US20160073950A1 - Vibrating alarm system and operating methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Introduced are methods and systems for: gathering human biological signals, such as heart rate, breathing rate, or temperature; analyzing the gathered human biological signals; and controlling an alarm based on the analysis.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/732,646, filed Jun. 5, 2015, which claims priority to the following U.S. provisional patent applications: U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/008,480, filed Jun. 5, 2014; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/024,945, filed Jul. 15, 2014; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/159,177, filed May 8, 2015; and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/161,142, filed May 13, 2015; which applications are incorporated herein in their entirety and by this reference thereto.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• Various embodiments relate generally to home automation devices, and human biological signal gathering and analysis.
BACKGROUND
• According to current scientific research into sleep, there are two major stages of sleep: rapid eye movement (“REM”) sleep, and non-REM sleep. First comes non-REM sleep, followed by a shorter period of REM sleep, and then the cycle starts over again.
• There are three stages of non-REM sleep. Each stage can last from 5 to 15 minutes. A person goes through all three stages before reaching REM sleep.
• In stage one, a person's eyes are closed, but the person is easily woken up. This stage may last for 5 to 10 minutes.
• In stage two, a person is in light sleep. A person's heart rate slows and the person's body temperature drops. The person's body is getting ready for deep sleep.
• Stage three is the deep sleep stage. A person is harder to rouse during this stage, and if the person was woken up, the person would feel disoriented for a few minutes. During the deep stages of non-REM sleep, the body repairs and regrows tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens the immune system.
• REM sleep happens 90 minutes after a person falls asleep. Dreams typically happen during REM sleep. The first period of REM typically lasts 10 minutes. Each of later REM stages gets longer, and the final one may last up to an hour. A person's heart rate and breathing quickens. A person can have intense dreams during REM sleep, since the brain is more active. REM sleep affects learning of certain mental skills.
• Even in today's technological age, supporting healthy sleep is relegated to the technology of the past such as an electric blanket, a heated pad, or a bed warmer. The most advanced of these technologies, an electric blanket, is a blanket with an integrated electrical heating device which can be placed above the top bed sheet or below the bottom bed sheet. The electric blanket may be used to pre-heat the bed before use or to keep the occupant warm while in bed. However, turning on the electric blanket requires the user to remember to manually turn on the blanket, and then manually turn it on. Further, the electric blanket provides no additional functionality besides warming the bed.
SUMMARY
• Introduced are methods and systems for: gathering human biological signals, such as heart rate, breathing rate, or temperature; analyzing the gathered human biological signals; and controlling home appliances based on the analysis.
• In one embodiment of the invention, one or more user sensors, associated with a piece of furniture, such as a bed, measure the bio signals associated with a user, such as the heart rate associated with said user or breathing rate associated with said user. One or more environment sensors measure the environment property such as temperature, humidity, light, or sound. Based on the bio signals associated with said user and environment properties received, the system determines the time at which to send an instruction to an alarm to turn on or to turn off.
• In another embodiment of the invention, based on the heart rate, temperature, and breathing rate, associated with a user, the system determines the sleep phase associated with said user. Based on the sleep phase and the user-specified wake-up time, the system determines a time to wake up the user, so that the user does not feel tired or disoriented when woken up.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• These and other objects, features and characteristics of the present embodiments will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from a study of the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended claims and drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. While the accompanying drawings include illustrations of various embodiments, the drawings are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter.
• FIG. 1 is a diagram of a bed device, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a bed device, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an example of layers comprising a bed pad device, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 4 illustrates a user sensor placed on a sensor strip, according to one embodiment.
• FIGS. 5A,5B,5C, and5D show different configurations of a sensor strip, to fit different size mattresses, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 6A illustrates the division of the heating coil into zones and subzones, according to one embodiment.
• FIGS. 6B and 6C illustrate the independent control of the different subzones, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the process for deciding when to heat or cool the bed device, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the process for recommending a bed time to a user, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the process for activating the user's alarm, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the process for turning off an appliance, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 11 is a diagram of a system capable of automating the control of the home appliances, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 12 is an illustration of the system capable of controlling an appliance and a home, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the process for controlling an appliance, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the process for controlling an appliance, according to another embodiment.
• FIG. 15 is a diagram of a system for monitoring biological signals associated with a user, and providing notifications or alarms, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a process for generating a notification based on a history of biological signals associated with a user, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a process for generating a comparison between a biological signal associated with a user and a target biological signal, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a process for detecting the onset of a disease, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the example form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies or modules discussed herein, may be executed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Examples of a method, apparatus, and computer program for automating the control of home appliances and improving the sleep environment are disclosed below. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the invention.
Terminology
• Brief definitions of terms, abbreviations, and phrases used throughout this application are given below.
• In this specification, the term “biological signal” and “bio signal” are synonyms, and are used interchangeably.
• Reference in this specification to “sleep phase” means light sleep, deep sleep, or rapid eye movement (“REM”) sleep. Light sleep comprises stage one and stage two, non-REM sleep.
• Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described that may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described that may be requirements for some embodiments but not others.
• Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements. The coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, two devices may be coupled directly, or via one or more intermediary channels or devices. As another example, devices may be coupled in such a way that information can be passed there between, while not sharing any physical connection with one another. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.
• If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,” “could,” or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
• The term “module” refers broadly to software, hardware, or firmware components (or any combination thereof). Modules are typically functional components that can generate useful data or another output using specified input(s). A module may or may not be self-contained. An application program (also called an “application”) may include one or more modules, or a module may include one or more application programs.
• The terminology used in the Detailed Description is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with certain examples. The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using capitalization, italics, and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same element can be described in more than one way.
• Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, but special significance is not to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.
Bed Device
• FIG. 1 is a diagram of a bed device, according to one embodiment. Any number of user sensors140,150 monitor the bio signals associated with a user, such as the heart rate, the breathing rate, the temperature, motion, or presence, associated with said user. Any number ofenvironment sensors160,170 monitor environment properties, such as temperature, sound, light, or humidity. The user sensors140,150 and theenvironment sensors160,170 communicate their measurements to theprocessor100. Theenvironment sensors160,170, measure the properties of the environment that theenvironment sensors160,170 are associated with. In one embodiment, theenvironment sensors160,170 are placed next to the bed. Theprocessor100 determines, based on the bio signals associated with said user, historical bio signals associated with said user, user-specified preferences, exercise data associated with said user, or the environment properties received, a control signal, and a time to send said control signal to abed device120.
