NL2018012B1

NL2018012B1 - bed

Info

Publication number: NL2018012B1
Application number: NL2018012A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Van Doornewaard Barry
Original assignee: Pure Dev 1 B V
Priority date: 2016-12-16
Filing date: 2016-12-16
Publication date: 2018-06-26

Abstract

A first aspect provides a device for carrying a person. The device comprises an air permeable mattress, a frame for carrying the mattress, an air displacement module provided in the frame for providing an airflow through the mattress, a heating module for heating displaced air and a processor.. The processor is arranged to receive sensor data representing values of ambient entities related to the person, compare a first value of a first entity to a pre-determined value of the first entity and control the air displacement module and/or the heating module to adjust properties of the displaced air. This allows control of the skin temperature of the person, for example in a bed or other furniture arranged for accommodating a sleeping person. Skin temperature as such and variation of skin temperature is an important factor in improving sleep quality and prolonging sleep at the end of a sleep cycle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The various aspects and embodiments thereof relate to a bed arranged for adjusting environmental parameters in the bed.

BACKGROUND EP1804616 discloses a bed comprising a bed having an air permeable mattress. Below the bed, a plenum is provided for evenly distributing air over the bottom side of the mattress to enable an evenly distributed air flow through the mattress. The air flow is incited by a fan and the displaced air is heated by means of a heating element.

SUMMARY

The bed as described by the referenced document operates in a static state, possibly in response to user input. It is preferred to provide a bed that automatically adapts to the needs of a person sleeping in the bed or otherwise residing on the bed. A first aspect provides a device for carrying a person. The device comprises an air permeable mattress for carrying the person, a frame for carrying the mattress, an air displacement module provided in the frame for providing an airflow through the mattress towards an upper side of the mattress a heating module for heating air displaced through the mattress; and a processing unit. The processing unit is arranged to receive sensor data representing values of ambient entities related to the person, the direct surrounding of the person and/or the surroundings of the device, compare at least a first value of a first entity to a pre-determined value of the first entity and control the air displacement module and/or the heating module to adjust the flowrate and/or temperature of the displaced air in response to the comparison.

This allows close control of the skin temperature of the person, for example in a bed or another piece of furniture arranged for accommodating a sleeping person. Skin temperature as such and variation of skin temperature is an important factor in improving sleep quality and prolonging sleep at the end of a sleep cycle. Therefore, in one embodiment that may be combined with any other embodiment, the skin temperature of a person in a bed is continuously or at least relatively frequently, preferably periodically, measured. The skin temperature may be measured directly on the skin or close to the skin. The obtained temperature may be used for further control of the air displacement module and/or the heating module.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the sensor data represents at least the first value of the first entity obtained close to the person. The processing unit is arranged to determine a long term representative value of the first entity, compare the first value to the long term representative value; and control the air displacement module and/or the heating module to adjust the flowrate and/or temperature of the displaced air if the first value differs from the long term representative value with more than a first threshold such to decrease a first difference between the first value and the long term representative value.

In particular sudden changes of environmental parameters, like humidity and temperature, may lead to disturbance of sleep. On the other hand, gradual changes of parameters do occur during sleep. In certain cases, this is important for sleep quality. Keeping the values of the ambient at a long-term average, rather than at an absolute value, may improve sleep quality. Within that context, it is noted that how a person experiences temperature is influenced by the direct ambient temperature. In a humid environment, direct ambient temperature has a higher influence on skin temperature than in a dry environment. A second aspect provides a method for environmental control of a climate in a bed. The bed comprises an air permeable mattress, an air displacement module provided in the frame for providing an airflow through the mattress towards an upper side of the mattress and a heating module for heating air displaced through the mattress. The method comprises receiving sensor data representing values of ambient entities related to the person, the direct surrounding of the person and/or the surroundings of the device, comparing at least one value of a first entity to a pre-determined value of the first entity and controlling the air displacement module and/or the heating module to adjust the flowrate and/or temperature of the displaced air in response to the comparison.

