Ear Thermometer Calibration via Infrared Transmittance Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy of ear temperature measurements by ear thermometers is affected by the varying thickness of disposable ear caps, which impact the infrared transmittance, necessitating a suitable temperature calibration method to achieve accurate readings.
Innovation Solution
A temperature calibration method for ear thermometers with a probe cover, involving activation elements to sense infrared transmittance, a control element with memory to store preset transmittance values, and a calibration function to adjust uncalibrated temperatures based on measured and preset transmittance values using a radiation energy measurement formula.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disposable ear cap is placed on the ear thermometer probe, then hygiene and safety are improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to varying infrared transmittance
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects the infrared transmittance parameter of the ear cap and dynamically adjusts the temperature measurement parameters accordingly. By changing the measurement parameters based on the detected transmittance, the system maintains accurate temperature readings despite variations in ear cap material properties
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the detected infrared transmittance of the ear cap is used to adjust subsequent temperature measurements. The measured transmittance value feeds back into the calculation process to compensate for the ear cap's effect, ensuring continuous accurate measurements
2Adaptability or versatility
If ear caps of different thicknesses are used, then user comfort and adaptability are improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adapts to different ear cap thicknesses by detecting their infrared transmittance parameters and adjusting the measurement parameters accordingly. This allows the thermometer to work accurately with various ear cap specifications without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature calibration method makes the ear thermometer universally compatible with different types and thicknesses of ear caps. By incorporating transmittance detection and automatic calibration, the system achieves multi-functionality that accommodates various ear cap specifications while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If infrared transmittance calibration is implemented, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the transmittance detection function and temperature measurement function into a single integrated process. By combining these functions and using the transmittance detection results to directly adjust the temperature measurement, the system achieves accurate calibration without requiring separate complex calibration hardware or procedures
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 accurate ear temperature calibration across different probe covers with varying infrared transmittances, ensuring precise temperature measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the activation elements being configured to sense an infrared transmittance of the probe cover to obtain a measured transmittance value
Implementation Method 2
obtaining an infrared radiation energy emitted by the object to be tested, according to the uncalibrated temperature, the measured transmittance value, a preset transmittance value, and a radiation energy measurement formula
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature calibration method for an ear thermometer with a probe cover is provided. The temperature calibration method includes: providing the ear thermometer with the probe cover, the ear thermometer including a plurality of activation elements which are configured to sense an infrared transmittance of the probe cover to obtain a measured transmittance value; using the ear thermometer to measure an object to be tested to obtain an uncalibrated temperature; obtaining an infrared radiation energy emitted by the object to be tested, according to the uncalibrated temperature, the measured transmittance value, a preset transmittance value, and a radiation energy measurement formula; and calibrating the uncalibrated temperature to a calibrated temperature, according to a temperature calibration function.