System and method for automatically investigating whether mosquito net is properly arranged on human dwelling space

Abstract

A plurality of sound receivers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) are attached to the mosquito net at different positions on the mosquito net (2). When a sound emitter (4) at the mosquito net (2) emits a triggering reference sound, such as an ultrasonic frequency, different sound emitters (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) capture the reference sound, and a time delay with respect to the sound receiver (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) is evaluated by an analysis system (8, 12, 16), such as including a smartphone (12), the time delay being representative of the distance (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D) between the sound receiver and the sound emitter (4), and is used to evaluate the location and shape of the mosquito net (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a system for automatically investigating whether a mosquito net is correctly arranged over a human living space. Background Art

[0002] Traditional mosquito nets remain the most effective method for protecting humans against malaria. In its simplest form, a mosquito net is a mesh fabric spread over a human living space, such as a mosquito net over a sleeping space. To improve the efficiency against mosquitoes, various types of insecticidal mosquito nets have been disclosed in the prior art. A more effective type of insecticidal mosquito net includes an insecticide that transfers the insecticide to a mosquito when the mosquito comes into contact with the mosquito net.

[0003] In addition, various attempts have been made to improve the defense against malaria mosquitoes by incorporating electronic technology into the mosquito net.

[0004] In some cases, a warning system has been added to alert the user that a mosquito has been detected under the mosquito net. For example, Chinese Patent Applications CN106719589A and CN107495731A disclose mosquito nets with detectors that detect the sound of mosquitoes under the mosquito net. If detected, a mosquito repellent sound is turned on to alert the user.

[0005] In addition, the correct use of mosquito nets has always been a matter of discussion, especially since users sometimes tend not to use mosquito nets, and consistent daily use is very important for obtaining optimal protection.

[0006] Koudou et al. gave an example in the article "Using mobile detectors to assess the relationship between householders' use of mosquito nets and mosquito density in central Côte d'Ivoire: preliminary results" published in Volume 7, Issue 1, Page 96 (doi: 10.1186 / 1756 - 3305 - 7 - 96) of "Parasites & Vectors" in 2014, http: / / www.parasitesandvectors.com / content / 7 / 1 / 96. The article describes a project of attaching small mobile detectors and data recorders to mosquito nets for monitoring movements during the use of mosquito nets. By connecting a computer to the detectors on the mosquito net, the data of the recorder is read. The article can be found at the following Internet address: https: / / parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com / articles / 10.1186 / 1756 - 3305 - 7 - 96.

[0007] Chinese utility model CN204029110U discloses a mosquito net with a pressure sensor for detecting and issuing an alert when contact with the mosquito net, thereby keeping the user away from the mosquito net and preventing mosquitoes from biting the user through the mosquito net. It also discloses an option for Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) communication with a caregiver as a safety feature, especially when a baby is under the mosquito net.

[0008] However, despite attempts in the field, there is still a need for continuous improvement in optimizing the use of bed nets, especially in malarial areas. Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide technical improvements, in particular an improved mosquito net and an improved method for controlling the correct use of a mosquito net. The present invention achieves this object and further advantages by a method and system for automatically and repeatedly investigating whether a mosquito net is correctly arranged in a human dwelling space, as described below and in the claims.

[0010] In short, a plurality of sound receivers are attached to the mosquito net at different locations on the mosquito net. When a sound transmitter, such as a speaker, emits a trigger reference sound at the mosquito net, such as an ultrasonic frequency, the reference sound is captured by different sound receivers, and the time delay of receiving the sound by different sound receivers is evaluated by an analysis system, such as a smartphone, which indicates the distance between the sound transmitter and the sound receiver and is used to evaluate the configuration of the mosquito net.

[0011] The system and method will be described in more detail below.

[0012] For better understanding, several definitions are given below to facilitate understanding.

