Description:A) TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention is generally related to a system and method for a customizable mattress. The present invention is particularly related to a system and method for a self-adjusting mattress that is configured to adjust the softness of the mattress depending on the position and posture of a person sleeping on the mattress.
B) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The science and art of designing ergonomic furniture and appliances widely used by humans is finding a lot of use in the world today. Due to the increased amount of time spent indoors and dependency on furniture and appliances for a variety of day-to-day actions has made it an important aspect to be considered during product design. Of them, special emphasis lies in the design of sleeping accessories. Be it the support offered by a cot or mattress, or the optimum size and thickness of a pillow, sleeping accessories are vital as they impact the whole body. More importantly, these accessories are supposed to provide an optimum while the human using it is not in a conscious state and not in a position to find out their level of comfort/discomfort.
[0003] Currently, multiple designs and concepts exist that drive the product design and development around sleeping accessories. However, a person’s physical positions and postures change a lot while sleeping, and currently available accessories are not designed to contextually change their physical structure based on the sleeping posture or position of the user. Though shape-memory materials, such as memory foams, are being used in pillows and mattresses, they only offer a passive change in hardness/softness or shape, which most often is not what is desirable or comfortable for the user.
[0004] Therefore, there exists a need for an active and customizable system and method for providing a sleeping person with the optimum physical conditions. There also exists a need for a system and a method that enables a mattress to be customized based on the position and posture of a person using the mattress for sleeping purposes.
[0005] The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein, and which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.
C) OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The primary objective of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for a customizable mattress.
[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system and method for a self-adjusting mattress that is configured to adjust the hardness of the mattress depending on the position and posture of a person sleeping on the mattress.
[0008] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an active and customizable system and method for providing a sleeping person with the optimum physical conditions.
[0009] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
D) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating the preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
[0011] The Smart Bed Control System is an automatic user customized sleeping system which forms a part of the mattresses to provide a user specific comfort level, by identifying the user it adjusts the softness of the mattresses. During the initial setup, user can check the comfort level of the mattress by adjusting the softness of the mattresses. At this time, mattresses also record the body pressure points of the particular user and stores it for the future identification purposes. Subsequently, whenever the user sleeps on the mattress, the pressure points are identified, calculated and matched against the stored pressure points for the purpose of identification of the user. The mattresses softness control system comprises of Air Pump and electronic control system to control the airflow rate during inflation and deflation. The Airflow is controlled with the help of solenoid valves and entire system is controlled through a logic-controlled system. There are various other sub systems (Interface devices) which are used to communicate with the logical controller system. These interface devices allow the user to setup and operate the whole system. A mobile phone with specific software application can also act as a method of communication with the wireless interface. Technologies like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth are incorporated into the design for communicating between the two devices.
E) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a system providing a self-adjusting mattress that is configured to adjust the softness of the mattress depending on the position and posture of a person sleeping on the mattress, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an architecture of firmware provided in a self-adjusting mattress, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an architecture of an application configured in a computing device that is provided in a self-adjusting mattress system, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] Although the specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the present invention.

F) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0018] The Smart Bed Control System is an automatic user customized sleeping system which forms a part of the mattresses to provide a user specific comfort level, by identifying the user it adjusts the softness of the mattresses. During the initial setup, user can check the comfort level of the mattress by adjusting the softness of the mattresses. At this time, mattresses also record the body pressure points of the particular user and stores it for the future identification purposes. Subsequently, whenever the user sleeps on the mattress, the pressure points are identified, calculated and matched against the stored pressure points for the purpose of identification of the user. The mattresses softness control system comprises of Air Pump and electronic control system to control the airflow rate during inflation and deflation. The Airflow is controlled with the help of solenoid valves and entire system is controlled through a logic-controlled system. There are various other sub systems (Interface devices) which are used to communicate with the logical controller system. These interface devices allow the user to setup and operate the whole system. A mobile phone with specific software application can also act as a method of communication with the wireless interface. Technologies like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth are incorporated into the design for communicating between the two devices.
