Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Timely as it is, pandemic, amidst the emerging vaccine, protocols, and

ways for prevention and importantly, solution for it to be ceased from further

existing is still undeniably lurking around everywhere getting in touch to

whoever victim it’ll unfortunately pester. Average number of new infections

reported each day in Philippines falls by more than 2,800 over the last 3

weeks ( As of May, 2021) 26% of its previous peak (Reutors Covid-19

tracker, 2021). That means the Philippines alone is still not getting nearer to a

time where this catastrophe will finally be completely eliminated. In

introspection and action of that, lots of government, public, and private

establishments right now are observing different protocols to at least mitigate

the spread of the said virus. According to the African Field Epidemiology

Network (AFENET) the guidelines for prevention of Covid-19 in public places

includes ensuring provision of adequate hand washing facilities, ensuring the

work areas are clean and hygienic, avoiding overcrowding and body contact,

ensuring there is good ventilation and good respiratory hygiene in the

workplace, all individuals accessing the premises must undergo temperature

screening, and etc. Aside from that, to contain the spread of COVID-19, the

labor department’s regional office in the industry-rich Calabarzon has

developed a Quick Response (QR) code that takes body temperature, writes

down contact details, and allows quick tracing of visitors and employees

(DOLE, 2020).
 COVID-19, a novel virus that spreads quickly by droplet infection,

especially in crowded locations and causes disease, is currently causing a

pandemic over the world. There is no immunity against it because it is new.

As a result, it is critical that we take preventative steps. And one of the widely

observed Covid-19 protocols and guidelines are contact tracing through QR

code and scanning of body temperature. These are utilized around malls,

hospitals, or any private and public establishments however this require a

person to be operated. Guard or personnel needs to be on standby to scan

the code and to check the temperature of each person which can still be risky

because of the presence of close-contact in the said process. Considering all

of that risk, the researcher innovated the concept of having an automated

scanner both for identifying temperature and contact trace through QR code.

Having the objectives of merging two function in one system without needing

any person to be in close contact with others thus getting the risk of being

infected, a timely, needed and efficient tool will then be created to impact in a

positive way, the response and counter reaction of people to Covid-19.

Around everywhere people go, it can be seen that aside from having

the need of personnel to operate the preventive protocols, QR scanner and

temperature scanner requires separate machine to be executed that would

cost more than 500-1000 pesos each just to avail a single function.

Consequently, the robot or machine the researcher conceptualized, when

brought to life, will not just provide the already given benefits from it, but

importantly it’ll save effort and money from featuring two function in one

mechanism through the use of inexpensive materials while still operating

much even more efficient compared to the existing ones.

 During this unprecedented time of pandemic, prevention and mitigation

are quite challenging and risky to do. As much as it can be attained, front

liners must be ensured of the lightest burden of responsibilities they could

have and this pandemic should be handled in utmost effectiveness and

intellectuality that is the main reason why non-contact body temperature with

QR code scanner could be very relevant and significant to the world in the

current times.

Statement of the Problem

Having separate machine for scanning code for contact tracing and

scanning body temperature can be costly and tedious to do, not mentioning

the manpower it demands. Thus, this study aims to develop a prototype that

will lessen the spread of virus at its finest and serviceable form as possible.

Specifically, it attempts to answer:

1. How accurately can the non-contact temperature with QR code

scanner detect a body temperature?

2. How accurately can the non-contact temperature with QR code

scanner detect a QR code?

3. How long will it take for the robot to detect and display temperature and

QR code information?
Significance of the Study

The outcome of the study would be a great help to the following

purposes:

To the Health Organizations, this will help empowers health providers

to offer better services while ensuring the worker’s safety and increasing

healthcare productivity through automation.

To the Community, as it is specifically formed for preventive

measures of the spreading of Covid-19 virus, this will then slowly affect

pandemic in a positive manner and correspondingly impact the community in

such a way that they would be avoided from health risk and be coveted from

the calamity the pandemic could cause.

