Ear thermometer and temperature measurement method using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ear thermometer and a method for measuring body temperature using the same. [Solution] A body temperature measuring method using an ear-type thermometer according to one embodiment of the present invention is a body temperature measuring method using an ear-type thermometer that is inserted into the ear canal to measure body temperature, and includes the steps of: a step of a first light source inserted into the ear canal irradiating light; a first measurement step of a detection unit inserted into the ear canal measuring a first intensity, which is the intensity of reflected light; a step of a second light source inserted into the ear canal and positioned differently from the first light source irradiating light; a second measurement step of the detection unit measuring a second intensity, which is the intensity of reflected light; a step of a third light source inserted into the ear canal and positioned differently from the first light source and the second light source irradiating light; a third measurement step of the detection unit measuring a third intensity, which is the intensity of reflected light; and a step of calculating standard deviations of the first intensity, the second intensity, and the third intensity.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ear thermometer and a body temperature measurement method using the same, and more particularly to an ear thermometer and a body temperature measurement method using the same that can measure the reliability and validity of a measured body temperature and provide information to a user or a third party. [Background technology]

[0002] The infrared (IR) ear temperature monitoring device includes an infrared sensor partially inserted into the ear canal and connected to a temperature sensor pointed towards the eardrum. The infrared sensor is an optoelectronic device that measures the intensity of infrared light, changes the voltage according to the intensity of the incoming infrared light, converts it into a digital signal, and finally displays the output temperature reading.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-056137 (Publication Date: March 24, 2011) discloses an ear thermometer that is inserted into the user's ear. This ear temperature monitoring device measures temperature by accurately inserting a temperature sensor into the ear canal through a handle. However, because the shape and size of the ear canal differ from person to person, a standardized temperature sensor reduces the accuracy of temperature measurement.

[0004] On the other hand, a healthy person's body temperature is between 36.5 and 37 degrees. A body temperature below 35 degrees can cause chills, impaired judgment, loss of consciousness, and arrhythmia. A body temperature above 37 degrees indicates the onset of an inflammatory disease, cold, or flu-like illness. Therefore, it is important to measure your body temperature accurately and, if your temperature exceeds the normal range, to report it to a medical institution.

[0005] However, since the shape and condition of the ear canal differ from person to person, the measured body temperature is often inaccurate. Therefore, a thermometer that can determine both the reliability and validity of the measurement is needed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are as follows.

[0007] First, it provides a method by which the reliability and validity of the measured body temperature can be determined.

[0008] Second, it allows non-medical professionals to accurately measure body temperature.

[0009] Third, it provides information that allows third parties to determine the reliability and validity of the temperature submitted by the user.

[0010] The objects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, a body temperature measurement method using an ear thermometer according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer that is inserted into the ear canal to measure body temperature, and includes the steps of: a step of irradiating light from a first light source inserted into the ear canal; a first measurement step of measuring a first intensity, which is the intensity of the reflected light, with a detection unit inserted into the ear canal; a step of irradiating light from a second light source inserted into the ear canal and positioned differently from the first light source; a second measurement step of measuring the second intensity, which is the intensity of the reflected light, with the detection unit; a step of irradiating light from a third light source inserted into the ear canal and positioned differently from the first and second light sources; a third measurement step of measuring a third intensity, which is the intensity of the reflected light, with the detection unit; and a step of calculating the standard deviation of the first intensity, the second intensity, and the third intensity.

[0012] In addition, a body temperature measurement method using an ear thermometer according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer that is inserted into the ear canal to measure body temperature, and includes the steps of: a step in which a detection unit measures body temperature while a first light source and a second light source inserted into the ear canal are turned off; a step in which the first light source irradiates light while the second light source is turned off; a first measurement step in which the detection unit measures a first intensity, which is the intensity of the reflected light; a step in which the second light source irradiates light while the first light source is turned off; a second measurement step in which the detection unit measures a second intensity, which is the intensity of the reflected light; and a step of determining the reliability of the body temperature measurement based on the difference between the first intensity and the second intensity.

[0013] In addition, an ear thermometer according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing inserted into the ear canal; a plurality of light sources disposed in the housing and irradiating light; a detection unit that measures the intensity of light reflected inside the ear canal by the plurality of light sources; and a control unit that compares the intensities of the light to determine the reliability or validity of the body temperature measurement.