[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided for enabling a self-adjusting mattress that is configured to adjust the softness of the mattress depending on the position and posture of a person sleeping on the mattress. The system comprises a mattress arrangement, a plurality of air chambers, a fluid pumping module, a microcontroller module, a communication module, a motor control device, a pressure sensor module, a solenoid module, power supply module an external computing device. The mattress arrangement acts as a surface for a person to sleep. The plurality of air chambers acts as the frame on which the mattress is laid. The air chambers provide the structural support to the person that sleeps on the mattress, and the air chambers are inflatable using any fluid. The fluid pumping module comprises a motor and all accessories necessary for the working of a fluid pumping system, including the power supply and a plurality of electro-mechanical apparatus. The microcontroller module further comprises a firmware module and a control software module. The communication module is controlled by the microcontroller module, and the communication module is configured to connect the microcontroller module with a plurality of sensors, actuators and other computing devices through s a plurality of wired and wireless communication protocols. The pressure sensor module comprises at least two pressure sensors. The solenoid module comprises a plurality of solenoid valves that are configured to be operated and controlled by the microcontroller module.
[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid pumping system comprises a pump motor. The air from the atmosphere is filtered through a filter and then injected into the mattress arrangement through an air passage valve. The air passage and a solenoidal valve is designed as per inflation and deflation of air in the mattress.
[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller module comprises an internal programmable FLASH memory, a configurable EEPROM memory and an internal DATA Memory SRAM which executes the instructions rapidly. The microcontroller includes a permanent primary boot loader which helps to boot the system without an external boot device. The functions of the microcontroller module include controlling the fluid pump motor power supply, controlling the solenoid valves, control the DC air pump motor power supply, receiving the pressure value readings of the plurality of air chambers through the pressure sensor module, controlling the pressure in the air chambers by continuously monitoring with respect to preset pressure value (wherein the pressure of the air chambers is controlled by closed loop control system method through pressure sensor), reading a plurality of signals from a plurality of sensors and actuators and executing the corresponding preset command, and, communicating with the communication module and executing corresponding commands.
[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the motor control device is configured to receive air from natural sources and pass the air to the plurality of air chambers through the solenoid valves. The motor control device receives electric power from a power control switch that is a TRIAC. Power control switch is controlled by the microcontroller as per inputs provided by the user. The power control switch is configured to protect the motor control device during anomalous conditions such as a short circuit or overload of power. The fluid pumping system is controlled and monitored by the motor control device. The speed of the fluid pumping system is controlled by a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal through firing angle of TRIAC. The PWM signal is generated by the microcontroller through opto-coupler device.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of solenoid modules are configured to control the air flow to the plurality of air chambers. The solenoid valves in the solenoid modules are controlled by a solenoid control switch (MOSFET). The solenoid control switch is controlled by the microcontroller according to the user inputs and a closed loop control system. A first solenoid valve in the solenoid modules is configured to control the airflow into a first air chamber and a second solenoid valve is configured to control the air flow into a second air chamber. A third solenoid valve is configured to remove the air from a plurality of air chambers according to the user input or preset conditions. A solenoid control switch comprises reverse protection features to protect the solenoid valves and related control device.
[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pressure sensor module is configured to read the pressure from the plurality of air chambers. The pressure in each of the plurality of chambers is maintained by the pressure sensor module through a closed loop mechanism as set by the user. The pressure sensor is interfaced with the microcontroller and the microcontroller is configured to receive the pressure data and calculate through successive approximation method to maintain the pressure on each chamber. The decrease in pressure level from the plurality of air chambers is detected through the pressure sensors. The microcontroller calculates the current pressure and switches ON the fluid pump motor and a corresponding solenoid valve to set the preset pressure on the chamber. The microcontroller maintains the user settings of the pressure level on the chamber through a closed loop control method.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the external computing device is a remote or local computing device that is communicably coupled with the microcontroller module through wired or wireless means. The external computing device is configured with a user interface module that is designed to render the pressure setting values of the plurality of air chambers. User interface module is also designed to enable the user to control the pressure values to be maintained at the plurality of air chambers. The user interface is also designed to provide a graphical rendering of the status of the fluid pump motor and a plurality of solenoid valves.
