Method and system for sampling and analyzing human health condition related data during use of mosquito net

Abstract

The mosquito net is equipped with a sensor system for diagnosing human health-related conditions. The sensed parameters are transmitted to the smart phone and analyzed on the smart phone by using a corresponding APP, or further transmitted to a remote server for analysis. User feedback, such as diagnoses or prompts, is obtained based on the results of the analysis to obtain drug treatments or seek medical suggestions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for analyzing human health-related conditions during the use of mosquito nets. Background Art

[0002] The traditional mosquito net remains the most effective method of protecting humans against malaria. In its simplest form, a mosquito net is a mesh fabric that is unrolled over a human dwelling space, such as a mosquito net over a sleeping space.

[0003] It is important to use mosquito nets properly and regularly, which has led to different forms of research on regular use of mosquito nets. For example, Koudou's 2014 article "Assessing the relationship between household use of mosquito nets and mosquito density in central Côte d'Ivoire using motion detectors: preliminary results" discloses a project that attaches small motion detectors and data loggers to mosquito nets to monitor movement during the use of mosquito nets. In order to read the data from the logger, the logger was removed from the mosquito net, read with a computer, and the logger was installed on the mosquito net again. The article was published on the Internet at the Internet address https: / / parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com / articles / 10.1186 / 1756-3305-7-96.

[0004] The prior art attempts to improve the efficiency of mosquito nets by combining with modern technology. Chinese patent applications CN106719589A and CN107495731A disclose mosquito nets with detectors, which detect mosquitoes through the sound under the mosquito net. If mosquitoes are detected, the sound of mosquito repellent is turned on.

[0005] In order to improve the air under the mosquito net, Japanese utility model JP3229994U discloses an air conditioning device combined with the mosquito net.

[0006] Chinese utility model CN213605511U discloses a bed with curtains and a mattress, on which an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor and a respiratory sensor for measuring health-related conditions are provided. The data is sent to a controller at the bed location for analyzing heart signals and respiratory rate.

[0007] WO2015 / 132208 discloses a method of controlling pest populations. The data packets collected include location, land cover type and photos. While this depicts the pest population, it is only the first step in protecting humans and does not include a system to send out alerts in human homes.

[0008] However, as shown above, bed nets remain the most effective way to protect humans against malaria, and the efficiency of these bed nets needs to be improved to reduce the deadly impact of malaria and other vector-borne diseases. Summary of the invention

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide improvements in the art. In particular, it is an object to provide a method and system in which the spread and lethal effects of diseases, particularly malaria, are reduced. This object and other advantages are achieved by the method described below and in the claims.

[0010] The object of the present invention is based on the consideration of preventing people from contracting malaria in general, which is not the only aspect that requires increased attention, and other related aspects must also be paid attention to, including rapid treatment when malaria cases are identified in a specific family, and increasing awareness of the increasing frequency of malaria cases in the area, such as in this village or neighboring villages. By discovering the frequency of malaria at an early stage and by increasing people's awareness and vigilance when malaria cases increase in the area, the spread of malaria can be hindered. The advantages of the present invention in this regard will be explained in more detail below.

[0011] In short, the mosquito net is equipped with a sensor system for sampling and analyzing health-related data to diagnose human health-related conditions. The sensed parameters are transmitted to a smartphone and analyzed using a corresponding computer application (also known as an APP) on the smartphone, or further transmitted to a remote server for analysis. Based on the results of the analysis, user feedback is obtained, such as a diagnosis or prompt to obtain medication or seek medical advice.

[0012] In some cases and in some embodiments, a preliminary diagnosis can be made based on the indications of the sensor system, but this is not absolutely necessary for the system because the system first collects data and gives user feedback, which is not a final diagnosis. For example, data sampling shows that someone is at risk of fever, which indicates malaria or other tropical diseases. However, in this case, the user feedback can be a request for medical advice, or a warning that a health-related condition may indicate a disease. In this sense, the method of the present invention is not a diagnostic method because the method generally does not include a deductive medical decision-making stage because the sampled data is only an indication of the disease, not evidence of the disease. If medical advice can be obtained from a doctor or nurse at the location, it is possible to make a diagnosis. However, if medical advice cannot be provided due to a lack of medical personnel in a remote area, then feedback may help the user take better care of himself. In addition, data sampling at different locations in the area may show whether there is a risk of disease outbreaks, and users can obtain feedback through the system based on data sampling analysis of the health status of other users in other residences.

[0013] In the following, a method for sampling and analyzing data related to human health status during the use of a mosquito net is provided. In addition, a method for analyzing human health-related conditions during the use of a mosquito net is provided. The method will be provided in more detail below.

[0014] The method includes providing systems in the home, such as diagnostic systems, for example to combat malaria, and also demonstrates additional advantages, generally improving the health of people using mosquito nets, such as those living in remote areas with little infrastructure.

