TECHNIQUE FOR CONTROLLING OPENING AND CLOSING OF A PROTECTIVE MASK

A technique for controlling an actuator of a protective mask configured to assume selectively a closed state for respiratory protection and an open state is described. A respiratory flow resistance of the open state is reduced compared to a respiratory flow resistance of the closed state. As to a method aspect of the technique, at least one information signal indicative of an environment of the protective mask is received. A control signal is sent to the actuator of the protective mask for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state depending on the at least one information signal.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a technique for controlling an actuator of a protective mask. More specifically, and without limitation, methods and devices are provided for controlling an actuator of a protective mask to assume selectively a closed state for respiratory protection and an open state as well as methods and devices for assuming such states.

BACKGROUND

Conventional protective masks, such as “facial masks” or “community masks”, are a simple piece of cloth or more complex filtering material which has to be put on the face of a user manually, for example by means of elastic strings, so as to cover at least mouth and nose of the user.

The document U.S. Pat. No. 8,336,114 B1 describes a further conventional protective mask that comprises a head mount which is manually adjustable to the head size of the user. The head mount pivotably supports a transparent screen, which can be displaced by manual rotating around a horizontal axis with anchor points at each side of the head. In a closed state, the screen is positioned vertically in front of the face of the user. In an open state, the screen is positioned horizontally above the head of the user.

Face masks have evolved into wearable technology. For example, D. Rangel et al. describe in the scientific article “Implementing air flow sensor in a medical mask for breathing detection”, Health Technol. 10, 405-410 (2020), implementations of air flow sensors in a face mask to detect low breathing by measuring a breathing frequency of the user wearing the mask. The mask has to be put on and removed manually.

The user of such conventional masks has to use his or her hands which must be disinfected beforehand to put the mask temporarily on and off. Moreover, the user sometimes forgets to put on the protective mask, when entering an area wherein wearing a mask is mandatory, and sometimes the user might not have enough time to disinfect his or her hands before putting the protective mask on his or her face, e.g. in case of an emergency, and/or the user might not be able to use his or her hands, e.g., due to carrying a weight such as a patient on a stretcher. Furthermore, the mask can be contaminated or damaged while the user is not wearing the mask on the face. For example, some users have become accustomed to wearing the protective mask on the arm where masks are not mandatory.

The online article “This high-tech face mask opens and closes with the touch of a button” by Ronny Koenig, published on 20 May 2020 on the webpage today.com, includes a video of a mask arrangement designed by Asaf Gitelis. The mask arrangement comprises a button connected by a Bowden cable to a modified surgical face mask in order to open and close the mask along a horizontal slit for eating and drinking without removing the mask manually from the nose and mouth. However, using such mask arrangement permanently occupies one hand for the button. Furthermore, the mechanical connection between face mask and button increases the weight of the bulky mask arrangement and drastically impacts the mobility of the user.

The online article “This Robotic Face Mask Can Automatically Open and Close If There Are People Around” by Tyler Lee, published on 21 May 2020 on the webpage ubergizmo.com, refers to a video published on the online video-sharing platform “YouTube” under the name of “DesignMaker”. The mask comprises motion sensors to detect motion relative to the mask, and to open and close a flap at the front of the mask depending on the detection. As a consequence, any motion of the mask triggers the flap to close, and in the absence of motion, the mask always triggers the flap to open.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is a need for a technique that prevents contamination or damage of a protective mask when a user would temporarily remove the protective mask. An alternative or further objective is to prevent that the user forgets to put the protective mask on when respiratory protection is required.

As to a first method aspect, a method of controlling an actuator of a protective mask is provided. The protective mask is configured to assume selectively a closed state for respiratory protection and an open state. A respiratory flow resistance is reduced in the open state compared to a respiratory flow resistance of the closed state. The method comprises or initiates a step of receiving at least one information signal indicative of an environment of the protective mask. The method further comprises or initiates a step of sending a control signal to the actuator of the protective mask for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state depending on the at least one information signal.

The first method aspect may be performed by a control equipment. The control equipment may be comprised in and/or may be embodied by a user equipment (UE).

As to a second method aspect, a method of assuming selectively a closed state for respiratory protection and an open state is provided. The respiratory flow resistance in the open state is reduced compared to the closed state. The method is performed by a protective mask comprising an actuator for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state. The method comprises or initiates a step of receiving, at the actuator of the protective mask, a control signal for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state. The method further comprises or initiates a step of assuming, by means of the actuator, selectively the closed state and the open state of the protective mask depending on the received control signal.

As to another aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product comprises program code portions for performing any one of the steps of the method aspect disclosed herein when the computer program product is executed by one or more computing devices. The computer program product may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer program product may also be provided for download, e.g., via the radio network, the RAN, the Internet and/or the host computer. Alternatively, or in addition, the method may be encoded in a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and/or an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or the functionality may be provided for download by means of a hardware description language.

As to a first device aspect, a control equipment for controlling an actuator of a protective mask configured to assume selectively a closed state for respiratory protection and an open state, in which a respiratory flow resistance is reduced compared to a respiratory flow resistance of the closed state, is provided. The control equipment may be configured to perform any one of the steps of the first method aspect. Alternatively, or in addition, the control equipment may comprise an information signal receiving unit configured to receive at least one information signal indicative of an environment of the protective mask.

As to a second device aspect, a protective mask is provided. The protective mask comprises an actuator for assuming selectively a closed state for respiratory protection and an open state, in which the respiratory flow resistance is reduced compared to the closed state. The protective mask may be configured to perform any one of the steps of the second method aspect. Alternatively, or in addition, the protective mask may comprise a control signal receiving unit configured to receive, at the actuator of the protective mask, a control signal for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state. The protective mask may further comprise an actuator unit configured to assume, by means of the actuator, selectively the closed state and the open state of the protective mask depending on the received control signal.

As to a further first device aspect, a control equipment for controlling an actuator of a protective mask configured to assume selectively a closed state for respiratory protection and an open state, in which a respiratory flow resistance is reduced compared to a respiratory flow resistance of the closed state, is provided. The control equipment comprises processing circuitry (e.g., at least one processor) and memory. Said memory may comprise (e.g., may be operable to store) instructions executable by said processing circuitry whereby the control equipment is operative to receive at least one information signal indicative of an environment of the protective mask; and send a control signal to the actuator of the protective mask for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state depending on the at least one information signal. The control equipment may be further operative to perform any of the steps of the first method aspect.

As to a further second device aspect, a protective mask is provided. The protective mask comprises an actuator for assuming selectively a closed state for respiratory protection and an open state, in which the respiratory flow resistance is reduced compared to the closed state. The protective mask comprises processing circuitry (e.g., at least one processor) and memory. Said memory may comprise (e.g., may be operable to store) instructions executable by said processing circuitry whereby the protective mask is operative to receive, at the actuator of the protective mask, a control signal for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state; and to assume, by means of the actuator, selectively the closed state and the open state of the protective mask depending on the received control signal. The protective mask may be further operative to perform any of the steps of the second method aspect.

As to a still further aspect a communication system including a host computer is provided. The host computer may comprise a processing circuitry configured to provide user data, e.g., depending on the location of the control equipment (e.g., a user equipment, UE) or the protective mask determined based on the at least one information signal. The host computer may further comprise a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network (e.g., a radio network) for transmission to the control equipment (e.g., a UE), wherein the control equipment comprises a radio interface and processing circuitry configured to execute any one of the steps of the first and/or second method aspect.

The communication system may further include the control equipment (e.g., a UE). Alternatively, or in addition, the cellular network may further include one or more base stations and/or gateways configured to communicate with the control equipment and/or to provide a data link between the control equipment and the host computer using the first method aspect and/or the second method aspect.

The processing circuitry of the host computer may be configured to execute a host application, thereby providing the user data and/or any host computer functionality described herein. Alternatively, or in addition, the processing circuitry of the control equipment (e.g., a UE) may be configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

Any one of the devices, the control equipment (e.g., the UE), the protective mask, the base station, the system or any node or station for embodying the technique May further include any feature disclosed in the context of the method aspects, and vice versa. Particularly, any units and modules may be configured to perform or initiate one or more of the steps of the method aspects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as a specific network environment in order to provide a thorough understanding of the technique disclosed herein. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the technique may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. Moreover, while the following embodiments are primarily described for a New Radio (NR) or 5G implementation, it is readily apparent that the technique described herein may also be implemented for any other radio communication technique, including 3GPP LTE (e.g., LTE-Advanced or a related radio access technique such as MulteFire), in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) according to the standard family IEEE 802.11, for Bluetooth according to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), particularly Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth Mesh Networking and Bluetooth broadcasting, for Z-Wave according to the Z-Wave Alliance or for ZigBee based on IEEE 802.15.4.

Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the functions, steps, units and modules explained herein may be implemented using software functioning in conjunction with a microcontroller, programmed microprocessor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) or a general purpose computer, e.g., including an Advanced RISC Machine (ARM). It will also be appreciated that, while the following embodiments are primarily described in context with methods and devices, the invention may also be embodied in a computer program product as well as in a system comprising at least one computer processor and memory coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the memory is encoded with one or more programs that may perform the functions and steps or implement the units and modules disclosed herein.

FIG.1schematically illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a control equipment for controlling an actuator of a protective mask configured to assume selectively a closed state for respiratory protection and an open state, in which the respiratory flow resistance is reduced compared to the closed state. The control equipment is generically referred to by reference sign100.