[0013] The term "sound transmitter" will be used hereinafter for an electroacoustic transducer, which is a transmitter of an acoustic signal after receiving an electrical signal. The acoustic signal is an audible or inaudible sound signal. An example of the latter is an ultrasonic signal. Although the term commonly used for a sound transmitter is a loudspeaker, in order to avoid confusion, especially for inaudible sound signals, a more general term is used herein.

[0014] The term "sound receiver" hereinafter will be used for an electroacoustic transducer, which is a receiver of the transmitted sound signal and can output a corresponding electrical signal. Optionally, the sound receiver is configured to receive other sounds in addition to the sound signal emitted by the sound transmitter, such as receiving the sound of mosquitoes to determine the presence of mosquitoes under or at the mosquito net. Although the term commonly used for the sound receiver is microphone, in order to avoid confusion, especially for inaudible sound signals, a more general term is used herein.

[0015] The mosquito net comprises a mesh fabric with or without insecticide. A typical mosquito net of this type, such as a bed net, is hung on a frame and stretched over a human dwelling space, such as a sleeping space, to prevent mosquitoes from contacting humans and or animals, such as pets, under the mesh fabric.

[0016] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to examples for the purpose of illustration and understanding.

[0017] The electroacoustic sound emitter is located at the mosquito net. The sound emitter is usually attached to the mosquito net, but can also be arranged near the mosquito net, for example attached to a rope supporting the mosquito net. The sound emitter periodically emits a reference sound. In order to avoid that the sound disturbs humans, the sound is advantageously inaudible, optionally at ultrasonic frequencies or at least partially ultrasonic frequencies.

[0018] A plurality of electroacoustic sound receivers are arranged at different locations of the mosquito net in or on the mosquito net, in particular attached to or incorporated into the mesh fabric. In some embodiments, the sound receivers are attached to the mesh fabric, while in other embodiments, the sound receivers are incorporated into the braid. This depends on the size of the sound receivers. Currently, the size of the sound transmitter and the sound receiver is in the range of a few millimeters, but it is expected that in the future the size will become even smaller so that they can be integrated into the threads of the fabric.

[0019] When the mesh fabric is hung and stretched in the living space, the sound receiver is arranged at different distances from the sound emitter according to the preferred configuration of the mosquito net on the predetermined living space. Advantageously, when the mosquito net is correctly arranged, the sound receiver is located on opposite sides of the mosquito net, relative to the living space where the mosquito net is stretched.

[0020] The sound receiver is configured to receive the reference tone emitted from the sound transmitter and provide an electrical or electronic receiver signal in response to the received sound.

[0021] For the sound transmitter and the sound receiver, different technologies can be used for the implementation. An example is the Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) technology, which provides sound receivers and sound transmitters with millimeter-scale dimensions and high efficiency despite very low power consumption.

[0022] An analysis system is provided for analyzing the signals from the sound receiver in order to evaluate the configuration of the mosquito net, in particular whether its shape is correctly deployed in the dwelling space. In particular, the analysis system is functionally connected to the sound receiver and comprises a computer programmed to evaluate the actual mosquito net configuration by calculating and correlating the time delays between the receiver signals.

[0023] For example, the analysis system automatically evaluates the actual configuration of the mosquito net by calculating and correlating the time delays between the emission time of the reference sound and the reception time of the corresponding received signal by the sound receiver, each time delay representing the distance between one sound receiver and the sound transmitter. This approach means that the emission time in the analysis is related to the reception time, for example by determining or triggering the emission time and using it in the calculation.

[0024] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that it is also possible to place the reference tone receiver closer to the reference tone transmitter than the other sound receivers and use the received signal from this reference tone receiver as a reference for calculating the time delay. Due to the close distance of the reference tone receiver to the sound transmitter, this alternative approach actually has a known time offset from the actual emission time of the reference tone, so it can be corrected by the known fixed offset time to calculate the time delay from the sound transmitter to the other sound receivers. This approach means that only the received signal needs to be evaluated.