To the Front Liners, aside from the medical personnel, other front

liners such as the policemen, authorities, government, and volunteers could

use the robot for protection and efficient flow of regulating Covid-19 protocols.

To the School Administrators, this will help as nowadays, due to the

situation at hand, new mode of learning is being practiced and only few are

allowed to enter school premises following guidelines that are strictly

observed and that involves, identity tracing and checking of temperature for

avoiding undetermined infection.

To the Future Researchers, this study will serve as the foundation

and basis for further concept to be executed and performed. It might be opt
for upgrade and be operated into much more useful ways and functions in the

future.

Scope and Delimitation

The project was designed to perform two tasks in just one use of a

robot or machine, performing automation which means requiring not too many

persons in order to completely execute. But among the project’s limitation is

that the two function which is scanning temperature and scanning QR code

cannot be used separately. It should be applied simultaneously because it is

how it was designed. Another one is the scanner only functions at a specific

or given distance, that is a near proximity towards the sensor, otherwise,

temperature and QR code information cannot be accurately detected.

Moreover, in terms of the temperature scanner, the project was only

conveniently designed for detecting temperature through hand. Other parts of

the body such as the face or forehead might still be applicable but not opt for

convenience. The Non-contact temperature with QR code scanner is a

rechargeable project however one of its limitation is its lack of battery indicator

to determine whether the battery needs to be recharged already or not.

Aside from that, the robot’s limitation also includes having no battery indicator

to determine
 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter discusses the review of related literature about Arduino-

based non-contact digital thermometer and QR code scanner. It explains

relevant concepts and materials involving with the current study to provide the

foundation of the proposed study.

Review of Related Literature

Pandemic at hand

According to WHO, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a newly

discovered coronavirus that causes an infectious disease. The majority of

people infected with the COVID-19 virus will have mild to moderate

respiratory symptoms and will recover without needing any special care.

People over the age of 65, as well as those with underlying medical conditions

such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and

cancer, are at a higher risk of developing serious illness. As of march 2021

there have been 164 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 3.41 million

death, reported to WHO

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has disrupted daily life and slowed the global

economy. Thousands of people have been infected by this pandemic, who are

either sick or dying as a result of the disease's spread. This virus is rapidly

spreading across the globe. Countries are prohibiting public meetings in order

to prevent the exponential curve from breaking. To stop the spread of this
highly contagious disease, many countries are isolating their citizens and

enforcing strict quarantines (Jamia Millia Islamia 2020).

Covid-19 Preventive Measures

The Department of Health urges the public to take precautions. It is

also the most effective way to guard against COVID-19. Handwashing should

be done often and properly - at least 20 seconds of soap and water. If soap

and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Use good

coughing etiquette. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose

with a tissue or your sleeves/elbow bend. When coughing, keep your distance

from others. Do not spit. Dispose of used tissues properly. After sneezing or

coughing, always wash your face. Use rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.

Maintain a distance of at least one meter between you and the person or

people who are having respiratory problems.

According to Jesse Kerema, to help flatten the curve, businesses must

implement the necessary procedures to keep their workplaces and employees

healthy from COVID-19. Making contactless QR codes to sign people in.

Simply to ensure that your guests are safe to join, you can ask a few

questions. Temperature gun are also used to confirm people's temperatures.

Using the temperature scanner to determine someone's temperature without

having to touch them. Temperature guns are a good advantage for your

business because they can tell you for sure whether or not your guests have a

fever. If their temperature is simply too high, you can deny them entry and

send them home to self-isolate or to a hospital to be checked for other

COVID-19 symptoms.
Non-Contact Thermometer

As stated by FDA, there are many methods for determining a person's

temperature. Non-contact infrared thermometers are one way to determine a

person's surface temperature (NCITs). NCITs may be used to reduce the risk

of cross-contamination and disease transmission. Although “natural” body

temperature is usually 98.6°F (37.0°C), some studies have shown that

"normal" body temperature can range from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C).

With the outbreak of COVID-19, several hospitals and companies have

begun using infrared thermometers to conduct temperature screenings for

staff, patients, and consumers. When it comes to detecting fevers in large

numbers of people, these devices provide performance, protection, and

accuracy. COVID-19, on the other hand, is not detected in these people.

