Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
  • A61H1/005—Moveable platforms, e.g. vibrating or oscillating platforms for standing, sitting, laying or leaning
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C17/00—Sofas; Couches; Beds
  • A47C17/02—Sofas, couches, settees, or the like, without movable parts
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
  • A47C7/62—Accessories for chairs
  • A47C7/72—Adaptations for incorporating lamps, radio sets, bars, telephones, ventilation, heating or cooling arrangements or the like
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
  • A61B5/6887—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
  • A61B5/6891—Furniture
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
  • A61B5/11—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb
  • A61B5/1113—Local tracking of patients, e.g. in a hospital or private home
  • A61B5/1115—Monitoring leaving of a patient support, e.g. a bed or a wheelchair
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
  • A61H2201/0119—Support for the device
  • A61H2201/0138—Support for the device incorporated in furniture
  • A61H2201/0149—Seat or chair

Definitions

• the present invention relates, in general, to a sofa. More particularly, it is a sofa comprising a set of devices such as to make it interactive and multifunctional.
• movable portions in an adjustable manner such as automatically movable footrests and/or headrests
• they may include devices for entertainment, for example one or more loudspeakers, devices for charging mobile devices, devices for controlling other equipment, and more.
• the aim of the present invention is to offer a sofa that solves the problems of the known technique.
• a further scope of the invention is to provide a sofa comprising one or more intelligent devices, such as to increase its functionality.
• a further scope of the invention is to provide a sofa which makes it possible to activate one or more of the intelligent devices included therein, without direct intervention by the user.
• a sofa usable by a user characterised by comprising
• a smart control unit suitable for managing and processing information from the at least one input device, and, according to the information received, operating the at least one output device.
• the sofa according to the invention is, therefore, provided with a set of devices that increase its functionality and interactivity with the user.
• the sofa performs numerous functions that can be defined as "intelligent", among which, the main ones are:
• the sofa according to the invention is equipped with artificial intelligence and is therefore capable of activating devices and systems not only in light of predefined settings but also on the basis of detections made by the one or more input devices.
• the input devices i.e., capable of receiving information, may be keyboards, remote controls, sensors, and others.
• the one or more output devices are designed to provide services, such as audio and light signals, device activation, data transmission, and others.
• the communication devices are designed to ensure connection with third parties, and can be wireless interfaces such as wifi, bluetooth, and/or wired.
• the intelligent control unit manages and processes the information given by the input devices and operates the output devices.
• the sofa 10 comprises:
• - - basic devices such as power supply units, a power outlet, transformers, batteries, etc.
• Additional data may be provided by external devices such as voice assistants, mobile devices such as mobile phones or tablets or computers, keyboards, or other optional devices.
• external devices such as voice assistants, mobile devices such as mobile phones or tablets or computers, keyboards, or other optional devices.
• - Input information can also be given by simple data import through the acquisition of configuration data, updates and more.
• thermoscanners such as thermoscanners, pulse measurement sensors, hearing test sensors, etc.
• biometric data by means of access data, user recognition, e.g. authentication by fingerprint.
• output devices there are different types, such as luminous devices, acoustic devices, sanitation devices and others.
• LEDs are also arranged on the external and non-visible parts of the sofa, used to create lighting environments that can be recalled by scenarios, activated directly, automatically according to the ambient light conditions and also used as emergency lights.
• LED arrays can also be placed under specific parts of the sofa, such as the armrest.
• Hearing aids can be used for normal music playback and can also be used for hearing tests.
• a subwoofer i.e., a dedicated speaker for lower frequencies, capable of producing a physical movement of air and related elements.
• a subwoofer i.e., a dedicated speaker for lower frequencies, capable of producing a physical movement of air and related elements.
• it is also used to activate specific modes such as "entertainment” or "game” and to experience music, soundtracks with physical sensations.
• This dedicated speaker for the lowest frequencies also has therapeutic applications, thanks to the reproducible vibrations, for example to melt fat, reactivate circulation, and others.
• the sofa according to the invention is provided with an internal device for sanitising the air in the room.
