IoT Contactless COVID Testing Booth Automation

This guide will help you create an IoT Contactless COVID Testing Booth to automate the testing process while minimizing physical contact. The system will handle sample collection, processing, and reporting through an IoT interface for remote monitoring and management.

Components Required

• Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino, ESP32)
• Touchless sensors (e.g., infrared sensors)
• Automated sample collection mechanism (e.g., robotic arm or conveyor belt)
• Sample processing unit (optional, depending on the testing method)
• Camera or imaging system (for visual verification)
• Wi-Fi or GSM module (for IoT connectivity)
• Power supply (for all components)
• Enclosure and safety barriers (for booth protection)
• Server or cloud service account (for data handling and reporting)

Setting Up the Hardware

Follow these steps to set up the hardware:

1. Install the Touchless Sensors

   Mount infrared or ultrasonic sensors around the booth to detect user presence and handle sample collection. Ensure sensors are positioned for optimal performance.

2. Set Up the Sample Collection Mechanism

   Install and configure the automated sample collection mechanism, such as a robotic arm or conveyor belt, to handle samples with minimal human intervention.

3. Connect the Camera or Imaging System

   Install the camera or imaging system for visual verification of samples and testing processes. Ensure proper positioning for accurate data capture.

4. Wire the Components to the Microcontroller

   Connect all sensors, the camera, and the sample collection mechanism to the microcontroller. Ensure correct wiring for power and signal connections.

5. Connect the IoT Module

   Attach the Wi-Fi or GSM module to the microcontroller to enable remote monitoring and data transmission. Configure the module for network connectivity.

6. Power the System

   Ensure that all components, including the microcontroller and sensors, are powered correctly. Use a reliable power source suitable for the system's requirements.

Programming the Microcontroller

Write code for the microcontroller to handle sensor inputs, control the sample collection mechanism, and manage IoT communication. Here’s a basic outline of the code:

                #include <WiFi.h> // For ESP32 Wi-Fi module

                const int sensorPin = 5;
                const int collectionMechanismPin = 6;
                const String serverUrl = "http://example.com/report"; // Replace with your server URL

                void setup() {
                Serial.begin(115200);
                pinMode(sensorPin, INPUT);
                pinMode(collectionMechanismPin, OUTPUT);
                // Initialize Wi-Fi or GSM module
                WiFi.begin("SSID", "PASSWORD"); // Replace with your network credentials
                }

                void loop() {
                if (digitalRead(sensorPin) == HIGH) {
                    // Start sample collection
                    digitalWrite(collectionMechanismPin, HIGH);
                    delay(5000); // Collect sample for 5 seconds
                    digitalWrite(collectionMechanismPin, LOW);
                    
                    // Send data to server
                    WiFiClient client;
                    if (client.connect(serverUrl, 80)) {
                    client.println("GET /report?status=sample_collected HTTP/1.1");
                    client.println("Host: example.com");
                    client.println("Connection: close");
                    client.println();
                    }
                }

                delay(1000); // Check sensor every second
                }
            

This code provides a basic setup for handling sensor inputs, controlling the sample collection mechanism, and sending data to a remote server. Adapt it to fit your specific hardware and requirements.

Setting Up the Server or Cloud Service

Configure a web server or cloud service to handle data from the testing booth. Set up endpoints for receiving data and managing test results. Create a user interface for monitoring and controlling the booth.

                # Example for setting up a simple server using Python Flask

                from flask import Flask, request, jsonify

                app = Flask(__name__)

                @app.route('/report', methods=['GET'])
                def report():
                    status = request.args.get('status')
                    # Process and store data from the testing booth
                    return jsonify(success=True, status=status), 200

                if __name__ == '__main__':
                    app.run(host='0.0.0.0', port=5000)
            

This example demonstrates how to set up a simple server to handle data from the testing booth. Customize this example to fit your specific needs and infrastructure.

Testing and Calibration

Before deploying the system:

1. Test the Sensor and Collection Mechanism

   Ensure that the sensors and sample collection mechanism are functioning correctly. Adjust the code and hardware connections as needed.

2. Verify Data Transmission

   Check that data is being sent to and received from the server. Test the system under various conditions to ensure reliable performance.

3. Calibrate the System

   Ensure that the sample collection mechanism operates accurately and consistently. Make any necessary adjustments to achieve precise operation.