[0025] In practical embodiments, the computer is programmed to evaluate whether the time delay or the equivalent distance calculated based on the estimated speed of sound propagation meets a value within a predetermined range to measure whether the mosquito net is correctly configured to protect the person under the mosquito net, or to evaluate whether the value is outside the predetermined range as an indication that the mosquito net is not properly deployed to provide protection or the mosquito net is folded for storage. In advanced embodiments, artificial intelligence is used to perform this evaluation.

[0026] The system also includes a thermometer that determines the temperature at the location of the mosquito net. The measured temperature can then be used to determine the speed of sound propagation. Additionally or alternatively, the measured temperature can be used to determine whether a person or animal is located in the living space under the mosquito net. In addition, a humidity sensor can be used to determine whether a person or animal is under the mosquito net.

[0027] Advantageously, if the assessment indicates that the mosquito net is not configured correctly, the system alerts the user.

[0028] For example, smartphones are programmed to alert users if an assessment indicates that the bed net is not configured correctly.

[0029] Optionally, the system is configured to submit the receiver signal or the calculated time delay or both as a digital signal to a smartphone, advantageously together with a unique identification code of the mosquito net, via a wired or wireless connection, such as via Bluetooth technology. The smartphone is also useful because its location, i.e. the location of the mosquito net, can be associated with the data. Optionally, geolocation data is received via GPS and connected to the data.

[0030] In some embodiments, the smartphone implements computer functionality.

[0031] Optionally, cloud computing is also used to evaluate the configuration.

[0032] For example, the receiver signal or the calculated time delay or both, advantageously together with the unique identification code of the mosquito net, are transmitted to a server remote from the mosquito net via the Internet or other wireless data network for analysis of the configuration of the mosquito net. Optionally, a smartphone can be used for such transmission and communication, such as two-way communication with the server.

[0033] Collecting data in a server system means determining the benefits of bed net use options not just on an individual basis, but also on a household or even community basis.

[0034] Optionally, the data from the sound receivers are processed in real time, in particular for the time delay. However, it is also possible to collect the data first and then use it for analysis. In particular, a complete set of data from all receivers is very useful for assessing the configuration of the mosquito net, so data, such as time delay data, is collected until at least one complete set of data including data from all sound receivers is available.

[0035] In some practical embodiments, the analysis system includes a data collection program, a calculation program, and an evaluation program. The term analysis system is used as a general term and optionally includes executing all three programs in a single unit, and optionally includes combining the programs in different units. In addition, the program can be divided into different subroutines contained in different units and executed in different units. As described below, there can be multiple execution modes. The data collection program is configured to collect signals from a sound receiver. For example, a controller or a smart phone collects data for evaluation. Optionally, data can also be collected in advance, such as by an electronic device of a sound receiver. The calculation program is configured to calculate the time delay between each sound receiver receiving a reference tone. The evaluation program is configured to evaluate whether the mosquito net is hung and unfolded according to a predetermined standard based on the indication of the time delay to correctly position the mosquito net, protect the person under the mosquito net, or evaluate whether the mosquito net is folded for storage.

[0036] In some embodiments, the analysis system includes a controller that is attached to the mosquito net or otherwise arranged in the mosquito net, such as attached to or incorporated into the mesh fabric. The controller is functionally connected to the sound transmitter and the sound receiver for transmitting signals for evaluation. Although wireless communication can be performed between the controller and the sound transmitter and the sound receiver, the controller is typically connected to the sound transmitter and the sound receiver by a cable, such as a cable integrated or woven into the mesh fabric.

[0037] For example, the controller includes a data collection program and receives electrical or electronic signals from the sound receivers. Optionally, the controller stores the received signals with a time stamp in a database. The controller is configured to associate the time stamp with a reference time at which the sound transmitter emits the corresponding sound signal. For example, the reference time is determined by the controller sending a trigger signal to the sound transmitter that emits the sound. When the corresponding various sound receivers receive the emitted sound signal, the time delay between the reference time and the time stamp represents a measurement of the actual distance between the sound transmitter and the sound receiver.