• the sanitization methods available in the sofa can be used in combination and alternatively and can be filters, UV-C rays, by ozone, through the use of special surfaces, and through dedicated ionizers.
• figures 1 to 9 are schematic perspective views of a sofa according to the invention.
• 10 indicates in its entirety a sofa provided with a set of devices that increase its functionality and interactivity with the user.
• the sofa 10 comprises:
• a footboard 22 is movably attached to the seat 12 and can be mechanically inclined as required.
• a reclining headboard 24 is constrained, which is also movable in an automated manner according to the needs of the user.
• the sofa 10 comprises a set of devices and systems suitable for performing specific functions useful for the user's life.
• an interaction system 28 is arranged on the upper portion 26 of the right armrest 18.
• the sofa 10 provides a system for monitoring the health status of the user comprising a health control centre 32 arranged on the outer lateral portion 34 of the same right armrest 18. Connected to said health check centre 32 is a sensor area 30 for monitoring the user's health status, arranged in front of the interaction system 28.
• the sensor area 30 comprises a detection surface 36 on which the user can place his right hand M, so as to carry out by contact measurements of some parameters useful for understanding his state of health.
• the detection surface 36 ends at the bottom with a pocket 38 in which the user can insert the fingers of his right hand.
• the sofa 10 also includes position sensors, connected to the control centre 32, which detect the presence and weight of the user in a distinct manner depending on the user's position.
• the position sensors are:
• control centre 32 for detecting the health status of the user can also connect to external devices by means of one or more connectors 48, illustrated in figure 4 and arranged in the inner lateral portion 50 of the right armrest 18.
• the sofa 10 also comprises a posture detection system 52 using one or more cameras or other devices useful for this purpose.
• the sofa 10 comprises an environmental control system comprising an environmental control centre 54 disposed on the outer side portion 56 of the left armrest 16. To said environmental control centre 54 are connected environmental sensors 58 for detecting the environmental state of the area in which the sofa 10 is arranged.
• air quality sensors 60 arranged above the rear portion 20 of the sofa 10 are also connected to the environmental control centre 54, as shown in figure 6.
• an intelligent air quality management system 62 and an intelligent air sanitation and sanitization system 64, which are also connected to the environmental control centre 54.
• the sofa 10 also comprises:
• an audiometric control system 80 is arranged for detecting noise in the environment and connected to the environmental control centre 54.
• the sensor area 30 may also be positioned on the left armrest or elsewhere on the sofa.
• the pocket 38 may be positioned externally or in an internal, also concealed, housing of the sofa 10.
• assessments of the state of a person sitting on the sofa 10 may be assessed by detection systems that do not require physical contact with the person, for example, sensors capable of assessing the state of health from the person's breath. Such detection systems may be in the sensor area 30.
• this is a screening of the person's state of health.
• the sensor area 30 with its associated sensing surface 36, and the health check centre 32 are concentrated at a single point, so that, for example, by placing the bare forearm on the armrest, the necessary contacts between the sensors and the skin can be achieved.
• the arm or the sensors are secured to each other preventing natural micro-movements from significantly affecting the measurements.
• the detection surface 36 ends at the bottom with the pocket 38 in which the user can insert the fingers of his right hand.
• a hand-held device For example, two simple bars, or spheres or other elongated bodies can be used to hold in each hand (without wires) for the time needed to obtain measurements.
• the sofa 10 can ask the user to stand in front of the sofa and make guided movements.
• the main measurements for the health check are shown below.
• a first measurement is the body temperature.
• thermoscanner This can be done using a proximity thermoscanner. It is possible to take the temperature from different parts of the body by means of sensors distributed in the sofa, and to derive the body temperature by intelligent correlation with other information, such as ambient temperature, heartbeat, and others.
• the body temperature can be detected by means of a thermal camera, which can be oriented in the direction of the face.
• a second measurement is blood pressure.
• This measurement can be made by connection to a special external device that can be connected to the sofa with the use of a wireless wrist meter, or connected by one or more connectors 48, illustrated in figure 4.
• the wrist meter may optionally be stored in a suitable slot (not illustrated in the figures) of the sofa.
• the pressure gauge may also be arranged in the sensor area 30 of figure 1 , for example in the pocket 38.