[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller module is configured with a control software. The control software is configured to receive information from the external computing device. The user interface module in the external computing device is configured to trigger the control software for performing a plurality of processes.
[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control software is configured to perform a plurality of processes in sequence. The processes include: establishing a communication between the external computing device and the microcontroller module; setting the pressure of air in a first air chamber through increment and decrement operations; and, setting the pressure of air in a second air chamber through increment and decrement operations. The communication is continuously checked such that in case the communication link breaks, the communication is re-established without any change in configurations. The user settings for the set pressure value are stored in a database. The pressure value in the first air chamber is configured to be edited anytime based on user’s preferences. The status of the pressure in the first air chamber is continuously monitored and the system is configured for increasing or decreasing the pressure in the first air chamber by respectively inflating or deflating the first air chamber. The user settings for the set pressure value are stored in a database. The pressure value in the second air chamber is configured to be edited anytime based on user’s preferences. The status of the pressure in the second air chamber is continuously monitored and the system is configured for increasing or decreasing the pressure in the second air chamber by respectively inflating or deflating the second air chamber.
[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a database module is configured to digitally store a plurality of information relating to the operation of the system. The information includes the pressure values of the plurality of air chambers, preset details and pressure values, monitored data from the plurality of air chambers and the microcontroller module. The database module is configured to be located in the microcontroller module or the remote computing device or in an Internet enabled cloud storage.
[0029] SYSTEM FUNCTIONS: The Smart Bed System Controller Product shall be integrated with two external rubberized air chambers (left & right) with the topping for the comfort, together called as Smart Bed. The main aim of the Smart Bed is to provide customization of hardness and softness of the mattress thus providing the sleep comfort level to user on demand. The System Controller mainly addresses the requirements for electronically controlling the inflating & deflating the air chamber, based on the user’s choice, which in turn adjusts the hardness and Softness of the mattress.
[0030] The Air Mattress System comprises of Air Pump Motor, and controller. The air from the atmosphere is filtered through filter and then injected to Mattresses where obtained high pressure air is pumped into air passage valve. The air passage and control solenoidal valve is designed as per inflation and deflation of air in air mattress.
[0031] SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE: The Smart Bed Control System Architecture: The Smart Bed Control System has three major layers: Hardware, Firmware and Application Software. The hardware has a microcontroller-based architecture. The communication device, motor control device and pressure sensor devices are connected to the microcontroller. The firmware is running on the microcontroller. The firmware has control software to control all the devices connected to the hardware. Application software is used for user interface. The application software is running on the mobile. The application software allows the users to communicate with the system (Hardware and Firmware). The entire system architecture has the following major sections: HARDWARE, FIRMWARE, BLE MODULE – FIRMWARE DEVELOPMENT, BLE / WI-FI MODULE – FIRMWARE DEVELOPMENT, APPLICATION SOFTWARE, Android and iOS.
[0032] HARDWARE ARCHITECTURE: The hardware architecture has the following sections: Power Supply (SMPS), Microcontroller, DC Air Pump Motor, Solenoid Control, Communication device (IR, RF, BLE/Wi-Fi and USB), and Pressure Sensor.
[0033] Power Supply (SMPS): This section provides 3.3Vdc/12Vdc to the microcontroller and other devices. The power supply provides low noise and constant DC voltage to peripheral devices. The input of power supply is 230VAC +/-10%. This power supply is designed according to the FLYBACK topology which is providing high efficiency with low THD (Total Harmonic Distraction). The power Supply has designed through INN3162 device from PI with maximum load of 2A. The power supply has the following features: Surge Protection – 4KV, High Voltage Protection, Overload Protection, Reverse Voltage Protection and Feedback Control for Constant Voltage.