• According to one embodiment, theprocessor100 is connected to adatabase180, which stores the biological signals associated with a user. Additionally, thedatabase180 can store average biological signals associated with the user, history of biological signals associated with a user, etc. Thedatabase180 can be associated with a user, or thedatabase180 can be associated with the bed device.
• FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the bed device ofFIG. 1, according to one embodiment. Asensor strip210, associated with amattress200 of thebed device120, monitors bio signals associated with a user sleeping on themattress200. Thesensor strip210 can be built into themattress200, or can be part of a bed pad device. Alternatively, thesensor strip210 can be a part of any other piece of furniture, such as a rocking chair, a couch, an armchair etc. Thesensor strip210 comprises a temperature sensor, or a piezo sensor. Theenvironment sensor220 measures environment properties such as temperature, sound, light or humidity. According to one embodiment, theenvironment sensor220 is associated with the environment surrounding themattress200. Thesensor strip210 and theenvironment sensor220 communicate the measured environment properties to theprocessor230. In some embodiments, theprocessor230 can be similar to theprocessor100 ofFIG. 1 Aprocessor230 can be connected to thesensor strip210, or theenvironment sensor220 by a computer bus, such as an I2C bus. Also, theprocessor230 can be connected to thesensor strip210, or theenvironment sensor220 by a communication network. By way of example, the communication network connecting theprocessor230 to thesensor strip210, or theenvironment sensor220 includes one or more networks such as a data network, a wireless network, a telephony network, or any combination thereof. The data network may be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), a public data network (e.g., the Internet), short range wireless network, or any other suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially owned, proprietary packet-switched network, e.g., a proprietary cable or fiber-optic network, and the like, or any combination thereof. In addition, the wireless network may be, for example, a cellular network and may employ various technologies including enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth®, Internet Protocol (IP) data casting, satellite, mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), and the like, or any combination thereof.
• Theprocessor230 is any type of microcontroller, or any processor in a mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal including a mobile handset, station, unit, device, multimedia computer, multimedia tablet, Internet node, cloud computer, communicator, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, netbook computer, tablet computer, personal communication system (PCS) device, personal navigation device, personal digital assistants (PDAs), audio/video player, digital camera/camcorder, positioning device, television receiver, radio broadcast receiver, electronic book device, game device, the accessories and peripherals of these devices, or any combination thereof.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an example of layers comprising the bed pad device ofFIG. 1, according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, thebed pad device120 is a pad that can be placed on top of the mattress.Bed pad device120 comprises a number of layers. Atop layer350 comprises fabric. Alayer340 comprises batting, and asensor strip330. Alayer320 comprises coils for cooling or heating the bed device. Alayer310 comprises waterproof material.
• FIG. 4 illustrates auser sensor420,440,450,470 placed on asensor strip400, according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, theuser sensors420,440,450,470 can be similar to or part of thesensor strip210 ofFIG. 2.Sensors470 and440 comprise a piezo sensor, which can measure a bio signal associated with a user, such as the heart rate and the breathing rate.Sensors450 and420 comprise a temperature sensor. According to one embodiment,sensors450, and470 measure the bio signals associated with one user, whilesensors420,440 measure the bio signals associated with another user. Analog-to-digital converter410 converts the analog sensor signals into digital signals to be communicated to a processor.Computer bus430 and460, such as the I2C bus, communicates the digitized bio signals to a processor.
• FIGS. 5A and 5B show different configurations of the sensor strip, to fit different size mattresses, according to one embodiment.FIGS. 5C and 5D show how such different configurations of the sensor strip can be achieved. Specifically,sensor strip400 comprises acomputer bus510,530, and asensor striplet505. Thecomputer bus510,530 can be bent atpredetermined locations540,550,560,570. Bending thecomputer bus515 atlocation540 produces the maximum total length of thecomputer bus530.Computer bus530 combined with asensor striplet505, fits aking size mattress520. Bending thecomputer bus515 atlocation570 produces the smallest total length of the computer bus,510.Computer bus510 combined with asensor striplet505, fits atwin size mattress500. Bending thecomputer bus515 atlocation560, enables thesensor strip400 to fit a full-size bed. Bending thecomputer bus515 atlocation550 enables thesensor strip400 to fit a queen-size bed. In some embodiments,twin mattress500, orking mattress520 can be similar to themattress200 ofFIG. 2.
• FIG. 6A illustrates the division of theheating coil600 into zones and subzones, according to one embodiment. Specifically, theheating coil600 is divided into twozones660 and610, each corresponding to one user of the bed. Eachzone660 and610 can be heated or cooled independently of the other zone in response to the user's needs. To achieve independent heating of the twozones660 and610, the power supply associated with theheating coil600 is divided into two zones, each power supply zone corresponding to asingle user zone660,610. Further, eachzone660 and610 is further subdivided into subzones.Zone660 is divided intosubzones670,680,690, and695.Zone610 is divided intosubzones620,630,640, and650. The distribution of coils in each subzone is configured so that the subzone is uniformly heated. However, the subzones may differ among themselves in the density of coils. For example, the data associated with saiduser subzone670 has lower density of coils thansubzone680. This will result insubzone670 having lower temperature thansubzone680, when the coils are heated. Similarly, when the coils are used for cooling,subzones670 will have higher temperature thansubzone680. According to one embodiment,subzones680 and630 with highest coil density correspond to the user's lower back; andsubzones695 and650 with highest coil density correspond to user's feet. According to one embodiment, even if the users switch sides of the bed, the system will correctly identify which user is sleeping in which zone by identifying the user based on any of the following signals alone, or in combination: heart rate, breathing rate, body motion, or body temperature associated with said user.
• In another embodiment, the power supply associated with theheating coil600 is divided into a plurality of zones, each power supply zone corresponding to asubzone620,630,640,650,670,680,690,695. The user can control the temperature of eachsubzone620,630,640,650,670,680,690,695 independently. Further, each user can independently specify the temperature preferences for each of the subzones. Even if the users switch sides of the bed, the system will correctly identify the user, and the preferences associated with the user by identifying the user based on any of the following signals alone, or in combination: heart rate, breathing rate, body motion, or body temperature associated with said user.
• FIGS. 6B and 6C illustrate the independent control of the different subzones in eachzone610,660, according to one embodiment. Set ofuniform coils611, connected topower management box601, uniformly heats or cools the bed. Another set of coils, targeting specific areas of the body such as the neck, the back, the legs, or the feet, is layered on top of the uniform coils611.Subzone615 heats or cools the neck.Subzone625 heats or cools the back.Subzone635 heats or cools the legs, andsubzone645 heats or cools the feet. Power is distributed to the coils via duty cycling of thepower supply605. Contiguous sets of coils can be heated or cooled at different levels by assigning the power supply duty cycle to each set of coils. The user can control the temperature of each subzone independently.
• FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the process for deciding when to heat or cool the bed device, according to one embodiment. Atblock700, the process obtains a biological signal associated with a user, such as presence in bed, motion, breathing rate, heart rate, or a temperature. The process obtains said biological signal from a sensor associated with a user. Further, atblock710, the process obtains environment property, such as the amount of ambient light and the bed temperature. The process obtains environment property from and environment sensor associated with the bed device. If the user is in bed, the bed temperature is low, and the ambient light is low, the process sends a control signal to the bed device. The control signal comprises an instruction to heat the bed device to the average nightly temperature associated with said user. According to another embodiment, the control signal comprises an instruction to heat the bed device to a user-specified temperature. Similarly, if the user is in bed, the bed temperature is high, and the ambient light is low, the process sends a control signal to the bed device to cool the bed device to the average nightly temperature associated with said user. According to another embodiment, the control signal comprises an instruction to cool the bed device to a user-specified temperature.
• In another embodiment, in addition to obtaining the biological signal associated with said user, and the environment property, the process obtains a history of biological signals associated with said user. The history of biological signals can be stored in adatabase180 associated with the bed device, or in adatabase180 associated with a user. The history of biological signals comprises the average bedtime the user went to sleep for each day of the week; that is, the history of biological signals comprises the average bedtime associated with said user on Monday, the average bedtime associated with said user on Tuesday, etc. For a given day of the week, the process determines the average bedtime associated with said user for that day of the week, and sends the control signal to the bed device, allowing enough time for the bed to reach the desired temperature, before the average bedtime associated with said user. The control signal comprises an instruction to heat, or cool the bed to a desired temperature. The desired temperature may be automatically determined, such as by averaging the historical nightly temperature associated with a user, or the desired temperature may be specified by the user.
