Method and system for collecting and analyzing data related to human health during bed net use

Abstract

The mosquito net is equipped with a sensor system to diagnose human health conditions. The sensed parameters are transmitted to a smartphone where they are analyzed by a corresponding APP or further transmitted to a remote server for analysis. Depending on the analysis results, user feedback is provided, for example, encouraging diagnosis, obtaining medicine, or seeking medical attention. (Figure 1)

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for analyzing the health status of humans using bed nets.

[0002] Traditional bed nets remain the most effective way to protect people from malaria. In its simplest form, they are a mesh fabric that is spread over a person's living space, such as a bed net.

[0003] Proper and regular use of mosquito nets is important. For this reason, various studies on their regular use have been conducted. For example, in a 2014 article by Koudou entitled "Using motion detectors to estimate mosquito net use among residents in a mosquito-infested area in central Côte d'Ivoire: preliminary results," he describes a project in which small motion detectors and data loggers were attached to mosquito nets to monitor movement during mosquito net use. To read the data from the logger, the logger was removed from the net, read on a PC, and then reattached to the net. This article is available online at the following address: https: / / parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com / articles / 10.1186 / 1756-3305-7-96

[0004] Prior art has attempted to improve the efficiency of mosquito nets by combining them with modern technology. Chinese patent applications CN106719589A and CN107495731A disclose mosquito nets equipped with sound detectors that detect mosquitoes within the net. When detected, a mosquito repellent sound is emitted.

[0005] Japanese Utility Model JP3229994U discloses an air conditioner combined with a mosquito net to improve the air inside the mosquito net.

[0006] Chinese utility model CN213605511U discloses a bed with a curtain and a mattress, on which an ECG sensor and a breathing sensor are installed to measure health conditions. The data is transmitted to a controller on the bed for analysis of heart signals and breathing frequency.

[0007] WO2015 / 132208 discloses a method for controlling pest populations, where a data package is collected, including location, cover type, photographs, etc. This gives an overview of the pest population, but this is only a first step to protect people and does not include a warning system for people at home.

[0008] However, as noted above, mosquito nets remain the most efficient method of protecting humans from malaria, and it would be desirable to improve their effectiveness in terms of reducing the lethal effects of malaria and other host-borne diseases.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide improvements in the art, and in particular to provide a method and system for reducing the spread and lethal effects of diseases such as malaria. This object and further advantages are achieved by the methods described below and in the claims.

[0010] The object of the present invention is based on the consideration that general prevention of people from contracting malaria is not the only aspect that requires attention, but that other related aspects also need to be focused on, such as prompt treatment when malaria cases are identified in a particular household, and raising awareness of the increasing frequency of malaria cases in an area, for example in a village or nearby villages. Early detection of malaria frequency and raising awareness and attention among people when the number of malaria cases in an area increases can help prevent the spread of malaria. The advantages of the present invention in this respect are explained in more detail below.

[0011] That is, the mosquito net is equipped with a sensor system that collects and analyzes health-related data to diagnose a person's health condition. The sensed parameters are transmitted to a smartphone where they are analyzed by a corresponding computer application (also called an APP), or further transmitted to a remote server for analysis. Depending on the analysis results, user feedback is provided, such as a prompt to diagnose, obtain medication, or seek medical attention.

[0012] In some cases and embodiments, a preliminary diagnosis may be made by the sensor system based on symptoms, but this is not strictly necessary for the system, since the system primarily collects data and provides feedback to the user, not a final diagnosis. For example, data collection may reveal a person's risk of having a fever, which is indicative of malaria or other tropical diseases. However, in such cases, feedback may be provided to the user to seek medical attention or to be alerted that the health condition may indicate illness. In this sense, the method according to the present invention is not a diagnostic method, since it typically does not involve a deductive medical decision-making step, given that the collected data are only symptoms of illness, not evidence of illness. If medical advice from a doctor or nurse is available in the area, this may lead to a diagnosis. However, if medical advice is not possible due to a rural area lacking medical personnel, this feedback may enable the user to take better care of themselves. Data collection from various locations within a region may also reveal whether there is a risk of an outbreak of illness. Users can also receive feedback from the system based on analyzing health data collected from other users in other residential areas.

[0013] Below we present a method for collecting and analysing data on the health status of humans using bed nets. We also present a method for analysing the health status of humans using bed nets. The method is described in more detail below.

[0014] The methods include providing systems such as diagnostic systems within homes, for example to combat malaria, and also represent other added benefits to improve the overall health of people who use bed nets, for example those living in rural areas with minimal infrastructure.

[0015] The diagnostic system includes a mosquito net made of mesh fabric to prevent mosquitoes from accessing humans.

