TEMPLATE TOOL FOR ATTACHING COMPONENTS TO A BED SYSTEM

Abstract

A template for mounting components to a bed. The template can include a body positioner that aligns with a first portion of a mattress and an alignment body connected to the body positioner. The alignment body can be configured to receive a component and align the component with respect to the mattress when the body positioner is aligned with the first portion of the mattress. The body positioner can be a vertical plate, the first portion of the mattress can be a first edge of the mattress, and the alignment body can be a horizontal plate positioned on a top of a mattress surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/407,350, filed Sep. 16, 2022. The entirety of the disclosure of the prior application is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present document relates to a template tool used for attaching components, including but not limited to sensors, sensor strips, and/or heating units onto one or more layers of a mattress of a bed system.

BACKGROUND

In general, a bed is a piece of furniture used as a location to sleep or relax. Many modern beds include a soft mattress on a bed frame. The mattress may include springs, foam material, and/or an air chamber to support the weight of one or more occupants. The bed may incorporate a variety of components to provide various functionalities, such as microclimate control, foot warming, temperature sensing, and other desirable functions for users. The appropriate arrangement of such components is important to enable the components to function properly.

SUMMARY

This document generally describes a template tool that can be used to align and attach various components with one or more surfaces of a bed system. More particularly, the template tool can include a template for aligning components with respect to the mattress or one or more particular layers or surfaces of the mattress, and a tool for retaining components in place. For example, the template tool can include a template that aligns with the edge(s) of the top surface of the mattress of the bed system. The template tool can also include a routing tool, which can be used to route one or more wires or cables of the component around and/or through the top surface of the mattress. For example, the template can be aligned with one or more edges of a top surface of a mattress of the bed system. A component, such as a sensor strip or a heating unit (configured to hold or retain a heating pad, such as a foot warming pad), can be positioned (or repositioned) within an opening of the template to then align the component in a predetermined or desired position on the top surface of the mattress. Along with the template, the routing tool can be used to attach the aligned component to the mattress. The template tool can be used by a bed manufacturer, service technician, or other relevant user when the bed system is being manufactured and/or after the bed system has been manufactured (e.g., when the bed system is initially being set up in a user's home, when the bed system is being serviced in the user's home to replace the component with a new component).

To attach the component to the bed system, a user can place the template in a desired corner on the top surface of the bed system. The template can be placed at a head corner of the bed system if the template is being used to attach a sensor strip to the bed system. The template can be placed at a foot corner of the bed system if the template is being used to attach a heating unit or other heating/cooling element to the bed system. The user can also connect/attach a wire connector of the component to the routing tool. The user can then identify a routing location for the routing tool using the template. For example, if the top surface of the bed system includes holes punched therethrough, the user can identify which hole in the top surface of the bed system is within a routing zone provided by an indicator on the template. As another example, if holes are not punched into the top surface, the user can align the routing tool with a location identified by the template (e.g., where two indicators (e.g., arrows) on the template meet). The user can then push the routing tool through the top surface of the bed system (e.g., a foam layer of the mattress) at the identified routing location. The user can pull the routing tool through the top surface of the bed system from underneath the top surface until most slack of the wire/cable is removed from the top surface of the bed system. After the routing tool and wire are pulled through the top surface of the bed system, the wire connector can be disconnected (e.g., by the user) from the routing tool. Sometimes, instead of pulling the wire/cable through the top surface of the bed system, the wire/cable can be routed over a side of the bed system, such as a longitudinal left or right side of the bed system. Moreover, the user can adhere the component to the top surface of the bed system using the template as a guide. The component can be adhered to the top surface using one or more adhesives, including but not limited to micro hooks, tape, and/or glue. The user can then remove the template once the component is adhered to the top surface of the bed system.

Some embodiments described herein include a template having a body positioner that can be configured to align with a first portion of a mattress and an alignment body connected to the body positioner. The alignment body can be configured to receive a component and align the component with respect to the mattress when the body positioner is aligned with the first portion of the mattress.

Embodiments described herein can include one or more optional features. For example, the body positioner can be a vertical plate, the first portion of the mattress can be a first edge of the mattress, the alignment body can be a horizontal plate that can be configured to be positioned on a top of a mattress surface and that defines a cutout configured to receive the component. The mattress may include a head side, a foot side, and opposing lateral sides, and the first edge of the mattress can be the head side or the foot side. The template can also include a second body positioner that can be configured to align with a second portion of the mattress, and the second portion of the mattress can be at least one of the lateral sides of the mattress.

As another example, the alignment body can define a group of openings, each opening can be configured to at least partially receive a component to be mounted to the mattress and align the component with a predetermined first location at the mattress. The group of openings may include a first opening that can be configured to at least partially receive and align a sensor strip with respect to the mattress. The sensor strip can include a carrier strip, and a group of sensors attached to the carrier strip and spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the carrier strip. The carrier strip can be configured to be releasable attached to a top surface of the mattress and extend at least partially between opposite lateral ends of the mattress. The carrier strip can have a first strip surface and a second strip surface opposite to the first strip surface, the first strip surface can be configured to be releasably attached to a foam layer of the mattress, and the group of sensors can be disposed at the first strip surface of the carrier strip. The sensor strip may include micro-hooks that can be configured to releasably attach directly to a surface of the mattress. The carrier strip can be configured to extend between a midpoint of the mattress and a location that may be a predetermined distance away from an edge of the first side of the mattress. The predetermined distance can be a width of the alignment body, and the carrier strip may not extend over a first edge of the mattress. The carrier strip may not extend over either opposite sides of the mattress, and the group of sensors can include wires, the wires being collectively routed through a wire hole defined by the mattress.

As another example, the group of openings can include a second opening that can be configured to at least partially receive and align a heating unit with respect to the mattress. The group of openings may include a first opening and a second opening. The first opening can be configured to at least partially receive and align a sensor strip with respect to the mattress and the second opening can be configured to at least partially receive and align a heating unit with respect to the mattress. The second opening can have a larger width than the first opening. The heating unit can be positioned inside an envelope having an envelope top and an envelope bottom, and the heating unit and the envelope can be positioned at a foot side of the mattress. The heating unit can include a temperature sensor in communication with a controller, and the controller can be configured to drive the heating unit as a function of a difference between sensed temperature and target temperature such that the controller supplies more power to the heating unit in response to determining a relatively large difference between the sensed temperature and target temperature and the controller supplies less power to the heating unit in response to determining a relatively small difference between the sensed temperature and target temperature. The heating unit can be a layer with a width of between 27 inches and 31 inches and a depth of between 10 inches and 20 inches. The envelope top can include a breathable mesh and the envelope bottom can include a fire resistant material. The alignment body can include a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and the bottom surface can rest flush on a top surface of the mattress when the template is placed on the mattress.

In some implementations, the alignment body further can include at least one visual indicator positioned at a location on a top surface of the alignment body that corresponds to a position on the mattress at which to attach the component. The alignment body can include a separator arm that extends perpendicularly from a side of the alignment body having the body positioner, the separator arm can be configured to separate a group of openings defined by the alignment body. The separator arm can have a length that may be less than a length of a component that can at least partially be received at the group of openings.

One or more embodiments described herein can include a template for positioning multiple components at a mattress, the template including: an alignment body defining an opening that can be configured to at least partially receive a component to be mounted to a mattress and align the component with a predetermined first location at the mattress, and a first body positioner extending from the alignment body and that can be configured to engage a first side of the mattress and position the alignment body with respect to the mattress. The alignment body can be positioned at a predetermined second location at the mattress based on the first body positioner engaging the first side of the mattress.

The template can optionally include one or more of the following features. For example, the alignment body can define a group of openings, each of the openings can be configured to at least partially receive a group of components to be mounted to the mattress and align the group of components with predetermined corresponding locations on the mattress. The template may also include a second body positioner extending from the alignment body and that can be configured to engage a second side of the mattress and position the alignment body with respect to the mattress. The first body positioner can be arranged relative the second body positioner. The first body positioner can be arranged to be perpendicular to the second body positioner. The alignment body can further be positioned based on the second body positioner engaging the second side of the mattress. The first side of the mattress can be perpendicular to the second side of the mattress. The alignment body can be configured as a plate and to be generally flushed with a surface of the mattress based on the first body positioner engaging the first side of the mattress.

One or more embodiments described herein include a template for positioning multiple components at a mattress, the template including: an alignment body defining a group of openings, each opening being configured to at least partially receive a component to be mounted to a mattress and align the component with a predetermined first location at the mattress, a first body positioner extending from the alignment body and that can be configured to engage a first side of the mattress and position the alignment body with respect to the mattress, and a second body positioner extending from the alignment body and that can be configured to engage a second side of the mattress and position the alignment body with respect to the mattress. The first body positioner can be arranged to be perpendicular to the second body positioner, and the alignment body can be positioned at a predetermined second location at the mattress based on the first body positioner engaging the first side of the mattress and further on the second body positioner engaging the second side of the mattress, the first side of the mattress being perpendicular to the second side of the mattress.

The template can optionally include one or more of the abovementioned features.

One or more embodiments described herein can include a system having the template described above and a routing tool. The routing tool may include a shaft having a tapered first end and a harness attached to a second end of the shaft, the harness being configured to receive a cable of the component to be routed through a section of the mattress.

The system can optionally include one or more of the abovementioned features and/or one or more of the following features. For example, the harness can be a removable, modular harness. The harness may define receptacles that can be configured to receive and retain cables or cable harnesses. The harness can define a receptacle that can be configured to removably receive and retain a cable connector attached at an end of the cable such that the cable connector and the cable may be routed through the mattress based on the routing tool passing through a portion of the mattress. The alignment body can include a feature for positioning the routing tool. The feature may be a visual indicator attached to a top surface of the alignment body. The mattress can define at least one cable hole through which the routing tool may pass to route the cable. The mattress can include a foam top layer, the routing tool being configured to pass through the foam top layer of the mattress to route the cable. The foam top layer can define at least one cable hole through which the routing tool may pass to route the cable.

One or more embodiments described herein can include a method for making a mattress with a template for positioning multiple components at the mattress, the method including: placing, at a partially completed mattress, a template for positioning multiple components at the partially completed mattress, the template including: an alignment body defining a group of openings, each of the openings being configured to at least partially receive a component to be mounted to the partially completed mattress and align the component with a predetermined first location at the partially completed mattress, a first body positioner extending from the alignment body and that can be configured to engage a first side of the partially completed mattress and position the alignment body with respect to the partially completed mattress, and a second body positioner extending from the alignment body and that can be configured to engage a second side of the partially completed mattress and position the alignment body with respect to the partially completed mattress. The method can also include aligning the template with the first side and the second side of the partially completed mattress, arranging at least part of a component in at least one of the group of openings of the template, based on the at least part of the component being arranged in the at least one of the group of openings of the template, aligning the component with the predetermined first location at the partially completed mattress, and securing the component to a top surface of the partially completed mattress at the predetermined first location.

The method can optionally include one or more of the following features. For example, the component can be a heating unit that can be received by a first of the group of openings. The component can be a sensor strip that can be received by a second of the group of openings. The first and second sides of the partially completed mattress may form a corner of the partially completed mattress. The component can include at least one cable to be routed through a portion of the partially completed mattress. The method may also include connecting a routing tool to the cable of the component, penetrating the predetermined first location of the partially completed mattress with the routing tool, and drawing the cable through the penetrated partially completed mattress by the routing tool. The method can also include pulling the routing tool completely through an underside of the partially completed mattress until most of a slack of the cable is removed from a top surface of the partially completed mattress. The method may include disconnecting the routing tool from the cable once the cable is pulled through at least most of the partially completed mattress. The method may also include removing the template from the partially completed mattress. The component may also include at least one cable to be routed over at least one of the first side or the second side of the partially completed mattress.

One or more embodiments described herein may include a mattress component alignment system having a template and a routing tool. The template can include an alignment body that can define a group of openings, each of the openings being configured to at least partially receive a component to be mounted to a mattress and align the component with a predetermined first location at the mattress, a first body positioner extending from the alignment body and that can be configured to engage a first side of the mattress and position the alignment body with respect to the mattress, and a second body positioner extending from the alignment body and that can be configured to engage a second side of the mattress and position the alignment body with respect to the mattress. The routing tool can include: a shaft having a tapered first end and a harness attached to a second end of the shaft, the harness being configured to receive a cable of a component to be pulled through a section of the mattress. The first body positioner can be arranged to be perpendicular to the second body positioner, and the alignment body can be positioned at a predetermined second location at the mattress based on the first body positioner engaging the first side of the mattress and further on the second body positioner engaging the second side of the mattress, the first side of the mattress being perpendicular to the second side of the mattress.

The mattress component alignment system can optionally include one or more of the abovementioned features and/or one or more of the following features. For example, the harness can be a removable, modular harness. The harness can define receptacles that can be configured to receive and retain cables or cable harnesses. The harness can define a receptacle that can be configured to removably receive and retain a cable connector attached at an end of the cable such that the cable connector and the cable can be routed through the mattress based on the routing tool passing through the mattress. The alignment body can include a feature that can be configured to position the routing tool. The mattress may define a cable hole through which the routing tool passes to route a cable connector and the cable.

One or more embodiments described herein may include a template having a first plate defining an opening that can be configured to align a component to be mounted to a mattress, a second plate attached to and perpendicular to the first plate, and a third plate attached to the first plate, the third plate being perpendicular to the first plate and the second plate. The template can optionally include one or more of the abovementioned features.

One or more embodiments described herein can also include a method including attaching a cable of a component to a routing tool having a shaft and a harness, the cable being attached to the harness, passing the routing tool through a layer of a mattress to pull the cable through the layer of the mattress, and attaching the component to the mattress. The method can optionally include one or more of the abovementioned features.

One or more embodiments described herein may include a system having a template that can be configured for use in positioning a component in a mattress and a routing tool including: a shaft having a tapered first end, the shaft being sized to be routed through a section of the mattress, and a harness attached to a second end of the shaft, the harness being configured to receive a cable of the component to be routed through the section of the mattress. The system can optionally include one or more of the abovementioned features.

The devices, system, and techniques described herein may provide one or more of the following advantages. For example, the template tool described herein can be used to attach various components to bed systems in their desired locations. A sensor strip with temperature sensors, for example, can be attached in a particular, optimal location on a top surface of a mattress near a chest area of a sleeper to ensure accurate temperature readings collected at the top surface. The template tool, therefore, can be sized and designed to accommodate for accurate placement of the sensor strip on any bed system such that temperature readings can be accurately collected by sensors of the sensor strip and used to accurately determine microclimate information, sleep information, health information, and other information described throughout this disclosure. Similarly, a heating unit or other heating/cooling element can be attached in a particular location on a top surface of a mattress near a foot end of the bed system to provide optimal heating and/or cooling features to a sleeper's feet and lower legs. Therefore, the template tool described above can also be sized and designed to accommodate for accurate placement of the heating unit on any bed system.

As another example, the disclosed template tool can be used during a manufacturing process when a bed system is being assembled so that a user/sleeper of the bed system does not have to set up their bed with the desired component(s). As a result, the template tool can provide for accurate, efficient, and low cost assembly of beds during a manufacturing of such beds.

Similarly, the disclosed template tool may also be used by the user of the bed system in the event that a component of the bed system needs to be replaced. Therefore, the user can easily and accurately replace components of their bed system using the template tool and without having knowledge, skill, or expertise in setting up/assembling their bed system. The template tool can provide easy-to-understand visual indicators that guide the user about where to place the template tool on the bed system and how to align the component with the template tool for accurate and optimal attachment to the bed system. The template tool can therefore provide a low cost solution for fixing, updating, and/or assembling the bed system in the user's home.

The template tool can also be a uniform size/shape to be used with bed systems of varying sizes. For example, the same template tool can be used to attach components to twin, full, queen, king, and/or California king beds. This can provide for quick, easy, efficient, and low cost assembly of various different bed systems with various different components.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects and potential advantages will be apparent from the accompanying description and figures.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example air bed system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of various components of an air bed system.

FIG. 3 shows an example environment including a bed in communication with devices located in and around a home.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are block diagrams of example data processing systems that can be associated with a bed.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are block diagrams of examples of motherboards that can be used in a data processing system associated with a bed.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example of a daughterboard that can be used in a data processing system associated with a bed.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example of a motherboard with no daughterboard that can be used in a data processing system associated with a bed.

FIG. 9A is a block diagram of an example of a sensory array that can be used in a data processing system associated with a bed.

FIG. 9B is a schematic top view of a bed having an example of a sensor strip with one or more sensors that can be used in a data processing system associated with the bed.

FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram of an example bed with force sensors located at the bottom of legs of the bed.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example of a control array that can be used in a data processing system associated with a bed

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example of a computing device that can be used in a data processing system associated with a bed.

FIGS. 12-16 are block diagrams of example cloud services that can be used in a data processing system associated with a bed.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an example of using a data processing system that can be associated with a bed to automate peripherals around the bed.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram that shows an example of a computing device and a mobile computing device.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a template aligned with a corner of a head end of a bed system.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the template of FIG. 19 aligned with one or more corners of the bed system.

FIG. 21 illustrates the template aligned with a corner of the bed system for use in attaching a sensor strip thereto, using an example routing tool.

FIG. 22 illustrates the template aligned with a corner of the bed system for use in attaching a heating unit thereto, using the routing tool.

FIGS. 23A-B illustrate schematic views of the template.

FIG. 24 illustrates an example routing tool.

FIGS. 25A-B is a flowchart of a process for using a template tool to a bed system for use in attaching a component thereto.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an example bed having a foot warming system.

FIGS. 27A-C are top perspective views of a foot warming system for use in a bed system.

FIGS. 28A-B are top perspective views of envelopes of a foot warming system being attached.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a bottom of an envelope of a foot warming system.

FIG. 30 is a partial exploded top view of a sensor strip.

FIG. 31 is another partial exploded top view of a sensor strip.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of another template aligned with a corner of a head end of a bed system.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the template of FIG. 32 aligned with one or more corners of the bed system.

FIG. 34 illustrates the template of FIG. 32 aligned with a corner of the bed system for use in attaching a sensor strip thereto, using an example routing tool.

FIG. 35 illustrates the template of FIG. 32 aligned with a corner of the bed system for use in attaching a heating unit thereto, using the routing tool.

FIGS. 36A-D illustrate schematic views of the template of FIG. 32

FIGS. 37A-B illustrate a third template aligned with a corner of a bed system.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document generally describes a template tool that can be used for attaching a plurality of components to the bed system. The template tool can be sized to align with differently sized bed systems. The template tool can be used to attach components such as sensor strips and heating units in their optimal locations on a layer of the bed system. The template tool can be used when a bed system is being assembled, so that the component(s) can be quickly, efficiently, and accurately attached thereto. Alternatively, the template tool may also be used in a user's home, when the bed system is being set up and/or when the bed system is being serviced (e.g., when an existing sensor strip needs to be replaced with a new sensor strip). The template tool can provide easy-to-understand visual indicators that guide a user about where to place the template tool on the bed system and how to align the component with the template tool for accurate and optimal attachment to the bed system.

Example Airbed Hardware

FIG. 1 shows an example air bed system 100 that includes a bed 112. The bed 112 can be a mattress that includes at least one air chamber 114 surrounded by a resilient border 116 and encapsulated by bed ticking 118. The resilient border 116 can comprise any suitable material, such as foam. In some embodiments, the resilient border 116 can combine with a top layer or layers of foam (not shown in FIG. 1) to form an upside down foam tub. In other embodiments, mattress structure can be varied as suitable for the application.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the bed 112 can be a two chamber design having first and second fluid chambers, such as a first air chamber 114A and a second air chamber 114B. Sometimes, the bed 112 can include chambers for use with fluids other than air that are suitable for the application. For example, the fluids can include liquid. In some embodiments, such as single beds or kids' beds, the bed 112 can include a single air chamber 114A or 114B or multiple air chambers 114A and 114B. Although not depicted, sometimes, the bed 112 can include additional air chambers.

The first and second air chambers 114A and 114B can be in fluid communication with a pump 120. The pump 120 can be in electrical communication with a remote control 122 via control box 124. The control box 124 can include a wired or wireless communications interface for communicating with one or more devices, including the remote control 122. The control box 124 can be configured to operate the pump 120 to cause increases and decreases in the fluid pressure of the first and second air chambers 114A and 114B based upon commands input by a user using the remote control 122. In some implementations, the control box 124 is integrated into a housing of the pump 120. Moreover, sometimes, the pump 120 can be in wireless communication (e.g., via a home network, WIFI, BLUETOOTH, or other wireless network) with a mobile device via the control box 124. The mobile device can include but is not limited to the user's smartphone, cell phone, laptop, tablet, computer, wearable device, home automation device, or other computing device. A mobile application can be presented at the mobile device and provide functionality for the user to control the bed 112 and view information about the bed 112. The user can input commands in the mobile application presented at the mobile device. The inputted commands can be transmitted to the control box 124, which can operate the pump 120 based upon the commands.

The remote control 122 can include a display 126, an output selecting mechanism 128, a pressure increase button 129, and a pressure decrease button 130. The remote control 122 can include one or more additional output selecting mechanisms and/or buttons. The display 126 can present information to the user about settings of the bed 112. For example, the display 126 can present pressure settings of both the first and second air chambers 114A and 114B or one of the first and second air chambers 114A and 114B. Sometimes, the display 126 can be a touch screen, and can receive input from the user indicating one or more commands to control pressure in the first and second air chambers 114A and 114B and/or other settings of the bed 112.

The output selecting mechanism 128 can allow the user to switch air flow generated by the pump 120 between the first and second air chambers 114A and 114B, thus enabling control of multiple air chambers with a single remote control 122 and a single pump 120. For example, the output selecting mechanism 128 can by a physical control (e.g., switch or button) or an input control presented on the display 126. Alternatively, separate remote control units can be provided for each air chamber 114A and 114B and can each include the ability to control multiple air chambers. Pressure increase and decrease buttons 129 and 130 can allow the user to increase or decrease the pressure, respectively, in the air chamber selected with the output selecting mechanism 128. Adjusting the pressure within the selected air chamber can cause a corresponding adjustment to the firmness of the respective air chamber. In some embodiments, the remote control 122 can be omitted or modified as appropriate for an application.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of various components of an air bed system. These components can be used in the example air bed system 100. The control box 124 can include a power supply 134, a processor 136, a memory 137, a switching mechanism 138, and an analog to digital (A/D) converter 140. The switching mechanism 138 can be, for example, a relay or a solid state switch. In some implementations, the switching mechanism 138 can be located in the pump 120 rather than the control box 124. The pump 120 and the remote control 122 can be in two-way communication with the control box 124. The pump 120 includes a motor 142, a pump manifold 143, a relief valve 144, a first control valve 145A, a second control valve 145B, and a pressure transducer 146. The pump 120 is fluidly connected with the first air chamber 114A and the second air chamber 114B via a first tube 148A and a second tube 148B, respectively. The first and second control valves 145A and 145B can be controlled by switching mechanism 138, and are operable to regulate the flow of fluid between the pump 120 and first and second air chambers 114A and 114B, respectively.

