WO2012012892A1

WO2012012892A1 - Mattress ranking and selection

Info

Publication number: WO2012012892A1
Application number: PCT/CA2011/000882
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Anstey; Ian Main; Bruce Malkinson; Tyler Gill
Original assignee: Xsensor Technology Corporation
Priority date: 2010-07-30
Filing date: 2011-07-29
Publication date: 2012-02-02

Abstract

A method and system for ranking and selecting mattresses for a consumer, using a database including pressure sensor dataset for each combination of a plurality of physical profiles and a plurality of mattresses, which method includes steps of obtaining a test pressure sensor dataset for the at least one user on a control or sample mattress, matching the test dataset with a physical profile and selecting a subset of mattresses in the database associated with that physical profile, ranking the subset according to at least one selection criteria, and displaying or communicating the ranking results.

Description

MATTRESS RANKING AND SELECTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention is directed to methods and systems for ranking and selecting mattresses for a consumer.

Background

[0002] Mattress retailers try to help consumers select a mattress for purchase by asking questions about their personal mattress preferences such as firmness level (typically ranging from firm, medium, and soft), brand preference or loyalty, components or technology (e.g. pocketed coil, latex, memory foam, etc.), sleep position(s), body type or shape, areas of existing body pain, and budget for cost. However, consumers become easily confused and overwhelmed by the large number of mattress choices available in the marketplace.

[0003] Salespeople often use traditional feature-based selling techniques, however consumers do not often understand how these features relate to comfort and quality of sleep and often have trouble relating these features to mattress comfort. Skepticism about the information being conveyed and/or lack of product knowledge by salespeople often results in the consumer walking out of the retail store to shop elsewhere. The mattress-buying process gets even more confusing because most manufacturers provide retailers with exclusive brand /model names, making it virtually impossible for consumers to direct comparison shop. This often creates a frustrating experience for consumers and may lead to mistrust and skepticism. The frustration resulting from this experience often causes the consumer to delay their purchasing decision.

[0004] There are no commonly accepted methods or technologies used today to measure comfort or sleep quality on the top surface of a mattress (the surface on which the body lies), therefore the consumer is left to figure this out on their own, usually just by lying down momentarily on various mattresses to compare comfort feels. Because mattresses are a significant expense, consumers often conduct a reasonable amount of research through websites, word-of-mouth (family, friends, etc.) and shop around until they feel they have found the right place to buy a mattress they consider to meet their needs, for a fair price.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates to systems and methods to rank and select mattresses for a consumer. In one aspect, the invention may comprise a method of ranking mattresses for at least one user, wherein the method comprises the use of a database comprising a pressure sensor dataset for each combination of a plurality of physical profiles and a plurality of mattresses, the method comprising the steps of: a. obtaining a test pressure sensor dataset for the at least one user on a control or sample mattress;

b. matching the test dataset with a physical profile and selecting a subset of mattresses in the database associated with that physical profile; c. ranking the subset according to at least one selection criteria; and

a. displaying or communicating the ranking results. [0006] In one embodiment, the plurality of physical profiles comprises groupings based on body mass index, body shape, or sleep position, or combinations thereof.

[0007] In one embodiment, the at least one selection criteria may comprise one or more of the following:

(a) total contact area;

(b) peak pressure areas or peak pressure points;

(c) pressure distribution;

(d) shape distribution;

(e) mass distribution;

(f) pressure zones; or

(g) pressure gradients or shear

In one embodiment, mattresses which maximize total contact area may be preferred. In another embodiment, mattresses which minimize peak pressure areas or points may be preferred. In another embodiment, mattresses which equalize pressure distribution may be preferred. In another embodiment, mattresses which minimize pressure gradients or shear may be preferred. Different selection criteria may be combined with equal or unequal weighting towards the final results.