[0016] Also, a sensor system is provided on or integrated into the netting of a mosquito net, for example for use as a diagnostic sensor system. Examples of one or more sensors in the sensor system include sensors that measure: - the temperature inside the mosquito net; - humidity inside the mosquito net; - the temperature of the skin of a person inside the mosquito net; - the breathing frequency of the person inside the net; - the heart rate of the person inside the mosquito net; - sounds from people inside the net, such as heavy breathing or coughing; - Movement of a person inside the mosquito net, e.g. restless sleep.

[0017] Other possible analyses include mosquito emergence on and under the net, especially if insecticides have been sprayed in or around the net, or if the net is an insecticide-treated net.Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) are particularly useful for controlling vector-borne diseases.

[0018] The use of mosquito nets can increase the temperature and humidity inside the net compared to the surrounding residential space, which can reveal information about the health of people sleeping inside the net. As noted in this context, the mesh fabric has relatively small openings, which allows air to move more slowly inside the space than in the surrounding area.

[0019] For example, measuring the temperature inside a mosquito net and comparing it to the temperature surrounding the net can indicate whether the person inside the net has a fever. Measuring humidity can indicate whether the person is sweating more than usual. This method is particularly applicable when comparing actual temperature readings with temperatures taken over an extended period of time, such as weeks or months, from the same person and the same mosquito net. Statistical analysis and / or computer analysis, including artificial intelligence, can help more reliably assess potential health conditions, such as fever or sweating, that affect the temperature and humidity inside the net.

[0020] New technology has been developed to incorporate sensors, such as temperature and humidity sensors, into textile yarns. This technology has already been proposed for incorporation into textiles for clothing worn on the human body, but the sensors have not yet been proposed for use in mosquito nets, which are located away from the body.

[0021] Examples of sensors similar to those that can be incorporated into mosquito net mesh and that have been proposed for incorporation into human clothing are disclosed in numerous references, including scientific and patent literature.

[0022] For example, Shi et al.'s article "Wearable Smart Textiles Integrated Microelectronic Systems" (Adv. Mater. 2019, 1901958; see also DOI: 10.1002 / adma.201901958) discusses the integration of various functional devices, such as sensors, actuators, displays, antennas, energy harvesters, batteries and supercapacitors, circuit boards, and memory devices, into wearable textiles. While not attached to or in contact with the body, these functional devices could also be integrated into the fabric of a mosquito net, rather than into wearable textiles. The article by Shi et al. details the use of functionalized and coated carbon or metal fibers as conductors. Furthermore, the incorporation of thin fibers with specialized functions, such as optical functions, into flexible textiles is also discussed. The article by Shi et al. discusses a humidity-activated device that expands with increasing humidity due to hydrophilic groups that absorb water. The article describes another type of twisted yarn that is activated by changes in humidity. Such a humidity sensor can be incorporated into the mesh fabric while maintaining the overall soft appearance of the fabric.

[0023] Since mosquito nets need to be flexible and not rigid so they can be rolled or folded, flexible wires for electrical or optical transmission are very useful, allowing functional devices to be integrated into the mesh fabric, eliminating the need to attach them to the fabric. Alternatively, wireless technology can be used between various electronic components. Incorporating diagnostic functionality into the mesh fabric makes the mosquito net appear no different from a traditional mosquito net, despite the advanced technology incorporated into it. Compared to functional wearables, mosquito nets may require specific adjustments of the functional devices, as the mosquito net does not come into contact with the human body inside the net.

[0024] For measuring the general temperature of the air in and around the mosquito net, the mesh fabric may optionally comprise embedded fibers that change structure, in particular length, depending on the temperature, and this change in structure is measured electrically or optically. Examples of such fibers are described in the above-mentioned paper by Shi et al.

[0025] Using the right sensors, such as infrared sensors, it is possible to measure the temperature of human skin, based on the frequency of the radiation emitted, which tells us the temperature of the source of radiation (in this case, the skin of a person sleeping under a mosquito net).

[0026] Measuring a person's breathing frequency is another analytical tool that can be used to reveal whether they are relaxed or tense, whether they are having healthy sleep, or whether they have health problems. In particular, if a person is taking short breaths or if their breathing is accompanied by loud noises, this can be interpreted as a sign of a health problem, such as pain in the lungs. Short or rapid breathing is often seen in people infected with COVID or trying to avoid coughing. Furthermore, slow breathing may indicate sleep apnea. Analyzing coughing patterns and sounds can reveal signs of tuberculosis.

[0027] Various types of sensors can be used to measure a person's breathing frequency. For example, several sensors can be used to measure the movement of a body's chest and analyze the frequency of that 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 fixed sensor.