• a third measurement performed by the sofa 10 is the oximetry measurement, which is performed by means of a saturation meter.
• the measurement of the amount of oxygen in the blood can be carried out by optical detection on a single finger. Detection times can vary from 20 seconds to a minute, depending on various design or environmental factors.
• the same system also normally detects the heart rate, which is also the fourth measurement taken by the sofa 10.
• the heart rate can be detected by an IR (infrared) optical system integrated in a fixed point of the sofa 10, in the sensor area 30, signalling its presence (when activated) by LED strips placed under the fabric of the sofa.
• IR infrared
• the same measurement can also be carried out using piezoelectric sensors.
• a fifth measurement carried out by the sofa 10 is by means of a heart rate monitor, a more reliable instrument for measuring the heartbeat and determining its frequency.
• the sofa 10 can be equipped with two simple detectors that are physically placed on the chest.
• a sixth measurement carried out by the sofa 10 is that of checking eyesight.
• the first method involves projecting the Snellen chart onto a surface or displaying it on a television connected to sofa 10.
• a seventh measurement carried out by the sofa 10 is the detection of possible fractures.
• the presence of a fracture can also be detected by following some simple indications provided by the voice part of the sofa 10, aimed at including information on the mobility of the limb in question, on any swelling and on the presence of other easily detectable elements.
• it can be checked using visual analysis tools, assessing the whole body by checking the user's posture, as illustrated below.
• posture detection system 52 this is a special vision system comprising a double camera with mixed vision in infrared and visible light.
• the stylisation of the body in its joints and main elements allows a detailed analysis of the person's posture. It is possible to evaluate the balance, equilibrium and capacity (in terms of mobility, speed and extension) to perform certain movements required, for example, by a guide voice.
• a morning assessment could indicate an incorrect sleeping position, hence suboptimal rest.
• a check after a period spent on the sofa could highlight how to improve the seating position for the specific person, adapting it to their physical characteristics.
• the frontal and lateral posture compared with the measurements of previous periods, would make it possible to highlight the onset of potentially incorrect trends for which action can be taken before the onset of pain, movement restrictions, etc.
• a ninth measurement carried out by sofa 10 is the detection of the possible presence of viruses.
• sensors of a different nature and capacity can be used for this measurement, with which the air exhaled by the user can be analysed towards a specific opening or point on the sofa 10.
• This area is indicated by LEDs under the fabric.
• a tenth measurement carried out by the sofa 10 is the detection of the blood alcohol level.
• Sofa 10 includes a specific sensor for measuring molecules from the alcohols family, with the possibility of assessing the presence of alcohol in the breath of the person being tested.
• the measured values can also be contextualised by comparing them with the environmental alcohol parameter.
• the assessment of the user's complexion is the eleventh measurement that can be made by the sofa. This test evaluates changes in skin colour by means of a reflection measurement.
• the arm on the armrest or inside its opening comes into contact with a system equipped with an RGB light emitter and an associated digital brightness sensor which evaluates the reflections of the three primary colour components added to the intensity of reflection in white light.
• a twelfth detection carried out by sofa 10 is the measurement of stress.
• This assessment can take place during the measurement of other parameters and provide an indication of the person's stress level.
• the analysis is conducted by measuring conductivity and/or resistance or other similar methods, which requires the simple contact of two conductive elements to the skin, with greater precision if each is connected to a relative hand.
• the measured data is also related to cardiac data, possible tremor or muscle contractions.
• the thirteenth measurement that can be performed by the sofa 10 is the detection of varicose veins, which is done by training a mixed vision system.
• the data collected would be correlated with pressure data and other possible parameters to assess vessel compression, possible thrombosis, venous valve insufficiency, etc.
• the vision system useful for this purpose could be the same as the one used for the control of the user's posture, i.e. the posture detection system 52 with cameras whose orientation could be directed, by means of a servomotor, towards the legs.
• a fourteenth assessment that can be carried out by sofa 10 is the measurement of pupil dilation, carried out by means of a vision system that may coincide with the posture detection system 52.
• the size may vary according to various environmental factors, e.g. brightness, level of attention, emotional factors and even physical factors.
