System and method for automatic investigation whether a mosquito net is correctly arranged over a human dwelling space

Abstract

A mosquito net (2) has attached to it multiple sound receivers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) at various locations on the net. When a sound emitter (4) at the net (2) emits a trigger reference sound, for example at ultrasound frequency, the reference sound is captured by the various sound emitters (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) and evaluated by an analysis system (8, 12, 16), for example involving a smartphone (12), with respect to time delays from the sound receivers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D), which is indicative for distances (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D) between the sound receivers and the sound emitter (4) and used to estimate positioning and shape of the mosquito net (2).

Description

[0001] System and method for automatic investigation whether a mosquito net is correctly arranged over a human dwelling space

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for investigation whether a mosquito net is correctly arranged over a human dwelling space.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Mosquito nets are still the most efficient way to protect humans against malaria. In its simplest form a mosquito net is a mesh fabric spanning over a dwelling space occupied by humans, for example as a bed net over a sleeping place. In order to improve efficiency against mosquitoes, the prior art discloses many types of insecticidal mosquito nets, the more efficient ones containing insecticide that is transferred to the mosquito upon contact with the net.

[0006] In addition, several attempts have been made to improve protection against malaria mosquitoes by incorporating electronics in combination with mosquito nets.

[0007] In some cases, warning systems have been incorporated which warn the user against mosquitoes that have found their way under the net. For example, Chinese patent applications CN106719589A and CN107495731 A disclose mosquito nets with detectors that detect sound from mosquitoes under the net. If detected, a mosquito repellent sound is initiated to warn the user.

[0008] Also, proper use of a mosquito net has been an issue of discussion, especially because users tend to sometimes not use the net, whereas a daily and consistent use is important for optimum protection. An example is given in the article “The use of motion detectors to estimate net usage by householders, in relation to mosquito density in central Cote d’Ivoire: preliminary results” by Koudou et al. from 2014, published in Parasites & Vectors 2014, 7:96, (doi: 10.1186 / 1756-3305-7-96) http: / / www.parasitesandvectors.eom / content / 7 / l / 96. The article describes a project where small motion detectors were attached to mosquito nets for monitoring the motion of the net due to its use. Data were read out from the logger by connecting a PC to the detectors at the location of the net. The article can also be found on the Internet site as follows: . biomedcentral, com / articles / 10.1186 / 1756-3305-7-96

[0009] Chinese utility model CN204029110U discloses a net with pressure sensors for detecting and giving an alarm when the net is touched so that the user is moving away from the net, preventing the mosquito from biting the user through the net. It also discloses the option of GSM communication to a caregiver as a safety feature, especially when infants are under the net.

[0010] However, despite the attempts in the art, there is still an ongoing need for improvements with respect to optimising use of mosquito nets, in particular in areas of malaria.

[0011] DESCRIPTION / SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide an improvement in the art, especially an improved mosquito net and an improved method for controlling proper use of mosquito nets. This objective and further advantages are achieved with a method and system for automatic repeated investigation whether a mosquito net is correctly arranged over a human dwelling space, as described below and in the claims.

[0013] In short, a mosquito net has attached to it multiple sound receivers at various locations on the net. When a sound emitter, such as a loudspeaker, at the net emits a trigger reference sound, for example at ultrasound frequency, the reference sound is captured by the various sound receivers and evaluated by an analysis system, for example involving a smartphone, with respect to time delays for the received sound by the various sound receivers, which are indicative for distances between the sound emitter and the sound receivers and used to estimate configuration of the mosquito net.

[0014] The system and method is explained in more detail in the following.

[0015] For better understanding, a number of definitions is given in the following for ease of understanding.

[0016] The term “sound emitter” will be used in the following for an electroacoustic transducer that is an emitter of a sound signal as a result of receiving an electrical signal. The sound signal is a signal with audible or with inaudible sound. An example of the latter is an ultrasound signal. Although, the typically used term for sound emitters is loudspeaker, we here use the more general term in order to avoid confusion, especially for inaudible sound signals.

[0017] The term “sound receiver” will be used in the following for an electroacoustic transducer that is a receiver of the emitted sound signal and which delivers a corresponding electrical signal. Optionally, the sound receiver is configured for receiving also other sounds than the sound signal emitted from the sound emitter, for example for receiving sound from mosquitoes for determining mosquitoes under or at the mosquito net. Although, the typically used term for sound receivers is microphones, we here use the more general term in order to avoid confusion, especially for inaudible sound signals.

