users require a flat and inclined surface that allows for proper spinal alignment during sleep, but most adjustable beds are primarily optimized for back sleepers.

[0006] As a result, side sleepers often find themselves in positions that compromise spinal alignment or, alternatively, opt to use the bed in a completely flat position, thus forgoing the adjustable benefits these beds offer. While some models allow basic adjustments to the horizontal plane's tilt, which could be helpful for side sleepers, they lack automatic systems that adapt the tilt or proactively encourage postural changes while the user is asleep. This deficiency limits the ability of current adjustable beds to effectively address common problems such as snoring, sleep apnea, acid reflux, and migraines, especially when the user is unconscious, thus diminishing their therapeutic potential.

[0007] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an adjustable articulated bed system and a computer-implemented procedure powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The adjustable articulated bed system is controlled to provide a good quality, healthy sleep solution for those who sleep on their back, on their side, or change positions during the night, as the system adapts to the individual health needs and preferences of the users.

[0008] In particular, the object of the present invention, according to a first aspect, is an adjustable articulated bed system comprising:

[0009] - a bed base incorporating a liftable bed platform with at least one liftable articulated section at one end,

[0010] - a movement mechanism to induce a lifting of the articulated section and / or lifting of the bed base platform,

[0011] - a postural change activation mechanism,

[0012] - a biometric sensor, configured to monitor the user's biometric data, - a user interface, configured to input health data relating to the user's health conditions,

[0013] - a control processor connected to the biometric sensor, configured to: receive and process information entered by the user through the user interface; receive and process biometric data obtained through the biometric sensor; as well as generate commands that it transmits to the movement mechanism and / or the postural change activation mechanism, to execute a selected strategy, said strategy comprising inducing a postural change of the user and / or inducing the raising of the bed according to the user's health needs.

[0014] The object of the present invention according to a second aspect is a computer-implemented procedure for controlling the adjustable articulated bed system, comprising the following steps:

[0015] a) the user's sleeping posture is detected,

[0016] b) The control processor processes and identifies health data relating to the user's declared health conditions entered through the user interface, c) The control processor processes the user's biometric data obtained through the biometric sensor to detect health conditions affecting the user's sleep,

[0017] d) the data from stages a), b) and c) are processed together and an action strategy is selected according to the user's health needs, said strategy comprising:

[0018] - induce a postural change in the user, or

[0019] - induce the elevation of the bed, or

[0020] - to induce a change in the user's posture along with raising the bed,

[0021] e) Orders are generated and transmitted to the movement mechanism and / or the postural change activation mechanism to execute the selected strategy.

[0022] This provides an adjustable bed with a mechanism that allows the user to change their posture and / or adopt an anti-Trendelenburg position, optimizing the bed's benefits, even for side sleepers. The bed incorporates AI technology that analyzes user information, sensor data, or a combination of both to determine the optimal tilt angle based on the user's specific needs and conditions. This personalized tilt helps alleviate various health issues, including snoring, sleep apnea, acid reflux, and migraines.

[0023] Therefore, the present invention offers several advantages:

[0024] - Improves sleep quality for those who sleep on their side or change position, improving ergonomics.

[0025] - Allows for customized tilt angles according to individual health conditions.

[0026] -Relieves snoring, sleep apnea, acid reflux and migraines.

[0027] - It offers greater comfort and support for those who sleep on their side.

[0028] - Integrates AI technology for personalized adjustments.

[0029] - Allows user data input and sensor-based detection of health conditions.

[0030] In this document, the word "comprises" and its variants are to be interpreted as open-ended expressions that do not preclude the possibility of other technical features or components beyond those explicitly mentioned. Furthermore, the word "comprises" includes the case "consists of," which is interpreted as a closed-ended expression limited solely to the technical features or components explicitly mentioned. For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent partly from the description and partly from the practice of the invention. Moreover, the present invention covers all possible combinations of embodiments described herein.

[0031] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is included in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

[0033] Figure 1: Represents the bed in position 0 o (bed in a horizontal position).

[0034] Figure 2: Represents the bed in position 0 o (bed in horizontal position) with an articulated section raised in the area of ​​the user's head.

[0035] Figures 3A and 3B: Represent the bed according to a flat surface configuration with an Anti-Trendelenburg incline.

[0036] Figure 4: Represents the operating scheme of the system.