• the main measurement would be made by observing under natural conditions and then illuminating the eye and measuring its contraction.
• Reaction and size can be related to sleep, eye diseases, use of cholinomimetic, antiadrenergic, morphine, levodopa, sometimes alcoholism, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, lue, anxiety, pain, hyperthyroidism, etc.
• a fifteenth measurement that can be taken from sofa 10 is the audiometric test, which can be carried out using the audiometric control system 80 equipped with the loudspeakers 78.
• the test also takes into account the noise of the outside environment and any sudden sounds that may cause potential disturbance, e.g. from inside the house or outside, from the building's lift, from neighbours, from a passing vehicle, etc.
• the audio environment detection system then handles the noise from the outside.
• the environmental audio detection system then manages the repetition of any disturbed parts of the test, and adjusts the sound levels to be recognised according to the ambient noise base to bring it into line with objective values.
• Tests are conducted on the basis of different frequencies, alternating left and right sides, etc., according to normal audiometric standards.
• test can also be performed using a headset wired or wirelessly connected to the sofa 10.
• a sixteenth measurement that can be carried out by the sofa 10 according to the invention is the assessment of the user's breathing.
• Training an intelligent system to listen to breathing can be a further element of health assessment and can be linked to other parameters.
• the measurement is made net of environmental noise by a process of subtracting background noise from the breathing signal.
• the breathing frequency another important assessment parameter, can also be measured.
• the seventeenth measurement performed by sofa 10 is the assessment of physical strength.
• This can either be an element integrated in the sofa with corresponding force, weight and deformation sensors or an external element to be connected to the sofa.
• This measurement is useful for assessing changes in force over different periods and is also useful for evaluating it in relation to other measurements.
• the Al system learns the possible correlations between health status and physical strength, being able to bidirectionally exploit this information to refine its analysis.
• An eighteenth measurement made by the sofa is that of body weight. This is carried out by assessing the weight of the seated user using appropriately distributed load cells.
• the system is first calibrated and then trained to equate the detection of the load cells inserted at several points in the seat to a known standard weight.
• the weight can also be associated with the area occupied on the sofa. Knowing that the person is on the seat, the area occupied can be measured by means of sensors placed on the fabric and consequently related to the weight in order to obtain a weight/area ratio, an indicator of further useful variables.
• a nineteenth measurement that can be taken from sofa 10 is reaction time.
• This test involves assessing reaction times by asking the user to perform an action at the moment they feel a stimulus.
• the required action could be to raise an arm or push one of the buttons designed on the fabric of the armrest when a sound or visual element is present.
• reaction times are contextualised according to the time of day and time of day, room temperature, general state of health, etc.
• the sofa 10 For example, if the user is suffering from lack of appetite, chest pain, intestinal problems, coughing or other problems, it is advisable for the sofa 10 to be informed of this, so as to have as much data as possible, also in order to make the final correlation of the same as complete as possible.
• the sofa 10 can learn in an increasingly specific way about the dynamics of human life, illnesses, small and big problems that accompany the user's existence.
• Health Check Centre 32 also performs consistency checks to ensure that each measurement is within consistent values and is therefore compatible with previous findings and/or other similar measurements.
• Another important intelligent function of the sofa 10 according to the invention is environmental control.
• a remotely controllable camera This is done by means of a remotely controllable camera; this is a remotely controllable IP camera, specifically a motorised camera equipped with a microphone, which allows remote control of the home environment via a remote electronic device.
• the camera can also be set to take a photo of the environment at regular intervals and automatically send the images to an external memory, so that, if necessary, you can document what has happened inside the environment.
• the sofa includes the air quality sensor 60, which detects the presence of polluting particulate matter, fine dust, saliva droplets and more, all of which can be identified as pollutants or vectors of viruses and bacteria.
• the data provided by the sensor can be used to initiate integrated sanitisation procedures and to provide contextual data for other measurements, e.g. health measurements.
• the sofa 10 is also equipped with a flame sensor, comprising a simple optical sensor calibrated to recognise the wavelength of light emitted by open flames.
• a further device useful for monitoring the environment and located in sofa 10 is a smoke sensor that detects the presence of combustion smoke.