[0018] A mosquito net comprises a mesh fabric with or without insecticide. As typical for such net, for example bed net, it is hung from a support and spanning over a human dwelling space, for example sleeping place, in order to prevent mosquitoes from reaching humans and or animals, such as pets, under the mesh fabric. the invention is explained in more detail in the following with reference to examples for illustration and understanding.

[0019] An electroacoustic sound emitter is located at the net. The sound emitter is, typically attached to the net, although it could also be provided adjacent to the net, for example attached to a string which holds the net. The sound emitter is emitting a reference sound periodically. In order not to disturb humans by the sound. Advantageously, the sound is non-audible, optionally at ultrasound frequency or at least partially at ultrasound frequency.

[0020] A plurality of electroacoustic sound receivers are provided in or on the mosquito net at different locations of the mosquito net, in particularly, attached to the mesh fabric or incorporated in the mesh fabric. In some embodiments, the sound receivers are attached to the mesh fabric, whereas in others, the sound receivers are incorporated in the weave. This depends on the size of the sound receivers. Currently, sound emitters and sound receivers are available of the size in the few-millimetre range, but it is expected that sized will become smaller in future so that these can be integrated in threads of a fabric.

[0021] The sound receivers are arranged at different distances to the sound emitter when the mesh fabric is hung and spanning over the dwelling space according to predetermined preferred configuration of the mosquito net over the dwelling space. Advantageously, the sound receivers are located on opposite sides of the mosquito net relatively to the dwelling space over which the net is spanning when arranged correctly.

[0022] The sound receivers are configured for receiving the reference sound emitted from the sound emitter and providing an electrical or electronic receiver signal as a response to the received sound.

[0023] For the sound emitter and for the sound receivers, different technologies are available. An example is MEMS (Micro-ElectroMechanical systems) technology, where sound receivers and sound emitters are provided in millimetre size, however with high efficiency, despite very low electrical power consumption.

[0024] An analysis system is provided for analysing the signals from the sound receivers in order to estimate the configuration of the mosquito, especially whether it has a shape that is properly spanning over the swelling space. In particular, the analysis system is functionally connected to the sound receivers and comprises a computer that is programmed to estimate actual configuration of the mosquito net by calculating and correlating time delays between the receiver signals. For example, the analysis system is estimating the actual configuration of the mosquito net automatically by calculating and correlating time delays between the emission time of the reference sound and the receipt times of the corresponding receiver signals from the sound receivers, each of the time delays being indicative of the distance of one of the sound receivers from the sound emitter. This method implies that the emission time in the analysis is related to the receiving time, for example by determining or triggering the emission time and using this in the calculation.

[0025] For sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that it is also possible to place a reference sound receiver closer to the reference sound emitter than the remaining sound receivers and use the received signal from this reference sound receiver as a reference for calculating the time delays. Due to the closeness of the reference sound receiver to the sound emitter, this alternative method corresponds in practice to a known offset in time from the actual emission time of the reference sound and can, thus, be corrected for by a known constant offset time for calculating the time delays as from the sound emitter to the other sound receivers. This method implies that only received signals are necessary for the estimation.

[0026] In practical embodiments, the computer is programmed for evaluating whether the time delays, or equivalent calculated distances based on estimated sound propagation speed, correspond to values within predetermined ranges for criteria for proper configuration of the mosquito net to protect humans under the mosquito net or whether the values are outside the predetermined ranges as an indication that the mosquito net is not properly arranged for protection or is collapsed for storage. In advanced embodiments, artificial intelligence is used for such evaluation.

[0027] The system may also include a thermometer for determining the temperature at the location of the net. Measured temperatures can then be used for determining sound propagation speed. Additionally or alternatively, measured temperatures can be used for determining whether people or animals are in the dwelling space under the mosquito net. Also, a humidity sensor can be used for determining whether humans or animals are under the mosquito net. Advantageously, the system is indicating warnings to the user in case that the estimation indicates lack of proper configuration of the mosquito net.

[0028] For example, a smartphone is programmed for indicating warnings to the user in case that the estimation indicates lack of proper configuration of the mosquito net.

