Handheld Imaging Device for Medical Thermometer Data Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermometers do not provide an inexpensive and easy way to capture and record temperature readings, especially when historical trends need to be monitored, and the personnel taking the temperature may not be the same as those diagnosing the patient, leading to inefficiencies in data collection and communication.
Innovation Solution
A handheld imaging device that captures images of temperature readings from thermometers, including error-checking values, and transmits this data to an electronic medical record system via wireless communication, using optical character recognition and error-control algorithms, allowing for secure and accurate recording of patient temperature data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual temperature recording methods are used, then personnel can take temperature readings, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors in data entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying to capture temperature readings directly from the thermometer display. The imaging device takes a picture of the thermometer screen, and optical character recognition extracts the temperature value, eliminating manual transcription and reducing errors in data entry while improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual data entry with an automated optical and electronic system. The imaging device with OCR technology substitutes the manual writing or typing process, while error-detection algorithms replace manual verification steps, significantly reducing time loss and improving productivity
2Productivity
If temperature readings are transmitted without verification, then data transmission is fast, but errors in temperature values may go undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through error-detection algorithms that automatically verify temperature readings. The system checks the captured temperature value against expected ranges and formats, providing immediate feedback on data validity before transmission, ensuring reliability without significantly impacting transmission speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary verification of temperature readings before transmission. The error-detection algorithms validate the temperature value upfront, checking for plausibility and format correctness, so that only verified data is transmitted, maintaining both speed and reliability
3Reliability
If manual verification of temperature readings is performed, then data accuracy improves, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service verification through automated error-detection algorithms. The system automatically checks temperature readings for validity, ranges, and format correctness without requiring manual intervention, maintaining high reliability while keeping the process simple and efficient
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual verification procedures with automated electronic algorithms. The error-detection system uses computational methods to validate temperature readings, reducing the complexity of the verification process while improving reliability through consistent, error-free automated checks
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate personnel take temperatures and diagnose patients, then specialized diagnostic work can be performed, but data collection and communication become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal data collection system that can be used by any personnel regardless of their role. The imaging device and automated verification system work the same way whether used by nursing staff taking temperatures or by diagnostic personnel, enabling specialized diagnostic work while maintaining high efficiency through standardized automated processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated system that bridges temperature collection and diagnostic analysis. The electronic verification and transmission system acts as a mediator between data collectors and diagnostic personnel, enabling efficient communication and data sharing without requiring direct involvement of diagnostic staff in the measurement process
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transmitting a temperature of a patient to an electronic medical record associated with the patient includes a thermometer with a digital display that is configured to display a temperature value associated with the temperature signal and at least one error-checking value. The system also includes a handheld imaging device including a camera to capture an image of the digital display of the thermometer, a processor to extract the text in the image using optical character recognition, and perform an error-check on the temperature value using the at least one error-checking value in the image, and to transmit the patient's identification number and temperature to an electronic medical record system.