IR Camera Skin Temperature Calibration Using Reference Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact-less temperature measurement methods for skin surface temperatures during dermatological procedures face challenges in accuracy due to calibration offset errors and 'camera drift', especially when air cooling is used, which can impact the performance of sensors and lead to inaccurate readings.
Innovation Solution
A temperature measurement system that includes a first temperature sensor with a field of view covering both the measured surface and a reference surface, where the second temperature sensor integrated into the reference surface is used for calibration, allowing for accurate adjustments to the first sensor's measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If contact-less temperature measurement methods (such as IR cameras) are used to measure skin surface temperature, then the measurement can be performed without contact, but the absolute accuracy is poor due to calibration offset errors and camera drift
Solution Approach 1:
A reference surface with known temperature is introduced as an intermediary element between the measurement system and the skin. The IR camera measures the reference surface to obtain a reference signal, which serves as a mediator to calculate the offset error. This offset is then applied to correct the skin temperature measurements, thereby improving absolute accuracy while maintaining contact-less operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the IR camera continuously monitors the reference surface temperature, compares it with the known actual temperature, calculates the offset error, and uses this feedback to correct subsequent skin temperature measurements. This closed-loop feedback approach compensates for camera drift and calibration errors over time
2Temperature
If air cooling is applied during the dermatological procedure, then the skin surface and sensor performance are affected, but this leads to camera drift and measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The reference surface acts as a stable intermediary that is positioned within the IR camera's field of view but outside the direct path of air cooling. By measuring the reference surface temperature rather than relying on a fixed internal camera reference, the system compensates for temperature-induced drift caused by air cooling, maintaining measurement stability
Solution Approach 2:
The reference surface is pre-positioned and its temperature is continuously monitored before and during the air cooling process. This preliminary measurement allows the system to detect and compensate for temperature drift caused by air cooling before it significantly impacts skin temperature measurements
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
This system significantly improves the accuracy of contact-less temperature measurements by correcting for calibration errors and environmental changes, ensuring safer and more effective dermatological treatments by preventing epidermis and dermis damage.
Implementation Method 1
one approach to make contact-less skin surface temperature measurements is to utilize a multi-pixel infrared (IR) sensor, such as an IR camera
Implementation Method 2
a reference surface including a second temperature sensor integrated therein
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature measurement system for measuring a temperature of a measured surface includes: 1) a first temperature sensor; and 2) a reference surface including a second temperature sensor integrated therein. The first temperature sensor includes a field of view simultaneously covering both at least a portion of the measured surface and at least a portion of the reference surface, thus is configured for simultaneously taking a first measurement of both the portion of the measured surface and the portion of the reference surface. The first measurement of the reference surface taken by the first temperature sensor is compared to a second measurement taken by the second temperature sensor for use in calibrating the first temperature sensor.