SafeHaven

A Connection from Detection

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Inspiration

The idea for this project stemmed from a desire to create an efficient and immediate system for identifying homeless individuals in need of support.

What it does

Our system uses an Arduino-powered homeless person identifier that combines a motion sensor and an ultrasonic sensor. The motion sensor detects the presence of individuals in a given area, while the ultrasonic sensor measures the distance to confirm human-like movement and presence. Based on the data from these sensors, the system updates in real-time and sends information to the SafeHaven website. This website then uses that information to notify nearby non-profits and aid organizations about individuals who might need help.

How we built it

PIR Motion Sensor: Detects human motion and heat signatures. Ultrasonic Sensor: Measures the distance to confirm the presence of a human body. Arduino microcontroller: Acts as the brain of the system, processing the sensor data and sending it to the SafeHaven platform via Wi-Fi. SafeHaven website: The website receives data from the Arduino system and analyzes the time it takes for sensor updates to determine the urgency of the situation, then notifies local non-profits.

Challenges we ran into

False detection from sensors happened happened because the sensor was sensitive to any movement in its field. Sensor synchronization with the website was difficult as the Arduino system sends sensor updates in real-time, but due to connection or processing delays, the website would sometimes lag in receiving the information. Data privacy and ethical concerns ocurred and we had to made sure our solution didn’t track personal details, only identifying human presence in need without infringing on privacy.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Despite the challenges, we successfully built a working prototype that detects human presence in real time and sends updates to a central platform. We were able to integrate the system with SafeHaven, enabling automatic alerts to local non-profits when someone in need is detected. Our vision is to create a network of Non Profits that are able to help these people, find them shelter or put them in rehab, and help them improve and find a good place in society.

What we learned

The importance of building ethical technology that respects privacy while still serving a greater good became very apparent. This project reinforced the need to balance technology and compassion.

What's next for SafeHaven

Expansion of sensors: We plan to deploy the system in multiple locations, expanding the coverage area and testing in various environments (urban, rural, indoor, and outdoor). Machine learning: We hope to integrate machine learning models to better predict when individuals need help based on sensor data trends, improving accuracy and response times. Partnerships: We aim to partner with more non-profits and local government agencies to scale the SafeHaven system and ensure it reaches the people who need it most.

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