[0008] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of applying at least one selection filter, which may comprise one or more of the following:

• Firmness of the mattress;

• Category of mattress; or • Brand or origin of the mattress; or

• Price or cost category of the mattress.

In one embodiment, the category of mattress may relate to the construction or composition of the mattress or a specific layer of the mattress, such as the upholstery layer(s), the core layer(s), or the foundation layer(s).

[0009] In one embodiment, the matching, selection, or ranking steps occur without any direct input from the user. The necessary data is derived automatically from the user test pressure sensor database.

[0010] In another aspect, the invention may comprise a system for method of ranking mattresses for at least one user, comprising: a. a database comprising a pressure sensor dataset for each combination of a plurality of physical profiles and a plurality of mattresses, wherein each pressure sensor dataset comprises at least one matching criteria; b. a test pressure sensor mat for obtaining a test pressure sensor dataset for the at least one user on a mattress; and

c. a computer-implemented processing means comprising:

i. a component for matching the test profile with a physical profile and selecting a subset of the database associated with that physical profile and

ii. a component for ranking the subset in accordance with at least one selection criteria.

In one embodiment, the database contains a pressure sensor dataset for each combination of a plurality of physical profiles and a control or reference mattress, and the test pressure sensor dataset is obtained on the control or reference mattress or a similar mattress. In one embodiment, the system further comprises a user interface or display connected to the processing means for displaying or communicating the ranking. In one embodiment, the system further comprises a component for filtering the subset in accordance with a selection filter.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

[0011] In the drawings, like elements are assigned like reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, with the emphasis instead placed upon the principles of the present invention. Additionally, each of the embodiments depicted are but one of a number of possible arrangements utilizing the fundamental concepts of the present invention. The drawings are briefly described as follows:

[0012] Figure 1 shows a schematic flowchart of one embodiment of the invention.

[0013] Figure 2 shows a pressure map derived from a pressure sensor dataset.

[0014] Figure 3 shows a contact area curve derived from a pressure sensor dataset.

[0015] Figure 4 shows a pressure curve derived from a pressure sensor dataset. Figure 4 A shows a body mass curve derived from a pressure sensor dataset.

[0016] Figure 5 shows a peak pressure curve derived from a pressure sensor dataset.

[0017] Figure 6 shows a pressure map illustrating a shoulder-hip width ratio calculation.

[0018] Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of a system of the present invention. [0019] Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of the computer components of the present invention.

Detailed Description Of Preferred Embodiments

[0020] The invention relates to a method and system for ranking and selecting mattresses for an individual consumer. When describing the present invention, all terms not defined herein have their common art-recognized meanings. To the extent that the following description is of a specific embodiment or a particular use of the invention, it is intended to be illustrative only, and not limiting of the claimed invention. The following description is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that are included in the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

{0021] In general terms, the invention comprises a method of ranking mattresses for an individual user, which allows the user to access a database of pressure sensor datasets and compare the user's pressure sensor dataset to those stored in the database in order to determine suitability of and preference for certain mattresses. One embodiment of the method is shown schematically in Figure 1.

[0022] As used herein, a "pressure sensor dataset" means a set of pressure measurements obtained from a 2-dimensional array or grid of pressure sensors. In one embodiment, the pressure sensor dataset represents data gathered from a pressure sensor array which comprises 64 rows and 26 columns of pressure sensors (total of 1,664 sensors), where each sensor is approximately 1.25" square. An exemplary dataset of pressure values in tabular form is appended hereto as Appendix "A", where each cell reports a pressure value from a corresponding pressure sensor. This size of grid and level of resolution is exemplary only and embodiments which incorporate lower or higher resolution pressure datasets are within the scope of the present invention. The pressure sensor dataset array is preferably of sufficient size to cover a user's bodyprint on a mattress, regardless of the user's sleep position. In one embodiment, the sensor array is large enough to accommodate two simultaneous users of a mattress.

