Detection and Activation Delay of Arduino-Based Automatic Shoe

Sanitizer

Ash Raven L. Abanilla

(Researcher)

Kevin Lester V. Macasa

(Research Adviser)

Bansud National High School-

Regional Science High School for MIMAROPA
Pag-asa, Bansud, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, 5211
Abstract

This research study investigates the detection and activation delay of an Arduino-based

automatic shoe sanitizer. The primary objective is to evaluate the effectiveness and response time

of the system in accurately detecting the presence of shoes and initiating the sanitization process.

In today's world, where hygiene and disease prevention are paramount, shoe sanitizers provide a

practical solution to mitigate the spread of pathogens. Leveraging the versatility and affordability

of Arduino components, including sensors, actuators, and a microcontroller, an automated shoe

sanitizer system is designed and constructed. Various sensor options, such as infrared sensors,

pressure sensors, and ultrasonic sensors, are explored to identify the optimal choice for precise

shoe detection. A controlled experimental setup is established to simulate diverse scenarios

encompassing different distances, angles, and shoe types.

The system's performance is evaluated by measuring and recording the detection and

activation delay for each scenario. The collected data is subjected to rigorous analysis, employing

statistical methods, to ascertain the system's efficacy and identify potential delays or areas

necessitating improvement. The results and discussion provide invaluable insights into the

detection and activation delay of the Arduino-based automatic shoe sanitizer, enabling a

comprehensive understanding of its operational capabilities. The study's findings facilitate the

optimization of the system's response time, thereby enhancing its reliability and efficiency in

maintaining hygiene and curbing pathogen transmission through contaminated footwear.

Ultimately, this research contributes to the advancement of automated shoe sanitization

technology, highlighting its potential application in diverse settings and emphasizing its role in

promoting cleanliness and public health.

Introduction

In recent years, the importance of personal hygiene has been magnified due to the outbreak

of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hands are one of the main modes of transmission of disease causing

microbes, viruses, and other microorganisms. As a result, hand disinfection is the most important

counter measure to prevent the spread of microbes and viruses. It was found that hands, on

average, carry 3,200 different microbes from over 150 different species (Pfizer, 2019).

Among the various preventive measures, maintaining cleanliness and disinfection of footwear

have gained significant attention. Shoes, as a potential reservoir for bacteria, viruses, and fungi,

also pose a significant risk of contamination and disease spread. This study reveals that shoe

soles are vectors for infectious pathogens, Dr. Charles Gerba (2021) discovered that there is an

average of over 421,000 units of pathogens on the outside of our shoes, also known as the soles

of shoes. Traditional shoe dispensers often require manual operation, which can pose a risk of

cross-contamination. To address this issue, the development of an automated shoe dispenser

utilizing Arduino technology has emerged as an innovative solution.

The main focus of this research is to investigate the activation and deactivation delay of an

Arduino-based automatic shoe dispenser. By utilizing the capabilities of Arduino R3

microcontroller, a breadboard, a water pump, an ultrasonic sensor, a relay module, a servo motor,

and a 5V battery pack, this study aims to create a system that can efficiently dispense a desired
amount of cleaning solution onto footwear, ensuring effective sanitation while minimizing the

risk of contamination.

With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining proper shoe cleanliness has become an

essential aspect of personal hygiene. The SARS-CoV-2 virus can potentially survive on surfaces

for extended periods, including the soles of shoes, which can act as a vector for transmission. In

a study done by the University of Arizona, the microbe mainly found in shoes is Escherichia coli

(E. coli), which causes intestinal and urinary tract infections. This study reported that

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) are also found in shoes, which causes foul-smelling diarrhoea and

it can trigger colitis, an inflammation of the colon (Walk et al., 2014). The evidence of this

microbe can be seen in the study of Walk et al. (2014), They collected household dust from 30

houses in Houston, Texas. A total of 127 environmental samples were collected from shoe

bottoms, bathroom surfaces, house floor dust, or other household surfaces. The shoe swab

samples had the highest percentage of bacteria (25/63; 39.7%). This case study confirms the

presence of the microbe in peoples footwear.