[0034] Microcontroller: The microcontroller section is the heart of the system. Nona technology, low power consumption and high EMI / EMC controllable based PIC18F45K20 device from MICROCHIP is being used. The device is operating with 16Mhz clock. The operation voltage of the device is 3.3Vdc. The microcontroller has internal programmable FLASH memory and Configurable EEPROM memory. These features make the product cost efficient as this saves the BOM cost of the product. The microcontroller has an internal DATA Memory SRAM which executes the instructions rapidly. The microcontroller has the Permanent Primary Boot Loader which helps to boot the product without external boot device. These features save the BOM cost as additional external devices are not required. The functions of the microcontroller section are as below: To control the AC Air Pump Motor Power [ON or OFF]; To control the Solenoid Valve [ON/OFF]; To control the AC Air Pump Motor [ON/OFF]; To read the pressure value from Air Chambers through Pressure Sensor; To control the air chambers pressure through Pressure Sensor by continuously monitoring with respect to Pre-set Pressure value; The pressure of the Air chambers is controlled by closed loop control system method through pressure sensor; To read the RF signal and execute the command; To communicate with the Wi-Fi module through UART and execute the command; To communicate with the BLE module through UART and execute the command; To communicate with the RF module through SPI and execute the command; To communicate with the USB device through UART and execute the command.
[0035] AC AIR PUMP MOTOR CONTROL: This section explains about AC Air Pump Motor Control. The AC Air pump motor receives Air from natural sources and passes to Air Chambers through Solenoid valve. The operating voltage of Air Pump Motor is 230VAC with maximum load of 2A. The AC Air pump motor gets power from Power Control Switch (TRIAC with optocoupler). The Power Control switch gets power from AC Power Supply (MAIN). The Power Control Switch is controlled by microcontroller section as per the inputs provided by the user. The power control switch (TRIAC with optocoupler) protects the AC Air pump motor during conditions such as short circuit, overload, etc.
[0036] SPEED CONTROL (TRIAC-Firing Angle): The speed of the Air Pump motor is controlled by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal through opto-coupler device. The PWM signal is generated by the microcontroller. The user can set the speed from 1 to 100% through PWM Signal through opto-coupler device. The opto-coupler device has PWM input signals. Using these PWM signals we can control the air pump motor forward and reverse direction.
[0037] MOTOR POWER SUPPLY: The system has constant 12VDC and 2A load switch mode power supply. The power supply provides low noise and constant voltage to power control Switch (MOSFET). The input of power supply is 230VAC +/- 10%. This power supply is designed according to the FLYBACK topology which provides high efficiency with low THD (Total Harmonic Distraction). The power supply is designed through LYT6068C device from PI with maximum load of 2A. The power supply has the following features: Surge Protection – 4KV, High Voltage Protection, Overload Protection, Reverse Voltage Protection and Feedback Control for Constant Voltage.
[0038] SOLENOID CONTROL: This section explains about the control functions of the Solenoid valve. The Solenoid valve controls the air flow to air chambers. The Solenoid valve is controlled by Solenoid control switch (MOSFET). The Solenoid control switch is controlled by microcontroller according to the user inputs and closed loop control system. The Product has three solenoid valves, first valve controls the airflow to the first chamber and third valve controls the air flow to the second chamber. The middle valve removes the airflow from either from chamber one or two according to the user input. The Solenoid valve is operating at 12VDC with the load of 100mA each. The power supply provides constant 12VDC without noise. The Solenoid control switch has reverse protection features which protects solenoid valve and related control device.
[0039] COMMUNICATION DEVICE: (USB, BLE /Wi-Fi and RF (867MHz))
[0040] RF (Wireless Receiver): The RF device receives the command from Handheld device through wireless (RF) and sends to the microcontroller. The Microcontroller decodes the signal and executes the command according to the user inputs like Chamber One ON, Chamber Two ON, etc.
