U.S. patent application number 11/534585 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-30 for system and method for adjusting pressure in pockets or zones.
Invention is credited to Essam B. Escaross.
Application Number | 20070199154 11/534585 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38442654 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070199154 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Escaross; Essam B. |
August 30, 2007 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING PRESSURE IN POCKETS OR ZONES
Abstract
A method and system for adjusting pressure in pockets is
provided. The system including at least one pressure measuring
device in at least one pocket of a structure to detect stress areas
in an individual; a control unit for receiving device data
transmitted by the at least one pressure measuring device, the
control unit comprising: a receiving module and a monitoring module
for receiving the device data; a processing module for receiving
the device data from the receiving module and determining if
pressure in the at least one pressure measuring device requires
change; and a pressure unit in the structure for receiving
instructions from the processing module, wherein the instructions
are provided to the at least one pressure measuring device for
adjusting the pressure in the at least one pocket.
Inventors: |
Escaross; Essam B.; (West
Vancouver, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KLEIN, O'NEILL & SINGH, LLP
43 CORPORATE PARK, SUITE 204
IRVINE
CA
92606
US
|
Family ID: |
38442654 |
Appl. No.: |
11/534585 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60776293 |
Feb 24, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/713 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 27/083 20130101;
A47C 27/10 20130101; A61G 2203/34 20130101; A61G 7/05769
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/713 |
International
Class: |
A47C 27/08 20060101
A47C027/08 |
Claims
1. A system for adjusting pressure in pockets comprising: at least
one pressure measuring device in at least one pocket of a structure
to detect stress areas in an individual; wherein the individual is
on the structure; a control unit for receiving device data
transmitted by the at least one pressure measuring device, the
control unit comprising: a receiving module and a monitoring module
for receiving the device data; a processing module for receiving
the device data from the receiving module and determining if
pressure in the at least one pressure measuring device requires
change; and a pressure unit in the structure for receiving
instructions from the processing module, wherein the instructions
are provided to the at least one pressure measuring device for
adjusting the pressure in the at least one pocket.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display screen for
receiving the device data and displaying the device data on the
display screen.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system operates in a manual
mode, an automatic mode, or a voice mode.
4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a remote device for
manually adjusting the pressure in the at least one pocket; wherein
the at least one pocket contains air, liquid, soft solids or a
spring for adjusting the pressure; and wherein the at least one
pressure measuring device is a sensor.
5. The system of claim 3, further comprising: a microphone for
detecting voice commands; and a remote module for receiving the
voice command and transmitting to the processing module for
retrieving a pre-programmed routine in memory.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the pressure unit and sensors are
connected to the control unit wirelessly.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein the pressure unit and sensors are
connected to the control unit with wires or optical fibers.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one pressure
measuring device is air pressure sensor.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is a
water pressure sensor.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one pressure
measuring device is a strength spring sensor.
11. The system of claim 2, wherein the individual selects the at
least one pressure measuring device to adjust and the amount to be
adjust based upon the device data displayed on the screen.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the device data is color-coded
with a different color representing a different level of
stress.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the structure is selected from
the group consisting of mattresses, mattress toppers, hospital
beds, sofas, seats, car seats, and airplanes seats.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the structure has at least one
zone; wherein the at least one zone includes the at least one
pressure measuring device; and wherein the at least one pressure
measuring device is located on the structure or in a layer of the
structure.
15. A method for adjusting pressure in pockets, comprising
detecting stress area on an individual using at least one pressure
measuring device in at least one pocket of a structure; wherein the
individual is on the structure; determining if the pressure in the
at least one pocket requires adjustment; and adjusting the pressure
in the at least one pocket to alleviate stress in the stress
area.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the stress areas are displayed
on a display screen using colors.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the pressure can be adjusted
manually, automatically, or by using voice commands.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein a remote device is used for
manually adjusting the pressure in the at least one pocket; and
wherein the at least one pocket contains air, liquid, soft solids
or a spring for adjusting the pressure.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one pressure
measuring device is an air pressure sensor.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one pressure
measuring device is a water pressure sensor.
21. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one pressure
measuring device is a strength spring sensor.
22. The method of claim 15, wherein the structure is selected from
the group consisting of mattresses, mattress toppers, hospital
beds, sofas, seats, car seats, and airplanes seats.