[0038] Optionally, the controller also includes a calculation program and possibly also an evaluation program for evaluating whether the actual configuration of the mosquito net is correct. However, as explained below, this need not be the case in the case where the controller collects data and executes the calculation program and the evaluation program in different devices, such as a smartphone or a cloud computer as mentioned above.

[0039] For example, digital data related to the received sound is transmitted from the controller to a different computer, optionally a smart phone, and then transmitted from this different computer via the Internet or other wireless data network to a central server far away from the mosquito net for analysis of the location of the mosquito net.

[0040] Alternatively, a different computer, such as a smartphone, instead of the controller, includes an evaluation program implemented as a computer program. In the smartphone, the computer program is implemented as an application program, also called an APP in modern language. This computer program, in particular the APP in the smartphone, is programmed to be functionally connected to a central server remote from the mosquito net for digital communication with the central server so that the configuration of the mosquito net is evaluated by the central server. Advantageously, in the case of a smartphone, the APP is programmed for user interaction with the smartphone and indicates to the user information about the mosquito net positioning evaluation, including a warning in the event that the evaluation indicates that the mosquito net is incorrectly positioned.

[0041] The objects of the present invention are also achieved by the method described below. In this case, a mosquito net including a mesh fabric is provided, which is configured to be suspended from a support and deployed in a human dwelling space to prevent mosquitoes from contacting humans under the mesh fabric. A sound transmitter located at the mosquito net, such as a sound transmitter on the mosquito net, periodically emits a reference sound. A plurality of sound receivers located at different positions of the mosquito net in or on the mosquito net receive the reference sound, so that when the mesh fabric is suspended and stretched in the dwelling space, the distance between the sound receiver and the sound transmitter is different. The received reference sound signal is transmitted from the sound receiver to an analysis system, which uses a computer to evaluate the actual configuration of the mosquito net by calculating and correlating the time delays between the receiver signals.

[0042] In particular, the analysis system can calculate the time delays between the reception of reference sounds by different sound receivers and evaluate indications based on the time delays, namely whether the mosquito net is hung and unfolded according to predetermined standards to correctly position the mosquito net to protect the person under the mosquito net, or whether the mosquito net is folded for storage.

[0043] The speed of sound depends on the density of the air and therefore on the temperature of the surroundings. To increase accuracy, a thermometer can optionally be integrated into the system, for example into the controller.

[0044] In some embodiments, the sound receiver and / or the controller is configured to perform audio filtering on the received sound signal to filter the signal out of the surrounding noise. In the case where the reference sound emitted by the sound transmitter is in the ultrasonic frequency region, the sound receiver can be advantageously configured to receive only ultrasonic signals.

[0045] Optionally, the sound receiver is designed to also receive and possibly record the sounds emitted by mosquitoes. By analyzing the time delays of receiving such sounds by different sound receivers, the location of the mosquito can be determined, for example, if it is determined that the mosquito is under the mosquito net, a warning signal is provided to the user by the controller or smartphone. For example, a sound transmitter can be used to issue a warning to the user.

[0046] The data collected by this mosquito detection under the bed net, for example in a server system, can also be used to determine the relevance of the bed net configuration in order to generate statistics on the correct use of the bed net. The latter is useful for campaigns targeting malaria information to users to ensure better protection.

[0047] For power supply, the sound receiver, the sound transmitter and optionally the controller can be connected to a rechargeable battery or at least periodically connected to a rechargeable battery of a charging unit. Optionally, the charging unit can also be connected to grid power or solar cells. Alternatively, the battery is charged by a power source of a mobile phone, wherein the battery of the mobile phone transfers power to the rechargeable battery of the mosquito net system.

[0048] To minimize power consumption, the electronic device, the sound receiver and / or the sound transmitter can be programmed to be in a sleep mode that wakes up automatically periodically. Optionally, a smartphone is used to wake up the electronic device from sleep mode. Low power consumption means that relatively small batteries can be used in the system, preventing the mosquito net from becoming bulky due to the electronic device.