[0041] The SBSC (Smart Bed Control System) has AD7024 device. The device operates at 867MHZ frequency. The device has internal frequency modulation. The device has internal LF (Low Pass) filter and operating voltage is 3.3Vdc.
[0042] USB: The function of the USB device is to receive the command from USB port and send to the microcontroller. The USB device can interface with other USB device to communicate with Smart Bed Control System product. The major function of the USB device is to debug the system and understand the FAILURE ANALYSIS of the system. The name of the USB device in SBSC (Smart Bed Control System) is FT232RL device. This device has features to control internal data flow. The device is communicating with microcontroller through UART port. The device is operating at 5vdc with maximum current of 500mA.
[0043] BLE MODULE: The function of the BLE module is to send/receive the commands to/from Mobile App (Android or IOS) through wireless communication. The BLE module is interfaced with microcontroller through UART. The BLE module firmware can be updated according to user requirements. The BLE module has been designed using CYW20719 device. The operating frequency of the module is 2.4Ghz (ISM – Band). The module has an inbuilt ANTENNA. The maximum communication distance is up to 15m. The BLE module has an internal FLASH memory and the firmware is stored in the FLASH memory. The firmware has been programmed with two sections for auto discovery and communications. The BLE module has an internal EEPROM memory to store the configuration data.
[0044] WIFI MODULE: The function of the Wi-Fi module is to send/receive the commands to/from Mobile App (Android or IOS) through wireless communication. The Wi-Fi module is interfaced with microcontroller through UART. The Wi-Fi module firmware can be updated according to user requirements. The Wi-Fi module has been designed using WE10 device. The operating frequency of the module is 2.4Ghz (ISM – Band). The module has an inbuilt ANTENNA. The maximum communication distance is up to 15m. The Wi-Fi module has an internal FLASH memory and the firmware is stored in the FLASH memory. The firmware has been programmed with two sections for auto discovery and communications. The Wi-Fi module has an internal EEPROM memory to store the configuration data.
[0045] RF (867Mhz): The function of the RF module is to send/receive the commands to/from remote handheld devices through wireless communication. The RF module is interfaced with microcontroller through SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface). The RF module firmware can be updated according to user requirements. The RF module has been designed using AD7024 device. The operating frequency of the module is 867Mhz (ISM – Band). The module has an inbuilt ANTENNA. The maximum communication distance is up to 15m. The RF module has an internal FLASH memory. The firmware has been programmed with two sections for auto discovery and communications. The RF module has an internal EEPROM memory to store the configuration data.
[0046] PRESSURE SENSOR: The function of the pressure sensor is to read the pressure from each chamber. The sensor reads the pressure from each chamber continuously in particular intervals. The pressure on each chamber is maintained by the sensor through closed loop algorithm as per user settings. The pressure sensor is interfaced with microcontroller through Analog voltage. The microcontroller reads the pressure data and calculate the data through successive approximation method to maintain the pressure on each chamber. The decrease in pressure level from the chamber is detected through sensor. The microcontroller calculates the current pressure and switches ON the Air pump motor and corresponding solenoid valve to set the required pressure on the chamber (Closed loop control). The microcontroller maintains the user settings of the pressure level on the chamber through Closed loop control method.
[0047] FIRMWARE: The firmware (Embedded Software) helps to send/receive the data from all the peripheral devices using microcontroller. The firmware runs on the microcontroller (CPU). The firmware is stored in the internal FLASH MEMORY and calibration data is stored in an internal EEPROM memory. The firmware has the following Architecture (Layers): Secondary Boot Loader Layer, Hardware Configuration Layer, Device Driver Layer, Intermediate Layer and Application Layer.
[0048] APPLICATION SOFTWARE: The Application software is used to control the Smart Bed Control System through Mobile App. The Mobile App is developed with either Android IOS based Operating System.
