PROJECT DISTANSiYA: A Social Distancing Device

• Main Authors: Camarig, Meriel Lorien M, Arquita, Jirah Mae, Capuli, Riciamel M, Mancera, John Mark P, Mataverde, Mave Czedrick A, Paje, John Joshua T, Ramos, John Dave B
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2023
• Subjects: social distance; IoT devices; COVID-19 Virus; Arduino Nano; ultrasonic sensor
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2023/poster_csr/1; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/conf_shsrescon/article/1791/viewcontent/PoP_CSR_Camarig_Arquita_Capuli_Mancera_Mataverde_Paje_Ramos___CAMARIG__Meriel_Lorien_M..pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

Project DISTANSiYA is a social distancing device that has the objectives of helping people maintain their distance from others and reduce the spread of communicable diseases, particularly the COVID-19 virus. The device used 4 ultrasonic sensors in a square arrangement to detect people at a 1-meter range. The device is programmed to turn on a series of lights depending on how close the detected person is. This study focused on examining the device's accuracy to address social distancing issues. The device can detect a person's distance between 0 to 50 cm, 51 to 100 cm, 101 to 150 cm, and 151- 400 cm, and it is designed as a cap with an acrylic case, buzzer, and LED lights that light up when a person is within 400 cm range. The device can be used in hospitals by advising patients to use it, which will help prevent the spread of diseases. It can also be used by the students and employees inside the school. Additionally, it can be used in the community to help people avoid infection. Therefore, the device is an indeed helpful tool for maintaining distance from people with communicable diseases beyond the pandemic. It is important to note that the device is not meant to replace existing security systems and social distancing protocols but rather to provide an alternative that can be used in conjunction with them. The project explores the possibilities of interactive technology and how it can be used to create a safe space in public places.