In some implementations, the pump 120 and the control box 124 can be provided and packaged as a single unit. In some implementations, the pump 120 and the control box 124 can be provided as physically separate units. The control box 124, the pump 120, or both can be integrated within or otherwise contained within a bed frame, foundation, or bed support structure that supports the bed 112. Sometimes, the control box 124, the pump 120, or both can be located outside of a bed frame, foundation, or bed support structure (as shown in the example in FIG. 1).

The air bed system 100 in FIG. 2 includes the two air chambers 114A and 114B and the single pump 120 of the bed 112 depicted in FIG. 1. However, other implementations can include an air bed system having two or more air chambers and one or more pumps incorporated into the air bed system to control the air chambers. For example, a separate pump can be associated with each air chamber. As another example, a pump can be associated with multiple chambers. A first pump can be associated with air chambers that extend longitudinally from a left side to a midpoint of the air bed system 100 and a second pump can be associated with air chambers that extend longitudinally from a right side to the midpoint of the air bed system 100. Separate pumps can allow each air chamber to be inflated or deflated independently and/or simultaneously. Additional pressure transducers can also be incorporated into the air bed system 100 such that a separate pressure transducer can be associated with each air chamber.

As an illustrative example, in use, the processor 136 can send a decrease pressure command to one of air chambers 114A or 114B, and the switching mechanism 138 can convert the low voltage command signals sent by the processor 136 to higher operating voltages sufficient to operate the relief valve 144 of the pump 120 and open the respective control valve 145A or 145B. Opening the relief valve 144 can allow air to escape from the air chamber 114A or 114B through the respective air tube 148A or 148B. During deflation, the pressure transducer 146 can send pressure readings to the processor 136 via the A/D converter 140. The A/D converter 140 can receive analog information from pressure transducer 146 and can convert the analog information to digital information useable by the processor 136. The processor 136 can send the digital signal to the remote control 122 to update the display 126 to convey the pressure information to the user. The processor 136 can also send the digital signal to other devices in wired or wireless communication with the air bed system, including but not limited to mobile devices described herein. The user can then view pressure information associated with the air bed system at their device instead of at, or in addition to, the remote control 122.

As another example, the processor 136 can send an increase pressure command. The pump motor 142 can be energized in response to the increase pressure command and send air to the designated one of the air chambers 114A or 114B through the air tube 148A or 148B via electronically operating the corresponding valve 145A or 145B. While air is being delivered to the designated air chamber 114A or 114B to increase the chamber firmness, the pressure transducer 146 can sense pressure within the pump manifold 143. The pressure transducer 146 can send pressure readings to the processor 136 via the A/D converter 140. The processor 136 can use the information received from the A/D converter 140 to determine the difference between the actual pressure in air chamber 114A or 114B and the desired pressure. The processor 136 can send the digital signal to the remote control 122 to update display 126.

Generally speaking, during an inflation or deflation process, the pressure sensed within the pump manifold 143 can provide an approximation of the actual pressure within the respective air chamber that is in fluid communication with the pump manifold 143. An example method includes turning off the pump 120, allowing the pressure within the air chamber 114A or 114B and the pump manifold 143 to equalize, then sensing the pressure within the pump manifold 143 with the pressure transducer 146. Providing a sufficient amount of time to allow the pressures within the pump manifold 143 and chamber 114A or 114B to equalize can result in pressure readings that are accurate approximations of actual pressure within air chamber 114A or 114B. In some implementations, the pressure of the air chambers 114A and/or 114B can be continuously monitored using multiple pressure sensors (not shown). The pressure sensors can be positioned within the air chambers. The pressure sensors can also be fluidly connected to the air chambers, such as along the air tubes 148A and 148B.

In some implementations, information collected by the pressure transducer 146 can be analyzed to determine various states of a user laying on the bed 112. For example, the processor 136 can use information collected by the pressure transducer 146 to determine a heartrate or a respiration rate for the user. As an illustrative example, the user can be laying on a side of the bed 112 that includes the chamber 114A. The pressure transducer 146 can monitor fluctuations in pressure of the chamber 114A, and this information can be used to determine the user's heartrate and/or respiration rate. As another example, additional processing can be performed using the collected data to determine a sleep state of the user (e.g., awake, light sleep, deep sleep). For example, the processor 136 can determine when the user falls asleep and, while asleep, the various sleep states (e.g., sleep stages) of the user. Based on the determined heartrate, respiration rate, and/or sleep states of the user, the processor 136 can determine information about the user's sleep quality. The processor 136 can, for example, determine how well the user slept during a particular sleep cycle. The processor 136 can also determine user sleep cycle trends. Accordingly, the processor 136 can generate recommendations to improve the user's sleep quality and overall sleep cycle. Information that is determined about the user's sleep cycle (e.g., heartrate, respiration rate, sleep states, sleep quality, recommendations to improve sleep quality, etc.) can be transmitted to the user's mobile device and presented in a mobile application, as described above.

Additional information associated with the user of the air bed system 100 that can be determined using information collected by the pressure transducer 146 includes user motion, presence on a surface of the bed 112, weight, heart arrhythmia, snoring, partner snore, and apnea. One or more other health conditions of the user can also be determined based on the information collected by the pressure transducer 146. Taking user presence detection for example, the pressure transducer 146 can be used to detect the user's presence on the bed 112, e.g., via a gross pressure change determination and/or via one or more of a respiration rate signal, heartrate signal, and/or other biometric signals. Detection of the user's presence can be beneficial to determine, by the processor 136, adjustment(s) to make to settings of the bed 112 (e.g., adjusting a firmness when the user is present to a user-preferred firmness setting) and/or peripheral devices (e.g., turning off lights when the user is present, activating a heating or cooling system, etc.).

For example, a simple pressure detection process can identify an increase in pressure as an indication that the user is present. As another example, the processor 136 can determine that the user is present if the detected pressure increases above a specified threshold (so as to indicate that a person or other object above a certain weight is positioned on the bed 112). As yet another example, the processor 136 can identify an increase in pressure in combination with detected slight, rhythmic fluctuations in pressure as corresponding to the user being present. The presence of rhythmic fluctuations can be identified as being caused by respiration or heart rhythm (or both) of the user. The detection of respiration or a heartbeat can distinguish between the user being present on the bed and another object (e.g., a suitcase, a pet, a pillow, etc.) being placed thereon.

In some implementations, pressure fluctuations can be measured at the pump 120. For example, one or more pressure sensors can be located within one or more internal cavities of the pump 120 to detect pressure fluctuations within the pump 120. The fluctuations detected at the pump 120 can indicate pressure fluctuations in the chambers 114A and/or 114B. One or more sensors located at the pump 120 can be in fluid communication with the chambers 114A and/or 114B, and the sensors can be operative to determine pressure within the chambers 114A and/or 114B. The control box 124 can be configured to determine at least one vital sign (e.g., heartrate, respiratory rate) based on the pressure within the chamber 114A or the chamber 114B.

The control box 124 can also analyze a pressure signal detected by one or more pressure sensors to determine a heartrate, respiration rate, and/or other vital signs of the user lying or sitting on the chamber 114A and/or 114B. More specifically, when a user lies on the bed 112 and is positioned over the chamber 114A, each of the user's heart beats, breaths, and other movements (e.g., hand, arm, leg, foot, or other gross body movements) can create a force on the bed 112 that is transmitted to the chamber 114A. As a result of this force input, a wave can propagate through the chamber 114A and into the pump 120. A pressure sensor located at the pump 120 can detect the wave, and thus the pressure signal outputted by the sensor can indicate a heartrate, respiratory rate, or other information regarding the user.

With regard to sleep state, the air bed system 100 can determine the user's sleep state by using various biometric signals such as heartrate, respiration, and/or movement of the user. While the user is sleeping, the processor 136 can receive one or more of the user's biometric signals (e.g., heartrate, respiration, motion, etc.) and can determine the user's present sleep state based on the received biometric signals. In some implementations, signals indicating fluctuations in pressure in one or both of the chambers 114A and 114B can be amplified and/or filtered to allow for more precise detection of heartrate and respiratory rate.

Sometimes, the processor 136 can receive additional biometric signals of the user from one or more other sensors or sensor arrays positioned on or otherwise integrated into the air bed system 100. For example, one or more sensors can be attached or removably attached to a top surface of the air bed system 100 and configured to detect signals such as heartrate, respiration rate, and/or motion. The processor 136 can combine biometric signals received from pressure sensors located at the pump 120, the pressure transducer 146, and/or the sensors positioned throughout the air bed system 100 to generate accurate and more precise information about the user and their sleep quality.

Sometimes, the control box 124 can perform a pattern recognition algorithm or other calculation based on the amplified and filtered pressure signal(s) to determine the user's heartrate and/or respiratory rate. For example, the algorithm or calculation can be based on assumptions that a heartrate portion of the signal has a frequency in a range of 0.5-4.0 Hz and that a respiration rate portion of the signal has a frequency in a range of less than 1 Hz. Sometimes, the control box 124 can use one or more machine learning models to determine the user's health information. The models can be trained using training data that includes training pressure signals and expected heartrates and/or respiratory rates. Sometimes, the control box 124 can determine user health information by using a lookup table that corresponds to sensed pressure signals.

The control box 124 can also be configured to determine other characteristics of the user based on the received pressure signal, such as blood pressure, tossing and turning movements, rolling movements, limb movements, weight, presence or lack of presence of the user, and/or the identity of the user.

For example, the pressure transducer 146 can be used to monitor the air pressure in the chambers 114A and 114B of the bed 112. If the user on the bed 112 is not moving, the air pressure changes in the air chamber 114A or 114B can be relatively minimal, and can be attributable to respiration and/or heartbeat. When the user on the bed 112 is moving, however, the air pressure in the mattress can fluctuate by a much larger amount. The pressure signals generated by the pressure transducer 146 and received by the processor 136 can be filtered and indicated as corresponding to motion, heartbeat, or respiration. The processor 136 can attribute such fluctuations in air pressure to the user's sleep quality. Such attributions can be determined based on applying one or more machine learning models and/or algorithms to the pressure signals. For example, if the user shifts and turns a lot during a sleep cycle (for example, in comparison to historic trends of the user's sleep cycles), the processor 136 can determine that the user experienced poor sleep during that particular sleep cycle.

In some implementations, rather than performing the data analysis in the control box 124 with the processor 136, a digital signal processor (DSP) can be provided to analyze the data collected by the pressure transducer 146. Alternatively, the collected data can be sent to a cloud-based computing system for remote analysis.

In some implementations, the example air bed system 100 further includes a temperature controller configured to increase, decrease, or maintain a temperature of the bed 112, for example for the comfort of the user. For example, a pad (e.g., mat, layer, etc.) can be placed on top of or be part of the bed 112, or can be placed on top of or be part of one or both of the chambers 114A and 114B. Air can be pushed through the pad and vented to cool off the user on the bed 112. Additionally or alternatively, the pad can include a heating element used to keep the user warm. In some implementations, the temperature controller can receive temperature readings from the pad. The temperature controller can determine whether the temperature readings are less than or greater than some threshold range and/or value. Based on this determination, the temperature controller can actuate components to push air through the pad to cool off the user or active the heating element. In some implementations, separate pads are used for different sides of the bed 112 (e.g., corresponding to the locations of the chambers 114A and 114B) to provide for differing temperature control for the different sides of the bed 112. Each pad can be selectively controlled by the temperature controller to provide cooling or heating preferred by each user on the different sides of the bed 112. For example, a first user on a left side of the bed 112 can prefer to have their side of the bed 112 cooled during the night while a second user on a right side of the bed 112 can prefer to have their side of the bed 112 warmed during the night.

In some implementations, the user of the air bed system 100 can use an input device, such as the remote control 122 or a mobile device as described above, to input a desired temperature for a surface of the bed 112 (or for a portion of the surface of the bed 112, for example at a foot region, a lumbar or waist region, a shoulder region, and/or a head region of the bed 112). The desired temperature can be encapsulated in a command data structure that includes the desired temperature and also identifies the temperature controller as the desired component to be controlled. The command data structure can then be transmitted via Bluetooth or another suitable communication protocol (e.g., WIFI, a local network, etc.) to the processor 136. In various examples, the command data structure is encrypted before being transmitted. The temperature controller can then configure its elements to increase or decrease the temperature of the pad depending on the temperature input provided at the remote control 122 by the user.

In some implementations, data can be transmitted from a component back to the processor 136 or to one or more display devices, such as the display 126 of the remote controller 122. For example, the current temperature as determined by a sensor element of a temperature controller, the pressure of the bed, the current position of the foundation or other information can be transmitted to control box 124. The control box 124 can transmit this information to the remote control 122 to be displayed to the user (e.g., on the display 126). As described above, the control box 124 can also transmit the received information to a mobile device to be displayed in a mobile application or other graphical user interface (GUI) to the user.

In some implementations, the example air bed system 100 further includes an adjustable foundation and an articulation controller configured to adjust the position of the bed 112 by adjusting the adjustable foundation supporting the bed. For example, the articulation controller can adjust the bed 112 from a flat position to a position in which a head portion of a mattress of the bed is inclined upward (e.g., to facilitate a user sitting up in bed and/or watching television). The bed 112 can also include multiple separately articulable sections. As an illustrative example, the bed 112 can include one or more of a head portion, a lumbar/waist portion, a leg portion, and/or a foot portion, all of which can be separately articulable. As another example, portions of the bed 112 corresponding to the locations of the chambers 114A and 114B can be articulated independently from each other, to allow one user positioned on the bed 112 surface to rest in a first position (e.g., a flat position or other desired position) while a second user rests in a second position (e.g., a reclining position with the head raised at an angle from the waist or another desired position). Separate positions can also be set for two different beds (e.g., two twin beds placed next to each other). The foundation of the bed 112 can include more than one zone that can be independently adjusted.

Sometimes, the bed 112 can be adjusted to one or more user-defined positions based on user input and/or user preferences. For example, the bed 112 can automatically adjust, by the articulation controller, to one or more user-defined settings. As another example, the user can control the articulation controller to adjust the bed 112 to one or more user-defined positions. Sometimes, the bed 112 can be adjusted to one or more positions that may provide the user with improved or otherwise improve sleep and sleep quality. For example, a head portion on one side of the bed 112 can be automatically articulated, by the articulation controller, when one or more sensors of the air bed system 100 detect that a user sleeping on that side of the bed 112 is snoring. As a result, the user's snoring can be mitigated so that the snoring does not wake up another user sleeping in the bed 112.

In some implementations, the bed 112 can be adjusted using one or more devices in communication with the articulation controller or instead of the articulation controller. For example, the user can change positions of one or more portions of the bed 112 using the remote control 122 described above. The user can also adjust the bed 112 using a mobile application or other graphical user interface presented at a mobile computing device of the user.

The articulation controller can also provide different levels of massage to one or more portions of the bed 112 for one or more users. The user(s) can adjust one or more massage settings for the portions of the bed 112 using the remote control 122 and/or a mobile device in communication with the air bed system 100.

Example of a Bed in a Bedroom Environment

FIG. 3 shows an example environment 300 including a bed 302 in communication with devices located in and around a home. In the example shown, the bed 302 includes pump 304 for controlling air pressure within two air chambers 306a and 306b (as described above). The pump 304 additionally includes circuitry 334 for controlling inflation and deflation functionality performed by the pump 304. The circuitry 334 is programmed to detect fluctuations in air pressure of the air chambers 306a-b and use the detected fluctuations to identify bed presence of a user 308, the user's sleep state, movement, and biometric signals (e.g., heartrate, respiration rate). The detected fluctuations can also be used to detect when the user 308 is snoring and whether the user 308 has sleep apnea or other health conditions. The detected fluctuations can also be used to determine an overall sleep quality of the user 308.

In the example shown, the pump 304 is located within a support structure of the bed 302 and the control circuitry 334 for controlling the pump 304 is integrated with the pump 304. In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 is physically separate from the pump 304 and is in wireless or wired communication with the pump 304. In some implementations, the pump 304 and/or control circuitry 334 are located outside of the bed 302. In some implementations, various control functions can be performed by systems located in different physical locations. For example, circuitry for controlling actions of the pump 304 can be located within a pump casing of the pump 304 while control circuitry 334 for performing other functions associated with the bed 302 can be located in another portion of the bed 302, or external to the bed 302. The control circuitry 334 located within the pump 304 can also communicate with control circuitry 334 at a remote location through a LAN or WAN (e.g., the internet). The control circuitry 334 can also be included in the control box 124 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

In some implementations, one or more devices other than, or in addition to, the pump 304 and control circuitry 334 can be utilized to identify user bed presence, sleep state, movement, biometric signals, and other information (e.g., sleep quality, health related) about the user 308. For example, the bed 302 can include a second pump, with each pump connected to a respective one of the air chambers 306a-b. For example, the pump 304 can be in fluid communication with the air chamber 306b to control inflation and deflation of the air chamber 306b as well as detect user signals for a user located over the air chamber 306b. The second pump can be in fluid communication with the air chamber 306a and used to control inflation and deflation of the air chamber 306a as well as detect user signals for a user located over the air chamber 306a.

As another example, the bed 302 can include one or more pressure sensitive pads or surface portions operable to detect movement, including user presence, motion, respiration, and heartrate. A first pressure sensitive pad can be incorporated into a surface of the bed 302 over a left portion of the bed 302, where a first user would normally be located during sleep, and a second pressure sensitive pad can be incorporated into the surface of the bed 302 over a right portion of the bed 302, where a second user would normally be located. The movement detected by the pressure sensitive pad(s) or surface portion(s) can be used by control circuitry 334 to identify user sleep state, bed presence, or biometric signals for each user. The pressure sensitive pads can also be removable rather than incorporated into the surface of the bed 302.

The bed 302 can also include one or more temperature sensors and/or array of sensors operable to detect temperatures in microclimates of the bed 302. Detected temperatures in different microclimates of the bed 302 can be used by the control circuitry 334 to determine one or more modifications to the user 308's sleep environment. For example, a temperature sensor located near a core region of the bed 302 where the user 308 rests can detect high temperature values. Such high temperature values can indicate that the user 308 is warm. To lower the user's body temperature in this microclimate, the control circuitry 334 can determine that a cooling element of the bed 302 can be activated. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can determine that a cooling unit in the home can be automatically activated to cool an ambient temperature in the environment 300.

The control circuitry 334 can also process a combination of signals sensed by different sensors that are integrated into, positioned on, or otherwise in communication with the bed 112. For example, pressure and temperature signals can be processed by the control circuitry 334 to more accurately determine one or more health conditions of the user 308 and/or sleep quality of the user 308. Acoustic signals detected by one or more microphones or other audio sensors can also be used in combination with pressure or motion sensors in order to determine when the user 308 snores, whether the user 308 has sleep apnea, and/or overall sleep quality of the user 308. Combinations of one or more other sensed signals are also possible for the control circuitry 334 to more accurately determine one or more health and/or sleep conditions of the user 308.

Accordingly, information detected by one or more sensors or other components of the bed 112 (e.g., motion information) can be processed by the control circuitry 334 and provided to one or more user devices, such as a user device 310 for presentation to the user 308 or to other users. The information can be presented in a mobile application or other graphical user interface at the user device 310. The user 308 can view different information that is processed and/or determined by the control circuitry 334 and based the signals that are detected by components of the bed 302. For example, the user 308 can view their overall sleep quality for a particular sleep cycle (e.g., the previous night), historic trends of their sleep quality, and health information. The user 308 can also adjust one or more settings of the bed 302 (e.g., increase or decrease pressure in one or more regions of the bed 302, incline or decline different regions of the bed 302, turn on or off massage features of the bed 302, etc.) using the mobile application that is presented at the user device 310.

In the example depicted in FIG. 3, the user device 310 is a mobile phone; however, the user device 310 can also be any one of a tablet, personal computer, laptop, a smartphone, a smart television (e.g., a television 312), a home automation device, or other user device capable of wired or wireless communication with the control circuitry 334, one or more other components of the bed 302, and/or one or more devices in the environment 300. The user device 310 can be in communication with the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 through a network or through direct point-to-point communication. For example, the control circuitry 334 can be connected to a LAN (e.g., through a WIFI router) and communicate with the user device 310 through the LAN. As another example, the control circuitry 334 and the user device 310 can both connect to the Internet and communicate through the Internet. For example, the control circuitry 334 can connect to the Internet through a WIFI router and the user device 310 can connect to the Internet through communication with a cellular communication system. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can communicate directly with the user device 310 through a wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth. As yet another example, the control circuitry 334 can communicate with the user device 310 through a wireless communication protocol, such as ZigBee, Z-Wave, infrared, or another wireless communication protocol suitable for the application. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can communicate with the user device 310 through a wired connection such as, for example, a USB connector, serial/RS232, or another wired connection suitable for the application.

As mentioned above, the user device 310 can display a variety of information and statistics related to sleep, or user 308's interaction with the bed 302. For example, a user interface displayed by the user device 310 can present information including amount of sleep for the user 308 over a period of time (e.g., a single evening, a week, a month, etc.), amount of deep sleep, ratio of deep sleep to restless sleep, time lapse between the user 308 getting into bed and falling asleep, total amount of time spent in the bed 302 for a given period of time, heartrate over a period of time, respiration rate over a period of time, or other information related to user interaction with the bed 302 by the user 308 or one or more other users. In some implementations, information for multiple users can be presented on the user device 310, for example information for a first user positioned over the air chamber 306a can be presented along with information for a second user positioned over the air chamber 306b. In some implementations, the information presented on the user device 310 can vary according to the age of the user 308 so that the information presented evolves with the age of the user 308.

The user device 310 can also be used as an interface for the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 to allow the user 308 to enter information and/or adjust one or more settings of the bed 302. The information entered by the user 308 can be used by the control circuitry 334 to provide better information to the user 308 or to various control signals for controlling functions of the bed 302 or other devices. For example, the user 308 can enter information such as weight, height, and age of the user 308. The control circuitry 334 can use this information to provide the user 308 with a comparison of the user 308's tracked sleep information to sleep information of other people having similar weights, heights, and/or ages as the user 308. The control circuitry 308 can also use this information to accurately determine overall sleep quality and/or health of the user 308 based on information detected by components (e.g., sensors) of the bed 302.

The user 308 may also use the user device 310 as an interface for controlling air pressure of the air chambers 306a and 306b, various recline or incline positions of the bed 302, temperature of one or more surface temperature control devices of the bed 302, or for allowing the control circuitry 334 to generate control signals for other devices (as described below).