[0015] The diagnostic system includes mosquito nets made of mesh fabric to prevent mosquitoes from reaching humans.

[0016] Furthermore, the sensor system is arranged on the mosquito net or integrated into the mesh fabric, for example, for use as a diagnostic sensor system. Examples of one or more sensors in the sensor system include sensors for measuring the following:

[0017] - Temperature under the mosquito net;

[0018] - Humidity under mosquito nets;

[0019] -Skin temperature of people under mosquito nets;

[0020] -Respiration rate of people under mosquito nets;

[0021] - Heart rate of people under mosquito nets;

[0022] - Noises from people under the mosquito net, such as heavy breathing or coughing;

[0023] - Movement of people under the mosquito net, such as restless sleep.

[0024] Another possible analysis may include the presence of mosquitoes at and / or under the mosquito nets, particularly when this involves spraying insecticides under and / or around the mosquito nets, or when the mosquito nets are insecticide nets. Longlasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) are particularly useful in combating vector-borne diseases.

[0025] When a mosquito net is used, the temperature and humidity under the mosquito net may be increased compared to the living environment around the mosquito net. This can provide information related to the health status of the person under the mosquito net. In this regard, it is pointed out that due to the relatively small holes in the mesh fabric, the air flow under the mosquito net is slower than the surrounding area.

[0026] For example, measuring the temperature under a mosquito net and comparing it to the temperature around the mosquito net can be used to indicate whether the person under the mosquito net has a fever. Humidity measurements can be used to indicate whether the person is sweating more than usual. This method is particularly useful when the actual measured temperature is compared to temperature sampling of the same person and the same mosquito net over a longer period of time, such as weeks or months. Computer analysis, including statistical analysis and / or artificial intelligence, can be used to more reliably assess underlying health conditions, including fever and sweating, that affect temperature and humidity under the mosquito net.

[0027] Modern technology is developing in which sensors, such as temperature sensors and humidity sensors, are integrated into the yarn of the fabric. This technology has been proposed for integration into wearable fabrics used on the human body, but has not been proposed for use in mosquito nets, where the sensors are at a distance from the human body.

[0028] Many references, both scientific and patent, disclose examples of sensors that can be integrated into the mesh fabric of a mosquito net, and are similar to the types of sensors that can be integrated into a person's clothing.

[0029] For example, Shi et al. published an article in Adv. Mater 1901958 (see also DOI: 10.1002 / adma.201901958) in 2019, “Microelectronic Systems for Smart Integrated Textiles for Wearable Applications”, which discussed the integration of different functional devices in wearable textiles, such as sensors, actuators, displays, antennas, energy harvesters, batteries and supercapacitors, circuit boards, and storage devices. Although the functional devices are not on the body and do not contact the body, they may be integrated into the mesh fabric of the mosquito net instead of the wearable fabric. In this article by Shi et al., the use of functional coated carbon fibers or metal fibers as conductors is detailed. In addition, the integration of thin fibers with special functions, such as optical functions, into flexible fabrics is also discussed. This article by Shi et al. discusses humidity actuators, which swell when humidity increases due to water absorption by hydrophilic groups. The article also explains another twisted yarn that exhibits actuation behavior when humidity changes. Such humidity sensors can be integrated into mesh fabrics while maintaining the overall flexible appearance of the fabric.

[0030] Since the mosquito net should not be rigid but flexible so that it can be rolled up and folded, flexible wires for electrical or optical transmission are very useful so that the functional devices can be integrated into the mesh fabric without being attached to it. Alternatively, wireless technology can be used between the various electronic components. Integrating diagnostic functions into the mesh fabric means that the mosquito net looks no different from a conventional mosquito net despite the advanced technology integrated into it. Compared to functional wearable devices, mosquito nets may require certain adjustments to the functional devices because there is no contact between the mosquito net and the human body under the mosquito net.

[0031] In order to measure the general temperature of the air under and around the mosquito net, the mesh fabric may optionally include integrated fibers that change structure (especially length) as the temperature changes, and the change in structure is measured by electrical or optical methods. Examples of such fibers are described in the above-mentioned article by Shi et al.

[0032] The temperature of a person's skin can be measured by using appropriate sensors, such as infrared sensors, which emit radiation at a frequency that indicates the temperature of the source, which in this case is the skin of a person sleeping under a mosquito net.

[0033] Measuring a person's breathing rate is another analytical tool that can be used to show whether a person is in a relaxed or tense state, sleeping soundly or has health problems. In particular, if a person's breathing is short or loud, this can be interpreted as a problem related to the person's health, such as if the person has pain in the lungs. Heavy or short breathing means that the person is infected with the coronavirus or that the person is trying to avoid coughing. In addition, slow breathing can indicate sleep apnea. Analyzing the rhythm and sound of a cough can indicate tuberculosis.

