An efficient spatial zoning algorithm for maintaining social distancing in open indoor spaces

Abstract

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous workplaces, organisations, and public venues closed their doors. Recently, many have reopened under social distancing restrictions imposed by governments. For example, open indoor spaces such as photo and art galleries, and various museums have now been able to welcome visitors, albeit with social distancing restrictions. Therefore, in this paper, we propose an indoor zoning algorithm for open indoor spaces in order to control the flow between zones and the absence of high-capacity zones to ensure social distancing between moving entities, while allowing them freedom of movement between the zones. The new zoning structure algorithm uses the quadtree concept adapted for the low-cost zoning of moving entities inside these spaces. Extensive simulations and evaluations showed that the proposed zoning algorithm performs well and at a low cost, and can successfully control the social distancing flow of moving entities.