Core temperature sensor system and method with thermal conductivity compensation

Abstract

Temperature sensor system (100), comprising: a sensor arrangement (102) comprising (i) a temperature sensing part (130) configured to generate a first signal based on the temperature of a body near a surface part of the temperature sensing part (130), and (ii) a thermoelectric generator part (134) configured to receive heat flux from the body through the temperature sensing part (130) and to generate a second signal based on the heat flux; a memory (104) containing program instructions and at least one correction factor (K) stored therein; and a control unit (106) that is operatively connected to the sensor arrangement (102) and the memory (104), wherein the control unit (106) is configured to execute the program instructions in order to to receive the first signal, to receive the second signal to obtain at least one correction factor (K), a corrected temperature (T c ) to calculate at least one correction factor (K) based on the received first signal, the received second signal and the received at least one correction factor (K), and the calculated corrected temperature (T c ) to output, wherein the at least one correction factor (K) is determined based on a thermal conductivity of the sensor arrangement (102) and / or a size of the sensor arrangement (102) and / or an aspect ratio of the sensor arrangement (102), and wherein the body includes an outer skin and the control unit (106) is configured to output the corrected temperature (T c ) to calculate based on the following equation: Q ˙ ' ' skin = Q ˙ ' ' sensor K where Q skin '' . a heat flow through the outer skin, and Q sensor ' ' . a heat flow through the sensor arrangement (102).

Description

AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature sensor system and a method for providing a corrected temperature for the thermal detection of core temperatures.

[0002] DE 10 2005 004 933 B3 discloses a device for measuring the body temperature of a living being with a sensor housing comprising a first temperature sensor that can be placed on the skin of the body for detecting the skin temperature of the living being, a second temperature sensor which is thermally insulated and spaced apart from the first temperature sensor on a side facing away from the skin, and an evaluation unit in which the body temperature is calculated according to a predetermined temperature formula, comprising a temperature difference from the temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, wherein a compensation unit is provided in such a way that a heat loss occurring during the measurement process is taken into account.

[0003] DE 10 2015 206 938 A1 discloses a device for measuring the body temperature of a living being. The device comprises a temperature determination unit configured to determine the current body temperature of the living being using a skin temperature value, a heat flux sensor element surface temperature value, an ambient temperature value, and a heat flux value, wherein the skin temperature value represents the current temperature of a skin surface of the living being, the heat flux sensor element surface temperature value represents the current heat flux sensor element surface temperature of a sensor surface facing away from the skin surface of a sensor measuring the heat flux of the main surface, and the heat flux value represents the current heat flux between the skin and the heat flux sensor element surface temperature measuring surface.

[0004] US Patent 2014 / 0 221 796 A1 discloses a temperature determination device comprising a patch defining a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface can be detachably attached to the skin of a subject; a first sensor positioned to detect the temperature of the first surface; and a second sensor positioned to detect the temperature of the second surface, wherein the device is configured to calculate a core temperature of the subject based on the temperature of the first surface, the temperature of the second surface, and an estimated thermal resistance of the subject's skin.

[0005] US Patent 2017 / 0 100 042 A1 discloses a system for monitoring core body temperature, comprising a first core body temperature thermometer; a second thermometer comprising a heat flux sensor, wherein the heat flux sensor includes a pad for application to the skin, the heat flux sensor being configured to provide temperature monitoring over time; and a controller for calibrating the second thermometer by determining the thermal resistance of the body using an output from the first thermometer during an initial measurement operation and the measurements performed by the second thermometer, wherein the first thermometer is removably attached to the second thermometer, the first thermometer being designed for use while attached to the second thermometer, and the second thermometer being designed for use when detached from the first thermometer. BACKGROUND

[0006] The core body temperature of a living being, such as a human, can be calculated using measurements from a sensor placed on the skin. The sensor measures the heat flow through it and the skin temperature. The heat flow and temperature measurements are used in an equation to calculate the core body temperature.

[0007] The equation used in the above calculation of core body temperature is based on the assumption that heat flow through the sensor occurs only perpendicular to the skin surface on which the sensor is placed. Using this assumption, the heat flow through the sensor is considered equivalent to the heat flow through the skin. In reality, however, lateral heat flow also occurs within the sensor. Consequently, the measured heat flow within the sensor, perpendicular to the skin, differs from the actual heat flow out of the skin.