[0029] As an option, the system is configured for submitting the receiver signals or calculated time delays or both, by a wired connection or wireless, for example by Bluetooth technology, as digital signals to a smartphone, advantageously together with a unique identification code of the mosquito net. A smartphone is also useful in that its location, and thus the location of the mosquito net, can be used in connection with the data. Optionally geolocation data are received by GPS and linked to the data.

[0030] In some embodiments, the computer is implemented in a smartphone.

[0031] Cloud computing for the estimation of the configuration is also an option.

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

[0033] Collecting data at a server system implies an advantage of the option of determining use of mosquito nets not only in individual situation but also within a household or even in a community.

[0034] Data from the sound receivers are optionally processed in real time, especially with respect to time delays. However, the data can also be collected first and then used for analysis. In particular, a full set of data from all receivers is useful in the estimation of the configuration of the net, so that data, for example time delay data, are collected until at least one full set of data, including data from all sound receivers is available. In some practical embodiments, the analysis system comprises a data collection routine, a calculation routine, and an evaluation routine. The term analysis system is used as a general term and includes the option of implementing all three routines in a single unit but also the option of incorporating the routines in different units. It is further possible that the routines are split into different subroutines contained and executed in different units. Various ways of implementation are possible as also explained in the following. The data collection routine is configured for collecting the signals from the sound receivers. For example, a controller or a smartphone collets the data for the estimation. A pre-collection of data, for example by the electronics of the sound receivers is also an option. The calculation routine is configured for calculating time delays between the receipt of the reference sound by the various sound receivers. The evaluation routine is configured for evaluating on the basis of the time delays indications as to whether the mosquito net is hung and spanning according to predetermined criteria for proper positioning of the mosquito net to protect humans under the mosquito net or whether the mosquito net is collapsed for storage.

[0035] In some embodiments, the analysis system comprises a controller that is attached to or otherwise implemented in the mosquito net, for example attached to the mesh fabric or incorporated in the mesh fabric. The controller is functionally connected to the sound emitter and the sound receivers for transfer of signals for the evaluation. Although, wireless communication between the controller and the sound emitter and sound receivers is possible, the controller is typically connected to the sound emitter and the sound receivers by cables, for example cables that are integrated or interwoven in the mesh fabric.

[0036] For example, the controller comprises the data collection routine and is receiving the electrical or electronic signals from the sound receivers. Optionally, the controller is storing the received signals in a database with a time stamp. The controller is configured for relating the time stamps to a reference time for emission of the corresponding sound signal by the sound emitter. For example, the reference time is determined by the controller sending a trigger signal to the sound emitter for emitting the sound. The time delay between the reference time and the time stamps when the emitted sound signal was received by the corresponding various sound receivers represent measures for the actual distances between the sound emitter and the sound receivers. Optionally, the controller also comprises the calculation routine and potentially also the evaluation routine for the estimate as to whether the actual configuration of the mosquito net is proper. However, this need not be the case, as explained below, where the controller collects the data and the calculation routine and the evaluation routine are performed in a different device, for example a smartphone or in a cloud computer, as already mentioned above.

[0037] For example, the digital data related to the received sounds are transmitted from the controller to a different computer, optionally a smartphone, and from this different computer via the internet or other wireless data network to a central server located remote from the mosquito net for analysis of the positioning of the mosquito net.

[0038] As an option, the different computer, for example smartphone, but not the controller comprises the evaluation routine implemented as a computer routine. In a smartphone, such computer routine are implemented as an application, also called APP in modern language. This computer routine, in particular the APP in the smartphone, is programmed for functional connection to a central server located remote from the mosquito net for digital communication with the central server for evaluating the configuration of the mosquito net by the central server. Advantageously, in the case of a smartphone, the APP is programmed for user interaction with the smartphone and for indicating to the user information about the evaluated positioning of the net, including warnings in case that evaluation indicates lack of proper positioning the net.