Bio Signal Processing
• The technology disclosed here categorizes the sleep phase associated with a user as light sleep, deep sleep, or REM sleep. Light sleep comprises stage one and stage two sleep. The technology performs the categorization based on the breathing rate associated with said user, heart rate associated with said user, motion associated with said user, and body temperature associated with said user. Generally, when the user is awake the breathing is erratic. When the user is sleeping, the breathing becomes regular. The transition between being awake and sleeping is quick, and lasts less than 1 minute. The user cycles through light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep throughout the night. A complete sleep cycle takes on average between 90 and 110 minutes.
• FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the process for recommending a bed time to the user, according to one embodiment. Atblock800, theprocessor230 obtains a history of sleep phase information associated with said user. The history of sleep phase information comprises an amount of time the user spent in each of the sleep phases, light sleep, deep sleep, or REM sleep. The history of sleep phase information can be stored in adatabase180 associated with the user. Based on this information, theprocessor230 determines how much light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep, the user needs on average every day. In another embodiment, the history of sleep phase information comprises the average bedtime associated with said user for each day of the week (e.g. the average bedtime associated with said user on Monday, the average bedtime associated with said user on Tuesday, etc.). Atblock810, theprocessor230 obtains user-specified wake-up time, such as the alarm setting associated with said user. Atblock820, theprocessor230 obtains exercise information associated with said user, such as the distance the user ran that day, the amount of time the user exercised in the gym, or the amount of calories the user burned that day. According to one embodiment, theprocessor230 obtains said exercise information from a user phone, a wearable device, a fitbit bracelet, or adatabase180 storing said exercise information. Based on all this information, atblock830, theprocessor230 recommends a bedtime to the user. For example, if the user has not been getting enough deep and REM sleep in the last few days, theprocessor230 recommends an earlier bedtime to the user. Also, if the user has exercised more than the average daily exercise, theprocessor230 recommends an earlier bedtime to the user.
• FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the process for activating a user's alarm, according to one embodiment. Atblock900, theprocessor230 obtains the compound bio signal associated with said user. The compound bio signal associated with said user comprises the heart rate associated with said user, the breathing rate associated with said user, the motion associated with the user, and the temperature associated with the user. According to one embodiment, theprocessor230 obtains the compound bio signal from a sensor associated with said user. Atblock910, theprocessor230 extracts the heart rate signal from the compound bio signal. For example, theprocessor230 extracts the heart rate signal associated with said user by performing low-pass filtering on the compound bio signal. Also, atblock920, theprocessor230 extracts the breathing rate signal from the compound bio signal. For example, theprocessor230 extracts the breathing rate by performing bandpass filtering on the compound bio signal. The breathing rate signal includes breath duration, pauses between breaths, as well as breaths per minute. Theprocessor230 also extracts the temperature signal and the motion signal from the compound bio signal.
• Atblock930, theprocessor230 obtains user's wake-up time, such as the alarm setting associated with said user. In order to obtain the user's wake-up time, theprocessor230, first identifies the user based on the user's bio signal. Based on the heart rate signal and the breathing rate signal, theprocessor230 determines the sleep phase associated with said user, and if the user is in light sleep phase, and current time is at most one hour before the alarm time, atblock940, theprocessor230 sends a control signal to an alarm. The control signal comprises an instruction to activate. Waking up the user during the deep sleep or REM sleep is detrimental to the user's health because the user will feel disoriented, groggy, and will suffer from impaired memory. Consequently, atblock950, theprocessor230 activates an alarm, when the user is in light sleep and when the current time is at most one hour before the user specified wake-up time.
• The alarm can be a vibrating alarm strip coupled to the user, for example a vibrating alarm strip attached to the mattress, attached to a bed pad, attached to the user's cover, attached to the bed sheets etc. In one embodiment, the alarm can be a wearable device attached to the user, such as a bracelet. The vibrating alarm strip can be divided into a plurality of zones corresponding to a plurality of users. For example, the left side of the bed corresponds tozone1, and the right side of the bed corresponds to zone2.Zone1 and zone2 can vibrate independently of each other. When the vibrating alarm is divided into the plurality of zones, the control signal comprises an identification associated with the zone to which the control signal is sent.
• Theprocessor230 can detect whether the user is in light sleep in several ways. According to one embodiment, theprocessor230 detects that user is in light sleep if within a period of at most5 minutes there is a slow-down in the user's heart rate, a drop in the user's temperature, and the users breathing becomes regular. According to another embodiment, theprocessor230 detects that the user is in light sleep if the user is sleeping, and the rapid eye movement sleep phase has ended. In another embodiment, thedatabase180 stores a history of biological signals associated with said user, wherein said history of biological signals associated with the user comprises a normal heart rate range associated with each sleep phase, a normal breathing rate range associated with each sleep phase, a normal motion range associated with each sleep phase, and a normal temperature range associated with each sleep phase. Theprocessor230 obtains from thedatabase180 the history of biological signals associated with a user. To obtain the history of bio signals associated with a user, theprocessor230 first identifies the user based on the current bio signal associated with the user. The current bio signal comprises the current breathing rate, the current temperature in the current motion associated with the user. Based on the history of bio signals in the current bio signal, theprocessor230 determines the best match between the current bio signal and the history of bio signals associated with each sleep phases. If the best match between the current bio signal and the history of bio signals is light sleep, theprocessor230 determines that the user is in light sleep. According to one embodiment, the best match is determined by least square difference between the current bio signal and the history of bio signals.
• FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the process for turning off an appliance, according to one embodiment. Atblock1000, theprocessor230 obtains the compound bio signal associated with said user. The compound bio signal comprises the heart rate associated with said user, and the breathing rate associated with said user. According to one embodiment, theprocessor230 obtains the compound bio signal from a sensor associated with said user. Atblock1010, theprocessor230 extracts the heart rate signal from the compound bio signal by, for example, performing low-pass filtering on the compound bio signal. Also, atblock1020, theprocessor230 extracts the breathing rate signal from the compound bio signal by, for example, performing bandpass filtering on the compound bio signal. Atblock1030, theprocessor230 obtains an environment property, comprising temperature, humidity, light, sound from an environment sensor associated with said sensor strip. Based on the environment property and the sleep state associated with said user, atblock1040, theprocessor230 determines whether the user is sleeping. If the user is sleeping, theprocessor230, atblock1050, turns an appliance off. For example, if the user is asleep and the environment temperature is above the average nightly temperature, theprocessor230 turns off the thermostat. Further, if the user is asleep and the lights are on, theprocessor230 turns off the lights. Similarly, if the user is asleep and the TV is on, theprocessor230 turns off the TV.
Smart Home
• FIG. 11 is a diagram of a system capable of automating the control of the home appliances, according to one embodiment. Any number of user sensors1140,1150 monitor biological signals associated with said user, such as temperature, motion, presence, heart rate, or breathing rate. Any number ofenvironment sensors1160,1170 monitor environment properties, such as temperature, sound, light, or humidity. According to one embodiment, theenvironment sensors1160,1170 are placed next to a bed. The user sensors1140,1150 and theenvironment sensors1160,1170 communicate their measurements to theprocessor1100. In some embodiments, theprocessor1100 and theprocessor230 at the same processor. Theprocessor1100 determines, based on the current biological signals associated with said user, historical biological signals associated with said user, user-specified preferences, exercise data associated with said user, and the environment properties received, a control signal, and a time to send said control signal to anappliance1120,1130.