The control equipment100comprises an information signal receiving unit102that is configured to receive at least one information signal indicative of an environment of the protective mask.

The control equipment100further comprises a control signal sending unit106that is configured to send a control signal to the actuator of the protective mask for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state depending on the at least one information signal.

Controlling the actuator of the protective mask to assume selectively the closed state and the open state depending on the received at least one information signal, which is indicative of the environment of the protective mask, can prevent that a user forgets to put the protective mask on, e.g., when respiratory protection is required in the environment, at least in some embodiments.

Same or further embodiments can prevent that the protective mask is contaminated or damaged while a user puts the protective mask off, because the open state is assumed by means of the actuator responsive to the at least one information signal indicative of the environment of the mask.

Same or still further embodiments can increase the time of use (i.e., the lifetime or mask-wearing time) of the protective mask, e.g., by assuming the closed state only when needed according to the at least one information signal, e.g., by minimizing the collective time of filtering air through the protective mask during the mask-wearing time.

Optionally, the control equipment100comprises an information signal assessing unit104that is configured to assess the received at least one information signal in relation to a local requirement for the respiratory protection.

Any of the units of the receiving control equipment100may be implemented by modules configured to provide the corresponding functionality.

The control equipment100may also be referred to as, or may be embodied by, a user equipment (UE). The control equipment100and the actuator of the protective mask are in (e.g., radio or wired) communication at least for the sending of the control signal at the control equipment100.

FIG.2schematically illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a protective mask comprising an actuator for assuming selectively a closed state for respiratory protection and an open state, in which the respiratory flow resistance is reduced compared to the closed state. The protective mask is generically referred to by reference sign200.

The protective mask200comprises a control signal receiving unit206that is configured to receive, at the actuator of the protective mask, a control signal for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state.

The protective mask200further comprises an actuator unit208configured to assume, by means of the actuator, selectively the closed state and the open state of the protective mask depending on the received control signal.

Optionally, the protective mask200comprises an information signal obtaining unit202configured to obtain, at the protective mask, at least one information signal indicative of an environment of the protective mask.

Further optionally, the protective mask200comprises an information signal sending unit204configured to send, from the protective mask to a control equipment100, the at least one information signal indicative of the environment of the protective mask. The control signal may be received from the control equipment, e.g., in response to sending the at least one information signal.

Any of the units of the protective mask200may be implemented by modules configured to provide the corresponding functionality.

The protective mask200and the control equipment100may be in (e.g., radio or wired) communication at least for the reception of the control signal at the protective mask200.

The control signal and/or the at least one information signal may comprise any feature disclosed in the context of the control equipment100.

The closed state may provide respiratory protection. The open state may be a substitute for or equivalent to talking off the mask.

The actuator of a protective mask may be controlled without manual input for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state. Alternatively or in addition, the actuator of a protective mask may be controlled taking into account one or more pieces of environment information indicated by the at least one information signal for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state.

The assessing may comprise tracking objects (e.g., persons and/or radio devices) in the environment. Alternatively or in addition, the assessing may comprise maintaining an object list of objects in the environment. The control signal may be sent to the actuator responsive to a change in the object list, e.g., in contrast to conventional sensors on masks that trigger an actuator responsive to any motion relative to the mask.

The at least one information signal may relate to the environment. In contrast to conventional protective masks that do not have access (e.g., via radio signaling) to information as to the environment of the protective mask, embodiments can control the protective mask to open and/or close the protective mask by means of the actuator without manual intervention, based on conditions from surrounding environment.

The at least one information signal may comprise a radio signal (e.g., received using antennas at or near the protective mask) and/or a camera signal (e.g., obtained using a camera or infrared sensors at or near the protective mask).

The radio signal may be indicative of terrestrial coordinates (e.g., GPS coordinates) of the protective mask and/or an object (e.g., a person or a radio device or a premise) in the environment of the protective mask. Alternatively or in addition, the radio signal may comprise an identifier of an object, e.g., a Service Set Identifier (SSID) or cell identifier (CID) of a base station or a discovery signal of a radio device.

Alternatively or in addition, the control signal may comprise a radio signal, e.g., of a peer-to-peer or sidelink communication.

A radio channel used for the at least one information signal (e.g., the channel between the at least one object in the environment and the control equipment or the protective mask) and/or a radio channel used for the control signal (e.g., the channel between the control equipment and the protective mask) may comprise multiple subchannels or subcarriers (as a frequency domain). Alternatively, or in addition, the channel may comprise one or more slots for a plurality of modulation symbols (as a time domain). Alternatively, or in addition, the channel may comprise a directional transmission (also: beamformed transmission), a directional reception (also: beamformed reception) or a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel with two or more spatial streams (as a spatial domain).

Any signaling may be based on one or more known technologies comprising, e.g. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared sensors, camera, and/or mobile networks.

The device100may be embodied by a UE (also: “mobile equipment”).

The control equipment100and the protective mask200may be in (e.g., radio or wired) signal exchange for (e.g., electronically) controlling the actuator (e.g., a mechanism of the protective mask200) to assume selectively the open state and the closed state of the protective mask200.

The at least one information signal indicative of an environment of the protective mask may comprise (e.g., wirelessly and/or radio received) data, e.g. GPS coordinates, camera pictures, sensor data, and/or Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs).

By the combination of embodiments of the control equipment100and protective mask200, methods for opening and closing the protective mask200without the need for manual input can be provided. The methods may be based on an interaction between the actuator of the protective mask200, the control equipment100performing a step of assessing (e.g., a decision algorithm), and the one or more information signals (also referred to as “data”) of the environment.

The at least one information signal may be provided by, e.g., mobile networks (i.e., radio networks) and/or sensors built into the protective mask200or the (e.g., mobile) control equipment100, e.g. a UE and/or a smartphone.

For example, a UE embodying the control equipment100may comprise an application (e.g., an application of a UE) implementing the first method aspect. Alternatively or in addition, the control equipment100may be integrated into the protective mask200. By way of example, the control signal sending unit106of the control equipment100and the control signal receiving unit206of the protective mask200may be (e.g., internal) interfaces within the protective mask200.

Further alternatively or in addition, the control equipment100may be comprised in a smart watch (e.g., as an example of the UE). In any embodiment, the control equipment100may be responsible for controlling (e.g., feedback-controlling or regulating) the opening and closing mechanism of the protective mask200.

The at least one information signal may comprise partial information or any information needed to make a decision whether the protective mask200is to be or needs to be opened or closed in the assessing step. The at least one information signal may be collected from local sensors, central network servers, and/or a local network environment. Alternatively or in addition, user profile information (e.g., comprising a whitelist of UEs belonging to family members and/or close friends and/or colleagues who are to be excluded from a requirement of closing the protective mask, and/or comprising a predetermined, e.g. by the user, minimal distance and/or a predetermined, e.g., by the user, maximal number and/or density of one or more persons) may be taken into account when assessing the partial information and/or information signals.

FIG.3shows an example flowchart for a method300of controlling an actuator of a protective mask configured to assume selectively a closed state for respiratory protection and an open state, in which the respiratory flow resistance is reduced compared to the closed state. The method300comprises or initiates a step302of receiving at least one information signal indicative of an environment of the protective mask. The method300further comprises or initiates a step306of sending a control signal to the actuator of the protective mask for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state depending on the at least one information signal.

Optionally, the method300further comprises or initiates a step304of assessing the received at least one information signal in relation to a local requirement for the respiratory protection (e.g., for wearing a protective mask). The sent306control signal may control (e.g., trigger) the actuator to assume selectively the open state and the closed state depending on the result of the assessing304.

The method300may be performed by the control equipment100, e.g., embodying a control equipment. For example, the units102,104, and106may perform the steps302,304, and306, respectively.

FIG.4shows an example flowchart for a method400performed by a protective mask comprising an actuator for assuming selectively a closed state for respiratory protection and an open state, in which the respiratory flow resistance is reduced compared to the closed state. The method400comprises or initiates a step406of receiving, at the actuator of the protective mask, a control signal for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state. The method400further comprises or initiates a step408of assuming, by means of the actuator, selectively the closed state and the open state of the protective mask depending on the received control signal.

Optionally, the method400further comprises or initiates a step402of obtaining, at the protective mask, at least one information signal indicative of an environment of the protective mask.

Further optionally, the method400further comprises or initiates a step404of sending, from the protective mask to a control equipment, the at least one information signal indicative of an environment of the protective mask, wherein the control signal is received from the control equipment.

The method400may be performed by the protective mask200, e.g., embodying the protective mask. For example, the units202,204,206, and208may perform the steps402,404,406, and408, respectively.

The protective mask200, e.g., in the closed state, may also be denoted as or may function as a respirator mask, a filter mask, a facial mask or a community mask. The protective mask200may comprise a filtering section configured to filter air inhaled and/or exhaled through at least one of the mouth and the nose of a human user (briefly: user). The filtering section may cover at least one of the mouth and the nose of the human user in the closed state, or at least in the closed state. The filtering section may be a central section of the protective mask. The filtering section may comprise a fabric. The fabric may comprise one or more filtering layers. The fabric may comprise any type of (e.g., woven and/or knitted) cloth.

Herein, the respiratory protection may be based on the protective mask, e.g., the filtering section, being configured to retain or filter-out liquid droplets and/or aerosols in the air in the closed state. The respiratory protection may correspond to a standard for filtering face piece 2 (FFP2), filtering face piece 3 (FFP3), N95, KN95, or any other standard.