[0014] Further details of the embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The present invention has the following effects:

[0016] First, it allows us to determine the reliability and validity of the measured body temperature.

[0017] Second, it allows non-medical personnel to accurately measure body temperature.

[0018] Third, third parties can also provide information to determine the reliability and validity of the temperature submitted by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an ear thermometer according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2a is a front view showing a portion of an ear thermometer according to an embodiment of the present invention that is inserted into the ear canal, and FIG. 2b is a perspective view. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing that the intensity of light emitted from an ear thermometer according to an embodiment of the present invention changes depending on the position of an obstacle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating how an ear thermometer according to an embodiment of the present invention is inserted into the ear canal at the most ideal position to measure body temperature. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a reference strength setting method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a method for determining reliability and validity according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a method for determining reliability and validity according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Fig. 8 shows a method for determining reliability according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9a to Fig. 9f show comparisons between a reference intensity, a first intensity, and a second intensity. [Figure 9a] Figure 9a shows the most ideal insertion position, where the first and second intensities are similar. [Figure 9b] FIG. 9b shows the case where the second intensity is much greater than the first intensity and the insertion direction of the second light source is inappropriate. [Figure 9c] FIG. 9c shows a case where the first intensity is much greater than the second intensity and the first light source is inserted in an inappropriate direction. [Figure 9d] Figure 9d shows similar results to Figure 2b, but requires foreign body removal. [Figure 9e] Figure 9e shows an example of excessive downward insertion. [Figure 9f] Figure 9f shows an example of excessive upward insertion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0021] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be embodied in various different forms. These embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present invention will be complete and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout this specification, the same reference symbols refer to the same elements.

[0022] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] Enzymes in the body are sensitive to their activity conditions, and even a temperature rise of around 40°C can cause a drastic drop in efficiency or cell death, making it impossible to maintain proper bodily activity. A temperature rise of just 38°C can be a health-threatening level, and anything above 40°C can be life-threatening. Generally, a body temperature of 37-38°C is considered a slight fever, and anything above 38°C is considered a fever or high fever.

[0024] Conversely, a temperature below 35°C is classified as hypothermia, but if appropriate measures are taken, such as covering the patient with a blanket or drinking hot tea, there is a high possibility that the patient's body temperature will recover in a short period of time up to around 34°C. In this way, body temperature is important health information and is an important element of remote medical care.

[0025] The present invention provides an ear thermometer and a method for determining the reliability and validity of body temperature, which is one type of health information.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an ear thermometer according to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2a is a front view showing a part of the ear thermometer according to one embodiment of the present invention that is inserted into the ear canal, and Fig. 2b is a perspective view.

[0027] Referring to Figures 1, 2a and 2b, an ear thermometer according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing (25) that is inserted into the ear canal; a plurality of light sources (10) that are arranged in the housing (25) and emit light; a detection unit (50) that measures the intensity of light reflected inside the ear canal by the plurality of light sources (10); and a control unit (30) that compares the light intensities to determine the reliability of the body temperature measurement.

[0028] The multiple light sources (10) include a first light source (11), a second light source (12), a third light source (13), and a fourth light source (14). A control unit (30) controls the multiple light sources (10). The control unit (30) turns the multiple light sources (10) on and off. The multiple light sources (10) can emit infrared light and can be laser diodes or LEDs. The laser light source can also be a fiber laser using an optical fiber cable. A collimator (23) can be disposed in front of the multiple light sources (10) to create a straight light beam.

[0029] The detection unit 50 may be an infrared sensor. The detection unit 50 detects body temperature. The detection unit 50 measures the reflected light emitted by the multiple light sources 10. The detection unit 50 measures the intensity of the light. The detection unit 50 transmits the measurement data to the control unit 30.

[0030] The control unit (30) receives data relating to the intensity of light emitted by the plurality of light sources (10) and body temperature from the detection unit (50).

[0031] The control unit 30 may transmit information about the determined body temperature data, reliability, and validity to the user's terminal via the wireless communication unit 80. As another example, the user's terminal may periodically receive the body temperature determined by the control unit 30.