• Theprocessor1100 is any type of microcontroller, or any processor in a mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal including a mobile handset, station, unit, device, multimedia computer, multimedia tablet, Internet node, cloud computer, communicator, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, netbook computer, tablet computer, personal communication system (PCS) device, personal navigation device, personal digital assistants (PDAs), audio/video player, digital camera/camcorder, positioning device, television receiver, radio broadcast receiver, electronic book device, game device, the accessories and peripherals of these devices, or any combination thereof.
• Theprocessor1100 can be connected to the user sensor1140,1150, or theenvironment sensor1160,1170 by a computer bus, such as an I2C bus. Also, theprocessor1100 can be connected to the user sensor1140,1150, orenvironment sensor1160,1170 by acommunication network1110. By way of example, thecommunication network1110 connecting theprocessor1100 to the user sensor1140,1150, or theenvironment sensor1160,1170 includes one or more networks such as a data network, a wireless network, a telephony network, or any combination thereof. The data network may be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), a public data network (e.g., the Internet), short range wireless network, or any other suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially owned, proprietary packet-switched network, e.g., a proprietary cable or fiber-optic network, and the like, or any combination thereof. In addition, the wireless network may be, for example, a cellular network and may employ various technologies including enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth®, Internet Protocol (IP) data casting, satellite, mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), and the like, or any combination thereof.
• FIG. 12 is an illustration of the system capable of controlling an appliance and a home, according to one embodiment. The appliances, that the system disclosed here can control, comprise an alarm, a coffee machine, a lock, a thermostat, a bed device, a humidifier, or a light. For example, the system detects that the user has fallen asleep, the system sends a control signal to the lights to turn off, to the locks to engage, and to the thermostat to lower the temperature. According to another example, if the system detects that the user has woken up and it is morning, the system sends a control signal to the coffee machine to start making coffee.
• FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the process for controlling an appliance, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, atblock1300, the process obtains history of biological signals, such as at what time does the user go to bed on a particular day of the week (e.g. the average bedtime associated with said user on Monday, the average bedtime associated with said user on Tuesday etc.). The history of biological signals can be stored in adatabase180 associated with the user, or in adatabase180 associated with the bed device. In another embodiment, atblock1300, the process also obtains user specified preferences, such as the preferred bed temperature associated with said user. Based on the history of biological signals and user-specified preferences, the process, atblock1320, determines a control signal, and a time to send said control signal to an appliance. It block1330, the process determines whether to send a control signal to an appliance. For example, if the current time is within half an hour of average bedtime associated with said user on that particular day of the week, the process, atblock1340, sends a control signal to an appliance. For example, the control signal comprises an instruction to turn on the bed device, and the user specified bed temperature. Alternatively, the bed temperature is determined automatically, such as by calculating the average nightly bed temperature associated with a user.
• According to another embodiment, atblock1300, the process obtains a current biological signal associated with a user from a sensor associated with said user. Atblock1310, the process also obtains environment data, such as the ambient light, from an environment sensor associated with a bed device. Based on the current biological signal, the process identifies whether the user is asleep. If the user is asleep and the lights are on, the process sends an instruction to turn off the lights. In another embodiment, if the user is asleep, the lights are off, and the ambient light is high, the process sends an instruction to the blinds to shut. In another embodiment, if the user is asleep, the process sends an instruction to the locks to engage.
• In another embodiment, the process, atblock1300, obtains history of biological signals, such as at what time the user goes to bed on a particular day of the week (e.g. the average bedtime associated with said user on Monday, the average bedtime associated with said user on Tuesday etc.). The history of biological signals can be stored in adatabase180 associated with the bed device, or in adatabase180 associated with a user. Alternatively, the user may specify a bedtime for the user for each day of the week. Further, the process obtains the exercise data associated with said user, such as the number of hours the user spent exercising, or the heart rate associated with said user during exercising. According to one embodiment, the process obtains the exercise data from a user phone, a wearable device, fitbit bracelet, or adatabase180 associated with said user. Based on the average bedtime for that day of the week, and the exercise data during the day, the process, atblock1320, determines the expected bedtime associated with said user that night. The process then sends an instruction to the bed device to heat to a desired temperature, before the expected bedtime. The desired temperature can be specified by the user, or can be determined automatically, based on the average nightly temperature associated with said user.
• FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the process for controlling an appliance, according to another embodiment. The process, atblock1400, receives current biological signal associated with said user, such as the heart rate, breathing rate, presence, motion, or temperature, associated with said user. Based on the current biological signal, the process, atblock1410, identifies current sleep phase, such as light sleep, deep sleep, or REM sleep. The process, atblock1420 also receives a current environment property value, such as the temperature, the humidity, the light, or the sound. The process, atblock1430, accesses adatabase180, which stores historical values associated with the environment property and the current sleep phase. That is, thedatabase180 associates each sleep phase with an average historical value of the different environment properties. Thedatabase180 maybe associated with the bed device, maybe associated with the user, or maybe associated with a remote server. The process, atblock1440, then calculates a new average of the environment property based on the current value of the environment property and the historical value of the environment property, and assigns the new average to the current sleep phase in thedatabase180. If there is a mismatch between the current value of the environment property, and the historical average, the process, atblock1450, regulates the current value to match the historical average. For example, the environment property can be the temperature associated with the bed device. Thedatabase180 stores the average bed temperature corresponding to each of the sleep phase, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep. If the current bed temperature is below the historical average, the process sends a control signal to increase the temperature of the bed to match the historical average.
Monitoring of Biological Signals
• Biological signals associated with a person, such as a heart rate or a breathing rate, indicate said person's state of health. Changes in the biological signals can indicate an immediate onset of a disease, or a long-term trend that increases the risk of a disease associated with said person. Monitoring the biological signals for such changes can predict the onset of a disease, can enable calling for help when the onset of the disease is immediate, or can provide advice to the person if the person is exposed to a higher risk of the disease in the long-term.
• FIG. 15 is a diagram of a system for monitoring biological signals associated with a user, and providing notifications or alarms, according to one embodiment. Any number of user sensors1530,1540 monitor bio signals associated with said user, such as temperature, motion, presence, heart rate, or breathing rate. The user sensors1530,1540 communicate their measurements to theprocessor1500. Theprocessor1500 determines, based on the bio signals associated with said user, historical biological signals associated with said user, or user-specified preferences whether to send a notification or an alarm to auser device1520. In some embodiments, theuser device1520 and theprocessor1500 can be the same device.
• Theuser device1520 is any type of a mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal including a mobile handset, station, unit, device, multimedia computer, multimedia tablet, Internet node, communicator, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, netbook computer, tablet computer, personal communication system (PCS) device, personal navigation device, personal digital assistants (PDAs), audio/video player, digital camera/camcorder, positioning device, television receiver, radio broadcast receiver, electronic book device, game device, the accessories and peripherals of these devices, or any combination thereof.
• Theprocessor1500 is any type of microcontroller, or any processor in a mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal including a mobile handset, station, unit, device, multimedia computer, multimedia tablet, Internet node, cloud computer, communicator, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, netbook computer, tablet computer, personal communication system (PCS) device, personal navigation device, personal digital assistants (PDAs), audio/video player, digital camera/camcorder, positioning device, television receiver, radio broadcast receiver, electronic book device, game device, the accessories and peripherals of these devices, or any combination thereof.
