Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. An IoT-based wearable social-distance detection and alert system (100) for COVID-19, wherein the system (100) comprising:
a wearable device (102), to be worn by a user, the wearable device (102) comprising:
an ultrasonic sensor (110), to detect a presence of an object in close proximity of the user;
a PIR sensor (112) to detect a position of any person and/or object within a pre-defined range of the sensor;
a temperature sensor (114), to measure the human body temperature of the user; and
a social-distancing unit (116) is connected to the ultrasonic sensor (110), the PIR sensor (112) and the temperature sensor (114), wherein the social distancing unit (116) is configured to:
collect a set of data using the ultrasonic sensor (110), PIR sensor (112), and the temperature sensor (114) when the user is in close proximity with another person/object and the body temperature of a user rises above normal temperature;
compare the collected parameters with a predefined set of parameters stored in a data storage module (206);
generate a notification on the basis of compared parameters;
transmit the generated notification to a user device (106) with the medium of a communication network (104);
display the notification on the user device (106); and
alerting a user when any person/object is moving or standing in close proximity and when the user’s body temperature is above predefined normal body temperature range.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the social-distancing unit (116) is configured to:
receive the detected data from the ultrasonic sensor (110), the PIR sensor (112) and the temperature sensor (114); and
transmit the received data to a user device (106) using a communication module (212).
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable device (102) is connected to an electronic platform (108).
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable device (102) is connected to the user device (106) with a medium of a communication network (104).
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transmitted data is displayed on the user device (106).
6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the user device (106) comprising:
a piezo buzzer (118); and
a user interface (120).
7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the user device (106) is configured to alert the user using the piezo buzzer (118) when a person or an object is within predefined parameters of the user and when the body temperature of a user rises above the normal body temperature range.
8. A method (300) for detecting and alerting a user to maintain physical social distance, the method comprising steps of:
collecting the set of data using an ultrasonic sensor (110), a PIR sensor (112) and a temperature sensor (114) when the user is in close proximity with another person/object and the body temperature of a user rises above normal temperature;
comparing the collected parameters with a predefined set of parameters stored in a data storage module (206);
generating a notification on the basis of compared parameters;
transmitting the generated notification to a user device (106) with the medium of a communication network (104);
displaying the notification on the user device (106); and
alerting the user when any person/object is moving or standing in close proximity and when the user’s body temperature is above predefined normal body temperature range.
9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the predefined physical distance range is 100 centimeters (1 meters).
10. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the predefined normal body temperature range is 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C).
Date: 30 March 2021
Place: Noida
Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)

, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10, and rule 13)

SOCIAL DISTANCING DETECTOR FOR COVID-19
APPLICANT(S)
NAME: RAJENDRA CH PRASAD
NATIONALITY:
ADDRESS: S R ENGINEERING COLLEGE, ANANTHASAGAR (V), HASANPARTHY (M), WARANGAL, TELANGANA 506371

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a system and method for a wearable precautionary alert device and particularly to a system configured to maintain social distance in crowded places.
Description of Related Art
[002] COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing global pandemic. It is an infectious disease caused by newly discovered strain of coronavirus, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or SARS-CoV-2. With the first case identified in Wuhan (China) the disease has spread all across the world. Coronaviruses are a group of RNA viruses that can cause respiratory tract illness in a human. SARS-CoV is a positive sense single stranded RNA virus of a zoonotic origin and close resemblance with bat coronaviruses. Studies estimate that each infection may result in approximately six new infections in the members of a community.
[003] The symptoms of COVID-19 can differ from person to person ranging from mild to severe illness. However, the common symptoms include cough, nasal congestion, fever, loss of smell and/or taste and headache. Emergency symptoms like difficulty in breathing, chest pain and bluish lips may require immediate health assistance. Further development in the disease may lead to pneumonia, multiple organ failure, sepsis and leading ultimately to the death of a patient.
[004] Although people with a same infection may show different symptoms, a common cluster of symptoms (respiratory, musculo-skeletal and digestive) can be seen in the infected patients. Additionally, a delay of two to twelve days can be seen from exposure to appearance of the symptoms. The spread of infection from an infected person to a healthy person is primarily through a respiratory route. The infection may be transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols (saliva or nasal discharge), released when an infected person breath, talks, coughs, or sneezes. The tiny droplets may enter into the mouth, nose or eyes of another person in close contact with the infected person. The droplets may also remain suspended in the air of a poorly ventilated place and may cause an airborne infection.
[005] The developments in the field of vaccination are generally directed to provide an acquired immunity against the causative virus. Nonetheless, precautionary measures like staying at home, covering mouth and nose with an elbow while sneezing, wearing a mask, and washing hands with a soap are recommended to prevent the spread of the disease. A person may also be infected by touching a surface or an object having viral fomite on it. Adding to this, a recent study also revealed that an infected person who do not show any symptom may act as a carrier for the disease.
[006] Social distancing or physical distancing is another non-pharmaceutical measure to prevent the spread of the disease. People are advised to maintain a safe physical distance of six feet (two meters) and reduce close interaction or avoid social crowded gatherings. Social distancing and related measures are hence being emphasized by the government of more than hundred nations.