In an embodiment, the entity is humidity, the location is on or near a person and wherein if the sensed humidity is above a pre-determined threshold, the activity of the heating module and the activity of the air displacement unit is modified. The humidity level close to the person itself is a measure influencing sleep. For decreasing humidity, an airflow is provided in the bed, through and above the mattress. The air in the flow will absorb the moisture and carry it away from the bed. Furthermore, perspiration on the skin of the person will evaporate. This will lead to a change of skin temperature - and hence, sleep quality. Proper control of a fan and a heating element addresses this issue by creating a micro climate most convenient for a sleeping person.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects and embodiments thereof will now be discussed in further detail in conjunction with drawings. In the drawings,

Figure 1: shows a bed;

Figure 2: shows the bed in more detail;

Figure 3: shows a first flowchart;

Figure 4: shows a first flowchart;

Figure 5: shows a first flowchart; and

Figure 6: shows a first flowchart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a bed 100 comprising a mattress support 110. On the bed 100, a mattress 150 is provided. Optionally, a top mattress may be provided on the mattress 150, which in that case serves as a base mattress.

Figure 2 shows the bed 100 in further detail. In this embodiment, the mattress support 110 is provided with support legs 118 at each corner. The mattress support 110 comprises a pair of stepped recesses. The mattress support 110 comprises a first recess 112, in which a second recess 104 is provided. Within the first recess 112, multiple slats or other means for supporting the mattress 150 above the first recess 112 may be provided. Within the second recess 104, an air treatment module 120 is provided. The air treatment module 120 comprises a fan 122 as an air displacement unit and a heating element 124. At the end of the bed 100, an optional headboard 140 is provided. The headboard 140 is preferably not fully placed on a ground floor, but provided with legs or other means to ensure a space between the headboard 140 and the floor.

When activated, the air treatment module 120 takes in air from an environment outside the bed 100, like a sleeping room, via an opening 106 provided at the bottom end of the mattress support 110. As air at the floor of a bedroom is relatively cool and cooler than at higher levels, the air taken in is relatively cool. After being filtered by an optional filter, like a HEPA filter, the air is subsequently heated by means of the heating element 124 and by means of the fan 122 blown through the mattress 150 via the first recess 112. This is indicated by means of the first arrow 132 and the second arrow 134. Preferably, the mattress 150 has a high degree of permeability to let the airflow generated by the first fan 122 easily pass through the mattress 150. In alternative embodiments, the air is provided in the mattress 150 at the sides of the mattress 150 or at the top side of the mattress 150.

At or near the top of the mattress 150 or in the optional top mattress, sensors are provided for determining values of physical entities on top of the mattress 150. In particular, a mattress temperature sensor 212, a mattress humidity sensor 214 and a mattress pressure sensor 216. The mattress sensors are arranged for determining values of respective entities at the top of the mattress 150. In one embodiment, the sensors are provided in a slipcover or sheet around the mattress 150 and/or built in in the mattress 150. In another embodiment, one or more of the sensors are provided on a person by means of a bracelet or a waistband or in clothing of a person and in underwear in particular, alternatively or additionally to the sensors being provided at the top of the mattress 150. By providing sensors in close proximity with the person or in direct contact with the person, skin temperature and skin humidity may be determined. Within the mattress, the mattress sensors may be provided at a single location or at multiple locations, preferably in an array.

In the room, room sensors are provided for determining values of ambient physical entities around the bed 100. In particular, a room temperature sensor 222, a room humidity sensor 224 and a room pressure sensor 226. Furthermore, subject monitors are provided for determining physical parameters of a person in the bed 150. More in particular, a heart rate monitor 232 and a breathing rate monitor 234 are provided. The subject monitors are in this embodiment provided in the room and monitor the person in the bed 100. Additionally or alternatively, subject monitors are provided on the person by means of a bracelet and/or a waist band.

In the embodiment shown, separate monitors are provided for determining heart rate and breathing rate. However, as breathing rate may be determined based on variability in heart rate, a direct monitor for breathing rate is not required. If a person inhales, the heart rate is slightly higher than when a person exhales. If the monitors are not directly provided on the person, sensors like radars, infra red or visible light cameras may be used for sensing movement of the person. In such embodiments, also movement of the person in general may be monitored. Movement of the person may also be monitored by means of multiple pressure sensors 216 provided at the upper side of the mattress 150.

