Using force sensors to determine sleep parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bed systems lack the ability to accurately determine sleep parameters and adjust environmental settings based on real-time user data, such as pressure and force sensors, to enhance comfort and automation.
Innovation Solution
A bed system equipped with air bladders, pressure sensors, force sensors, and a controller that processes data from these sensors to determine sleep parameters and send instructions to controllable devices to alter the environment, such as adjusting temperature or lighting, based on user presence and activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors and force sensors are integrated into the bed system, then measurement precision of sleep parameters is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pressure sensors integrated into the mattress with force sensors mounted on the bed frame legs to create a unified measurement system. This merging of sensing elements allows simultaneous acquisition of both mattress pressure data and frame force data, improving overall measurement precision for sleep parameters while sharing a common controller for data processing
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to handle multiple sensor types (pressure sensors and force sensors) and process diverse data streams from both sensor categories. This universal approach allows a single controller to manage complex measurements from multiple sensor sources, improving measurement capabilities without proportionally increasing control system complexity
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to monitor sleep parameters, then reliability of sleep data is improved, but loss of information increases due to complex data streams
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives continuous data streams from both pressure sensors and force sensors, processes this information, and uses it to determine sleep parameters and trigger home automation rules. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable sleep data acquisition while systematically managing information flow through structured processing and rule-based responses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates data processing into distinct segments: pressure sensor data processing, force sensor data processing, sleep parameter determination, and home automation rule evaluation. This segmentation allows the controller to manage complex data streams from multiple sensors without information loss, handling each data type through dedicated processing pathways
3Extent of automation
If the system integrates home automation capabilities, then extent of automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-programmed with home automation rules that define conditions and corresponding actions. When sleep parameters meet predetermined criteria, the system automatically executes pre-defined actions such as adjusting lighting or temperature. This preliminary configuration allows high-level automation without requiring complex real-time decision-making logic
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary between the sensor system and controllable devices. It receives data from pressure and force sensors, processes sleep parameters, and translates these into control signals for home automation devices. This intermediary role simplifies the integration complexity by providing a clear interface layer between sensing and actuation subsystems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides enhanced comfort and automation by accurately monitoring sleep parameters and adjusting environmental settings, improving user experience through personalized adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
At least one pressure sensor is in fluid communication with the air bladder. The pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure within the air bladder.
Implementation Method 2
Force sensors are coupled to the legs. The force sensors are configured to sense a force applied to each leg.
Data Source
AI summary
A support platform supports a mattress. The support platform includes legs. Force sensors are coupled to the legs or to the support platform. The force sensors are configured to sense a force applied to each leg or support platform. A controller is configured to receive at least one force stream from at least one of the force sensors. The at least one force stream represents a force sensed by the force sensor. The controller is configured to, in responses to receiving the at least one force stream, determine a sleep parameter from the following group of sleep parameters: bed presence, weight, heart rate, respiration rate, and motions. The controller is configured to output at least one or more of those parameters to an end user.