Virulens: AR Risk Factor Detection System

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Virulens Conceptual Model - Front View
Virulens Conceptual Model - Back View

Inspiration

The COVID-19 pandemic has touched countless lives all around the world. Nearly 4 million lives have been taken by this deadly virus, with 600,000 of those occurring in the United States. Breakthroughs in modern technology have enabled scientists and researchers to be able to create vaccines in record time, which has allowed the world to fight the virus. We believe that the next logical step is to utilize these technologies to prevent and fight future pandemics.

What it does

The Virulens System will enable effective communication between three main forms of hardware: specialized augmented reality glasses, smartphones, and smartwatches. We plan to integrate these existing technologies in order to create an effective system that allows users to be more aware of the risk factors around them.

A numerical-based risk assessment will be derived from vaccination data provided by local health authorities, potential exposures via the Apple-Google Contact Tracing API, and temperature detection via built-in infrared sensors in the glasses. The specialized augmented reality glasses will communicate with smartphones via Bluetooth 5.0 LE in order to collect this data, and then visualize the intensity of potential health risk factors near an individual via superimpositions on the heads-up display. It can also utilize telemetry gathered from its onboard ultrasonic and infrared sensors.

How we built it

The app layout and graphical user interface was modeled using Figma. We then incorporated this design by building a conceptual model in JavaScript through the React Native program. This allows us to demo the app on any smartphone running iOS or Android and evaluate the experience that we will deliver to the end user. The 3D model of the Virulens glasses was created using OnShape, an online computer-aided design (CAD) software. This model will be used to provide a sample design to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to create their own designs and integrate our software. This will set the standard for the quality of hardware we expect in order to provide a consistent, best-in class experience for the end user.

Challenges we ran into

The main challenge that we were faced with was how to properly conceptualize the interactions between existing technologies (smartphones and smartwatches) and the specialized augmented reality glasses. The goal was to utilize the most important parts of each of the devices in order to create a seamless experience for the end user. When designing the complete Virulens system, we utilized a development flowchart internally to map out our functions and visualize each of the interactions. We were able to overcome this challenge and properly identify the fundamental goals in creating this system.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Throughout this weekend, we utilized a wide range of software to complete all the necessary tasks for the project. This included applications such as Figma, React Native, Canva, OBS Studio, Paint.net, Lucid Flowcharts, and more. We are proud of everything that we have put forward for this competition. As modern medicine and biotechnology advance at a breathtaking pace, it is important for those involved in the field to be able to quickly draft, conceptualize, and develop ideas. This weekend, we believe that we demonstrated the skills required to revolutionize the industry and change the world for the better.

What we learned

The main concept that we learned was how to walk through all the steps of the engineering design process in a consolidated fashion. Steps such as brainstorming, prototyping, and optimization usually take anywhere from weeks to years, especially in professional environments. With the time constraints provided by this competition, we learned how to think on our feet and quickly move through the steps in a timely fashion.

What's next for Untitled

The next steps for the Virulens system will be to consider professional advice on how we can begin to get the project from a conceptual idea to a working prototype. As COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift in certain jurisdictions, we plan to present our project to more people in person, in order to receive constructive feedback and optimize the Virulens to reach as wide an audience as possible.