[0049] The important role that mosquito nets play in the fight against malaria in remote areas is pointed out. Although the overall level of infrastructure in remote villages and remote areas in Africa may be low, mobile phone systems are usually well developed and the proportion of mobile phone users, including smartphone users, in the local population is relatively high. This suggests that the above-mentioned mosquito nets are also suitable for remote villages in Africa, for example, whether an Internet connection or battery charging is required. As mobile phones have become popular in these villages, phone charging stations have also been set up, for example in central locations in the community. However, once the mobile phones are charged in these central locations, the batteries of the mosquito net system can be charged with the appropriate cables and software.

[0050] Furthermore, the system is particularly useful in clinics and hospitals, where protecting patients is extremely important. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0052] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the principle of a mosquito net with a positioning detection system;

[0053] FIG. 2 shows the results of a feasibility study for determining time measurements of distance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Figure 1 A system 1 is shown, comprising a mosquito net 2, which is placed so that it hangs over a sleeping space 3. Attached to the mosquito net 1 is a miniature sound transmitter 4, which emits certain reference sounds according to a predetermined pattern. At different locations of the mosquito net 2, a plurality of receivers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D are attached.

[0055] When the sound transmitter 4 emits a sound, the sound receivers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D on the mosquito net 2 capture the sound and transmit corresponding electrical or electronic signals to the controller 8 for further analysis. Depending on the linear distance 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D from the sound transmitter 4 to the sound receivers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, the sound signal from the sound transmitter 3 to each sound receiver 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D will arrive at each sound receiver 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D sooner or later. Therefore, the propagation time is related to the linear distance 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D from the sound receiver 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D to the sound transmitter 4. Because the sound receivers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D are placed at different locations of the mosquito net 2, especially on opposite sides of the sleeping space 3 and on the sides close to or far from the sound transmitter 4, comparing the propagation time from the sound transmitter 4 to different sound receivers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D indicates information about the current shape of the mosquito net. In particular, if the actual position of the sound receivers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D is measured such that some receivers are closer to the sound transmitter 4 than others, the sound analysis can indicate whether the mosquito net 2 is folded or correctly stretched over the sleeping space 3. Furthermore, a time delay analysis of the signals from the receivers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D indicates whether the mosquito net is pulled to one side to be folded in one direction 9A or pulled to the other side to be folded in another direction 9B, or whether the mosquito net 2 is rolled up over the sleeping space 3.

[0056] For example, the time delay between receiving the sound emitted by the sound transmitter by the different sound receivers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D can be compared with the empirical data stored in the memory of the controller 8. As will be shown in further detail below, experiments have shown that, by a simple arrangement of small sound receivers and miniature sound transmitters, a relative distance of about one meter between the sound transmitter and the sound receivers, as well as a spacing of less than 2 centimeters between the sound receivers can be determined.

[0057] When using inaudible signals, such as ultrasonic signals, the sound will not disturb the person sleeping under the mosquito net.

[0058] The repeated measurements stored in the memory of the controller 8 indicate not only whether the mosquito net is used correctly and regularly, but also whether the mosquito net is used in the correct way so that the bed space 3 under the mosquito net 2 is well protected against mosquitoes. Artificial intelligence can be used for the evaluation.

[0059] For power supply, the sound receivers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and the sound transmitter 3 and the controller 8 can each be equipped with a rechargeable battery, which is connected to a charging unit 10 via a cable, and the charging unit 10 can be connected to the mosquito net 2 or separated from the mosquito net 2. The cable can be very thin and soft, integrated with the mesh fabric material, for example interwoven.

[0060] Alternatively, the sound receivers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and the sound transmitter 3 are connected by cables to a common rechargeable battery 14, which is charged by the charging unit 10. Alternatively, as shown, the battery 14 is integrated into the charging unit 10. Alternatively, the battery 14 is integrated into the controller 8. Other options exist for the placement of the battery.