23. The method of claim 15, wherein in the structure has at least
one zone; wherein the at least one zone includes the at least one
sensor, and wherein the at least one pressure measuring device is
located on the structure or in a layer of the structure.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e)(1) to the following provisional patent application,
the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety: Ser. No. 60/776,293, filing date Feb. 24, 2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to adjusting pressure and more
particularly, to adjusting the pressure in a pocket in response to
stress areas of an individual.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] For a healthy mind and body, an individual needs to get a
good night's sleep so that the body can rest and regenerate.
However, far too many people are not getting enough restful sleep,
especially when under stress. Inadequate sleep can reduce an
individual's immunity to disease, infections, and allergies. Other
effects of lack of sleep include: trouble concentrating and
remembering, sluggishness, mood shifts, depression, and
irritability. In addition to sleep privation, old or unsuitable
beds can create or sustain neck or back problems As such, there is
growing interest in better sleeping solutions.
[0006] A comfortable mattress is vital to a more restful sleep.
Relieving stress in the body can provide for a more restful sleep
and stress can be relieved by increasing or decreasing pressure in
various spots of the body. Some conventional mattresses allow the
firmness to be adjusted; however, the firmness is manually adjusted
based upon how a person is feeling and not based on measured
parameters, for example, pressure, in the body which corresponds to
stress.
[0007] A mattress that can continually adjust to the needs of an
individual's body based on objective measured parameters would help
alleviate sleeping problems. Therefore, what is needed is a system
and method that detects stress areas in an individual by measuring
pressure and adjusts the firmness of a mattress to alleviate these
stress areas.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, a system for
adjusting pressure in pockets is provided. The system including at
least one pressure measuring device in at least one pocket of a
structure to detect stress areas in an individual; a control unit
for receiving device data transmitted by the at least one pressure
measuring device, the control unit comprising: a receiving module
and a monitoring module for receiving the device data; a processing
module for receiving the device data from the receiving module and
determining if pressure in the at least one pressure measuring
device requires change; and a pressure unit in the structure for
receiving instructions from the processing module, wherein the
instructions are provided to the at least one pressure measuring
device for adjusting the pressure in the at least one pocket.
[0009] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for
adjusting pressure in pockets is provided. The method includes
detecting stress area on an individual using at least one pressure
measuring device in at least one pocket of a structure; wherein the
individual is on the structure; determining if the pressure in the
at least one pocket requires adjustment; and adjusting the pressure
in the least one pocket to alleviate stress in the stress area.
[0010] This brief summary has been provided so that the nature of
the invention may be understood quickly. A more complete
understanding of the invention can be obtained by reference to the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof
in connection with the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing features and other features of the present
invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of a
preferred embodiment. In the drawings, the same components have the
same reference numerals. The illustrated embodiment is intended to
illustrate, but not to limit the invention. The drawings include
the following Figures:
[0012] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a system for adjusting
pressure in pockets of a mattress, according to one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 1B illustrates zone patterns of the pockets in the
mattress;
[0014] FIG. 1C illustrates a system for continuously adjusting
pressure in the pockets of the mattress, according to a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a pocket utilizing various types of
sensors which could be implemented with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of adjusting
pressure in pockets of a mattress; and
[0017] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of
continuously adjusting pressure in pockets of a mattress.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] The following detailed description is of the best currently
contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description
is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the
purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention,
since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended
claims.
[0019] According to the present invention, a method and system for
adjusting pressure in pockets of a mattress are provided. Although
the system and method of the present invention are implemented
using a mattress, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
principles and teachings described herein may be applied to a
variety of structures, including, but not limited to, sofas,
chairs, pillows, mattress toppers, hospital beds, seats, car seats,
and airplanes seats.
[0020] FIG. 1A shows a system 100 for adjusting pressure in pockets
112 (described below with reference to FIG. 1B) within a mattress
101. Pockets are receptacles, within mattress 101, that contain a
certain volume of air, any liquid, any soft solids or spring
tension that is adjustable and creates pressure. Mattress 101
includes a plurality of zones where each zone includes one or more
pockets 112. In the preferred embodiment, the liquid utilized is
water; however, any type of liquid can be used. Sensors 102 (or any
device capable of measuring pressure), within pockets 112, detect
stress areas of an individual sitting or lying on mattress 101 by
measuring the individual's body pressure at the location of each of
pockets 112. Sensors 112 may be located on the mattress, in a layer
of the mattress or the mattress toppers.
[0021] A stress area is an area of an individual's body that is
receiving too little or too much pressure from mattress 101. If a
stress area is detected, the volume, or spring tension, in the
corresponding pocket or zone, is adjusted to alleviate the stress.