• an optical system capable of observing variations in the density of the reflection of a non-visible light emission projected onto the ceiling can also be used, or a wireless sensor placed on the ceiling and connected to the sofa.
• the sofa also includes sensors for detecting gases, such as methane and carbon monoxide.
• Motion sensors 66 are also provided to identify the presence of people and their activities in the surrounding environment.
• Detection can be used at multiple times, such as at the activation of lights or other situations.
• vibration sensors 68 that detect micro-vibrations of the same produced in the absence of weight on the seats. These sensors make it possible to detect and confirm the presence and passage of people, detect earthquake tremors, etc.
• the environmental control also takes place through the detection of internal climatic data, such as pressure, temperature, humidity of the room in which the sofa is located.
• the data are useful for contextualising or calibrating other measurements and in any case show the current and historical conditions and evolution of the environment.
• ambient brightness sensors are also used for environmental control, specifically a brightness sensor that transforms the amount of light in the environment into a numerical index, and a colour temperature sensor that makes it possible to understand whether the brightness is given by natural light coming in through the windows or whether it is produced artificially with the use of bulbs, LEDs, etc.
• the sofa 10 also includes other devices useful for controlling the sofa from a thermal point of view.
• a forced ventilation system can also be used for this last purpose.
• sofa 10 according to the invention can also be used for further functions, as previously illustrated.
• One of these is the entertainment of the user, which takes place through the management of musical scenarios, through the connection and control of other peripheral devices, the possibility to manage audio, video and content from mobile phones, web or specific memories, televisions.
• Another intelligent function is linked to the comfort offered to the user.
• This function provides for the management of the positions of the various parts, such as the seat, backrest and footboard, with the possibility of recalling predefined scenarios and memorising own settings that can also be linked to specific activities, such as resting, watching TV, reading, and others.
• the various comfort modes can also be linked to scenarios that include listening to music and light settings.
• cleaning involves positioning the various parts of the sofa in order to allow better cleaning of the surface, around and under the sofa.
• Sofa 10 can independently send alerts and alarms if problems are detected that require immediate action. There is also the possibility of voluntarily activating distress calls via dedicated buttons, should assistance be required. Confirmations and/or timers for cancelling the request for assistance are provided for according to the situations detected or activated.
• the sofa has a WiFi and Bluetooth connection and the possibility of communication via IR (infrared rays) to control external devices such as televisions, air conditioners, stereo systems and others.
• IR infrared rays
• the sofa 10 is able to manage all the information and data collected by the various devices, sensors and control centres, as well as the information entered directly by the user.
• Intelligence refers to the ability to interpret and contextualise data from embedded sensors, user input, environmental data, external data (remote connections), recognition of usage behaviour and interaction patterns of various users, etc.
• the sofa 10 exploits vibratory devices and/or the previously illustrated subwoofer.
• the sofa 10 provides scenarios comprising the use of gymnastic or massage settings executable in conjunction with music and lights (both diffused by the sofa) depending on the type of scenario.
• the scenarios are divided between pre-set scenarios, e.g. relaxation, massage for specific parts of the body, to help solve specific physical problems, etc., and user-configurable scenarios with combinations of sequences and combinations of audio and light settings.
• the sofa also includes a control unit that can be further implemented, by inserting new intelligent functions, in the light of new user requirements, while exploiting the devices, systems and sensors already present in the sofa 10 itself.
• the invention has been described in the form of a sofa. However, it can also be configured as an armchair, chair, deckchair or other seat with or without a backrest.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Surgery (AREA)
• Pathology (AREA)
• Medical Informatics (AREA)
• Molecular Biology (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Biomedical Technology (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
• Biophysics (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
• Nursing (AREA)
• Measuring And Recording Apparatus For Diagnosis (AREA)
• Chairs For Special Purposes, Such As Reclining Chairs (AREA)

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Citations (6)

• 2020
  • 2020-12-18 IT IT102020000031556A patent/IT202000031556A1/it unknown
• 2021
  • 2021-12-17 WO PCT/IB2021/061933 patent/WO2022130323A1/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (6)

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