Infrared or no-contact thermometers are just as accurate as oral or rectal

thermometers when used correctly, according to research. Of course, an

internal thermometer is the gold standard in healthcare when one is available,

but due to COVID-19 and the need to mass test rapidly, a no-contact

thermometer has become the norm. The user must adhere to the device's

instructions, and the device will not detect a fever in someone who has taken

fever-reducing medication. However, with many establishments needing

temperature checks, these hand-held thermometers are proving to be safe,

fast, and reliable while also assisting in the reduction of coronavirus

transmission (Vyas, 2020).

QR Code Scanner

According to Sooho Choi, the Quick Response (QR) Code, invented by

a Japanese engineer in 1994 and instantly recognizable and universally

readable by nearly all modern smartphone cameras, had modest origins and

was originally used to help track car parts across the automotive supply chain.

In the latest Version 40 standard, elegant and simplified encoding and

decoding allow significant amounts of data to be stored on a simple grid

image: up to 7,089 numbers or 4,296 alphanumeric characters.

The QR codes are officially regarded as electronic certificates of

individuals’ health status. The information in the codes is automatically read

and analyzed by QR scanners. The core notions of the design are to enhance

the credibility of data, increase the speed of processing, and reduce errors

arising from manual operation. The second crucial concept is the synthesis of

critical features, including contact tracing, exposure risk self-triage, self-

update of health status, health care appointments, contact-free psychiatric

consultation, and QR codes for other family members. The platform also

coherently merges health insurance and prescription services, which reduces

the costs and delays of operation for users (Nakamoto et. al., 2020).

The Relevance of Thermometer and QR Code Scanner

 According to FDA, to measure a person's temperature, thermal imaging

systems and non-contact infrared thermometers, which are non-contact

temperature assessment instruments, can be used. While an infected

individual can be infectious without an elevated temperature or other easily

observable signs, an elevated temperature is one way to recognize a person

who may have a COVID-19 infection. Non-contact temperature assessment

devices can be used as part of an initial check at entry points to locate and

triage people who may have elevated temperatures as states and

communities adopt reopening plans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Temperature evaluation can have minimal effect on reducing the spread of

COVID-19 infections, even when the instruments are used properly.

Temperature measurements alone, according to some reports, may miss

more than half of infected people. During the COVID-19 pandemic,

businesses, transportation networks, and community groups are developing

plans to restore regular or phased operations. To limit the spread of COVID-

19 infections, these plans can include an initial evaluation to try to recognize

people who may be infectious. Temperature measurement is one component

of determining whether a person has an elevated temperature that may be

caused by a COVID-19 infection. The use of "no-touch" or non-contact

temperature assessment instruments, such as thermal imaging systems (also

known as thermal imaging cameras or infrared tele thermographic systems) or

non-contact infrared thermometers, is one way of measuring a person's

surface temperature. Other temperature-taking instruments, such as oral

thermometers, necessitate physical contact, which increases the risk of

infection dissemination.
 Clayton Utz (2020) the collected data is then used to recognize a visitor

or staff member who may be connected to a COVID hotspot and, upon

request, is shared with state health authorities for contact tracing purposes.

The fields for the questionnaire for companies needed to collect contact

information will be determined by the relevant government directive or order.

However, anyone who has been asked to search a QR code for contactless

check-in in response to COVID-19 knows that the information requested is

often more than just simple contact information. The collected data is then

used to recognize a visitor or staff member who may be connected to a

COVID hotspot and, upon request, is shared with state health authorities for

contact tracing purposes. The fields for the questionnaire for companies

needed to collect contact information will be determined by the relevant

government directive or order. However, anyone who has been asked to

search a QR code for contactless check-in in response to COVID-19 knows

that the information requested is often more than just simple contact

information.

