Eardrum Recognition Unit for Stable Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eardrum temperature measurement devices face challenges in accurately and continuously measuring deep body temperature due to instability in sensor positioning and user discomfort, especially during long-term use, as they often require firm insertion and precise alignment within the external ear canal.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with an eardrum recognition unit that uses image information to accurately recognize the eardrum position, a temperature measurement unit to acquire temperature within the external ear canal, and a temperature processing unit to determine the eardrum temperature, allowing for non-contact, stable, and comfortable long-term measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thermometer is firmly pressed into the eardrum for stable positioning, then measurement stability is improved, but user discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical insertion and pressing system with an optical recognition system. The eardrum recognition unit uses image processing to identify eardrum position and guides the sensor unit to the correct location, eliminating the need for firm mechanical insertion into the eardrum while maintaining measurement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary guidance system consisting of the eardrum recognition unit and direction guidance unit. This intermediary system mediates between the sensor unit and the eardrum, providing directional guidance to achieve proper positioning without requiring direct firm contact or insertion, thereby reducing user discomfort.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor unit is inserted deep into the external ear canal for accurate eardrum temperature measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but insertion stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a directional guidance dimension to the insertion process. The direction guidance unit provides angular and positional information to guide the sensor unit along the correct trajectory toward the eardrum, transforming the complex three-dimensional insertion task into a guided process that improves both accuracy and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The eardrum recognition unit performs preliminary recognition of the eardrum position and characteristics before the actual temperature measurement. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-calculate the optimal insertion direction and adjust the sensor unit positioning in advance, ensuring both accurate measurement and stable insertion.
3Duration of action of moving object
If continuous long-term measurement is performed, then monitoring capability is improved, but sensor positioning stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the eardrum recognition unit continuously monitors the position of the sensor unit relative to the eardrum during long-term measurement. The direction guidance unit receives this feedback and makes real-time adjustments to maintain proper positioning, enabling continuous measurement while preserving positioning stability.
4Reliability
If the insertion portion is designed to be firmly pressed for stable positioning, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical firm-pressing requirement with an optical guidance system. The eardrum recognition unit and direction guidance unit provide automated positioning assistance, eliminating the need for users to apply firm pressure or precisely manually position the device, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement reliability.
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 reliable and precise eardrum temperature measurement by ensuring accurate sensor positioning and reducing user discomfort, enabling continuous monitoring without the need for constant firm insertion or precise alignment, thus improving the accuracy and comfort of deep body temperature assessment.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that measures the radiant heat of the eardrum from an external ear canal is inserted and the radiant heat emitted from the eardrum is measured in a non-contact form
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an information processing apparatus including an eardrum recognition unit configured to recognize a position of an eardrum based on image information regarding the eardrum, a temperature measurement unit configured to acquire a temperature within an external ear canal including the eardrum, and a temperature processing unit configured to determine a temperature of the eardrum based on a recognition result of the eardrum recognition unit and a measured temperature of the temperature measurement unit.