[0023] A pressure sensor dataset may be reformulated or manipulated into secondary forms of the data. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the pressure sensor dataset may be converted to a pressure map, with color or grayscale coding of pressure, which provides a graphical representation of the pressure sensor dataset. In other embodiments, the pressure sensor dataset may be converted into other forms of data which would vary from user to user, according to the users physical characteristics. In one example, a contact area curve as shown in Figure 3 may be derived by summing contact area along each row in the pressure sensor dataset. In another example, a pressure curve may be derived by summing total pressure along each row, as shown in Figure 4. In yet another example, a peak pressure curve as shown in Figure 5 may be derived by selecting the highest pressures recorded in each row. These secondary forms of pressure sensor dataset data may be useful in embodiments of the matching algorithm or selection algorithm described herein.

[0024] The database comprises a plurality of pressure sensor datasets, and in one

embodiment, each dataset is associated with a combination of a physical profile and a specified mattress, out of a plurality of physical profiles and mattresses. The plurality of mattresses preferably includes at least one control or reference mattress, the characteristics of which are known or may be ascertained. As used herein, "physical profile" means at least one physical attribute of individuals which affects their pressure sensor dataset, and which may be ascertained from a test pressure sensor dataset. The physical profile may include an attribute such as a body mass index (BMI), a body shape, or a sleep position, or combinations thereof. Other physical attributes may include, without limitation, variations of BMI or body shape, such as ratios of certain body part measurements such as shoulder-width, hip-width or waist- width. An exemplary pressure map showing the calculation of shoulder width to hip width is shown in Figure 6.

[0025] In one embodiment, the physical profiles may comprise combinations of body mass index, body shape and/or sleep position. A body mass index is a measure of a person's weight relative to height. Body mass index (BMI) is defined as the individual's body weight divided by the square of his or her height. The medically accepted formulae produces a unit of measure of kg/m . BMIs are conventionally grouped into four categories (BMI I - IV), however, BMI categorization different from medically accepted standards may be

implemented. For example, more categories may be used, or modified height/weight ratios may be used to arrive at a modified body mass index. Traditionally, body shape may be grouped into three categories (ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph) and there are primarily three different sleep positions (side, back or front). As a result, the number of different physical profiles obtained from the combination of 4 BMI categories, 3 body shape categories, and 3 sleep position categories would be 36.

[0026] In one embodiment, additional sensors may be used in addition to pressure sensors to record parameters such as temperature or humidity which exist near the mattress surface. These sensors are intended to determine the conditions a user experiences beneath the covers. Temperature and humidity data may be incorporated into the database as part of a dataset associated with a physical profile, and used in matching and selection algorithms.

[0027] In one embodiment, the database comprises a pressure sensor dataset for each combination of a physical profile and a mattress. If the database is built from the 36 physical profiles referred to above combined with a set of 100 mattresses, would result in 3600 different pressure sensor datasets. In one embodiment, the database would include a pressure sensor dataset for each of the 36 different physical profiles on a control or reference mattress.

[0028] The database may be developed by the use of human volunteers having known or measurable physical profiles, or with human-shaped dummies that approximate the physical profiles chosen for categorization. Alternatively, the database may be developed with computer simulations or extrapolations of known pressure sensor datasets.

[0029] In one implementation of a method, a user may lie down on a test apparatus which comprises a pressure sensing pad (10) and the control or reference mattress (12). The pressure sensing pad is operatively connected to a computer processor (14) to create a test pressure sensor dataset (step 101) for that user (16). A module (18) operated by the processor compares (step 102) the test pressure sensor dataset to the reference datasets stored in the database (20), and matches (step 103) the test profile to a stored dataset profile, resulting in the selection of a physical profile for the user.