[0028] Optical sensors can be used to measure body part movements, especially chest movements during breathing. Analyzing how body parts move during sleep can reveal whether the person inside the mosquito net is sleeping peacefully or restlessly.

[0029] Other sensors that detect motion are those that measure changes in distance from the sensor to the respective body part. Examples of such sensors include an audio transmitter / receiver combination, where the sound waves emitted by the transmitter, reflected from the body part, and detected by the audio receiver vary depending on the amplitude and speed of the moving body part.

[0030] Furthermore, detecting movement within the net and relating it to time and date makes it possible to assess whether and how often the net is actually being used - an important aspect, since if it is not used, or not used regularly, it will not provide the necessary and desired protection.

[0031] As pointed out herein, the term "sound" includes not only audible sounds that can be heard by the human ear, but also inaudible sounds, such as ultrasound and infrasound in particular.

[0032] Modern technology provides very small sensors, for example using MEMS technology, where MEMS stands for Micro Electro Mechanical Systems. Such sensors are commercially available as sound transmitters and sound receivers similar to microphones. Such sound receivers and sound transmitters are available in millimeter sizes, yet are highly efficient despite very low power consumption.

[0033] The attachment of such particularly small sensors to the netting fabric does not interfere with the appearance of the mosquito net, its functionality in preventing mosquitoes from approaching humans, or the ability to roll or fold the net for storage in small spaces.

[0034] Audio recorded from inside the net may also contain information about possible coughing or heavy breathing, and more sensitive analysis of the audio recordings, using, for example, Fourier analysis, may even reveal heartbeats.

[0035] In certain embodiments, different sensors are provided in combination and the corresponding measurements are combined to draw conclusions based on a combination of various different parameters.

[0036] The measurements taken by the sensor system are evaluated by a computer system, which advantageously uses statistical evaluation, computer machine learning algorithms, but may also include deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI).

[0037] Optionally, the measurements are correlated in a computer system with other relevant data, optionally including at least one of the following: - Historical trends in the incidence of malaria or other specific diseases - Rainfall data and its relationship to diseases such as malaria, epidemics, outbreaks, and geographical distribution.

[0038] With powerful computing systems, the incorporation of big data becomes an option to obtain a holistic overview and analysis of the current health status of an area such as a community or a country.

[0039] The computer system may be integrated into the net, for example by means of an integrated microchip containing a computer processing unit (CPU), but in order to obtain high computing power, especially when using artificial intelligence, it may be advantageous to use a small transmitter to transmit the measurement signals from the net's sensor system to a powerful computer for evaluation.

[0040] Smartphones, for example, are used as such powerful computers. In this regard, it has been noted that smartphones are becoming increasingly popular, especially in countries with relatively poor populations living in rural areas, such as Africa, where malaria is a problem. Using a smartphone as a powerful computer also has the advantage that computer applications, or so-called APPs, can be easily installed on the smartphone.

[0041] Alternatively, or in addition, such smartphones may be used to collect and transmit measurement data over the internet to a central, remote server system, which then performs the analysis. Cloud computing is a useful option in connection with such data analysis.

[0042] Alternatively, a smartphone can be used for the initial or complete analysis, and the digital data, e.g., selected and / or pre-evaluated data sets, can be transmitted via the internet to a remote server system for further comparison and statistical analysis of the data.

[0043] For example, such a server system could be used to collect measurements from multiple mosquito net sensor systems. The remote server system could be programmed to use these various data sets for statistical analysis to compare results not only from individuals or families sleeping in a single mosquito net, but also from multiple residences within an area, such as a village or a larger geographic region. Collecting data from across the country or multiple countries allows for large-scale statistical analysis to be performed accordingly. This not only aids in future planning but also helps mitigate the impact of disease outbreaks.

[0044] Collecting data at a server system has significant advantages. For example, the server system may optionally take into account seasonal time to assess whether the occurrence of malaria cases is increasing compared to the normal average. Weather data may also be taken into account, especially the onset of the rainy season.

[0045] Smartphones also give users the choice to allow their personal information, such as name, address, and household characteristics including socio-economic status, to be used in connection with the collection and storage of data; for example, users can enter their personal data manually or allow their existing data to be used in connection with the collected data.

[0046] However, it has been pointed out that the system, as described herein, is not only applicable to the control and surveillance of malaria and minimizing the risk of its spread, but also to many other diseases, particularly host-borne diseases.Data collection in the server system can reveal the progression of a disease in a particular area.