[0008] For example, Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a known sensor model 10 used to determine core body temperature when the sensor is placed on the skin of a body. In model 10, the core body temperature (T) C ) modeled as a voltage source 12, the thermal resistance of the skin (R th,skin ) is modeled as a resistor 14, the thermal resistance of the sensor (R) th,sensor ) is modeled as a resistance 16, the thermal resistance of the air layer (R th, air ) is modeled as a resistance 18, and the temperature of the ambient air is modeled as a voltage source 20.

[0009] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the difference between the temperature of the body core (T) c ) and the outer surface of the skin (T s ) thus a function of the skin's thermal resistance (R) th,skin ). Similarly, the difference between the temperature of the outer surface of the skin (T s) and the outer surface of the sensor (T a ) a function of the thermal resistance of the sensor (R) th,sensor ), and the difference between the temperature of the sensor's outer surface (T a ) and the air layer (T amb ) is a function of the thermal resistance of the air (R) th , air ).

[0010] The thermal variables for the model of Fig. 1 are provided in the following table: Thermal Electric variable symbol Unit variable symbol Unit temperature T K Tension V V Heat transfer rate q W Electricity I A Heat flow Q̇" W / m 2 Current density J A / m 2 Thermal resistance R th K / W Resistance R Ω heat capacity C th Ws / K capacity C As / V

[0011] For the model of Fig. 1. The heat transfer rate (q) can be calculated using Ohm's law as follows: q=ΔTRth

[0012] Therefore, the heat flux (Q̇") can be calculated using the following equation: Q˙"=ΔTRth⋅A

[0013] The thermal resistance of each material layer in the model can be calculated using the following equation: Rth=Δxk⋅A=1h⋅A Where: “ΔT” is the temperature difference across the material layer; “Δx” is the thickness of the material layer in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the skin; “k” is the thermal conductivity of the material layer; “A” is the area of ​​the material layer; and "h" is the heat transfer coefficient of the material layer.

[0014] The heat capacity can also be calculated using the material parameter. However, in cases where the system is in a steady state, the heat capacity can be omitted.

[0015] As mentioned above, the model of Fig. 1. Three thermal resistors. In this model, the sensor measures the skin temperature T. sand the heat flux Q̇'' through the sensor. Assuming that the heat flux through the skin and the sensor is only perpendicular to the skin surface, the heat flux through the skin therefore corresponds to the heat flux through the sensor. Furthermore, the temperature difference through the skin layer (ΔT) can be calculated as follows: ΔT=Tc−Ts

[0016] Therefore, the core temperature can be calculated using the following equation: Tc=Q˙"hs+Ts

[0017] As mentioned above, the assumption that heat flow occurs only vertically to the skin does not reflect reality. Accordingly, the model of Fig. 1. Related above calculation error in the calculated T c a.

[0018] A system and method for determining the core temperature of a living being or object are required that are more accurate than known systems and methods. It would be advantageous if such a system and method could account for the discrepancy between the nominal heat flux from the skin of a body and the heat flux through a sensor perpendicular to the skin when the sensor is positioned on the skin. SUMMARY

[0019] The present invention relates to a system and a method for more accurately determining the heat flux through the outer skin of a body using a measured heat flux through a sensor arrangement, as defined in claims 1 and 7, respectively. The system and the method include considering the size and aspect ratio of the sensor arrangement with respect to its thermal conductivity, since these values ​​are necessary for a more accurate calculation of the heat flux through the outer skin.

[0020] Instead of using the measured heat flux through a sensor arrangement as the value of the heat flux through the outer skin, the present disclosure uses a calculated heat flux through the outer skin by applying a correction factor to the measured heat flux through the sensor arrangement. The disclosure thus compensates for the discrepancy between the heat flux in the sensor arrangement and the nominal heat flux through the skin. The correction factor is parameterizable with the dimensions and thermal conductivity of the sensor arrangement.