[0039] The objective for the invention is also fulfilled by the method according to the following. In this case, a mosquito net comprising a mesh fabric is provided, which is configured for being hung from a support and spanning over a human dwelling space to prevent mosquitoes to reach humans under the mesh fabric. A sound emitter located at the net, for example on the net, is emitting a reference sound periodically with a sound emitter located at the net. The emitted reference sound is received by a plurality of sound receivers provided in or on the mosquito net at different locations of the mosquito net and arranged such that the sound receivers have different distances to the sound emitter when the mesh fabric is hung and spanning over the dwelling space. The signals for the received reference sound is transmitted from the sound receivers to an analysis system, which is using a computer for estimating actual configuration of the mosquito net by calculating and correlating time delays between the receiver signals.

[0040] Especially the analysis system may calculate time delays between the receipts of the reference sound by the various sound receivers and evaluating, on the basis of the time delays, indications as to whether the mosquito net is hung and spanning according to predetermined criteria for proper positioning of the mosquito net to protect humans under the mosquito net or whether the mosquito net is collapsed for storage.

[0041] The speed of sound depends on the density in air and, thus, on the temperature of the surroundings. In order to increase precision, optionally, a thermometer is integrated in the system, for example in the controller.

[0042] In some embodiment, the sound receivers and / or the controller is / are configured for audio-filtration of the received sound signal in order for filtering the signal out of the surrounding noise. In case that the reference sound emitted from the sound emitter is in the ultrasound frequency region, the sound receivers may advantageously be configured for only receiving ultrasound signals.

[0043] As an option, the sound receivers are designed to also receive and potentially record the sound given by mosquitoes. By analysing the time delay of the receipt of this sound by the various sound receivers, the location of the mosquito can be determined, and a warning signal be given to the user by the controller or the smartphone, for example if the mosquitoes are determined being under the mosquito net. For example, the sound emitter can be used to give a warning to the user.

[0044] The data collected from such mosquito detection under the net may also be used in correlation to the determination of the configuration of the net, for example in the server system, in order to make statistics on proper use of the net. The latter is useful for targeted malaria information campaigns to users for assuring better protection.

[0045] For the electrical power supply, the sound receivers and the sound emitter as well as the optional controller may be connected to a rechargeable battery or that 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 charged by power from a mobile telephone, where the battery of the mobile telephone transfers power to the rechargeable battery of the mosquito net system.

[0046] In order to minimize power consumption, the electronics, sound receivers, and / or sound emitter may be programmed to be in a sleeping mode with a periodic automatic wake up. Optionally, a smartphone is used to wake up the electronics from the sleeping mode. The low power consumption implies that relatively small batteries can be used in the system, preventing the mosquito net from becoming bulky by the electronics.

[0047] It is pointed out that mosquito nets play an important role in the fight against malaria in rural areas. Although, the general infrastructure may be at a low level in many remote villages and rural areas in Africa, the mobile telephone system is usually well developed, and the proportion of users of mobile telephones, including smartphones, in the local population is relatively high. This implies that mosquito nets as described above are suitable also for rural villages, for example in Africa, irrespective of the fact that internet connection is needed as well as charging of batteries. In line with the distribution of mobile telephones in these villages, also charging stations for the telephones have been provided, for example in central locations in the community. However, once a mobile telephone has been charged as such central location, it can be used with appropriate cabling and software to charge the battery of the mosquito net system.

[0048] Also, especially useful is the system in clinics and hospitals where it is very important to protect the patients.

[0049] SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, where FIG. 1 is a principle sketch of a mosquito net with a positioning detection system;

[0051] FIG. 2 show results of a feasibility study on time measurements for determining distances.

[0052] DETAILED DESCRIPTION / PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 illustrates a system 1, comprising a mosquito net 2 that is placed so that it hangs over a sleeping place 3. Attached to the mosquito net 1 is a micro-sound emitter 4 that emits certain reference sounds according to a predetermined pattern. At different locations on the net 2, there are attached multiple sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D.

[0053] When the sound emitter 4 emits a sound, the sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D capture the sound and transmit corresponding electrical or electronical signals to a controller 8 on the net 2 for further analysis. Depending on the linear distances 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D of the sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D from the sound emitter 4, the sound signal from the sound emitter 3 to the respective sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D arrives sooner or later at the individual sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D. Accordingly, the propagation time is related to the linear distances 6 A, 6B, 6C, 6D of the sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D to the sound emitter 4. As the sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D are placed at different locations on the net 2, especially on opposite sides of the sleeping place 3, and on sides close to as well as remote from the sound emitter 4, comparison of the propagation time from the sound emitter 4 to the various sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D reveals information about the actual current shape of the net. In particular, if the sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D have actual positions at locations of which some are closer to the sound emitter 4 than others at the time of measurements, the sound analysis reveals whether the net 2 is collapsed or properly spread over the sleeping place 3. Moreover, time delay analysis of the signals from the receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D reveals whether the net 2 is collapsed in one direction 9 A or another direction 9B by being pulled to one side or the other, or whether the net 2 is rolled up above the sleeping place 3.