[0030] Alternative approaches may be provided where the consumer comprises a couple who share a bed. In one embodiment, two physical profiles may be selected, one for each individual user, resulting in separate application of the matching algorithm. Alternatively, the test pressure sensor datasets for each user may be averaged or otherwise combined to arrive at a single physical profile which is representative of the couple, which is then used in the matching algorithm, resulting in a mattress selection which is optimized for both users, but may be a compromise for each individual. In another alternative, the test pressure dataset may be arrive for two side-by-side body prints, and reference datasets for such dual users also provided.

[0031] The matching algorithm may use any number of different approaches to match the test pressure sensor dataset to a stored profile. In one embodiment, the system may calculate a body mass index for the user by determining or approximating the user's weight and height. The user's height may be estimated by determining the head and feet positions on the pressure sensor dataset. The user's weight may be estimated by summing the total pressure sensed and calculating the total contact area. Sleep position may be determined by matching pressure patterns which are unique to the various sleep positions which may be encountered. Body shape may be determined by determining contact area and contact outline, such as by examining a contact area curve and pressure curve over the length of the pressure sensor dataset.

[0032] In one embodiment, the test pressure sensor dataset, or a secondary profile data, or various combinations of the data, may be compared to those known and stored in the database to create a match. Various matching schemes may be suitable and are within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the test pressure sensor dataset is used to determine the user's BMI category, body shape and sleep position, and the user's physical profile is then matched to one of the possible physical profiles in the database.

[0033] In one embodiment, the user's physical profile may be established not by matching a test pressure sensor dataset, but rather created from user responses to one or more questions posed, for example, by the operation of interactive software or through a website. The user would then answer questions which would allow the determination of the user's physical profile. For example, a user's response to questions regarding the user's height, weight, body shape and sleep position would allow the determination of the user's physical profile. This virtual physical profile may be used in the following matching algorithm. In one embodiment, a user may create an initial physical profile through such a virtual method, in advance of or in preparation for an in-store visit where an actual test pressure sensor dataset is acquired.

[0034] Once a physical profile determination or match is made, each of the plurality of different mattresses associated with the matched physical profile is then selected as a subset of mattresses for ranking. The database comprises stored pressure sensor datasets for each such mattress. The subset may comprise all the mattresses in the database for which data is available, and need not be limited to a portion thereof. This may be accomplished objectively and without the need for the user to input such attributes or answer questions to determine such attributes. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, a subset of mattresses for which a pressure sensor dataset is known for the user's physical profile may be selected automatically (step 104).

[0035] In one embodiment, the test pressure sensor dataset may comprise pressure sensor data accumulated over a period of time, such as minutes to hours. In one example, it is possible to accumulate data over an actual sleep period of several hours. The user may shift sleep positions in this time period, resulting in a physical profile which is not limited to a single sleep position. For example, a physical profile may have the attribute of a combined back and side sleeping position. The resulting test pressure sensor dataset may include values which are averaged over time, or which comprise maximum or minimum values reached over the extended time period. Of course, the matching algorithm must then have access to stored pressure sensor datasets for similar physical profiles on control mattress, in order to match and then select a suitable subset of mattresses.

[0036] The selected subset of mattresses may then be ranked (step 105) by a selection module (22) using at least one selection criterion, or preferably a combination of different selection criteria. A selection criterion represents a parameter which could affect comfort and sleep quality. The selected mattresses may therefore be ranked in accordance with one or more of these criteria. If criteria are combined, then they may be weighted equally, or unequally to emphasize certain criteria over others. In one embodiment, the selection criteria may comprise one or more of the following:

(a) total contact area;

(b) peak pressure areas or peak pressure points;

(c) pressure distribution;

(d) shape distribution;

(e) mass distribution;

(f) pressure zones; or

(g) pressure gradients or shear.

[0037] The total contact area may be determined by, for example, determining the area of the pressure sensor dataset where there is at least some minimum pressure recorded. It is generally accepted that maximized total contact area with a mattress increases with the conformability of the mattress for the user. An exemplary head-to-toe contact area curve is shown in Figure 3, where sensor row 1 is at the head, and sensor row 64 is at the foot.