[0034] To measure a person's breathing rate, different types of sensors can be used. For example, some sensors can be used to measure the movement of the chest area of ​​the body and analyze the frequency of the movement. The movement of a body part, such as the chest, can be determined by measuring the change in distance between a moving body point and a stationary placed sensor.

[0035] The optical sensor can measure the movement of body parts, especially the movement of the chest during breathing. This type of analysis of body part movement during sleep also shows whether the person under the mosquito net is sleeping soundly or restlessly.

[0036] Other sensors used to sense motion are those that measure the change in distance from the sensor to the corresponding body part. Examples of such sensors include a combination of a sound transmitter and a sound receiver, where the sound waves emitted by the transmitter and reflected by the body part and detected by the sound receiver vary with the amplitude and speed of the moving body part.

[0037] Furthermore, the detection of motion under the net and correlating it with time and date can be used to assess whether and how often the net is actually used. This is an important aspect, as non-use or irregular use does not provide the necessary and desired protection.

[0038] The term "sound" as referred to herein includes audible sound that can be heard by the human ear, as well as inaudible sound, particularly ultrasound and infrasound.

[0039] Modern technology provides very small sensors, for example using MEMS technology, where MEMS is an abbreviation for Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems. Commercially available sensors of this type are sound transmitters and sound receivers, similar to microphones. Such sound receivers and sound transmitters are designed to be millimeter-sized and have high efficiency despite low power consumption.

[0040] When these particular small sensors are attached to a mesh fabric, they do not affect the appearance of the net, the function of the mesh fabric in preventing mosquitoes from contacting humans, or the storage function of the net when rolled up or folded into a small space.

[0041] Sounds recorded from under the mosquito net may also include analysis for potential coughing or heavy breathing information, and the sound recordings may be analyzed more sensitively, such as using Fourier analysis, or even show heartbeats.

[0042] In certain embodiments, a combination of different sensors is provided, and the corresponding measurements are combined together in order to draw conclusions based on a combination of various different parameters.

[0043] The measured values ​​of the sensor system are evaluated by a computer system. Advantageously, the computer program uses statistical evaluations, computer machine learning algorithms and may include deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI).

[0044] Optionally, the measured values ​​are associated with other relevant data in the computer system, the data optionally including at least one of the following:

[0045] - Past trends in the occurrence of malaria or other selected diseases

[0046] -Rainfall data and its relationship to disease outbreaks, disease occurrence and geographical distribution of diseases, such as malaria.

[0047] With powerful computer computing systems, big data inclusion is an option to obtain a comprehensive understanding and analysis of the current health status of an area (such as a community or a country).

[0048] It is possible that the computer system can be integrated into the mosquito net, for example via an integrated microchip containing a computer processing unit (CPU). However, in order to have high computing power, in particular when using artificial intelligence, it may be advantageous if a small transmitter is used to send the measurement signals from the sensor system of the mosquito net to a powerful computer, where the evaluation is carried out by the computer.

[0049] For example, smartphones are used as such powerful computers. In this regard, it is pointed out that smartphones are becoming more and more popular, even in remote areas of relatively poor countries, such as Africa, where malaria is particularly serious. Another advantage of using smartphones as powerful computers is that computer applications, also called APPs, are easy to install on smartphones.

[0050] Alternatively, or in addition, such smartphones can be used to collect measurement data and submit it to a central remote server system via the Internet. In this case, the remote server system performs the analysis. Cloud computing is a useful option in connection with data analysis.

[0051] Another approach is that the smartphone is first used for a preliminary analysis, or even a complete analysis, and furthermore, the digital data, such as selected data and / or estimated data sets, are transmitted via the Internet to a remote server system for further comparison and statistical analysis of the data.

[0052] For example, such a server system is used to collect measurements from sensor systems on multiple mosquito nets. The remote server system can be programmed to use these different data sets to perform statistical analysis not only for one person or one family sleeping under one mosquito net, but also to compare results from multiple dwellings in a region such as a village or a larger geographical area. If data is collected from an entire country or several countries, statistical analysis can be performed on a correspondingly larger scale, which can not only be used for future planning, but also to reduce the impact of disease transmission.

[0053] Data collection in a server system has great advantages. For example, the server system can evaluate whether the incidence of malaria cases has increased compared to the usual average and optionally take into account the seasonal time. In addition, weather data can also be taken into account, especially the start of the rainy season.

[0054] Use of smartphones may also allow users to choose to have personal data, such as name and address, and household characteristics including socioeconomic status, used for data collection and storage, for example by manually entering personal data or allowing pre-existing data to be used for the data collected.

[0055] However, it should be noted that the system described in this article is not only applicable to the control and investigation of malaria and the corresponding minimization of the risk of malaria transmission, but also to some other diseases, especially vector-borne diseases. Collecting data in a server system can show the development of the disease in a selected area.

[0056] For example, the data transmitted from the smartphone to the server advantageously includes the location of the smartphone. Although, in principle, the locations of certain mosquito nets are generally known, the geolocation data of smartphones has the potential for much higher precision analysis, in particular for monitoring the spread of diseases in geographical areas.