The control circuitry 334 may also communicate with other devices or systems, including but not limited to the television 312, a lighting system 314, a thermostat 316, a security system 318, home automation devices, and/or other household devices (e.g., an oven 322, a coffee maker 324, a lamp 326, a nightlight 328). Other examples of devices and/or systems include a system for controlling window blinds 330, devices for detecting or controlling states of one or more doors 332 (such as detecting if a door is open, detecting if a door is locked, or automatically locking a door), and a system for controlling a garage door 320 (e.g., control circuitry 334 integrated with a garage door opener for identifying an open or closed state of the garage door 320 and for causing the garage door opener to open or close the garage door 320). Communications between the control circuitry 334 and other devices can occur through a network (e.g., a LAN or the Internet) or as point-to-point communication (e.g., BLUETOOTH, radio communication, or a wired connection). Control circuitry 334 of different beds 302 can also communicate with different sets of devices. For example, a kid's bed may not communicate with and/or control the same devices as an adult bed. In some embodiments, the bed 302 can evolve with the age of the user such that the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 communicates with different devices as a function of age of the user of that bed 302.

The control circuitry 334 can receive information and inputs from other devices/systems and use the received information and inputs to control actions of the bed 302 and/or other devices. For example, the control circuitry 334 can receive information from the thermostat 316 indicating a current environmental temperature for a house or room in which the bed 302 is located. The control circuitry 334 can use the received information (along with other information, such as signals detected from one or more sensors of the bed 302) to determine if a temperature of all or a portion of the surface of the bed 302 should be raised or lowered. The control circuitry 334 can then cause a heating or cooling mechanism of the bed 302 to raise or lower the temperature of the surface of the bed 302. The control circuitry 334 can also cause a heating or cooling unit of the house or room in which the bed 302 is located to raise or lower the ambient temperature surrounding the bed 302. Thus, by adjusting the temperature of the bed 302 and/or the room in which the bed 302 is located, the user 308 can experience more improved sleep quality and comfort.

As an example, the user 308 can indicate a desired sleeping temperature of 74 degrees while a second user of the bed 302 indicates a desired sleeping temperature of 72 degrees. The thermostat 316 can transmit signals indicating room temperature at predetermined times to the control circuitry 334. The thermostat 316 can also send a continuous stream of detected temperature values of the room to the control circuitry 334. The transmitted signal(s) can indicate to the control circuitry 334 that the current temperature of the bedroom is 72 degrees. The control circuitry 334 can identify that the user 308 has indicated a desired sleeping temperature of 74 degrees, and can accordingly send control signals to a heating unit located on the user 308's side of the bed to raise the temperature of the portion of the surface of the bed 302 where the user 308 is located until the user 308's desired temperature is achieved. Moreover, the control circuitry 334 can sent control signals to the thermostat 316 and/or a heating unit in the house to raise the temperature in the room in which the bed 302 is located.

The control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to control other devices and propagate the control signals to the other devices. The control signals can be generated based on information collected by the control circuitry 334, including information related to user interaction with the bed 302 by the user 308 and/or one or more other users. Information collected from other devices other than the bed 302 can also be used when generating the control signals. For example, information relating to environmental occurrences (e.g., environmental temperature, environmental noise level, and environmental light level), time of day, time of year, day of the week, or other information can be used when generating control signals for various devices in communication with the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302.

For example, information on the time of day can be combined with information relating to movement and bed presence of the user 308 to generate control signals for the lighting system 314. The control circuitry 334 can, based on detected pressure signals of the user 308 on the bed 302, determine when the user 308 is presently in the bed 302 and when the user 308 falls asleep. Once the control circuitry 334 determines that the user has fallen asleep, the control circuitry 334 can transmit control signals to the lighting system 314 to turn off lights in the room in which the bed 302 is located, to lower the window blinds 330 in the room, and/or to activate the nightlight 328. Moreover, the control circuitry 334 can receive input from the user 308 (e.g., via the user device 310) that indicates a time at which the user 308 would like to wake up. When that time approaches, the control circuitry 334 can transmit control signals to one or more devices in the environment 300 to control devices that may cause the user 308 to wake up. For example, the control signals can be sent to a home automation device that controls multiple devices in the home. The home automation device can be instructed, by the control circuitry 334, to raise the window blinds 330, turn off the nightlight 328, turn on lighting beneath the bed 302, start the coffee machine 324, change a temperature in the house via the thermostat 316, or perform some other home automation. The home automation device can also be instructed to activate an alarm that can cause the user 308 to wake up. Sometimes, the user 308 can input information at the user device 310 that indicates what actions can be taken by the home automation device or other devices in the environment 300.

In some implementations, rather than or in addition to providing control signals for other devices, the control circuitry 334 can provide collected information (e.g., information related to user movement, bed presence, sleep state, or biometric signals) to one or more other devices to allow the one or more other devices to utilize the collected information when generating control signals. For example, the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 can provide information relating to user interactions with the bed 302 by the user 308 to a central controller (not shown) that can use the provided information to generate control signals for various devices, including the bed 302.

The central controller can, for example, be a hub device that provides a variety of information about the user 308 and control information associated with the bed 302 and other devices in the house. The central controller can include sensors that detect signals that can be used by the control circuitry 334 and/or the central controller to determine information about the user 308 (e.g., biometric or other health data, sleep quality). The sensors can detect signals including such as ambient light, temperature, humidity, volatile organic compound(s), pulse, motion, and audio. These signals can be combined with signals detected by sensors of the bed 302 to determine accurate information about the user 308's health and sleep quality. The central controller can provide controls (e.g., user-defined, presets, automated, user initiated) for the bed 302, determining and viewing sleep quality and health information, a smart alarm clock, a speaker or other home automation device, a smart picture frame, a nightlight, and one or more mobile applications that the user 308 can install and use at the central controller. The central controller can include a display screen that outputs information and receives user input. The display can output information such as the user 308's health, sleep quality, weather, security integration features, lighting integration features, heating and cooling integration features, and other controls to automate devices in the house. The central controller can operate to provide the user 308 with functionality and control of multiple different types of devices in the house as well as the user 308's bed 302.

As an illustrative example of FIG. 3, the control circuitry 334 integrated with the pump 304 can detect a feature of a mattress of the bed 302, such as an increase in pressure in the air chamber 306b, and use this detected increase to determine that the user 308 is present on the bed 302. The control circuitry 334 may also identify a heartrate or respiratory rate for the user 308 to identify that the increased pressure is due to a person sitting, laying, or resting on the bed 302, rather than an inanimate object (e.g., a suitcase) having been placed on the bed 302. In some implementations, the information indicating user bed presence can be combined with other information to identify a current or future likely state for the user 308. For example, a detected user bed presence at 11:00 am can indicate that the user is sitting on the bed (e.g., to tie her shoes, or to read a book) and does not intend to go to sleep, while a detected user bed presence at 10:00 pm can indicate that the user 308 is in bed for the evening and is intending to fall asleep soon. As another example, if the control circuitry 334 detects that the user 308 has left the bed 302 at 6:30 am (e.g., indicating that the user 308 has woken up for the day), and then later detects presence of the user 308 at 7:30 am on the bed 302, the control circuitry 334 can use this information that the newly detected presence is likely temporary (e.g., while the user 308 ties her shoes before heading to work) rather than an indication that the user 308 is intending to stay on the bed 302 for an extended period of time.

If the control circuitry 334 determines that the user 308 is likely to remain on the bed 302 for an extended period of time, the control circuitry 334 can determine one or more home automation controls that can aid the user 308 in falling asleep and experience improved sleep quality throughout the user 308's sleep cycle. For example, the control circuitry 334 can communicate with security system 318 to ensure that doors are locked. The control circuitry 334 can communicate with the oven 322 to ensure that the oven 322 is turned off. The control circuitry 334 can also communicate with the lighting system 314 to dim or otherwise turn off lights in the room in which the bed 302 is located and/or throughout the house, and the control circuitry 334 can communicate with the thermostat 316 to ensure that the house is at a desired temperature of the user 308. The control circuitry 334 can also determine one or more adjustments that can be made to the bed 302 to facilitate the user 308 falling asleep and staying asleep (e.g., changing a position of one or more regions of the bed 302, foot warming, massage features, pressure/firmness in one or more regions of the bed 302, etc.).

In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 may use collected information (including information related to user interaction with the bed 302 by the user 308, environmental information, time information, and user input) to identify use patterns for the user 308. For example, the control circuitry 334 can use information indicating bed presence and sleep states for the user 308 collected over a period of time to identify a sleep pattern for the user. The control circuitry 334 can identify that the user 308 generally goes to bed between 9:30 pm and 10:00 pm, generally falls asleep between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm, and generally wakes up between 6:30 am and 6:45 am, based on information indicating user presence and biometrics for the user 308 collected over a week or a different time period. The control circuitry 334 can use identified patterns of the user 308 to better process and identify user interactions with the bed 302.

Given the above example user bed presence, sleep, and wake patterns for the user 308, if the user 308 is detected as being on the bed 302 at 3:00 pm, the control circuitry 334 can determine that the user 308's presence on the bed 302 is temporary, and use this determination to generate different control signals than if the control circuitry 334 determined the user 308 was in bed for the evening (e.g., at 3:00 pm, a head region of the bed 302 can be raised to facilitate reading or watching TV while in the bed 302, whereas in the evening, the bed 302 can be adjusted to a flat position to facilitate falling asleep). As another example, if the control circuitry 334 detects that the user 308 got out of bed at 3:00 am, the control circuitry 334 can use identified patterns for the user 308 to determine the user has gotten up temporarily (e.g., to use the bathroom, get a glass of water). The control circuitry 334 can turn on underbed lighting to assist the user 308 in carefully moving around the bed 302 and room. By contrast, if the control circuitry 334 identifies that the user 308 got out of the bed 302 at 6:40 am, the control circuitry 334 can determine the user 308 is up for the day and generate a different set of control signals (e.g., the control circuitry 334 can turn on light 326 near the bed 302 and/or raise the window blinds 330). For other users, getting out of the bed 302 at 3:00 am can be a normal wake-up time, which the control circuitry 334 can learn and respond to accordingly. Moreover, if the bed 302 is occupied by two users, the control circuitry 334 can learn and respond to the patterns of each of the users.

The bed 302 can also generate control signals based on communication with one or more devices. As an illustrative example, the control circuitry 334 can receive an indication from the television 312 that the television 312 is turned on. If the television 312 is located in a different room than the bed 302, the control circuitry 334 can generate a control signal to turn the television 312 off upon making a determination that the user 308 has gone to bed for the evening or otherwise is remaining in the room with the bed 302. If presence of the user 308 is detected on the bed 302 during a particular time range (e.g., between 8:00 pm and 7:00 am) and persists for longer than a threshold period of time (e.g., 10 minutes), the control circuitry 334 can determine the user 308 is in bed for the evening. If the television 312 is on, as described above, the control circuitry 334 can generate a control signal to turn the television 312 off. The control signals can be transmitted to the television (e.g., through a directed communication link or through a network, such as WIFI). As another example, rather than turning off the television 312 in response to detection of user bed presence, the control circuitry 334 can generate a control signal that causes the volume of the television 312 to be lowered by a pre-specified amount.

As another example, upon detecting that the user 308 has left the bed 302 during a specified time range (e.g., between 6:00 am and 8:00 am), the control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to cause the television 312 to turn on and tune to a pre-specified channel (e.g., the user 308 indicated a preference for watching morning news upon getting out of bed). The control circuitry 334 can accordingly generate and transmit the control signal to the television 312 (which can be stored at the control circuitry 334, the television 312, or another location). As another example, upon detecting that the user 308 has gotten up for the day, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the television 312 to turn on and begin playing a previously recorded program from a digital video recorder (DVR) in communication with the television 312.

As another example, if the television 312 is in the same room as the bed 302, the control circuitry 334 may not cause the television 312 to turn off in response to detection of user bed presence. Rather, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the television 312 to turn off in response to determining that the user 308 is asleep. For example, the control circuitry 334 can monitor biometric signals of the user 308 (e.g., motion, heartrate, respiration rate) to determine that the user 308 has fallen asleep. Upon detecting that the user 308 is sleeping, the control circuitry 334 generates and transmits a control signal to turn the television 312 off. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can generate the control signal to turn off the television 312 after a threshold period of time has passed since the user 308 has fallen asleep (e.g., 10 minutes after the user has fallen asleep). As another example, the control circuitry 334 generates control signals to lower the volume of the television 312 after determining that the user 308 is asleep. As yet another example, the control circuitry 334 generates and transmits a control signal to cause the television to gradually lower in volume over a period of time and then turn off in response to determining that the user 308 is asleep. Any of the control signals described above in reference to the television 312 can also be determined by the central controller previously described.

In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 can similarly interact with other media devices, such as computers, tablets, mobile phones, smart phones, wearable devices, stereo systems, etc. For example, upon detecting that the user 308 is asleep, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit a control signal to the user device 310 to cause the user device 310 to turn off, or turn down the volume on a video or audio file being played by the user device 310.

The control circuitry 334 can additionally communicate with the lighting system 314, receive information from the lighting system 314, and generate control signals for controlling functions of the lighting system 314. For example, upon detecting user bed presence on the bed 302 during a certain time frame (e.g., between 8:00 pm and 7:00 am) that lasts for longer than a threshold period of time (e.g., 10 minutes), the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 can determine that the user 308 is in bed for the evening and generate control signals to cause lights in one or more rooms other than the room in which the bed 302 is located to switch off. The control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to turn off lights in all common rooms, but not in other bedrooms. As another example, the control signals can indicate that lights in all rooms other than the room in which the bed 302 is located are to be turned off, while one or more lights located outside of the house containing the bed 302 are to be turned on. The control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the nightlight 328 to turn on in response to determining user 308 bed presence or that the user 308 is asleep. The control circuitry 334 can also generate first control signals for turning off a first set of lights (e.g., lights in common rooms) in response to detecting user bed presence, and second control signals for turning off a second set of lights (e.g., lights in the room where the bed 302 is located) when detecting that the user 308 is asleep.

In some implementations, in response to determining that the user 308 is in bed for the evening, the control circuitry 334 of the bed 302 can generate control signals to cause the lighting system 314 to implement a sunset lighting scheme in the room in which the bed 302 is located. A sunset lighting scheme can include, for example, dimming the lights (either gradually over time, or all at once) in combination with changing the color of the light in the bedroom environment, such as adding an amber hue to the lighting in the bedroom. The sunset lighting scheme can help to put the user 308 to sleep when the control circuitry 334 has determined that the user 308 is in bed for the evening. Sometimes, the control signals can cause the lighting system 314 to dim the lights or change color of the lighting in the bedroom environment, but not both.

The control circuitry 334 can also implement a sunrise lighting scheme when the user 308 wakes up in the morning. The control circuitry 334 can determine that the user 308 is awake for the day, for example, by detecting that the user 308 has gotten off the bed 302 (e.g., is no longer present on the bed 302) during a specified time frame (e.g., between 6:00 am and 8:00 am). The control circuitry 334 can also monitor movement, heartrate, respiratory rate, or other biometric signals of the user 308 to determine that the user 308 is awake or is waking up, even though the user 308 has not gotten out of bed. If the control circuitry 334 detects that the user is awake or waking up during a specified timeframe, the control circuitry 334 can determine that the user 308 is awake for the day. The specified timeframe can be, for example, based on previously recorded user bed presence information collected over a period of time (e.g., two weeks) that indicates that the user 308 usually wakes up for the day between 6:30 am and 7:30 am. In response to the control circuitry 334 determining that the user 308 is awake, the control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to cause the lighting system 314 to implement the sunrise lighting scheme in the bedroom in which the bed 302 is located. The sunrise lighting scheme can include, for example, turning on lights (e.g., the lamp 326, or other lights in the bedroom). The sunrise lighting scheme can further include gradually increasing the level of light in the room where the bed 302 is located (or in one or more other rooms). The sunrise lighting scheme can also include only turning on lights of specified colors. The sunrise lighting scheme can include lighting the bedroom with blue light to gently assist the user 308 in waking up and becoming active.

The control circuitry 334 may also generate different control signals for controlling actions of components depending on a time of day that user interactions with the bed 302 are detected. For example, the control circuitry 334 can use historical user interaction information to determine that the user 308 usually falls asleep between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm and usually wakes up between 6:30 am and 7:30 am on weekdays. The control circuitry 334 can use this information to generate a first set of control signals for controlling the lighting system 314 if the user 308 is detected as getting out of bed at 3:00 am (e.g., turn on lights that guide the user 308 to a bathroom or kitchen) and to generate a second set of control signals for controlling the lighting system 314 if the user 308 is detected as getting out of bed after 6:30 am.

In some implementations, if the user 308 is detected as getting out of bed prior to a specified morning rise time for the user 308, the control circuitry 334 can cause the lighting system 314 to turn on lights that are dimmer than lights that are turned on by the lighting system 314 if the user 308 is detected as getting out of bed after the specified morning rise time. Causing the lighting system 314 to only turn on dim lights when the user 308 gets out of bed during the night (e.g., prior to normal rise time for the user 308) can prevent other occupants of the house from being woken up by the lights while still allowing the user 308 to see in order to reach their destination in the house.

The historical user interaction information for interactions between the user 308 and the bed 302 can be used to identify user sleep and awake timeframes. For example, user bed presence times and sleep times can be determined for a set period of time (e.g., two weeks, a month, etc.). The control circuitry 334 can identify a typical time range or timeframe in which the user 308 goes to bed, a typical timeframe for when the user 308 falls asleep, and a typical timeframe for when the user 308 wakes up (and in some cases, different timeframes for when the user 308 wakes up and when the user 308 actually gets out of bed). Buffer time may be added to these timeframes. For example, if the user is identified as typically going to bed between 10:00 pm and 10:30 pm, a buffer of a half hour in each direction can be added to the timeframe such that any detection of the user getting in bed between 9:30 pm and 11:00 pm is interpreted as the user 308 going to bed for the evening. As another example, detection of bed presence of the user 308 starting from a half hour before the earliest typical time that the user 308 goes to bed extending until the typical wake up time (e.g., 6:30 am) for the user 308 can be interpreted as the user 308 going to bed for the evening. For example, if the user 308 typically goes to bed between 10:00 pm and 10:30 pm, if the user 308's bed presence is sensed at 12:30 am one night, that can be interpreted as the user 308 getting into bed for the evening even though this is outside of the user 308's typical timeframe for going to bed because it has occurred prior to the user 308's normal wake up time. In some implementations, different timeframes are identified for different times of year (e.g., earlier bed time during winter vs. summer) or at different times of the week (e.g., user 308 wakes up earlier on weekdays than on weekends).

The control circuitry 334 can distinguish between the user 308 going to bed for an extended period (e.g., for the night) as opposed to being present on the bed 302 for a shorter period (e.g., for a nap) by sensing duration of presence of the user 308 (e.g., by detecting pressure and/or temperature signals of the user 308 on the bed 302 by sensors integrated into the bed 302). In some examples, the control circuitry 334 can distinguish between the user 308 going to bed for an extended period (e.g., for the night) versus going to bed for a shorter period (e.g., for a nap) by sensing duration of the user 308's sleep. The control circuitry 334 can set a time threshold whereby if the user 308 is sensed on the bed 302 for longer than the threshold, the user 308 is considered to have gone to bed for the night. In some examples, the threshold can be about 2 hours, whereby if the user 308 is sensed on the bed 302 for greater than 2 hours, the control circuitry 334 registers that as an extended sleep event. In other examples, the threshold can be greater than or less than two hours. The threshold can be determined based on historic trends indicating how long the user 302 usually sleeps or otherwise stays on the bed 302.

The control circuitry 334 can detect repeated extended sleep events to automatically determine a typical bed time range of the user 308, without requiring the user 308 to enter a bed time range. This can allow the control circuitry 334 to accurately estimate when the user 308 is likely to go to bed for an extended sleep event, regardless of whether the user 308 typically goes to bed using a traditional sleep schedule or a non-traditional sleep schedule. The control circuitry 334 can then use knowledge of the bed time range of the user 308 to control one or more components (including components of the bed 302 and/or non-bed peripherals) based on sensing bed presence during the bed time range or outside of the bed time range.

The control circuitry 334 can automatically determine the bed time range of the user 308 without requiring user inputs. The control circuitry 334 may also determine the bed time range automatically and in combination with user inputs (e.g., using signals sensed by sensors of the bed 302 and/or the central controller). The control circuitry 334 can set the bed time range directly according to user inputs. The control circuitry 334 can associate different bed times with different days of the week. In each of these examples, the control circuitry 334 can control components (e.g., the lighting system 314, thermostat 316, security system 318, oven 322, coffee maker 324, lamp 326, nightlight 328), as a function of sensed bed presence and the bed time range.

The control circuitry 334 can also determine control signals to be transmitted to the thermostat 316 based on user-inputted preferences and/or maintaining improved or preferred sleep quality of the user 308. For example, the control circuitry 334 can determine, based on historic sleep patterns and quality of the user 308 and by applying machine learning models, that the user 308 experiences their best sleep when the bedroom is at 74 degrees. The control circuitry 334 can receive temperature signals from devices and/or sensors in the bedroom indicating a bedroom temperature. When the temperature is below 74 degrees, the control circuitry 334 can determine control signals that cause the thermostat 316 to activate a heating unit to raise the temperature to 74 degrees in the bedroom. When the temperature is above 74 degrees, the control circuitry 334 can determine control signals that cause the thermostat 316 to activate a cooling unit to lower the temperature back to 74 degrees. Sometimes, the control circuitry 334 can determine control signals that cause the thermostat 316 to maintain the bedroom within a temperature range intended to keep the user 308 in particular sleep states and/or transition to next preferred sleep states.

Similarly, the control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to cause heating or cooling elements on the surface of the bed 302 to change temperature at various times, either in response to user interaction with the bed 302, at various pre-programmed times, based on user preference, and/or in response to detecting microclimate temperatures of the user 308 on the bed 302. For example, the control circuitry 334 can activate a heating element to raise the temperature of one side of the surface of the bed 302 to 73 degrees when it is detected that the user 308 has fallen asleep. As another example, upon determining that the user 308 is up for the day, the control circuitry 334 can turn off a heating or cooling element. The user 308 can pre-program various times at which the temperature at the bed surface should be raised or lowered. As another example, temperature sensors on the bed surface can detect microclimates of the user 308. When a detected microclimate drops below a predetermined threshold temperature, the control circuitry 334 can activate a heating element to raise the user 308's body temperature, thereby improving the user 308's comfortability, maintaining their sleep cycle, transitioning the user 308 to a next preferred sleep state, and/or maintaining or improving the user 308's sleep quality.

In response to detecting user bed presence and/or that the user 308 is asleep, the control circuitry 334 can also cause the thermostat 316 to change the temperature in different rooms to different values. Other control signals are also possible, and can be based on user preference and user input. Moreover, the control circuitry 334 can receive temperature information from the thermostat 316 and use this information to control functions of the bed 302 or other devices (e.g., adjusting temperatures of heating elements of the bed 302, such as a foot warming pad). The control circuitry 334 may also generate and transmit control signals for controlling other temperature control systems, such as floor heating elements in the bedroom or other rooms.

