Air Quality Awareness Device: AQeye for Safer Breathing

Problem Statement

India is facing an environmental health crisis due to deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, especially in urban areas like Delhi. The lack of real-time awareness leads to public indifference toward wearing protective gear like masks, exacerbating health issues. There is an urgent need for an accessible, real-time awareness system to alert individuals to worsening air conditions and encourage proactive behavior.   

Contributors

Pranit Sanwalka | Armaan Gupta

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About Air Quality Awareness Device: AQeye for Safer Breathing

Solution

  Name: AQeye (symbolizing an ‘eye’ on air quality) A small box (5x3 cm) with a display screen and control button LEDs fixed under the mask glow upwards for aesthetics and visibility Powered by Arduino Nano and ESP8266 Functional with wired connection; wireless communication pending improvements 

Additional Info

Idea: AQeye is a wearable awareness device that visually communicates local AQI levels using color-coded LED indicators on a mask. The device promotes awareness and encourages mask usage during high pollution periods. It’s designed to be lightweight, portable, waterproof, aesthetically appealing, and comfortable for everyday use. Key Features: A mask-mounted LED strip that changes color based on AQI readings AQI detection through dust and PM2.5 sensors A small box housing all electronics, attachable to a backpack or belt Uses Arduino and transceiver modules for data transfer Planned features: Bluetooth notification system, humidifier integration, and predictive AQI alerts Constraints Considered: Waterproof housing for electronics Lightweight and comfortable to wear Aesthetically pleasing design Functional wireless communication (initially via jumper cables due to issues with NRF24L01 modules) Challenges Faced & Solutions: Challenge Solution Finding a suitable mask to mount LEDs Chose 3M VFlex respirator for surface area and comfort Couldn’t implement Bluetooth notification in time Deferred to future prototype GPS malfunctioned (needed for AQI API) Pushed API integration to next prototype PM2.5 sensor calibration issues Used HEPA-filter environment to simulate 0 mg/m³ air Transceiver communication failed Used jumper wires as a workaround for mask-to-hub connection

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