• Theprocessor1500 can be connected to the user sensor1530,1540 by a computer bus, such as an I2C bus. Also, theprocessor1500 can be connected to the user sensor1530,1540 by acommunication network1510. By way of example, thecommunication network1510 connecting theprocessor1500 to the user sensor1530,1540 includes one or more networks such as a data network, a wireless network, a telephony network, or any combination thereof. The data network may be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), a public data network (e.g., the Internet), short range wireless network, or any other suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially owned, proprietary packet-switched network, e.g., a proprietary cable or fiber-optic network, and the like, or any combination thereof. In addition, the wireless network may be, for example, a cellular network and may employ various technologies including enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth®, Internet Protocol (IP) data casting, satellite, mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), and the like, or any combination thereof.
• FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a process for generating a notification based on a history of biological signals associated with a user, according to one embodiment. The process, atblock1600, obtains a history of biological signals, such as the presence history, motion history, breathing rate history, or heart rate history, associated with said user. The history of biological signals can be stored in adatabase180 associated with a user. Atblock1610, the process determines if there is an irregularity in the history of biological signals within a timeframe. If there is an irregularity, atblock1620, the process generates a notification to the user. The timeframe can be specified by the user, or can be automatically determined based on the type of irregularity. For example, the heart rate associated with said user goes up within a one day timeframe when the user is sick. According to one embodiment, the process detects an irregularity, specifically, that a daily heart rate associated with said user is higher than normal. Consequently, the process warns the user that the user may be getting sick. According to another embodiment, the process detects an irregularity, such as that an elderly user is spending at least 10% more time in bed per day over the last several days, than the historical average. The process generates a notification to the elderly user, or to the elderly user's caretaker, such as how much more time the elderly user is spending in bed. In another embodiment, the process detects an irregularity such as an increase in resting heart rate, by more than 15 beats per minute, over a ten-year period. Such an increase in the resting heart rate doubles the likelihood that the user will die from a heart disease, compared to those people whose heart rates remained stable. Consequently, the process warns the user that the user is at risk of a heart disease.
• FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a process for generating a comparison between a biological signal associated with a user and a target biological signal, according to one embodiment. The process, atblock1700, obtains a current biological signal associated with a user, such as presence, motion, breathing rate, temperature, or heart rate, associated with said user. The process obtains said current biological signal from a sensor associated with said user. The process, atblock1710, then obtains a target biological signal, such as a user-specified biological signal, a biological signal associated with a healthy user, or a biological signal associated with an athlete. According to one embodiment, the process obtains said target biological signal from a user, or adatabase180 storing biological signals. The process, atblock1720, compares current bio signal associated with said user and target bio signal, and generates a notification based on thecomparison1730. The comparison of the current bio signal associated with said user and target bio signal comprises detecting a higher frequency in the current biological signal then in the target biological signal, detecting a lower frequency in the current biological signal than in the target biological signal, detecting higher amplitude in the current biological signal than in the target biological signal, or detecting lower amplitude in the current biological signal than in the target biological signal.
• According to one embodiment, the process ofFIG. 17 can be used to detect if an infant has a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (“SIDS”). In SIDS victims less than one month of age, heart rate is higher than in healthy infants of same age, during all sleep phases. SIDS victims greater than one month of age show higher heart rates during REM sleep phase. In case of monitoring an infant for a risk of SIDS, the process obtains the current bio signal associated with the sleeping infant, and a target biological signal associated with the heart rate of a healthy infant, where the heart rate is at the high end of a healthy heart rate spectrum. The process obtains the current bio signal from a sensor strip associated with the sleeping infant. The process obtains said target biological signal from adatabase180 of biological signals. If the frequency of the biological signal of the infant exceeds the target biological signal, the process generates a notification to the infant's caretaker, that the infant is at higher risk of SIDS.
• According to another embodiment, the process ofFIG. 17 can be used in fitness training. A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Generally, a lower heart rate at rest implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. For example, a well-trained athlete might have a normal resting heart rate closer to 40 beats per minute. Thus, a user may specify a target rest heart rate of 40 beats per minute. The processFIG. 17 generates a comparison between the actual bio signal associated with said user and thetarget bio signal1720, and based on the comparison, the process generates a notification whether the user has reached his target, or whether the user needs to exercise more1730.
• FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a process for detecting the onset of a disease, according to one embodiment. The process, atblock1800, obtains the current bio signal associated with a user, such as presence, motion, temperature, breathing rate, or heart rate, associated with said user. The process obtains the current bio signal from a sensor associated with said user. Further, the process, atblock1810, obtains a history of bio signals associated with said user from adatabase180. The history of bio signals comprises the bio signals associated with said user, accumulated over time. The history of biological signals can be stored in adatabase180 associated with a user. The process, atblock1820, then detects a discrepancy between the current bio signal and the history of bio signals, where the discrepancy is indicative of an onset of a disease. The process, atblock1830, then generates an alarm to the user's caretaker. The discrepancy between the current bio signal and the history of bio signals comprises a higher frequency in the current bio signal than in the history of bio signals, or a lower frequency in the current bio signal than in the history of bio signals.
• According to one embodiment, the process ofFIG. 18 can be used to detect an onset of an epileptic seizure. A healthy person has a normal heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute. During epileptic seizures, the median heart rate associated with said person exceeds 100 beats per minute. The process ofFIG. 18 detects that the heart rate associated with said user exceeds the normal heart rate range associated with said user. The process then generates an alarm to the user's caretaker that the user is having an epileptic seizure. Although rare, epileptic seizures can cause the median heart rate associated with a person to drop below 40 beats per minute. Similarly, the process ofFIG. 18 detects if the current heart rate is below the normal heart rate range associated with said user. The process then generates an alarm to the user's caretaker that the user is having an epileptic seizure.
• FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the example form of acomputer system1900 within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies or modules discussed herein, may be executed.
• In the example ofFIG. 19, thecomputer system1900 includes a processor, memory, non-volatile memory, and an interface device. Various common components (e.g., cache memory) are omitted for illustrative simplicity. Thecomputer system1900 is intended to illustrate a hardware device on which any of the components described in the example ofFIGS. 1-18 (and any other components described in this specification) can be implemented. Thecomputer system1900 can be of any applicable known or convenient type. The components of thecomputer system1900 can be coupled together via a bus or through some other known or convenient device.
• This disclosure contemplates thecomputer system1900 taking any suitable physical form. As example and not by way of limitation,computer system1900 may be an embedded computer system, a system-on-chip (SOC), a single-board computer system (SBC) (such as, for example, a computer-on-module (COM) or system-on-module (SOM)), a desktop computer system, a laptop or notebook computer system, an interactive kiosk, a mainframe, a mesh of computer systems, a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a server, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate,computer system1900 may include one ormore computer systems1900; be unitary or distributed; span multiple locations; span multiple machines; or reside in a cloud, which may include one or more cloud components in one or more networks. Where appropriate, one ormore computer systems1900 may perform without substantial spatial or temporal limitation one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein. As an example and not by way of limitation, one ormore computer systems1900 may perform in real time or in batch mode one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein. One ormore computer systems1900 may perform at different times or at different locations one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein, where appropriate.
• The processor may be, for example, a conventional microprocessor such as an Intel Pentium microprocessor or Motorola power PC microprocessor. One of skill in the relevant art will recognize that the terms “machine-readable (storage) medium” or “computer-readable (storage) medium” include any type of device that is accessible by the processor.
