Compact Wearable Safety: The COVID-19 Prevention Badge
During the height of the global pandemic, maintaining personal distance and identifying potential symptoms early were the most effective ways to stay safe. This project introduces a compact, wearable badge that serves as a constant automated assistant for public health compliance.
Dual-Sensing Architecture for Public Safety
The badge combines two critical sensing technologies into a single Arduino Nano-powered device:
- Social Distancing Monitoring: Using an HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor, the badge continuously scans the environment. If an individual approaches within a 1-meter radius, the system triggers a piezo buzzer, providing a subtle but effective reminder to maintain the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended distance.
- Nearby Fever Detection: Unique to this design is the integration of the DS18B20 Digital Temperature Sensor. While typically used for immersion, here it is calibrated to detect ambient heat anomalies. The badge is programmed with a threshold of 38°C (100.4°F)—the clinical benchmark for a fever. If someone within close proximity exhibits this temperature, the wearer is alerted immediately.
Compact High-Efficiency Design
To ensure the device is practical for daily use at school or work, it utilizes:
- Arduino Nano: For its small footprint and low power consumption.
- CR2032 Coin Cell Batteries: Providing a lightweight, slim power source that fits easily behind a badge clip.
- Simplified Logic: The system operates on a fast polling loop, ensuring that alerts are real-time and responsive to moving crowds.
Low-Cost Accessibility
By using generic ultrasonic sensors and standard digital thermometers, this badge can be built for under $15, making it a viable DIY project for student groups and community health initiatives looking for accessible tech solutions to large-scale health challenges.
How does the device work
Its working is simple, it simply detects any one coming closer than 1 meter and rings the buzzer and it constantly reads the temperature of the people who are standing close to the wearer and if anyone's temperature is more then 38 degree celsius it also rings the buzzer thus notifying the wearer.
How did the idea originate
The idea originated when I needed to go out for school and thought to design something compact to detect COVID-19 suspects and constantly remind me to maintain social-distancing.
The main advantage
Its main advantage is that it is easily accessible due to these reasons:-
- Comparatively Cheap
- Compact
- Easy to use