The control circuitry 334 can communicate with the security system 318, receive information from the security system 318, and generate control signals for controlling functions of the security system 318. For example, in response to detecting that the user 308 in is bed for the evening, the control circuitry 334 can generate control signals to cause the security system 318 to engage or disengage security functions. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the security system 318 to disable in response to determining that the user 308 is awake for the day (e.g., user 308 is no longer present on the bed 302).

The control circuitry 334 can also receive alerts from the security system 318 and indicate the alert to the user 308. For example, the security system can detect a security breach (e.g., someone opened the door 332 without entering the security code, someone opened a window when the security system 318 is engaged) and communicate the security breach to the control circuitry 334. The control circuitry 334 can then generate control signals to alert the user 308, such as causing the bed 302 to vibrate, causing portions of the bed 302 to articulate (e.g., the head section to raise or lower), causing the lamp 326 to flash on and off at regular intervals, etc. The control circuitry 334 can also alert the user 308 of one bed 302 about a security breach in another bedroom, such as an open window in a kid's bedroom. The control circuitry 334 can send an alert to a garage door controller (e.g., to close and lock the door). The control circuitry 334 can send an alert for the security to be disengaged. The control circuitry 334 can also set off a smart alarm or other alarm device/clock near the bed 302. The control circuitry 334 can transmit a push notification, text message, or other indication of the security breach to the user device 310. Also, the control circuitry 334 can transmit a notification of the security breach to the central controller, which can then determine one or more responses to the security breach.

The control circuitry 334 can additionally generate and transmit control signals for controlling the garage door 320 and receive information indicating a state of the garage door 320 (e.g., open or closed). The control circuitry 334 can also request information on a current state of the garage door 320. If the control circuitry 334 receives a response (e.g., from the garage door opener) that the garage door 320 is open, the control circuitry 334 can notify the user 308 that the garage door is open (e.g., by displaying a notification or other message at the user device 310, outputting a notification at the central controller), and/or generate a control signal to cause the garage door opener to close the door. The control circuitry 334 can also cause the bed 302 to vibrate, cause the lighting system 314 to flash lights in the bedroom, etc. Control signals can also vary depend on the age of the user 308. Similarly, the control circuitry 334 can similarly send and receive communications for controlling or receiving state information associated with the door 332 or the oven 322.

In some implementations, different alerts can be generated for different events. For example, the control circuitry 334 can cause the lamp 326 (or other lights, via the lighting system 314) to flash in a first pattern if the security system 318 has detected a breach, flash in a second pattern if garage door 320 is on, flash in a third pattern if the door 332 is open, flash in a fourth pattern if the oven 322 is on, and flash in a fifth pattern if another bed has detected that a user 308 of that bed has gotten up (e.g., a child has gotten out of bed in the middle of the night as sensed by a sensor in the child's bed). Other examples of alerts include a smoke detector detecting smoke (and communicating this detection to the control circuitry 334), a carbon monoxide tester, a heater malfunctioning, or an alert from another device capable of communicating with the control circuitry 334 and detecting an occurrence to bring to the user 308's attention.

The control circuitry 334 can also communicate with a system or device for controlling a state of the window blinds 330. For example, in response to determining that the user 308 is up for the day or that the user 308 set an alarm to wake up at a particular time, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the window blinds 330 to open. By contrast, if the user 308 gets out of bed prior to a normal rise time for the user 308, the control circuitry 334 can determine that the user 308 is not awake for the day and may not generate control signals that cause the window blinds 330 to open. The control circuitry 334 can also generate and transmit control signals that cause a first set of blinds to close in response to detecting user bed presence and a second set of blinds to close in response to detecting that the user 308 is asleep.

As other examples, in response to determining that the user 308 is awake for the day, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to the coffee maker 324 to cause the coffee maker 324 to brew coffee. The control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to the oven 322 to cause the oven 322 to begin preheating. The control circuitry 334 can use information indicating that the user 308 is awake for the day along with information indicating that the time of year is currently winter and/or that the outside temperature is below a threshold value to generate and transmit control signals to cause a car engine block heater to turn on. The control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause devices to enter a sleep mode in response to detecting user bed presence, or in response to detecting that the user 308 is asleep (e.g., causing a mobile phone of the user 308 to switch into sleep or night mode so that notifications are muted to not disturb the user 308's sleep). Later, upon determining that the user 308 is up for the day, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause the mobile phone to switch out of sleep/night mode.

The control circuitry 334 can also communicate with one or more noise control devices. For example, upon determining that the user 308 is in bed for the evening, or that the user 308 is asleep (e.g., based on pressure signals received from the bed 302, audio/decibel signals received from audio sensors positioned on or around the bed 302), the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to cause noise cancelation devices to activate. The noise cancelation devices can be part of the bed 302 or located in the bedroom. Upon determining that the user 308 is in bed for the evening or that the user 308 is asleep, the control circuitry 334 can generate and transmit control signals to turn the volume on, off, up, or down, for one or more sound generating devices, such as a stereo system radio, television, computer, tablet, mobile phone, etc.

Additionally, functions of the bed 302 can be controlled by the control circuitry 334 in response to user interactions. For example, the articulation controller can adjust the bed 302 from a flat position to a position in which a head portion of a mattress of the bed 302 is inclined upward (e.g., to facilitate a user sitting up in bed, reading, and/or watching television). Sometimes, the bed 302 includes multiple separately articulable sections. Portions of the bed corresponding to the locations of the air chambers 306a and 306b can be articulated independently from each other, to allow one person to rest in a first position (e.g., a flat position) while a second person rests in a second position (e.g., a reclining position with the head raised at an angle from the waist). Separate positions can be set for two different beds (e.g., two twin beds placed next to each other). The foundation of the bed 302 can include more than one zone that can be independently adjusted. The articulation controller can also provide different levels of massage to one or more users on the bed 302 or cause the bed to vibrate to communicate alerts to the user 308 as described above.

The control circuitry 334 can adjust positions (e.g., incline and decline positions for the user 308 and/or an additional user) in response to user interactions with the bed 302 (e.g., causing the articulation controller to adjust to a first recline position in response to sensing user bed presence). The control circuitry 334 can cause the articulation controller to adjust the bed 302 to a second recline position (e.g., a less reclined, or flat position) in response to determining that the user 308 is asleep. As another example, the control circuitry 334 can receive a communication from the television 312 indicating that the user 308 has turned off the television 312, and in response, the control circuitry 334 can cause the articulation controller to adjust the bed position to a preferred user sleeping position (e.g., due to the user turning off the television 312 while the user 308 is in bed indicating the user 308 wishes to go to sleep).

In some implementations, the control circuitry 334 can control the articulation controller to wake up one user without waking another user of the bed 302. For example, the user 308 and a second user can each set distinct wakeup times (e.g., 6:30 am and 7:15 am respectively). When the wakeup time for the user 308 is reached, the control circuitry 334 can cause the articulation controller to vibrate or change the position of only a side of the bed on which the user 308 is located. When the wakeup time for the second user is reached, the control circuitry 334 can cause the articulation controller to vibrate or change the position of only the side of the bed on which the second user is located. Alternatively, when the second wakeup time occurs, the control circuitry 334 can utilize other methods (such as audio alarms, or turning on the lights) to wake the second user since the user 308 is already awake and therefore will not be disturbed when the control circuitry 334 attempts to wake the second user.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the control circuitry 334 for the bed 302 can utilize information for interactions with the bed 302 by multiple users to generate control signals for controlling functions of various other devices. For example, the control circuitry 334 can wait to generate control signals for devices until both the user 308 and a second user are detected in the bed 302. The control circuitry 334 can generate a first set of control signals to cause the lighting system 314 to turn off a first set of lights upon detecting bed presence of the user 308 and generate a second set of control signals for turning off a second set of lights in response to detecting bed presence of a second user. The control circuitry 334 can also wait until it has been determined that both users are awake for the day before generating control signals to open the window blinds 330. One or more other home automation control signals can be determined and generated by the control circuitry 334, the user device 310, and/or the central controller.

Examples of Data Processing Systems Associated with a Bed

Described are example systems and components for data processing tasks that are, for example, associated with a bed. In some cases, multiple examples of a particular component or group of components are presented. Some examples are redundant and/or mutually exclusive alternatives. Connections between components are shown as examples to illustrate possible network configurations for allowing communication between components. Different formats of connections can be used as technically needed/desired. The connections generally indicate a logical connection that can be created with any technologically feasible format. For example, a network on a motherboard can be created with a printed circuit board, wireless data connections, and/or other types of network connections. Some logical connections are not shown for clarity (e.g., connections with power supplies and/or computer readable memory).

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of an example data processing system 400 that can be associated with a bed system, including those described above (e.g., see FIGS. 1-3). The system 400 includes a pump motherboard 402 and a pump daughterboard 404. The system 400 includes a sensor array 406 having one or more sensors configured to sense physical phenomenon of the environment and/or bed, and to report sensing back to the pump motherboard 402 (e.g., for analysis). The sensor array 406 can include one or more different types of sensors, including but not limited to pressure, temperature, light, movement (e.g. motion), and audio. The system 400 also includes a controller array 408 that can include one or more controllers configured to control logic-controlled devices of the bed and/or environment (e.g., home automation devices, security systems light systems, and other devices described in FIG. 3). The pump motherboard 400 can be in communication with computing devices 414 and cloud services 410 over local networks (e.g., Internet 412) or otherwise as is technically appropriate.

In FIG. 4A, the pump motherboard 402 and daughterboard 404 are communicably coupled. They can be conceptually described as a center or hub of the system 400, with the other components conceptually described as spokes of the system 400. This can mean that each spoke component communicates primarily or exclusively with the pump motherboard 402. For example, a sensor of the sensor array 406 may not be configured to, or may not be able to, communicate directly with a corresponding controller. Instead, the sensor can report a sensor reading to the motherboard 402, and the motherboard 402 can determine that, in response, a controller of the controller array 408 should adjust some parameters of a logic controlled device or otherwise modify a state of one or more peripheral devices.

One advantage of a hub-and-spoke network configuration, or a star-shaped network, is a reduction in network traffic compared to, for example, a mesh network with dynamic routing. If a particular sensor generates a large, continuous stream of traffic, that traffic is transmitted over one spoke to the motherboard 402. The motherboard 402 can marshal and condense that data to a smaller data format for retransmission for storage in a cloud service 410. Additionally or alternatively, the motherboard 402 can generate a single, small, command message to be sent down a different spoke in response to the large stream. For example, if the large stream of data is a pressure reading transmitted from the sensor array 406 a few times a second, the motherboard 402 can respond with a single command message to the controller array 408 to increase the pressure in an air chamber of the bed. In this case, the single command message can be orders of magnitude smaller than the stream of pressure readings.

As another advantage, a hub-and-spoke network configuration can allow for an extensible network that accommodates components being added, removed, failing, etc. This can allow more, fewer, or different sensors in the sensor array 406, controllers in the controller array 408, computing devices 414, and/or cloud services 410. For example, if a particular sensor fails or is deprecated by a newer version, the system 400 can be configured such that only the motherboard 402 needs to be updated about the replacement sensor. This can allow product differentiation where the same motherboard 402 can support an entry level product with fewer sensors and controllers, a higher value product with more sensors and controllers, and customer personalization where a customer can add their own selected components to the system 400.

Additionally, a line of air bed products can use the system 400 with different components. In an application in which every air bed in the product line includes both a central logic unit and a pump, the motherboard 402 (and optionally the daughterboard 404) can be designed to fit within a single, universal housing. For each upgrade of the product in the product line, additional sensors, controllers, cloud services, etc., can be added. Design, manufacturing, and testing time can be reduced by designing all products in a product line from this base, compared to a product line in which each product has a bespoke logic control system.

Each of the components discussed above can be realized in a wide variety of technologies and configurations. Below, some examples of each component are discussed. Sometimes, two or more components of the system 400 can be realized in a single alternative component; some components can be realized in multiple, separate components; and/or some functionality can be provided by different components.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram showing communication paths of the system 400. As described, the motherboard 402 and daughterboard 404 may act as a hub of the system 400. When the pump daughterboard 404 communicates with cloud services 410 or other components, communications may be routed through the motherboard 402. This may allow the bed to have a single connection with the Internet 412. The computing device 414 may also have a connection to the Internet 412, possibly through the same gateway used by the bed and/or a different gateway (e.g., a cell service provider).

In FIG. 4B, cloud services 410d and 410e may be configured such that the motherboard 402 communicates with the cloud service directly (e.g., without having to use another cloud service 410 as an intermediary). Additionally or alternatively, some cloud services 410 (e.g., 410f) may only be reachable by the motherboard 402 through an intermediary cloud service (e.g., 410e). While not shown here, some cloud services 410 may be reachable either directly or indirectly by the pump motherboard 402.

Additionally, some or all of the cloud services 410 may communicate with other cloud services, including the transfer of data and/or remote function calls according to any technologically appropriate format. For example, one cloud service 410 may request a copy for another cloud service's 410 data (e.g., for purposes of backup, coordination, migration, calculations, data mining). Many cloud services 410 may also contain data that is indexed according to specific users tracked by the user account cloud 410c and/or the bed data cloud 410a. These cloud services 410 may communicate with the user account cloud 410c and/or the bed data cloud 410a when accessing data specific to a particular user or bed.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example motherboard 402 in a data processing system associated with a bed system (e.g., refer to FIGS. 1-3). In this example, compared to other examples described below, this motherboard 402 consists of relatively fewer parts and can be limited to provide a relatively limited feature set.

The motherboard 402 includes a power supply 500, a processor 502, and computer memory 512. In general, the power supply 500 includes hardware used to receive electrical power from an outside source and supply it to components of the motherboard 402. The power supply may include a battery pack and/or wall outlet adapter, an AC to DC converter, a DC to AC converter, a power conditioner, a capacitor bank, and/or one or more interfaces for providing power in the current type, voltage, etc., needed by other components of the motherboard 402.

The processor 502 is generally a device for receiving input, performing logical determinations, and providing output. The processor 502 can be a central processing unit, a microprocessor, general purpose logic circuitry, application-specific integrated circuitry, a combination of these, and/or other hardware.

The memory 512 is generally one or more devices for storing data, which may include long term stable data storage (e.g., on a hard disk), short term unstable (e.g., on Random Access Memory), or any other technologically appropriate configuration.

The motherboard 402 includes a pump controller 504 and a pump motor 506. The pump controller 504 can receive commands from the processor 502 to control functioning of the pump motor 506. For example, the pump controller 504 can receive a command to increase pressure of an air chamber by 0.3 pounds per square inch (PSI). The pump controller 504, in response, engages a valve so that the pump motor 506 pumps air into the selected air chamber, and can engage the pump motor 506 for a length of time that corresponds to 0.3 PSI or until a sensor indicates that pressure has been increased by 0.3 PSI. Sometimes, the message can specify that the chamber should be inflated to a target PSI, and the pump controller 504 can engage the pump motor 506 until the target PSI is reached.

A valve solenoid 508 can control which air chamber a pump is connected to. In some cases, the solenoid 508 can be controlled by the processor 502 directly. In some cases, the solenoid 508 can be controlled by the pump controller 504.

A remote interface 510 of the motherboard 402 can allow the motherboard 402 to communicate with other components of a data processing system. For example, the motherboard 402 can be able to communicate with one or more daughterboards, with peripheral sensors, and/or with peripheral controllers through the remote interface 510. The remote interface 510 can provide any technologically appropriate communication interface, including but not limited to multiple communication interfaces such as WIFI, Bluetooth, and copper wired networks.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another example motherboard 402. Compared to the motherboard 402 in FIG. 5, the motherboard 402 in FIG. 6 can contain more components and provide more functionality in some applications.

This motherboard 402 can further include a valve controller 600, a pressure sensor 602, a universal serial bus (USB) stack 604, a WiFi radio 606, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio 608, a ZigBee radio 610, a Bluetooth radio 612, and a computer memory 512.

The valve controller 600 can convert commands from the processor 502 into control signals for the valve solenoid 508. For example, the processor 502 can issue a command to the valve controller 600 to connect the pump to a particular air chamber out of a group of air chambers in an air bed. The valve controller 600 can control the position of the valve solenoid 508 so the pump is connected to the indicated air chamber.

The pressure sensor 602 can read pressure readings from one or more air chambers of the air bed. The pressure sensor 602 can also preform digital sensor conditioning. As described herein, multiple pressure sensors 602 can be included as part of the motherboard 402 or otherwise in communication with the motherboard 402.

The motherboard 402 can include a suite of network interfaces 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, etc., including but not limited to those shown in FIG. 6. These network interfaces can allow the motherboard to communicate over a wired or wireless network with any devices, including but not limited to peripheral sensors, peripheral controllers, computing devices, and devices and services connected to the Internet 412.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example daughterboard 404 used in a data processing system associated with a bed system described herein. One or more daughterboards 404 can be connected to the motherboard 402. Some daughterboards 404 can be designed to offload particular and/or compartmentalized tasks from the motherboard 402. This can be advantageous if the particular tasks are computationally intensive, proprietary, or subject to future revisions. For example, the daughterboard 404 can be used to calculate a particular sleep data metric. This metric can be computationally intensive, and calculating the metric on the daughterboard 404 can free up resources of the motherboard 402 while the metric is calculated. The sleep metric may be subject to future revisions. To update the system 400 with the new metric, it is possible that only the daughterboard 404 calculates the metric to be replaced. In this case, the same motherboard 402 and other components can be used, saving the need to perform unit testing of additional components instead of just the daughterboard 404.

The daughterboard 404 includes a power supply 700, a processor 702, computer readable memory 704, a pressure sensor 706, and a WiFi radio 708. The processor 702 can use the pressure sensor 706 to gather information about pressure of air bed chambers. The processor 702 can perform an algorithm to calculate a sleep metric (e.g., sleep quality, bed presence, whether the user fell asleep, a heartrate, a respiration rate, movement, etc.). Sometimes, the sleep metric can be calculated from only air chamber pressure. The sleep metric can also be calculated using signals from a variety of sensors (e.g., movement, pressure, temperature, and/or audio sensors). The processor 702 can receive that data from sensors that may be internal to the daughterboard 404, accessible via the WiFi radio 708, or otherwise in communication with the processor 702. Once the sleep metric is calculated, the processor 702 can report that sleep metric to, for example, the motherboard 402. The motherboard 402 can generate instructions for outputting the sleep metric to the user or using the sleep metric to determine other user information or controls to control the bed and/or peripheral devices.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example motherboard 800 with no daughterboard used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. In this example, the motherboard 800 can perform most, all, or more of the features described with reference to the motherboard 402 in FIG. 6 and the daughterboard 404 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9A is a block diagram of an example sensory array 406 used in a data processing system associated with a bed system described herein. The sensor array 406 is a conceptual grouping of some or all peripheral sensors that communicate with the motherboard 402 but are not native to the motherboard 402. The peripheral sensors 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, etc. of the sensor array 406 communicate with the motherboard 402 through one or more network interfaces 604, 606, 608, 610, and 612 of the motherboard, as is appropriate for the configuration of the particular sensor. For example, a sensor that outputs a reading over a USB cable can communicate through the USB stack 604.

Some peripheral sensors of the sensor array 406 can be bed mounted sensors 900 (e.g., temperature sensor 906, light sensor 908, sound sensor 910). The bed mounted sensors 900 can be embedded into a bed structure and sold with the bed, or later affixed to the structure (e.g., part of a pressure sensing pad that is removably installed on a top surface of the bed, part of a temperature sensing or heating unit that is removably installed on the top surface of the bed, integrated into the top surface, attached along connecting tubes between a pump and air chambers, within air chambers, attached to a headboard, attached to one or more regions of an adjustable foundation). One or more of the sensors 902 can be load cells or force sensors as described in FIG. 9C. Other sensors 902 and 904 may not be mounted to the bed and can include a pressure sensor 902 and/or peripheral sensor 904. For example, the sensors 902 and 904 can be integrated or otherwise part of a user mobile device (e.g., mobile phone, wearable device). The sensors 902 and 904 can also be part of a central controller for controlling the bed and peripheral devices. Sometimes, the sensors 902 and 904 can be part of one or more home automation devices or other peripheral devices.

Sometimes, some or all of the bed mounted sensors 900 and/or sensors 902 and 904 share networking hardware (e.g., a conduit that contains wires from each sensor, a multi-wire cable or plug that, when affixed to the motherboard 402, connect all the associated sensors with the motherboard 402). One, some, or all the sensors 902, 904, 906, 908, and 910 can sense features of a mattress (e.g., pressure, temperature, light, sound, and/or other features) and features external to the mattress. Sometimes, pressure sensor 902 can sense pressure of the mattress while some or all the sensors 902, 904, 906, 908, and 910 sense features of the mattress and/or features external to the mattress.

FIG. 9B is a schematic top view of a bed 920 having a sensor strip 932 with sensors 934A-N used in a data processing system associated with the bed 920. The bed 920 includes a mattress 922 (e.g., refer to FIG. 1). The mattress 922 can have a foam tub 930 beneath a top of the mattress 922. The foam tub 930 can have air chamber 923A and/or 923B, similar to those described herein.

The sensor strip 932 can be attached across the mattress top 924 from one lateral side to an opposing lateral side (e.g., from left to right). The sensor strip 932 can be attached proximate to a head section of the mattress 922 to measure temperature and/or humidity values around a chest area of a user 936. The sensor strip 932 can also be placed at a center point (e.g., midpoint) of the mattress 922 such that the distances 938 and 940 are equal to each other. The sensor strip 932 can be placed at other locations to capture temperature and/or humidity values at the top of the mattress 922.

The sensors 934A-N can be any one or more of the temperature sensors 906 described in FIG. 9A. The sensor strip 932 can also include a carrier strip 933 having a first strip portion 933A and a second strip portion 933B. The carrier strip 933 can be releasably attached to the foam tub layer 920 and extend between the opposite lateral ends of the foam tub 920. The sensor strip 932 can have first sensors 934A-N and second sensors 934A-N. Each of the first and second sensors 934A-N can have five sensors each. For example, a sensor strip 932 for a king or queen size mattress can have a total of ten sensors. When the user 936 is positioned on top of the mattress 922 over the air chamber 923A, the first sensors 934A-N can measure temperature and/or humidity of the mattress top 924 above the air chamber 923A. Those values can be used to, for example, determine a conditioned airflow to supply to the air chamber 923A. Temperature and/or humidity values measured by the second sensors 934A-N can be used to, for example, determine a conditioned airflow to supply to the air chamber 923B. The bed system 920 can provide for custom airflow to different portions of the mattress 922 based on body temperatures of users and/or temperatures of different portions of the mattress top 924.

Sometimes, two separate sensor strips can be attached to the mattress 922 (e.g., a first sensor strip over the air chamber 923A and a second sensor strip, separate from the first sensor strip, over the air chamber 923B). The first and second sensor strips can be attached to a center of the mattress top 924 via fastening elements, such as adhesive. The sensor strip 932 can also be easily replaced with another sensor strip.

FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram of an example bed with force sensors 955 located at the bottom of legs 953 of the bed (e.g., in four, six, eight, or another number of legs). The force sensors 955 may also be located elsewhere on the bed with similar effect (e.g., between the legs 953 and platform 950). When a strain gauge is used as the force sensors 955, the force sensor(s) 955 can be positioned nearer centers of the legs 953. The force sensors 955 can be load cells.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example controller array 408 used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. The controller array 408 is a conceptual grouping of some or all peripheral controllers that communicate with the motherboard 402 but are not native to the motherboard 402. The peripheral controllers can communicate with the motherboard 402 through one or more of the network interfaces 604, 606, 608, 610, and 612 of the motherboard, as is appropriate for the configuration of the particular controller. Some of the controllers can be bed mounted controllers 1000, such as a temperature controller 1006, a light controller 1008, and a speaker controller 1010, as described in reference to bed-mounted sensors in FIG. 9A. Peripheral controllers 1002 and 1004 can be in communication with the motherboard 402, but optionally not mounted to the bed.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example computing device 412 used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. The computing device 412 can include computing devices used by a user of a bed including but not limited to mobile computing devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablet computers, laptops, smart phones, wearable devices), desktop computers, home automation devices, and/or central controllers or other hub devices.

The computing device 412 includes a power supply 1100, a processor 1102, and computer readable memory 1104. User input and output can be transmitted by speakers 1106, a touchscreen 1108, or other not shown components (e.g., a pointing device or keyboard). The computing device 412 can run applications 1110 including, for example, applications to allow the user to interact with the system 400. These applications can allow a user to view information about the bed (e.g., sensor readings, sleep metrics), information about themselves (e.g., health conditions detected based on signals sensed at the bed), and/or configure the system 400 behavior (e.g., set desired firmness, set desired behavior for peripheral devices). The computing device 412 can be used in addition to, or to replace, the remote control 122 described above.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an example bed data cloud service 410a used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. Here, the bed data cloud service 410a is configured to collect sensor data and sleep data from a particular bed, and to match the data with one or more users that used the bed when the data was generated.

The bed data cloud service 410a includes a network interface 1200, a communication manager 1202, server hardware 1204, and server system software 1206. The bed data cloud service 410a is also shown with a user identification module 1208, a device management 1210 module, a sensor data module 1210, and an advanced sleep data module 1214. The network interface 1200 includes hardware and low level software to allow hardware devices (e.g., components of the service 410a) to communicate over networks (e.g., with each other, with other destinations over the Internet 412). The network interface 1200 can include network cards, routers, modems, and other hardware. The communication manager 1202 generally includes hardware and software that operate above the network interface 1200 such as software to initiate, maintain, and tear down network communications used by the service 410a (e.g., TCP/IP, SSL or TLS, Torrent, and other communication sessions over local or wide area networks). The communication manager 1202 can also provide load balancing and other services to other elements of the service 410a. The server hardware 1204 generally includes physical processing devices used to instantiate and maintain the service 410a. This hardware includes, but is not limited to, processors (e.g., central processing units, ASICs, graphical processers) and computer readable memory (e.g., random access memory, stable hard disks, tape backup). One or more servers can be configured into clusters, multi-computer, or datacenters that can be geographically separate or connected. The server system software 1206 generally includes software that runs on the server hardware 1204 to provide operating environments to applications and services (e.g., operating systems running on real servers, virtual machines instantiated on real servers to create many virtual servers, server level operations such as data migration, redundancy, and backup).

The user identification 1208 can include, or reference, data related to users of beds with associated data processing systems. The users may include customers, owners, or other users registered with the service 410a or another service. Each user can have a unique identifier, user credentials, contact information, billing information, demographic information, or any other technologically appropriate information.

The device manager 1210 can include, or reference, data related to beds or other products associated with data processing systems. The beds can include products sold or registered with a system associated with the service 410a. Each bed can have a unique identifier, model and/or serial number, sales information, geographic information, delivery information, a listing of associated sensors and control peripherals, etc. An index or indexes stored by the service 410a can identify users associated with beds. This index can record sales of a bed to a user, users that sleep in a bed, etc.

The sensor data 1212 can record raw or condensed sensor data recorded by beds with associated data processing systems. For example, a bed's data processing system can have temperature, pressure, motion, audio, and/or light sensors. Readings from these sensors, either in raw form or in a format generated from the raw data (e.g. sleep metrics), can be communicated by the bed's data processing system to the service 410a for storage in the sensor data 1212. An index or indexes stored by the service 410a can identify users and/or beds associated with the sensor data 1212.

The service 410a can use any of its available data (e.g., sensor data 1212) to generate advanced sleep data 1214. The advanced sleep data 1214 includes sleep metrics and other data generated from sensor readings (e.g., health information). Some of these calculations can be performed in the service 410a instead of locally on the bed's data processing system because the calculations can be computationally complex or require a large amount of memory space or processor power that may not be available on the bed's data processing system. This can help allow a bed system to operate with a relatively simple controller while being part of a system that performs relatively complex tasks and computations.

For example, the service 410a can retrieve one or more machine learning models from a remote data store and use those models to determine the advanced sleep data 1214. The service 410a can retrieve one or more models to determine overall sleep quality of the user based on currently detected sensor data 1212 and/or historic sensor data. The service 410a can retrieve other models to determine whether the user is snoring based on the detected sensor data 1212. The service 410a can retrieve other models to determine whether the user experiences a health condition based on the data 1212.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an example sleep data cloud service 410b used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. Here, the sleep data cloud service 410b is configured to record data related to users' sleep experience. The service 410b includes a network interface 1300, a communication manager 1302, server hardware 1304, and server system software 1306. The service 410b also includes a user identification module 1308, a pressure sensor manager 1310, a pressure based sleep data module 1312, a raw pressure sensor data module 1314, and a non-pressure sleep data module 1316. Sometimes, the service 410b can include a sensor manager for each sensor. The service 410b can also include a sensor manager that relates to multiple sensors in beds (e.g., a single sensor manager can relate to pressure, temperature, light, movement, and audio sensors in a bed).

The pressure sensor manager 1310 can include, or reference, data related to the configuration and operation of pressure sensors in beds. This data can include an identifier of the types of sensors in a particular bed, their settings and calibration data, etc. The pressure based sleep data 1312 can use raw pressure sensor data 1314 to calculate sleep metrics tied to pressure sensor data. For example, user presence, movements, weight change, heartrate, and breathing rate can be determined from raw pressure sensor data 1314. An index or indexes stored by the service 410b can identify users associated with pressure sensors, raw pressure sensor data, and/or pressure based sleep data. The non-pressure sleep data 1316 can use other sources of data to calculate sleep metrics. User-entered preferences, light sensor readings, and sound sensor readings can be used to track sleep data. User presence can also be determined from a combination of raw pressure sensor data 1314 and non-pressure sleep data 1316 (e.g., raw temperature data). Sometimes, bed presence can be determined using only the temperature data. Changes in temperature data can be monitored to determine bed presence or absence in a temporal interval (e.g., window of time) of a given duration. The temperature and/or pressure data can also be combined with other sensing modalities or motion sensors that reflect different forms of movement (e.g., load cells) to accurately detect user presence. For example, the temperature and/or pressure data can be provided as input to a bed presence classifier, which can determine user bed presence based on real-time or near real-time data collected at the bed. The classifier can be trained to differentiate the temperature data from the pressure data, identify peak values in the temperature and pressure data, and generate a bed presence indication based on correlating the peak values. The peak values can be within a threshold distance from each other to then generate an indication that the user is in the bed. An index or indexes stored by the service 410b can identify users associated with sensors and/or the data 1316.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an example user account cloud service 410c used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. Here, the service 410c is configured to record a list of users and to identify other data related to those users. The service 410c includes a network interface 1400, a communication manager 1402, server hardware 1404, and server system software 1406. The service 410c also includes a user identification module 1408, a purchase history module 1410, an engagement module 1412, and an application usage history module 1414.

The user identification module 1408 can include, or reference, data related to users of beds with associated data processing systems, as described above. The purchase history module 1410 can include, or reference, data related to purchases by users. The purchase data can include a sale's contact information, billing information, and salesperson information associated with the user's purchase of the bed system. An index or indexes stored by the service 410c can identify users associated with a bed purchase.

The engagement module 1412 can track user interactions with the manufacturer, vendor, and/or manager of the bed/cloud services. This data can include communications (e.g., emails, service calls), data from sales (e.g., sales receipts, configuration logs), and social network interactions. The data can also include servicing, maintenance, or replacements of components of the user's bed system. The usage history module 1414 can contain data about user interactions with applications and/or remote controls of the bed. A monitoring and configuration application can be distributed to run on, for example, computing devices 412 described herein. The application can log and report user interactions for storage in the application usage history module 1414. An index or indexes stored by the service 410c can also identify users associated with each log entry. User interactions stored in the module 1414 can optionally be used to determine or predict user preferences and/or settings for the user's bed and/or peripheral devices that can improve the user's overall sleep quality.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an example point of sale cloud service 1500 used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. Here, the service 1500 can record data related to users' purchases, specifically purchases of bed systems described herein. The service 1500 is shown with a network interface 1502, a communication manager 1504, server hardware 1506, and server system software 1508. The service 1500 also includes a user identification module 1510, a purchase history module 1512, and a bed setup module 1514.

The purchase history module 1512 can include, or reference, data related to purchases made by users identified in the module 1510, such as data of a sale, price, and location of sale, delivery address, and configuration options selected by the users at the time of sale. The configuration options can include selections made by the user about how they wish their newly purchased beds to be setup and can include expected sleep schedule, a listing of peripheral sensors and controllers that they have or will install, etc.

The bed setup module 1514 can include, or reference, data related to installations of beds that users purchase. The bed setup data can include a date and address to which a bed is delivered, a person who accepts delivery, configuration that is applied to the bed upon delivery (e.g., firmness settings), name(s) of bed user(s), which side of the bed each user will use, etc. Data recorded in the service 1500 can be referenced by a user's bed system at later times to control functionality of the bed system and/or to send control signals to peripheral components. This can allow a salesperson to collect information from the user at the point of sale that later facilitates bed system automation. Sometimes, some or all aspects of the bed system can be automated with little or no user-entered data required after the point of sale. Sometimes, data recorded in the service 1500 can be used in connection with other, user-entered data.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an example environment cloud service 1600 used in a data processing system associated with a bed system. Here, the service 1600 is configured to record data related to users' home environment. The service 1600 includes a network interface 1602, a communication manager 1604, server hardware 1606, and server system software 1608. The service 1600 also includes a user identification module 1610, an environmental sensors module 1612, and an environmental factors module 1614. The environmental sensors module 1612 can include a listing and identification of sensors that users identified in the module 1610 to have installed in and/or surrounding their bed (e.g., light, noise/audio, vibration, thermostats, movement/motion sensors). The module 1612 can also store historical readings or reports from the environmental sensors. The module 1612 can be accessed at a later time and used by one or more cloud services described herein to determine sleep quality and/or health information of the users. The environmental factors module 1614 can include reports generated based on data in the module 1612. For example, the module 1614 can generate and retain a report indicating frequency and duration of instances of increased lighting when the user is asleep based on light sensor data that is stored in the environment sensors module 1612.

In the examples discussed here, each cloud service 410 is shown with some of the same components. These same components can be partially or wholly shared between services, or they can be separate. Sometimes, each service can have separate copies of some or all the components that are the same or different in some ways. These components are provided as illustrative examples. In other examples, each cloud service can have different number, types, and styles of components that are technically possible.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an example of using a data processing system associated with a bed to automate peripherals around the bed. Shown here is a behavior analysis module 1700 that runs on the motherboard 402. The behavior analysis module 1700 can be one or more software components stored on the computer memory 512 and executed by the processor 502. In general, the module 1700 can collect data from a variety of sources (e.g., sensors 902, 904, 906, 908, and/or 910, non-sensor local sources 1704, cloud data services 410a and/or 410c) and use a behavioral algorithm 1702 (e.g., machine learning model(s)) to generate actions to be taken (e.g., commands to send to peripheral controllers, data to send to cloud services, such as the bed data cloud 410a and/or the user account cloud 410c). This can be useful, for example, in tracking user behavior and automating devices in communication with the user's bed.

The module 1700 can collect data from any technologically appropriate source (e.g., sensors of the sensor array 406) to gather data about features of a bed, the bed's environment, and/or the bed's users. The data can provide the module 1700 with information about a current state of the bed's environment. For example, the module 1700 can access readings from the pressure sensor 902 to determine air chamber pressure in the bed. From this reading, and potentially other data, user presence can be determined. In another example, the module 1700 can access the light sensor 908 to detect the amount of light in the environment. The module 1700 can also access the temperature sensor 906 to detect a temperature in the environment and/or microclimates in the bed. Using this data, the module 1700 can determine whether temperature adjustments should be made to the environment and/or components of the bed to improve the user's sleep quality and overall comfortability. Similarly, the module 1700 can access data from cloud services to make more accurate determinations of user sleep quality, health information, and/or control the bed and/or peripheral devices. For example, the behavior analysis module 1700 can access the bed cloud service 410a to access historical sensor data 1212 and/or advanced sleep data 1214. The module 1700 can also access a weather reporting service, a 3r d party data provider (e.g., traffic and news data, emergency broadcast data, user travel data), and/or a clock and calendar service. Using data retrieved from the cloud services 410, the module 1700 can accurately determine user sleep quality, health information, and/or control of the bed and/or peripheral devices. Similarly, the module 1700 can access data from non-sensor sources 1704, such as a local clock and calendar service (e.g., a component of the motherboard 402 or of the processor 502). The module 1700 can use this information to determine, for example, times of day that the user is in bed, asleep, waking up, and/or going to bed.

The behavior analysis module 1700 can aggregate and prepare this data for use with one or more behavioral algorithms 1702 (e.g., machine learning models). The behavioral algorithms 1702 can be used to learn a user's behavior and/or to perform some action based on the state of the accessed data and/or the predicted user behavior. For example, the behavior algorithm 1702 can use available data (e.g., pressure sensor, non-sensor data, clock and calendar data) to create a model of when a user goes to bed every night. Later, the same or a different behavioral algorithm 1702 can be used to determine if an increase in air chamber pressure is likely to indicate a user going to bed and, if so, send some data to a third-party cloud service 410 and/or engage a peripheral controller 1002 or 1004, foundation actuators 1006, a temperature controller 1008, and/or an under-bed lighting controller 1010.

Here, the module 1700 and the behavioral algorithm 1702 are shown as components of the motherboard 402. Other configurations are also possible. For example, the same or a similar behavioral analysis module 1700 and/or behavioral algorithm 1702 can be run in one or more cloud services, and resulting output can be sent to the pump motherboard 402, a controller in the controller array 408, or to any other technologically appropriate recipient described throughout this document.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a computing device 1800 and an example of a mobile computing device that can be used to implement the techniques described here. The computing device 1800 is intended to represent various forms of digital computers, such as laptops, desktops, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers, mainframes, and other appropriate computers. The mobile computing device is intended to represent various forms of mobile devices, such as personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, smart-phones, and other similar computing devices. The components shown here, their connections and relationships, and their functions, are meant to be exemplary only, and are not meant to limit implementations of the inventions described and/or claimed in this document.

The computing device 1800 includes a processor 1802, a memory 1804, a storage device 1806, a high-speed interface 1808 connecting to the memory 1804 and multiple high-speed expansion ports 1810, and a low-speed interface 1812 connecting to a low-speed expansion port 1814 and the storage device 1806. Each of the processor 1802, the memory 1804, the storage device 1806, the high-speed interface 1808, the high-speed expansion ports 1810, and the low-speed interface 1812, are interconnected using various busses, and can be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate. The processor 1802 can process instructions for execution within the computing device 1800, including instructions stored in the memory 1804 or on the storage device 1806 to display graphical information for a GUI on an external input/output device, such as a display 1816 coupled to the high-speed interface 1808. In other implementations, multiple processors and/or multiple buses can be used, as appropriate, along with multiple memories and types of memory. Also, multiple computing devices can be connected, with each device providing portions of the necessary operations (e.g., as a server bank, a group of blade servers, or a multi-processor system). The memory 1804 stores information within the computing device 1800. In some implementations, the memory 1804 is a volatile memory unit or units. In some implementations, the memory 1804 is a non-volatile memory unit or units. The memory 1804 can also be another form of computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic or optical disk. The storage device 1806 is capable of providing mass storage for the computing device 1800. In some implementations, the storage device 1806 can be or contain a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device, a flash memory or other similar solid state memory device, or an array of devices, including devices in a storage area network or other configurations. A computer program product can be tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product can also contain instructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The computer program product can also be tangibly embodied in a computer- or machine-readable medium, such as the memory 1804, the storage device 1806, or memory on the processor 1802.

The high-speed interface 1808 manages bandwidth-intensive operations for the computing device 1800, while the low-speed interface 1812 manages lower bandwidth-intensive operations. Such allocation of functions is exemplary only. In some implementations, the high-speed interface 1808 is coupled to the memory 1804, the display 1816 (e.g., through a graphics processor or accelerator), and to the high-speed expansion ports 1810, which can accept various expansion cards (not shown). In the implementation, the low-speed interface 1812 is coupled to the storage device 1806 and the low-speed expansion port 1814. The low-speed expansion port 1814, which can include various communication ports (e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet) can be coupled to one or more input/output devices, such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a scanner, or a networking device such as a switch or router, e.g., through a network adapter. The computing device 1800 can be implemented in a number of different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it can be implemented as a standard server 1820, or multiple times in a group of such servers. In addition, it can be implemented in a personal computer such as a laptop computer 1822. It can also be implemented as part of a rack server system 1824. Alternatively, components from the computing device 1800 can be combined with other components in a mobile device (not shown), such as a mobile computing device 1850. Each of such devices can contain one or more of the computing device 1800 and the mobile computing device 1850, and an entire system can be made up of multiple computing devices communicating with each other. The mobile computing device 1850 includes a processor 1852, a memory 1864, an input/output device such as a display 1854, a communication interface 1866, and a transceiver 1868, among other components. The mobile computing device 1850 can also be provided with a storage device, such as a micro-drive or other device, to provide additional storage. Each of the processor 1852, the memory 1864, the display 1854, the communication interface 1866, and the transceiver 1868, are interconnected using various buses, and several of the components can be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate.

The processor 1852 can execute instructions within the mobile computing device 1850, including instructions stored in the memory 1864. The processor 1852 can be implemented as a chipset of chips that include separate and multiple analog and digital processors. The processor 1852 can provide, for example, for coordination of the other components of the mobile computing device 1850, such as control of user interfaces, applications run by the mobile computing device 1850, and wireless communication by the mobile computing device 1850. The processor 1852 can communicate with a user through a control interface 1858 and a display interface 1856 coupled to the display 1854. The display 1854 can be, for example, a TFT (Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) display or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, or other appropriate display technology. The display interface 1856 can comprise appropriate circuitry for driving the display 1854 to present graphical and other information to a user. The control interface 1858 can receive commands from a user and convert them for submission to the processor 1852. In addition, an external interface 1862 can provide communication with the processor 1852, so as to enable near area communication of the mobile computing device 1850 with other devices. The external interface 1862 can provide, for example, for wired communication in some implementations, or for wireless communication in other implementations, and multiple interfaces can also be used.

The memory 1864 stores information within the mobile computing device 1850. The memory 1864 can be implemented as one or more of a computer-readable medium or media, a volatile memory unit or units, or a non-volatile memory unit or units. An expansion memory 1874 can also be provided and connected to the mobile computing device 1850 through an expansion interface 1872, which can include, for example, a SIMM (Single In Line Memory Module) card interface. The expansion memory 1874 can provide extra storage space for the mobile computing device 1850, or can also store applications or other information for the mobile computing device 1850. Specifically, the expansion memory 1874 can include instructions to carry out or supplement the processes described above, and can include secure information also. Thus, for example, the expansion memory 1874 can be provide as a security module for the mobile computing device 1850, and can be programmed with instructions that permit secure use of the mobile computing device 1850. In addition, secure applications can be provided via the SIMM cards, along with additional information, such as placing identifying information on the SIMM card in a non-hackable manner.

The memory can include, for example, flash memory and/or NVRAM memory (non-volatile random access memory), as discussed below. In some implementations, a computer program product is tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product contains instructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The computer program product can be a computer- or machine-readable medium, such as the memory 1864, the expansion memory 1874, or memory on the processor 1852. In some implementations, the computer program product can be received in a propagated signal, for example, over the transceiver 1868 or the external interface 1862.

The mobile computing device 1850 can communicate wirelessly through the communication interface 1866, which can include digital signal processing circuitry where necessary. The communication interface 1866 can provide for communications under various modes or protocols, such as GSM voice calls (Global System for Mobile communications), SMS (Short Message Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), or MMS messaging (Multimedia Messaging Service), CDMA (code division multiple access), TDMA (time division multiple access), PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), CDMA2000, or GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), among others. Such communication can occur, for example, through the transceiver 1868 using a radio-frequency. In addition, short-range communication can occur, such as using a Bluetooth, WiFi, or other such transceiver (not shown). In addition, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver module 1870 can provide additional navigation- and location-related wireless data to the mobile computing device 1850, which can be used as appropriate by applications running on the mobile computing device 1850. The mobile computing device 1850 can also communicate audibly using an audio codec 1860, which can receive spoken information from a user and convert it to usable digital information. The audio codec 1860 can likewise generate audible sound for a user, such as through a speaker, e.g., in a handset of the mobile computing device 1850. Such sound can include sound from voice telephone calls, can include recorded sound (e.g., voice messages, music files, etc.) and can also include sound generated by applications operating on the mobile computing device 1850. The mobile computing device 1850 can be implemented in a number of different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it can be implemented as a cellular telephone 1880. It can also be implemented as part of a smart-phone 1882, personal digital assistant, or other similar mobile device.

Various implementations of the systems and techniques described here can be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which can be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machine language. As used herein, the terms machine-readable medium and computer-readable medium refer to any computer program product, apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term machine-readable signal refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor.

To provide for interaction with a user, the systems and techniques described here can be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. The systems and techniques described here can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component (e.g., as a data server), or that includes a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or that includes a front end component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the systems and techniques described here), or any combination of such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and the Internet. The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a template 1920 aligned with a corner of a head end 1902 of a bed system 1900. The bed system 1900, as described herein, can include a mattress. The bed system 1900 also has a left side 1908, a right side 1906 (opposing lateral sides), and a foot end (refer to FIG. 20). An edge 1904 extends around a perimeter of the bed system 1900. The bed system 1900 may include one or more layers. For example, the bed system 1900 can have a top layer 1914, a middle layer 1910, and/or a bottom layer 1912. Any of the layers 1914, 1910, and 1912 can be foam layers. In some implementations, the bottom layer 1912 can include a rail structure and/or an upside down foam tub. Details about the layers of a bed system described herein are similarly applicable to the layers of the bed system 1900. Furthermore, in some implementations, the top layer 1914 can include one or more holes 1916A-N. The holes 1916A-N can be punched through the top layer 1914 during a bed manufacturing process. The holes 1916A-N can be equidistant from each other and/or from the edge 1904 of the bed system 1900. The holes 1916A-N can be uniformly punched and positioned through the top layer 1914. The holes 1916A-N are defined for one or more functionalities. For example, the holes 1916A-N are provided to promote air distribution or circulation through the top layer 1914 to thereby control microclimate at the top surface of the mattress. In addition, as described further below, the holes 1916A-N can also act as guides to assist a user in routing one or more cables, wires, or other components through the bed system 1900. For example, wires of a component being added to the bed system 1900, such as a temperature sensor strip, can be pushed through one of the holes 1916A-N using the template tool 1910. The wires can then be routed into the bed system 1900 and out of sight.