[0057] For example, if the analysis shows that neighboring villages have higher than average rates of malaria, it can be used to alert users to take extra care to prevent mosquito bites.

[0058] However, as mentioned earlier, the system can also be applied to fight other spreading diseases. For example, if it is known that neighboring villages have multiple incidences of diseases, such as coronavirus, the analysis of health conditions in the village can be related to potential transmission between villages. In particular, if it has been determined that a village residence has frequent cases of coronavirus, then coughs, fevers, and shortness of breath in residences in neighboring villages can be prioritized as the result of the disease spreading from one village to another. Further geographical spread can be tracked and preventive measures can be taken, such as medical distribution in areas with high risk of disease transmission. In addition, medical personnel can be dispatched to the area to take preventive measures and provide treatment.

[0059] It would be a great advantage if the smartphone could be used to provide feedback to the user of the smartphone. For example, if it is detected by the sensor system and determined by subsequent computer analysis that a person sleeping under a mosquito net has a fever or a cough, the user interface of the smartphone could prompt the user to seek medical advice or take certain disease-related actions, such as taking certain medications.

[0060] Referring to the example above, if a comparison of data between neighboring villages shows that symptoms measured by the central system are indicative of a communicable disease, such as coronavirus, it can be used to prompt users to take appropriate measures, including isolating in remote areas as much as possible to protect others, and providing medication.

[0061] Comparison of data sensed from diagnostic mosquito nets in neighboring areas can help to find the correct diagnosis of a specific disease among multiple diseases that cause similar symptoms. This is especially true when combined with the assistance of medical personnel at a specific location as a final step in the diagnosis of the disease. However, even in this case of using medical personnel, the system according to the present invention is very useful because a disease diagnosed in one location can be used to alert other users in the area who have similar symptoms. For example, user feedback is that several cases of malaria have been observed, and the user has similar symptoms, so the user is likely to have also been infected with malaria.

[0062] The above examples illustrate that collecting health-related data in a server system can be very useful, not only in the fight against malaria, but also in mitigating epidemics in remote areas where populations may not have easy access to medical staff in hospitals or clinics.

[0063] The smartphone user interface can also be used to send reminders to users to be more careful about proper and regular use of mosquito nets, especially when there are signs of malaria or high disease incidence in the vicinity, such as when the incidence of the disease exceeds what is usually recorded in a particular season. Accordingly, the system can also be used as a protective measure against other vector-borne diseases.

[0064] Smartphones are particularly useful in this system because they have great flexibility and can perform all or part of the analysis themselves or transmit data to a server system by installing the appropriate corresponding applications.

[0065] In addition, smartphones can also be used as a communication tool, with alerts issued by the APP and / or server system and sent to the user interface to reduce the occurrence of diseases in specific areas.

[0066] However, smartphones are useful not only because of the possible correspondence between a single user and the server system. Since the server system correlates data from multiple users, the system can be used to send collective alerts, warnings and mobilization messages to a group of users, such as an entire village, via smartphones, potentially facilitating smartphone users to distribute information, such as warnings, to other bednet users in the community who do not have smartphones.

[0067] The data collected from different diagnostic bed nets can simply be used to obtain statistics on the correct use of bed nets and the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever or Zika virus infection.

[0068] In order to associate the received data with a specific mosquito net for data analysis, such as but not necessarily diagnostic analysis, each mosquito net has a unique digital identification code ID, which is used when transmitting data. This ID may be sent with the transmission of each set of sensed data. This personalized data also allows the smartphone to collect data from different mosquito nets. For example, in a community, there may be more diagnostic mosquito nets distributed in different residences, which are responsible for smartphones in the community. In addition, there may be multiple such diagnostic mosquito nets in a single residence. In this case, a smartphone with a corresponding APP installed can be selected, which can scan the sensors of different mosquito nets. In order for the APP and server system to associate each data set with the correct mosquito net, each data set also contains the ID of the corresponding mosquito net and sensor system.

[0069] A transmitter for transmitting data representing signals from the sensor is arranged on the mosquito net or integrated into the mesh fabric, and the transmitter is electronically connected to the sensor system, for example, through a conductor, such as a conductive yarn, for receiving sensor signals from the sensor system. In addition, as described in detail above, the transmitter can be wirelessly connected to a smartphone, which is advantageously equipped with a corresponding APP for data collection, optional data analysis and providing feedback to the user.

[0070] In a practical embodiment, the system is used as follows.

[0071] Once a mosquito net is set up in a residence, it is spread over a bed or other resting space in the residence. When a person is under the mosquito net, a sensor system corresponding to the mosquito net is used to measure human health-related conditions, and the sensor system provides a corresponding electronic data signal. The measurement can be performed at regular intervals to minimize power consumption.

[0072] Other measurements from the sensor system include environmental parameters in the residence, such as temperature, humidity, and mosquito density.