[0054] For example, the time delays between the receipt of the sound from the sound emitter by the various sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D may be compared to empirical data that are stored in a memory of the controller 8. As will be shown further below in more detail, experiments have proven that a simple set up with very small sound receivers and a miniature sound emitter makes it possible to determine relative distances in the order of a meter between sound emitter and sound receiver and interspacing between sound receivers to less than 2 cm. When using non-audible, for example ultrasound, signals, the sound would not disturb the persons sleeping under the net.

[0055] Repeated measurements that are stored in a memory of the controller 8 not only reveals whether the net 2 is being used properly and regularly but also whether it is used in a correct way so that the bed space 3 under the net 2 is well protected against mosquitoes. Artificial intelligence may be used for the evaluation.

[0056] For the power supply, the sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D and the sound emitter 3 as well as the controller 8 may each be provided with a rechargeable battery that is cable- connected to a charging unit 10, attached to the net or separate from the net 2. The cables can be thin and soft and integrated in the fabric material of the net, for example interwoven.

[0057] Alternatively, the sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D and the sound emitter 3 are cable- connected to a common rechargeable battery 14 that is charged by the charging unit 10. As an option, the battery 14 is incorporated in the charging unit 10 as exemplified in the drawing. Alternatively, the battery 14 is incorporated in the controller 8. Other options exist for placement of the battery.

[0058] The charging unit 10 is optionally connected to grid power 15 or to a solar power cell by 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 transfer of electric power from the phone 12 to the rechargeable battery 14 so that no charging unit 10 and no cable 11 are necessary. Various options exist.

[0059] It is pointed out that the sound receivers 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and the sound emitter 4 are very small and consume only small amounts of power, so that also the battery 14 would last long and would not need frequent recharge. In particular, the power consumption is small, if the sound emission and receipt by the sound receivers is only done periodically, for example once every half hour.

[0060] The electronics of the controller 10, sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D, and sound emitter 4 may be programmed to be in a sleeping mode with a periodic automatic wake up, so that power consumption is minimized. The low power consumption implies that relatively small batteries can be used in the system, preventing the mosquito net 2 from becoming bulky by the electronics.

[0061] For the transmission and analysis of the electrical or electronica signals, for example digital signals, there are multiple options. For example, a controller 8 is provided as a small microcomputer chip attached to the mosquito net 2 or otherwise integrated in the mesh fabric of the mosquito net 2. For example, it triggers the emission of sound signals from the sound emitter 4 and receives the corresponding signals from the sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D. It is communicating with the sound emitter 4 and sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D through cables integrated in the mesh fabric of the net 2, although in principle, a wireless communication is possible. Once, the signals from the sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D are received by the controller 8, they may be analysed in the controller 8.

[0062] Alternatively, the signals received by the controller 8 are transmitted together with the time stamps of the signals to a separate analysis computer where they are analysed with respect to time-delays of signals between the sound receivers. For example, digital signals for the received sound signals and their time stamps are transmitted to a smartphone 12, for example wirelessly, which is then used as an analysis computer, for example by a computer application, also called APP in modern terminology, stored and activated in the smartphone 12. The latter is advantageous in that the smartphone 12 will be charged by the user regularly and has high calculation capacity so that analysis of the data can be done without using power from the rechargeable battery that is used to power the sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D and the sound emitter 4, which require little power, as well as for the data transfer.

[0063] Optionally, data are transferred to a central server 16 for collection and analysis, for example once the analysis of the data is done. The smartphone 12, being connected to the internet 13, can be used for this transfer purpose, for example after having analysed the data in the controller 8 on the net or by the APP in the smartphone 12.

