Infrared Sensor Temperature Measurement Non-Contact Design
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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 disease screening, where maintaining distance is crucial for safety.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with an infrared sensor, analog to digital converter, and processor that computes temperature from infrared radiation without physical contact, allowing for accurate temperature measurement from a distance using a camera for alignment and rangefinder for distance determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact-based temperature measurement is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but safety and contamination risk worsen
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 skin, converting it into temperature readings without physical contact, thereby eliminating contamination risk while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrared radiation as an intermediary carrier of thermal information. Instead of direct contact between the measuring device and subject, the infrared sensor detects thermal radiation that has traveled through air, acting as a safe intermediary that transfers temperature information without requiring proximity or contact.
2Measurement precision
If close proximity measurement is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but safety and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes close-proximity infrared detection for contact-based measurement, allowing operators to measure temperatures from a safe distance. The infrared sensor captures thermal radiation that travels through air, eliminating the need for operators to approach subjects closely while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional contact measurement to three-dimensional non-contact detection. The infrared sensor can detect thermal radiation from any position within its field of view, allowing temperature measurement from various distances and angles, thereby improving operator safety and accessibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact temperature measurement is implemented, then safety and distance capability are improved, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms including real-time calibration against known temperature references, continuous monitoring of environmental conditions, and algorithmic compensation for atmospheric effects. This feedback loop maintains measurement accuracy despite the non-contact nature of the measurement, ensuring precision is preserved while achieving safety benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the infrared detection system, including adjustable wavelength selection, variable integration times, and dynamic gain control. These parameter adjustments optimize the detection of thermal radiation signals, maintaining high measurement precision while operating at various distances without contact.
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 high-accuracy, high-speed temperature measurement from several feet away, reducing the risk of contamination and enhancing safety by eliminating the need for close proximity to the subject.
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 data received into a temperature associated with 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. A method of determining the temperature of a subject is also provided.