[0038] It is generally accepted that peak pressure points cause tossing and turning of a user on a mattress. Therefore, mattresses which minimize peak pressure points may be more favourable. In one embodiment, peak pressure points may be determined by calculating the area where pressure exceeds a preselected value. The value chosen may vary from user to user. It may also be useful with this measurement to have an upper limit, where no pressure in the pressure sensor dataset exceeds the upper limit. [0039] In one embodiment, average peak pressure may be calculated by selecting a portion of the sensors with highest pressure values, and averaging the pressure for those sensors. For example, the top 10% of active sensors (active sensors are those showing a pressure greater than zero), may be selected and averaged. A lower peak pressure average may be favourable. An exemplary average peak pressure curve is shown in Figure 5.

[0040] Figure 4 shows a pressure curve, where the value shown for each sensor row is the sum of all pressures recorded in that row.

[0041] A related concept to both contact area and peak pressure, is the concept of pressure distribution. It is generally considered favourable to equalize pressure distribution. One method of measuring pressure distribution is to measure area with a pressure above a given threshold value and the area below the same or different threshold. For example, in one embodiment, a pressure distribution with a minimal area above 30 mmHg and maximal area below 20 mmHg may be considered favourable.

[0042] A further related concept is mass distribution, which looks at where the user's mass is distributed from head to toe. An exemplary body mass curve is shown in Figure 4A. The test pressure sensor dataset which supports the body mass curve is shown in tabular form in Appendix B, where pressure values have been converted to mass in kilograms.

[0043] As may be seen in these data, the users body zones may be determined. For example, if one views the total contact area curve, the head, shoulders, shoulders/torso, hips or buttocks, leg and feet zones may be identified. In one embodiment, the selection criteria may involve examination of the distribution of pressure or contact area by body zone.

[0044] Pressure gradients are indicative of the presence or absence of shear. Undesirable shear occurs when friction holds skin in place but gravity pulls axial skeleton down— results in stretching of perforating arterioles and compromise of perfusion of dermal layers. A large pressure differential between adjacent sensors is indicative of the potential for shear.

[0045] Application of the selection criteria will result in all mattresses in the chosen subset to be ranked. For example, if the selection criteria comprises contact area, where maximization of contact area is considered favourable, then each stored dataset for each mattress in the subset is ranked by contact area.

[0046] Additional selection filters may also be used to narrow the chosen subset of mattresses, either before or after the ranking step has taken place. For example, a user may choose to narrow the results in accordance with one or more of the following:

• Firmness of the mattress;

• Category of mattress; or

• Brand or origin of the mattress; or

• Price of the mattress.

[0047] Mattress firmness may, for example, be categorized into three different categories: soft, medium and firm. These categories may be part of the mattress characteristics which are entered into the database, and may be based on manufacturers specifications or on some objective test value.

[0048] There are many different categories of mattress technologies which may impact on personal preference and choice. For example, Bonnell spring, pocketed coil, gel, polyurethane foam, latex foam, or memory foam mattresses are well known, amongst many others. Each mattress entry into the database may include mattress type, which allows narrowing of the subset of choice if desired. The categorization of the mattresses may extend to the different layers of a mattress, such as the upholstery layer, the core layer or the foundation layer.

[0049] Certain consumers may have a brand preference, in which case, only mattresses from that manufacturer may be ranked.

[0050] The final ranking according to different selection criteria may be displayed, printed and/or stored in conventional fashion. The rankings may be manipulated in different manners in accordance with user preferences.

[0051] As shown schematically in Figure 8, in one aspect, the invention may comprise a system for method of ranking mattresses for an individual user, or a pair of users. In general terms, the system comprises a pressure sensor mat (10) which overlays a test or control mattress (12). The pressure sensor mat may comprise a pressure sensing grid, well known in the art. In one embodiment, the pressure sensing grid comprises a capacitive pressure sensing grid. Exemplary pressure sensing grids are described in US Patent Application No.