[0073] The sensor / transmitter system integrates electronics as needed. Examples of integrated electronics include preamplifiers, data acquisition electronics, and data buffers and potential data storage media to record health signals before and / or during processing.

[0074] In the case of audio sensors, such as micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors, as part of the sensor system, audio preamplifiers may also be integrated into the system, such as one on each microphone. If the system includes audio signal transmission and audio detection of feedback signals, such as for distance detection, multi-channel data acquisition and audio data buffers may be optionally integrated to record health-related audio signals before processing.

[0075] Optionally, to provide a preferred signal for a particular purpose, such as a signal from an audio sensor, signal filtering including Fourier analysis may optionally be used. Another useful option is pre-amplification, such as frequency dependent pre-amplification.

[0076] The electronic data signals are received by the transmitter and transmitted from the transmitter to the smartphone as corresponding digital data packets, either wirelessly or by wired connection, when the smartphone is in the vicinity of the mosquito net. These digital data packets represent the sensed human health-related conditions. The digital data packets are then analyzed relative to predetermined criteria, for example by a microprocessor integrated in the mosquito net and / or a smartphone and / or a server / cloud system, so as to obtain different analysis results depending on whether the sensed human health-related conditions meet the predetermined criteria, for example, whether the human skin temperature is higher than expected based on the ambient temperature.

[0077] Typically, based on the results of the analysis, feedback of specific results is provided to the user interface of the smartphone. If the smartphone includes an application (APP) programmed to perform the analysis, feedback is given after the analysis is performed using the APP. Optionally, or additionally, the method also includes transmitting the ID and the digital data stream together to a remote central server system via the smartphone, and storing the data stream together with the corresponding ID in a database, wherein the digital data stream represents the sensed human health-related condition. For example, the analysis is performed automatically by the server system, and a response is sent to the smartphone after the analysis, which response triggers feedback of specific results. For automatic analysis, no human intervention is required, and even feedback can be generated by a computer, optionally using artificial intelligence.

[0078] For example, a diagnostic system is set in each of the multiple residences. For the multiple diagnostic systems in the multiple residences, the remote server system receives multiple digital data streams and stores the data streams and corresponding IDs in the database. Then, through computer-assisted analysis, the data streams stored by the multiple diagnostic systems are compared to find the similarities and differences between the diagnostic systems in the multiple residences, and statistical analysis can be optionally performed.

[0079] Optionally, the ID is associated with a geographic location, and the plurality of stored data streams are divided according to geographic regions, wherein each region includes a plurality of IDs, and the analysis includes regional comparisons regarding statistical frequencies of disease indicators.

[0080] As another selection of a smart phone, a specific electronic computer device, such as a laptop computer, can be used, which has the ability to wirelessly receive the data sent by the transmitter, and optionally transmits the data to a remote server system via the Internet. In this case, a person can regularly move between residences where diagnostic mosquito nets are installed, and the person can use an electronic computer device to collect data from different mosquito nets, and analyze and / or transmit the data to a remote server system for analysis with a specific electronic computer device. This embodiment is very useful in communities without smart phones. In order to analyze, certain data, such as selected data, can be transmitted to a specific assessment station, such as a computer station in a clinic or hospital, such as a personal computer.

[0081] As another option or supplement to the user interface of a smartphone, information display to the user can be achieved by integrating wires in the mesh fabric and using the display grid to display written information, and possibly even images or videos, the latter having the advantage that user-directed information, such as warnings or prompts, does not require the selection of a specific language. The above-mentioned article by Shi et al. also discusses such displays integrated in fabrics.

[0082] The system described above provides a new generation of mosquito nets that integrate sensors into the mosquito nets, automatically perform diagnostic analysis, and provide sensor measurements suitable for evaluation by artificial intelligence.

[0083] In some aspects, optionally in combination with the features discussed above, the method is configured for analyzing human health-related conditions during use of a mosquito net, the method comprising providing a diagnostic system in a residence,

[0084] Each diagnostic system includes:

[0085] - mosquito nets, including mesh fabrics for preventing mosquitoes from reaching a human being underneath the mesh fabric;

[0086] - A diagnostic sensor system arranged on the mosquito net or integrated into the mosquito net fabric;

[0087] - a transmitter disposed on the mosquito net or integrated in the mesh fabric, wherein the transmitter is electronically connected to the sensor system for receiving sensor signals from the sensor system and can be wirelessly connected to a smartphone or other mobile computer device;

[0088] - Unique digital ID;

[0089] The method includes:

[0090] - providing mosquito nets under shelter spaces, such as beds in shelter spaces,

[0091] - Use the sensor system of each mosquito net to sense human health-related conditions and provide corresponding electronic data signals through the sensor system,

[0092] - when the smartphone or other mobile computer device is in the vicinity of the mosquito net, the transmitter receives the electronic data signal and wirelessly transmits a corresponding digital data packet from the transmitter to the smartphone or other mobile computer device, wherein the digital data packet represents the sensed human health-related condition;