[0061] The charging unit 10 is optionally connected to an electricity grid 15 or a solar cell via a cable 11. Optionally, the charging unit 10 can also be used to charge a mobile phone 12. Alternatively, the battery 14 is charged by transferring electrical energy from the phone 12 to the rechargeable battery 14, so that the charging unit 10 and the cable 11 are not required. There are different options.

[0062] Point out that the sound receivers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and the sound transmitter 4 are very small and consume very little power, so the battery 14 can be used for a long time and does not need to be charged frequently. In particular, if the sound receiver only sends and receives sound periodically, for example once every half an hour, the power consumption is very small.

[0063] The electronic devices such as the controller 10, the sound receivers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and the sound transmitter 4 can be programmed to be in a sleep mode with periodic automatic wake-up, thereby minimizing power consumption. Low power consumption means that relatively small batteries can be used in the system, preventing the mosquito net 2 from becoming bulky due to the electronic devices.

[0064] In order to transmit and analyze electrical or electronic signals, such as digital signals, there are several options. For example, the controller 8 is provided as a small microcomputer chip, which is attached to the mosquito net 2 or otherwise integrated into the mesh fabric of the mosquito net 2. For example, it triggers the sound signal emitted by the sound transmitter 4 and receives the corresponding signal from the sound receiver 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D. Its communication with the sound transmitter 4 and the sound receiver 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D is carried out through a cable integrated in the mesh fabric of the mosquito net 2, but in principle wireless communication can be used. Once the controller 8 receives the signal from the sound receiver 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, the signal can be analyzed in the controller 8.

[0065] Alternatively, the signal received by the controller 8 is transmitted together with the time stamp of the signal to a separate analysis computer, which analyzes the signal received by the controller 8 and the time stamp of the signal with respect to the time delay of the signal between the sound receivers. For example, the digital signal of the received sound signal and its time stamp are transmitted, for example wirelessly, to the smartphone 12, which is then used as an analysis computer, for example by means of a computer application stored and activated in the smartphone 12, also referred to as an APP in modern terms. The latter has the advantage that the smartphone 12 will be regularly charged by the user and has a high computing power, making it possible to perform data analysis without using rechargeable batteries for powering the sound receivers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and the sound transmitter 4, while the power required for the sound receivers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and the sound transmitter 4 and the data transmission is very low.

[0066] Optionally, once the data analysis is completed, the data is transmitted to the central server 16 for collection and analysis. For example, after analyzing the data in the controller 8 on the mosquito net or after analyzing the data through the APP in the smartphone 12, the smartphone 12 connected to the Internet 13 can be used for transmission for this purpose.

[0067] Alternatively, the smartphone 12 receives the data with the time stamp from the controller on the mosquito net and transmits it to the central server 16 for collection and further analysis, and the controller 8 on the mosquito net 2 does not need to perform the analysis, and the smartphone 12 does not need to perform the analysis, but only receives the data with the corresponding time stamp from the controller 8 and stores it in the data buffer in the controller 8 on the mosquito net 2 or the smartphone 12. In this case, the controller 8 on the mosquito net 2 is not used to analyze the recorded data, but to trigger the sound transmitter 4 and collect the recorded signal with the correct time stamp into the buffer, and submit it 18 to the central server 16 via the wireless connection 17 (such as the Internet 13) by using the smartphone 12 only as a transceiver, and possibly as a data collection buffer. Then, the central server 16 performs the final analysis.

[0068] In case the evaluation shows that the actual configuration of the mosquito net does not correspond to the predetermined criteria of a correct configuration, the result of the evaluation can optionally be transmitted to the smartphone 12 for enabling an alert to be given to the user.

[0069] Further optionally, if the analysis performed in the controller 8 on the mosquito net 2 or in the smartphone shows that the mosquito net 2 is not correctly deployed, the smartphone 12 can be programmed to give a feedback signal to the user, such as a warning.

[0070] In modern micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, the sound transmitter 4 and the sound receivers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, for example used in hearing aids, have dimensions close to 1 mm and are therefore small and light, smaller than a mosquito in comparison.

