AU2019100644A4

AU2019100644A4 - A sensor-enabled apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2019100644A4
Application number: AU2019100644A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Haoran YU
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-06-15
Filing date: 2019-06-13
Publication date: 2019-07-18
Anticipated expiration: 2027-06-13

Abstract

An apparatus comprising: a portable bedding; a sensor located in the bedding and configured to measure one or more vital signs of a user contacting the bedding and to transmit one or more signal outputs; a controller configured to receive the signal output(s) from the sensor and to transmit an output representing the one or more vital signs; and a display device configured to receive the output representing the one or more vital signs and to display the one or more vital signs, wherein the signal output(s) from the sensor is communicated wirelessly to the controller. Figure 1 Figure 2 A A ( 11434969 1(GHMates) P109002.AU.1

Description

ABSTRACT

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An apparatus comprising: a portable bedding; a sensor located in the bedding and configured to measure one or more vital signs of a user contacting the bedding and to transmit one or more signal outputs; a controller configured to receive the signal output(s) from the sensor and to transmit an output representing the one or more vital signs; and a display device configured to receive the output representing the one or more vital signs and to display the one or more vital signs, wherein the signal output(s) from the sensor is communicated wirelessly to the controller.

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Figure 1

Figure 2

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A SENSOR-ENABLED APPARATUS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus including a sensorenabled bedding that can monitor one or more vital signs of a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vital signs indicate the state of a person's essential body functions and can provide an insight into the person's health.

Traditionally, a person's vital signs can be tracked using a number of ways, for example using a watch to measure pulse or a thermometer to measure body temperature. There are a number of vital signs which are more difficult to measure and require specialized equipment, such as blood pressure which typically requires a sphygmomanometer.

A person's vital signs can be used to determine conditions such as sleep pattern and stress level which can then be used to as a basis to manage the person's lifestyle. A person's vital signs can also be used to monitor people with health conditions to identify situations where they need medical attention, for example, when the breathing rate or heart rate of a person suffering from sleep apnea drops below a threshold value while asleep.

Technological developments have made it easier for people to track their vital signs without the use of sophisticated equipment. For example, improvements in wearable technology had led to devices that allow a user to monitor their vital signs autonomously.

However, one disadvantage of wearable devices is that they devices may be uncomfortable to when worn, particularly if these devices have a hard or sharp surface.

It is desirable to provide an apparatus that monitors one or more vital signs of a user that does not need to be worn by the user.

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a portable bedding; a sensor located in the bedding and configured to measure one or more vital signs of a user contacting the bedding and to transmit one or more signal outputs; a controller configured to receive the signal output(s) from the sensor and to transmit an output representing the one or more vital signs; and a display device configured to receive the output representing the one or more vital signs and to display the one or more vital signs, wherein the signal output(s) from the sensor is communicated wirelessly to the controller.

In this specification, reference to a bedding includes a double layered fabric filled with batting that may be used to cover a person when sleeping on a bed. In a preferred embodiment, the bedding is a quilt.

In this specification, the vital signs of a user may include one or more of pulse (heart rate), body temperature, respiration rate, and blood pressure.

The apparatus may also monitor the sleep pattern of a user.

The apparatus can measure a user's vital sign without being worn by a user. Suitably, the apparatus can monitor and track a user's vital sign over time.

The apparatus may continuously measure and/or monitor a vital sign. Suitably, the apparatus continuously measures and/or monitors a vital sign when the user contacts the bedding.

Advantageously, the apparatus allows a user to monitor one or more vital signs when asleep with the bedding while providing a substantially similar level of comfort as a conventional bedding. This may be achieved by minimizing detection of the sensor by the user via a number of ways including (i) minimizing direct contact between the user and the sensor of the bedding, (ii) minimizing the

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2019100644 13 Jun 2019 number of wires or electrical connections extending from the bedding, (iii) providing a sensor having a stiffness that similar to the stiffness of the bedding, (iv) providing a sensor that is sized to minimise detection by the user, or (v) positioning the sensor at a location on the bedding that minimizes detection by the user.

The bedding may comprise a double layered fabric filled with batting in which the sensor is embedded within the batting to minimise contact between the user and the sensor. This may also minimize disrupting the feel of the bedding.