[0037] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0038] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an adjustable articulated bed system comprising:

[0039] - a bed base (10) incorporating a liftable bed platform (12) with at least one liftable articulated section (14) at one end,

[0040] - a movement mechanism to induce a lifting of the articulated section (14) and / or a lifting of the platform (12) of the bed base (10),

[0041] - a postural change activation mechanism,

[0042] - a biometric sensor, configured to monitor the user's biometric data, - a user interface, configured to input health data relating to the user's health conditions,

[0043] - a control processor connected to the biometric sensor, configured to: receive and process information entered by the user through the user interface; receive and process biometric data obtained through the biometric sensor; as well as generate commands that it transmits to the movement mechanism and / or the postural change activation mechanism, to execute a selected strategy, said strategy comprising inducing a postural change of the user and / or inducing the raising of the bed according to the user's health needs.

[0044] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the platform (12) comprises at least one articulated section (14) that can be raised in the user's head area. Preferably, the articulated section (14) can be raised from 0 o(upright position) up to a 45° incline. As can be seen in Figures 1, 2, and 3A, the bed base may comprise several articulated sections, depending on the particular model, usually five articulated sections to accommodate the user's positions while lying on their back. However, what is relevant according to the present invention is the inclination of the articulated section in the area of ​​the user's head (the nape of the neck is tilted), which, when raised, can reduce or eliminate snoring and apnea during sleep.

[0045] Similarly, the liftable bed platform (12) is configured to rise at the front of the bed. Preferably, the liftable bed platform (12) is raised between a 0 position and a 0 position. o (bed in a horizontal position) and an Anti-Trendelenburg tilt of at least 12°. This elevation is schematically represented in Figures 3A and 3B.

[0046] The following inclinations are established for the following conditions:

[0047] - Respiratory condition: Anti-Trendelenburg tilt of approximately 5 o .

[0048] - Gastric condition: Anti-Trendelenburg tilt of approximately 7 o .

[0049] - Migraine condition: Anti-Trendelenburg tilt of approximately 10°.

[0050] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, the biomethicone sensor used is a BCG sensor, which detects whether or not there is presence, vital signs and movements of the user and can derive the sleep phases.

[0051] Within the scope of the present invention, vital signs are understood to be the following parameters, selected from the group comprising:

[0052] - physical parameters of the heart, such as:

[0053] - heart rate (HR),

[0054] - respiratory rate (RR) (breathing),

[0055] - depth of breathing rhythm

[0056] - heart rate variability (HRV)

[0057] - relative stroke volume,

[0058] - pulse, - blood pressure.

[0059] - arrhythmias.

[0060] The user enters their health data regarding their health conditions through a user interface. This could be a tablet, computer, or similar device. The health data regarding the user's health conditions includes the following conditions:

[0061] - Respiratory conditions, for example: snoring, apnea (positional or not), COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease);

[0062] - Gastric conditions, for example: gastric reflux;

[0063] - Other conditions, for example: migraines, cardiovascular diseases.

[0064] According to the present invention, the control processor is configured to receive and process information from the biometric sensor to generate the following data:

[0065] - appearance of apneas and microapneas,

[0066] - appearance of snoring,

[0067] - detect the user's posture (detect if they are on their side or face up),

[0068] - movement data (whether the bed is empty or the user is in bed, whether the user moves),

[0069] - determine sleep stages.

[0070] Based on the above, the control processor receives and processes the information entered by the user through the user interface, receives and processes the biometric data obtained through the biometric sensor, and thus generates the movement commands that it transmits to the movement mechanism and / or the postural change activation mechanism, to execute a selected strategy, such as: inducing a postural change of the user and / or inducing the elevation of the bed according to the user's health needs.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the biometric sensor is connected to the control processor by wiring, since the biometric sensor requires power.

[0072] The system can consist of a single control processor that monitors the sensor(s), determines the command to be executed, and issues the orders to the bed actuators. However, there can also be two independent control units: the first control processor for controlling the bed actuators (motors), and the second control processor for monitoring the sensor(s) and determining the commands to be sent to the first control processor. The connection between the two processors can be, for example, via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but also via a serial port, which would be a more robust solution.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control processor comprises a machine learning algorithm that dynamically adjusts the position of the bed over time according to trends in the user's health data, learning and adapting to changes in health conditions.

[0074] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the articulated bed system comprises a mattress placed on the bed base (10).

[0075] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the biometric sensor, preferably the BCG sensor, is integrated into the mattress. However, it is understood that this sensor can also be integrated into the bed base (10) or the platform (12), or even into the pillow, or it can be implemented as an external or wearable device.

[0076] The control processor can be integrated into the mattress, but also into the bed base (10) or the platform (12).

