6 foot police

We all need social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and some people sadly don't follow that rule. Instead of policing everyone around, why don't we make hardware ensuring social distancing?

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Inspiration

In stores and public places during the COVID-19 pandemic, we all have to wear masks and social distance, and public places try to ensure that. However, it is hard to police the civilians who are not social distancing, so why don't we create a program that ensures that people are social distancing.

What it does

This uses an Arduino microcontroller and some PIR sensors to detect proximity between users. When the switch is on, everyone in the public place is expected to follow social distancing measures. Each adjacent sensor is three feet apart.

The algorithm goes like this: Suppose we start our sensor at position (i,j), if the sensor at (i,j) is on, we check the sensors (i+1,j),(i-1,j),(i,j+1),(i,j-1),(i+1,j+1),(i-1,j+1),(i+1,j-1),(i-1,j-1) (If possible to check all. If not, it checks possible ones). If any of these sensors are also on, then the area is not socially distant and the Arduino turns on a light to indicate that social distancing has been violated and that means that people have to go back to social distancing positions.

How I built it

I built this with Arduino and PIR sensors on AutoDesk TinkerCAD

Challenges I ran into

Sometimes, even if this is simulated, the TinkerCAD server would not run properly. Also, the wiring of the PIR sensors are a bit disorganized. The algorithm though works. Also, sometimes, the Arduino light would not turn on, even though the algorithm works.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

Understanding more of Arduino and it's capabilities, therefore enhancing my understanding of the Internet of Things.

What I learned

How to use data structures and object-oriented programming with Arduino C. I even developed many ways to solve problems with IoT.

What's next for 6 foot police

I am thinking of adding a light indicator that indicates where the social distancing is broken. I am also thinking of using another Microcontroller other than Arduino for better performance and more room for more sensors. I am also thinking of using Teachable Machine with Raspberry Pi and a camera to also ensure that if people are wearing masks. When dealing with social distancing, masks are also important. I am also thinking of adding a thermal sensor, so that temperatures of the civilians are recorded too.

The algorithm behind this project is the most important part.

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