As a result, the demand for effective shoe cleaning methods has increased six in various public

spaces, such as hospitals, shopping centers, schools, and transportation hubs. The proposed

Arduino-based automatic shoe dispenser offers numerous advantages over conventional

methods. It eliminates the need for manual operation, reducing the risk of cross-contamination

between users. The system utilizes an ultrasonic sensor to detect the presence of footwear,

triggering the activation of the water pump, which dispenses the cleaning solution. Additionally,
a servo motor controls the precise opening and closing of the shoe platform, ensuring the correct

positioning of the shoes for optimal cleaning.

To optimize the functionality of the automatic shoe dispenser, it is crucial to determine the

appropriate activation and deactivation delay. The activation delay refers to the time taken for

the system to detect the presence of shoes and initiate the dispensing process. Conversely, the

deactivation delay indicates the time interval between the completion of dispensing and the

system's readiness for the next user. By understanding and fine-tuning these delay parameters,

the efficiency and usability of the shoe dispenser can be improved, meeting the demands of users

while conserving resources.

This research aims to explore the activation and deactivation delay of an Arduino-based

automatic shoe dispenser. By utilizing various components, the proposed system provides an

innovative and efficient approach to shoe cleanliness in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Understanding the optimal delay parameters will contribute to enhancing the overall

performance and user experience of the shoe dispenser, thereby promoting effective hygiene

practices and reducing the risk of viral transmission in public spaces.

2. Review of Related Literature and Studies

This chapter highlights the research and literature, including summary of the various

concepts, ideas, findings, or generalizations relating to earlier knowledge-based research. The

researchers have assessed some of the relevant literature and studies that were taken into

account while creating the study's design, which acts as the researchers' manual for creating the
project.This chapter provides overview on the researcher’s problem: “Delay and activation of

the shoe dispenser” This introduces the main problem and significance of the researcher’s

study, or the main focus of this study. It presents the literature and studies which are related the

present investigation, and serves as the basis for conceptualizing this study and give direction to

the investigation.

2.1 Arduino Uno

In these today’s world, Arduino are commonly used in programing among other things due

to its user friendly and easy to use setting. With an expanding number of individuals utilizing

open source software and hardware devices on a daily basis, technology is establishing a new

dimension by making sophisticated things appear simpler and more intriguing.

The Arduino platform, which was first introduced in 2005, was created to give

professionals, students, and amateurs a simple and affordable way to build gadgets that use

sensors and actuators to interact with their surroundings. It is an open source computing

platform used for building and programming electronic devices, based on basic microcontroller

boards. Like other microcontrollers, it may also function as a minicomputer by accepting inputs

and directing outputs for a range of electronic devices.

As claimed by Louis (2016), it is an open-source electronics platform, which has become

the go-to option for anyone working on interactive hardware and software projects. An Arduino

board connected to a breadboard with plugins such as inputs, sensors, lights, and displays can

be controlled by a code written in the Arduino development environment. It is a small circuit

board with a chip that can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks. Information is sent
from the computer program to the Arduino microcontroller and then to the specific circuit or

machine with multiple circuits in order to execute the specific command.

Akshay (2020), states that the arduino can be used as a microcontroller for calculating the

distance between the sensor and the hand placed below, and it has inbuilt ADC, DAC. The

input to the Arduino is given using an ultrasonic sensor, which is used to sense the distance, it

emits ultrasonic frequency from one side and the notes the time taken by sound wave to

get reflected back.

According to Yusuf Abdullahi Badamas, it can assist to read information from input

devices such as sensors, antenna, Trimmer potentiometer and can also send information to

output devices such as LED, Speakers, LCD Screen, and DC motor. In a study carried out by

Shamsul et al. (2O14), it also can be used as microcontroller for 3 phase inverter which links

Arduino with Kinect to control motion. This shows that there are so many application an

Arduino can be used for and in this project.

2.2 Ultrasonic Sensor

An Ultrasonic sensor is a device that can measure the distance to an object by using

sound waves. It measures distance by sending out a sound wave at a specific frequency and

listening for that sound wave to bounce back. By recording the elapsed time between the sound

wave being generated and the sound wave bouncing back, it is possible to calculate the distance

between the sonar sensor and the object.