[0021] According to the invention, the control unit is configured to calculate the corrected temperature by using at least one correction factor to correct the heat flow through the sensor arrangement in order to more accurately identify heat flow through an outer skin of the body.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the at least one correction factor is determined based on the thermal conductivity of the sensor arrangement, the size of the sensor arrangement and the aspect ratio of the sensor arrangement.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the system further includes a display, and the control unit is operatively connected to the display and configured to execute the program instructions to display the calculated corrected temperature.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the sensor arrangement and the control unit are contained by a housing configured to expose the sensor arrangement to the body through a first side of the housing, while the housing includes a window on a side of the housing opposite the first side, configured to transmit the heat flux received from the temperature sensor system through the thermoelectric generator part.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the thermoelectric generator part surrounds the temperature sensing part except at the surface part.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the control unit is further configured to execute the program instructions to maintain a corrected temperature (T). c ) based on the thermal resistance of an outer skin of the body to be measured.

[0027] According to the invention, calculating the corrected temperature (T) includes c ) using the control unit to calculate a corrected temperature (T) c ) with the control unit based on the following equation: Q˙"skin=Q˙"sensorK where Q˙skin" a heat flow through the outer skin of the body, and Q˙sensor" a heat flow through the sensor arrangement.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, a method comprises determining the at least one correction factor (K) based on the thermal conductivity of the sensor arrangement, the size of the sensor arrangement and the aspect ratio of the sensor arrangement.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, a method comprises displaying the calculated corrected temperature on a display under the control of the control unit.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, a method comprises exposing the sensor arrangement to the body through a first side of a housing, wherein the control unit and the sensor arrangement are received by the housing, and transmitting the heat flux received from the temperature sensor system by the thermoelectric generator part through a window on a side of the housing opposite the first side.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, a method comprises using a sensor arrangement wherein the thermoelectric generator part surrounds the temperature sensing part except at the surface part.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, calculating the corrected temperature (T) includes c ) using the control unit to calculate the corrected temperature (T) c ) based on the thermal resistance of the body's outer skin. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The preceding aspects and further features are explained in the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a known sensor model used to determine core body temperature when the sensor is placed on the skin of a body. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a system that can be used to determine the core temperature of living beings or objects and that includes a control unit that compensates for the discrepancy between the heat flux measured by a sensor and the nominal heat flux through the skin. Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of the system of Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of the sensor arrangement of the system. Fig. 2. Fig.Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a heat flow through an ideal sensor and a real sensor, where the thermal resistance of the sensor system is smaller than the resistance of the skin. Fig. Figures 6-8 show the results of simulations that establish a relationship between correction factors and the thermal conductivity, size and aspect ratio of a sensor array. Fig. Figure 9 shows the results of simulations where sensor arrays with different thermal conductivities were used to measure the heat flow through the sensor arrays, and a core body temperature was calculated with and without a specific correction factor. Fig. Figure 10 shows the results of simulations where sensor arrays of different sizes were used to measure the heat flow through the sensor arrays, and a core body temperature was calculated with and without a specific correction factor. Fig. Figure 11 shows a process which, in some embodiments, is used to determine a correction factor and to apply the correction factor when calculating a corrected temperature of a body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] To promote a better understanding of the principles of revelation, reference is now made to the drawings illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written description.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 shows a system 100 comprising a sensor arrangement 102, a memory 104, a control unit 106, and an output device 108, which in one embodiment is a display. In some embodiments, the control unit 106 and / or the display 108 are located away from the sensor arrangement 102. In one embodiment, the sensor arrangement 102 is supported by a housing 110.

[0036] Although the sensor arrangement 102 in Fig. As shown schematically in housing 110, it is positioned such that there is no obstruction to heat flow through the upper or lower surface of the arrangement 102. Thus, it shows Fig. 3. The system 100 includes a window 120 that thermally exposes the upper surface of the sensor assembly 102. In some embodiments, the window 120 is an opening in the housing 110 that directly exposes the upper surface of the sensor assembly 102 to the surrounding environment, clothing, or other surroundings. In other embodiments, the window 120 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity. In some embodiments, the lower surface of the sensor assembly 102 also includes a window 120.

[0037] The control unit 106 is operatively connected to the sensor arrangement 102 and the display 108. The control unit 106 is a control device which, in various embodiments, contains one or more integrated circuits (ICs), such as microcontrollers (small, complete computer systems with, for example, their own processor and memory, designed as a single integrated circuit), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), and the like.The control unit 106 is configured to execute program instructions stored in the memory 104, which in some embodiments is part of the control unit 106, in order to receive signals from the sensor arrangement 102 and thus determine the core temperature of living beings or objects using the received signals and to control the display unit to display the determined core temperatures.