[0071] Referring to Figure 2, a feasibility study was conducted using such a technique where two sound receivers, microphone 1 and microphone 2, were placed at different distances from a micro speaker (speaker MEMS). The first sound receiver was placed 30 cm from the sound transmitter and the second sound receiver was placed 130 cm from the sound transmitter. The linear configuration is as follows Figure 2A as shown in .

[0072] In the experiment, the sound emitted by the sound transmitter was a linear chirp between 16kHz and 20kHz with a length of 250 milliseconds. The sound receivers microphones 1 and 2 recorded the sound with a sampling rate of 48kHz. A computer program analyzed the signal and applied the classical time delay evaluation technique in order to correlate the delayed signal with the distance.

[0073] Figure 2B The signal received by the first sound receiver microphone 1 is shown when the time delay estimate is converted to distance based on the known sound propagation speed. Figure 2C The conversion of the time delay into distance is shown, the distance of the second sound receiver microphone 2 from the sound transmitter. Figure 2D The distances between the sound receivers are shown.

[0074] As can be seen from the inset in Figure 2, the estimated distance has an accuracy of less than 2 cm, i.e. an accuracy of 18 mm. The actual distance between the sound receiver and the sound transmitter and the distance between the sound receivers are estimated correctly. The analysis system calculates the distance between the sound receiver and the sound transmitter using the time delay from the sound transmitter emitting the sound to the sound receiver receiving the sound signal.

[0075] It is pointed out that the temperature of the air around the mosquito net affects the propagation speed of sound. In order to improve the positioning, the temperature of the environment can also be measured. For example, the controller 8 includes a small thermometer or is connected to a small thermometer to improve the accuracy of the measurement.

[0076] The method and system serve as a new generation of mosquito nets that enable correct use and correspondingly improved protection against malaria by combining lightweight modern electronics and communication technology with well-known simple yet safe protective mesh fabrics.

Claims

1. A system (1) for automatically and repeatedly investigating whether a mosquito net (2) is correctly arranged in a human dwelling space (3), It is characterized in that The system (1) comprises - a mosquito net (2), the mosquito net (2) comprising a mesh fabric configured to be suspended from a support and deployed over a human dwelling space (3) to prevent mosquitoes from contacting a human being underneath the mesh fabric; - an electroacoustic sound emitter (4), the sound emitter (4) being located at the mosquito net (2), wherein the sound emitter (4) is configured to repeatedly emit a reference sound from time to time; - a plurality of electroacoustic sound receivers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D), the plurality of electroacoustic sound receivers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) being arranged at different positions of the mosquito net (2) in or on the mosquito net (2) and arranged such that when the mesh fabric is hung according to a predetermined preferred configuration of the mosquito net (2) on the dwelling space (3) and unfolded on the dwelling space, the sound receivers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) have different distances (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D) from the sound transmitter (4); wherein the sound receivers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) are configured to receive a reference sound emitted by the sound transmitter (4) and to provide an electrical receiver signal as a response to the received sound; - an analysis system functionally connected to the sound receivers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) and comprising a computer (8, 12) programmed to evaluate the actual configuration of the mosquito net (2) by calculating and correlating the time delays between the receiver signals.

2. The system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The computer (8, 12) is programmed to evaluate the actual configuration of the mosquito net (2) by calculating and correlating the time delays between the emission time of the reference sound and the reception time of the corresponding reception signal of the sound receiver (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D), each time delay representing the distance between one sound receiver (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) and the sound transmitter (4).

3. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The system is configured to alert the user if the assessment indicates that the mosquito net (2) is not configured correctly.

4. A system according to any preceding claim, It is characterized in that The system is configured to submit (18) the receiver signal or the calculated time delay or the receiver signal plus the time delay as a digital signal together with a unique identification code of the mosquito net to a smartphone via a wired connection or a wireless connection.