20090216466 entitled "Capacitive Node Measurement in a Capacitive Matrix Pressure Inducer." In a preferred embodiment, the test mattress is identical or similar to the control mattress used in the creation of the database.

[0052] The pressure sensor mat (10) inputs into a general purpose computer (14) which is operating software designed to implement the methods of the present invention, as described above. The computer (14) may include a graphical display (30) and user input devices, which are well known in the art. The computer may comprise at least one memory, the memory containing a set of program instructions, and a processor operatively connected to the memory, the processor having components responsive to the program instructions to implement the methods described herein. The components may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.

[0053] One component of the system creates the test pressure sensor dataset (16), and any secondary data, and stores it in a memory. The matching component (18) then compares the test profile to the plurality of pressure sensor datasets stored in the database (20) for the control mattress, or a mattress similar to the test mattress. Once the match is made, and the subset of mattresses is selected, the ranking component (22) then applies a selection criterion, or a combination of criteria, to create a ranking of the mattress subset.

[0054] The ranking may be displayed on a monitor, or printed, or emailed to a user, and/or stored in a computer readable memory, either on a local drive, a portable device, or in a network location. [0055] In one embodiment, some or all of the operative components of the software may reside elsewhere on a computer network, such as an intranet, extranet or the Internet, and be delivered via the computer network to the user's computer.

[0056] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations and variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the invention claimed herein.

Appendix A

3 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 30 11 12 13 1 15 .16 17; 18:/ 19, 21 22 23. 25 25 / 27 28 2 ; 30J 31 32 33 34 ;35 36 ; 3 : 38 39 40 ;41 42 43 44 5^; 46 Γ47, _r 8 50 51 52 S3 54 55 56 57 58/59 60 .61 62 63 64

Claims

1. A method of ranking mattresses for at least one user, wherein the method comprises the use of a database comprising a pressure sensor dataset for each combination of a plurality of physical profiles and a plurality of mattresses, the method comprising the steps of: d. obtaining a test pressure sensor dataset for the at least one user on a control or sample mattress;

e. matching the test pressure sensor dataset with a physical profile and selecting a subset of mattresses in the database associated with that physical profile;

f. ranking the subset according to at least one selection criteria; and

g. displaying or communicating the ranking results.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of physical profiles comprises groupings based on body mass index, body shape, or sleep position, or combinations thereof.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein the at least one selection criteria may comprise one or more of the following:

(a) total contact area;

(b) peak pressure areas or peak pressure points;

(c) pressure distribution;

(d) shape distribution;

(e) mass distribution;

(f) pressure zones; or

(g) pressure gradients or shear.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of applying at least one selection filter, which may comprise one or more of the following:

• firmness of the mattress;

• category of mattress; or

• brand or origin of the mattress; or

• price or cost category of the mattress.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the matching, selection and ranking steps occur without any direct input from the user.

6. The method of claim 2 wherein the body mass index is determined by input of the user's height and weight.

7. A system for ranking mattresses for at least one user, comprising: a. a database comprising a pressure sensor dataset for each combination of a plurality of physical profiles and a plurality of mattresses, wherein each pressure sensor dataset comprises at least one matching criteria; b. a test pressure sensor mat for obtaining a test pressure sensor dataset for the at least one user on a mattress; and

c. a computer-implemented processing means comprising:

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the database comprises a pressure sensor dataset for each combination of a plurality of physical profiles and a control or reference mattress.

9. The system of claim 7 further comprising a user interface or display connected to the processing means for displaying or communicating the ranking.

10. The system of claim 7 further comprising a component for filtering the subset in accordance with a selection filter.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the selection filter, is operative to select mattresses based on one or more of the following:

• firmness of the mattress;

• category of mattress; or

• brand or origin of the mattress; or

• price or cost category of the mattress.