[0038] In some embodiments, the system 100 additionally includes, or as an alternative to, the display unit, a communication module 112, which provides either wired or wireless external communication of the received signals and / or the determined core temperatures. The communicated signals are then used by an external control unit 114 to determine the core temperature of a living being or object.

[0039] The sensor arrangement 102 is in Fig.Figure 4 shows a schematic detail. The sensor arrangement 102 includes a temperature sensing part 130 and a thermoelectric generator part (TEG part, TEG = thermoelectric generator) 134 with a width (w), a height (h), and a length (1) (see Figure 4). Fig. 3) The temperature sensing part 130 is configured to be positioned directly on the outer surface of the outer skin 144 of a living being or object and is configured to provide signals to the control unit 106 representing the core temperature 142 of the living being or object.

[0040] The temperature sensing part 130 and the system 100 are generally configured to minimize disturbances in the transfer of heat through the sensor arrangement 102. To this end, in this embodiment, the TEG part 134 essentially surrounds the temperature sensing part 130, except for the surface portion of the temperature sensing part 130 that is configured to receive heat flow from a body. It is also possible that some relatively small surfaces (not shown) that provide an electrical connection with the temperature sensing part 130 are not covered by the TEG part 134.

[0041] In some embodiments, the surface part of the temperature sensing element 130 that contacts the body is protected by a material with a high thermal conductivity. Although Fig.Figure 4 shows a part of the TEG 134 that is in physical contact with the body. In some embodiments, the lower surface of the TEG 134 is separated from the body by a thermal insulation layer. In any case, heat is transferred from an underlying substrate essentially directly through the temperature sensing part 130 and then through the TEG part 134 and from the upper surface of the TEG part 134, as indicated by arrow 138.

[0042] The TEG component 134 converts heat flow (temperature difference) directly into electrical energy through a phenomenon known as the Seebeck effect (a type of thermoelectric effect). In one embodiment, the TEG component 134 is a solid-state component, but it can be any configuration that converts heat flow. In one embodiment, the generated voltage is provided to the control unit 106. In other embodiments, a generated current is provided to the control unit 106.

[0043] Although the sensor is configured as far as possible to mimic the nominal heat flux in the skin and maintain the nominal temperature of the outer skin surface, it inherently modifies the heat flux and temperature of the skin immediately adjacent to the sensor array. For example, Fig. Figure 5 represents an idealized scenario for a sensor arrangement 150 and the idealized heat flow 152 directly perpendicular to the surface 154 of the skin and vertically through the sensor arrangement 150.

[0044] Furthermore, it shows Fig.Figure 5 schematically illustrates what actually happens when the sensor arrangement 150 is positioned on the skin of a body in a scenario where the sensor arrangement 150 has a higher thermal conductivity than the air, while the opposite behavior would occur in the case where the sensor has a lower conductivity. Since the sensor arrangement 150 has a higher thermal conductivity than the air in this embodiment, the heat emitted by the body is attracted more strongly to the flow through the sensor arrangement 150 than through the air. Accordingly, heat that initially moves perpendicularly through the skin is channeled to the sensor arrangement, as shown by arrows 156 and 158. Consequently, the temperature of the skin surface 154 below the sensor arrangement 150 is actually higher than the nominal temperature at the surface of the skin.Furthermore, the heat flux through the lower surface of the sensor arrangement 150 is higher than the nominal heat flux through the surface of the skin at a location not covered by the sensor arrangement 150.

[0045] Furthermore, not all the heat entering the lower surface of the sensor assembly 150 (defined as the surface of the sensor assembly in contact with the surface of skin or another body) flows out through the upper surface of the sensor assembly 150 (the surface of the sensor assembly opposite the surface of the sensor assembly in contact with the skin). Instead, some of the heat flow does not move vertically and escapes through the sides of the sensor assembly, as shown by arrows 160 and 162. Depending on the housing and other components of the system, more or less heat may also be conducted to the sensing assembly.