Review of Related Studies

During the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, the need to assess body

temperature contactlessly and rapidly led to the widespread use of infrared

thermometers, thermal imaging cameras, and thermal scanners as an

alternative to conventional contact clinical thermometers. However, the

limitations and concerns of noncontact temperature measurement instruments

are poorly understood, and technical–scientific literature often offers

contradictory reference values for body and skin temperature in healthy

subjects. To reduce the risk of infection, national governments have

mandated that workers' body temperatures be taken at the entrance to the

workplace. The authors examine noncontact body temperature measurement

problems from both a clinical and a metrological standpoint in order to I

enhance body temperature measurement accuracy; (ii) quantify the variability

of body temperature measurement in the field; and (iii) suggest a screening

decision rule for COVID-19 prevention. The method used in this paper

considers both conventional instrumental and clinical–medical sources of

uncertainty relevant to the measurand's subjectivity. To correctly choose the

threshold temperature value and measurement method to access critical

places during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, a proper screening

procedure for body temperature measurement that considers the function of

uncertainty is needed (Canale et al., 2020)

A journal entitled “Locator Bracelet with QR Code for Elderly People

with Alzheimer’s” the project's goal is to make it easier for elderly people to

reconnect with their families by simply scanning a code with a smartphone.

On the QR Code Generator website, the code will be generated. After being

fed with data, it can be printed on an adhesive with the patient's name, a

responsible person's phone number, the caregiver's name, and the patient's

diagnosis. The location and communication service is provided by the GPS

Module connected to the ESP32. To make it difficult for the user to remove

the piece, the bracelet will be made of silicon in the model without a closure

(Gomes et. al., 2020).

In the study entitled “Temperature and Humidity Control System Model

using Arduino Nano” The green light will turn on, the red light will turn off, the
buzzer will not sound, the relay will turn off, and the fan will turn off if the

temperature falls below 30 degrees. If the temperature exceeds 30, the green

light will turn off, the red light will illuminate, the buzzer will ring, the relay will

activate, and the fan will spin. The temperature and humidity monitoring

system built with DHT11, Arduino Nano, and NodeMCU sensors can view

monitoring data with real-time web performance, according to the test results.

If the temperature rises above 30 degrees, the red light will turn on, the green

light will turn off, and the buzzer will sound. The red light will be turned off and

the green light will be turned on if the temperature is not greater than 30

(Putung et. al., 2020).

According to the project of Cabatana (2020) entitled “Wireless IR

Temperature Scanner” by aiming the thermometer at areas of the face such

as the forehead, the Commercial Thermal Infrared Gun, a non-contact

forehead IR thermometer, is designed for quick, expedient, and reliable initial

fever screening of groups. To measure such an individual, you must be near

to the mark, which may result in infection. Wirelessly Scan your temperature

viewed using mobile phone thru Bluetooth, materials used in making Wireless

IR Temperature Scanner are Arduino Nano R3, HC-06 Bluetooth Module,

MLX90614 Contactless Temperature Sensor Module. The purpose of this

device is to scan and view the temperature wirelessly from a distance. The

person in charge of taking temperature readings before entering the building

is protected from infection and can focus on other tasks rather than standing

next to others and taking readings.

Hypothesis of the Study

The following are the null hypothesis (H0), formulated by the researchers

1. The non-contact thermometer with QR code scanner cannot accurately

detect body temperature.

2. The non-contact thermometer with QR code scanner cannot accurately

detect QR code.

3. The non-contact thermometer with QR code scanner cannot display

temperature and QR code information.

Conceptual Framework

With all the found ideas, concept and generalizations formulated out of

the given related literature and studies, a conceptual framework is displayed

below.