[007] There is thus a need for a system and method to detect and maintain safe physical distance from another person and notify a user when the safe gap is breached.
SUMMARY
[008] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide an IoT-based wearable social-distance detection and alert system for COVID-19, the system comprising: a wearable device, to be worn by a user. The wearable device comprising: an ultrasonic sensor, to detect the presence of an object in a close proximity of the user; a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor to detect a position of the object within a pre-defined range of the PIR sensor; a temperature sensor, to measure a normal body temperature of the user; and a social-distancing unit connected to the ultrasonic sensor, the PIR sensor and the temperature sensor. The social distancing unit further comprising; a sensor configuration module; a data collection module; a data storage module; a data comparison module; a notification module; and a communication module.
[009] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provides an IoT-based method for detecting and alerting the user to maintain the physical distance using the IoT-based wearable social-distance detection and alert system for COVID-19. The method comprising steps: collecting a set of data using an ultrasonic sensor, a PIR sensor and a temperature sensor when the user is in a close proximity with an object and a body temperature of the user rises above normal temperature; comparing the collected data with a predefined set of data stored in the data storage module; generating a notification on the basis of compared data; transmitting the generated notification to a user device on the basis of comparison result with the medium of a communication module; displaying the notification on the user device; and alerting the user when an object is moving or standing in close proximity and when the user’s body temperature is above predefined normal temperature range.
[0010] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0011] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting an IoT-based social-distance detection and alert system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram elaborating components of a social distancing unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for detecting and alerting a user to maintain the physical social distance, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.
[0019] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an IoT-based social-distance detection and alert system (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The IoT-based social-distance detection and alert system for COVID-19 (100) comprises a wearable device (102) and a user device (106). The wearable device (102) and the user device (106) may be connected through a communication network (104).
[0021] The communication network (104) may include a data network such as, but not limited to, an Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), etc. In some embodiments of the present invention, the communication network (104) may include a wireless network, such as, but not limited to, a cellular network and may employ various technologies including an Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), etc. In some embodiments of the present invention, the communication network (104) may include or otherwise cover networks or sub-networks, each of which may include, for example, a wired or a wireless data pathway. Examples of the communication network (104) may further include, but are not limited to, a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Storage Area Network (SAN), a Virtual Private Network (VPN), an Enterprise Private Network (EPN), the Internet, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the communication network (104), including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies to connect components of the IoT-based social-distance detection and alert system for COVID-19 (100).
[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user device (106) and the wearable device (102) may be configured to communicate with each other by one or more communication mediums connected to the communication network (104). The communications mediums include, but are not limited to, a coaxial cable, a copper wire, a fiber optic, a wire that comprise a system bus coupled to a processor of a computing device, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of communication medium, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0023] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the user device (106) may be configured to receive a data from the wearable device (102) with the medium of communication network (104) to alert the user (not shown) about a breach of the physical social distance. According to an embodiment of present invention, the user may be but not limited to a student, a senior citizen, a law enforcement officer, a service provider, a doctor, and so forth.
[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user device (106) further comprises a piezo buzzer (118) and a user interface (120).
[0025] Further, embodiments of the present invention may elaborate an electronic platform (108) in conjugation with the wearable device (102) with a medium of, but not limited to a wired or a wireless connection. Examples of the electronic platform (108) may include, but are not limited to Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, Sharks Cove, Minnowboard MAX, Nanode, Waspmote, LittleBits, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, electronic platform (108) is an Arduino Uno platform. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of electronic platform (108), including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wearable device (102) may be designed to be worn by the user of the IoT-based social-distance detection and alert system for COVID-19 (100). According to embodiments of the present invention, the wearable device (102) may be, but not limited to, a smart watch, a smart glass, a smart ring, a bracelet, a shirt, a shoe, a glove, a cap, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the wearable device (102), including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be designed to be worn by the user. In an embodiment of the present invention, the wearable device (102) may be a battery-operated device that may include a rechargeable battery pack. In an embodiment of the present invention, the wearable device may comprise an ultrasonic sensor (110), a PIR sensor (112), a temperature sensor (114) and a social-distancing unit (116).
[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic sensor (110) may be configured to sense parameters associated with the user in the real time like, but not limited to, measuring the distance of a nearby object/person. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic sensor (110) may be, but not limited to, a diffuse proximity sensor, a retro-reflective sensor, a through-beam sensor and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the ultrasonic sensor (110), including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the PIR sensor (112) may be configured to detect parameters associated with a moving object/person like, but not limited to detect the motion of an object or a person near the close proximity of the user. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the PIR sensor (112) may be, but not limited to, an optical sensor, a microwave sensor, an acoustic sensor, an infrared sensor and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the PIR sensor (112), including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor (114) may be configured to sense temperature of the user. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor (114) may be, but not limited to a thermocouple sensor, a resistance temperature detector (RTDs), a thermistor sensor, a semiconductor based integrated circuits (IC) and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the temperature sensor (114), including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the social-distancing unit (116) of the wearable device (102) may be configured to collect and transmit sensed parameters acquired by the ultrasonic sensor (110), the PIR sensor (112), the temperature sensor (114) to the user device (106) connected to the wearable device (102) with the medium of the communication network (104). Further, the social-distancing unit (116) of the wearable device (102) is explained in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 2 (200).
