Infrared Thermometer Multi-Sensor Scanning for Core Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-contact infrared thermometers face challenges in accurately measuring body temperature due to difficulties in locating the optimal measurement position and converting forehead surface temperature to core body temperature, especially for different age groups, leading to measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact infrared thermometer with at least three infrared sensors arranged in series and an indicating unit that emits visible light to indicate the received infrared region, along with a microprocessor to filter temperature values and determine the core body temperature, including modes for infants, young adults, and middle-aged or elderly individuals based on temperature distribution curves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single infrared sensor is used to measure forehead temperature, then the device structure is simple, but it is difficult to accurately locate the optimal measurement position and achieve high measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into multiple segments by using at least three infrared sensors arranged in series. Each sensor measures temperature at different positions, and the microprocessor processes these segmented measurements to identify the highest temperature value corresponding to the arterial blood vessel location, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point linear measurement by arranging sensors in series. This dimensional change allows the system to scan across the forehead surface and locate the optimal measurement position (highest temperature point) rather than relying on a fixed single-point measurement
2Measurement precision
If multiple infrared sensors are arranged in series to scan and filter temperature values, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically processing the temperature data from multiple sensors through the microprocessor. The microprocessor autonomously identifies the highest temperature value, determines the measurement position, and converts forehead temperature to core body temperature using embedded algorithms, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the indicating unit that provides visual feedback to guide the user to the optimal measurement position. The system also uses internal feedback by comparing temperature values from multiple sensors and using the highest value as the basis for core body temperature conversion, ensuring measurement accuracy
3Ease of operation
If no indicating unit is provided, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation decreases due to difficulty in locating the correct measurement region
Solution Approach 1:
The indicating unit uses visible light (color) to mark the optimal measurement position on the forehead. By projecting a visual indicator at the location corresponding to the highest temperature reading, the system guides users to the correct measurement position, significantly improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The indicating unit acts as an intermediary between the infrared sensors and the user. It translates the invisible infrared measurement data into visible visual feedback, bridging the gap between the measurement system and the user to improve operational ease
4Measurement precision
If a single conversion mode is used for all age groups, then the calculation system is simple, but measurement precision decreases for infants and other age groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing age-specific conversion algorithms tailored to different population groups. The microprocessor automatically selects appropriate conversion modes (infant mode, young adult mode, middle-aged or elderly mode) based on the measured temperature characteristics, ensuring high measurement precision for each age group
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the conversion parameters dynamically based on the detected temperature distribution. By analyzing the temperature values from multiple sensors and identifying the highest temperature point, the system determines the appropriate age group and applies the corresponding conversion algorithm, improving measurement accuracy across different populations
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
Improves measurement accuracy and convenience by accurately converting forehead surface temperature to core body temperature and preventing incorrect measurements by clearly indicating the infrared region and using age-specific modes.
Implementation Method 1
at least three infrared sensors arranged in serial to receive an infrared ray at the target area
Implementation Method 2
an indicating unit configured to emit a visible light on the target area to indicate a received infrared region
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is related to a non-contact infrared thermometer, which includes at least three infrared sensors, an indicating unit and a microprocessor. The at least three infrared sensors are arranged in serial to receive an infrared ray at a target area. The indicating unit is configured to emit visible light on the target area to indicate a received infrared region. The microprocessor is configured to receive and process the infrared ray measured by the at least three infrared sensors to provide at least three temperature values, thereby determining that the object to be measured is an organism.