• The memory is coupled to the processor by, for example, a bus. The memory can include, by way of example but not limitation, random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM). The memory can be local, remote, or distributed.
• The bus also couples the processor to the non-volatile memory and drive unit. The non-volatile memory is often a magnetic floppy or hard disk, a magnetic-optical disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), such as a CD-ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM, a magnetic or optical card, or another form of storage for large amounts of data. Some of this data is often written, by a direct memory access process, into memory during execution of software in thecomputer1900. The non-volatile storage can be local, remote, or distributed. The non-volatile memory is optional because systems can be created with all applicable data available in memory. A typical computer system will usually include at least a processor, memory, and a device (e.g., a bus) coupling the memory to the processor.
• Software is typically stored in the non-volatile memory and/or the drive unit. Indeed, storing and entire large program in memory may not even be possible. Nevertheless, it should be understood that for software to run, if necessary, it is moved to a computer readable location appropriate for processing, and for illustrative purposes, that location is referred to as the memory in this paper. Even when software is moved to the memory for execution, the processor will typically make use of hardware registers to store values associated with the software, and local cache that, ideally, serves to speed up execution. As used herein, a software program is assumed to be stored at any known or convenient location (from non-volatile storage to hardware registers) when the software program is referred to as “implemented in a computer-readable medium.” A processor is considered to be “configured to execute a program” when at least one value associated with the program is stored in a register readable by the processor.
• The bus also couples the processor to the network interface device. The interface can include one or more of a modem or network interface. It will be appreciated that a modem or network interface can be considered to be part of thecomputer system1900. The interface can include an analog modem, isdn modem, cable modem, token ring interface, satellite transmission interface (e.g. “direct PC”), or other interfaces for coupling a computer system to other computer systems. The interface can include one or more input and/or output devices. The I/O devices can include, by way of example but not limitation, a keyboard, a mouse or other pointing device, disk drives, printers, a scanner, and other input and/or output devices, including a display device. The display device can include, by way of example but not limitation, a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), or some other applicable known or convenient display device. For simplicity, it is assumed that controllers of any devices not depicted in the example ofFIG. 9 reside in the interface.
• In operation, thecomputer system1900 can be controlled by operating system software that includes a file management system, such as a disk operating system. One example of operating system software with associated file management system software is the family of operating systems known as Windows® from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., and their associated file management systems. Another example of operating system software with its associated file management system software is the Linux™ operating system and its associated file management system. The file management system is typically stored in the non-volatile memory and/or drive unit and causes the processor to execute the various acts required by the operating system to input and output data and to store data in the memory, including storing files on the non-volatile memory and/or drive unit.
• Some portions of the detailed description may be presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of operations leading to a desired result. The operations are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.
• It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or “generating” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.
• The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the methods of some embodiments. The required structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description below. In addition, the techniques are not described with reference to any particular programming language, and various embodiments may thus be implemented using a variety of programming languages.
• In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a client-server network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.
• The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, an iPhone, a Blackberry, a processor, a telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.
• While the machine-readable medium or machine-readable storage medium is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributeddatabase180, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies or modules of the presently disclosed technique and innovation.
• In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of the disclosure, may be implemented as part of an operating system or a specific application, component, program, object, module or sequence of instructions referred to as “computer programs.” The computer programs typically comprise one or more instructions set at various times in various memory and storage devices in a computer, and that, when read and executed by one or more processing units or processors in a computer, cause the computer to perform operations to execute elements involving the various aspects of the disclosure.
• Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the context of fully functioning computers and computer systems, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various embodiments are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that the disclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of machine or computer-readable media used to actually effect the distribution.
• Further examples of machine-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or computer-readable (storage) media include but are not limited to recordable type media such as volatile and non-volatile memory devices, floppy and other removable disks, hard disk drives, optical disks (e.g., Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital Versatile Disks, (DVDs), etc.), among others, and transmission type media such as digital and analog communication links
• In some circumstances, operation of a memory device, such as a change in state from a binary one to a binary zero or vice-versa, for example, may comprise a transformation, such as a physical transformation. With particular types of memory devices, such a physical transformation may comprise a physical transformation of an article to a different state or thing. For example, but without limitation, for some types of memory devices, a change in state may involve an accumulation and storage of charge or a release of stored charge. Likewise, in other memory devices, a change of state may comprise a physical change or transformation in magnetic orientation or a physical change or transformation in molecular structure, such as from crystalline to amorphous or vice versa. The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all examples page on in which a change in state for a binary one to a binary zero or vice-versa in a memory device may comprise a transformation, such as a physical transformation. Rather, the foregoing is intended as illustrative examples.
• A storage medium typically may be non-transitory or comprise a non-transitory device. In this context, a non-transitory storage medium may include a device that is tangible, meaning that the device has a concrete physical form, although the device may change its physical state. Thus, for example, non-transitory refers to a device remaining tangible despite this change in state.
Remarks
• In many of the embodiments disclosed in this application, the technology is capable of allowing multiple different users to use the same piece of furniture equipped with the presently disclosed technology. For example, different people can sleep in the same bed. In addition, two different users can switch the side of the bed that they sleep on, and the technology disclosed here will correctly identify which user is sleeping on which side of the bed. The technology identifies the users based on any of the following signals alone or in combination: heart rate, breathing rate, body motion, or body temperature associated with each user.
• The foregoing description of various embodiments of the claimed subject matter has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Embodiments were chosen and described in order to best describe the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the relevant art to understand the claimed subject matter, the various embodiments, and the various modifications that are suited to the particular uses contemplated.
• While embodiments have been described in the context of fully functioning computers and computer systems, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various embodiments are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that the disclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of machine or computer-readable media used to actually effect the distribution.
• Although the above Detailed Description describes certain embodiments and the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the embodiments can be practiced in many ways. Details of the systems and methods may vary considerably in their implementation details, while still being encompassed by the specification. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of various embodiments should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless those terms are explicitly defined herein. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the embodiments under the claims.
• The language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this Detailed Description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of various embodiments is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the embodiments, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims (29)