[0077] The articulated bed system according to the present invention comprises a postural change activation mechanism, configured to activate when the user has indicated in the user interface that they suffer from obstructive positional sleep apnea and the system has detected that they are sleeping on their back, thus prompting a postural change. It is worth noting that obstructive positional sleep apnea occurs when a person sleeps on their back, so changing the posture to a side position alleviates this condition. The postural change activation mechanism can also be configured for other conditions that may require a postural change in the user.

[0078] The postural change activation mechanism can be placed on or integrated into the bed surface, but also into a pillow, the mattress or topper, or even an external wearable device. This mechanism is typically a vibration module, but it can also be one or more air chambers that inflate or deflate, sound emission, or the emission of sound frequencies of some kind, or even the movement of a part of the base, typically the neck section.

[0079] On the other hand, the system of the present invention may include wearable sensors, such as wristbands or rings, that can help detect other conditions. For example, sensors that use PPG (photoplethysmography) to detect the SpO2 oxygen saturation level are very useful for detecting the apnea / hypopnea index, but also for other types of respiratory illnesses not reported by the user and that are occasional (for example, pneumonia), in which incorporating the bed would be beneficial.

[0080] The system can also include other devices such as EDA (Electrodermal Activity) sensors, which are being used to investigate migraine detection. Thanks to these EDA sensors, if the system detects a migraine attack, the bed could be activated. In other words, these trackers are devices that complement the measurements of biometric sensors to encompass more pathologies or to improve the detection of existing ones.

[0081] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-implemented procedure for controlling the adjustable articulated bed system defined above, comprising the following steps:

[0082] a) the user's sleeping posture is detected,

[0083] b) The control processor processes and identifies the health data relating to the declared health conditions suffered by the user, entered through the user interface,

[0084] c) The control processor processes user biometric data obtained through the biometric sensor to detect health conditions that affect the user's sleep,

[0085] d) the data from stages a), b) and c) are processed together and an action strategy is selected according to the user's health needs, said strategy comprising:

[0086] - induce a postural change in the user, or

[0087] - induce the raising of the bed, or - induce a change in the user's posture along with raising the bed,

[0088] e) Orders are generated and transmitted to the movement mechanism and / or the postural change activation mechanism to execute the selected strategy.

[0089] First, the user's sleeping position is determined.

[0090] If the user is not lying on their side and has declared that they suffer from positional obstructive sleep apnea (which typically occurs when the user sleeps on their back), the control processor generates a signal that activates the mechanism that induces a postural change, for example, the vibration module. Once the posture has been changed, preferably to the user's side position, the surface is kept flat, and the user's health conditions are checked.

[0091] If the user is not lying on their side, and has not declared that they suffer from positional obstructive sleep apnea, the bed position is kept unchanged and the verification of the user's health conditions is carried out.

[0092] If the user is lying on their side, the verification of the user's health conditions is carried out.

[0093] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the declared health conditions suffered by the user and entered through the user interface may be the following: positional obstructive sleep apnea, respiratory condition, gastric condition or migraine, but other conditions that may affect the user's health can be established and a movement of the bed may produce their relief or disappearance.

[0094] The movements of the bed may be the following:

[0095] - the movement of the bed base (10) in the front area of ​​the bed, preferably between a position of 0 o (bed in horizontal position) and Anti-Trendelenburg tilt of at least 12°.

[0096] - the movement of the articulated section (14) that can be lifted in the area of ​​the user's head, preferably between a position of 0 o (upright position) up to a 45° incline. As shown in Figure 4, if the user is detected lying on their side and has stated that they suffer from a respiratory condition, the control processor generates a signal that activates the bed base movement mechanism to an Anti-Trendelenburg tilt of 5°. oIf additional apnea or snoring is detected, the control processor generates a signal that activates the movement mechanism of the articulated section (14) that can be raised in the user's head area to an inclination until the symptoms disappear.

[0097] If the user is detected lying on their side and has declared that they suffer from a gastric condition, the control processor generates a signal that activates the bed base movement mechanism to a 7° Anti-Trendelenburg tilt o If additional apnea or snoring is detected, the control processor generates a signal that activates the movement mechanism of the articulated section (14) that can be raised in the user's head area to an inclination until the symptoms disappear.

[0098] If the user is detected lying on their side and has reported suffering from a migraine, the control processor generates a signal that activates a movement mechanism for the bed base to a 10° anti-Trendelenburg tilt. If apnea or snoring is also detected, the control processor generates a signal that activates the movement mechanism of the articulated section (14) that can be lifted in the user's head area to tilt it until the symptoms disappear.

