Head-Mounted Thermal Camera for Allergic Trigger Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collecting thermal measurements of the human face, particularly for detecting allergic reactions, is challenging due to the need for bulky and expensive thermal cameras that struggle with user movements and day-to-day activities.
Innovation Solution
The use of head-mounted thermal cameras physically coupled to a frame, allowing for continuous and accurate measurement of facial temperatures, including the nose region, while the user performs various activities, with a computer system to detect allergic reactions by analyzing thermal data and identifying potential triggers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional thermal cameras are used to collect facial temperature data, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device portability and ease of use deteriorate due to bulky size and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the thermal measurement function from traditional bulky cameras and integrates it into a head-mounted display device. The thermal camera is positioned to measure specific facial regions (nose, cheeks, forehead) through the display device, allowing continuous monitoring without requiring separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The head-mounted display device performs multiple functions: it displays visual information to the user while simultaneously housing a thermal camera for temperature monitoring. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate thermal imaging equipment, improving portability while maintaining measurement capability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If thermal cameras are used to monitor facial temperatures during daily activities, then continuous data collection is improved, but difficulty in maintaining accurate measurements worsens due to user movements
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal camera is integrated into a head-mounted device that moves with the user's head, maintaining a consistent relative position to the face during movement. The system dynamically adjusts to user motion, allowing continuous monitoring without requiring the camera to remain stationary or continuously repositioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device acts as an intermediary structure that positions the thermal camera in optimal alignment with facial measurement points. The camera measures temperatures through or near the display elements, using the display device itself as the positioning intermediary that maintains accurate measurement geometry during movement.
3Measurement precision
If image analysis procedures like face tracking are used to maintain measurement accuracy during movement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential thermal measurement data from the facial region without requiring complex full-face image analysis. The thermal camera focuses specifically on temperature patterns in key regions (nose, cheeks, forehead) rather than analyzing the entire face, reducing computational complexity while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for allergic reactions.
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 efficient and continuous collection of thermal data, allowing for early detection of allergic reactions and identification of triggers, enabling users to take preventative measures.
Implementation Method 1
at least an inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera worn on the user's head, which takes thermal measurements of a region on the nose
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems and methods for selecting a trigger of an allergic reaction. In one embodiment, a system includes an inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera (CAM) and a computer. CAM takes thermal measurements of a region on the nose (THN) of the user. Optionally, CAM weighs below 10 g and is located less than 15 cm from the user's face. The computer detects extents of the allergic reaction based on THN, receives indications of potential triggers of the allergic reaction to which the user was exposed, and selects the trigger, from among the potential triggers, based on the extents and the indications. Optionally, during most of the time the user was affected by the trigger, an effect of the trigger, as manifested via changes to THN, was higher than effects of most of the potential triggers.