The template 1920 can be sized to fit at corners of any size of the bed system 1900. In other words, the same template 1920 can be used for attaching components to twin, full, queen, king, and California king bed systems. The template 1920 can have various visual indicators (e.g., stickers, arrows) attached thereto that guide the user where to place components on the bed system 1900 based on the size of the bed system 1900. Example of the visual indications are described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 23A-B. Alternatively or additionally, different-sized templates can be made and used with different-sized bed systems. For example, a first template can be made to fit corners of king-sized beds, a second template can be made to fit corners of twin-sized beds, etc.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the template 1920 of FIG. 19 aligned with one or more corners 2000A-D of the bed system 1900. The template 1920 can align with any of the corners 2000A-D of the bed system 1900 to attach one or more components at desired locations on top of the bed system 1900.

The template 1920 can be aligned with a top left corner 2000A at the head end 1902 of the bed system 1900. The template 1920 can also be aligned with a top right corner 2000B at the head end 1902 of the bed system 1900. By aligning the template 1920 at the head end 1902 of the bed system 1900, the user can attach components such as sensor strips (refer to FIG. 9B) closer to a chest area or core area of a sleeper of the bed system 1900. Moreover, placing the template 1920 in the left corner 2000A can allow for attaching a first sensor strip on the left side 1904 of the bed system 1900 where a first user may rest on the bed system 1900 and placing the template 1920 in the right corner 2000B can allow for attaching a second sensor strip on the right side 1906 of the bed system 1900 where a second user may rest on the bed system 1900.

In some implementations, a single template 1920 is alternatingly used at both the top left corner 2000A and the top right corner 2000B. For example, the template 1920 is first used at one of the top left and right corners 2000A and 2000B to align one side of the component (e.g., a sensor strip), and then moved to the other of the top left and right corners 2000A and 2000B to align the other side of the component (e.g., the sensor strip). In alternatively implementations, two templates 1920 are simultaneously used at both the top left corner 2000A and the top right corner 2000B, so that the opposite sides of the component (e.g., a sensor strip) can be aligned at the same time.

The template 1920 can also be aligned with a bottom left corner 2000C at a foot end 1918 of the bed system 1900. The template 1920 can also be aligned with a bottom right corner 2000D at the foot end 1918 of the bed system 1900. By aligning the template 1920 at the foot end 1918 of the bed system 1900, the user can attach components such as heating/cooling pads or other heating/cooling elements closer to a foot area of a sleeper of the bed system 1900. Moreover, placing the template 1920 in the left corner 2000C can allow for attaching a first heating element on the left side 1904 of the bed system 1900 where a first user's feet may be on the bed system 1900 and placing the template 1920 in the right corner 2000D can allow for attaching a second heating element on the right side 1906 of the bed system 1900 where a second user's feet may be on the bed system 1900.

In some implementations, a single template 1920 is alternatingly used at both the bottom left corner 2000C and the bottom right corner 2000d. For example, the template 1920 is first used at one of the bottom left and right corners 2000C and 2000D to align one side of the component (e.g., a heating element), and then moved to the other of the bottom left and right corners 2000C and 2000D to align the other side of the component (e.g., the heating element). In alternatively implementations, two templates 1920 are simultaneously used at both the bottom left corner 2000C and the bottom right corner 2000D, so that the opposite sides of the component (e.g., a heating element) can be aligned at the same time.

Advantageously, the template 1920 can be used to quickly, accurately, uniformly, and efficiently set up the bed system 1900 during a manufacturing process. The template 1920 can be used to ensure that components such as temperature strips and heating/cooling elements are positioned and attached in their desired locations on the bed system 1900 to function properly and/or provide expected benefits to users of the bed system 1900. Additionally, the template 1920 can be used to customize how many and/or which components are placed on each side of the bed system 1900 for each user of the bed system 1900 (e.g., a certain model of the bed may be designed to offer a first user a heating element near their feet on the left side 1904 of the bed system 1900 but does not offer a second user a heating element that is not near their feet on the right side 1906 of the bed system 1900). The template 1920 can also be used to service and/or replace any components that have been attached to the bed system 1900 without requiring extensive knowledge or skill about placement, attachment, and configuration of such components with the bed system 1900. Therefore, the template 1920 can be used by users who are part of the manufacturing process, service technicians, and/or users/sleepers of the bed system 1900.

FIG. 21 illustrates the template 1920 aligned with the corner 2000A of the bed system 1900 for use in attaching a sensor strip 2100 thereto. The template 1920 can be positioned at the edge 1904 of the bed system 1900. The sensor strip 2100 can be positioned near the head end 1902 of the bed system 1900 such that sensors of the sensor strip 2100 can accurately collect sensor signals near a chest/core area of a sleeper of the bed system 1900. The collected sensor signals can include temperature signals, pressure signals, or other types of sensor signals described herein. The collected sensor signals can then be used to measure and/or estimate the sleeper's core body temperature, heartrate, respiration rate, sleep stages, and/or other biometric information and/or sleep information about the sleeper.

As described and shown in reference to FIG. 9B, the sensor strip 2100 can include a carrier strip (e.g., carrier strip 933 in FIG. 9B) and one or more sensors attached to the carrier strip. The sensors can be spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the carrier strip. The carrier strip can be configured to be releasably attached to the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900 (e.g., a top surface of a mattress that is to be optionally covered by a cover or a mat) and to extend at least partially between opposite lateral ends of the bed system 1900 (e.g., left and right sides of the bed system 1900, as shown in FIG. 20). For example, the carrier strip can extend between a midpoint of the bed system 1900 and a location that is a predetermined distance away from the edge 1904 of the left side 1908 of the bed system 1900. In other words, the carrier strip can extend across a portion of the bed system 1900 where a user rests without extending over an edge of a side of the bed system 1900. The predetermined distance can be a width of a portion of the template 1920 (e.g., a width of an alignment body of the template 1920, as described further in reference to FIGS. 23A-B). Sometimes, the carrier strip of the sensor strip 2100 does not extend over the edge 1904 of the left side 1908 of the bed system 1900. Sometimes, the carrier strip also does not extend over either opposite sides (e.g., the left side 1908 and the right side 1906) of the bed system 1900.

The carrier strip of the sensor strip 2100 can have a first strip surface and a second strip surface opposite to the first strip surface. The first strip surface can be configured to be releasably attached to the top layer 1914 (e.g., a foam layer). The sensors may also be disposed at the first strip surface of the carrier strip. The sensor strip 2100 can also include micro-hooks that can be configured to releasably attach directly to the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900. Refer to FIGS. 30-31 for further discussion about the sensor strip 2100. As may be appreciated, any method to releasably attach the strip may be used.

As described herein, the sensors of the sensor strip 2100 may also include cables 2102 (e.g., wires). The cables 2102 can be collectively routed over a side of the bed system 1900, such as over a longitudinal left or right side of the bed system 1900. In some implementations, the cables 2102 can be collectively routed through a wire hole 1916A defined by the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900. As described herein, the cables 2102 can be routed to pass partially and/or entirely through the hole 1916A at the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900.

The cables 2102 can be routed using a routing tool 2104 through the hole 1916A in the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900, any other hole in the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900, and/or any other section of the bed system 1900. As shown and described in FIG. 24, the routing tool 2104 can include a shaft 2108 having a tapered first end 2110 and a harness 2114 attached to a second end 2112 of the shaft 2108. The harness 2114 can be configured to hold the cables 2102 (or a portion thereof) of the sensor strip 2100 (or another component, such as a heating element as described further in FIG. 22) to be routed through a section of the bed system 1900 (such as through the hold 1916A in the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900). Sometimes, the shaft 2108 and the harness 2114 may be integrated into the routing tool 2104 to form a unitary device. In some implementations, the harness 2114 can be a removable and/or modular harness. For example, the harness 2114 can be replaced with other harnesses that can be configured to receive different types and/or sizes of cables/wires. The harness 2114 can define at least one receptacle 2116 that is configured to receive and retain the cables 2102 and/or cable harnesses. Moreover, the harness 2114 can define a receptacle 2116 configured to removably receive and retain a cable connector 2118 attached to an end of the cables 2102 so that the cable connector 2118 and the cables 2102 can be routed through the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900 based on the routing tool 2104 passing through a portion, section, and/or hole 1916A at the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900.

As shown in FIG. 21, the template 1920 can include features 2106A-D that can be used for positioning the routing tool 2104. The features 2106A-D can be visual indicators attached to or defined at a top surface of the template 1920. For example, the features 2106A-D can be stickers and/or arrows. The features 2106A-N can correspond to positions on the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900 at which to attach the sensor strip 2100. More specifically, a user can align one or more of the features 2106A-N to determine a location at which to route the cables 2102 through the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900 using the routing tool 2104.

As an illustrative example, to attach the sensor strip 2100 to the bed system 1900, the user can identify the hole 1916A as a location at which to route the cables 2102 through the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900. The user can identify the hole 1916A based on determining where the features 2106C and 2106D intersect on a surface of the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900 (e.g., where arrows or other visual indicators on the features 2106C and 2106D point to on the top layer 1914 and intersect). That point of intersection can align with the hole 1916A. In some implementations, the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900 does not include the hole 1916A or other holes passing therethrough. As a result, the user may rely on an intersection of the arrows shown by the features 2106C and 2106D to accurately route the cables 2102 through the top layer 1914 and into the bed system 1900. Advantageously, the features 2106C and 2106D can provide for uniform alignment, placement, and routing of the sensor strip 2100, and more specifically, the cables 2102, without requiring extensive knowledge and/or expertise in setting up the bed system 1900. As a result, the sensor strip 2100 can be easily, quickly, and efficiently attached to a desired location on any bed system described herein.

In some implementations, a system can include the template 1920 and the routing tool 2104 including the shaft having the tapered first end and the harness attached to the second end of the shaft, the harness being configured to receive a cable of the component to be routed through a section of the mattress, as described herein. The alignment body of the template 1920 can include a feature configured for positioning the routing tool 2104, such as a visual indicator attached to a top surface of the alignment body.

FIG. 22 illustrates the template 1920 aligned with the corner 2000C near the foot end 1918 of the bed system 1900 for use in attaching a heating unit 2200 thereto. The template 1920 can be positioned at the edge 1904 of the bed system 1900. The heating unit 2200 can be positioned near the foot end 1918 of the bed system 1900 such that the heating unit 2200 can provide intended heating features near feet/legs of a sleeper of the bed system 1900.

In some implementations, the heating unit 2200 can include heating and/or cooling elements. For example, the heating unit 2200 can be a foot-warming pad configured to warm the foot end 1918 of the bed system 1900.

The heating unit 2200 can be configured to be releasably attached to the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900 (e.g., a top surface of a mattress that is to be optionally covered by a cover or a mat) and to extend at least partially between opposite lateral ends of the bed system 1900 (e.g., left and right sides of the bed system 1900, as shown in FIG. 20). For example, the heating unit 2200 can extend between a midpoint of the bed system 1900 and a location that is a predetermined distance away from the edge 1904 of one of the opposite lateral ends/sides of the bed system 1900. In other words, the heating unit 2200 can extend across a portion of the bed system 1900 where a user's feet rest, without extending all the way to an edge of a side of the bed system 1900 or over an edge of a side of the bed system 1900. The predetermined distance can be a width of a portion of the template 1920 (e.g., a width of an alignment body of the template 1920, as described further in reference to FIGS. 23A-B). In some implementations, the heating unit 2200 does not extend over the edge 1904 of the bed system 1900. In some implementations, the heating unit 2200 also does not extend over either opposite lateral ends/sides (e.g., the left side 1908 and the right side 1906) of the bed system 1900. Moreover, the heating unit 2200 can include one or more micro-hooks or other types of adhesives that can be configured to releasably attach directly to the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900.

As described herein, the heating unit 2200 may also include cables 2202 (e.g., wires). The cables 2202 can be collectively routed through a wire hole 1916B defined by the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900. As described herein, the cables 2202 can be routed to pass partially and/or entirely through the hole 1916B at the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900.

The cables 2202 can be routed through the hole 1916B in the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900, other suitable holes in the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900, and/or other suitable sections of the bed system 1900 using the routing tool 2104. Refer to FIGS. 21 and 24 for further description about the routing tool 2104.

As shown in FIG. 22, the features 2106A and 2106B of the template 1920 can be used for positioning the routing tool 2104. The features 2106A and 2106B can be determined and provided to correspond to positions on the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900 at which to route the cables 2202 of the heating unit 2200 so that the heating unit 2200 can be properly placed on/attached to the bed system 1900. More specifically, a user can align the features 2106A and 2106B to determine a location at which to route the cables 2202 through the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900 using the routing tool 2104.

As an illustrative example, to attach the heating unit 2200 to the bed system 1900, the user can identify the hole 1916B as a location at which to route the cables 2202 through the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900. The user can identify the hole 1916B based on determining where the features 2106A and 2106B intersect on a surface of the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900 (e.g., where arrows or other visual indicators on the features 2106A and 2106B point to on the top layer 1914 and intersect). That point of intersection can align with the hole 1916B. In some implementations, the top layer 1914 of the bed system 1900 does not include the hole 1916B or other holes passing therethrough. As a result, the user may rely on an intersection of the arrows shown by the features 2106A and 2106B to accurately route the cables 2202 through the top layer 1914 and into the bed system 1900. Advantageously, the features 2106A and 2106B can provide for uniform alignment, placement, and routing of the heating unit 2200, and more specifically, the cables 2202, without requiring extensive knowledge and/or expertise in setting up the bed system 1900. As a result, the heating unit 2200 can be easily, quickly, and efficiently attached to a desired location on any bed system described herein.

FIGS. 23A-B illustrate schematic views of the template 1920. Referring to both FIGS. 23A-B, the template 1920 can be used to position and attach multiple different components at a mattress, such as the bed system 1900 described herein. The template 1920 can include an alignment body 2300 (e.g., one or more plates). The alignment body 2300 can have a top surface 2301A and a bottom surface 2301B opposite the top surface 2301A. The top surface 2301A and the bottom surface 2301B can be configured to selectively rest flush on a surface or layer of the mattress when the template 1920 is placed on the mattress. It is understood that the template 1920 can be oriented to selectively abut one of the top surface 2301A and the bottom surface 2301B against the surface or layer of the mattress depending on which corner of the mattress the template 1920 is arranged at. In some implementations, the template 1920 can include a first plate (e.g., 2302C) defining an opening configured to align a component to be mounted to a mattress (e.g., opening 2304), a second plate (e.g., 2300) attached to and perpendicular to the first plate, and a third plate attached to the first plate (e.g., 2306A), the third plate being perpendicular to the first plate and the second plate.

The alignment body 2300 can also define one or more openings 2304 and 2307. More specifically, the alignment body 2300 can include a first plate 2302A, a separator arm 2302B (e.g., a second plate), and a third plate 2302C that can be aligned parallel to each other and configured to define the openings 2304 and 2307. The opening 2307 can have a larger width than the opening 2304. The opening 2307 can therefore partially receive larger components than the opening 2304. The first plate 2302A and the separator arm 2302B can define the first opening 2304, for example. The separator arm 2302B and the third plate 2302C can define the second opening 2307.

Each opening 2304 and 2307 can be configured to at least partially receive a component to be positioned at the mattress. Each opening 2304 and 2307 can also be configured to align the component with a predetermined first location at the mattress. The first opening 2304 can be configured to at least partially receive and align a sensor strip with respect to the mattress. Details of an example sensor strip and how to use the template to arrange the sensor strip are described with reference to FIG. 21. The second opening 2307 can be configured to at least partially receive and align a heating unit with respect to the mattress. In some implementations, the heating unit can be positioned inside an envelope. The envelope can have an envelope top and an envelope bottom. The envelop enclosing the heating unit can be positioned, using the template 1920, at a foot end/side of the mattress, as described herein. Details of using the template to arrange the heating unit is described with reference to FIG. 22. Details of an example heating unit is described with reference to FIGS. 26-27.

The first and second openings 2304 and 2307 can be different sizes, respectively. For example, the openings 2304 and 2307 can be sized based on a typical size of a component configured to be received in each of the respective openings 2304 and 2307. Accordingly, the first opening 2304 can be sized smaller in width than the second opening 2307 because the first opening 2304 can receive a sensor strip having a narrower width than a heating unit, which can be received in the second opening 2307.

The template 1920 can include one or more features that arrange the template body in place with respect to the mattress before positioning the components based on the openings provided by the template 1920. For example, the template 1920 can include one or more body positioners that extend upward, downward, or both upward and downward from the alignment body 2300. For example, the template 1920 can include a body positioner configured to align with a first portion of a mattress. The body positioner can be a vertical plate, the first portion of the mattress can be a first edge of the mattress. The first edge of the mattress can be a head side or a foot side of the mattress. In some implementations, the first edge of the mattress can also be a left lateral side or a right lateral side of the mattress.

One or more body positioners can extend perpendicular from the alignment body 2300. The body positioners are configured to engage with one of four lateral sides of the mattress to thereby arrange the surface of the alignment body 2300 on a top of the layer of the mattress to which the component(s) (e.g., a sensor strip, a heating unit, etc.) is positioned and aligned. More specifically, the template 1920 can include a first body positioner 2306A that can extent (e.g., perpendicularly) from the alignment body 2300. The first body positioner 2306A can be configured to engage a first side (e.g., one of the opposite shorter sides at the head end or the foot end) of the mattress and position the alignment body 2300 with respect to the mattress. The template 1920 can also include a second body positioner 2306B extending from the alignment body 2300 and configured to engage a second side (e.g., one of the opposite longer sides extending between the head end and the foot end) of the mattress and position the alignment body 2300 with respect to the mattress. The first body positioner 2306A can be arranged to be perpendicular to the second body positioner 2306B so that the template 1920 is arranged at one of the four corners of the mattress with the first body positioner 2306A engaging with one of the opposite shorter sides of the mattress and the second body positioner 2306B engaging with one of the opposite longer sides of the mattress, the one being connected to the shorter side above.

The alignment body 2300 can also be positioned at a predetermined location at the mattress based on the first body positioner 2306A engaging the first side of the mattress. In some implementations, the alignment body 2300 can be connected to the body positioner and configured to receive a component and align the component with respect to the mattress when the body positioner of the template is aligned with the first portion of the mattress. The alignment body can be a horizontal plate configured to be positioned on a top of a mattress surface and that defines a cutout configured to receive the component. Additionally or alternatively, the alignment body 2300 can be positioned at the predetermined location at the mattress based on the second body positioner 2306B engaging the second side of the mattress. The first side of the mattress can be perpendicular to the second side of the mattress. The first side of the mattress can, for example, be a head end of the mattress and the second side of the mattress can be a lateral side of the mattress, such as a left side of the mattress. The first side can also be the head end and the second side can be a right side of the mattress. In some implementations, the first side of the mattress can be the right or left side of the mattress and the second side of the mattress can be a foot end of the mattress. Depending on the side of the mattress at which the template 1920 is positioned, the template 1920 can be flipped so that either of the top surface 2301A and the bottom surface 2301B of the alignment body 2300 is abut with a top surface of the mattress layer with the first body positioner 2306A engaging with a shorter side of the mattress (at the head or foot end) and the second body positioner 2306B (and/or a third body positioner 2306C described below) engaging with a longer side of the mattress extending between the head and foot ends of the mattress.

The alignment body 2300 can include additional body positioners, in some implementations. For example, the alignment body 2300 can include a third body positioner 2306C, which can also be configured to engage the second side of the mattress and position the alignment body 2300 with respect to the mattress. Any of the body positioners 2306A-C described herein can include, but are not limited to, vertical tabs, elongate members, couplers, and/or clips that can engage with a side surface of the mattress. The body positioners 2306A-N may also extend in opposite directions (e.g., perpendicular to) of a horizontal surface/plane of the mattress and/or a horizontal plane of the alignment body 2300.

The alignment body 2300 further includes the separator arm 2302B described above. The separator arm 2302B can extend perpendicularly from a side of the alignment body 2300 having the second body positioner 2306B (and the third body positioner 2306C). The separator arm 2302B can be configured to separate the first opening 2304 from the second opening 2307. The separator arm 2302B can have a length that is less than a length of the component that is at least partially received at one of the one or more openings 2304 and 2307. Sometimes, the separator arm 2302B may have a length that is equivalent to at least ⅓ a width of a component to configure to the bed. This length can be beneficial to properly avoid having a skew of the component near a midpoint or middle portion of the bed. Sometimes, the separator arm 2302B can have a length ranging from ⅓ a length of the component to a full length of the component. A longer version of the separator arm 2302B can help stabilizing the alignment body 2300 so that the alignment body 2300 does not fall off of the bed during an assembly process. Sometimes, the separator arms 2302A and 2302B can be a same or similar length to help with creating balance for the alignment body 2300 when positioned on the bed and used during the assembly process of the bed. In yet some implementations, the alignment body 2300 can include the separator arms 2302C and 2302A, and instead of the separator arm 2302B described herein, the separator arm 2302B can be a reference line on a side of the alignment body 2300. Therefore, the separator arm 2302B may not have a length as described above.

As an illustrative example, the separator arm 2302B can be a length that is less than a length of the sensor strip received in the first opening 2304. Sometimes, the separator arm 2302B can have a same length as the sensor strip. As another illustrative example, the separator arm 2302B can have a shorter length than a length of the heating unit received in the second opening 2307. Sometimes, the separator arm 2302B can have a same length as the heating unit. In some implementations, the separator arm 2302B can be a same length as the third plate 2302C. In addition, the first plate 2302A can be shorter than the third plate 2302C and the separator arm 2302B. In some implementations, the first plate 2302A can be a shortest length, the third plate 2302C can be a longest length, and the separator arm 2302B can have a longer length than the first plate 2302A but a shorter length than the third plate 2302C. Alternatively, the first plate 2302A can be a shortest length, the separator arm 2302B can be a longest length, and the third plate 2302C can have a longer length than the first plate 2302A but a shorter length than the separator arm 2302B. One or more other variations in length of the plates 2302A and 2302C as well as the separator arm 2302B are possible, as described above. Various combinations of lengths of the plates 2302A and 2302C as well as the separator arm 2302B can be beneficial so long as (i) such lengths are long enough to balance the alignment body 2300 on the bed without falling off during the assembly process and (ii) components are aligned straight across the bed using the alignment body 2300 as described herein.