 The ultrasonic sensor emits the short and high frequency signal. These propagate in the

air at the velocity of sound. If they hit any object, then they reflect back echo signal to the

sensor. The ultrasonic sensor consists of a multi vibrator, fixed to the base. The multi vibrator is

combination of a resonator and vibrator. The resonator delivers ultrasonic wave generated by

the vibration. The ultrasonic sensor actually consists of two parts; the emitter which produces a

40 kHz sound wave and 16 detector detects 40 kHz sound wave and sends electrical signal back

to the microcontroller.

Koval et al. (2016) discovered that the practical measurements of the ultrasonic sensor

measures the distance with high accuracy. In measurements distances up to 3m was accuracy

class 0.5, in case measurements distances up to 6m was accuracy class 0.7% and in case

measurements distances over 6 meters the accuracy class was even 0.4%.

According to Sharma and Abrol (2014), when measuring distance, there are two methods:

contact and non-contact. The researchers will be using a non-contact method because the

ultrasonic sensor to be used does not have to be in physical contact with the object to be

measured. In order to do so, the sensor uses the propagation of ultrasonic sound waves. The

ultrasonic sensor that will be used by the researchers is the HC-SRO4. The sensor has a

transmitter that vibrates short, high-frequency sound pulses that reach a surface then bounces

back to the receiver. This method of electronically measuring distance is known as the Pulse

Method. According to Rüeger (2012), the way which the Pulse Method works is that, “A short,

intensive signal is transmitted by an instrument. It travels to a target point and back and thus
 covers twice the distance. Measuring the so-called flight time between transmission and

reception of the same pulse, the distance may be calculated.”

In regards to the way of measuring distance without contact, Md. Shamsul Arefin &

Tajrian Mollick’s “Design of an Ultrasonic Distance Meter” stated that One way is to use

ultrasonic waves at 40 kHz for distance measurement. Ultrasonic receivers measure the

amount of time taken for a pulse of sound to travel to a particular surface and return as the

reflected echo. By using it, they can measure distance up to 2.5 meter. Besides, the study

“Distance measuring device for control” by Hils. T., studied and adapted sonar systems

specially for anti-collision, which is relevant to the researcher’s problem in a way that the

EDM can only determine the correct distance measured when there is an obstacle that reflects

the sound waves.

3. Materials and Methods 

3.1 Components

The materials used for this research study were procured online to facilitate the

construction of the Arduino-based automatic shoe sanitizer system and conduct the experimental

testing. The primary components included an Arduino Uno microcontroller board, which served

as the central control unit for the system's operations. An ultrasonic sensor was selected for its

ability to accurately detect the presence of shoes within the designated area. Jumper wires were

utilized to establish the necessary electrical connections between the components, ensuring

proper communication and functionality. A breadboard provided a convenient platform for

prototyping and circuit assembly, allowing for flexibility in component placement and

organization.

To facilitate the sanitization process, a servomotor was integrated into the system. The

servomotor played a crucial role in actuating the mechanism responsible for delivering the

sanitizer effectively. Additionally, a water pump was employed to dispense the sanitizer in a

controlled manner, ensuring adequate coverage and distribution.

The materials were carefully selected based on their compatibility with the Arduino platform and

their suitability for the desired functionalities of the shoe sanitizer system. They were procured

online to ensure the availability of high-quality components and to provide a seamless

procurement process.

3.2 System Design 

The design of the Automatic Shoe Sanitizer Dispenser, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, incorporates

several key components to create a functioning system. The central control unit of the system

was the Arduino Uno microcontroller board, responsible for receiving inputs from sensors,

processing data, and controlling the activation of the sanitization process. A suitable power

supply was provided to ensure the proper functioning of the Arduino Uno.

For shoe detection, an ultrasonic sensor was utilized, connected to the Arduino Uno using jumper

wires. The ultrasonic sensor emitted ultrasonic waves and measured the time taken for the waves
to bounce back, enabling the Arduino Uno to accurately determine the presence and distance of

shoes within the designated area.