1. A system for automatically activating a vibrating alarm strip in response to a biological signal associated with a user, said system comprising:

a sensor strip configured to measure said biological signal associated with said user, wherein said sensor strip comprises a piezo sensor, and a temperature sensor, and further wherein said biological signal comprises a breathing rate associated with said user, a heart rate associated with said user, a motion associated with said user, and a temperature associated with said user;

a database configured to store a history of biological signals associated with said user;

said vibrating alarm strip, attached to a mattress, configured to receive a control signal and to vibrate based on said control signal, said vibrating alarm strip comprising a plurality of zones corresponding to a plurality of users, wherein each zone in said plurality of zones is configured to vibrate independently;

a computer processor communicatively coupled to said sensor strip, said vibrating alarm strip, and said database, said computer processor configured to:

identify said user based on at least one of: said heart rate associated with said user, said breathing rate associated with said user, said motion associated with said user, or said temperature associated with said user;

based on said user identification, obtain a wake-up time associated with said user;

based on said history of biological signals and said biological signal, identify a sleep phase associated with said user, said sleep phase comprising a wakefulness phase, a light sleep phase, a deep sleep phase, or a rapid eye movement sleep phase; and

when said sleep phase comprises said light sleep phase and a current time is at most one hour before said wake-up time, send said control signal to said vibrating alarm strip, said control signal comprising an instruction to vibrate.

2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said history of biological signals comprises a normal heart rate range associated with each sleep phase, a normal breathing rate range associated with each sleep phase, a normal motion range associated with each sleep phase, and a normal temperature range associated with each sleep phase.