[0049] USER INTERFACE (UI) - The User Interface receives the input from the user and sends the request to control software. The UI graphic is developed with look and feel according to the needs of the customer. The UI graphics is developed through Flutter. The UI graphics indicates the establishment of the communication and established device status. The UI graphics shows the Pressure Setting values of Chamber1 and Chamber 2. Using the UI interface, the Pressure Value of Chamber1 and Chamber2 can be edited. UI Graphics shows the status of the Air Pump motor and Solenoid valve. Using the UI Graphics, we can control the airflow (inflated & deflated) to the Air Chambers.
[0050] CONTROL SOFTWARE: The Control Software receives the request from the User Interface and the request is sent to the relevant thread operations. Each input has a separate thread. The Control software runs multiple thread parallel. The Control software is developed through Java. The Control software has the following THREAD operations: Communication Establishment, Chamber1 Pressure Set, Chamber2 Pressure Set, Pressure Edit – Increment and Decrement, Chamber1 Air Inflated, Chamber2 Air Inflated, Chamber1 Air Deflated and Chamber2 Air Deflated.
[0051] COMMUNICATION ESTABLISHMENT: This thread (Function) is used to establish a communication between the Mobile App and the system controller. This thread continuously checks the communication signal. If the communication signal is lost, the thread re-establishes the communication without changing configurations.
[0052] CHAMBER1 PRESSURE SET: This Thread (Function) is used to set the pressure of Chamber 1 through increment and decrement operations. The other function of the thread is to save the user settings for the pressure value to the database. The Pressure value of Chamber 1 can be edited anytime through this thread operation. The Chamber 1 Pressure Value cannot be edited without enabling this thread. By default, the operations of the thread are disabled.
[0053] CHAMBER2 PRESSURE SET: This Thread (Function) is used to set the pressure of Chamber 2 through increment and decrement operations. The other function of the thread is to save the user settings for the pressure value to the database. The Pressure value of Chamber 2 can be edited anytime through this thread operation. The Chamber 2 Pressure Value cannot be edited without enabling this thread. By default, the operations of the thread are disabled.
[0054] PRESSURE EDIT – INCREMENT AND DECREMENT: This Thread (Function) is used to edit the pressure value for Chambers 1 & 2. The Thread stores the edited value to the database for relevant chambers. The Pressure value can be edited anytime and re-stored into the database. If the thread is not enabled, we cannot store the edited pressure value to the database for chambers.
[0055] CHAMBER1 AIR INFLATED: This Thread sends the command to the system controller to pump the Air to the Chamber 1. The thread indicates the status of the present pressure value. The thread indicates the motor ON / OFF statuses continuously.
[0056] CHAMBER2 AIR INFLATED: This Thread sends the command to the system controller to pump the Air to the Chamber 2. The thread indicates the status of the present pressure value. The thread indicates the motor ON / OFF statuses continuously.
[0057] CHAMBER1 AIR DEFLATED: This Thread sends the command to the system controller to release the Air from the Chamber 1. The thread indicates the status of the present pressure value. The thread indicates the motor ON / OFF statuses continuously.
[0058] CHAMBER2 AIR DEFLATED: This Thread sends the command to the system controller to release the Air from the Chamber 2. The thread indicates the status of the present pressure value. The thread indicates the motor ON / OFF statuses continuously.
[0059] DEVICE DRIVER (OS-Calls): The Device Driver Thread communicates with hardware through Operating System Calls. The device driver sends/receives the commands to/from an external device through Operating System Calls. The Device Driver checks the communication establishment of the external device and status. The communication delay is set through device driver.
[0060] DATABASE: The database stores configurations the pressure value for the relevant chambers. The database also stores other user configurations such as used ID and relevant data.
[0061] FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a system providing a self-adjusting mattress that is configured to adjust the softness of the mattress depending on the position and posture of a person sleeping on the mattress. The system comprises a mattress arrangement 101, a plurality of air chambers 102a, 102b, …, 102n, a fluid pumping module 103, a microcontroller module 104, a communication module 105, a motor control device 106, a pressure sensor module 107, a solenoid module 108, a power supply module 109 and an external computing device 110.