[0032] If the transmitted temperature is above the standard value, the user's device can notify the medical institution that the temperature is above the standard value. The user's device can transmit the temperature information, along with the validity and reliability of the temperature measurement, to the medical institution. The medical institution can determine the user's health information and whether or not they are infected with a disease based on the transmitted temperature information. For example, if a medical institution suspects coronavirus (COVID-19) infection based on the user's temperature information, it can contact the user for further testing or request the use of a self-diagnosis kit.

[0033] The user terminal may be a mobile device 90. The mobile device 90 may be a mobile phone, a tablet PC, a smart watch, a wrist watch, smart glasses, or a head-mounted display (HMD).

[0034] The wireless communication unit 80 may include an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit for transmitting and receiving RF signals for wireless communication. The wireless communication unit 80 may perform wireless communication with the mobile device 90 using a method such as Bluetooth®, or may perform direct wireless communication with the server 95 via a wireless network using a method such as wireless LAN or Wi-Fi.

[0035] The server (95) can estimate the type and route of infection of an infectious disease based on the received body temperature information (maximum temperature, minimum temperature, rate of change in body temperature, and period of change), personal information, and incubation period.

[0036] Figure 3 is a diagram showing that the intensity of light emitted by an ear thermometer according to an embodiment of the present invention changes depending on the position of an obstacle. Figure 4 is a diagram showing that an ear thermometer according to an embodiment of the present invention is inserted at the most ideal position in the ear canal to measure the temperature of the eardrum.

[0037] 3 and 4, various elements that obstruct the path of light exist inside the ear canal. The shape of the ear canal varies from person to person, and is generally curved, and foreign objects may exist inside. These elements prevent the detection unit 50 from measuring body temperature accurately.

[0038] Light emitted by the first light source (11) and the second light source (12) hits an obstacle, and the intensity of the reflected light is inversely proportional to the square of the travel distance. The control unit (30) can determine that the weaker the light intensity, the more the detection unit (50) is positioned toward the eardrum. The control unit (30) sequentially turns on the multiple light sources (10) and determines the degree to which the detection unit (50) is facing the eardrum. The control unit (30) determines the degree to which the detection unit (50) is facing the eardrum through the multiple light sources (10) arranged around the detection unit (50).

[0039] The control unit 30 determines the state of the ear thermometer inserted into the ear canal according to the following formula: A and α can be determined through testing.

number

[0040] The control unit (30) sequentially turns on the plurality of light sources (10) and determines the intensity of light from each light source.

[0041] The control unit 30 determines the reliability of the body temperature measurement based on the standard deviation of the light intensity, and determines that the smaller the standard deviation of the measured light intensity, the higher the reliability of the body temperature measurement.

[0042] If the standard deviation is equal to or less than the reference value, the control unit (30) sets the average value of the light intensity, or any one of the values, or the lowest value, as the reference intensity.

[0043] The control unit 30 determines the validity of the body temperature measurement based on the difference between the average light intensity and the reference intensity. The control unit 30 determines that the validity of the body temperature measurement is higher when the difference between the average light intensity and the reference intensity is smaller.

[0044] The light sources constituting the plurality of light sources (10) are arranged at the same angle relative to one another with the detection unit (50) as the center. The light sources constituting the plurality of light sources (10) may all be the same distance from the detection unit (50). The distance d1 between the first light source (11) and the detection unit (50), the distance d2 between the second light source (12) and the detection unit (50), and the distance d3 between the third light source (13) and the detection unit (50) may be the same. The distance d1 between the first light source (11) and the detection unit (50) and the distance d2 between the second light source (12) and the detection unit (50) may be the same.

[0045] The ear thermometer according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a collimator (23) disposed in the light source to collimate the light beam.

[0046] An ear thermometer according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing (25) that is inserted into the ear canal; a plurality of light sources (10) that are arranged in the housing (25) and emit light; a detection unit (50) that measures the intensity of light reflected inside the ear canal by the plurality of light sources (10); and a control unit (30) that compares the light intensities to determine the validity of the body temperature measurement.

[0047] The control unit (30) determines the validity of the body temperature measurement based on the difference between the average light intensity and a predetermined reference intensity.