In one alternative, the sensor may be located on an outwardly facing layer of the bedding. In this embodiment, the user avoids contacting the sensor when covered by the bedding.

In another alternative, the sensor may be located on an inwardly facing layer of the bedding. In this embodiment, the sensor may be sized, have a structure or is positioned to minimize detection by the user.

The bedding may have a thickness that is at least twice the thickness of the sensor. Suitably, the bedding has a thickness that is at least five times the thickness of the sensor. Even more suitably, the bedding has a thickness that is at least ten times the thickness of the sensor.

The bedding may be made of a fabric including cotton, wool, silk, down, polyester, bamboo fibers or any combination thereof. Preferably, the fabric is wool.

The bedding may be filled with batting including cotton, wool, silk, down, polyester, bamboo fibers or any combination thereof. Preferably, the batting is wool.

The bedding, including the batting, may comprise at least 50wt% wool. Suitably, the bedding, including the batting, comprises at least 70wt% wool.

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Wool has an ability to absorb and release moisture from the environment without compromising its thermal efficiency. In this respect, wool has a natural ability to hold up to a third of their own weight in moisture before feeling damp.

When wool absorbs moisture, it generates heat which prevents condensation by maintaining the temperature above the dew-point under damp conditions. This property creates a natural buffering effect and stabilises heat changes that occur with relative humidity.

It is understood that people produce heat and perspire at different rates. Wool can control the microclimate around a person's body by drawing away heat and moisture from the body of a user to maintain an optimal body temperature.

It was found that wool was able to handle almost double the amount of perspiration per hour than feather/down and around 50% more than polyester. With respect to heat management, it was found that wool was able to maintain the optimum body temperature for sleep of

35.1 °C longer than other materials including feather/down and polyester. In contrast, feather/down and polyester caused the temperature to exceed 36.1 °C.

This enables bedding made of wool (e.g. the outer layers and/or the batting) to maintain an optimum body temperature when exposed to a large range of temperatures.

As such, using wool to form the presently described bedding enables a user to monitor their vital sign(s) throughout the year. In contrast, if a different material which does not regulate body temperature well was used, the bedding would not be suitable to be used when the temperature is significantly more or less than 35°C.

The batting may have a thermal conductivity ranging from 0.030 to 0.050 W/mK. Suitably, the batting has a thermal conductivity ranging from 0.035 - 0.04 W/mK. More suitably, the batting has a thermal conductivity of about 0.040 W/mK.

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In one embodiment, the sensor may have a flexible film structure. Suitably, the sensor has a stiffness that is similar to the stiffness of the bedding. This minimizes disruption to the flexibility of the bedding.

Alternatively, the sensor may be rigid. In this embodiment, the size of the sensor can be restricted to minimise the disruption to the flexibility or the feel of the bedding by the sensor.

The apparatus may include a user interface to enable a user to input user preferences to the controller.

The user interface may include a switch configured to activate and deactivate the sensor. The switch may communicate directly with the sensor or indirectly via the controller with the sensor to activate and deactivate the sensor. The sensor may be activatable from sleep mode by contact or a temperature change.

The apparatus may include a contact sensor which sends a signal to the controller to activate the sensor to measure one or more vital signs of a user when contact on the apparatus is made by the user.

The contact sensor may be separate to the other sensors on the apparatus. Alternatively, the sensor of the apparatus may include an ability to detect touch.

Suitably, the controller and/or user interface are positioned externally to the bedding.

Alternatively, the controller and/or user interface are located in the bedding. In this embodiment, these components may be positioned to minimize disrupting the feel of the bedding.

To minimise wires or electrical connections extending from the bedding, the sensor may communicate with the user interface wirelessly. This enables a user to sleep with the bedding unencumbered by wires .

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The signal output(s) from the sensor may be communicated wirelessly with the controller using any type of wireless communication technologies including Bluetooth and Wifi.

The sensor may be configured to monitor at least two vital signs. This allows different vital signs to be monitored simultaneously.

The bedding may include at least two sensors, in which each sensor is configured to measure a different vital sign.

The sensor may be arranged in the bedding to allow multiple points of a user's body to contact the sensor at any one time. For example, the sensor may extend across or covers the entire bedding.