[0047] For example, the transmission of data from a smartphone to a server has the advantage of including the smartphone's location. In principle, it is usually known where a particular bed net is located, but geolocation data from a smartphone offers much greater potential for more precise analysis, especially when it comes to monitoring the geographic spread of diseases.

[0048] For example, if the analysis reveals that a nearby village has an above-average incidence of malaria, the analysis can be useful in warning users to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

[0049] However, as already mentioned, this system can also be applied to combating the spread of other diseases. For example, if multiple outbreaks of a disease, such as COVID-19, are known in neighboring villages, an analysis of the health status of these villages can be linked to potential transmission between villages. In particular, if COVID-19 cases are found to occur frequently in residences in one village, coughing, fever, and shortness of breath in residences in neighboring villages can be interpreted as the result of disease transmission from one village to another. Furthermore, geographic transmission can be tracked, and preventative measures, such as the distribution of medical supplies, can be implemented in areas with a high risk of disease spread. Medical personnel may also be dispatched to those locations for preventative measures and treatment.

[0050] It would be a great advantage if the smartphone could be used to provide feedback to its user: for example, if the sensor system detects, and subsequent computer analysis determines, that a person sleeping under a mosquito net has a fever or is coughing, the smartphone's user interface could prompt the user to take specific disease-related measures, such as seeking medical attention or taking specific medication.

[0051] Referring to the example above, if a comparison of data with neighbouring villages shows that the symptoms measured by the central system are indicative of a contagious disease such as Covid, this can be used to prompt users to take appropriate measures such as isolation to protect others and medicines as may be available in rural areas.

[0052] Comparing data transmitted from diagnostic nets in neighboring areas can help correctly diagnose a specific disease among various diseases that cause similar symptoms. This is especially true when combined with the assistance of local medical personnel as the final step in diagnosing the disease. However, even in such cases where medical personnel are used, the system according to the present invention is very useful in that a disease identified in one location can be used to alert other users in the area who have similar symptoms. For example, user feedback may indicate that several cases of malaria have been observed and that the user has similar symptoms, so the user may also be infected with malaria.

[0053] The above example shows that collecting health-related data on the server system can be extremely useful not only in fighting malaria, but also in slowing the spread of infectious diseases in rural areas where residents may not have easy access to medical personnel in hospitals or clinics.

[0054] The smartphone user interface can also be used to send reminders to users to ensure proper and routine use of bed nets, especially if there are signs of malaria or if there is a higher than normal incidence of the disease in their neighborhood (such as higher than normally recorded for a particular season).Similarly, the system can be used as a protective measure against other host-borne diseases.

[0055] Smartphones are particularly useful in this system as they offer great flexibility for performing all or part of the analysis themselves and for transferring data to the server system by installing the appropriate corresponding apps.

[0056] Additionally, smartphones can be used as a communication tool where alerts are generated by apps or server systems and sent to the user interface to reduce disease outbreaks in a particular area.

[0057] However, the smartphone is useful not only because it allows communication between a single user and the server system: the server system associates multiple users' data so that the system can be used to send warning, alert, and motivational messages to a group of users, such as an entire village, via their smartphones, thereby motivating them to use their smartphones to distribute warnings and other messages to other bed net users in the community who do not have smartphones.

[0058] Data collected from various diagnostic nets can easily be used to obtain statistics on the appropriate use of nets in relation to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and Zika.

[0059] To associate received data with a specific bed net for data analysis, e.g., for diagnostic analysis, each bed net may have a unique digital identification code (ID) that is used when transmitting data, although this is not required. This ID may be transmitted with each set of sensed data. This data individualization also allows a smartphone to collect data from various bed nets. For example, a community may have more diagnostic bed nets distributed to various residences than there are smartphones in the community. Also, a single residence may have several such diagnostic bed nets. In such cases, a single smartphone with the corresponding app installed can optionally scan the sensors of various bed nets. Each data set also includes the ID of the corresponding bed net and sensor system, allowing the app and server system to associate each data set with the correct bed net.

[0060] A transmitter for transmitting data representative of the signals from the sensors is provided on the mosquito net or integrated into the mesh fabric, said transmitter being electronically connected to the sensor system via a conductor, for example a conductive thread, and receiving the sensor signals from the sensor system, and as already explained in detail above, said transmitter is also advantageously connectable wirelessly to a smartphone, the latter being equipped with a corresponding APP for data collection, optional data analysis and feedback to the user.

[0061] In a practical embodiment, the system is used as follows.

[0062] Once installed in a residence, the mosquito nets are extended over a bed space or other resting area within the residence. When a person is within the mosquito net, the sensor system in each mosquito net and the corresponding electronic data signal provided by the sensor system measure the person's health. This measurement may be performed periodically to minimize electricity consumption.