3. A system for automatically activating a vibrating alarm in response to a biological signal associated with a user, said system comprising:

a sensor strip configured to measure said biological signal associated with said user, wherein said sensor strip comprises a piezo sensor, and a temperature sensor, and further wherein said biological signal comprises a breathing rate associated with said user, a heart rate associated with said user, a motion associated with said user, and a temperature associated with said user;

said vibrating alarm, coupled to said user, configured to receive a control signal and to vibrate based on said control signal;

a computer processor communicatively coupled to said sensor strip, and said vibrating alarm, said computer processor configured to:

identify said user based on at least one of: said heart rate associated with said user, said breathing rate associated with said user, said motion associated with said user, or said temperature associated with said user;

based on said user identification, obtain a wake-up time associated with said user;

based on said biological signal, detect when said user is in a light sleep phase; and

when said user is in said light sleep phase and a current time is at most one hour before said wake-up time, send said control signal to said vibrating alarm, said control signal comprising an instruction to vibrate.

4. The system ofclaim 3, wherein said computer processor is configured to detect when said user is in said light sleep phase by detecting: a slowdown in said heart rate, a drop in said temperature, and a regular breathing rate.

5. The system ofclaim 3, wherein said computer processor is configured to detect when said user is in said light sleep phase by detecting an end of said rapid eye movement sleep phase.

6. The system ofclaim 3, said vibrating alarm comprising a vibrating alarm strip, said vibrating alarm strip coupled to said user, and further said vibrating alarm strip comprising a plurality of zones corresponding to a plurality of users, wherein each zone in said plurality of zones is configured to vibrate independently.

7. The system ofclaim 6, wherein said control signal comprises an identification associated with said zone in said plurality of zones.

8. The system ofclaim 3, said vibrating alarm comprising a vibrating alarm strip attached to a bed pad.

9. The system ofclaim 3, said vibrating alarm comprising a vibrating alarm strip attached to a bed cover.

10. The system ofclaim 3, said vibrating alarm comprising a vibrating alarm strip attached to a bed sheet.

11. The system ofclaim 3, said vibrating alarm comprising a wearable user device.

12. The system ofclaim 3, further comprising a database configured to store a history of biological signals associated with said user, wherein said history of biological signals comprises a normal heart rate range associated with each sleep phase, a normal breathing rate range associated with each sleep phase, a normal motion range associated with each sleep phase, and a normal temperature range associated with each sleep phase.

13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein said computer processor is further configured to:

based on said user identification, retrieve from said database, said history of biological signals associated with said user; and

based on said biological signal and said history of biological signals, determine said sleep phase associated with said user.

14. A method for automatically activating a vibrating alarm strip in response to a biological signal associated with a user, said method comprising:

measuring said biological signal associated with said user with a sensor strip, wherein said sensor strip comprises a piezo sensor, and a temperature sensor, and further wherein said biological signal comprises a breathing rate associated with said user, a heart rate associated with said user, a motion associated with said user, and a temperature associated with said user;

storing a history of biological signals associated with said user in a database;

identifying said user based on at least one of: said heart rate associated with said user, said breathing rate associated with said user, said motion associated with said user, or said temperature associated with said user;

based on said user identification, obtaining a wake-up time associated with said user;

based on said history of biological signals and said biological signal, identifying a sleep phase associated with said user, said sleep phase comprising a wakefulness phase, a light sleep phase, a deep sleep phase, or a rapid eye movement sleep phase; and

when said sleep phase comprises said light sleep phase and a current time is at most one hour before said wake-up time, sending a control signal to said vibrating alarm strip, said control signal comprising an instruction to vibrate.

15. The method ofclaim 14, comprising configuring said vibrating alarm strip to attach to a mattress, to receive said control signal and to vibrate based on said control signal, said vibrating alarm strip comprising a plurality of zones corresponding to a plurality of users, wherein each zone in said plurality of zones is configured to vibrate independently.

16. The method ofclaim 14, wherein said history of biological signals comprises a normal heart rate range associated with each sleep phase, a normal breathing rate range associated with each sleep phase, a normal motion range associated with each sleep phase, and a normal temperature range associated with each sleep phase.

17. A method for automatically activating a vibrating alarm in response to a biological signal associated with a user, said method comprising:

configuring a computer processor to:

identify said user based on at least one of: a heart rate associated with said user, a breathing rate associated with said user, a motion associated with said user, or a temperature associated with said user, wherein said biological signal comprises said heart rate, said breathing rate, said motion, and said temperature;

based on said user identification, obtain a wake-up time associated with said user;

based on said biological signal, detect when said user is in a light sleep phase; and

when said user is in said light sleep phase and a current time is at most one hour before said wake-up time, send a control signal to said vibrating alarm coupled to said user, said control signal comprising an instruction to vibrate.

18. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising:

configuring a sensor strip to measure said biological signal associated with said user, wherein said sensor strip comprises a piezo sensor, and a temperature sensor.

19. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising:

configuring said vibrating alarm to receive said control signal and to vibrate based on said control signal.

20. The method ofclaim 19, said vibrating alarm comprising a vibrating alarm strip attached to a bed pad.

21. The method ofclaim 19, said vibrating alarm comprising a vibrating alarm strip attached to a bed cover.

22. The method ofclaim 19, said vibrating alarm comprising a vibrating alarm strip attached to a bed sheet.

23. The method ofclaim 19, said vibrating alarm comprising a wearable user device.

24. The method ofclaim 19, wherein said vibrating alarm comprises a vibrating alarm strip coupled to said user, and further wherein said vibrating alarm strip comprises a plurality of zones corresponding to a plurality of users, wherein each zone in said plurality of zones is configured to vibrate independently.

25. The method ofclaim 24, wherein said control signal comprises an identification associated with said zone in said plurality of zones.

26. The method ofclaim 17, wherein said configuring said computer processor to detect when said user is in said light sleep phase comprises detecting a slowdown in said heart rate, a drop in said temperature, and a regular breathing rate.

27. The method ofclaim 17, wherein said configuring said computer processor to detect when said user is in said light sleep phase comprises detecting an end of said rapid eye movement sleep phase.

28. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising configuring a database to store a history of biological signals associated with said user, wherein said history of biological signals comprises a normal heart rate range associated with each sleep phase, a normal breathing rate range associated with each sleep phase, a normal motion range associated with each sleep phase, and a normal temperature range associated with each sleep phase.

29. The method ofclaim 28, further comprising:

configuring said computer processor to, based on said user identification, retrieve from said database, said history of biological signals; and

configuring said computer processor to, based on said biological signal and said history of said biological signals, determine said sleep phase associated with said user.

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