Social Distancing Device Using Wireless Signal Distance Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a device that effectively enforces social distancing rules, particularly during pandemics like COVID-19, to alert individuals when they are not maintaining a safe distance from others.

Innovation Solution

A social distancing system comprising devices with processors and ASICs that use wireless signals to determine distances and generate alarms if minimum social distancing rules are violated, with customizable alarm types and distances for different groups, employing technologies like Bluetooth Low Energy and Ultra-Wide Band for accurate distance measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If social distancing rules are strictly enforced with alarms, then infection prevention is improved, but social interaction and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection prevention effectivenessVSAvoidsocial interaction convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes parameters by allowing customizable minimum distance thresholds and different alarm behaviors for different contact scenarios. Users can adjust the strictness of enforcement, enabling the same technology to serve both strict infection control and flexible social interaction needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The alarm system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on context - it can be configured to alarm only for certain types of contacts, at certain times, or with certain people. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain infection prevention while preserving social convenience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple alarm types are provided for different distance violations, then enforcement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance violation detection accuracyVSAvoidalarm system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single alarm device provides multiple alarm types (audio, visual, haptic) that serve different detection and notification functions. This multi-functionality allows one device to handle various distance violation scenarios without requiring separate specialized devices for each alarm type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages complexity by allowing users to configure which alarm types are active and under what conditions. Not all alarm types need to be active simultaneously, enabling precise enforcement while keeping the operational complexity manageable through selective activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively enforces social distancing by alerting individuals through customizable alarms when they are too close to others, helping to maintain safe distances and prevent the spread of infections.

Implementation Method 1

determining a first distance from the first social distancing device to the second social distancing device using a first wireless signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless signal propagation: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentUS11557183B2Social distancing device, system and method

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 BUGBEE CATHERINE

AI summary

A social distancing system that addresses maintaining a minimum social distance of 6 ft during a pandemic by using social distancing devices that determine the distance between devices and generate alarms when the minimum social distance is violated.