Distant Thermal Imaging for Core Body Temperature Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-contact temperature measurement methods, such as forehead infrared thermometers and distant thermal imaging cameras, suffer from inaccuracies due to measuring surface temperature instead of core body temperature, and require a wait time for accurate readings, especially when ambient conditions vary.
Innovation Solution
A thermal imaging device with a thermal image capture module, ambient sensor module, and processing module that generates a human mask and hot spot mask to extract relevant pixels, using a biophysical model to calculate core temperature based on skin temperature and ambient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact thermometers or thermal imaging cameras are used for temperature measurement, then temperature detection is achieved, but physical contact or close proximity is required which compromises safety during outbreaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical temperature measurement systems with a non-contact optical system. The thermal imaging camera captures infrared radiation from the forehead through the lens, converting thermal energy to electrical signals without requiring physical contact or close proximity, thus maintaining safety while enabling temperature detection from a distance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system consisting of a lens and optical path that transmits thermal radiation information from the target (forehead) to the detector. This intermediary allows temperature measurement at a distance by mediating the transmission of thermal signals without requiring direct contact or close proximity between the measurer and the measured
2Reliability
If thermal imaging cameras are used for distant temperature measurement, then safety is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to distance and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the processor analyzes the captured thermal image data, compares it against reference values, and adjusts measurements accordingly. The system continuously monitors and refines temperature readings by comparing multiple data points and environmental parameters, ensuring accurate measurement results even at distances of 1-3 meters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent compensates for environmental parameter changes (temperature, humidity, atmospheric conditions) by introducing correction algorithms. The system adjusts measurement parameters based on detected environmental conditions, changing the measurement parameters dynamically to maintain precision despite variations in distance and environmental factors
3Measurement precision
If conventional temperature screening methods are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to manual operation and time-consuming processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated system: the thermal imaging camera captures images, the processor simultaneously performs temperature extraction, environmental parameter detection, and result analysis, while the output module displays results. This consolidation of functions enables high-speed automated screening without sacrificing measurement precision, dramatically improving productivity compared to manual methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calibrating the system with reference temperature values and environmental parameters before actual measurement. The processor pre-processes the thermal image data to identify relevant regions and applies pre-programmed algorithms for temperature extraction and analysis, enabling rapid automated screening while maintaining precision
4Measurement precision
If contact thermometers are used for accurate temperature measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to contact requirements and operational constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex contact-based systems. By using thermal imaging to capture and analyze thermal radiation patterns, the system extracts temperature information without requiring physical contact, simplifying operation while maintaining precision through automated image analysis and processor-based temperature calculation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables fast and accurate non-contact temperature screening by determining core body temperature, reducing inaccuracies and eliminating the need for wait times by accounting for ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared detector is provided, the infrared detector being used to detect the infrared signal reflected by the target object
Implementation Method 2
an optical system is provided, the optical system including a lens, the optical system being used to transmit an optical signal from the target object to the infrared detector
Data Source
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AI summary
A non-contact temperature scanning system capable of high-speed determination of core body temperature TC by estimating a representative skin temperature TS of a subject from a thermal image. The system employs a biophysical model which considers heat transfer properties. In particular, the model takes into consideration of the ambient temperature TA and relative humidity Rh in addition to estimating TS from a thermal image. Once TS is determined, TC can be calculated based on the biophysical model which takes into consideration TA and Rh.