[0093] -Analyzing the digital data packet relative to a predetermined standard, and obtaining different analysis results according to whether the sensed human health-related condition corresponds to the predetermined standard, and providing feedback of specific results to the smartphone user interface according to the results. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0094] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0095] Figure 1 A system according to the invention is described;

[0096] Figure 2 Examples of body contact sensors are described. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] Figure 1 A system for analyzing human health-related conditions during use of a mosquito net 2 is described, the mosquito net 2 comprising a mesh fabric for preventing mosquitoes from contacting a human 3 beneath the mesh fabric. The mosquito net 2 comprises side walls 2B and a top 2A, the top 2A being attached to a ceiling of a dwelling 15 (e.g., a log cabin) and being deployed over a dwelling space 4 of a human 3.

[0098] The diagnostic sensor system 5 is arranged on the mosquito net 2 or integrated into the mesh fabric for sensing human health related conditions. The transmitter 6 on the mosquito net 2 or integrated into the mesh fabric is electronically connected to the sensor system 5 via a connection device 5A for receiving sensor signals from the sensor system 5, for example wirelessly, but usually via a cable connection integrated into the mesh fabric, such as a conductive yarn.

[0099] The transmitter 6 is configured to establish a wireless connection 7 with a smartphone 10 for submitting 9 sensed diagnostic parameters, such as body sounds 8A including coughing, heart rate 8B, respiratory rate 8C and / or temperature 8D.

[0100] The sensor system has a unique digital ID, so the mosquito net 2 with the sensor system integrated therein can also be identified by this ID.

[0101] For example, a smartphone is equipped with a specific computer application, also called an APP, which can be downloaded from the Internet, which is a common way for smartphones to be programmed for specific purposes. In order to connect a mosquito net with such an APP, or even connect multiple mosquito nets with a single APP, the APP is programmed to receive instructions and the ID of the mosquito net is added to the APP written. For example, each mosquito net has a unique barcode or QR code, and the APP reads the barcode or QR code by activating the smartphone's camera and connects it to the APP. In this way, one or more mosquito nets can be connected to a single APP and a single smartphone.

[0102] When the sensor system 5 using the mosquito net 2 senses a human health-related condition, the sensor system 5 provides a corresponding electronic data signal, which is then transmitted to the transmitter 6. Once the transmitter 6 receives the electronic data signal from the sensor system 5, the transmitter 6 establishes a wireless connection 7 and wirelessly transmits 9 a corresponding digital data packet to the smartphone 10. These digital data packets represent the sensed human health-related conditions, so that the smartphone 10 collects information about the human 3 under the mosquito net 2 for potential analysis, because the computer computing power of the smartphone is relatively high.

[0103] When the smartphone 10 is near the mosquito net 2, digital data packets can be transmitted via a wireless connection 7, such as Bluetooth, Zigbee or other low-power wireless communication systems. For example, the combination of the sensor system 5 and the transmitter 6 is programmed to accumulate data until the smartphone 10 appears nearby to trigger data transmission.

[0104] This means that the smartphone 10 does not have to be present at all times. For example, it may be advantageous that the smartphone 10 can be used to collect digital data packets from different mosquito nets 2 that may be located in different dwellings 15. The latter may be an advantage if only a few people in the community have smartphones 10.

[0105] The digital data packets may be analyzed in the smartphone 10 using a computer application, also referred to as an APP. Alternatively, the collected digital data packets may be transmitted in real time 11 or at some time after collection via the Internet 12 to a remote server system 13, which is also connected to the Internet 14. Cloud computing is an option in addition to smartphone computing, or as an alternative.

[0106] The digital data packets represent sensed human health-related conditions, which are analyzed relative to predetermined standards.

[0107] For example, if the diagnostic data includes temperature data 8D of a person's skin, the standard may involve defining a temperature level for a fever. Using an appropriate sensor, the skin temperature 8D of the person 3 may be measured. Such a sensor 5 may include an infrared sensor, the frequency of infrared radiation emitted from the skin being indicative of the temperature of the skin. The measured skin temperature 8D may be evaluated by taking into account the overall temperature in the dwelling or the general air temperature under the mosquito net 2, so that a fever diagnosis is not falsely triggered by high ambient temperatures. The general temperature and the skin temperature under the mosquito net 2 may be measured separately, for example using a micro-thermometer for the general temperature and an infrared sensor for the skin temperature, wherein the infrared sensor may be focused on an emitting source, such as human skin, located at the bottom of the covered dwelling space 4 (e.g. a bed space).

[0108] Depending on the predetermined criteria and the type of evaluation, e.g. combining data from different types of sensors, the analysis results may differ depending on whether the sensed human health-related condition corresponds to the predetermined criteria. For example, a fever with a cough may produce a different diagnosis than a fever without a cough due to a sensed high temperature.