[0046] Due to the effects described above, the measured temperature and heat flow introduce errors into the calculation of the core body temperature. Accordingly, in system 100, a correction factor (K), which in one embodiment is stored in memory 104, is applied by the control unit 106 when executing the program instructions, thereby determining the actual heat flow through the skin more accurately. In some embodiments, the correction factor (K), which describes how much higher / lower the heat flow through the sensor arrangement is than the nominal heat flow through the skin, is a value / function stored, for example, in memory 104 of the control unit 106, which is accessible to the control unit 106. The correction factor is defined by the following equation: K=qsensorqskin=Q˙sensor"Q˙skin"

[0047] For a given system, the value / function of the correction factor (K) is determined using a simulation tool, such as the FLUENT physical simulation tool, commercially available from Ansys, Inc., located in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The predominant factors in determining the value / function of the correction factor (K) for a given system are the thermal conductivity of the sensor array material and the body, the size of the sensor array, and the aspect ratio of the sensor array.

[0048] To verify the effectiveness of including the correction factor (K), a two-dimensional simulation was used to generate a correction factor (K). The system's behavior is the same as in three dimensions, but the absolute values ​​are not the same. Although performing the analysis in two dimensions is permissible to demonstrate the principle of this procedure, three-dimensional simulations provide more accurate values ​​and are generally used in System 100.

[0049] The simulation analyzed three cases. In each case, only one of the three variables (thermal conductivity (k), size (width (w) times height (h)) and aspect ratio (w / h)) was varied. The same reference values ​​k were used in all three simulations. ref , w ref and h refThe sensor array length (1) is not shown due to the two-dimensional simulation. However, a three-dimensional simulation would also include the sensor array length (1). For all three cases and for each simulation point, the correction factor K is calculated using the equation above.

[0050] The results of the simulations are presented in the Fig. Figures 6-8 show the factor K as a function of the value being changed in each case. An interpolation is determined for each case, so the factors can be described as follows: Kk=fk{k} Ksize=fsize{w,h} Kratio=fraction{w,h}

[0051] With reference to Fig. 6. The size and aspect ratio were determined at w ref *h ref -value and w ref / h ref -value kept constant, while the thermal conductivity of the sensor arrangement varies from k refwas changed. Fig. 7. The thermal conductivity of the sensor arrangement on the k was determined. ref held, and the aspect ratio was on the w ref / h ref -value maintained while the size of the w ref *h ref The value was changed. Fig. 8. The thermal conductivity of the sensor arrangement on the k was determined. ref held, and the size was on the w ref *h ref -value maintained, while the aspect ratio of the w ref / h ref The value was changed.

[0052] Using the reference values ​​from the simulations above, a reference factor K was determined. ref calculated: Kref=fk{kref}=fsize{wref,href}=fratio{wref,href}

[0053] To combine the factors of all three cases into a total value K, all but one factor are subtracted from the value of K. ref normalized. Therefore, K is defined as: K=ftotal{k,w,h}=Kk⋅KsizeKref⋅KratioKref calculated.

[0054] After determining the correction factor (K), the determined value / function was used in several simulations to determine the core body temperature. Fig. Figure 9 shows the results of simulations in which sensor arrays with different thermal conductivities were used to measure the heat flow through the sensor arrays, and these values ​​were used when calculating a core body temperature using the equation: TC=Q˙''hS+TS used.

[0055] The value for core body temperature, which is used with this equation for an actual core body temperature of 37 degrees C, is shown by line 180.

[0056] A core body temperature was also calculated for the same sensor arrays using a correction factor (K) determined similarly to the example above. The determined correction factor (K) was applied as follows: Q˙''skin=Q˙''sensorK{k,w,h}

[0057] The calculated core body temperatures for the same actual core body temperature of 37 degrees C are shown by line 182.

[0058] As from Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the inclusion of the specified correction factor (K) eliminates a significant portion of the error generated by using only the heat flux through the sensor array without a correction factor. Furthermore, the calculation including the correction factor (K) consistently provides an accurate core temperature determination.

[0059] Fig. Figure 10 shows the results of simulations using sensor arrays with different widths and heights to measure the heat flow through them. The widths and heights of the sensor arrays are shown in the following table: SENSOR WIDTH HEIGHT A 50 mm 1 mm B 1 mm 1 mm C 10 mm 2 mm D 20 mm 4 mm E 2.5 mm 0.5 mm F 7.5 mm 1.5 mm G 13 mm 2.6 mm H 17 mm 3.4 mm

[0060] The values ​​from the table above are used to calculate a core body temperature using the following equation: TC=Q˙''hS+TS The heat flow used in this calculation is the heat flow through the sensor array. The calculated core temperature for an actual core temperature of 37°C is shown by line 186.