[0062] FIG. 2 illustrates an architecture of firmware provided in a self-adjusting mattress. The architecture includes a secondary boot loader 201, a hardware configuration layer 202, a device driver layer 203, an intermediate layer 204 and an application layer 205.
[0063] FIG. 3 illustrates an architecture of an application configured in a computing device that is provided in a self-adjusting mattress system. The architecture includes a user interface 301, a control software 302, a device driver 303, a hardware module 304 and a database 305.
[0064] Although the embodiments herein are described with various specific embodiments, it will be obvious for a person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein with modifications.
G) ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0065] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for a self-adjusting mattress that is configured to adjust the hardness of the mattress depending on the position and posture of a person sleeping on the mattress. The system comprises a plurality of rubberized air chambers that are designed to be separately inflated and deflated. The system receives a target pressure from the user and monitors air pressure within the air chambers intermittently to make a decision to automatically inflate or deflate the mattress accordingly to reach the target pressure. The system receives the pressure data of the air chambers and determines the operational parameters through successive approximation method to maintain the pressure on each chamber. The system stores pressure points and pressure preference of multiple users. The system determines the pressure points when a user sleeps on a mattress and matches the pressure points of the user against the stored pressure points of multiple users for the purpose of identification of the user and the system determines the target pressure based on the preference of the identified user.
[0066] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such as specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.
[0067] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications. However, all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the claims.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A system for providing a self-adjusting mattress that is configured to adjust the softness of the mattress depending on the position and posture of a person sleeping on the mattress, the system comprising:
a mattress arrangement (101), wherein the mattress (101) arrangement acts as a surface for a person to sleep;
a plurality of air chambers (102), wherein the plurality of air chambers (102 act as the frame on which the mattress is laid, and wherein the air chambers (102) provide the structural support to the person that sleeps on the mattress, and wherein, the air chambers (102) are inflatable using any fluid;
a fluid pumping module (103), wherein the fluid pumping module (103) comprises a motor and all accessories necessary for the working of a fluid pumping system, including the power supply and a plurality of electro-mechanical apparatus;
a microcontroller module (104), wherein the microcontroller module (104) further comprises a firmware module and a control software module;
a communication module (105), wherein the communication module (105) is controlled by the microcontroller module (104), and wherein the communication module (105) is configured to connect the microcontroller module (104) with a plurality of sensors, actuators and other computing devices through a plurality of wired and wireless communication protocols;
a motor control device (106);
a pressure sensor module (107), wherein the pressure sensor module (107) comprises at least two pressure sensors;
a solenoid module (108), wherein the solenoid module (108) comprises a plurality of solenoid valves that are configured to be operated and controlled by the microcontroller module;
power supply module (109); and,
an external computing device (110).