The various sensors and monitors are connected to a central processing unit 200 provided in the frame 110 of the bed 150. The sensors and monitors may be connected to the central processing unit 200 by means of a wired connection, a wireless connection or a combination thereof. The central processing unit 200 is connected to a memory 204 for storing data and computer executable code enabling the central processing unit 200 to carry out the various operations that will be discussed below. The central processing unit 200 is also connected to the fan 122 and the heating element 124 for controlling the fan 122 and the heating element 124 for controlling activity thereof. A user interface unit 202 is provided to enable the person to control operation of the air treatment module 120. Optionally, additional peripheral circuitry may be provided for connecting the central processing unit 200 to the various modules discussed above.

Figure 3 shows a first flowchart 300 for controlling temperature in the bed 150, preferably close to the person, if present in the bed 150. Below, the various parts of the procedure are briefly summarised: 302 start procedure 304 set heating to default 306 set fan to default 308 obtain temperature 310 determine sliding average of temperature 312 compare deviation of temperature from average 314 deviation above threshold? 316 adjust activity heating module

The procedure start in a terminator 302 and proceeds by setting the fan 122 to a fan default level in step 304 and the heat element 124 to a default heating level in step 306. The default activity levels may be set by means of the user interface 202, pre-programmed or set otherwise. In step 308, temperature at or near the mattress 150 and/or at or near the person in the bed 100 is obtained. The temperature level is obtained over a longer time for determining a sliding average. This may be a plain sliding average, alternatively more sophisticated analytical operators are applied to values obtained.

While the instantaneous temperature is used for determining the sliding average, the instantaneously obtained temperature is also compared to the sliding average in step 312. This may be done on a continuous basis or on a periodical and intermittent basis. If the instantaneous temperature deviates from the sliding average by more than a pre-determined threshold, a decision 314 branches to step 316 for increasing activity of the heating element 124. Subsequently, the procedure jumps back to step 308. If the instantaneous temperature is within boundaries from the sliding average, the process branches back to step 308 without making adjustments. The threshold is preferably set to 1 degree Centigrade, with a more preferred value of 0,7 degree Centigrade. A lower threshold may be even more preferred, with 0,4 degree Centigrade or less. While decreasing the threshold, it is important to take stability of the system into account. It has been determined that controlling temperature in the bed 100 within that boundary prolongs sleep and/or improves sleep quality of a person in the bed 100.

As a variation to the procedure depicted by the first flowchart, 300, a target temperature may be set for skin temperature of a person in the bed. In this embodiment, the fan 122 is set to a relatively high activity level for providing a significant air flow to the mattress 150. This embodiment provides an opportunity for rapid decrease of skin temperature. Whereas this may provide an unpleasant environment for sleeping, it does provide an opportunity for people who have engaged in high metabolic activity too cool down, like professional or high level amateur sportsmen and sportswomen. Once cooled down to a temperature range or a temperature level at skin level, which temperature range or level is within a boundary known in general or for the person involved in particular, the operation of the bed 100 is switched to the operation as depicted by Figure 3 or any of the Figures discussed below.

If temperature within the room is above a particular value, it is not possible anymore to decrease temperature in the bed 100 by lowering activity of the heating element 124 or by switching the heating element 124 completely off. A second flowchart 400 provided by Figure 4 provides a procedure for addressing this issue in the bed 100 (Figure 2). Below, the various parts of the procedure are briefly summarised: 402 start procedure 404 set heating to default 406 set fan to default 408 obtain temperature 410 determine sliding average of temperature 412 compare deviation of temperature from average 414 deviation above threshold? 416 obtain room temperature 418 room temperature above threshold? 420 deactivate heating 422 adjust activity fan 424 adjust activity air treatment module

The procedure start in a terminator 402 and proceeds by setting the fan 122 to a fan default level in step 404 and the heat element 124 to a default heating level in step 406. The default activity levels may be set by means of the user interface 202, pre-programmed or set otherwise. In step 408, temperature at or near the mattress 150 and/or at or near the person in the bed 100 is obtained. The temperature level is obtained over a longer time for determining a sliding average in step 410. This may be a plain sliding average, alternatively more sophisticated analytical operators are applied to values obtained.

