Wearable Light Boundary and Proximity Sensing for Social Distancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining social distance effectively is challenging due to human perception limitations, especially in various environments and situations, such as public gatherings and business settings, where visual and audible cues are needed to ensure appropriate distancing.
Innovation Solution
Devices and methods that provide visual and audible indications of appropriate social distances using wearable bases with adjustable light sources and proximity sensors, allowing users to maintain safe distances by projecting light boundaries and alerting when others breach the set distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human perception alone is used to evaluate social distance, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of social distance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human visual perception with electronic sensors (proximity sensors, cameras, LIDAR) and computational processing to objectively measure and evaluate social distance. This substitution of mechanical/biological sensing with electronic systems enables precise quantitative measurement of distance while providing clear visual feedback through projected boundaries and indicator lights.
2Loss of information
If visual and audible indications are added to indicate social distance, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual intermediaries (projected light boundaries, indicator lights) and audible signals as mediators between the sensor system and the user. These intermediaries translate complex sensor data into intuitive visual and auditory cues that clearly communicate social distance status, reducing information loss while managing device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color-coded visual indicators (different colored lights and projected boundaries) to convey different social distance states. This use of color changes provides immediate, intuitive information about distance compliance without requiring complex displays or interfaces, effectively reducing information loss while controlling device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable light sources are used to project boundaries, then the adaptability to different environments is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable light sources that can change their projection characteristics (angle, intensity, position) based on environmental conditions and user needs. This dynamic adjustability allows the device to adapt to different environments (indoor/outdoor, various lighting conditions) while maintaining manageable complexity through electronic control mechanisms rather than mechanical adjustments.
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
Enhances social distancing by providing clear visual and auditory cues, ensuring users maintain safe distances in various settings, thereby helping prevent the spread of diseases and promoting personal space awareness.
Implementation Method 1
A light source is pivotally connected to the base to permit angular adjustment of the light source relative to the base
Implementation Method 2
A proximity sensor connected to the base and configured to sense the presence of an object or person that is a predetermined safe social distance from the wearable base
Data Source
AI summary
A device for indicating appropriate social distancing includes the ability to project light (in various forms and in a various ways) onto the ground in a manner visible by the user and those around them. A boundary of the projected light can be set to an acceptable social distance and can include different colors to indicated varying social distances for varying levels of trusted individuals. Proximity sensors set to appropriate distancing requirements, along with the varying levels of trust can be implemented into multiple devices being used in a group setting.