Alternatively or in addition, the open state may allow for lip reading (i.e., for lip read the human user wearing the protective mask200); drinking or eating; or clear speech or pronunciation. The open state may comprise a state of unobstructed respiration, e.g. if any fabric is removed from both nose and mouth in the open state.

The protective mask200may comprise at least one sensor. The at least one information signal may be obtained by the at least one sensor of the protective mask200. The at least one information may be forwarded to the control equipment. Alternatively or in addition, at least one sensor may be comprised in a control equipment, which may be spaced apart from the protective mask.

The at least one information signal may be (e.g., explicitly or implicitly) indicative of the environment being associated with a local respiratory protection requirement (briefly: “local protection requirement” or even shorter “local requirement”) for the respiratory protection. A local requirement, e.g., based on the at least one information signal, to wear a protective mask may also be denoted as “positive local requirement”. An absence of a local requirement, e.g., based on the at least one information signal, to wear a protective mask may also be denoted as “negative local requirement”.

The sent control signal may trigger the actuator to assume the closed state responsive to the at least one information signal indicative of the environment being associated with the local requirement for the respiratory protection. Alternatively or in addition, the sent control signal may trigger the actuator to assume the open state responsive to the at least one information signal indicative of the environment

The local requirement for the respiratory protection may be a (e.g., positive) local requirement for wearing a protective mask, e.g., in an indoors area. Alternatively or in addition, the (e.g., negative) local requirement for the respiratory protection may comprise no need for wearing a protective mask, e.g., based on an outdoors area. Further alternatively or in addition, a local requirement for the respiratory protection may be specific to each one of two or more information signals. For example, a first information signal may be indicative of an outdoors area, which does not necessarily imply a need for wearing a protective mask, and a second information signal may be indicative of a crowd of persons, e.g., without the possibility of always keeping a safety distance, whereby wearing a protective mask is mandatory. The step304of assessing may comprise determining a positive local requirement for the respiratory protection if at least one information signal from a plurality of received information signals indicates and/or implies that wearing a protective mask is mandatory.

The step304of assessing may determine whether or not the received at least one information signal is indicative of and/or implies the (e.g., positive) local requirement for the respiratory protection in the environment. For example, the at least one information signal may be indicative of the (e.g., positive) local requirement for the respiratory protection.

Herein, “being indicative of the (e.g., positive) local requirement” may comprise deriving the (e.g., positive) local requirement solely from the at least information signal, e.g. a beacon frame comprising “Mask required!”. Alternatively or in addition, “implying the (e.g., positive) local requirement” may comprise receiving at least one information signal of a location and/or local surrounding, which in combination with further information (e.g., a map comprising locations with a positive local requirement and/or a list of conditions on the local surrounding with a positive local requirement) lead to an indication of a (e.g., positive) local requirement for respiratory protection.

The assessing304of the received at least one information signal in relation to a local requirement for the respiratory protection may comprise assessing whether the closed state or the open state is to be assumed, e.g. a location on a map may be compared to stored requirements as to wearing a protective mask.

The map may be stored in the control equipment. Alternatively or in addition, the map may be accessible by the control equipment. The map may be provided by a remote location, e.g., a storage unit, and/or the map may be accessible or downloadable from a server (also referred to as cloud).

Assessing304the received at least one information signal may comprise running through a decision tree. The decision tree may comprise a hierarchical combination of conditions, e.g., at least one or each of which depends on the received at least one information signal. For example, if a radio signal for radio-frequency identification (RFID) is indicative of a (e.g., positive) local requirement to wear a protective mask, the decision tree may output the assessment to assume the closed state, irrespective of any further information signal indicating no requirement of wearing a protective mask, e.g., based on a number and/or density of other human users being less than a predefined threshold.

Alternatively or in addition, the step of assessing may determine whether or not the received at least one information signal is indicative of and/or implies at least one of the positive local requirement and the negative local requirement for the respiratory protection in the environment, the positive local requirement comprising a requirement for respiratory protection and the negative local requirement comprising no requirement for respiratory protection. For example, the at least one information signal may imply the (e.g., positive) local requirement for the respiratory protection in the environment based on a map that associates locations with the (e.g., positive) local requirement, wherein the at least one information signal is indicative of a location of the protective mask. Alternatively or in addition, the at least one information signal may imply the (e.g., positive) local requirement for the respiratory protection in the environment based on a density of one or more persons in the environment of the protective mask.

The result of the assessing may be indicative of whether or not the environment is associated with the (e.g., positive) local requirement. The sent control signal may trigger the actuator to assume either the closed state or the open state depending on the result of the assessing, i.e., whether or not the environment is associated with the (e.g., positive) local requirement.

The control signal sent to the actuator of the protective mask200may control the actuator to assume selectively the closed state and the open state (e.g., to assume either the closed state or the open state) depending on the at least one information signal.

The control signal may be received from a control equipment100. The control equipment100may be spaced apart from the protective mask200.

The control signal may be wirelessly received in the step406. The control signal may be a radio signal.

The method300may be performed by the control equipment100. The control equipment100may be spaced apart from the protective mask200. E.g., the control equipment100may be comprised in, or embodied by, a UE (e.g., under the ownership of the user of the protective mask200).

Optionally, the protective mask200may comprise the control equipment100. Alternatively or in addition, the method300may be performed by the protective mask200, e.g., by the control equipment of the protective mask.

The method400may be performed by the protective mask200.

Conventional protection masks can be inconvenient, can hinder breathing, and can be uncomfortable. E.g., for wearers of glasses, the problem exists that in outdoor areas the glasses are fogging and/or obstructing the view. Embodiments of the technique can close the protective masks200only when really needed.

The methods300and400for opening and closing the protective mask guarantee the safety that the protective mask is always closed if necessary. For example, by the assessing (also denoted as “implemented algorithm”), the protective mask may close when the wearer is in crowded areas, in shops or in areas where wearing a mask is mandatory, e.g., pedestrian zones.

Alternatively or in addition, the control equipment100(which may also be referred to as a “logic”) of the protective mask200may determine that wearing the protective mask200is necessary in situations of the environment of the protective mask200. This (e.g., positive) local requirement may be not apparent to the user in these situations. Thus, a higher level of protection can be reached as compared to manually applied protective masks, while still allowing to open the protective mask200if possible.

There is no need to manually put on and remove the protective mask200from the face, as the protective mask200can be opened and therefore be kept on and/or close to the face.

Embodiments of the methods300and400can allow for a more hygienic use, as the protective mask200opens and/or closes without manual intervention, e.g., without using a hand and/or without the need to touch the protective mask200with a hand. The protective mask200implementing the method400can be comfortable to use and/or wear, as the protective mask200closes and opens also if the hands of the user (i.e. the wearer) are occupied. For example while working, the wearer does not have to touch the protective mask200. Alternatively or in addition, the wearer does not need to put the protective mask200on and/or off. This can be in contrast to conventional masks with an opening and closing mechanism that can be triggered only manually, e.g., by pressing a button connected by cable or wire to the mask for drinking or eating.

By receiving the at least one information signals from objects in the environment, the control equipment may update a list of objects in the environment for the assessing304. This can be in contrast to conventional masks comprising motion sensors which upon detecting any motion relative to the mask trigger the closing of the mask, independently of any local respiratory protection requirement (e.g., when being alone in a non-public indoors place or an unpopulated outdoors area) solely due to the motion of the mask.

For the convenience of the user, the actuator of the protective mask200is triggered by means of the control signal, e.g. remotely, using the control equipment100.

Alternatively or in addition, embodiments of the protective mask200can be able to relate different conditions and/or parameters concerning the local environment of the protective mask200using the control equipment100in the assessing step304.

The protective mask200may bidirectionally communicate with the control equipment100, i.e. by receiving and/or sending data (comprising, e.g., one or more information signals and/or a control signal for opening and/or closing) from or to the control equipment100.

In any aspect, the at least one information signal may be indicative of the environment being associated with a local requirement for the respiratory protection. The control signal (sent to the actuator of the protective mask200in the step306and/or received at the protective mask200in the step406) may control (e.g., trigger) the actuator to assume the closed state and/or the open state responsive to the at least one information signal.

For example, the control signal may comprise a beacon frame indicating a requirement for respiratory protection.

The assessing304may determine whether or not the received at least one information signal is indicative of and/or implies the local requirement, e.g. at least one of a positive local requirement and a negative local requirement, for the respiratory protection in the environment, the positive local requirement comprising a requirement for respiratory protection and the negative local requirement comprising no requirement for respiratory protection. The control signal (e.g., sent in the step306and/or received in the step406) may control (e.g., trigger) the actuator to assume the open state if the at least one information signal is not indicative of and/or does not imply the (e.g., positive) local requirement according to the result of the assessing304, and/or if the at least one information signal is indicative of and/or implies the negative local requirement. Alternatively or in addition, the control signal (e.g., sent in the step306and/or received in the step406) may control (e.g., trigger) the actuator to assume the closed state if the at least one information signal is indicative of and/or implies the (e.g., positive) local requirement.

In any aspect, the at least one information signal may be indicative of a location of the protective mask and/or a type of location of the protective mask.

The type of the location (e.g., the type of the environment) may comprise at least one of a (e.g., densely) built-up area, (e.g., a shopping zone or pedestrian zone); a countryside; and unbuilt plots (e.g., natural landscape or wasteland). Alternatively or in addition, the at least one information signal may be indicative of geographic information (GI) or geographic data and information (GDI), e.g. according to the ISO/TC211series of standards.