The separator arm 2302B may be used to ensure that the component being attached to the mattress is being properly aligned and straightened with respect to placement on the mattress. For example, the separator arm 2302B can extend a predetermined length so that when a sensor strip is positioned within the first opening 2304 of the alignment body 2300, the sensor strip can be positioned straight across the mattress surface by being aligned against/with an inner edge 2305 of the separator arm 2302B independently or along with an inner edge 2305 of the first plate 2302A. Similarly, the separator arm 2302B can extend the predetermined length so that when a heating element is positioned within the second opening 2307 of the alignment body 2300, the heating element can be positioned straight across the mattress surface by being aligned against/with an inner edge 2305 of the separator arm 2302B independently or along with an inner edge 2305 of the third plate 2302C. In some implementations, the length of the separator arm 2302B can be extended to accommodate for different sized mattresses and/or different sized components being added/attached to the mattress.

As described herein, the alignment body 2300 may also include at least one feature 2106A-D (e.g., visual indicator) positioned at a location on the top surface 2301A of the alignment body 2300. Each of the features 2106A-D is arranged to correspond to a position on the mattress at which to attach the component. More specifically, and as described in reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, a user can identify a point of intersection on the mattress of at least two features 2106A-D as a location on the mattress at which to route cables of the component through the mattress. The features 2106A-D can be markers, such as arrows or other visual indicators, that can act as guidelines to assist the user in placing the component and routing cables or wires of the component through the mattress. For example, the user can identify a point of intersection between the features 2106C and 2106D for routing cables of the heating unit through the mattress. As another example, the user can identify a point of intersection between the features 2106A and 2106B for routing cables of the sensor strip through the mattress. The alignment body 2300 can include additional or fewer features 2106A-D. For example, additional features 2106A-D can be positioned at various other locations along the top surface 2301A of the alignment body 2300, the first plate 2302A, the separator arm 2302B, and/or the third plate 2302C.

FIG. 24 illustrates the routing tool 2104 of the template tool described herein. The same routing tool 2104 can be used to route cables of different types of components through a bed system, as described herein. For example, the routing tool 2104 can be used to route cables of a sensor strip through a top layer of a mattress near a head end of the mattress. The routing tool 2104 can also be used to route cables of a heating/cooling element, such as a foot-warming pad, through the top layer of the mattress near a foot end of the mattress. Advantageously, the same routing tool 2104 can be used to quickly, efficiently, and accurately set up the mattress during a manufacturing process and/or servicing process.

The routing tool 2104 includes the shaft 2108 having the tapered first end 2110 and the harness 2114 attached to the second end 2112 of the shaft 2108. The harness 2114 can be configured to receive and hold cables (or a portion thereof) of a component (e.g., sensor strip, heating element, heating unit, foot-warming pad) to be routed through a section of a bed system.

The harness 2114 can be a removable and/or modular harness. For example, the harness 2114 can be replaced with other harnesses that can be configured to receive different types and/or sizes of cables/wires. The harness 2114 can define receptacles 2116A-N that can be configured to receive and retain the cables and/or cable harnesses (e.g., cable connectors). The harness 2114 can include additional or fewer receptacles (e.g., openings) to receive and/or retain different types of cables, cable connectors, and/or cable harnesses. In some implementations, the receptacle 2116N can be configured to removably receive and retain a cable connector attached to an end of the cables so that the cable connector and the cables can be routed through a top layer of a bed system based on the routing tool 2104 passing through a portion, section, and/or hole at the top layer of the bed system (refer to FIGS. 21 and 22). For example, a mattress of the bed system can include a foam top layer, as described herein, and the routing tool 2104 can be configured to pass through the foam top layer to route the cable of the component being attached to the mattress system. The foam top layer can define at least one cable hole through which the routing tool 2104 can pass to route the cable.

FIGS. 25A-B is a flowchart of a process 2500 for aligning a template tool to a bed system for use in attaching a component thereto. The process 2500 can be performed using the template tool described in reference to FIGS. 19-24. One or more blocks in the process 2500 can be performed by a manufacturer of bed systems, a service technician, and/or a user of a bed system. For example, one or more blocks in the process 2500 can be performed when a bed system is being manufactured and set up in a warehouse or other facility before being delivered to a user's home or made available for sale. One or more blocks in the process 2500 may also be performed when the bed system is already set up in a user's home and one or more components of the bed system need to be replaced, installed, and/or serviced. As described herein, the template tool can be easily used by any type of user with little to no prior knowledge about how to manufacture, set up, and/or configure a bed system with various components attached thereto. For illustrative purposes, the process 2500 is described from the perspective of a user.

Referring to the process 2500 in both FIGS. 25A-B, the user can place a template at a partially completed mattress for positioning multiple components to the mattress in block 2502. Refer to FIG. 20 for further discussion about where the template can be placed at the partially completed mattress.

In block 2504, the user can align the template with at least one side (e.g., a first side and a second side) of the partially completed mattress. As described herein, the first side can be a head end of the mattress and the second side can be an adjacent lateral side of the mattress, such as a left or right side of the mattress. The first and second sides can form a corner. Refer to FIGS. 19 and 20 for further discussion.

The user can connect a routing tool to a cable of a component in block 2506. Refer to FIGS. 21, 22, and 24 for further discussion. In some implementations, the component does not include a cable or other wires. In such scenarios, block 2506 does not be performed.

The user may also arrange at least part of the component in at least one of a plurality of openings of the template in block 2508. Each of the openings can be configured to partially receive a component. Refer to FIGS. 21 and 22 for further discussion about arranging components in the openings of the template.

In block 2510, the user can align the component with a predetermined first location at the partially completed mattress. The predetermined first location can be identified based on aligning one or more visual indicators on the template with a location on a top surface of the mattress. Refer to FIGS. 21 and 22 for further discussion.

The user can penetrate the predetermined first location of the partially completed mattress with the routing tool in block 2512. Sometimes, as described herein, the top surface of the mattress can have one or more holes punched therethrough. The predetermined location can be one of the punched holes. Therefore, the user can penetrate the hole at the predetermined first location with the routing tool. In some implementations, the top surface of the mattress does not have the holes punched therethrough. As a result, the user may simply penetrate the routing tool at the predetermined first location on the top surface of the mattress. Refer to FIGS. 21 and 22 for further discussion.

Next, the user can draw the cable through the penetrated partially completed mattress by the routing tool in block 2514. Refer to FIGS. 21 and 22.

The user can pull the routing tool completely through an underside of the partially completed mattress until most of a slack of the cable is removed from a top surface of the partially completed mattress in block 2516. Sometimes, the user may pull the routing tool only partially through the underside of the mattress. Refer to FIGS. 21 and 22 for further discussion.

The user can then disconnect the routing tool from the cable in block 2518. Refer to FIGS. 21 and 22 for further discussion.

In block 2520, the user can secure the component to the top surface of the partially completed mattress at the predetermined first location. For example, the component may include one or more adhesives, fasteners, or other types of attaching mechanisms that can be configured to fix/attach the component to the mattress. Refer to FIGS. 26-31 for further discussion about securing the component to the top surface of the mattress.

The user can then remove the template from the partially completed mattress in block 2522.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an example bed 2600 having a foot warming system 2602, which corresponds to or includes examples heating elements described herein. The bed 2600 can have a foundation 2604 and a mattress 2606 supported by the foundation 2604. In some implementations, the bed 2600 can be an air bed system as described throughout this disclosure. The bed 2600 can also be another type of bed suitable for the application, such as a bed having foam and/or springs without inflatable air chambers. The foundation 2604 can be an articulable foundation. Sometimes, the foundation 2604 need not be articulable. Sometimes, for example, the bed 2600 need not include any foundation.

Here, the mattress 2606 includes a support structure 2608 and a cover 2610 configured to cover the support structure 2608. The cover 2610 has a top portion 2612 positioned on a top of the support structure 2608, side portions 2614 extending around the outside of the support structure 2608, and a bottom portion (not shown) so as to substantially enclose the support structure 2608. The support structure 2608 is configured to support a user sleeping or otherwise resting on the mattress 2606, and can include foam, springs, inflatable air chambers, and/or one or more other suitable mattress components. The cover 2610 can also include an additional padding layer 2616 at the top portion 2612, such as a pillow top layer, a ticking layer, and/or other material suitable for the application.

The mattress 2606 can include a head 2620 and a foot 2622. The foot warming system 2602 can be positioned at or near the foot 2622 of the mattress 2606 in a location configured for warming feet of a user laying on the mattress 2606. The foot warming system 2602 can include one or more heating units 2624 and 2626, envelopes 2628 and 2630, electrical connectors 2632 and 2634 (such as one or more cables or wires), and one or more power sources. In some implementations, the power source can be a pump controller (such as air chamber controller described herein) or an articulation controller (such as for controlling articulation of an adjustable base). The power source can also be another controller or power source suitable for the application.

The heating units 2624 and 2626 can be positioned inside the mattress 2606, such as on a mattress layer under a cover. In some implementations, the heating units 2624 and 2626 can comprise an electrically conductive fabric, such as a carbon-filled polymer material, for generating heat. The heating units 2624 and 2626 can also comprise another electrical assembly suitable for the application, such as resistance wiring and fabrics. The heating units 2624 and 2626 can be positioned inside the mattress cover 2610 and on top of the support structure 2608 so as to be between the support structure 2608 and the mattress cover 2610. The electrically conductive fabric can be relatively flexible and can heat relatively evenly, to provide a positive foot warming experience for the user with little to no adverse impact on the softness and overall comfort of the mattress 2606.

The heating units 2624 and 2626 may also be attached to the support structure 2608. For example, the heating unit 2624 is attached to the support structure 2608 via the envelope 2628 in FIG. 26. The heating unit 2624 can be positioned inside the envelope 2628, which can be affixed to a top of the support structure 2608 via adhesive, thread, or another mechanism suitable for the application.

In the illustrated example, the heating unit 2624 is removably attached to the support structure 2608 because it is removably inserted into the envelope 2628. For example, the heating unit 2626 is shown removed from its corresponding envelope 2630. Accordingly, the envelopes 2628 and 2630 allow for the heating units 2624 and 2626 to be held in place with respect to the mattress 2606 while also being removable for repair or replacement.

In some implementations, the heating units 2624 and 2626 can be affixed to the support structure 2608 without the envelopes 2628 and 2630. The heating units 2624 and 2626 can also be attached to any other layer inside the mattress 2606. Such attachments can be via adhesive, stitching, or other fastening mechanism suitable for the application. The heating units 2624 and 2626 and/or the envelopes 2627 and 2630 can be attached to the mattress 2606 using the template tool described herein. Refer to FIG. 22 for further discussion about attaching a heating unit to a mattress using the template tool.

While FIG. 26 shows the mattress 2606 with the cover 2610 partially removed to show internal components, the cover 2610 would be closed during normal operation of the mattress 2606, substantially concealing the foot warming system 2602.

The power source can be electrically connected to the heating units 2624 and 2626 so as to selectively drive (or power) the heating units 2624 and 2626 to heat the mattress 2606 at or near the foot 2622 of the mattress 2606. This can warm the mattress 2606 at a user's feet, for example, to improve comfort and/or help induce sleep more rapidly.

The bed 2600 may also include a controller 2640. The controller 2640 can be any of the controllers described throughout this disclosure. In some implementations, the controller 2640 can be a controller configured to selectively drive the heating units 2624 and 2626. The bed 2600 can also include temperature sensor(s) 2642. The temperature sensor(2) 2642 can be any of the sensors described throughout this disclosure. In some implementations, the temperature sensor(s) 2642 can be part of the heating units 2624 and 2626. For example, the heating units 2624 and 2626 can include the temperature sensor(s) 2642 in communication with the controller 2640. The controller 2640 can be configured to drive the heating units 2624 and 2626 as a function of a difference between sensed temperature and target temperature such that the controller 2640 supplies more power to the heating units 2624 and 2626 in response to determining a relatively large difference between the sensed temperature and target temperature and the controller 2640 supplies less power to the heating units 2624 and 2626 in response to determining a relatively small difference between the sensed temperature and target temperature.

In some implementations, the envelopes 2638 can be embedded into the mattress. For example, the envelopes 2638 can be positioned inside a foam layer of the mattress, and the wires from the envelopes 2638 can be routed through, and extend out from, the foam layer (e.g., the side of the foam layer). With this configuration, the mattress can provide or maintain comfort from the foam layer, as opposed to another embodiment where the embedded envelopes 2638 are exposed on the top of the mattress (or the top of the foam layer). The template tool described herein (e.g., refer to FIG. 22) can be used to attach the envelope 2638 to the foam layer.

In some implementations, the heating unit 2624 can have a width of between 21 inches and 31 inches and a depth of between 10 inches and 20 inches. The heating unit 2624 can also have a width of between 25 inches and 28 inches and a depth of between 14 inches and 18 inches. The size and position of the heating unit 2624 can be varied as suitable for the application.

FIGS. 27A-C are top perspective views of a portion of a foot warming system 2702, including a heating unit 2724 and an envelope 2728 (refer to FIG. 26). The envelope 2728 can include an envelope top 2748 and an envelope bottom 2750. The envelope top 2748 can be attached to the envelope bottom 2750 around substantially all of their perimeters except for a portion to define an opening 2752. The opening 2752 can allow for insertion and removal of the heating unit 2724. In some implementations, the opening 2752 can be sized smaller than the heating unit 2724. The heating unit 2724 can comprise an electrically conductive fabric that is flexible so as to allow the heating unit 2724 to be compressed to fit through the opening 2752 and then expanded to lay flat within the envelope 2728. In some implementations, the opening 2752 can remain open while in other embodiments the opening 2752 can be closed. For example, the envelope 2728 can include a closure mechanism, such as a zipper, hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesives, or other suitable mechanism, to partially or totally close the opening 2752 such that the heating unit 2724 can be encapsulated inside. Sometimes, the opening 2752 can be omitted and the heating unit 2724 can instead be sealed inside the envelope 2728 substantially permanently.

FIG. 27A shows the heating unit 2724 being inserted through the opening 2752. FIG. 27B shows the heating unit 2724 positioned inside the envelope 2728 and laying substantially flat. FIG. 27C shows a fire resistant cap 2736 in the process of being draped over the envelope 2728 and the heating unit 2724.

In some implementations, both the fire resistant cap 2736 and the envelope 2728 can include fire resistant material. For example, both the envelope top 2748 and the envelope bottom 2750 can include fire resistant material. In such implementations, the envelope 2728 can provide fire protection from both the top and the bottom. In other implementations, the envelope bottom 2750 can include fire resistant material while the envelope top 2748 can omit fire resistant material. For example, the envelope top 2748 can be a breathable mesh with little or no fire resistance. In such scenarios, the fire resistant cap 2736 can be relied on to provide fire protection from the top and the envelope bottom 2750 can be relied on to provide fire protection from the bottom. In some implementations, the envelope 2728 can include fire resistant material and the fire resistant cap 2736 can be omitted.

FIGS. 28A-B are top perspective views of envelopes 2828 and 2830. Here, the envelopes 2828 and 2830 are similar to the envelopes 2728 and 2730 shown in FIGS. 27A-C, except that the envelopes 2828 and 2830 include attachment mechanism 2860. The attachment mechanism 2860 can connect the envelope 2828 to the envelop 2830 along respective edges thereof, for example once the envelope 2828 has been arranged in place by using the template 1920 as described herein. In such implementations, the attachment mechanism 2860 can help hold each of the envelopes 2828 and 2830 in place, by allowing each to support the other. In some of such implementations, the electrical connectors 2732 and 2734 can be positioned to provide further support for holding the envelopes 2828 and 2830 in place in conjunction with the attachment mechanism 2860. Sometimes, the envelopes 2828 and 2830 can be held in place without attaching the envelopes 2828 and 2830 directly to the support structure 2708, as described herein. Sometimes, the attachment mechanism 2860 can include hook-and-loop fasteners (commonly called “VELCRO” after the VELCRO brand fasteners). The attachment mechanism 2860 may also be another mechanism suitable for the application described throughout this disclosure.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a bottom of the envelope 2728, showing an adhesive backing 2962. The adhesive backing 2962 can adhere the envelope 2728 to the support structure 2708 or cover 2710 of the mattress 2706. In some implementations, the adhesive backing 2962 can cover all or substantially all of one side of the envelope 2728. The adhesive backing 2962 may also cover less than all of one side of the envelope 2728. For example, the adhesive backing 2962 can be positioned in four corners of the envelope 2728, with space in-between. The envelope 2728 can be adhered, for example, to the support structure 2708 of the mattress 2706 only at corners of the envelope 2728.

FIG. 30 is a partial exploded top view of the sensor strip 2100 as described herein (refer to FIG. 21). As depicted, the sensor strip 2100 can be attached to a top of the foam tub 3010 at a mattress top 3004, for example once the sensor strip 2100 has been arranged in place by using the template 1920 as described herein. The sensor strip 2100 has a first strip surface 3002A and a second strip surface 3002B. The first strip surface 3002A is oriented to face the top of the foam tub 3010, and the second strip surface 3002B can be opposite to the first strip surface 3002A. The first strip surface 3002A can be configured to be releasably attached to the foam tub layer 3010 (e.g., compressible layer). A plurality of sensors 3014A-N can be disposed at the first strip surface 3002A of the sensor strip 2100. The sensors 3014A-N can be spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the first strip surface 3002A (e.g., a carrier strip, as described herein). The sensor strip 2100 can define a plurality of openings 3004A-N such that the sensors 3014A-N attached on the first strip surface 3002A can be exposed at the mattress top 3004 through the plurality of openings 3004A-N. Direct exposure of the sensors 3014A-N through the openings 3004A-N to the mattress top 3004 and/or a user laying on top of a bed system can be advantageous to improve sensor performance and measure more accurate temperature and/or humidity readings. In some implementations, the sensor strip 2100 does not include the plurality of openings 3004A-N.

As depicted, a wire or wires 3006 (schematically illustrated with a dotted line) can run along the first strip surface 3002A, connecting the plurality of sensors 3014A-N. The sensors 3014A-N can be wired in series. In some implementations, one or more adhesives 3008A-N can be used on the first strip surface 3002A to hold the wire 3006 in place against the surface 3002A. The adhesives 3008A-N can be tape, other forms of adhesive, and/or fasteners, such as micro-hooks, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc. In some implementations, at least one of the adhesives 3008A-N can also be used to retain the first strip surface 3002A to the foam tub layer 3010. In some implementations, the sensor strip 2100 can be attached to the foam tub layer 3010 by only the adhesives 3008A-N. In addition or alternatively, the sensor strip 2100 can be attached to the foam tub 3010 by micro-hooks or similar fasteners at ends of the sensor strip 2100. As described herein, the sensor strip 2100 can be attached to the foam tub 3010 using the template tool (refer to FIG. 21).

FIG. 31 is another partial exploded top view of the sensor strip 2100. Here, the first strip surface 3002A is oriented to face the top of the foam tub 3010, and the second strip surface 3002B can be opposite to the first strip surface 3002A. The first strip surface 3002A can be configured to be releasably attached to the foam tub layer 3010 (e.g., compressible layer). The plurality of sensors 3014A-N can be disposed at the first strip surface 3002A of the sensor strip 2100. As a result, the sensors 30014A-N does not have direct exposure to the mattress top 3004 and/or a user laying on top of the bed system. However, this configuration can be beneficial to protect the sensors 3014A-N from damage or being moved around as the user moves on top of the bed system.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a template 3220 aligned with a corner of a head end 3202 of a bed system 3200. The bed system 3200, as described herein, can include a mattress. The bed system 3200 also has a left side 3208, a right side 3206 (opposing lateral sides), and a foot end (refer to FIG. 20). An edge 3204 extends around a perimeter of the bed system 3200. The bed system 3200 may include one or more layers. For example, the bed system 3200 can have a top layer 3214, a middle layer 3210, and/or a bottom layer 3212. Any of the layers 3214, 3210, and 3212 can be foam layers. In some implementations, the bottom layer 3212 can include a rail structure and/or an upside down foam tub. Details about the layers of a bed system described herein are similarly applicable to the layers of the bed system 3200. Furthermore, in some implementations, the top layer 3214 can include one or more holes 3216A-N. The holes 3216A-N can be punched through the top layer 3214 during a bed manufacturing process. The holes 3216A-N can be equidistant from each other and/or from the edge 3204 of the bed system 3200. The holes 3216A-N can be uniformly punched and positioned through the top layer 3214. The holes 3216A-N are defined for one or more functionalities. For example, the holes 3216A-N are provided to promote air distribution or circulation through the top layer 3214 to thereby control microclimate at the top surface of the mattress. In addition, as described further below, the holes 3216A-N can also act as guides to assist a user in routing one or more cables, wires, or other components through the bed system 3200. For example, wires of a component being added to the bed system 3200, such as a temperature sensor strip, can be pushed through one of the holes 3216A-N using the template tool 3210. The wires can then be routed into the bed system 3200 and out of sight.

The template 3220 can be sized to fit at corners of any size of the bed system 3200. In other words, the same template 3220 can be used for attaching components to twin, full, queen, king, and California king bed systems. The template 3220 can have various visual indicators (e.g., stickers, arrows) attached thereto that guide the user where to place components on the bed system 3200 based on the size of the bed system 3200. Example of the visual indications are described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 23A-B. Alternatively or additionally, different-sized templates can be made and used with different-sized bed systems. For example, a first template can be made to fit corners of king-sized beds, a second template can be made to fit corners of twin-sized beds, etc.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the template 3220 of FIG. 32 aligned with one or more corners 3300A-D of the bed system 3200. The template 3220 can align with any of the corners 3300A-D of the bed system 3200 to attach one or more components at desired locations on top of the bed system 3200.

The template 3220 can be aligned with a top left corner 3300A at the head end 3202 of the bed system 3200. The template 3220 can also be aligned with a top right corner 3300B at the head end 3202 of the bed system 3200. By aligning the template 3220 at the head end 3202 of the bed system 3200, the user can attach components such as sensor strips (refer to FIG. 9B) closer to a chest area or core area of a sleeper of the bed system 3200. Moreover, placing the template 3220 in the left corner 3300A can allow for attaching a first sensor strip on the left side 3204 of the bed system 3200 where a first user may rest on the bed system 3200 and placing the template 3220 in the right corner 2000B can allow for attaching a second sensor strip on the right side 3206 of the bed system 3200 where a second user may rest on the bed system 3200.

In some implementations, a single template 3220 is alternatingly used at both the top left corner 3300A and the top right corner 3300B. For example, the template 3220 is first used at one of the top left and right corners 3300A and 3300B to align one side of the component (e.g., a sensor strip), and then moved to the other of the top left and right corners 3300A and 3300B to align the other side of the component (e.g., the sensor strip). In alternatively implementations, two templates 3220 are simultaneously used at both the top left corner 3300A and the top right corner 3300B, so that the opposite sides of the component (e.g., a sensor strip) can be aligned at the same time.