[0063] Additional measurements by the sensor system include environmental parameters within the residence, such as temperature, humidity, mosquito density, etc.

[0064] Optionally, electronics may be integrated into the sensor / transmitter system. Examples of integrated electronics include preamplifiers, data acquisition electronics, and data buffers and potential data storage media for recording health-related signals before and / or during processing.

[0065] In instances where audio sensors (such as MEMS sensors) are part of the sensor system, audio preamplifiers may also be integrated into the system, e.g., one for each microphone. Where the system includes emitting audio signals and audio detection of return signals, such as for distance sensing, multi-channel data acquisition and audio data buffering may optionally be integrated to record health-related audio signals before processing.

[0066] Optionally, signal filtering, optionally including Fourier analysis, is used to provide a signal optimized for a particular purpose, for example from an acoustic sensor. A further convenient option is a preamplifier, such as a frequency dependent preamplifier.

[0067] The electronic data signals are received by the transmitter and transmitted wirelessly or via a wired connection from the transmitter to the smartphone as corresponding digital data packages when the smartphone is near the mosquito net. These digital data packages represent the sensed human health condition. The digital data packages are then analyzed with respect to predetermined criteria, for example, by a microprocessor integrated in the mosquito net and / or the smartphone and / or a server / cloud system, to obtain various analytical results depending on whether the sensed human health condition matches predetermined criteria, for example, whether the body's skin temperature is higher than expected based on the ambient temperature.

[0068] Typically, result-specific feedback is provided to the smartphone's user interface depending on the results of the analysis. If the smartphone includes an application (APP) programmed to perform the analysis, this feedback is provided after the analysis by the APP. Alternatively, or in addition, the method includes sending an ID from the smartphone along with a digital data stream to a remote central server system, and storing the data stream together with the corresponding ID in a database, the digital data stream representing the sensed human health state. For example, the analysis is automatically performed by the server system, and a response is sent to the smartphone after the analysis. This response triggers result-specific feedback. In the case of the automatic analysis, no human intervention is required, and the feedback can also be generated by a computer, optionally using artificial intelligence.

[0069] For example, the diagnostic system may be provided in each of a plurality of residences, and a plurality of digital data streams may be received by a remote server system for the plurality of diagnostic systems in the plurality of residences, and the data streams may be stored in a database with corresponding IDs. The stored data streams may then be compared by computer-assisted analysis from the plurality of diagnostic systems to find similarities and differences between the diagnostic systems in the plurality of residences, and optionally perform statistical analysis.

[0070] Optionally, the IDs are associated with geographic locations, and the plurality of stored data streams are divided into geographic regions, where each region includes a plurality of IDs, and comparisons between regions are included in the analysis regarding statistical frequencies of disease symptoms.

[0071] Instead of a smartphone, a specific electronic computing device, such as a laptop, may be used to wirelessly receive the data transmitted by the transmitter and, optionally, transmit the data via the Internet to a remote server system. In this case, a person may periodically travel between residences equipped with diagnostic nets and use the electronic computing device to collect data from the various nets, perform analysis on the specific electronic computing device, and / or transmit the data to a remote server system for analysis. This embodiment is useful when a community does not have smartphones. For analysis, specific data, e.g., selected data, may be transferred to a specific evaluation station, such as a computer station, such as a PC in a clinic or hospital.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally to the smartphone's user interface, display of messages to the user is optionally achieved by incorporating wires into the net fabric and using a display grid to display text messages and possibly images or videos. The latter has the advantage that it does not require the user to select a specific language for messages such as warnings and prompts. The article by Shi et al., cited above, also discusses such displays integrated into fabrics.

[0073] The system described above provides a new generation of mosquito nets, where sensors are integrated into the net, diagnostic analysis is automated, and sensor measurements are made suitable for evaluation by artificial intelligence.

[0074] In some embodiments, in any combination with the above features, the method is configured for analyzing a health condition of a person using a bed net, the method comprising providing a diagnostic system in a dwelling, Any of the diagnostic systems includes: - mosquito nets with mesh fabric to prevent mosquitoes from approaching people inside; - a diagnostic sensor system mounted on the mosquito net or integrated into the mesh fabric; - a transmitter on the mosquito net or integrated into the mesh fabric, the transmitter electronically connected to the sensor system and wirelessly connectable to a smartphone or other mobile computing device for receiving sensor signals from the sensor system; and - Unique Digital ID Includes; The method comprises: - placing the mosquito net over a living space, for example, a bed space; - sensing a human health condition with said sensor system of each bed net and providing a corresponding electronic data signal with said sensor system; - receiving the electronic data signal at the transmitter and wirelessly transmitting a corresponding digital data package representative of the sensed human health condition from the transmitter to a smartphone or other mobile computing device located near the bed net; and - analyzing the digital data package according to predetermined criteria, obtaining various analysis results depending on whether the sensed human health condition matches the predetermined criteria, and providing result-specific feedback on a user interface of the smartphone depending on the results. Includes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0075] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a system according to the invention. An example of a body contact sensor is shown in Figure 2. Detailed Description / Preferred Embodiments

