Infrared Sensor Temperature Measurement Non-Contact Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature measurement systems require physical contact or close proximity to the object, which is undesirable in situations like infectious disease screening or measuring non-human subjects, necessitating a non-contact, high-accuracy method for temperature measurement from a distance.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with an infrared sensor, analog-to-digital converter, and processor that computes temperature by analyzing infrared radiation, allowing for non-contact temperature measurement from several feet away, with optional autonomous orientation and distance adjustment using cameras, rangefinders, and actuators, and displaying the results on a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact-based temperature measurement is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but safety and operational efficiency deteriorate due to risk of contamination and inability to measure from distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical temperature measurement with non-contact infrared radiation detection. The infrared sensor detects thermal radiation emitted by the subject's body, converting it into temperature readings without physical contact, thereby eliminating contamination risk while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrared radiation as an intermediary carrier to transfer temperature information from the subject to the measuring device. The infrared sensor detects this radiation field, allowing temperature measurement at a distance without direct contact between the measuring device and the subject
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact temperature measurement from distance is implemented, then safety and operational efficiency are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal attenuation and environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration and establishes reference temperature-data relationships before actual measurement. The processor uses pre-stored calibration data to compensate for signal attenuation and environmental factors, ensuring accurate temperature conversion even when measuring from a distance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors measurement conditions and adjusts calibration parameters accordingly. The processor compares detected infrared signals with stored reference data, automatically compensating for distance-related signal loss and environmental interference to maintain measurement precision
3Reliability
If multiple temperature readings are collected and processed, then measurement reliability is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent collects multiple temperature readings (excessive action) but processes only the necessary subset using filtering algorithms. The system applies moving average or median filtering to a sequence of readings, selecting representative values that maintain reliability while reducing full dataset processing requirements and associated time costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the temperature measurement process into distinct phases: data collection, filtering, and final processing. By dividing the measurement sequence into manageable segments and applying different processing strategies to each, the system maintains high reliability through multiple readings while minimizing overall processing time through efficient segment handling
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 safe, high-accuracy temperature measurement of both human and non-human subjects from a distance, reducing the risk of contamination and improving operational efficiency by eliminating the need for close proximity, while also allowing for rapid data processing and storage.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared sensor located in the body of the device that is oriented to receive the infrared radiation and to generate at least one output that corresponds to the received infrared radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detecting infrared radiation emanating from a subject while not in physical contact with the subject. The device includes a body, an infrared sensor located in the body oriented to receive the infrared radiation and to generate at least one output that corresponds to the received infrared radiation, an analog to digital converter in communication with the infrared sensor to receive the at least one output, a processor in communication with the analog to digital converter or infrared sensor to process an output of the analog to digital converter or the output of the infrared sensor, into a computed temperature of the subject, wherein the processor adjusts the computed temperature based on an emissivity of the subject, a memory module to store a first plurality of computed temperatures in a predetermined sequence; and a filter module to select a first maximum from among the first plurality of computed temperatures.