5. A system according to any preceding claim, It is characterized in that Smartphones can function as computers.

6. The system according to claim 5 or 6, It is characterized in that The smartphone is programmed to alert the user if the assessment indicates that the mosquito net (2) is not configured correctly.

7. A system according to any preceding claim, It is characterized in that The system is configured to submit (18) the receiver signal or the calculated time delay or the receiver signal plus the time delay together with the unique identification code of the mosquito net to a central server (16) remote from the mosquito net (2) via the Internet (13) or other wireless data network for analysis of the configuration of the mosquito net (2).

8. A system according to any preceding claim, It is characterized in that At least one of the sound transmitter (4) and the sound receiver (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) is based on micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technology.

9. A system according to any preceding claim, It is characterized in that The reference sound of the sound transmitter (4) is a sound that is at least partially inaudible, such as ultrasonic sound.

10. A system according to any preceding claim, It is characterized in that The system is configured to receive other sounds other than the emitted reference sound through the sound receiver, and the system is configured to evaluate the mosquito sounds received by the sound receiver as an indication that mosquitoes are in the mosquito net, and the system is configured to issue a positive warning to the user.

11. A method using a system for automatically and repeatedly investigating whether a mosquito net (2) is correctly arranged in a human dwelling space (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The method comprises - providing a mosquito net (2), the mosquito net (2) comprising a mesh fabric, the mesh fabric being configured to be suspended from a support and deployed over a human dwelling space (3) to prevent mosquitoes from contacting a human being under the mesh fabric; - using an electroacoustic sound transmitter (4) located at the mosquito net (2) to repeatedly emit a reference sound, - receiving the emitted reference sound by a plurality of electroacoustic sound receivers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D), the plurality of electroacoustic sound receivers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) being arranged at different positions of the mosquito net (2) in or on the mosquito net (2) and arranged so that when the mesh fabric is hung according to a predetermined preferred configuration of the mosquito net (2) on the dwelling space (3) and unfolded on the dwelling space, the sound receivers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) are at different distances (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D) from the sound transmitter (4); providing an electrical receiver signal by each sound receiver (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) as a response to the received sound; - A computer (8, 12) as part of an analysis system functionally connected to the sound receivers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D), the actual configuration of the mosquito net (2) being evaluated by the computer (8, 12) by calculating and correlating the time delays between the receiver signals.

12. The method according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The method comprises automatically evaluating the actual configuration of the mosquito net (2) by a computer by calculating and correlating the time delays between the emission time of a reference sound and the reception time of a corresponding reception signal of a sound receiver (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D), each time delay representing the distance between a sound receiver (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) and a sound transmitter (4).

13. The method according to claim 12, It is characterized in that The method comprises evaluating by a computer whether the time delay or the equivalent distance calculated according to the estimated sound propagation speed meets the value within a predetermined range, so as to measure whether the mosquito net (2) is correctly configured so as to protect the human beings under the mosquito net, or evaluating whether the value is outside the predetermined range as an indication that the mosquito net (2) is not correctly arranged to provide protection or the mosquito net is folded for storage, and issuing a warning to the user if the evaluation indicates that the mosquito net (2) is not configured correctly.

14. The method according to claim 13, It is characterized in that The method comprises submitting (18) the receiver signal or the calculated time delay or the receiver signal plus the time delay as a digital signal to a smartphone via a wired or wireless connection, the smartphone being programmed to interact with the user and to alert the user if an assessment indicates that the mosquito net (2) is not configured correctly.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, It is characterized in that The method includes measuring the temperature and / or humidity at the mosquito net and transmitting the measured values ​​to an analysis system for determining whether there is a human under the mosquito net and correlating the measured values ​​with time delay data.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, It is characterized in that The method comprises submitting (18) the receiver signal or the calculated time delay or the receiver signal plus the time delay together with the unique identification code of the mosquito net to a central server (16) remote from the mosquito net (2) via the Internet (13) or other wireless digital network to analyze the configuration of the mosquito net (2).

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