While the instantaneous temperature/humidity is used for determining the sliding average, the instantaneously obtained temperature is also compared to the sliding average in step 412. This may be done on a continuous basis or on a periodical and intermittent basis. If the instantaneous temperature is within boundaries from the sliding average, the process branches back to step 408 without making adjustments in decision 414.

If the instantaneous temperature/humidity in the bed 150 deviates from the sliding average by more than a pre-determined threshold, the procedure continues to decision 416 to check whether the temperature in the bed 100 is above the boundary or below. If the instantaneous temperature in the bed 150 is below the preferred bandwidth, the process branches to step 426. In step 426, activity of the air treatment module 120 and preferably the heating element 124 is adjusted to arrive at a desired temperature level in the bed 100, above the mattress 150.

If the . If the instantaneous temperature in the bed 150 is above the preferred bandwidth, the procedure continues to step 418 to obtain a value for the temperature of the room. In decision 420, the room temperature value is checked to a threshold value. If the room temperature is below the threshold value, the process branches to step 426 as discussed above. If the room value is above the threshold value, the process continues to step 422 for deactivating the heating element 124 and to step 422 for increasing activity of the fan 122. By increasing the airflow through the mattress 150 and in that way along the person lying in the bed 100, both the actual temperature is decreased and the temperature sensed by the person will drop as an effect of wind chill.

Wind chill is an effect of decrease in skin temperature as a result of air flow along the skin. Two factors contribute to this effect. Firstly, the general concept of convection. Without airflow, a temperature gradient is present close to the skin, in a steady state: air close to the skin warms to a particular steady state level. With a continuous supply of cooler air, there is no steady state and the cooler air flowing along the skin will be warmed continuously, taking up thermal energy from the skin. This results in a drop of skin temperature.

Second, humans perspire to a higher or lower extent, depending on ambient temperature and other factors, related to ambient or the person. Without airflow, the air in the direct vicinity of the skin will saturate with moisture and not take up any additional sweat. With a supply of air, usually no saturation occurs and perspiration evaporates. For the evaporation, thermal energy is required, which is taken from the skin. This effect results in an additional drop of the skin temperature and in that way, to an additional wind chill effect.

With respect to windchill, people usually perspire to a higher or lower degree. In particular in warm ambient environments, above approximately 24 degrees Centrigrade and above 29 degrees in particular, the level of perspiration increases significantly. With an increased level of airflow, the evaporation rate of sweat increases. It should be noted that these temperature values at which sweating incrases are average values that my vary significantly from person to person and it depends on ambient humidity.

This is because initially saturated air is moved away and drier air is provided. The increased level of evaporation results in subtle windchill experienced by the person in the bed 100, as evaporation withdraws thermal energy from the body of the person. It is important the windchill effect provided is small for keeping the skin temperature of the person within the boundaries discussed above.

Evaporation of sweat decreases temperature as experienced by a person - even when no significant airflow is present. Hence, with a fixed rate of airflow through the mattress 150 and along the person lying in the bed 100, the sensed temperature and will decrease as evaporating sweat withdraws thermal energy from the body. The evaporated sweat needs to be removed by means of an airflow, so this airflow will have to remain at a particular level. A third flowchart 500 provided in Figure 5 depicts a procedure for addressing this issue. Below, the various parts of the procedure are briefly summarised: 502 start procedure 504 set heating to default 506 set fan to default 508 obtain bed and/or skin humidity 510 above threshold? 512 increase activity heating element 514 increase activity fan

The procedure start in a terminator 502 and proceeds by setting the fan 122 to a fan default level in step 504 and the heat element 124 to a default heating level in step 506. The default activity levels may be set by means of the user interface 202, pre-programmed or set otherwise. In step 508, a value for humidity level is obtained. Optionally, in this step also the bed and/or skin temperature may be obtained. This value is in step 510 compared to a pre-stored value. The pre-stored value may be a factory default. Alternatively, a user-defined value may be defined. Different people prefer different values of humidity in bed, for example as too dry air may for certain people result in skin issues.