The pressure in each pocket can be adjusted manually, automatically
or in response to voice commands. Any indicia of stress measurement
can be used to measure the stress of an individual and the present
invention is not limited to any particular type of stress data
format.
[0022] System 100 includes mattress 101, a control unit 111 for
controlling a pressure unit 103, a computing system 110 for
executing computer executable processes, and a display screen 130
for displaying the measured pressure of each of pockets 112 as an
individual is either lying or sitting on mattress 101. In a
preferred embodiment, each of pockets 112 is represented on display
screen 130 by a separate object, such as a box (the image of an
individual is shown lying on the boxes (Display Method)), and the
stress levels at each of pockets 112 are indicated by (any color or
different densities of one color). For example, a red box (dots)
indicates a high stress level; a yellow box indicates a lower level
of stress and a green box indicates a relaxed state. By viewing the
colors of each of the pockets 112 on display screen 130, the
individual can determine how or if the pressure in any of pockets
112 should be adjusted. Display screen 130 may be a television or
wireless device, such as a cell phone or personal digital
assistant. Alternatively, the stress levels can be displayed on a
monitor 115 of computing system 110 (described below with reference
to FIG. 1C).
[0023] To adjust pressure in any of pockets 112, a processing
module 106 in control unit 11 transmits output data 108 to pressure
unit 103 causing the pressure to increase or decrease in accordance
with output data 108. Adjusting the pressure in pockets 112 results
in an increase or decrease of firmness in specific areas of
mattress 101 and as a result, alleviates the stress areas.
[0024] Control unit 111 connects to a computer network (not shown)
or computing system 110 via a network interface 109. One such
network is the Internet that allows computing system 110 to upgrade
the firmware, in control unit 111, by downloading applications,
code, documents and other electronic information. Control unit 111
can be located inside or outside of mattress 10. In a preferred
embodiment, control unit 111 is a card that can be installed in a
computer, television, monitor, digital recording device, network,
entertainment unit, or any other electronic device.
[0025] As described above, sensors 102 monitor the stress areas of
an individual and continuously transmit sensor data 104 to a
receiving module 105, such as a register, and a monitoring module
107 in control unit 111. Receiving module 105 receives sensor data
104 and transmits sensor data 106 to processing module 106.
Processing module 106 calculates the lowest mean value of sensor
data 104 from receiving module 105, for a specific time frame. The
lowest mean value is then used to indicate the pressure in pockets
112, within mattress 101. Sensor data 104 maybe stored in
non-volatile memory 124 in control unit 111 and can be used to
generate a report of sleeping habits, such as movement while
sleeping and the levels of stress at each pocket 112 while
sleeping. The report can the be shown to a doctor or any sleep
specialist to assist in diagnosing medical problems.
[0026] Control unit 111 operates in three modes, (1) a manual mode
allowing an individual to manually adjust pressure; (2) an
automatic mode which automatically adjusts pressure based on sensor
data; and (3) a voice mode which adjusts pressure in response to
voice commands. An individual selects the mode using a selection
switch 126. A selection module 127 receives switch data 129 from
selection switch 126 and transmits switch data 129 to processing
module 106. Processing module 106 uses switch data 129 to look up
the operating mode of the system in non-volatile memory 124, such
as SRAM.
[0027] If the individual selects the manual mode, a remote device
120 is used to adjust the pressure in pockets 112 while lying or
sitting on mattress 101. As described above, stress areas are
displayed on display screen 130. Based on the viewable stress
areas, the individual uses remote device 120 to select a specific
pocket or zone and then adjusts the pressure in the selected pocket
or zone using remote device 120. It should be noted that
connections to control unit 111, including remote device 120,
pressure unit 103, sensors 102 and computing system 110, can be
either wired or wireless.
[0028] A remote module 122, in control unit 111, receives remote
device data 131 and transmits the remote device data 131 to
processing module 106. Processing module 106 then processes remote
device data 131 into output data 108 and transmits output data 108
to pressure unit 103. Output data 108 instructs pressure unit 103
to adjust pockets 112 or zones and whether the pressure should be
increased or decreased and by how much.
[0029] Output data 108 is also transmitted to a monitoring module
107 in control unit 111. Monitoring module 107 monitors sensor data
104 and output data 108 for any problems, and if a problem is
detected, monitoring module 107 sends an interrupt via transmission
line 118 to processing module 106 stopping transmission of output
data 108 to pressure unit 103 or makes an adjustment to correct the
problem. Problems can include, but are not limited to, a high data
value which would cause the volume or spring tension in a pocket to
be adjusted such that mattress 101 would increase pressure in the
stress area.
