Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Distancing

Blog

Two teachers from Cégep André-Laurendeau have developed a prototype measuring instrument that makes it possible to visualize the distance between objects. Integrated into the digital screen of an advertising truck, this AI-based technology allows passersby to see the distance between individuals in real time. The device, called Dista, has proven particularly useful during periods when distancing is required, such as during viral pandemics.

This prototype uses camera triangulation technology. Two cameras are employed to determine the distance between two fixed points, while artificial intelligence is responsible for detecting people. Using a photographic database, the system can estimate passersby’s positions with high accuracy.

The truck was spotted on Mont-Royal Avenue during sunny days of distancing. The project quickly caught the attention of pedestrians as well as the media. David Beaulieu, teacher and researcher at Cégep André-Laurendeau, gave numerous interviews to Radio-Canada, V, FM 106.9, Le Messager, and Infoman. The project also gained momentum on social media, generating curiosity and engagement.

As Beaulieu explains, the prototype sparked immediate reactions in the context of distancing: “We displayed images of queues in front of Montréal shops on the truck’s screen. The reactions were immediate: people standing in line adjusted their spacing to comply with the 2-meter rule.”

The Researchers

David Beaulieu, Eng., M.Eng. – Teacher in Physical Engineering Technology at Cégep André-Laurendeau, expert in technological project management and prototype development.
Christian Thériault, PhD – Teacher in Mathematics at Cégep André-Laurendeau, researcher in artificial intelligence.

Research Partners

École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS)

Funding Partners

Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI)
Pôle montréalais d’enseignement supérieur en intelligence artificielle (PIA)
Optech