Suitably, at least one sensor is arranged about an edge of bedding. This increases the probability of the sensor contacting a body part of the user which is likely to contact an edge of the bedding. More suitably, a plurality of sensors is arranged along the edges of the bedding.

The sensor may be attached to the bedding by sewing or stitching. Suitably, the sensor is sewn or stitched into the edges of the bedding.

The sensor may have a surface area of up to 1,000mm². Suitably, the sensor has a surface area of up to 500mm². More suitably, the sensor has a surface area ranging from 5-200mm². Even more suitably, the sensor has a surface area ranging from 10-100mm².

The sensor may be configured to monitor the vital signs of a user through clothing or via direct skin contact.

A surface of the sensor may be exposed to contact a user using the bedding.

The sensors may operate independently or be electrically connected to be controlled together.

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A plurality of sensors may form a network configured to continuously transmit a signal to the controller when at least one sensor contacts a user's body at any given time. This allows continuous monitoring of the user's vital sign regardless of movement of the user when asleep.

The sensors may be arranged in zones. This allows a user to select parts of the user's body to be measured, for example, by covering a specific part of the body with the bedding.

The apparatus may include a data storage unit for recording the signal output representing a vital sign of a user from the sensor. This allows a user to monitor changes in the vital sign over time. It may also allow the user to keep a record of the changes in the vital sign.

Either or both the controller and user interface may be incorporated into an app. This allows the sensor to be activated or deactivated remotely using an electronic device such as a mobile phone.

The controller may be configured to transmit vital sign data to an app which in turn is configured to transmit the data to a receiver such as smarthome devices, an individual such as a doctor or an organisation such as a hospital. Suitably, transmission of the vital sign data is performed wirelessly.

The controller may be configured to transmit an output to alert a receiver when any monitored vital signs values fall outside a predetermined range. For example, the controller may transmit an audio output to a user when their breathing rate drops below a predetermined level or transmit a signal to a hospital when the heart rate drops below a predetermined level.

The sensor may be connectable to a power source. Suitably, the power source is portable such as a battery. Alternatively, the sensor may be connectable to a fixed power source, for example by a USB cable.

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The display device may be a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone or an electronic tablet.

The apparatus may include a battery charger. The battery charger may be solar powered to allow the battery to be charged when the bedding is being sunned. Another possible benefit of a solar powered charger is that it may allow the apparatus to be continuously powered as long as the apparatus is sunned before the battery is depleted.

The apparatus may not generate a physical output such as heat.

The invention also provides a method of measuring one or more vital signs of a user using an apparatus as previously described including:

(i) contacting at least a part of the user's body to be monitored with the bedding;

(ii) measuring one or more vital signs of the user using the sensor;

(iii) transmitting a sensor signal output from the sensor to the controller wirelessly; and (iv) transmitting a controller signal output representing the one or more vital signs from the controller to the display device to display the one or more vital signs.

The method may include a step of recording the sensor signal output or the controller signal output representing the one or more vital signs using a data storage device.

The method may include a step of transmitting vital sign data to an app. The app may transmit the vital sign data to a receiver such as a smart home device, an individual such as a doctor, an organisation such as a hospital, or a medical group.

The method may include continuously monitoring/tracking a vital sign when the sensor is activated.

The method may include transitioning into sleep mode in response to an external stimuli such as loss of contact or a temperature change. For example, if a temperature sensor detects a decrease in

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2019100644 13 Jun 2019 temperature below 35 °C which indicates that the user has left the bed, the bedding may transition into sleep mode and reactivate when the temperature sensor detects a temperature of at least 35°C.

The step of contacting the at least a part of the user's body to be monitored with the bedding includes activating the sensor from sleep mode.

The method may include activating the sensor from sleep mode by contact or a temperature change (i.e. user contact).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is hereinafter described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings , wherein:

Figure 1 is a top view of an apparatus according to one form of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a top view of an apparatus according to another form of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a top view of an apparatus according to another form of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of an apparatus according to another form of the invention.

Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating the steps taken by the apparatus of Figures 1 to 3 to transmit vital sign data to an app and to another receiver.

Figure 6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the components of the apparatus of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the components of the apparatus of Figures 2 and 3.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One aspect of the apparatus as defined by the invention is marked as 10 in Figure 1.