[0030] Upon receiving output data 108, pressure unit 103 adjusts
pressure in pockets 112 accordingly. The adjustment of mattress 101
provides comfort and pressure relief to the individual. Any
automation control system can be used to make adjustments to the
pressure.
[0031] If the individual selects the automatic mode pressure in
pockets 112 are automatically adjusted based on sensor data 104
Sensors 102 monitor the stress areas of an individual and
continuously transmit sensor data 104 to receiving module 105 and
monitoring module 107 in control unit 111 Processing module 106
then processes sensor data 104 into output data 108 and transmits
output data 108 to pressure unit 103 and monitoring module 107 to
adjust pressure in pockets 112 to provide comfort and pressure
relief to the individual.
[0032] As with the manual mode, monitoring module 107 monitors
sensor data 104 and output data 108 for any problems and either
stops transmission of output data 108 to pressure unit 103 or makes
an adjustment to correct the problem. Output data 108 is
continually transmitted to pressure unit 103 to continually adjust
pressure in pockets 112 accordingly. Any automation control system
can be used to make adjustments to the pressure.
[0033] If the individual selects the voice mode, the individual
uses voice commands to adjust the pressure while lying or sitting
on mattress 101. As with the manual and automatic modes, sensors
102 monitor the stress areas of an individual and continuously
transmit sensor data 104 to receiving module 105 and monitoring
module 107 in control unit 111. As described above, display screen
130 displays the measured pressure of each of pockets 112 as an
individual is either lying or sitting on mattress 101. By viewing
the colors of each of pockets 112 on display screen 130, the
individual can determine how or if the pressure in any of pockets
112 should be adjusted and verbally provides instructions in the
form of voice commands to system 100. For example, saying "Increase
Zone 1" causes the pressure in all pockets in Zone 1 to increase.
The individual can also indicate how much to be increase or
decrease the level.
[0034] A microphone 140 receives the voice commands and transmits
voice data 133 to a microphone module 142. System 100 recognizes a
pre-defined set of voice commands. Each voice command corresponds
to a pre-programmed routine (i.e. which pockets 112 to adjust, when
and by how much) stored in non-volatile memory 124. Alternatively,
the individual can program routines for new commands that will be
executed upon receiving a specific voice command.
[0035] After receiving voice data 133, microphone module 142 then
transmits voice data 133 to processing module 106, which looks up
the pre-programmed routine in non-volatile memory 124. Processing
module 106 then processes the pre-programmed routine into output
data 108 and transmits output data 108 to pressure unit 103, which
adjusts pressure in pockets 112 accordingly. Any automation control
system can be used to make adjustments to the pressure.
[0036] Turning to FIG. 1B, pockets 112 are arranged in a zone
pattern within mattress 101. Each pocket measures body pressure at
a specific location on an individual's body, which determines if
there is excess pressure, not enough pressure, or, just the right
amount of pressure in each pocket. If there is excess pressure, or
not enough pressure, pressure of the respective pocket is adjusted
accordingly.
[0037] A three-zone configuration 101A, as shown in FIG. 1B, has a
first zone 135 for the neck and shoulders, a second zone 137 for
the lower back and a third zone 139 for the legs. In alternative
embodiments, pockets 112 can be placed in a five-zone configuration
101B or a multi-zone configuration 101C targeting more specifics
areas of a body.
[0038] FIG. 1C illustrates a system for continuously adjusting
pressure in pockets 112 of mattress 101, according to a second
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1C, two
individuals are laying on mattress 101. Sensors 102, within pockets
112, transmit sensor data 104 to computing system 110, which
contains control unit 111 of FIG. 1A. Pockets 112 are adjusted
based on the stress areas of each individual and can be adjusted
using the automatic mode, manual mode or voice mode. Each
individual has the ability to separately control each pocket 112
that he or she is laying on.
[0039] Computing system 110 includes monitor 115 which may be a CRT
type, a LCD type, or any other type of color or monochrome display.
Also provided with computing system 110 are a keyboard 117 for
entering data and user commands, and a pointing device (for
example, a mouse, not shown) for processing objects displayed on
monitor 115.
[0040] Computing system 110 receives sensor data 104 and uses this
data 104 to determine output data 108 to transmit to pressure unit
103 of mattress 101. Output data 108 will instruct pockets 112 to
increase, decrease or not to change the pressure in each of pockets
112. The pressure is adjusted in each of pockets 112 for each
individual on mattress 101.
