Method and system for analyzing motion transferred to a subject on a sleeping surface
AssigneeDreamwell, Ltd.
InventorsRick F. Gladney, James Martin Arrowood
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and system for analyzing the transfer of motion to a subject on a sleeping surface. A mattress is positioned on a frame, and a subject is positioned on the mattress. A sensor is placed in communication with the subject. The surface adjacent the subject is moved by means of a moving mass, and the sensor detects the motion of the subject. Motion transferred to the subject as a result of the mattress moving is measured and recorded.
Claims22
A method of measuring a transfer of motion to a subject on a mattress comprising:
- supporting the mattress on a foundation;
- positioning the subject on a surface of the mattress at a first location;
- moving the surface of the mattress at a second location apart from the first location;
- and
- measuring a displacement of a place on the subject relative to a reference location in response to the motion excited at the second location.
A motion analysis system for measuring transfer of motion to a subject positioned on a surface of a mattress at a first location, comprising:
- at least one sensor located at a place on the subject for measuring a displacement of the place on the subject relative to a reference location in response to the motion excited at a second location apart from the first location, the sensor producing a displacement value;
- a processor connected to the sensor for receiving the displacement value and operative to compute a transferred motion value;
- and
- a storage means for storing the transferred motion values for future recall.
A method for detecting motion transfer between spaced-apart locations on a mattress surface, comprising:
- exciting a first motion on the mattress surface at a first location;
- providing at least one displaceable surface on or above the mattress upper surface at a second location spaced apart from the first location;
- providing a stationary surface that is unaffected by any movement;
- and
- detecting a displacement of the at least one displaceable surface relative to the stationary surface that represents a movement transferred from motion at the first location.
A device for detecting motion transfer between spaced-apart locations on a mattress surface, comprising:
- an actuator exciting a first motion on the mattress surface at a first location;
- at least one displaceable surface located on or above the upper mattress surface at a displacement location spaced apart from the first location;
- and
- a detection device detecting a second motion of the at least one reference surface relative to a stationary reference location in response to the first motion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.