[0099] If the user has declared various pathologies, the solution with the greatest inclination is applied.

[0100] If the user is found to be lying on their side and is not found to suffer from respiratory, gastric or migraine pathologies, but apnea or snoring is detected, the control processor generates a signal that activates the movement mechanism of the articulated section (14) that can be raised in the area of ​​the user's head to an inclination until the symptoms disappear.

[0101] The moment a postural change occurs, the process is repeated; that is, the posture is detected, whether it is face up, whether the user suffers from declared conditions, whether snoring or apnea is detected by the biometho sensor, etc.

[0102] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the step of processing biometric data includes the use of a machine learning algorithm that analyzes the user's historical health data and dynamically adjusts the bed position to prevent or alleviate specific health conditions.

[0103] Explanation of the abbreviations used in Figure 4:

[0104] lAactiv mode: AI mode activated

[0105] Detect the user's sleeping position: Detect the user's sleeping position

[0106] From the side: On the side

[0107] AOP deciar.: Declared positional obstructive apnea

[0108] The mechanism is activated until postural change: The mechanism is activated until postural change. Maintain the position of the bed: Maintain the position of the bed

[0109] Comp. afectc. deciar, by the user: Verification of the health conditions declared by the user

[0110] M: Migraine conditions

[0111] G: Gastric conditions

[0112] A: Respiratory conditions

[0113] R / A detect.: Snoring / apnea detected

[0114] IAT 10° + head tilt until symptoms disappear: 10° Anti-Trendelenburg tilt + head tilt until symptoms disappear

[0115] IAT 10°: 10° Anti-Trendelenburg Tilt

[0116] IAT 7 o + I head until synthesized disappearance: 7-degree Anti-Trendelenburg tilt o + tilting the head until symptoms disappear

[0117] IAT 7 o 7° Anti-Trendelenburg Tilt o

[0118] IAT 5 o + I head until synthesized disappearance: 5-degree Anti-Trendelenburg tilt o + tilting the head until symptoms disappear

[0119] IAT 5 o 5° Anti-Trendelenburg Tilt o

[0120] Head tilt until symptoms disappear: Tilt the head until symptoms disappear. Keep the bed in the current position: Keep the bed in the current position.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Adjustable articulated bed system comprising: - a bed base (10) incorporating a liftable bed platform (12) with at least one liftable articulated section (14) at one end, - a movement mechanism to induce a lifting of the articulated section (14) and / or a lifting of the platform (12) of the bed base (10), - a postural change activation mechanism, - a biometric sensor, configured to monitor the user's biometric data, - a user interface, configured to input health data relating to the user's health conditions, - a control processor connected to the biometric sensor, configured to: receive and process information entered by the user through the user interface; receive and process biometric data obtained through the biometric sensor; as well as generate commands that it transmits to the movement mechanism and / or the postural change activation mechanism, to execute a selected strategy, said strategy comprising inducing a postural change of the user and / or inducing the raising of the bed according to the user's health needs.

2. Articulated bed system according to claim 1, wherein the liftable bed platform (12) comprises at least one articulated section (14) that can be lifted in the user's head area.

3. Articulated bed system according to any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the liftable bed platform (12) is configured to rise in the front area of ​​the bed.

4. Articulated bed system according to claim 3, wherein the lifting of the platform (12) of the liftable bed is carried out between a position of 0 o and an anti-Trendelenburg tilt of at least 12°.

5. Articulated bed system according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the biometric sensor is a BCG sensor.

6. An articulated bed system according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the biometric sensor detects the user's vital signs.

7. An articulated bed system according to claim 6, wherein the user's vital signs are selected from the group comprising: - physical parameters of the heart, such as: - heart rate (HR), - respiratory rate (RR), - depth of breathing rhythm - heart rate variability (HRV) - relative stroke volume, - pulse, - blood pressure. - arrhythmias.

8. Articulated bed system according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the health data relating to the health conditions suffered by the user comprise the following conditions: - Respiratory conditions: snoring, apnea, COPD, positional obstructive sleep apnea; - Gastric conditions: gastric reflux; - Other conditions: migraines, cardiovascular diseases.

9. Articulated bed system according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control processor is configured to receive and process information from the biometric sensor to generate the following data: - apneas and microapneas, - snoring, - user posture, - movement data, - sleep stages.