The step304of assessing may determine whether or not the at least one information signal (e.g., received in the step302, obtained in the step402, and/or sent in the step404) implies the (e.g., positive) local requirement for the respiratory protection in the environment using a map that associates the location of the protective mask200and/or the type of location of the protective mask with the (e.g., positive) local requirement.

In any aspect, the at least one information signal may be indicative of one or more persons and/or of one or more (e.g., portable) radio devices in the environment of the protective mask200. The portable radio devices may comprise one or more wearable radio devices.

The assessing304may determine whether or not the received at least one information signal implies the (e.g., positive) local requirement for the respiratory protection in the environment based on a number and/or a density of the one or more persons and/or of the one or more portable radio devices in the environment of the protective mask.

In any aspect, the at least one information signal may be indicative of whether the protective mask200is located indoors or outdoors.

The control signal may control to the actuator of the protective mask200to assume selectively the closed state and the open state (e.g., to assume either the closed state or the open state) depending on whether the protective mask200is located indoors or outdoors, respectively. The absence or presence of a satellite signal (e.g., a signal from a navigation satellite system) may be indicative of whether the protective is located indoors or outdoors, respectively.

The assessing304may determine that the at least one information signal implies the positive local requirement for the respiratory protection if the at least one information signal is indicative of the protective mask200being located indoors. Alternatively or in addition, the assessing304may determine that the at least one information signal does not imply the positive local requirement for the respiratory protection and/or implies the negative local requirement if the at least one information signal is indicative of the protective mask being located outdoors.

The assessing304may comprises comparing the received302at least one information signal with a stored list of locations and/or a stored list of radio devices. Herein, any radio device may be a UE. Optionally, the radio devices may comprise portable radio devices.

The list may be stored at the control equipment100performing the method300.

The stored list may comprise an excluded list of radio devices, the radio signals of which are to be excluded from the assessing304of the received302at least one information signal in relation to the local requirement for the respiratory protection.

The list of stored UEs may be referred to as a whitelist. The whitelist may, e.g., comprise a list of UEs under the ownership of a predefined group of contact persons, in particular family members and/or members of the same household.

The stored list may comprise at least one predefined threshold for taking the received302at least one information signal into account in the assessing304. The at least one predefined threshold may correspond to and/or may comprise a minimum distance of a portable radio device, a maximum number of portable radio devices, and/or a maximum density of portable radio devices in the environment of the protective mask.

The predefined threshold may comprise a minimal distance from another user (e.g., between 1.5 meters and 2 meters), below which the closed state is to be selectively assumed. Alternatively or in addition, the predefined threshold may comprise a maximal number of other users, e.g., within a predefined distance from the protective mask, above which the closed state is to be selectively assumed. Further alternatively or in addition, the predefined threshold may comprise a maximal density of other users in the vicinity of the protective mask, above which the closed state is to be selectively assumed.

The at least one information signal (e.g., received in the step302and/or obtained in the step402) may comprise an image signal. The assessing304may comprise recognizing one or more persons (i.e., humans) based on the image signal.

The image signal may also be referred to as a visual signal. The information signal (e.g., received in the step302and/or obtained in the step402) may comprise at least one image of the environment of the protective mask. The control equipment100performing the method300and/or the protective mask200performing the method400may comprise a camera module for capturing the image signal. Recognizing persons (e.g., humans) may comprise locating and/or identifying persons (e.g., human individuals) on the at least one image. Alternatively or in addition, assessing the image signal may comprise recognizing if a person (e.g., a human) is wearing a protective mask or not. Further alternatively or in addition, recognizing one or more persons based on the image signal may comprise recognizing a number and/or density of the one or more persons and/or a distance of the one or more persons from the protective mask.

The at least one information signal may be indicative of and/or may imply a local level of a required respiratory protection. The local level of a required respiratory protection may be a local requirement of the respiratory protection. The at least one information signal may be indicative of whether or not the respiratory protection (i.e., the closed state of the protective mask) is required. The control signal may control the actuator to assume the open state whenever the respirator protection is not required. Alternatively or in addition, the control signal may control the actuator to assume the closed state whenever the respirator protection is required.

Assuming selectively the closed state may comprise transitioning from the open state to the closed state, e.g., in case the level of a required respiratory protection changes from no requirement to wear a protective mask to wearing a protective mask. Alternatively or in addition, assuming selectively the closed state may comprise maintaining the closed state, e.g., in case a requirement of wearing a protective mask remains unchanged.

Assuming selectively the open state may comprise transitioning from the closed state to the open state, e.g., in case the level of a required respiratory protection changes from a requirement to wear a protective mask to no requirement to wear a protective mask. Alternatively or in addition, assuming selectively the open state may comprise maintaining the open state, e.g., in case no requirement of wearing a protective mask remains unchanged.

The local level of a required respiratory protection may be indicative of whether or not the respiratory protection (i.e., the closed state) is required. For example, the local level of a required respiratory protection may comprise at least one of a requirement to wear a protective mask (e.g., a community mask and/or a surgical mask) or no requirement as to wearing a protective mask. Alternatively or in addition, local level of a required respiratory protection may comprise a requirement to wear a protective mask of a certified and/or medical protection level, e.g. FFP2 and/or FFP3.

The local level of a required respiratory protection may be a target state of the protective mask. The target state of the protective mask corresponding to a requirement to wear a community mask and/or a surgical mask may control (e.g., trigger) the closed state. Alternatively or in addition, a target state of the protective mask corresponding to no requirement as to wearing a protective mask may control (e.g., trigger) the open state.

The protective mask may be configured to assume a plurality of different levels of respiratory protection in the closed state. The control signal sent306to and/or received406at the actuator of the protective mask may trigger the actuator to assume one of the levels of the respiratory protection depending on the at least one information signal.

For example, the protective mask may be configured to function selectively as a community mask and a medical face mask in the closed state. Alternatively or in addition, the protective mask may operate in the closed state as a filtering facepiece respirator configured to selectively filter droplets and/or aerosols depending on the at least one information signal. Alternatively or in addition, the protective mask may operate in the closed state as a particulate-filtering facepiece respirator configured to selectively filter a first fraction of particles in the air (e.g., at least 50% of the particles) and to filter a second fraction, which is greater than the first fraction, of particles in the air (e.g., 95% of the particles) depending on the at least one information signal.

The at least one information signal may comprise one or more radio signals, optionally received in a downlink from a radio access network (RAN) or a radio base station or in a sidelink from one or more radio devices.

The radio signals may comprise a dedicated signal or a broadcast signal.

The portable radio devices may comprise user equipments (UEs) according to 3GPP and/or mobile stations according to the Wi-Fi Alliance.

The at least one information signal may comprise and/or be indicative of an identifier (e.g., a cell identifier, CID, or a Service Set Identifier, SSID) of the radio base station. The identifier of the radio base station may be indicative of a terrestrial environment or objective environment of the protective mask. Alternatively or in addition, the at least one information signal may comprise an identifier of a discovery signal from each of the one or more UEs. The identifier of the one or more UEs may be indicative of a crowded environment or relative environment, e.g., a person and/or UE being comprised in the whitelist.

The RAN may comprise a telecommunications network or a cellular network, e.g. according to standard specified by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) such as 3GPP LTE or 3GPP NR, and/or a local area network, e.g. based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards.

The at least one information signal indicative of an environment of the protective mask may comprise one or more radio signals of a radio-navigation satellite service (RNSS) or a global navigation satellite system (GNNS).

For example, the at least one information signal may comprise radio signals of at least one of the global positioning system (GPS), the GLObal′naya NAvigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema (GLONASS), the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BeiDou), and the Galileo GNNS.

The at least one information signal may comprise one or more radio signals for a radio-frequency identification (RFID).

The at least one information signal may be a radio signal for driving modulated backscattering, e.g., a source signal for driving a passive device (e.g., a RFID transponder) for transmitting information by load modulation at its backscattering antenna, e.g., by alternating between different impedances coupled to the backscattering antenna. For example, the radio signal for driving modulated backscattering may be indicative of the environment of the protective mask, optionally indicative of an entrance of an area (e.g., a checkout area or an exit area of a shop) requiring the respiratory protection (i.e., the closed state).

The RFID may comprise a near-field communication (NFC).

The at least one information signal may comprise one or more radio signals of a wireless local area network (WLAN).

Alternatively or in addition, the at least one information signal may comprise a radio signal according to a wireless network protocol, e.g., a Wi-Fi signal according to the Wi-Fi Alliance and/or based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). For example, a Wi-Fi signal of a facility (e.g., a shop and/or a community facility) may be indicative of the environment of the protective mask, optionally indicative of the local level of a required respiratory protection (e.g., the requirement for respiratory protection).

Alternatively or in addition, the at least one information signal may comprise a beacon frame of the wireless network protocol. The beacon frame may be indicative of the environment of the protective mask, optionally indicative of the local level of a required respiratory protection.

The at least one information signal may comprise one or more radio signals for a device-to-device (D2D) communication.

The D2D communication may use a radio communication protocol for a personal area network (PAN), e.g., Bluetooth according to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG).

The one or more radio signals for the D2D communication may be exchanged between radio devices, optionally wherein one of the radio devices (e.g., the control equipment) performs the method300. The radio signals may use a connectionless state or connected state between the radio devices. For example, the one or more radio signals may use a radio protocol for connectionless services, e.g. for location-relevant navigation of low-energy Bluetooth connections and/or Bluetooth 5 according to the SIG.