If the obtained humidity value is below the threshold value, the process branches in the decision 510 back to step 508 for obtaining a value of the humidity in the bed 100, preferably at the upper side of the mattress 150 or otherwise close to a person lying in the bed. A waiting loop may be provided in the procedure, allowing the humidity value to be obtained on a periodical basis, rather than on a continuous basis.

If the obtained humidity value is below the threshold value, the process branches in the decision 510 to step 512 and step 514. In step 512, the activity of the heating element 124 is increased and in step 514, the activity of the fan 122 is modified based on the measured humidity and, optionally, temperature of the bed and/or the skin. For decreasing the level of humidity in the bed 100, increasing activity of both elements, the fan 122 and the heating element 124, is required for reasons as set out above. Only increasing temperature would change the temperature perceived by the person to a too high level. This may result in the person to wake up, when sleeping. And only increasing air flow rate would change the temperature perceived by the person to a too low lever. And this may as well results in the person to wake up - which is undesired at this point.

Once airflow and temperature thereof are adjusted for decreasing humidity, the process branches back to step 508 for monitoring humidity. Also in this branch, a waiting loop may be implemented as discussed above.

It may be that, despite proper control of temperature and/or humidity, a person still has issues sleeping. For determining a sleep phase of a person, the heartrate and/or breath rate of the person are monitored. Also movements of the person are monitored, as discussed above. An subtle increase of ambient temperature makes people drowsy and if people are awake, it may improve their sleep and prolong the sleep.

If an increased heartbeat and/or breath rate is detected and/or if an increase of a number and/or magnitude of movements is detected, it may be determined that three is a risk the person in the bed 100 may wake soon. If this is not preferred, measures may be taken for prolonging sleep. Figure 6 shows a fourth flowchart depicting a procedure for monitoring a person and, if required, take measures for improving a sleep level. Below, the various parts of the procedure are briefly summarised: 602 start procedure 604 set heating to default 606 set fan to default 608 obtain biometrics 610 determine sliding averages 612 detect movement? 614 one or more values above threshold? 616 sudden increase of one or more values??? 618 adjust activity air treatment module

The procedure start in a terminator 602 and proceeds by setting the fan 122 to a fan default level in step 604 and the heat element 124 to a default heating level in step 606. The default activity levels may be set by means of the user interface 202, pre-programmed or set otherwise. In step 608, values of biometric parameters of a person sleeping in the bed 100 are obtained. More in particular, breath rate and/or heart rate are obtained as discussed above, subsequently or simultaneously, movements of the person are monitored by means as discussed above. The amount as well as the magnitude of the movements of the person are monitored and assessed. Of the values obtained, long term averages, like sliding averages, are determined in step 612.

In decision 614, determined values characterising the various parameters are compared to threshold values. If a particular value or of multiple particular values exceed the threshold, it is determined the quality of sleep of the person in the bed 100 decreases or has decreased. If such is the case, the process continues to step 618. In step 618, the activity of the air treatment module 120 is increased for obtaining a higher temperature in the bed 100 at the upper side of the mattress, close to the person in the bed. This particularly applies to a perceived temperature, as perceived by the person in the bed 100. The movement values may provide indications for a particular sleep phase of a person in the bed 100. At a higher level, the procedure depicted by Figure 6 further comprises determining a sleep phase of the person 100 in the bed. In such embodiment, decisions are taken based on the determined sleep phase.

In decision 616, determined values characterising the various parameters are compared to the longer term average calculated for that parameter in step 612. This may be different than the threshold use for comparison in decision 614. If there is a sudden increase of a value of a particular parameter, it is determined that the quality of sleep of the person has decreased. If such is the case, the process continues to step 618.

If in decision 614 and decision 616 it is determined that the quality of sleep of the person in the bed 100 is good or at least good enough, the operating parameters of the air treatment module 120 are preserved. Either after adjustment of the operation of the air treatment module 120 or after a decision not doing so, the procedure jumps back to step 608, optionally via a waiting loop as discussed above.