The apparatus 10 comprises a portable bedding, in the form of a quilt 11 comprising outer fabric layers 12 and batting 14.

A plurality of rigid sensors 16A is arranged along the edges of the quilt 11 to maximise contact with a user. Each of the sensors 16A has a surface area ranging from 10-50mm² and has an exposed surface to contact a user using the quilt 11. Additional sensors 16A may be distributed about other areas of the quilt 11.

The sensor 16A is configured to monitor one or more vital signs including body temperature and blood pressure of a user contacting the quilt 11 and to transmit a sensor signal output. The sensors 16A are electrically connected using wires positioned along the periphery of the quilt 11.

A controller 22 is configured to receive the sensor signal output and to transmit a controller signal output representing one or more vital signs to a display device 20 in the form of a mobile phone display or a portable electronic tablet.

The display monitor 20 is configured to receive the output representing the one or more vital signs to display the one or more vital signs, preferably using a graphical user interface. The controller includes a processor and a data storage unit 24 configured to receive and store vital sign data from the sensors (Figure 6).

The controller 22 is also configured to maintain the sensor in a sleep mode until contact with a user is detected. Once contact (which may involve a change in temperature) is detected, the controller 22 activates the sensor to commence monitoring of the user's vital signs.

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Opening 17 leads to a charging port for a power source in the form of a rechargeable battery. Positioning the opening at the corner of the quilt 11 minimizes the risk of power source disrupting the feel of the quilt.

Another aspect of the apparatus as defined by the invention is marked as 10 in Figure 2.

The apparatus 10 comprises a portable bedding, in the form of a quilt 11 comprising outer fabric layers 12 and batting 14, sensor 16B configured to measure body temperature and sensor 16C configured to measure blood pressure of a user contacting the quilt 11 and to transmit a sensor signal output, a controller 22 configured to receive the sensor signal output and to transmit a controller signal output representing one or more vital signs, and a display device in the form of a display monitor 20 configured to receive the output representing the one or more vital signs to display the one or more vital signs, preferably using a graphical user interface. The controller includes a processor and a data storage unit 24 configured to receive and store vital sign data from the sensors (Figure 7) .

In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 includes a user interface including a switch 18 configured to activate and deactivate the sensors 16B, 16C.

The quilt 11 has a thickness that is at least twice the thickness of the sensors 16B, 16C which allows the sensors to be embedded in the wool batting 14 such that the sensors do not directly contact the user. This provides a level of comfort similar to a conventional quilt.

In an alternative embodiment, the sensors 16B, 16C are positioned on the quilt to directly contact the user. In this embodiment, the sensors may have a stiffness that is equal or less than the stiffness of the quilt such that the flexibility of the quilt is not reduced when the sensor is incorporated into the quilt.

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The apparatus 10 further includes a power source in the form of a rechargeable battery.

In Figure 2, the sensors 16B and 16C are arranged alternatively throughout the quilt 11. This arrangement enables continuous measurement of the vital signs by enabling at least one of each type of sensor to be in close proximity to or to contact the body of the user regardless of the movement of the user when asleep. This allows continuous monitoring of the vital signs of a user. For example, if the user initially sleeps on their back, one set of sensors 16B and 16C would be in close proximity to or contact the user, typically on the chest of the user, to measure their respective vital sign. When the user rolls over to their side, a different set of sensors 16B and 16C would be brought in close proximity to or contact the user's body, typically at the side of the user's body, to allow uninterrupted measurement of the same vital signs.

In Figure 3, the sensors 16B and 16C are arranged in zones. This allows a user to decide on the parts of the body or the vital sign to be measured. This can be done by selectively covering the body part of interest with the quilt 11. For example, if the user wanted to measure blood pressure only, they would cover themselves with the portion of the quilt containing the sensor 16C.

Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the sensor 161, which is configured to measure more than one vital sign, has a film structure and is located within and extends across the entire quilt 11.

The quilt 11 has a thickness that is at least twice the thickness of the sensor 161 which allows the sensor to be embedded in the wool batting 14. In this embodiment, the sensor is indirectly contacts a user such that a user is unable to feel or detect the sensor. The sensor 161 also has a stiffness that is similar to or less than the stiffness of the quilt 10 to minimize disrupting the feel of the quilt. This provides a substantially similar level of comfort as a conventional bedding.