The received at least one information signal may comprise two or more received information signals. For example, the received at least one information signal may comprise Bluetooth signals from a plurality of UEs under different ownerships. Alternatively or in addition, the received at least one information signal may comprise a GPS signal and one or more Bluetooth signals.

The GPS signal may be indicative of an unbuilt plot, e.g., without a (e.g., positive) local requirement of wearing a protective mask. The one or more Bluetooth signals may be indicative of a number and/or a density of persons (e.g., other human users) in the vicinity of the user of the protective mask200. The number and/or the density of persons being greater than a predefined threshold may correspond to a requirement of wearing a protective mask (i.e., the closed state).

Alternatively or in addition, the one or more radio signals received in a sidelink, the radio signals for D2D communications, or the radio signal for RFID may comprise a signal from a portable radio device in the vicinity of the user and/or the control equipment performing the method300. For example, the portable radio device may comprise a UE under the ownership of a user different from the user of the protective mask200. The UE may comprise at least one of a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet computer, and a wearable device.

The method300may further comprise a step of sending a further control message to a locking mechanism of a premise (e.g., a facility) in the environment responsive to the sending of the control message controlling the actuator to assume the closed state. The premise in the environment may be associated with the (e.g., positive) local requirement of the respiratory protection. The further control message may be indicative of the closed state of the protective mask and/or may comprises a request for unlocking the locking mechanism.

The method300may further comprise or initiate a step of outputting an alert indicative of a wearing time of the protective mask, if the wearing time is greater than a predefined threshold. The wearing time may be a collective time of assuming the closed state. By the alert, the user may be reminded to clean the protective mask and/or to change an exchangeable screen of the protective mask. Alternatively or in addition, the protective mask may comprise multiple layers (e.g., exchangeable screens or filtering sections), and the alert may trigger a change of the layer in use. The change of the layer in use may be performed by the respective actuator or respective actuators. Alternatively or in addition, the user may manually change the layer.

The method300may further comprise or initiate a step of receiving a command signal at a user interface, the command signal being indicative of either the open state or the closed state. The method300may further comprise or initiate a step of sending the control signal to the actuator of the protective mask for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state according to the command signal. For example, the command signal may overrule the at least one information signal for a predetermined time period. Alternatively or in addition the command signal may inactivate the actuator. By inactivating the actuator, the user may manually change between the open state and the closed state of the protective mask.

In a first embodiment of the protective mask, the protective mask may cover the mouth and/or the nose of a human user wearing the protective mask in the closed state. The protective mask may expose the mouth and/or the nose of the human user wearing the protective mask in the open state, e.g., as depicted in the embodiments ofFIGS.12A,12B and14A,14B. Alternatively or in addition, the filtering section, e.g., the fabric, may be shifted aside of the mouth and/or the nose of the human user in the open state. The filtering section may, in the open state, not cover the nose and/or mouth. For example, the filtering section may be folded in pleats in the open state. The pleats of the filtering section may be stretched in the closed state.

The protective mask may comprise at least one arm (e.g., a lever, preferably two arms) for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state. The at least one arm may, e.g., have one first end at a fixed position of a side section of the protective mask. A second end of the arm may be attached to a boundary of the fabric of the central section. For example, assuming selectively the closed state and the open state may comprise moving a variable upper boundary of the fabric upwards (e.g., to cover mouth and nose successively) and/or downwards (e.g., to uncover nose and mouth successively). A lower boundary of the fabric may be fixed relative to the protective mask, e.g., relative to a frame of the protective mask and/or a wearing position. For example, the lower boundary may be located at or below a user's chin.

In a second embodiment of the protective mask, which may be combined with the first embodiment, the protective mask may comprise a valve, e.g., an electromagnetic valve. The valve of the protective mask may be closed in the closed state of the protective mask. The valve of the protective mask may be open in the open state of the protective mask, e.g., as depicted in the embodiment ofFIGS.13A and13B. The open valve may allow the air inhaled and/or exhaled through the mouth or the nose to bypass the filtering section.

In a third embodiment of the protective mask, which may be combined with the first or second embodiment, the protective mask may comprise a shield that is pivotable between the open state and the closed state, e.g., pivotable about a horizontal axis. For example, the protective mask may comprise a head mount (e.g., a head strap) and the pivotable shield. The head mount may pivotably support the shield. The shield may comprise the filtering section. The shield may be (at least partially) transparent. The shield may cover the face in the closed state of the protective mask. The shield may comprise a circumferential seal (e.g., an elastic rim or foam) that contacts the face and/or seals the shield on the face. The shield may be arranged above the head, or the head mount, in the open state of the protective mask.

The step306of sending the control signal to the actuator may comprise radio transmitting the control signal from the control equipment100to the protective mask200.

The method300may further comprise or initiate a step of sending a message to a storage unit. The message may be indicative of the assumed state of the protective mask. Additionally, the message may be indicative of a location of the protective mask, an instant of time when the state was assumed, and/or a time duration after assuming the state.

The step408of assuming selectively the closed state and the open state may comprise controlling a displacement of at least a central part of the protective mask, wherein the central part covers the mouth and nose of a user in the closed state. For example, the displacement may comprise a motion along a vertical and/or horizontal direction. Alternatively or in addition, the step408of assuming selectively the closed state and the open state may comprise controlling a closing and/or opening of at least one valve.

The control equipment and the protective mask may be separate devices carried by the same user. The control equipment and the protective mask may be in control signal communication (e.g., exclusively) by means of radio communication. Alternatively, the protective mask may comprise the control equipment. The control equipment and the protective mask may be in control signal communication (e.g., exclusively) by means of wired communication.

The environment of the protective mask may correspond to the environment of the control equipment. For example, the protective mask and the control equipment may be collocated.

The control equipment and/or the protective mask may be spaced apart from each of the at least one object (e.g., persons and/or radio devices) in the environment. The control equipment and/or the protective mask may receive or obtain the at last one information signal from the at least one object wirelessly.

In any aspect, the control equipment and/or the radio devices may form, or may be part of, a radio network, e.g., according to the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) or according to the standard family IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi). The radio network may be a radio access network (RAN) comprising one or more base stations. Alternatively, or in addition, the radio network may be a vehicular, ad hoc and/or mesh network. The first method aspect may be performed by a user equipment (UE) configured for radio access to the radio network.

Any of the radio devices (e.g., the control equipment performing the first method aspect and/or the at least one object in the environment) may be a mobile or wireless device, e.g., a 3GPP user equipment (UE) or a Wi-Fi station (STA). The radio device may be a mobile or portable station, a device for machine-type communication (MTC), a device for narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) or a combination thereof. Examples for the UE and the mobile station include a mobile phone, a tablet computer and a self-driving vehicle. Examples for the portable station include a laptop computer and a television set. Examples for the MTC device or the NB-IoT device include robots, sensors and/or actuators, e.g., in manufacturing, automotive communication and home automation. The MTC device or the NB-IoT device may be implemented in a manufacturing plant, household appliances and consumer electronics.

Any of the radio devices may be wirelessly connected or connectable (e.g., according to a radio resource control, RRC, state or active mode) with any of the base stations. Herein, the base station may encompass any station that is configured to provide radio access to any of the radio devices. The base stations may also be referred to as transmission and reception point (TRP), radio access node or access point (AP). The base station or one of the radio devices functioning as a gateway (e.g., between the radio network and the RAN and/or the Internet) may provide a data link to a host computer providing the data. Examples for the base stations may include a 3G base station or Node B, 4G base station or eNodeB (eNB), a 5G base station or gNodeB (gNB), a Wi-Fi AP and a network controller (e.g., according to Bluetooth, ZigBee or Z-Wave).

The RAN may be implemented according to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) and/or 3GPP New Radio (NR).

Any aspect of the technique may be implemented on a Physical Layer (PHY), a Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer and/or a Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer of a protocol stack for the radio communication.

Herein, any radio communication may use an uplink (UL), a downlink (DL) or direct communication between radio devices, e.g., device-to-device (D2D) communications or sidelink (SL) communications. For example, the at least one information signal may be received and/or obtained at the control equipment100and/or the protective mask200in the DL from a network node and/or in D2D and/or SL from other radio devices, e.g. UEs pertaining to persons (e.g., human users) other than the wearer of the protective mask.

The control equipment100may be a radio device. Herein, any radio device may be a mobile or portable station and/or any radio device wirelessly connectable to a base station or RAN, or to another radio device. A radio device may be a UE, a device for machine-type communication (MTC) or a device for (e.g., narrowband) Internet of Things (IoT). Two or more radio devices may be configured to wirelessly connect to each other, e.g., in an ad hoc radio network or via a 3GPP sidelink connection. Furthermore, any base station may be a station providing radio access, may be part of a radio access network (RAN) and/or may be a node connected to the RAN for controlling radio access. Further a base station may be an access point, for example a Wi-Fi access point.

Exemplary embodiments of the control equipment100, the protective mask200and the methods300and400are described in the context ofFIGS.5to11.

FIG.5shows an exemplary embodiment of the control equipment100, which may be spaced apart from the exemplary embodiment of the protective mask200embodying a protective mask. The control equipment100is configured to open and close the protective mask200by controlling the actuator208according to the environment of the wearer, e.g. based on at least one of the following signal sources or information signals.