[0109] Based on the diagnosis results, the user interface 10A of the smartphone 10 will provide feedback to the user of the specific results. For example, if the computer analysis shows that the possibility of illness is high, the user interface may suggest that the family 16 consult 17 medical staff 18 or go to a pharmacy 19.

[0110] Optionally, the remote server system 13 is used to collect measurements from the sensor systems 5 of multiple mosquito nets 2. This allows statistical analysis to be performed for different geographical areas, including villages, counties, countries, or even between countries, using multiple health-related data sets. The server system 13 can assess whether the incidence of malaria cases is elevated compared to the average.

[0111] When the smartphone 10 is connected to the Internet 12, its location data can be obtained using the corresponding APP in the smartphone 10, and the digital data packet is transmitted to the remote server system 13, which includes not only the digital ID of the sensor system 5 and the mosquito net 2, but also the location where the smartphone 10 collects data.

[0112] Thus, the system described herein can be used not only to improve the fight against malaria, but also to automatically track disease transmission chains and be able to issue warnings when an epidemic begins. For example, the user interface 10A of the smartphone 10 can be used to display disease warnings to the user before the user becomes ill, for example, because someone in the community, such as someone in a neighboring residence, has been detected to be ill. These warning messages can include promotion of preventive drugs or vaccines. The warning program can be used to slow down or even prevent epidemics.

[0113] Examples of relevant diseases include respiratory and heart diseases. However, the focus is primarily on vector-borne diseases, especially tropical vector-borne diseases, against which bed nets can provide protection.

[0114] To provide power, the sensor 5 and the transmitter 6 are connected to a power source, typically a rechargeable battery, which is at least periodically connected to a charging unit. Optionally, the charging unit is connected to grid power or a solar cell. Alternatively, the battery is powered by a smartphone 10, wherein the battery of the smartphone 10 transfers the power to the rechargeable battery of the mosquito net system. This is useful because not every residence in remote areas has electricity, but there is usually a smartphone charging station somewhere in the community. In order to minimize power consumption, the electronic device can be programmed to be in a sleep mode with periodic wake-ups. Optionally, the smartphone 10 is used to wake up the electronic device from sleep mode. The low power consumption means that a relatively small battery can be used in the system, preventing the mosquito net from becoming bulky due to the electronic device.

[0115] As mentioned above, the measurement can be done away from the human body, for example by recording and evaluating optical and audio signals. However, it is also possible to arrange sensors on the mesh fabric or integrate them into the mesh fabric and use the sensors by contacting the body of the person 3 living under the mosquito net 2. In this case, as an option, the mosquito net 2 is bent towards the body and attached to the body so that the sensor contacting the body is in contact with the body part for diagnosis.

[0116] Figure 2The example of a body-contacting sensor 21 is described as an alternative or additional measure to other types of sensors in the sensor system 5. In this example, the body-contacting sensor 21 is equipped with a cable 21A as an extension line from the body-contacting sensor 12 to the mosquito net 2 in order to provide a signal to a data transmission system integrated in the mosquito net 2 and a potential data evaluation system.

[0117] Examples of body-contact sensors include

[0118] -Blood oxygen sensor, used to measure blood O 2 Saturation,

[0119] - sensors to measure human body temperature,

[0120] -Sensors that measure breathing and coughing sounds for diagnostic purposes,

[0121] -Sensors that measure heart sounds, such as to determine heart rate and rhythm, and look for abnormal sounds.

Claims

1. A method for sampling and analyzing data related to human health status during use of a mosquito net, the method comprising providing a system in a dwelling, Each of these systems include: - mosquito nets, including mesh fabrics for preventing mosquitoes from reaching a human being underneath the mesh fabric; - sensor systems placed on the mosquito net or integrated into the mesh fabric; - a transmitter arranged on the mosquito net or integrated in the mesh fabric, wherein the transmitter is electronically connected to the sensor system for receiving sensor signals from the sensor system and wirelessly connected to a smartphone or other mobile computer device; - Unique digital ID; The method comprises: - providing mosquito nets under shelter spaces, such as beds in shelter spaces, - Use the sensor system of each mosquito net to sense human health-related conditions and provide corresponding electronic data signals through the sensor system, - when the smartphone or other mobile computer device is in the vicinity of the mosquito net, the transmitter receives the electronic data signal and wirelessly transmits a corresponding digital data packet from the transmitter to the smartphone or other mobile computer device, wherein the digital data packet represents a sensed condition related to human health; -Analyzing the digital data packet relative to a predetermined standard, and obtaining different analysis results according to whether the sensed human health-related condition corresponds to the predetermined standard, and providing feedback of specific results to the smartphone user interface according to the results.

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The smartphone includes an application (APP) programmed to perform the analysis, wherein the method includes providing feedback after analysis using the APP.

3. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The method includes transmitting the ID together with an electronic data stream to a remote server system via a smartphone or other mobile computer device, and storing the data stream together with the corresponding ID in a database, wherein the digital data stream represents the sensed human health-related condition.

4. The method according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The method includes automatically performing analysis via a remote server system and sending a response to a smartphone after the analysis, wherein the response triggers feedback of a specific result.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, It is characterized in that The method includes providing a system in each of a plurality of residences; for a plurality of systems in the plurality of residences, a remote server system collects a plurality of digital data streams and stores each data stream together with a corresponding ID in a database; and by computer-assisted analysis, comparing the data streams stored in the plurality of systems to find similarities and differences between the systems in the plurality of residences, and optionally performing statistical analysis.

6. The method according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The method includes associating an ID with a geographic location, dividing a plurality of stored data streams according to geographic regions, wherein each region includes a plurality of IDs, and analyzing includes making regional comparisons regarding statistical frequencies of disease indicators.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that Sensing includes sensing at least one parameter using the sensor system, and correlating the at least one sensed parameter with human health for analysis, wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of the following: - Temperature under the mosquito net; - Humidity under mosquito nets; -Skin temperature of people under mosquito nets; -Respiration rate of people under mosquito nets; - Heart rate of people under mosquito nets; - Heart sounds of people under mosquito nets; - The sounds of people under the mosquito net, including breathing and coughing; - Oxygen saturation under mosquito net; - Movement of people under mosquito nets.

8. The method according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The method includes sensing a plurality of parameters, combining the parameters in an analysis, and determining, based on correlation of the parameters in the analysis, at least one of the following: -Whether the person is sleeping; - Whether the person has a cough; - whether the cough is associated with a cough syndrome associated with a specific disease; - Whether the person has a fever; - Whether the heart rate is normal; - Whether the heart rhythm deviates from the normal state; -Whether the heart sounds indicate heart disease; And if the analysis according to the predetermined criteria indicates that the person under the mosquito net may be sick, feedback of the specific result is provided to the user interface of the smartphone and an alert of the possible illness is issued.

9. A system for use in the method according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The system comprises: - a mosquito net comprising a mesh fabric for preventing mosquitoes from contacting a human being underneath the mesh fabric; - a sensor system disposed on the mosquito net or integrated into the mesh fabric, wherein the sensor system is configured to sense a human health-related condition and provide a corresponding electronic data signal by the sensor system; - Unique digital ID; - A transmitter on the mosquito net or integrated into the mesh fabric, wherein the transmitter is electronically connected to the sensor system for receiving sensor signals from the sensor system and wirelessly connected to a smartphone or other mobile computer device for wirelessly transmitting a corresponding digital data packet and unique ID from the transmitter to the smartphone or other mobile computer device, wherein the digital data packet represents the sensed human health-related condition.

10. The system according to claim 9, It is characterized in that The sensor system includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one of the following parameters: - Temperature under the mosquito net; - Humidity under mosquito nets; -Skin temperature of people under mosquito nets; -Respiration rate of people under mosquito nets; - Heart rate of people under mosquito nets; -The sound of people under mosquito nets; - Movement of people under mosquito nets.

11. The system according to claim 9 or 10 comprises a smartphone, wherein the smartphone comprises an application program APP, the APP being programmed to receive the digital data packet and the unique ID together from the transmitter, and being programmed to perform analysis of the digital data packet relative to a predetermined standard, obtaining different analysis results depending on whether the sensed human health-related condition corresponds to the predetermined standard, wherein the APP is programmed to provide feedback of a specific result to a user interface of the smartphone based on the result.

12. The system according to claim 9 or 10 comprises a smartphone and a remote server system, wherein the smartphone comprises an application APP, the APP is programmed to receive a digital data packet and a unique ID together from the transmitter, and to send the digital data packet and the unique ID together to the remote server system via the Internet, wherein the remote server system is programmed to store the data stream and the corresponding ID together in a database, and to automatically perform analysis of the digital data packet relative to a predetermined standard, and obtain different analysis results depending on whether the sensed human health-related condition corresponds to the predetermined standard, wherein the remote server is programmed to enable the APP to provide feedback information of a specific result on the smartphone user interface based on the result.

13. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, It is characterized in that The system includes a plurality of sensors for sensing a plurality of parameters selected from the following: - Temperature under the mosquito net; - Humidity under mosquito nets; -Skin temperature of people under mosquito nets; -Respiration rate of people under mosquito nets; - Heart rate of people under mosquito nets; -The sound of people under the mosquito net; - Movement of people under mosquito nets; Wherein the system is programmed to determine at least one of the following diagnoses from the correlation of parameters in the analysis: -Whether the person is sleeping; - Whether the person has a cough; - Whether the person has a fever; - Whether the heart rate is normal; The system is programmed to provide feedback of specific results to the smartphone user interface, and if the analysis relative to predetermined criteria indicates that the person under the mosquito net may be sick, an alert of possible illness is issued.

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