Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer with Time-of-Flight Distance Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-contact infrared thermometers struggle to accurately measure temperature distance for individuals with different skin colors due to varying infrared ray reflection, leading to measurement errors.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a time-of-flight sensor to measure actual temperature measurement distance, combined with a microprocessor and storage to ensure accurate temperature measurement within a predetermined range, and optional alignment and positioning units for precise alignment and positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an infrared distance sensor is used to determine the temperature measurement distance, then the thermometer can estimate the actual temperature measurement distance, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates for individuals with different skin colors due to varying infrared ray reflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement distance estimationVSAvoidtemperature measurement distance accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from infrared ray reflection (which varies with skin color) to time of flight measurement (which is independent of skin color). The time-of-flight sensor measures the actual distance by timing how long it takes for a light signal to travel to the target and back, providing a skin-color-independent distance measurement that resolves the accuracy issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If an infrared distance sensor is tuned and calibrated for non-black skin, then the measurement works well for non-black people, but measurement accuracy deteriorates for black people due to lower infrared ray reflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement distance accuracy for non-black skinVSAvoidapplicability to all skin colors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the distance measurement system universal by using time-of-flight measurement instead of infrared reflection measurement. The time-of-flight sensor provides consistent and accurate distance measurements for all skin colors without requiring separate calibration for different skin types, thereby achieving universality across all users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the infrared sensor measures temperature at incorrect distance due to skin color variations, then the temperature measurement can be performed, but the measured body temperature contains errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasured body temperature accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a time-of-flight sensor as an intermediary device to accurately determine the measurement distance independent of skin color. This intermediary measurement allows the system to compensate for distance variations and apply appropriate correction factors to the temperature measurement, thereby maintaining temperature measurement capability while eliminating skin color-related errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 accurate temperature measurement regardless of skin color by ensuring the correct distance is maintained, improving measurement accuracy and reducing errors.

Implementation Method 1

a time-of-flight sensor configured to measure an actual temperature measurement distance from the target area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

Their operation principle is to receive infrared rays emitted by the skin on the forehead or temples of the human body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS20260036469A1Non-contact infrared thermometer

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 MICROLIFE CORP

AI summary

A non-contact infrared thermometer is used to measure the temperature of a target area of an object to be measured. The non-contact infrared thermometer comprises an infrared sensor, time-of-flight sensor, a microprocessor, and storage. The time-of-flight sensor is configured for measuring an actual temperature measurement distance from the target area. The microprocessor is electrically connected to the infrared sensor and the time-of-flight sensor. The storage is electrically connected to the microprocessor and configured to store the range of a predetermined distance for temperature measurement. If the actual temperature measurement distance falls within the range of the predetermined distance for temperature measurement, the infrared sensor measures the temperature of the target area of the object to be measured.