The protective mask200comprises a plurality of local sensors202-1,202-2, and/or202-3as well as a local camera202-4located as signal sources for obtaining402the at least one information signal at the protective mask200. The protective mask200further comprises a communication unit (e.g., comprising at least one of the units204and206) for radio communication, according to the method steps306and406, with the control equipment100and/or for radio communication with further radio devices, e.g., using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology.

As schematically illustrated inFIG.5, the control equipment100may be spaced apart from the protective mask200. The control equipment100comprises a communication unit, which includes an information signal receiving unit102and a control signal sending unit106. A configuration of the control equipment100(briefly: control equipment configuration) in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG.5comprises the information signal assessing unit104ofFIG.1.

The communication between the control equipment100, the protective mask200and a local environment is exemplified by the block diagram inFIG.6.

The protective mask200in the example ofFIG.6itself is equipped with local sensors such as an infra-red camera and/or camera configured to detect other persons, e.g., based on infra-red sensor input606or camera input608. The protective mask200inFIG.6may further comprise a distance sensor and/or a humidity sensor providing further sensor detected input606.

The camera, e.g. camera202-4inFIG.5, may be used for an image-based identification of one or more persons in the environment. For example, the one or more persons may be identified using image recognition. Image recognition may also detect and warn if there is at least one other person around, e.g. another person who does not wear a protective mask (e.g., as assessed based on the image signal).

Image recognition may allow to identify known persons, e.g., family members. For example the presence and/or proximity of a (e.g., predetermined) group of known persons may be excluded from the assessing304, i.e., there is no need to impose the (e.g., positive) local requirement to wear a protective mask. The absence of a requirement as to wearing a mask in the presence and/or proximity of the group of known persons may be determined in the assessing step304based on a whitelist, e.g., obtained in the user input604, as schematically illustrated inFIG.6. The whitelist may, e.g., be stored at the control equipment configuration104, as schematically illustrated inFIG.5.

Central and/or network-based information systems may be involved in assessing304the need for respiratory protection. E.g., locations with (e.g., positive) local requirements to wear a protective mask all the time may be determined in the step304. The control equipment100in the example ofFIG.6may take a GPS database612(e.g., a map) and/or GPS localization (e.g., GPS signals) into account in the assessment304.

Furthermore, e.g., as schematically illustrated in the example ofFIG.6, the at least one information signal may comprise local radio beacons. The local radio beacons may determine the (e.g., positive) local requirement for the respiratory protection (i.e., a local mask requirement). This information signal may be implemented using a local Wi-Fi signal610, a Bluetooth signal602, and/or an NFC signal. For example the SSID of a local Wi-Fi base station or service set may be set to a string that is indicative of the (e.g., positive) local requirement to wear a protective mask. This means that the one or more local radio systems (e.g., base stations and/or radio devices) can broadcast the (e.g., positive) local requirement, preferably without the need of the control equipment100to actually register or enter a connected state with a radio network (e.g., with the base station).

The technique for controlling the actuator of the protective mask may comprise a system, which comprises the control equipment100and the protective mask100, e.g., according to any one ofFIGS.5and6. The control equipment100may comprise an application function (briefly: “app”), which may be implemented in a portable radio device, e.g. a UE, embodied by a smartphone or a smart watch. By spacing the control equipment100apart from the protective mask200, the protective mask may be lightweight. By being lightweight, the fitting and/or convenience of wearing the protective mask may be increased.

Alternatively or in addition, the control equipment100may be comprised in the protective mask200itself.

FIG.7shows exemplary communications of the control equipment100with the actuator of the protective mask200, sensors and/or a camera202providing inputs606and/or608, radio devices (e.g., one or more UEs of one or more other persons and/or a Wi-Fi station of an indoors location, or any further infrastructure of the local environment) and/or a radio based navigation system (e.g., comprising a map of the local environment).

The arrangement of the sensors, camera and/or any further device relative to the control equipment100and the protective mask200may be as exemplified inFIGS.5and6.

At reference sign706, GPS coordinates in the at least one information signal may imply (e.g., in combination with a map indicative of a local requirement for respiratory protection) based on GPS data base input612if a protective mask is needed at the current location (i.e., the—e.g., positive-local requirement). For example, a GPS position and a central database comprising a list of locations, in which a protective mask is needed, may be jointly evaluated, e.g. compared. GPS coordinates may be used to identify (e.g., distinguish) pedestrian areas and/or indoor areas within buildings.

An example of the at least one information signal in the step302, e.g., as schematically illustrated inFIG.7, may comprise a peer-to-peer radio communication602(e.g., a Bluetooth input). The peer-to-peer radio communication may be received in the step302in response to a request by the control equipment100, which is illustrated at reference sign702. Alternatively or in addition, camera infrastructure providing input608may be used to identify one or more persons in the environment (i.e., one or more persons nearby).

Alternatively or in addition, the at least one information signal may comprise a Wi-Fi-based beacon610, which may be used to communicate the need for wearing a mask (i.e., may be indicative of the—e.g., positive-local requirement) as a further example of the step302inFIG.7. E.g., the existing Wi-Fi infrastructure may be used for implementing the at least one information signal by setting the SSID or beacon to a text message that is indicative of the (e.g., positive) local requirement (e.g., a simple text such as “wear mask!”). For example, the presence of a standardized SSID may be interpreted as order to wear a protective mask (i.e., as the—e.g., positive-local requirement). A (e.g., Wi-Fi-based) beacon provides in particular very useful functionality for crowded public places, e.g., in shopping malls and/or trains. Alternatively or in addition, the (e.g., Wi-Fi-based) beacon may be used to identifying or determine the entrance and/or exit of a premise (e.g., a shop) that is associated with the (e.g., positive) local requirement for the respiratory protection.

In the step302, e.g., as illustrated at reference sign702inFIG.7, the control equipment100senses for nearby radio devices (i.e., radio devices in the environment) with activated Bluetooth technology. The sensing may provide Bluetooth input602as an example of the at least one information signal in the step302from one or more radio devices. Alternatively or in addition, as illustrated at reference sign704, the sensing may not lead to the detection of any radio device in the environment of the protective mask (e.g., no radio device with Bluetooth function activated).

Identifying one or more persons in the environment, e.g., an identifier of a peer-to peer communication (e.g., a Bluetooth ID) of the radio devices (e.g., personal devices) and/or mobile numbers based on input602as an example of the at least one information signal may be used to compare the at least one information signal with a whitelist of persons. The persons on the whitelist may be marked as persons of the same household. The whitelist may be defined and/or stored at the control equipment100.

The control equipment100may contain at least one of the following functions.

The opening and/or closing of the protective mask200(e.g., a screen and/or central section of the protective mask100) may further be manually activated, e.g., by means of a button at the control equipment100(e.g., a human machine interface, HMI, and/or screen of a UE such as a smartphone or smart watch) and/or by means of a button on the protective mask.

In any embodiment, the open state and the closed state of the protective mask200may comprise an open state and a closed state, respectively, of a screen or a central section of the protective mask200.

The open state and the closed state of the protective mask200may be triggered by an assessment304of the control equipment100. The assessment304(also: “decision algorithm”) may be based on one or more rules (e.g., a set of rules) and the at least one information signal (also referred to as “data”) obtained402from at least one of a sensor (e.g., a sensor at the protective mask200), a camera (e.g., a camera at the protective mask200), and one or more objects in the environment (e.g., radio devices of other persons and/or an environment infrastructure) and/or received in the step302to decide if the protective mask200is to be opened or must be closed.

An example for the method300comprises receiving302an information signal in terms of a radio beacon (e.g., a beacon frame) from a radio device (e.g., an access point) in proximity to the protective mask200, i.e., in the environment. The radio beacon is indicative of the (e.g., positive) local requirement for the respiratory protection, e.g. a message comprising “wear mask!”. Alternatively or in addition, an information signal received302is indicative of the user being in a zone identified, e.g. by the location, where according to a general database (e.g., comprising a map) a protective mask is always needed (i.e., the—e.g., positive-local requirement, e.g., assessed in the step304based on GPS position).

Further alternatively or in addition, the information signal received302may indicate the user being in a crowded area and/or that not all person in the environment (i.e., a local vicinity) of the user being on the whitelist. Upon receiving any one of the information signals in the step302, and optionally assessing any of the information signals in the step304, the control signal configured to control the actuator to assume the closed state of the protective mask200may be sent according to the step306. Alternatively or in addition, the step304of assessing the received at least one information signals may be terminated as soon as a one of the at least one received information signal is indicative or implies the (e.g., positive) local requirement for the respiratory protection, so that the control signal for assuming the closed state is sent306to the actuator of the protective mask200.

Flowcharts of embodiments of the method300are provided inFIGS.8to11. Each of the method embodiments uses one type of the at least one information signal. The method embodiments may be combined, e.g., logically combined and/or using a decision tree.

The method300may be initiated at reference sign802. E.g., the user may put on the protective mask200and activate the control equipment100. At reference sign302, the at least one information signal is received.

In the method embodiments ofFIGS.8,9,10and11, the at least one information signal comprises data of a sensor and/or data of a camera, location information, a Wi-Fi SSID, and a Bluetooth signal from a nearby radio device, respectively. In the step304, the received at least one information signal is assessed.

If at reference sign806, the assessment304indicates the (e.g., positive) local requirement, i.e., a need for respiratory protection, the control signal to assume the closed state is sent at reference sign822to the actuator of the protective mask200.