To actuate the sanitization process, a servomotor was integrated into the system and connected to

the Arduino Uno using jumper wires. The servomotor was responsible for controlled movement

of the sanitizer dispenser mechanism. The Arduino Uno sent signals to the servomotor,

specifying the required angle for the dispenser to effectively dispense the sanitizer onto the

shoes.

Facilitating the dispensing of sanitizer, a water pump was employed, connected to the Arduino

Uno using jumper wires. The water pump ensured a consistent flow of sanitizer from the

reservoir to the dispenser mechanism. The Arduino Uno controlled the activation of the water

pump based on the shoe detection signals received from the ultrasonic sensor.

All the components, including the Arduino Uno, ultrasonic sensor, servomotor, and water pump,

were interconnected on a breadboard. The breadboard provided a convenient platform for

prototyping and circuit assembly, facilitating the proper organization and connection of the

components to ensure a reliable and functional system design.

Figure 1. System design of the shoe dispenser.

Figure 2. Virtual representation  

3.3 Coding 

Arduino IDE was used in this study to program the Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino IDE

integrated development environment offers different libraries that can be used for programming.
Library functions are simple and easy to use and do not require individual microcontroller

registers to be addressed in the program. The developed coding that is used in this study is shown

in Figure 3. 

Figure 3. Developed code using Arduino IDE 

The provided code snippet represents the Arduino program used in the study to control the

Automatic Shoe Sanitizer Dispenser. Here's a breakdown of its key components and

functionality, the code starts by including the necessary libraries, particularly the Servo library,

which enables control of the servo motor.

Next, the code defines the pin connections for the trigger pin, echo pin, servo pin, and pump pin.

These pin assignments will depend on the specific hardware setup. In the setup() function, the

pin modes are set accordingly. The trigger pin is configured as an output, the echo pin as an

input, and the pump pin as an output. The servo motor is also attached to the specified servo pin.
Additionally, the Serial communication is initialized for debugging purposes at a baud rate of

9600.

The loop() function is the main part of the program, where the core logic is implemented. It starts

by sending a trigger signal to the ultrasonic sensor by briefly setting the trigger pin to high and

then low.

The program then measures the duration of the echo pulse using the pulseIn() function, which

determines the time it takes for the sound waves to bounce back. The distance is calculated based

on the duration and the speed of sound. If the calculated distance is less than 10 (indicating the

presence of a shoe within the designated range), the program proceeds to activate the servo

motor and the water pump. The servo motor is instructed to move to an angle of 90 degrees,

which activates the water pump for a duration of 2 seconds. Afterward, the pump is turned off,

and the servo motor is returned to an angle of 0 degrees. Finally, the program includes a delay of

100 milliseconds before looping back to repeat the process.

After coding testing and debugging again and again this programme (shown in Figure 3) was

made which was installed in the dispenser devices used in this study. The delay and activation

times were set after about 100 trial and error tests so that the run-time of the pump is perfect to

pump out the required amount of sanitizer. 

3.4 Real World Testing

 The testing phase involved creating various test scenarios to simulate real-world conditions.

Basically, trial and error is used in this study to test the activation and deactivation delay of the

device. Different types of shoes were used, including sneakers, dress shoes, and sandals, to

assess the system's ability to detect and sanitize different footwear styles.

In each test scenario, the shoes were placed at varying distances from the ultrasonic sensor to

assess the system's detection range. The system was activated, and the time it took for the

ultrasonic sensor to detect the presence of shoes was recorded as the detection delay.

Additionally, the time it took for the servomotor and water pump to initiate the sanitization

process after shoe detection was measured as the activation delay.

The testing process was repeated multiple times to gather sufficient data for analysis. The

collected data included detection delay times and activation delay times for each test scenario.

Statistical analysis was conducted to calculate the average detection and activation delay times,

providing insights into the system's overall performance.

The test results were evaluated to determine the system's effectiveness in accurately detecting

shoes and initiating the sanitization process in a timely manner. Any limitations or issues

encountered during the testing phase were documented and considered for potential

improvements in future iterations of the system.

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