[0076] 1 shows a system for analyzing the health status of a person using a mosquito net (2) with a mesh fabric to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the person (3) inside. The mosquito net (2) has side walls (2B) and a roof (2A), is attached to the ceiling of a dwelling (15), such as a hut, and extends into the living space (4) of the person (3).

[0077] A diagnostic sensor system (5) is provided on the mosquito net (2) or integrated into the mosquito net fabric for sensing a human health condition. A transmitter (6) on the mosquito net (2) or integrated into the mosquito net fabric receives sensor signals from the sensor system (5) and is electronically connected to the sensor system (5) by a connection (5A), for example wireless, but typically by a cable connection integrated into the mosquito net fabric, such as a conductive thread.

[0078] The transmitter (6) is configured to establish a wireless connection (7) with a smartphone (10) for transmitting (9) sensed diagnostic parameters, such as body sounds (8A) including cough sounds, heart rate (8B), respiratory rate (8C), and / or temperature (8D).

[0079] The sensor system has a unique digital ID, which also identifies the mosquito net (2) in which the sensor system (5) is installed.

[0080] For example, the smartphone may be equipped with a specific computer application (also called an APP) that can be downloaded from the Internet, which is a common way to program a smartphone for a specific use. To link a mosquito net to such an APP or to link multiple mosquito nets to one APP, the APP is programmed to receive a command to link the mosquito net's ID to the APP. For example, each mosquito net may have a unique barcode or QR code that the APP reads by activating the smartphone's camera and links it to the APP. In this way, one or multiple mosquito nets can be linked to one APP and one smartphone.

[0081] When a human health condition is sensed by the sensor system (5) in the mosquito net (2), a corresponding electronic data signal is provided by the sensor system (5), which is then transmitted to a transmitter (6). When the electronic data signal from the sensor system (5) is received by the transmitter (6), the transmitter (6) establishes a wireless connection (7) and wirelessly transmits (9) a corresponding digital data package to a smartphone (10). Because the digital data package represents the sensed human health condition and the smartphone has relatively high computing power, information about the human (3) within the mosquito net (2) is collected by the smartphone (10) for analysis.

[0082] The transmission of digital data packages via a wireless connection (7), such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, or other low-power wireless communication system, can be performed when the smartphone (10) is in the vicinity of the mosquito net (2). For example, the sensor system (5) in combination with the transmitter (6) is programmed to accumulate data until the smartphone (10) appears nearby, triggering the transmission of the data.

[0083] This means that the smartphone 10 does not need to be present all the time. For example, it would be advantageous to use the smartphone 10 to collect digital data packages from different mosquito nets 2 that may be in different dwellings 15. The latter is advantageous when there are only a few smartphone 10 owners in a community.

[0084] An option for analyzing the digital data packages is a computer application, also called an APP, in a smartphone (10). Alternatively, the collected digital data packages can be transmitted (11) in real time or some time after collection via the Internet (12) to a remote server system (13) that is also connected to the Internet (14). Cloud computing is an option that can be used in addition to or as an alternative to computing on the smartphone.

[0085] The digital data packages representing the sensed human health condition are analyzed according to predetermined criteria.

[0086] For example, if the diagnostic data includes human skin temperature data (8D), the criteria may include a temperature level for defining a fever. Using an appropriate sensor, it is possible to measure the skin temperature (8D) of a person (3). Such a sensor (5) may include an infrared sensor that determines the skin temperature by the frequency of infrared radiation emitted from the skin. The measured skin temperature (8D) may be evaluated taking into account the temperature of the entire dwelling or the temperature inside the mosquito net (2), so that a high ambient temperature does not result in a false diagnosis of a fever. The temperature inside the mosquito net (2) and the skin temperature may be measured separately. For example, a micro thermometer may be used for the former, and an infrared sensor may be used for the latter, in which case the infrared sensor may be focused on a radiation source, such as human skin, at the bottom of a covered living space (4), such as a bed space.

[0087] Depending on the predetermined criteria and type of evaluation, e.g., combining data from different types of sensors, the outcome of the analysis may differ depending on whether the sensed human health condition matches the predetermined criteria. For example, a potential fever due to a sensed high temperature in combination with a cough may result in a different diagnosis than a fever without a cough.