If at reference sign808, the assessment result indicates no local requirement (e.g., a negative local requirement), i.e., no need for respiratory protection, either no control signal is sent (e.g., if the protective mask200is already in the open state), or a control signal to assume the open state is sent at reference sign824. In any of the method embodiments, or any combination of the method embodiments, the method300may be repeated as new information signals are received, e.g., as indicated at reference sign826.

Further details of the assessing step304are described with reference toFIG.8.

In the method embodiment of flowchart ofFIG.8, the at least one information signal received in the step302is indicative of one or more persons or no person in the local environment of the protective mask200at reference sign804. In case of the at least one information signal indicating the presence of one or more persons, in a further substep810of the assessing step304, it is verified if a number and/or density of one or more persons within a local environment exceeds a predefined threshold, above which respiratory protection is required. In a further substep816, if the number and/or density of one or more persons exceeds the predefined threshold, the identities of the one or more persons may be compared to a whitelist. The one or more persons on the whitelist may be excluded from the counting of the number and/or the computation of the density of the one or more persons in the substep810.

Alternatively or in addition, the substep810may comprise determining a sensitivity or distance (e.g., based on signal strength of the at least one information signal), optionally in crowed areas in terms of a predefined threshold, below which there exists a requirement for respiratory protection, e.g., a minimal allowed distance to another person. If the distance to one or more persons is below the minimum, the control signal822for assuming the closed state is sent to the actuator of the protective mask200.

A threshold of a density of one or more persons may be defined as a maximum number of persons inside the minimal distance and/or the environment, and/or as the number of persons without a protective mask inside the minimal distance and/or the environment, e.g., based on image recognition of camera data in the at least one information signal received in the step302.

Alternatively or in addition, the control equipment100may be used for warning the user, optionally without and/or prior to controlling the closed state of the protective mask, e.g., if the control equipment100detects (for example by receiving302the at least one information signal) that the environment (e.g., the location or facility) is very crowded, that one or more persons cannot maintain safe distance, and/or that one or more persons in the local environment are not wearing a protective mask.

Exemplary embodiments of the protective mask200are described with reference toFIGS.12A and12B,13A and13B, as well as14A and14B, respectively. In addition to the features depicted in the respectiveFIGS.12A to14B, any of the embodiments may comprise at least the control signal receiving unit206and the actuator unit208, and optionally the information signal obtaining unit202and information signal sending unit204, as schematically shown inFIG.2.

According to a first embodiment, the protective mask200may be realized using a protective screen1202, e.g. made of a piece of cloth and/or fabric, and an actuator208(also: “actuation mechanism”, e.g., one more lever arms) that moves (e.g., pulls up and down) the screen1202as shown inFIGS.12A and12B. The one or more lever arms208may have a first end rotatably1210and/or slidably supported at a (e.g., stationary) side portion1204for the protective mask200. The one or more lever arms208may have a second end (e.g., at an end opposite to the first end) that is attached to a (e.g., upper) edge1208of the screen1202, e.g. slidably attached to a rail1208bounding the screen1202. Further boundaries of the screen may be fixed to the side portions1204, which may guide the movement of the screen1202during the opening and/or closing actuated by the actuator208.

The protective mask200may further comprise fixation means1206for fixing the protective mask200, e.g. by means of strings and/or loops, to the user's head, e.g., at his/her ears. Alternatively or in addition, the side portions1204may comprise the one or more sensors (e.g., any one of the sensors202-1,202-2,202-3, and/or the camera202-4of the embodiment ofFIG.5). Further alternatively or in addition, the side portions1204may comprise the control equipment100.

FIG.12Aschematically illustrates a first embodiment of the protective mask200in the closed state, in which the screen1202covers the mouth and the nose of a user. The screen1202may, e.g., comprise a piece of cloth or fabric (e.g., the filtering section) being extended tautly in the closed state.FIG.12Bschematically illustrates the first embodiment of the protective mask200in the open state, in which the edge1208of the screen1202is pulled down from the nose and mouth and respiration is unobstructed. In the open state, the screen1202may, e.g. a piece of cloth and/or fabric, be folded in a lower-most position below the user's chin. The open state according to the first embodiment can allow the user to eat or drink.

The screen1202(e.g., the filtering section) may be detachable from the protective mask200, e.g., from a fixed side portion1204, for cleaning or replacing. The detachability of the screen1202can provide and/or increase a sustainability of the protective mask200.

According to a second embodiment, the protective mask200may comprise one or more valves1302as shown inFIGS.13A and13B. The closed state of the protective mask200shown inFIG.13Acomprises a high value of a respiratory flow resistance, as indicated by a feeble or distributed air flow through the screen1202-1204at reference sign1304. The open state of the protective mask200shown inFIG.13Bcomprises a lower value of the respiratory flow resistance than the closed state, as indicated by the strong or guided air flow through the open valve1302at reference sign1306.

According to the second embodiment, the screen1202-1204, e.g. a piece of fabric, covers the nose and mouth in both the open and closed state of the one or more valves1203of the protective mask200. The screen1202-1204acting as the filtering section may be by-passed by the air flow1306through the open valve in the open state.

According to a third embodiment, the protective mask200may comprise a (at least partially) transparent screen1402pivotably and/or rotatably mounted on fixation means1206(e.g., a head mount), as displayed inFIGS.14A and14B. The fixation means1206according to the third embodiment may for example comprise one or more straps1206extending along a longitude and/or (e.g., half-)width of the user's head. Anchor points1404for rotating and/or pivoting the screen1402may be located at each side of the user's head.FIG.14Ashows the closed state of the protective mask200, wherein the screen1402is in a vertical position and/or extends parallel to the user's face, covering nose and mouth.FIG.14Bshows the open state of the protective mask200, wherein the screen1402is arranged horizontally above the user's head. The open state according to the third embodiment, e.g., allows the user to eat and drink.

In any embodiment, the actuation of opening and/or closing the protective mask200may be triggered by a control equipment by means of the control signal.

Embodiments of the technique may comprise additional method steps and/or features, in particular of the protective mask200in view of a plurality of different protection levels.

The protective mask200, e.g. in extension of the first embodiment ofFIGS.12A and12Bmay comprise multiple layers of the screen1202, e.g., multiple layers of cloth and/or multiple layers of fabric.

A protective mask200with multiple layers can be adjusted to different levels of respiratory protection requirements and/or different environments. E.g., a different layer of the protective mask200may be used in each different environment. For example, a protective mask200comprising multiple layers of the screen1202can be used in a hospital, where different levels of respiratory protection are needed in a hallway, a sickroom, a doctor's office and/or an operating theater. Alternatively or in addition, different layers of the protective mask200may be used indoors as compared to an outdoor environment, e.g. comprising a respiratory protection requirement in a crowded pedestrian zone.

Alternatively or in addition, a protective mask200with multiple layers, e.g. of cloth, may be able to change from one layer to another layer (e.g., of cloth) if the one layer has expired, e.g., when person has been exercising (e.g., running and/or any other sport causing an increased respiratory air flow compared to a rest state) and/or if the protective mask200is worn for a time period longer than a recommended maximal duration of using any one of the layers of the screen1202.

Multiple layers of the screen1202may enable the protective mask200to switch the layers for increased and/or decreased level of protection and/or for changing to a clean layer, e.g., triggered by the control equipment100.

Switching protective mask layers may be performed without human and/or manual intervention. The control equipment100, which may be spaced apart from the protective mask200, may store a plurality different parameters, comprising at least one of a predetermined maximum duration of (e.g., allowed) usage of any one of the layers; a time period elapsed since first putting on and/or using the layer; a recommendation of using a given layer in a specified environment (e.g., indoors and/or outdoors); a track record of having used a given layer in a specified environment (e.g., indoors and/or outdoors); and a classification of a layer according to a level of respiratory protection requirement, e.g. level protection1.

Alternatively or in addition, layers of the protective mask200may be switched manually, e.g., by pressing a button on a frame (e.g., at any one of the side portions1204inFIGS.12A,12B) of the protective mask200. The user may be alerted by the control equipment100, e.g., if switching layers is recommended due to a comparison of a time period of a layer being worn and a maximal allowed duration and/or based on a change of the local environment.

An exemplary embodiment of the protective mask200with multiple layers comprises one actuator208per layer, e.g. a pair of thin lever arms208as inFIGS.12A and12B. Each actuator208may provide the means to assume selectively an open state or a closed state of the respective layer.

The protective mask200may comprise an air flow sensor, e.g. as one of the sensors202-1,202-2or202-3inFIG.5. The air flow sensor may be configured for breathing detection, e.g., to warn about “bad” air. Fresh air may an important criterion for a safe (e.g., in terms of health hazards related to respiration) area and/or environment.

The communication unit (e.g., the control signal sending unit106) of the control equipment100may be further configured for sending a control signal to at least one radio device and/or base station in the environment of the protective mask200(which may also be denoted as “opposite direction” as compared to the at least one information signal received at reference signs302and/or402). E.g., the control signal to the at least one radio device and/or base station in the environment may comprise a notification that the protective mask200is in the (or in case of different levels: the appropriate one among the) closed state(s). The at least one radio device and/or base station in the environment may be associated to a restricted entry area. The notification of the closed state of the protective mask200may correspond to and/or may comprise a request for entry and/or a trigger for opening a door.