10. Articulated bed system according to any of claims 1 to 9, comprising a mattress placed on the bed base (10).

11. An articulated bed system according to claim 10, wherein the biometric sensor is integrated into the mattress.

12. An articulated bed system according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the biometric sensor is integrated into any of the following elements: the bed base (10), the platform (12), a pillow, an external device, or a wearable.

13. Articulated bed system according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the postural change activation mechanism is configured to activate when the user interface has declared that the user suffers from positional obstructive sleep apnea and the system has detected that the user sleeps on their back, in order to induce the user's postural change.

14. Articulated bed system according to claim 13, wherein the postural change activation mechanism is selected from the group comprising: a vibration module, inflation / deflation of one or more air chambers, sound frequencies or movement of the bed base (10) or any of its parts.

15. Articulated bed system according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the control processor comprises a machine learning algorithm that dynamically adjusts the position of the bed over time according to trends in the user's health data, learning and adapting to changes in health conditions.

16. A computer-implemented method for controlling the adjustable articulated bed system according to any of claims 1-15, comprising the following steps: a) the user's sleeping posture is detected, b) The control processor processes and identifies the health data relating to the declared health conditions suffered by the user, entered through the user interface, c) The control processor processes user biometric data obtained through the biometric sensor to detect health conditions affecting the user's sleep; d) The data from stages a), b), and c) are processed together, and an action strategy is selected according to the user's health needs, this strategy comprising: - induce a postural change in the user, or - induce the elevation of the bed, or - to induce a change in the user's posture along with raising the bed, e) Orders are generated and transmitted to the movement mechanism and / or the postural change activation mechanism to execute the selected strategy.

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein the activation mechanism that induces the postural change is selected from the group comprising: a vibration module, inflation / deflation of one or more air chambers, sound frequencies or movement of the bed base (10) or any of its parts.

18. Method according to claim 16, wherein the mechanism that induces the lifting of the bed is the movement mechanism of the articulated section (14) and / or the movement mechanism of the bed base.

19. Method according to any of claims 16 or 18, wherein the movement of the bed base (10) is generated in the front area of ​​the bed.

20. Method according to claim 19, wherein the movement of the bed base (10) is generated between a position of 0 o and an anti-Trendelenburg tilt of at least 12°.

21. Method according to any of claims 16-20, wherein the movement of the articulated section (14) that can be lifted in the user's head area is generated.

22. Method according to claim 21, wherein an elevation of the articulated section (14) is generated between a position of 0 o up to a 45° incline.

23. A method according to any of claims 16-22, wherein if it is detected that the user is not lying on their side and the user has declared that they suffer from positional obstructive sleep apnea, the control processor generates a signal that activates the mechanism that induces the postural change.

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the postural change is induced to the user's side-lying position.

25. A method according to any of claims 16-22, wherein if it is detected that the user is lying on their side and the user has declared that they suffer from a respiratory condition, the control processor generates a signal that activates the bed base movement mechanism to an Anti-Trendelenburg tilt of 5° o .

26. Method according to claim 25, wherein, if additionally apnea or snoring is detected, the control processor generates a signal that activates the movement mechanism of the articulated section (14) that can be raised in the area of ​​the user's head to an inclination until the symptoms disappear.

27. A method according to any of claims 16-22, wherein if it is detected that the user is lying on their side and the user has declared that they suffer from a gastric condition, the control processor generates a signal that activates the bed base movement mechanism to an Anti-Trendelenburg tilt of 7° o .

28. Method according to claim 27, wherein, if additionally apnea or snoring is detected, the control processor generates a signal that activates the movement mechanism of the articulated section (14) that can be raised in the user's head area to an inclination until the symptoms disappear.

29. A method according to any of claims 16-22, wherein if it is detected that the user is lying on their side and the user has declared that they are suffering from a migraine, the control processor generates a signal that activates a movement mechanism of the bed base to an Anti-Trendelenburg tilt of 10°.

30. Method according to claim 29, wherein, if additionally apnea or snoring is detected, the control processor generates a signal that activates the movement mechanism of the articulated section (14) that can be raised in the user's head area to an inclination until the symptoms disappear.

31. A method according to any of claims 16-22, wherein if it is detected that the user is lying on their side and it is identified that they do not suffer from respiratory or gastric conditions or migraines, but apnea or snoring is detected, the control processor generates a signal that activates the movement mechanism of the articulated section (14) that can be lifted in the area of ​​the user's head to an inclination until the symptoms disappear.

32. The method according to claim 16, wherein the step of processing the biometric data includes the use of a machine learning algorithm that analyzes the user's historical health data and dynamically adjusts the bed position to prevent or alleviate specific health conditions.

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