[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for setting a reference strength according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, a method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer inserted into the ear canal, comprising: a step (S110) of irradiating light from a first light source (11) inserted into the ear canal; a first measurement step (S112) of measuring a first intensity, which is the intensity of the reflected light, from a detection unit (50) inserted into the ear canal; a step (S121) of irradiating light from a second light source (12) inserted into the ear canal and disposed at a different position from the first light source (11); and a second measurement step (S121) of measuring a second intensity, which is the intensity of the reflected light, from the detection unit (50). The method includes a step (S122); a step (S131) ​​of irradiating light from a third light source (13) inserted into the ear canal and positioned differently from the first light source (11) and the second light source (12); a third measurement step (S132) of measuring a third intensity, which is the intensity of the reflected light, by the detection unit (50); and a step (S140) of calculating the standard deviation of the first intensity, the second intensity, and the third intensity, and setting the average value, any one of the first intensity, the second intensity, and the third intensity, or the lowest value, as a reference intensity that will be the basis for determining the reliability of the next body temperature detection.

[0050] The baseline intensity can be measured in advance and can also be updated after each temperature measurement.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a method for determining reliability and validity according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 6, a method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer inserted into the ear canal, comprising: a step (S211) of irradiating light from a first light source (11) inserted into the ear canal; a first measuring step (S212) of measuring a first intensity, which is the intensity of the light reflected by a detection unit (50) inserted into the ear canal; a step (S221) of irradiating light from a second light source (12) inserted into the ear canal and disposed at a different position from the first light source (11); and a step (S222) of measuring a first intensity, which is the intensity of the light reflected by the detection unit (50). The method includes a second measuring step (S222) of measuring a second intensity, which is the intensity of the light reflected from the ear canal; a step (S231) of irradiating light from a third light source (13) inserted into the ear canal and positioned differently from the first light source (11) and the second light source (12); a third measuring step (S232) of measuring a third intensity, which is the intensity of the light reflected from the detection unit (50); and a step (S260) of calculating standard deviations of the first intensity, the second intensity, and the third intensity and determining the reliability of the body temperature measurement based on the magnitude of the standard deviation.

[0053] A first value is calculated by assigning a first weight to the standard deviation, and a second value is calculated by assigning a second weight to the difference between the average value and a predetermined reference intensity, and the reliability is determined to be higher when the sum of the first value and the second value is lower.

[0054] The method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes determining that the validity is high if the second value is equal to or less than a predetermined value (S270).

[0055] The sum of the first weighting and the second weighting may be 1. Once the first weighting is determined, the second weighting is also determined. The first weighting may be determined in advance based on test results.

[0056] A method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a step (S250) in which the detection unit (50) measures body temperature while the first light source (11), the second light source (12), and the third light source (13) are turned off.

[0057] FIG. 7 illustrates a method for determining reliability and validity according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 7, a method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer inserted into the ear canal to measure body temperature, and includes a step (S310) in which a plurality of light sources (10) inserted into the ear canal sequentially irradiate light; a plurality of measurement steps (S330) in which a detection unit (50) inserted into the ear canal measures the light intensity according to the irradiation steps of the plurality of light sources (10); a step (S350) in which the detection unit (50) measures body temperature while the plurality of light sources (10) are turned off; and a step (S370) in which reliability of body temperature measurement is determined based on the standard deviation and average value of the intensities measured at each of the plurality of measurement steps.

[0059] A method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a step (S390) of determining that the measured body temperature is highly valid if the difference between the average value and a predetermined reference intensity is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0060] FIG. 8 shows a reliability determination method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 8, a method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer inserted into the ear canal, and includes the steps of: measuring body temperature using a detection unit (50) with a first light source (11) and a second light source (12) inserted into the ear canal turned off (S401); irradiating light using the first light source (11) (S411); a first measurement step (S412) in which the detection unit (50) measures a first intensity, which is the intensity of the reflected light; irradiating light using the second light source (12) with the first light source (11) turned off (S421); a second measurement step (S422) in which the detection unit (50) measures a second intensity, which is the intensity of the reflected light; and determining the reliability of the body temperature measurement based on the difference between the first intensity and the second intensity (S430).

[0062] A method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a step (S450) of sending a message to the user requesting that the user reset the insertion position if the intensity difference value is equal to or less than a reference value. The message can be displayed on the mobile device (90) or directly on the ear thermometer. The message can also be a voice message.