[0061] A core body temperature was also calculated for the same sensor arrangements using a correction factor (K) determined similarly to the one in the example above. The determined correction factor (K) was applied as follows: Q˙''skin=Q˙''sensorK{k,w,h} The calculated core body temperatures for the same actual core body temperature of 37 degrees C are shown by line 188.

[0062] As from Fig.As shown in section 10, the inclusion of the specified correction factor (K) eliminates a significant portion of the error generated by using only the heat flux through the sensor array without a correction factor. Furthermore, the calculation including the correction factor (K) consistently provides an accurate core temperature determination.

[0063] It should be noted that the specific simulation used introduces or masks errors compared to an experiment using actual equipment. For example, the heat flux or heat transfer rate of a body can typically only be read out at boundaries in a simulation. Therefore, for the purpose of the simulations above, the heat flux for the sensor was read out at the bottom surface of the sensor array, and the sensor array was simulated with a uniform thermal conductivity. In contrast, a standard heat flux sensor array, while typically exhibiting higher thermal conductivity in a vertical direction (perpendicular to the sensor array surface) than in a lateral direction, still has losses in the lateral direction that mitigate the increased heat flux caused by the sensor array.Accordingly, the simulation may exaggerate errors in the calculation that do not include the correction factor (K). Nevertheless, the results show... Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. that the calculation of the core body temperature of a living being or body is significantly improved by using a correction factor (K).

[0064] Fig.Figure 11 shows a method 170 for operating the system 100. In block 172, the correction factor for a specific temperature sensing system is determined. As discussed above, the correction factor optimally accounts for the sensor's thermal conductivity, size, and aspect ratio. While in some embodiments the correction factor is determined by fully analyzing each of the above factors, in other embodiments a simplified analysis is performed. For example, the two-dimensional approach described above provides a reduction in the error of the corrected temperature. The determined correction factor for a specific model is then stored in block 174.

[0065] In block 176, the remaining model for the temperature sensing system is stored in a designated memory location. As discussed above, the model is tailored to specific applications. For example, the thermal resistance of the "skin" of a given object being measured varies between applications. However, these thermal resistances are easily determined based on known or readily available material properties. Although the thermal resistance of human skin differs significantly from the "skin" of a whale containing blubber, and both are different from the "skin" of a tank or pipe, the values ​​can nevertheless be easily obtained.

[0066] As used herein, the “skin” or “outer skin” of a body means all substances through which heat flows from the core of the body to the sensor assembly. Thus, when the sensor is placed on a garment, the clothing is considered part of the “outer skin,” and the thermal resistance of the clothing is preferably taken into account. In some embodiments, the thermal resistance of the “outer skin” is uniquely defined for each body. In other embodiments, the thermal resistance is selected based on a nominal value attributed to a group of similar bodies. In some embodiments, the thermal resistance of the skin is not included, for example, where the surface temperature is to be determined.

[0067] In block 178, the sensor array is positioned on the body. Upon activation, the system's control unit receives a temperature signal (block 180) and a heat flux signal (block 182). The control unit then calculates a corrected temperature (block 184) using the model stored in block 176 and incorporating the correction factor stored in block 174. The control unit then outputs the calculated corrected temperature (block 186), for example, by displaying the temperature either on a display or on another output device located on the sensor array, or on a remote output device. In some embodiments, the output is routed to a memory where it is stored until future data transmission.Accordingly, including the correction factor (K) in a calculated core temperature corrects the thermal conductivity, height, and width of the sensor used. Although the disclosure has been extensively illustrated and described in the drawings and the preceding description, it should be considered illustrative and not limiting.

