Mattress evaluation system and method

A system for simultaneously measuring indentation hardness properties, span properties, and resilience properties of a mattress, comprising:

• an indentation assembly comprising first and second masses connected together by a rigid member;
• a vertical member connected to the indentation assembly, the vertical member capable of being raised or lowered to raise or lower the indentation assembly;
• a horizontal member connected to the vertical member;
• a laser apparatus configured to emit a laser line, the laser apparatus being mounted to the horizontal member and positioned so that the laser line is projected to span between the first and second masses;
• and
• a camera mounted to the horizontal member in a position that is horizontally offset from the laser line emitted by the laser, thereby permitting visualization by oblique triangulation of a distance of a surface on which the laser line is projected;
• wherein the first and second masses of the indentation assembly are configured to be urged into the mattress with a predetermined force to thereby cause an indentation in the mattress in a region of each of the first and second masses and create a curve of the laser line on a surface of the mattress between the first and second masses corresponding to a deformed shape of the mattress between the first and second masses;
• wherein the camera is configured to capture a succession of timed images as the first and second masses are urged into the mattress;
• wherein the camera is configured to capture images of the laser line on the surface of the mattress between the first and second masses, such that an amplitude, shape, and time-dependency of the curve of the laser line on the surface of the mattress between the first and second masses can be mapped, and a maximum amplitude of the curve of the laser line on the surface of the mattress between the first and second masses can be measured;
• and
• wherein the span properties of the mattress are measured by determining a minimum distance away from the first mass or the second mass where there is no substantial indentation caused by either the first mass or the second mass.