Process
Input Output
Sensor

-Scan -Infrared -Temperature

Sensor Display
-Body
Temperature -ESP32 -Identification
and QR Code Sensor Information

Definition of Terms

QR Code Scanner. Conceptually, it is a type of optical scanning

device that can read QR codes. QR code scanners are built into the cameras
of the majority of tablets and smartphones. Operationally, it will be the
outcome out of the designed project, turning it into an automated scanner.
 Non-contact temperature Scanner. Conceptually, it is a device that
automatically reads a person's temperature to see if it is elevated, indicating a
fever. Operationally, this will serve as the project’s output performing
automation in executing its function.
Arduino Uno. Conceptually, it is a microcontroller board created by
Arduino.cc, an open-source electronics platform based primarily on the AVR
microcontroller Atmega328. Operationally, it will be the piece of software to be
used in functioning two purpose in one mechanism.
Infrared Scanner. Conceptually, it is a sensor device that receives IR
radiation from the surface of a body (skin in the case of a human being) and
estimates the temperature of human skins (like Forehead, Wrist, Forearm and
etc). Operationally, it is a scanner that will be connected to the arduino uno to
perform automation in scanning body temperature.
ESP32 Camera. Conceptually, it is a low-cost development board that
includes a WiFi camera. It enables the creation of IP camera projects for
video streaming at various resolutions. Operationally, it will be connected to
arduino uno and will serve as the scanner for scanning QR code.
 Chapter III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

In this chapter, the research methods are presented such as the

research procedure, flowchart diagram, architecture, circuit diagram,

materials, testing, and the research project location.

Research Procedure

The machine was supposed to serve two purposes. The first is to scan

QR codes, and the second is to scan the temperature of a human body

without physical contact. Following the preparation, the supplies must be

purchased. (MATERIALS)

The researchers began by using the Arduino IDE software to program the

Arduino to the sensors and the ESP32CAM for the scanner of QR codes, as

well as studying potentially useful codes and strategically consolidating and

compiling them in the software. The researchers then moved on to the next

step. For the other purpose which is temperature scanner, another

 Planned the necessary components and the measurements
of each and its positioning on the machine
programming was done and wirings. After the programming and wiring

Purchased the needed materials

configurations, the assembly of the machine followed. First, one box with
Programmed the ESP32-Cam, MLX90614 temperature
sensor, speaker, Bluetooth module and LCD display in the
Arduino to operate in an algorithmic order.

dimensions, 8 inches length, 8 inches width, and 8 inches height, were bought

and Configured the wirings in the Arduino microcontroller, painted

ESP32-Cam, MLX90614 temperature sensor, speaker,
grey. Bluetooth module, LCD display and the breadboard. The

researchers put, organized and glued the materials inside the box.

Bought a plywood and make 1 box with dimensions, 8 inches

length, 8 inches width, and 8 inches height.
 Figure 2. Research Procedure Flowchart

Flow Chart Diagram

This Flow Chart shows the systems behavior.

The Arduino, ESP32-Cam, MLX90614 temperature sensor,
speaker, Bluetooth module, LCD display and the breadboard
Start A
was attached in the machine, then the box was sealed and
the machine was ready to use.

Power On
Assessed the system, if it will be successful as what the
researchers planned

Notify
Through VS

Scan Temperature

Display
Temperature

Is
Temperature
Yes
Notify
37C or Through VS
Higher?
 End A

Figure 3. Flow Chart Diagram

Machine Architecture

The machine was strategically designed, the sensors are in order of

what sensor will function first to the sensor that will function last. The top part

of the machine is where the hand will be scanned with the appearance of LCD

display to show the temperature. At the left part is where the ESP32-Cam

located and scan QR codes.

 Figure 4.

Machine Architecture

Schematic Circuit Design

This diagram shows the schematic circuit connection between Arduino

(microcontroller) with ESP32-Cam, MLX90614 temperature sensor, speaker,

bluetooth module and LCD display. A breadboard was used to cater all the

materials needed, especially for their voltage pin.

 Figure 5. Schematic Circuit Design

Materials Used

The following are the materials that will be gathered and utilized by the

researchers in making of the machine.

Table 1: Materials
 Name Picture Quantity Cost

Arduino 1 400

Infrared 1 440

(MLX90614)
Jumper wires

(male to female) 30 50

(male to male)

ESP32 Cam 1 284

Bluetooth Module 1 100

Breadboard 1 50

LCD Monitor 1 50

Plywood 1 50
 Stick glue 5 20

Speaker Cable 1 Pair 30

Total Expenses: Php1474.00