The template 3220 can also be aligned with a bottom left corner 3300C at a foot end 3218 of the bed system 3200. The template 3220 can also be aligned with a bottom right corner 3300D at the foot end 3218 of the bed system 3200. By aligning the template 3220 at the foot end 3218 of the bed system 3200, the user can attach components such as heating/cooling pads or other heating/cooling elements closer to a foot area of a sleeper of the bed system 3200. Moreover, placing the template 3220 in the left corner 3300C can allow for attaching a first heating element on the left side 3204 of the bed system 3200 where a first user's feet may be on the bed system 3200 and placing the template 3220 in the right corner 3300D can allow for attaching a second heating element on the right side 3206 of the bed system 3200 where a second user's feet may be on the bed system 3200.

In some implementations, a single template 3220 is alternatingly used at both the bottom left corner 3300C and the bottom right corner 3300d. For example, the template 3220 is first used at one of the bottom left and right corners 3300C and 3300D to align one side of the component (e.g., a heating element), and then moved to the other of the bottom left and right corners 3300C and 3300D to align the other side of the component (e.g., the heating element). In alternatively implementations, two templates 3220 are simultaneously used at both the bottom left corner 3300C and the bottom right corner 3300D, so that the opposite sides of the component (e.g., a heating element) can be aligned at the same time.

Advantageously, the template 3220 can be used to quickly, accurately, uniformly, and efficiently set up the bed system 3200 during a manufacturing process. The template 3220 can be used to ensure that components such as temperature strips and heating/cooling elements are positioned and attached in their desired locations on the bed system 3200 to function properly and/or provide expected benefits to users of the bed system 3200. Additionally, the template 3220 can be used to customize how many and/or which components are placed on each side of the bed system 3200 for each user of the bed system 3200 (e.g., a certain model of the bed may be designed to offer a first user a heating element near their feet on the left side 3204 of the bed system 3200 but does not offer a second user a heating element that is not near their feet on the right side 3206 of the bed system 3200). The template 3220 can also be used to service and/or replace any components that have been attached to the bed system 3200 without requiring extensive knowledge or skill about placement, attachment, and configuration of such components with the bed system 3200. Therefore, the template 3220 can be used by users who are part of the manufacturing process, service technicians, and/or users/sleepers of the bed system 3200.

FIG. 34 illustrates the template 3220 aligned with the corner 3300A of the bed system 3200 for use in attaching a sensor strip 3400 thereto. The template 3220 can be positioned at the edge 3204 of the bed system 3200. The sensor strip 3400 can be positioned near the head end 3202 of the bed system 3200 such that sensors of the sensor strip 3400 can accurately collect sensor signals near a chest/core area of a sleeper of the bed system 3200. The collected sensor signals can include temperature signals, pressure signals, or other types of sensor signals described herein. The collected sensor signals can then be used to measure and/or estimate the sleeper's core body temperature, heartrate, respiration rate, sleep stages, and/or other biometric information and/or sleep information about the sleeper.

As described and shown in reference to FIGS. 9B and 34, the sensor strip 3400 can include a carrier strip (e.g., carrier strip 933 in FIG. 9B) and one or more sensors attached to the carrier strip. The sensors can be spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the carrier strip. The carrier strip can be configured to be releasably attached to the top layer 3214 of the bed system 3200 (e.g., a top surface of a mattress that is to be optionally covered by a cover or a mat) and to extend at least partially between opposite lateral ends of the bed system 3200 (e.g., left and right sides of the bed system 3200, as shown in FIG. 20). For example, the carrier strip can extend between a midpoint of the bed system 3200 and a location that is a predetermined distance away from the edge 3204 of the left side 3208 of the bed system 3200. In other words, the carrier strip can extend across a portion of the bed system 3200 where a user rests without extending over an edge of a side of the bed system 3200. The predetermined distance can be a width of a portion of the template 3220 (e.g., a width of an alignment body of the template 3220, as described further in reference to FIGS. 23A-B). Sometimes, the carrier strip of the sensor strip 3400 does not extend over the edge 3204 of the left side 3208 of the bed system 3200. Sometimes, the carrier strip also does not extend over either opposite sides (e.g., the left side 3208 and the right side 3206) of the bed system 3200.

The carrier strip of the sensor strip 3400 can have a first strip surface and a second strip surface opposite to the first strip surface. The first strip surface can be configured to be releasably attached to the top layer 3214 (e.g., a foam layer). The sensors may also be disposed at the first strip surface of the carrier strip. The sensor strip 3400 can also include micro-hooks that can be configured to releasably attach directly to the top layer 3214 of the bed system 3200. Refer to FIGS. 30-31 for further discussion about the sensor strip 3400.

As described herein, the sensors of the sensor strip 3400 may also include cables 3402 (e.g., wires). The cables 3402 can be collectively routed over a side of the bed system 3200, such as over a longitudinal left or right side of the bed system 3200. In some implementations, the cables 3402 can be collectively routed through a wire hole 3216A defined by the top layer 3214 of the bed system 3200. As described herein, the cables 3402 can be routed to pass partially and/or entirely through the hole 3216A at the top layer 3214 of the bed system 3200.

Advantageously, these features can provide for uniform alignment, placement, and routing of the sensor strip 3400, and more specifically, the cables 3402, without requiring extensive knowledge and/or expertise in setting up the bed system 3200. As a result, the sensor strip 3400 can be easily, quickly, and efficiently attached to a desired location on any bed system described herein.

FIG. 35 illustrates the template 3220 aligned with the corner 3300C near the foot end 3218 of the bed system 3200 for use in attaching a heating unit 3500 thereto. The template 3220 can be positioned at the edge 3204 of the bed system 3200. The heating unit 3500 can be positioned near the foot end 3218 of the bed system 3200 such that the heating unit 3500 can provide intended heating features near feet/legs of a sleeper of the bed system 3200.

In some implementations, the heating unit 3500 can include heating and/or cooling elements. For example, the heating unit 3500 can be a foot-warming pad configured to warm the foot end 3218 of the bed system 3200.

The heating unit 3500 can be configured to be releasably attached to the top layer 3214 of the bed system 3200 (e.g., a top surface of a mattress that is to be optionally covered by a cover or a mat) and to extend at least partially between opposite lateral ends of the bed system 3200 (e.g., left and right sides of the bed system 3200, as shown in FIG. 20). For example, the heating unit 3500 can extend between a midpoint of the bed system 3200 and a location that is a predetermined distance away from the edge 3204 of one of the opposite lateral ends/sides of the bed system 3200. In other words, the heating unit 3500 can extend across a portion of the bed system 3200 where a user's feet rest, without extending all the way to an edge of a side of the bed system 3200 or over an edge of a side of the bed system 3200. The predetermined distance can be a width of a portion of the template 3220 (e.g., a width of an alignment body of the template 3220, as described further in reference to FIGS. 23A-B). In some implementations, the heating unit 3500 does not extend over the edge 3204 of the bed system 3200. In some implementations, the heating unit 3500 also does not extend over either opposite lateral ends/sides (e.g., the left side 3208 and the right side 3206) of the bed system 3200. Moreover, the heating unit 3500 can include one or more micro-hooks or other types of adhesives that can be configured to releasably attach directly to the top layer 3214 of the bed system 3200.

As described herein, the heating unit 3500 may also include cables 3202 (e.g., wires). The cables 3202 can be collectively routed through the wire hole 3216B defined by the top layer 3214 of the bed system 3200. As described herein, the cables 3202 can be routed to pass partially and/or entirely through the hole 3216B at the top layer 3214 of the bed system 3200.

The cables 3202 can be routed through the hole 3216B in the top layer 3214 of the bed system 3200, other suitable holes in the top layer 3214 of the bed system 3200, and/or other suitable sections of the bed system 3200.

As an illustrative example, to attach the heating unit 3500 to the bed system 3200, the user can identify the hole 3216B as a location at which to route the cables 3502 through the top layer 3214 of the bed system 3200. Advantageously, these features can provide for uniform alignment, placement, and routing of the heating unit 3500, and more specifically, the cables 3202, without requiring extensive knowledge and/or expertise in setting up the bed system 3200. As a result, the heating unit 3500 can be easily, quickly, and efficiently attached to a desired location on any bed system described herein.

FIGS. 36A-D illustrate schematic views of the template 3220. Referring to both FIGS. 36A-D, the template 3220 can be used to position and attach multiple different components at a mattress, such as the bed system 3200 described herein. The template 3220 can include an alignment body 3600 (e.g., one or more plates). The alignment body 3600 can have a top surface 3601A and a bottom surface 3601B opposite the top surface 3601A. The top surface 3601A and the bottom surface 3601B can be configured to selectively rest flush on a surface or layer of the mattress when the template 3220 is placed on the mattress. It is understood that the template 3220 can be oriented to selectively abut one of the top surface 3601A and the bottom surface 3601B against the surface or layer of the mattress depending on which corner of the mattress the template 3220 is arranged at. In some implementations, the template 3220 can include a first plate (e.g., 3602C) defining an opening configured to align a component to be mounted to a mattress (e.g., opening 3604), a second plate (e.g., 3600) attached to and perpendicular to the first plate, and a third plate attached to the first plate (e.g., 3606A), the third plate being perpendicular to the first plate and the second plate.

The alignment body 3600 can also define one or more openings 3604 and 3607. More specifically, the alignment body 3600 can include a first plate 3602A, a separator arm 3602B (e.g., a second plate), and a third plate 3602C that can be aligned parallel to each other and configured to define the openings 3604 and 3607. The opening 3607 can have a larger width than the opening 3604. The opening 3607 can therefore partially receive larger components than the opening 3604. The first plate 3602A and the separator arm 3602B can define the first opening 3604, for example. The separator arm 3602B and the third plate 3602C can define the second opening 3607.

Each opening 3604 and 3607 can be configured to at least partially receive a component to be positioned at the mattress. Each opening 3604 and 3607 can also be configured to align the component with a predetermined first location at the mattress. The first opening 3604 can be configured to at least partially receive and align a sensor strip with respect to the mattress. Details of an example sensor strip and how to use the template to arrange the sensor strip are described with reference to FIG. 21. The second opening 3607 can be configured to at least partially receive and align a heating unit with respect to the mattress. In some implementations, the heating unit can be positioned inside an envelope. The envelope can have an envelope top and an envelope bottom. The envelop enclosing the heating unit can be positioned, using the template 3220, at a foot end/side of the mattress, as described herein. Details of using the template to arrange the heating unit is described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 35. Details of an example heating unit is described with reference to FIGS. 26-27.

The first and second openings 3604 and 3607 can be different sizes, respectively. For example, the openings 3604 and 3607 can be sized based on a typical size of a component configured to be received in each of the respective openings 3604 and 3607. Accordingly, the first opening 3604 can be sized smaller in width than the second opening 3607 because the first opening 3604 can receive a sensor strip having a narrower width than a heating unit, which can be received in the second opening 3607.

The template 3220 can include one or more features that arrange the template body in place with respect to the mattress before positioning the components based on the openings provided by the template 3220. For example, the template 3220 can include one or more body positioners that extend upward, downward, or both upward and downward from the alignment body 3600. For example, the template 3220 can include a body positioner configured to align with a first portion of a mattress. The body positioner can be a vertical plate, the first portion of the mattress can be a first edge of the mattress. The first edge of the mattress can be a head side or a foot side of the mattress. In some implementations, the first edge of the mattress can also be a left lateral side or a right lateral side of the mattress.

One or more body positioners can extend perpendicular from the alignment body 3600. The body positioners are configured to engage with one of four lateral sides of the mattress to thereby arrange the surface of the alignment body 3600 on a top of the layer of the mattress to which the component(s) (e.g., a sensor strip, a heating unit, etc.) is positioned and aligned. More specifically, the template 3220 can include a first body positioner 3606A that can extent (e.g., perpendicularly) from the alignment body 3600. The first body positioner 3606A can be configured to engage a first side (e.g., one of the opposite shorter sides at the head end or the foot end) of the mattress and position the alignment body 3600 with respect to the mattress. The template 3220 can also include a second body positioner 3606B extending from the alignment body 3600 and configured to engage a second side (e.g., one of the opposite longer sides extending between the head end and the foot end) of the mattress and position the alignment body 3600 with respect to the mattress. The first body positioner 3606A can be arranged to be perpendicular to the second body positioner 3606B so that the template 3220 is arranged at one of the four corners of the mattress with the first body positioner 3606A engaging with one of the opposite shorter sides of the mattress and the second body positioner 3606B engaging with one of the opposite longer sides of the mattress, the one being connected to the shorter side above.

The alignment body 3600 can also be positioned at a predetermined location at the mattress based on the first body positioner 3606A engaging the first side of the mattress. In some implementations, the alignment body 3600 can be connected to the body positioner and configured to receive a component and align the component with respect to the mattress when the body positioner of the template is aligned with the first portion of the mattress. The alignment body can be a horizontal plate configured to be positioned on a top of a mattress surface and that defines a cutout configured to receive the component.

Additionally or alternatively, the alignment body 3600 can be positioned at the predetermined location at the mattress based on the second body positioner 3606B engaging the second side of the mattress. The first side of the mattress can be perpendicular to the second side of the mattress. The first side of the mattress can, for example, be a head end of the mattress and the second side of the mattress can be a lateral side of the mattress, such as a left side of the mattress. The first side can also be the head end and the second side can be a right side of the mattress. In some implementations, the first side of the mattress can be the right or left side of the mattress and the second side of the mattress can be a foot end of the mattress. Depending on the side of the mattress at which the template 3220 is positioned, the template 3220 can be flipped so that either of the top surface 3601A and the bottom surface 3601B of the alignment body 3600 is abut with a top surface of the mattress layer with the first body positioner 3606A engaging with a shorter side of the mattress (at the head or foot end) and the second body positioner 3606B (and/or a third body positioner 3606C described below) engaging with a longer side of the mattress extending between the head and foot ends of the mattress.

The alignment body 3600 can include additional body positioners, in some implementations. For example, the alignment body 3600 can include a third body positioner 3606C, which can also be configured to engage the second side of the mattress and position the alignment body 3600 with respect to the mattress. Any of the body positioners 3606A-C described herein can include, but are not limited to, vertical tabs, elongate members, couplers, and/or clips that can engage with a side surface of the mattress. The body positioners 3606A-N may also extend in opposite directions (e.g., perpendicular to) of a horizontal surface/plane of the mattress and/or a horizontal plane of the alignment body 3600.

The alignment body 3600 further includes the separator arm 3602B described above. The separator arm 3602B can extend perpendicularly from a side of the alignment body 3600 having the second body positioner 3606B (and the third body positioner 3606C). The separator arm 3602B can be configured to separate the first opening 3604 from the second opening 3607. The separator arm 3602B can have a length that is less than a length of the component that is at least partially received at one of the one or more openings 3604 and 3607. Sometimes, the separator arm 3602B may have a length that is equivalent to at least ⅓ a width of a component to configure to the bed. This length can be beneficial to properly avoid having a skew of the component near a midpoint or middle portion of the bed. Sometimes, the separator arm 3602B can have a length ranging from ⅓ a length of the component to a full length of the component. A longer version of the separator arm 3602B can help stabilizing the alignment body 3600 so that the alignment body 3600 does not fall off of the bed during an assembly process. Sometimes, the separator arms 3602A, 3602B, and 3602C can be a same or similar length to help with creating balance for the alignment body 3600 when positioned on the bed and used during the assembly process of the bed.

As an illustrative example, the separator arm 3602B can be a length that is less than a length of the sensor strip received in the first opening 3604. Sometimes, the separator arm 3602B can have a same length as the sensor strip. As another illustrative example, the separator arm 3602B can have a shorter length than a length of the heating unit 3500 received in the second opening 3607. Sometimes, the separator arm 3602B can have a same length as the heating unit 3500. In some implementations, the separator arm 3602B can be a same or similar length as the third plate 3602C. In addition, the first plate 3602A can be same or similar length as the third plate 3602C and the separator arm 3602B.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 36C-D, the first plate 3602A can be a shortest length, the separator arm 3602B can be a longest length, and the third plate 3602C can have a longer length than the first plate 3602A but a shorter length than the separator arm 3602B.

One or more other variations in length of the plates 3602A, 3602B, and 3602C are possible. Various combinations of lengths of the plates 3602A and 3602C as well as the separator arm 3602B can be beneficial so long as (i) such lengths are long enough to balance the alignment body 3600 on the bed without falling off during the assembly process and (ii) components are aligned straight across the bed using the alignment body 3600 as described herein.

The separator arm 3602B may be used to ensure that the component being attached to the mattress is being properly aligned and straightened with respect to placement on the mattress. For example, the separator arm 3602B can extend a predetermined length so that when a sensor strip is positioned within the first opening 3604 of the alignment body 3600, the sensor strip can be positioned straight across the mattress surface by being aligned against/with an inner edge 3605 of the separator arm 2302B independently or along with an inner edge 2305 of the first plate 2302A. Similarly, the separator arm 2302B can extend the predetermined length so that when a heating element is positioned within the second opening 2307 of the alignment body 2300, the heating element can be positioned straight across the mattress surface by being aligned against/with an inner edge 2305 of the separator arm 2302B independently or along with an inner edge 2305 of the third plate 2302C. In some implementations, the length of the separator arm 2302B can be extended to accommodate for different sized mattresses and/or different sized components being added/attached to the mattress.

FIGS. 37A-B illustrate a third template 3700 aligned with a corner 3702 of a bed system 3704. Referring to both FIGS. 37A-B, the third template 3700 can be used to position and attach multiple different components at a mattress, such as the bed system 3200 described herein. The third template 3700 can include an alignment body 3706 (e.g., one or more plates). The alignment body 3700 can have a top surface 3708A and a bottom surface 3708B opposite the top surface 3708A. The top surface 3708A and the bottom surface 3708B can be configured to selectively rest flush on a surface 3214 or layer of the mattress when the third template 3700 is placed on the mattress. It is understood that the third template 3700 can be oriented to selectively abut one of the top surface 3608A and the bottom surface 3608B against the surface or layer of the mattress depending on which corner of the mattress the third template 3700 is arranged. In some implementations, the third template 3700 can include a first plate 3710A and a second plate 3710B defining an opening 3712 configured to align a component to be mounted to a mattress. The second plate 3710B is attached to and perpendicular to the first plate 3710A.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

Thus, particular implementations of the subject matter have been described. Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

Claims

1. A template, the template comprising:

a body positioner configured to align with a first portion of a mattress; and

an alignment body connected to the body positioner and configured to receive a component and align the component with respect to the mattress when the body positioner is aligned with the first portion of the mattress.

2. The template of claim 1, wherein the body positioner is a vertical plate, wherein the first portion of the mattress is a first edge of the mattress, wherein the alignment body is a horizontal plate configured to be positioned on a top of a mattress surface and that defines a cutout configured to receive the component.

3. The template of claim 2, further comprising a second body positioner configured to align with a second portion of the mattress, wherein the second portion of the mattress is at least one of side of the mattress.

4. The template of claim 1, wherein the alignment body defines a plurality of openings, each configured to at least partially receive the component to be mounted to the mattress and align the component with a predetermined first location at the mattress.

5. The template of claim 4, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first opening and a second opening, the second opening comprising a larger width than the first opening.

6. The template of claim 5, wherein the alignment body comprises a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, wherein the bottom surface is configured to rest flush on a top surface of the mattress when the template is placed on the mattress.

7. The template of claim 6, wherein the alignment body further comprises at least one visual indicator positioned at a location on the top surface of the alignment body that corresponds to a position on the mattress at which to attach the component.

8. The template of claim 6, wherein the alignment body includes a separator arm that extends perpendicularly from a side of the alignment body having the body positioner, the separator arm configured to separate a plurality of openings defined by the alignment body.

9. The template of claim 8, wherein the separator arm has a length that is less than a length of the component that is at least partially received at the plurality of openings.

10. A template for positioning multiple components at a mattress, the template comprising:

an alignment body defining an opening configured to at least partially receive a component to be mounted to the mattress and align the component with a predetermined first location at the mattress; and

a first body positioner extending from the alignment body and configured to engage a first side of the mattress and position the alignment body with respect to the mattress,

wherein the alignment body is positioned at a predetermined second location at the mattress based on the first body positioner engaging the first side of the mattress.

11. The template of claim 10, wherein the alignment body defines a plurality of openings, each configured to at least partially receive a plurality of components to be mounted to the mattress and align the plurality of components with predetermined corresponding locations on the mattress.

12. The template of claim 10, further comprising a second body positioner extending from the alignment body and configured to engage a second side of the mattress and position the alignment body with respect to the mattress.

13. The template of claim 12, wherein the first body positioner is arranged to be perpendicular to the second body positioner.

14. The template of claim 12, wherein the alignment body is further positioned based on the second body positioner engaging the second side of the mattress.

15. The template of claim 12, wherein the first side of the mattress is perpendicular to the second side of the mattress.

16. The template of claim 10, wherein the alignment body is configured as a plate and to be generally flushed with a surface of the mattress based on the first body positioner engaging the first side of the mattress.

17. A template for positioning multiple components at a mattress, the template comprising:

an alignment body defining a plurality of openings, each configured to at least partially receive a component to be mounted to the mattress and align the component with a predetermined first location at the mattress;

a first body positioner extending from the alignment body and configured to engage a first side of the mattress and position the alignment body with respect to the mattress; and

a second body positioner extending from the alignment body and configured to engage a second side of the mattress and position the alignment body with respect to the mattress,

wherein the first body positioner is arranged to be perpendicular to the second body positioner, and

wherein the alignment body is positioned at a predetermined second location at the mattress based on the first body positioner engaging the first side of the mattress and further on the second body positioner engaging the second side of the mattress, the first side of the mattress being perpendicular to the second side of the mattress.

18. A method for making a mattress with a template for positioning multiple components at the mattress, the method comprising:

placing, at a partially completed mattress, the template for positioning multiple components at the partially completed mattress, the template comprising: an alignment body defining a plurality of openings, each configured to at least partially receive a component to be mounted to the partially completed mattress and align the component with a predetermined first location at the partially completed mattress, a first body positioner extending from the alignment body and configured to engage a first side of the partially completed mattress and position the alignment body with respect to the partially completed mattress, and a second body positioner extending from the alignment body and configured to engage a second side of the partially completed mattress and position the alignment body with respect to the partially completed mattress;

aligning the template with the first side and the second side of the partially completed mattress;

arranging at least part of the component in at least one of the plurality of openings of the template;

based on the at least part of the component being arranged in the at least one of the plurality of openings of the template, aligning the component with the predetermined first location at the partially completed mattress; and

securing the component to a top surface of the partially completed mattress at the predetermined first location.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein placing, at the partially completed mattress, the template for positioning multiple components at the partially completed mattress comprises placing the template at the first and second sides of the partially completed mattress to form a corner of the partially completed mattress.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising removing the template from the partially completed mattress.