The control equipment100may be implemented in a cloud environment. By the implementation in a cloud environment, the necessity for a separate unit and/or control equipment100may be removed. In case of a cloud implementation, the at least one information collected by one or more sensors located on the protective mask200may be wirelessly sent to a cloud-based application, e.g., via Wi-Fi or a mobile network data connection. The same and/or further wireless communication infrastructure may be used to receive the406the control signal at the actuator of the protective mask200for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state.

FIG.15shows a schematic block diagram for an embodiment of the control equipment100. The control equipment100comprises one or more processors1502for performing the method300and memory1504coupled to the processors1502. For example, the memory1504may be encoded with instructions that implement at least one of the units102,104and106.

The one or more processors1502may be a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, microcode and/or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other components of the control equipment100, such as the memory1504, UE or control equipment functionality. For example, the one or more processors1502may execute instructions stored in the memory1504. Such functionality may include providing various features and steps discussed herein, including any of the benefits disclosed herein. The expression “the device being operative to perform an action” may denote the control equipment100being configured to perform the action.

As schematically illustrated inFIG.15, the control equipment100may be embodied by a UE. The control equipment100comprises a radio interface102and/or106coupled to the processor1502and memory1504for radio communication with the protective mask200and, e.g., a base station and/or further UEs.

FIG.16shows a schematic block diagram for an embodiment of the protective mask200. The protective mask200comprises one or more processors1602for performing the method400and memory1604coupled to the processors1602. For example, the memory1604may be encoded with instructions that implement at least one of the modules202,204,206and208.

The one or more processors1602may be a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, microcode and/or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other components of the protective mask200, such as the memory1604, protective mask functionality. For example, the one or more processors1602may execute instructions stored in the memory1604. Such functionality may include providing various features and steps discussed herein, including any of the benefits disclosed herein. The expression “the device being operative to perform an action” may denote the protective mask200being configured to perform the action.

As schematically illustrated inFIG.16, the protective mask200comprises a radio interface204;206coupled to the processor1602and memory1604for radio communication with the control equipment100, e.g. embodied by a UE, and optionally, e.g., a base station and/or further UEs.

With reference toFIG.17, in accordance with an embodiment, a communication system1700includes a telecommunication network1710, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network, which comprises an access network1711, such as a radio access network, and a core network1714. The access network1711comprises a plurality of base stations1712a,1712b,1712c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area1713a,1713b,1713c. Each base station1712a,1712b,1712cis connectable to the core network1714over a wired or wireless connection1715. A first UE1791located in coverage area1713cis configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding base station1712c. A second UE1792in coverage area1713ais wirelessly connectable to the corresponding base station1712a. While a plurality of UEs1791,1792are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole UE is in the coverage area or where a sole UE is connecting to the corresponding base station1712.

The telecommunication network1710is itself connected to a host computer1730, which may be embodied in the hardware and/or software of a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server or as processing resources in a server farm. The host computer1730may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The connections1721,1722between the telecommunication network1710and the host computer1730may extend directly from the core network1714to the host computer1730or may go via an optional intermediate network1720. The intermediate network1720may be one of, or a combination of more than one of, a public, private or hosted network; the intermediate network1720, if any, may be a backbone network or the Internet; in particular, the intermediate network1720may comprise two or more sub-networks (not shown).

The communication system1700ofFIG.17as a whole enables connectivity between one of the connected UEs1791,1792and the host computer1730. The connectivity may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection1750. The host computer1730and the connected UEs1791,1792are configured to communicate data and/or signaling via the OTT connection1750, using the access network1711, the core network1714, any intermediate network1720and possible further infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. The OTT connection1750may be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection1750passes are unaware of routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, a base station1712may not or need not be informed about the past routing of an incoming downlink communication with data originating from a host computer1730to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to a connected UE1791. Similarly, the base station1712need not be aware of the future routing of an outgoing uplink communication originating from the UE1791towards the host computer1730.

By virtue of the method300and400being performed by any one of the UEs1791or1792and/or any one of the base stations1712, the performance of the OTT connection1750can be improved, e.g., in terms of increased throughput and/or reduced latency.

Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the UE, base station and host computer discussed in the preceding paragraphs will now be described with reference toFIG.18. In a communication system1800, a host computer1810comprises hardware1815including a communication interface1816configured to set up and maintain a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of the communication system1800. The host computer1810further comprises processing circuitry1818, which may have storage and/or processing capabilities. In particular, the processing circuitry1818may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The host computer1810further comprises software1811, which is stored in or accessible by the host computer1810and executable by the processing circuitry1818. The software1811includes a host application1812. The host application1812may be operable to provide a service to a remote user, such as a UE1830connecting via an OTT connection1850terminating at the UE1830and the host computer1810. In providing the service to the remote user, the host application1812may provide user data, which is transmitted using the OTT connection1850. The user data may depend on the location (e.g., in relation to a requirement of respiratory protection) of the UE1830. The user data may comprise auxiliary information or precision advertisements (also: ads) delivered to the UE1830. The location may be reported by the UE1830to the host computer, e.g., using the OTT connection1850, and/or by the base station1820, e.g., using a connection1860.

The communication system1800further includes a base station1820provided in a telecommunication system and comprising hardware1825enabling it to communicate with the host computer1810and with the UE1830. The hardware1825may include a communication interface1826for setting up and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of the communication system1800, as well as a radio interface1827for setting up and maintaining at least a wireless connection1870with a UE1830located in a coverage area (not shown inFIG.18) served by the base station1820. The communication interface1826may be configured to facilitate a connection1860to the host computer1810. The connection1860may be direct or it may pass through a core network (not shown inFIG.18) of the telecommunication system and/or through one or more intermediate networks outside the telecommunication system. In the embodiment shown, the hardware1825of the base station1820further includes processing circuitry1828, which may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The base station1820further has software1821stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

The communication system1800further includes the UE1830already referred to. Its hardware1835may include a radio interface1837configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection1870with a base station serving a coverage area in which the UE1830is currently located. The hardware1835of the UE1830further includes processing circuitry1838, which may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The UE1830further comprises software1831, which is stored in or accessible by the UE1830and executable by the processing circuitry1838. The software1831includes a client application1832. The client application1832may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via the UE1830, with the support of the host computer1810. In the host computer1810, an executing host application1812may communicate with the executing client application1832via the OTT connection1850terminating at the UE1830and the host computer1810. In providing the service to the user, the client application1832may receive request data from the host application1812and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection1850may transfer both the request data and the user data. The client application1832may interact with the user to generate the user data that it provides.

It is noted that the host computer1810, base station1820and UE1830illustrated inFIG.18may be identical to the host computer1730, one of the base stations1712a,1712b,1712cand one of the UEs1791,1792ofFIG.17, respectively. This is to say, the inner workings of these entities may be as shown inFIG.18and independently, the surrounding network topology may be that ofFIG.17.

InFIG.18, the OTT connection1850has been drawn abstractly to illustrate the communication between the host computer1810and the use equipment1830via the base station1820, without explicit reference to any intermediary devices and the precise routing of messages via these devices. Network infrastructure may determine the routing, which it may be configured to hide from the UE1830or from the service provider operating the host computer1810, or both. While the OTT connection1850is active, the network infrastructure may further take decisions by which it dynamically changes the routing (e.g., on the basis of load balancing consideration or reconfiguration of the network).

The wireless connection1870between the UE1830and the base station1820is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to the UE1830using the OTT connection1850, in which the wireless connection1870forms the last segment. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments may reduce the latency and improve the data rate and thereby provide benefits such as better responsiveness.

A measurement procedure may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency and other factors on which the one or more embodiments improve. There may further be an optional network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection1850between the host computer1810and UE1830, in response to variations in the measurement results. The measurement procedure and/or the network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection1850may be implemented in the software1811of the host computer1810or in the software1831of the UE1830, or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or in association with communication devices through which the OTT connection1850passes; the sensors may participate in the measurement procedure by supplying values of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or supplying values of other physical quantities from which software1811,1831may compute or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguring of the OTT connection1850may include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing etc.; the reconfiguring need not affect the base station1820, and it may be unknown or imperceptible to the base station1820. Such procedures and functionalities may be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, measurements may involve proprietary UE signaling facilitating the host computer's1810measurements of throughput, propagation times, latency and the like. The measurements may be implemented in that the software1811,1831causes messages to be transmitted, in particular empty or “dummy” messages, using the OTT connection1850while it monitors propagation times, errors etc.

As has become apparent from above description, embodiments of the technique allow for controlling an actuator of a protective mask to assume selectively a closed state for respiratory protection and an open state, in which the respiratory flow resistance is reduced compared to the closed state. Preferably, the actuator of the protective mask is in control signal exchange with a control equipment performing an algorithm based on one or more information signals indicative of an environment of the protective mask. The one or more information signals may be received at the control equipment based on a radio and/or mobile technology in order to decide and/or assess on the opening and/or the closing of the protective mask.

The protective mask may comprise the actuator and/or the actuation mechanism to selectively open and close. Alternatively or in addition, the protective mask may be equipped with sensors and/or a camera. Further alternatively or in addition, the control equipment may comprise logic to selectively open and close the mask. Still further alternatively or in addition, the interaction of a communication unit in the control equipment with an environment may be based on radio and/or mobile technology to gather the information and/or data for the decision algorithm.

Many advantages of the present invention will be fully understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the units and devices without departing from the scope of the invention and/or without sacrificing all of its advantages. Since the invention can be varied in many ways, it will be recognized that the invention should be limited only by the scope of the following claims.