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates the components of the social-distancing unit (116) of the social-distance detection and alert system for COVID-19 (100). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the social-distancing unit (116) comprises of a sensor configuration module (202), a data collection module (204), a data storage module (206), a data comparison module (208), a notification module (210) and a communication module (212).
[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor configuration module (202) may be configured to enable the ultrasonic sensor (110), the PIR sensor (112) and the temperature sensor (114) to sense parameters related to social distance and temperature associated with the user. The parameters may include, but not limited to, physical distance of the user from any object/person, moving object/person near the close proximity of the user, body temperature of the user, pulse rate of the user and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the social distance parameter, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may enable the social distance detection and alert system for COVID-19 (100) to predict a possible breach of the physical social distance. According to embodiments of the present invention, the sensor configuration module (202) may be configured to transmit the sensed parameters received from the ultrasonic sensor (110), the PIR sensor (112) and the temperature sensor (114) to the data collection module (204).
[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the data collection module (204) may be configured to receive the sensed parameters from the sensor configuration module (202). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensed parameters received by the data collection module (204) include user parameters, but not limited to, proximity distance of the user with other object/people, object/people in motion near the user, body temperature of the user, and so forth. Further, the data collection module (204) may be configured to transmit the sensed parameters to the data storage module (206). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the data collection module (204), including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the data storage module (206) may be configured to receive the sensed parameters from the data collection module (204). Further, the data storage module (206) may also be configured to store pre-defined parameter limits including, but not limited to, the range of user’s proximity with any person/object, user’s normal body temperature, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, user’s proximity range is 100 centimeters (1 meter), and the user’s normal body temperature is within the range of 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C). Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the data storage module (206) may include, but not limited to, a solid-state storage (SSS), a flash memory, a solid-state hybrid drive (SSHD), a USB flash drive, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the data storage module (206), including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the data storage module (206) may be configured to transmit the sensed parameters to the data comparison module (208).
[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the social-distancing unit (116) may comprise the data comparison module (208) configured to compare the sensed parameters received by the data comparison module (208) with pre-defined parameter limits stored in the data storage module (206). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the data storage module (206), including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0036] Further, the data comparison module (208) enables the notification module (210) to generate a notification and an alert if any person/object is within the pre-defined parameter limits or when the body temperature of the user is above the normal range.
[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the notification module (210), may be configured to display the output notification on the user interface (120) of the user device (106) with the medium of the communication module (212). The notification generated by the notification module (210) may be in the form of, but not limited to, a pop-up notification, an email, a message, and so forth. According to embodiments of the present invention, the user interface (120) maybe, but is not limited to, a digital display, a touch screen display, a graphical user interface, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user interface (120) is a liquid crystal display (LCD). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the user interface (120) including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0038] Further the notification module (210) may be enabled to generate an alert sound with the medium of the piezo buzzer (118) of the user device (106). The piezo buzzer may include, but not limited to, an electromagnetic buzzer, a mechanical buzzer, an electromechanical buzzer, transducer buzzer, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the piezo buzzer (118) including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a process for detecting and alerting a user to maintain the social distance using the social distance detection and alert system (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] At step 302, the signals related to proximity and motion of a person or an object near a user and body temperature of a user are collected using the wearable device (102) of the social distance detection and alert system (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] At step 304, the sensed parameters are compared with predefined limits stored in the data storage module (206) of the social-distancing unit (116), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] At step 306, the data comparison module (208) may determine if the temperature of the user is above the normal range or any person or object is in close proximity of the user. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pre-defined distance range may be 100 centimeters and the pre-defined normal body temperature may be 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C). In case, the temperature of the user is above the normal range or any person or object is in close proximity of the user, then the process (300) may proceed to the a step 308. On the other hand, if the temperature of the user is within normal range and there is no object/person in the predefined range of the user, then the process (300) may return to the step 302.
[0043] At the step 308, a notification is generated by the notification module (210) of the social-distancing unit (116) of the wearable device (102), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] At step 310, the generated notification is transmitted to the user device (106) with the medium of communication module (212), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] At step 312, the generated notification is displayed on the user device (106) with the medium of user interface (120), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] At step 314, an alert sound is generated by the piezo buzzer (118) of the user device (106) in order to alert the user to maintain physical social distance from an object or a person in the close proximity of the user. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the piezo buzzer sound may also alert the user about the user’s above normal body temperature range.
[0047] Embodiments of the invention are described above with reference to block diagrams and schematic illustrations of methods and systems according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the diagrams and combinations of blocks in the diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto one or more general purpose computers, special purpose computers, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce machines, such that the instructions which execute on the computers or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the block or blocks. Such computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the function specified in the block or blocks.
[0048] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0049] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.