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid pumping system (103) comprises a pump motor, and wherein the air from the atmosphere is filtered through a filter and then injected into the mattress arrangement (101) through an air passage valve, and wherein, the air passage and a solenoidal valve (108) is designed as per inflation and deflation of air in the mattress.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller module (104) comprises an internal programmable FLASH memory, a configurable EEPROM memory and an internal DATA Memory SRAM which executes the instructions rapidly, and wherein, the microcontroller includes a permanent primary boot loader which helps to boot the system without an external boot device, and wherein, the functions of the microcontroller module include controlling the fluid pump motor power supply, controlling the solenoid valves, control the DC air pump motor power supply, receiving the pressure value readings of the plurality of air chambers through the pressure sensor module, controlling the pressure in the air chambers by continuously monitoring with respect to preset pressure value (wherein the pressure of the air chambers is controlled by closed loop control system method through pressure sensor), reading a plurality of signals from a plurality of sensors and actuators and executing the corresponding preset command, and, communicating with the communication module and executing corresponding commands.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor control device (106) is configured to receive air from natural sources and pass the air to the plurality of air chambers through the solenoid valves, and wherein, the motor control device (106) receives electric power from a power control switch, and wherein, power control switch is controlled by the microcontroller as per inputs provided by the user, and wherein the power control switch is configured to protect the motor control device during anomalous conditions such as a short circuit or overload of power, and wherein, the fluid pumping system is controlled and monitored by the motor control device, and wherein, the speed of the fluid pumping system (103) is controlled by a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal through a H-Bridge driver, and wherein, the PWM signal is generated by the microcontroller.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of solenoid modules (108) are configured to control the air flow to the plurality of air chambers, and wherein, the solenoid valves in the solenoid modules (108) are controlled by a solenoid control switch, and wherein, the solenoid control switch is controlled by the microcontroller according to the user inputs and a closed loop control system, and wherein, the a first solenoid valve in the solenoid modules is configured to control the airflow into a first air chamber and a second solenoid valve is configured to control the air flow into a second air chamber, and wherein, a third solenoid valve is configured to remove the air from a plurality of air chambers according to the user input or preset conditions, and wherein, the solenoid control switch comprises reverse protection features to protect the solenoid valves and related control device.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor module (107) is configured to read the pressure from the plurality of air chambers, and wherein, the pressure in each of the plurality of chambers (102) is maintained by the pressure sensor module through a closed loop mechanism as set by the user, and wherein, the pressure sensor (107) is interfaced with the microcontroller (104), and the microcontroller is configured to receive the pressure data and calculate through successive approximation method to maintain the pressure on each chamber, and wherein the decrease in pressure level from the plurality of air chambers (102) is detected through the pressure sensors, and wherein, the microcontroller (104) calculates the current pressure and switches ON the fluid pump motor and a corresponding solenoid valve to set the preset pressure on the chamber, and wherein, the microcontroller maintains the user settings of the pressure level on the chamber through a closed loop control method.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the external computing (110) device is a remote or local computing device that is communicably coupled with the microcontroller module through wired or wireless means, and wherein the external computing device is configured with a user interface module that is designed to render the pressure setting values of the plurality of air chambers (102), and wherein, user interface module is also designed to enable the user to control the pressure values to be maintained at the plurality of air chambers, and wherein, the user interface is also designed to provide a graphical rendering of the status of the fluid pump motor (103) and a plurality of solenoid valves.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller module (104) is configured with a control software, and wherein, the control software is configured to receive information from the external computing device (110), and wherein, the user interface module in the external computing device is configured to trigger the control software for performing a plurality of processes.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control software (302) is configured to perform a plurality of processes in sequence, the processes including:
establishing a communication between the external computing device (110) and the microcontroller module (104), and wherein, the communication is continuously checked such that in case the communication link breaks, the communication is re-established without any change in configurations;
setting the pressure of air in a first air chamber through increment and decrement operations, and wherein, the user settings for the set pressure value are stored in a database, and wherein, the pressure value in the first air chamber is configured to be edited anytime based on user’s preferences, and wherein, the status of the pressure in the first air chamber is continuously monitored and the system is configured for increasing or decreasing the pressure in the first air chamber by respectively inflating or deflating the first air chamber; and,
setting the pressure of air in a second air chamber through increment and decrement operations, and wherein, the user settings for the set pressure value are stored in a database, and wherein, the pressure value in the second air chamber is configured to be edited anytime based on user’s preferences and wherein, the status of the pressure in the second air chamber is continuously monitored and the system is configured for increasing or decreasing the pressure in the second air chamber by respectively inflating or deflating the second air chamber.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a database module (305) is configured to digitally store a plurality of information relating to the operation of the system, and wherein, the information includes the pressure values of the plurality of air chambers (102), preset details and pressure values, monitored data from the plurality of air chambers and the microcontroller module, and wherein, the database module (305) is configured to be located in the microcontroller module (104) or the remote computing device (110) or in an Internet enabled cloud storage.