[0088] In response to the diagnosis, the user interface (10A) of the smartphone (10) provides result-specific feedback to the user. For example, if the computer analysis reveals a high probability of disease, the user interface may suggest that the family member (16) consult (17) with a medical professional (18) or visit a pharmacy (19).

[0089] Optionally, a remote server system (13) is used to collect measurements from the sensor systems (5) of multiple bed nets (2). This allows multiple health-related data sets to be used for statistical analysis of various geographic regions, including villages, counties, countries, and even between countries. The server system (13) may assess whether the incidence of malaria cases is increasing compared to the average.

[0090] Once the smartphone (10) is connected (11) to the internet (12), the location data becomes available and using the corresponding APP in the smartphone (10), a digital data package containing the digital IDs of the sensor system (5) and mosquito net (2) as well as the location where the smartphone (10) obtained the data is sent to a remote server system (13).

[0091] Thus, the system described herein can be used not only to improve malaria control, but also to automatically track disease transmission routes and issue warnings at the onset of epidemics. For example, the user interface (10A) of a smartphone (10) can be used to display disease warnings before a user becomes ill, such as when the disease is detected in some individuals in a community, such as in a nearby residence. Such warning messages can include recommendations for preventative medications or vaccinations. Warning procedures can be used to slow and even prevent epidemics.

[0092] Examples of associated diseases include respiratory and cardiac diseases, but the main focus is on the host-borne diseases that bed nets protect against, particularly tropical host-borne diseases.

[0093] To provide power, the sensor (5) and transmitter (6) are connected to a power source. This is typically a rechargeable battery that is at least periodically connected to a charging unit. Optionally, the charging unit is connected to a grid power source or a solar cell. Alternatively, the battery is charged by power from the smartphone (10), whose battery transfers power to the net system's rechargeable battery. This is useful in that not all rural homes have electricity, and there are usually smartphone charging stations somewhere in the community. To minimize power consumption, the electronics may be programmed to enter a sleep mode from which they automatically wake up periodically. Optionally, the smartphone (10) is used to wake the electronics from sleep mode. Low power consumption means that the system can use relatively small batteries, preventing the electronics from adding bulk to the net.

[0094] As mentioned above, measurements can be performed remotely from the body, for example by recording and evaluating optical or acoustic signals. However, sensors can also be attached to or integrated into the mesh fabric and used in contact with the body of a person (3) inside the mosquito net (2). An option in this case is to bend the mosquito net (2) towards the body so that the body-contacting sensors come into contact with the body part that is used for the diagnosis.

[0095] Figure 2 shows an example of a body contact sensor (21) as a further alternative or means in addition to other types of sensors in the sensor system (5), in which the body contact sensor (21) is provided with a cable (21A) as an extension cord from the body contact sensor (21) to the mosquito net (2) in order to provide a signal to the data transmission system and subsequent data evaluation system integrated in the mosquito net (2).

[0096] Examples of body-contact sensors include: - an oximetry sensor to measure blood O2 saturation; - a sensor for measuring body temperature, - Sensors for measuring breathing and cough sounds for diagnostic purposes; - Sensors for measuring heart sounds to determine heart rate and rhythm and to detect abnormal sounds.

Claims

1. 1. A method for collecting and analyzing data relating to health status during human bed net use, the method comprising providing a system in a dwelling; Any of the above systems - mosquito nets with mesh fabric to prevent mosquitoes from gaining access to the person inside; - a sensor system mounted on the mosquito net or integrated into the mesh fabric; - a transmitter on the mosquito net or integrated into the mesh fabric, the transmitter electronically connected to the sensor system and wirelessly connectable to a smartphone or other mobile computing device for receiving sensor signals from the sensor system; and - Unique Digital ID Including; The method comprises: - placing said mosquito net in a living space, for example over a bed space; - sensing a human health condition with said sensor system of each bed net and providing a corresponding electronic data signal with said sensor system; - receiving the electronic data signal at the transmitter and wirelessly transmitting a corresponding digital data package representative of the sensed human health condition from the transmitter to a smartphone or other mobile computing device located near the bed net; and - analyzing the digital data package according to predetermined criteria, obtaining various analysis results depending on whether the sensed human health condition matches the predetermined criteria, and providing result-specific feedback on a user interface of the smartphone depending on the results. A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the smartphone comprises an application APP programmed to perform the analysis, and the method comprises providing the feedback after an analysis by the APP.

3. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the method includes transmitting, by a smartphone or other mobile computing device, the ID along with a digital data stream to a remote server system and storing the digital data stream along with the corresponding ID in a database, the digital data stream representing a sensed human health condition.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the method includes automatically performing the analysis by the remote server system and sending a response to the smartphone after the analysis, the response triggering the result-specific feedback.

5. 5. The method of claim 3 or 4, wherein the method comprises providing the system in each of a plurality of residences, collecting a plurality of digital data streams for a plurality of systems in the plurality of residences by the remote server system, storing each data stream in a database with a corresponding ID, and comparing the stored data streams from the plurality of systems by computer-assisted analysis to find similarities and differences between the systems in the plurality of residences and optionally perform statistical analysis.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the method includes associating the IDs with geographic locations and dividing the stored data stream into geographic regions, each region including a plurality of IDs, and the analysis includes comparing the regions with respect to statistical frequencies of disease symptoms.

7. The sensing includes sensing at least one parameter with the sensor system and relating the at least one parameter to human health for analysis, the at least one parameter being: - the temperature inside the mosquito net; - humidity inside the mosquito net; - the temperature of the skin of a person inside the mosquito net; - the breathing frequency of the person inside the net; - the heart rate of the person inside the mosquito net; - the heartbeat of a person inside the mosquito net; - sounds from people inside the net (including breathing and coughing sounds); - the oxygen saturation level within the mosquito net; - The movement of people inside the mosquito net 10. The method of claim 1, comprising at least one of:

8. The method senses a plurality of the parameters, combines the parameters in the analysis, and from the correlation of the parameters in the analysis, - whether the person is asleep; - whether the person is coughing; - whether the cough is associated with a specific disease-related cough pattern; - whether the person has a fever; - whether the heart rate is normal; - whether the heart rhythm deviates from a healthy state; - whether the heart sounds indicate heart disease and if analysis according to predetermined criteria indicates that a person within the mosquito net is likely to have a disease, providing result-specific feedback to a user interface of the smartphone together with a warning of the possible disease.

9. The system comprises: - mosquito nets with mesh fabric to prevent mosquitoes from gaining access to the person inside; - a sensor system provided on said mosquito net or integrated into said mesh fabric, said sensor system configured to sense a human health condition and provide a corresponding electronic data signal by said sensor system; - A unique digital ID; and - a transmitter on the mosquito net or incorporated into the mesh fabric, the transmitter electronically connected to the sensor system for receiving sensor signals from the sensor system and wirelessly connectable to the smartphone or other mobile computing device for wirelessly transmitting a corresponding digital data package along with the unique ID from the transmitter to the smartphone or other mobile computing device.

10. A system for the method of any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a digital data package representing a sensed human health condition.

10. the sensor system comprising: - the temperature inside the mosquito net; - humidity inside the mosquito net; - the temperature of the skin of a person inside the mosquito net; - the breathing frequency of the person inside the mosquito net; - the heart rate of a person inside the mosquito net; - sounds from a person inside the mosquito net; - Human movement within the mosquito net 10. The system of claim 9, comprising at least one sensor for sensing at least one parameter of:

11. 11. The system of claim 9 or 10, comprising a smartphone, the smartphone having an application APP programmed to receive the digital data package together with the unique ID from the transmitter, to perform an analysis of the digital data package according to predetermined criteria, and to obtain various analysis results depending on whether a sensed human health condition matches the predetermined criteria, the APP being programmed to provide result-specific feedback on a user interface of the smartphone depending on the results.

12. 11. The system of claim 9 or 10, comprising a smartphone and a remote server system, wherein the smartphone comprises an application APP programmed to receive the digital data package together with the unique ID from the transmitter and to transmit the digital data package together with the unique ID via the Internet to the remote server system, the remote server system being programmed to store the data stream together with the corresponding ID in a database, automatically perform an analysis of the digital data package according to predetermined criteria, and obtain various analysis results depending on whether a sensed human health condition matches the predetermined criteria, and the remote server system is programmed such that the APP provides result-specific feedback messages on a user interface of the smartphone depending on the results.

13. The system comprises: - the temperature inside the mosquito net; - humidity inside the mosquito net; - the temperature of the human skin inside the mosquito net; - the breathing frequency of the person inside the mosquito net; - the heart rate of the person inside the mosquito net; - sounds from a person inside the mosquito net; - Human movement within the mosquito net and a plurality of sensors for sensing a plurality of parameters selected from the group consisting of: - whether the person is asleep; - whether the person is coughing; - whether the person has a fever; - whether the heart rate is normal; and programmed to determine at least one of 13. The system of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the system is programmed to provide result-specific feedback on the smartphone user interface together with a warning of the possibility of human disease if the analysis according to the predetermined criteria indicates a possibility of human disease within the net.

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