Claims

[1] Temperature sensor system (100), comprising: a sensor arrangement (102) comprising (i) a temperature sensing part (130) configured to generate a first signal based on the temperature of a body near a surface part of the temperature sensing part (130), and (ii) a thermoelectric generator part (134) configured to receive heat flow from the body through the temperature sensing part (130) and to generate a second signal based on the heat flow; a memory (104) containing program instructions and at least one correction factor (K) stored therein; and a control unit (106) that is operatively connected to the sensor arrangement (102) and the memory (104), wherein the control unit (106) is configured to execute the program instructions in order to to receive the first signal, to receive the second signal to obtain at least one correction factor (K), a corrected temperature (T c ) to calculate at least one correction factor (K) based on the received first signal, the received second signal and the received at least one correction factor (K), and the calculated corrected temperature (T c ) to output, wherein the at least one correction factor (K) is determined based on a thermal conductivity of the sensor arrangement (102) and / or a size of the sensor arrangement (102) and / or an aspect ratio of the sensor arrangement (102), and wherein the body includes an outer skin and the control unit (106) is configured to output the corrected temperature (T c ) to calculate based on the following equation: Q˙''skin=Q˙''sensorK where Qskin'' . a heat flow through the outer skin, and Qsensor'' . a heat flow through the sensor arrangement (102). [2] Temperature sensor system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one correction factor (K) is determined based on the thermal conductivity of the sensor arrangement (102), the size of the sensor arrangement (102) and the aspect ratio of the sensor arrangement (102). [3] Temperature sensor system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: a display (108), wherein the control unit (106) is operatively connected to the display (108) and is configured to execute the program instructions to display the calculated corrected temperature (T c ) to display (108). [4] Temperature sensor system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a housing (110), wherein: the sensor arrangement (102) and the control unit (106) are enclosed by the housing (110); the housing (110) is configured to expose the sensor assembly (102) to the body through a first side of the housing (110); and The housing (110) contains a window (120) on one side of the housing (110) opposite the first side, which is configured to transmit the heat flux received by the thermoelectric generator part (134) from the temperature sensor system (100). [5] Temperature sensor system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric generator part (134) surrounds the temperature sensing part (130) except at the surface part. [6] Temperature sensor system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (106) is further configured to execute the program instructions to determine the corrected temperature (T c ) based on the thermal resistance of the body's outer skin. [7] Method for providing a corrected temperature (T c ), comprehensively the steps: Receiving (180) a first signal from a temperature sensing part (130) of a sensor arrangement (102) using a control unit (106) executing program instructions stored in a memory (104), wherein the first signal is based on a temperature of a body near a surface part of the temperature sensing part (130); Receiving (182) a second signal from a thermoelectric generator part (134) of the sensor arrangement (102) using the control unit (106), wherein the second signal is based on a heat flux received by the thermoelectric generator part (134) from the body through the temperature sensing part (130); and Calculating (184) the corrected temperature (T c) with the control unit (106) based on the received first signal, the received second signal and at least one correction factor (K) stored in a memory (104), wherein the at least one correction factor (K) is determined based on a thermal conductivity of the sensor arrangement (102) and / or a size of the sensor arrangement (102) and / or an aspect ratio of the sensor arrangement (102), and where calculating a corrected temperature (T c ) with the control unit (106) includes the following: Calculating the corrected temperature (T) c ) with the control unit (106) based on the following equation: Q˙''skin=Q˙''sensorK where Qskin'' . a heat flow through the outer skin of the body, and Qsensor'' . a heat flow through the sensor arrangement (102). [8] The method of claim 7, further comprising the steps of: Determining (172) the at least one correction factor (K) based on the thermal conductivity of the sensor arrangement (102), the size of the sensor arrangement (102) and the aspect ratio of the sensor arrangement (102). [9] The method of claim 7, further comprising: Display (186) of the calculated corrected temperature (T c ) on a display (108) under the control of the control unit (106). [10] The method of claim 7, further comprising the steps of: Exposing the sensor arrangement (102) to the body through a first side of a housing (110), wherein the control unit (106) and the sensor arrangement (102) are received by the housing (110); and Transfer of the heat flux received by the thermoelectric generator part (134) through a window (120) on a side of the housing (110) opposite the first side. [11] Method according to claim 7, wherein the thermoelectric generator part (134) surrounds the temperature sensing part (130) except at the surface part. [12] Method according to claim 7, wherein calculating (184) the corrected temperature (T c ) with the control unit (106) includes the following: Calculating (184) the corrected temperature (T c ) based on the thermal resistance of the body's outer skin.

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