[0064] Alternatively, the data with their time stamps are received by the smartphone 12 from the controller 8 on the net and transferred to a central server 16 for collection and further analysis without analysis by the controller 8 on the net 2 and also without analysis in the smartphone 12 but merely as received from the controller 8 with the corresponding time stamps and stored in a data buffer of the controller 8 on the net 2 or in the smartphone 12. In this case, the controller 8 on the net 2 is not used for the analysis of the recorded data but used for triggering the sound emitter 4 and collection of the recorded signals in a buffer with their correct time tamps and for submitting 18 it over a wireless connection 17, for example the internet 13, to a central server 16 by using the smartphone 12 merely as a transceiver, potentially also as a data collection buffer. The final analysis is then performed by the central server 16.

[0065] The result from the evaluation is optionally transmitted to the smartphone 12 for possibly giving the user a warning in case that the evaluation revealed that the actual configuration of the mosquito net is not in agreement with predetermined criteria for proper configuration.

[0066] As further option, the smartphone 12 may be programmed for giving feedback signals to the user, for example warnings, if the analysis, be it by the controller 8 on the net 2 or in the smartphone 12, shows that the net 2 is not properly arranged.

[0067] In modern MEMS technology, the sound emitter 4 and sound receivers 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D, for example as used in hearing aids, have a size close to 1 mm and are, thus, small and lightweight and, for comparison, smaller than the size of a mosquito.

[0068] With reference to FIG 2, a feasibility study was conducted with such technology where two sound receivers, Mic 1 and Mic 2, were placed at different distances from a micro speaker (Speaker MEMS). The first sound receiver was placed 30 cm from the sound emitter, and a second sound receiver was placed 130 cm from the sound emitter. The linear configuration is illustrated in FIG. 2A.

[0069] In the experiment, the sound emitter was giving a sound that was a linear chirp between 16 and 22 kHz of length 250 msec. The sound receivers Micl and Mic 2 recorded the sound, which was sampled at 48 kHz. A computer program analysed the signals and applied classical time delay estimation techniques in order to correlate the delayed signals to distances. Figure 2B shows receipt of the signal by the first sound receiver Mid when the time delay estimation has been converted to distance on the basis of the known sound propagation speed. Similarly figure 2C illustrates the distance of the second sound receiver Mic2 from the sound emitter of the conversion of the time delay to distance. Figure 2D illustrates the distance between the sound receivers.

[0070] As it appears from the illustrations in FIG. 2, the distances could be estimated with the accuracy of less than 2 cm, namely an accuracy of 18 mm. The actual distance of the sound receivers from the sound emitter was estimated correctly as well as the distance between the sound receivers. The analysis system used the time delay from emission of the sound by the sound emitter until the receipt of the sound signal by the sound receivers for the calculation of the distance of the sound receivers from the sound emitter.

[0071] It is pointed out that the temperature in the air around the mosquito net influences the propagation speed of the sound. In order to improve position, the temperature of the environment may also be measured. For example, the controller 8 comprises or is connected to a minor thermometer in order to improve the measurement accuracy.

[0072] The method and system as described is useful as a new generation of mosquito nets, for which proper use and correspondingly increased protection against malaria is achieved by a combination of lightweight modem electronic and communication technologies with the well-known simple but secure protection by mesh fabrics.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system (1) for automatic repeated investigation whether a mosquito net (2) is correctly arranged over a human dwelling space (3), wherein the system (1) comprises- a mosquito net (2) comprising a mesh fabric configured for being hung from a support and spanning over the human dwelling space (3) to prevent mosquitoes from reaching humans under the mesh fabric;- an electroacoustic sound emitter (4) located at the net (2), wherein the sound emitter (4) is configured for emitting a reference sound at emission times repeatedly,- a plurality of electroacoustic sound receivers (5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D) provided in or on the mosquito net (2) at different locations of the mosquito net (2) and arranged such that the sound receivers (5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D) have different distances (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D) to the sound emitter (4) when the mesh fabric is hung and spanning over the dwelling space according to a predetermined preferred configuration of the mosquito net (2) over the dwelling space (3); wherein the sound receivers (5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D) are configured for receiving the reference sound emitted from the sound emitter (4) and providing an electrical receiver signal as a response to the received sound;- a analysis system functionally connected to the sound receivers (5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D) and comprising a computer (8, 12) programmed to estimate actual configuration of the mosquito net (2) by calculating and correlating time delays between the receiver signals.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the computer (8, 12) is programmed to estimate actual configuration of the mosquito net (2) by calculating and correlating time delays between the emission time of the reference sound and the receipt times of the corresponding receiver signals from the sound receivers (5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D), each of the time delays being indicative of the distance of one of the sound receivers (5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D) from the sound emitter (4).