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Suitably, the power source is located in the quilt 11 in each of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. The apparatus 10 may include a solar powered charger that is connectable to the rechargeable battery such that the battery can be recharged when the quilt 11 is being sunned.

In these embodiments, the sensors are located on the quilt 11 while the other components of the apparatus 10 such as display monitor 20, controller 22 and data storage unit 24 are located external to the quilt 11.

However, it can be appreciated one or more of the switch 18, the display monitor 20, the controller 22 and data storage unit 24 may be located within the quilt 11. In this embodiment, these components may be positioned on a corner of the quilt to minimize disrupting the feel of the quilt.

The sensors described in the figures 1-4 communicate with the controller 22 wirelessly. This avoids the use of wires or electrical connections extending from the quilt 11, and allows a user to sleep with the quilt unencumbered by wires.

Suitably, the controller is configured to transmit an output to alert a receiver when any monitored vital signs values fall outside a predetermined range, for example, the controller may send a signal to trigger the user's mobile phone's alarm via an app.

In each of these embodiments described above, the outer layers and batting are made from wool such that the quilt comprises at least 50% wool. The wool has a thermal conductivity of about 0.040 W/mK.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, in use, controller 22 maintains the sensors 16A in a sleep mode until contact with a user is detected.

When a user uses quilt 11 to cover themselves and contact occurs, a sensor on the quilt, which may be sensor 16A or a separate sensor that is configured to detect contact or measure temperature, detects

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2019100644 13 Jun 2019 the external stimuli. This causes the controller 22 to activate the sensors 16A to commence monitoring of the user's vital signs such as body temperature and blood pressure.

Typically, when asleep, a user maintains contact with at least one edge of the quilt. As a result, the positioning of the sensors 16A along the edges of the blanket ensures that at least one sensor contacts the user in use.

Once contact with the user is broken for a predetermined amount of time, for example, five minutes, the controller 22 returns the sensors 16A to sleep mode. The apparatus may include a manual override to prevent the controller from returning to sleep mode.

The sensors transmit sensor signal outputs representing the vital signs to the controller 22 which in turn transmits a controller signal output. The controller signal output is transmitted to any one or more of the display monitor 20 to display the vital signs, the data storage unit 24 to record the measured vital signs or an app.

The controller 22 is incorporated into an app to allow a user to remotely control the settings of the apparatus.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, a user activates the sensors 16B and 16C illustrated in Figure 2 using the switch 18 and covers themselves with the quilt in bed.

When activated, the sensors 16B and 16C continuously measure and monitor the body temperature and blood pressure of the user, respectively. The sensors transmit sensor signal outputs representing the two vital signs to the controller 22 which in turn transmits a controller signal output. The controller signal output may be transmitted to any one or more of the display monitor 20 to display the two vital signs, the data storage unit 24 to record the measured vital signs or an app.

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The app may be used to transmit vital sign data the controller to a receiver such as smart home individual such as a doctor, or an organisation (see Figure 5).

from the sensors or devices, an such as a hospital

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Claims

CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. An apparatus comprising: a portable bedding; a sensor located in the bedding and configured to measure one or more vital signs of a user contacting the bedding and to transmit one or more signal outputs; a controller configured to receive the signal output(s) from the sensor and to transmit an output representing the one or more vital signs; and a display device configured to receive the output representing the one or more vital signs and to display the one or more vital signs, wherein the signal output(s) from the sensor is communicated wirelessly to the controller.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one sensor is positioned about an edge of the bedding.
3. The apparatus according to either claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor is activatable from sleep mode by contact or a temperature change .
4. A method of measuring one or more vital signs of a user using an apparatus according to claim 1 including:

(i) contacting at least a part of the user's body to be monitored with the bedding;

(ii) measuring one or more vital signs of the user using the sensor;

(iii) transmitting a sensor signal output from the sensor to the controller wirelessly; and (iv) transmitting a controller signal output representing the one or more vital signs from the controller to the display device to display the one or more vital signs.
5. The method according to claim 4, including activating the sensor from sleep mode by contact or a temperature change.

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