[0063] 9a to 9f show a comparison of the reference intensity, the first intensity, and the second intensity. FIG. 9a shows the case where the light source is inserted in the most ideal position, where the first intensity and the second intensity are similar. FIG. 9b shows the case where the second intensity is much greater than the first intensity and the insertion direction of the second light source (12) is incorrect. FIG. 9c shows the case where the first intensity is much greater than the second intensity and the insertion direction of the first light source (11) is incorrect. FIG. 9d shows the result similar to FIG. 2b, but where foreign matter removal is required. FIG. 9e shows an example where the light source is inserted in the wrong downward direction, and FIG. 9f shows an example where the light source is inserted in the wrong upward direction.

[0064] Referring to Figures 9a to 9f, the control unit (30) can evaluate reliability and validity through a reference intensity, a first intensity, a second intensity, a third intensity, and a fourth intensity measured through multiple light sources (10).

[0065] To set the initial reference strength, medical staff can insert the thermometer directly into the user's ear. Once the reference strength is set, the user can use the ear thermometer permanently or temporarily. The measured body temperature, its reliability, and validity are sent to the server via the mobile device. The assessed reliability and validity can be transmitted to medical staff along with the detected body temperature, and medical staff can request the user to take a remeasurement based on the transmitted reliability and validity. The reliability and validity can encourage the user to take an accurate measurement. Medical staff can also monitor the user's accurate temperature measurement activities. The measured body temperature can be used to diagnose infectious diseases and monitor the user's health status.

[0066] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and these modifications should not be understood separately from the technical ideas and perspectives of the present invention.

Claims

1. In a method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer inserted into the ear canal, a first light source stage in which a first light source inserted into the ear canal emits light; a first measuring step in which a detecting unit inserted into the ear canal measures a first intensity, which is the intensity of reflected light; a step of irradiating light from a second light source that is inserted into the ear canal and positioned differently from the first light source; a second measuring step in which the detector measures a second intensity, which is the intensity of the reflected light; a step of irradiating light from a third light source that is inserted into the ear canal and disposed at a position different from the first light source and the second light source; a third measuring step in which the detector measures a third intensity, which is the intensity of the reflected light; and A method for measuring body temperature with an ear thermometer, comprising the step of calculating a standard deviation of the first intensity, the second intensity, and the third intensity.

2. The method further includes a step of measuring a body temperature by the detection unit with the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source turned off, 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the reliability of the temperature measurement based on the magnitude of the standard deviation.

3. The step of determining the reliability of the body temperature measurement includes: calculating a first value obtained by assigning a first weight to the standard deviation and a second value obtained by assigning a second weight to a difference between an average value of the first intensity, the second intensity, and the third intensity and a predetermined reference intensity; 3. The method for measuring body temperature with an ear-type thermometer according to claim 2, wherein the reliability of the body temperature measurement is determined to be higher as the sum of the first value and the second value is lower.

4. A method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer as described in claim 3, further comprising a step of determining that the validity is high if the second value is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

5. 4. The method for measuring body temperature with an ear-type thermometer according to claim 3, wherein the sum of the first weight and the second weight is set to 1.

6. 2. The body temperature measuring method for an ear thermometer according to claim 1, wherein d1, which is the distance between the first light source and the detection unit, d2, which is the distance between the second light source and the detection unit, and d3, which is the distance between the third light source and the detection unit, are the same.

7. 3. The method for measuring body temperature with an ear thermometer according to claim 2, further comprising the step of: if the standard deviation is equal to or less than a reference value, setting the average value of the first intensity, the second intensity, and the third intensity, or any one of the values ​​or the lowest value, as a reference intensity that will serve as the basis for determining the reliability of the next body temperature detection.

8. In a method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer inserted into the ear canal, a step in which the detection unit measures body temperature while the first light source and the second light source inserted into the ear canal are turned off; a step of irradiating light from the first light source while turning off the second light source; a first measuring step in which the detector measures a first intensity, which is the intensity of reflected light; a step of irradiating light from the second light source while the first light source is turned off; a second measuring step in which the detector measures a second intensity, which is the intensity of the reflected light; and A method for measuring body temperature using an ear thermometer, comprising a step of determining reliability of body temperature measurement based on a difference between the first intensity and the second intensity.

Images