Expressions such as "comprise", "include", "incorporate", "contain", "is" and "have" are to be construed in a non-exclusive manner when interpreting the description and its associated claims, namely construed to allow for other items or components which are not explicitly defined also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed in be a reference to the plural and vice versa.

In the description above, it will be understood that when an element such as layer, region or substrate is referred to as being “on” or “onto” another element, the element is either directly on the other element, or intervening elements may also be present.

Furthermore, the invention may also be embodied with less components than provided in the embodiments described here, wherein one component carries out multiple functions. Just as well may the invention be embodied using more elements than depicted in the Figures, wherein functions carried out by one component in the embodiment provided are distributed over multiple components. A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various parameters disclosed in the description may be modified and that various embodiments disclosed and/or claimed may be combined without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

An apparatus for carrying a person, comprising: An air-permeable mattress for carrying the person; A frame for carrying the mattress; An air displacement module provided in the frame for supplying an air flow through the mattress toward the top of the mattress; A heating module for heating air moved through the mattress; A processing unit adapted to: Receive sensor data representing values of units of environmental parameters that are related to the person, the person's immediate environment and / or the environment of the device; Comparing at least a first value of a first unit with a predetermined first value of the first unit; and Control the air displacement module and / or the heating module to adjust the displacement speed and / or the temperature of the displaced air in response to the comparison.

The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor data represents at least the first value of the first unit obtained close to the person and the processing unit is arranged to: determine a long-term representative value for the first entity; Compare the first value with the long-term representative value; and Control the air displacement module and / or the heating module to adjust the displacement speed and / or the temperature of the displaced air if the first value differs from the long-term representative value by more than a first threshold for a first difference between the first value and to reduce the long-term representative value.

Device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising at least one of the following sensors: A temperature sensor for determining a temperature on an upper side of the mattress; A humidity sensor for determining humidity at the top of the mattress; or A pressure sensor for determining a pressure at one or more points on the top of the mattress; The sensor being operatively connected to the processing unit for supplying a sensor signal which represents a sensor value.

A method for climate control in a climate in a bed, the bed comprising an air-permeable mattress, an air displacement module provided in the frame for supplying an air flow through the mattress to an upper side of the mattress and a heating module for heating air passing through the mattress is moved, the method comprising: Receiving sensor data representing values of environmental entities related to the person, the person's immediate environment and / or the bed environment; Comparing at least a value of a first entity; and controlling the air displacement module and / or the heating module to adjust the displacement speed and / or the temperature of the displaced air in response to the comparison.

The method of claim 4, further comprising: determining a long-term representative value for the first entity; Comparing the first value with the long-term representative value; and controlling the air displacement module and / or the heating module to adjust the displacement speed and / or the temperature of the displaced air if the first value differs from the long-term representative value by more than a first threshold for a first difference between the first value and to reduce the long-term representative value.

The method of any one of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the units are at least one of the following: Temperature; Humidity and humidity in particular; and busy.

The method of claim 6, wherein the entity is humidity, the location is at or near a person and wherein if the measured humidity is above a predetermined value, the activity of the heating module and the activity of the air displacement module is changed and preferably is increased.

A method according to claim 6, wherein the unit is temperature, the temperature values are obtained near the top of the mattress and around the bed, the method further comprising: Comparing the temperature near the top of the mattress with a first threshold value; Comparing the temperature around the bed with a second threshold value; Reducing the activity of the heating module and preferably deactivating the heating module if the temperature around the bed is above the second threshold value; and Increasing the activity of the air displacement module if the temperature near the top of the mattress is above the first threshold value.

A method according to any of claims 4 to 8, further comprising receiving data relating to at least one of a breathing rhythm and a heart rhythm from a person lying on the mattress and controlling the air displacement module and / or the heating module in answer to the received breath rhythm and / or the received heart rhythm.

The method according to any of claims 4 to 9, further comprising determining a sleep quality based on the received data and wherein activity of the heating module and / or the air displacement module is controlled depending on the determined sleep quality.