3. System according to any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured for indicating warnings to the user in case that estimation indicates lack of proper configuration the mosquito net (2).

4. System according to any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured for submitting (18) the receiver signals or calculated time delays or both, by a wired connection or wireless, as digital signals together with a unique identification code of the mosquito net to a smartphone.

5. System according to any preceding claim, wherein the computer is implemented in a smartphone.

6. System according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the smartphone is programmed for indicating warnings to the user in case that the estimation indicates lack of proper configuration of the mosquito net (2).

7. System according to any preceding claim, wherein system is configured for submitting (18) the receiver signals or calculated time delays or both together with a unique identification code of the mosquito net via the internet (13) or other wireless data network to a central server (16) located remote from the mosquito net (2) for analysis of the configuration of the mosquito net (2).

8. System according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the sound emitter (4) and the sound receivers (5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D) is based on MEMS technology.

9. System according to any preceding claim, wherein sound emitter (4) reference sound is a least partly non-audible sound, for example ultrasound.

10. System according to any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured for receiving other sounds that the emitted reference sound through the sound receivers and configured for evaluating sound from mosquitoes as received by the sound receivers as indication that mosquitoes are under the mosquito net, and where in the system is configured for indicating a warning to the user in the affirmative.

11. A method of using with a system according to any preceding claim for automatic repeated investigation whether a mosquito net (2) is correctly arranged over a human dwelling space (3), wherein the method comprises- providing a mosquito net (2) comprising a mesh fabric configured for being hung from a support and spanning over a human dwelling space (3) to prevent mosquitoes to reach humans under the mesh fabric;- emitting a reference sound repeatedly with an electroacoustic sound emitter (4) located at the net (2),- receiving the emitted reference sound by a plurality of electroacoustic sound receivers (5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D) provided in or on the mosquito net (2) at different locations of the mosquito net (2) and arranged such that the sound receivers (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) have different distances (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D) to the sound emitter (4) when the mesh fabric is hung and spanning over the dwelling space according to a predetermined preferred configuration of the mosquito net (2) over the dwelling space (3); by each of the sound receivers (5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D) providing an electrical receiver signal as a response to the received sound;- by a computer (8, 12) as part of an analysis system and functionally connected to the sound receivers (5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D) estimating actual configuration of the mosquito net (2) by calculating and correlating time delays between the receiver signals.

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein the method comprises estimating actual configuration of the mosquito net (2) automatically by a computer by calculating and correlating time delays between the emission time of the reference sound and the receipt times of the corresponding receiver signals from the sound receivers (5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D), each of the time delays being indicative of the distance of one of the sound receivers (5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D) from the sound emitter (4).

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the method comprises evaluating by the computer whether the time delays, or equivalent calculated distances based on estimated sound propagation speed, correspond to values within predetermined ranges for criteria for proper configuration of the mosquito net (2) to protect humans under the mosquito net (2) or whether the values are outside the predetermined ranges as an indication that the mosquito net (2) is not properly arranged for protection or is collapsed for storage and indicating to the user warnings in case that estimation indicates lack of proper configuration the mosquito net (2).

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein herein the method comprises submitting (18) the receiver signals or calculated time delays or both, by a wired connection or wireless, as digital signals to a smartphone that is programmed for user interaction and for indicating to the user warnings in case that the estimation indicates lack of proper configuration of the mosquito net (2).

15. Method according to any one of the claims 11-14, wherein the method comprises measuring temperature and / or humidity at the mosquito net and transmitting the measurements to the analysis system for determining whether there are humans under the mosquito net and linking the measurements to data for the time delays.

16. Method according to any one of the claims 11-15, wherein method comprises submitting (18) the receiver signals or calculated time delays or both together with a unique identification code of the mosquito net via the internet (13) or other wireless data network to a central server (16) located remote from the mosquito net (2) for analysis of the configuration of the mosquito net (2).

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