[0041] Various types of sensors can be utilized in a pocket 112, as
shown in FIG. 2. First, a pressure sensor 102A can be installed in
pocket 112. Pressure sensor 102A detects the body pressure of an
individual at a particular location on the body and sends sensor
data 104, containing the pressure value, to control unit 111 to
determine if there is a stress area. If too much pressure is
detected, control unit 111 instructs pocket 112, via output data
108, to release air causing the firmness of mattress 101 at the
location to be decreased. If too little pressure is detected,
control unit 111 instructs pocket 112 via output data 108, to add
air to pocket 112 causing the firmness of mattress 101 at the
location to be increased. If a stress area is not detected, the
volume of pressure sensor 102A remains unchanged.
[0042] In a second alternative, a water sensor 102B can be
installed in pocket 112. Water sensor 102A detects the body
pressure of an individual at a particular location on the body and
sends sensor data 104, containing the pressure value, to control
unit 111 to determine if there is a stress area. If too much
pressure is detected, control unit 111 instructs pocket 112, via
output data 108, to release water decreasing the volume of pocket
112, which causes the firmness of mattress 101 at the location to
be decreased. If too little pressure is detected, control unit 111
instructs pocket 112, via output data 108, to add water increasing
the volume causing the firmness of mattress 101 at the location to
be increased. If a stress area is not detected, the volume of water
sensor 102B remains unchanged. Although a water pressure sensor has
been described, the present invention can be utilized with any
liquid to change the volume in the pockets.
[0043] In a third alternative, a spring 102C can be installed in
pocket 112. Spring 102C detects the body pressure of an individual
at a particular location on the body and sends sensor data 104,
containing the pressure value, to control unit 111 to determine if
there is a stress area. If too much or tool little pressure is
detected, control unit 111 instructs pocket 112, via output data
108, to increase or decrease the tension of spring 102C causing the
firmness of the mattress to be increased or decreased,
respectively. If too little pressure is detected, control unit 111
instructs pocket 112, via output data 108, to increase the spring
tension causing the firmness of the mattress at the location to be
increased. If too much pressure is detected, control unit 111
instructs pocket 112, via output data 108, to decrease the spring
tension causing the firmness of the mattress at the location to be
decreased. If a stress area is not detected, the spring tension of
spring 102C remains unchanged.
[0044] Turning to FIG. 3, a flow chart illustrating the steps of
adjusting pressure in pockets of a mattress, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method
begins in step S300 when control unit 111 is configured using
computing system 110 to enter data and user commands, such as voice
commands. Next, in step S301, the operating mode of the system 100
is selected, i.e. manual mode/voice mode, automatic mode, or voice
mode is selected to adjust pressure in pockets 112. In step S305,
the automatic mode is selected and the process continues in step
S400, described below with reference to FIG. 4.
[0045] Alternatively, the manual or voice mode is selected in step
S302. In step S303, the stress levels/zone areas are displayed on
display screen 130. As described above, each of pockets 112 is
represented on display screen 130 by a separate box (the image of
an individual is shown lying on the boxes) and the stress levels at
each of pockets 112 or zone areas are indicated by color. (A red
box indicates a high stress level; a yellow box indicates a lower
level of stress and a green box indicates a relaxed state.) By
viewing the colors of each of the pockets 112 on display screen
130, the individual can determine how or if the pressure in any of
pockets 112 should be adjusted. In step S304, pressure unit 130 in
mattress 101 adjusts the pressure in each of pockets 112 per the
instructions of the individual.
[0046] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of
continuously adjusting pressure in pockets of a mattress, according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The method
begins in step S400 when stress areas are detected. Next,
processing module 106 determines if the pressure pocket 112 of
mattress 101 requires change in step S401. If the pressure does not
require change, monitoring module 107 continues to monitor for
stress areas, in step S402. If the pressure requires change, the
pressure in pocket is changed, in step S403. After the change in
pressure, monitoring module 107 continues to monitor for stress
areas. This method is repeated for each pocket 112 in pockets
112.
[0047] The method and system of the present invention can be
utilized to provide an individual with comfort and pressure relief
for a restful night's sleep, or alternatively, to adjust the stress
areas of an individual who is bedridden and subject to bed
sores.
[0048] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to specific embodiments, these embodiments are
illustrative only and not limiting. Many other applications and
embodiments of the present invention will be apparent in light of
this disclosure.
* * * * *