Non-contact IR Thermometer Distance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-contact infrared thermometers for medical applications require precise positioning and maintenance at a predetermined distance from the target to achieve accurate temperature measurements, which is cumbersome and prone to user error, limiting the effectiveness of distance-based accuracy enhancements.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact IR thermometer equipped with an IR sensor, distance sensor, microprocessor, memory, and user interface, utilizing compensation information such as look-up tables or mathematical equations to determine a compensated temperature by simultaneously measuring the target, ambient, and distance, thereby reducing the need for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the IR thermometer is positioned at a predetermined distance from the target, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for precise positioning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a distance sensor to continuously measure the actual distance between the IR thermometer and target, then using this distance information to dynamically adjust compensation parameters in the temperature calculation. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the need for manual positioning at predetermined distances while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of distance from a fixed predetermined value to a dynamically measured and compensated variable. By incorporating distance sensing and using the measured distance to adjust compensation parameters in real-time, the system maintains temperature measurement accuracy across varying distances without requiring precise manual positioning.
2Measurement precision
If distance-based compensation is implemented, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using a single microprocessor to handle both distance measurement processing and temperature calculation compensation. The same processing unit that exists for basic temperature measurement is extended to also process distance data and apply compensation algorithms, rather than adding separate dedicated hardware for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software algorithms as an intermediary to bridge the distance sensor and temperature measurement functions. Rather than requiring complex hardware integration, the microprocessor runs compensation algorithms that take distance data as input and adjust temperature calculations accordingly, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 solution enhances temperature measurement accuracy by automatically accounting for distance variations and ambient conditions, reducing user error and increasing the ease of use while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature of an object is taken by detecting an intensity of the IR radiation that is naturally emanated from the object's surface
Implementation Method 2
emitting radiation that reflects off of a target; receiving the reflected radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contact medical thermometer is disclosed that includes an IR sensor assembly having an IR sensor for sensing IR radiation from a target, a distance sensor configured to determine a distance of the thermometer from the target, and a memory component operatively coupled at least to the IR sensor assembly and the distance sensor. The memory component contains predetermined compensation information that relates to predetermined temperatures of targets and to predetermined distances from at least one predetermined target. A microprocessor is operatively coupled to the memory component. The microprocessor is configured to perform temperature calculations based on the IR radiation from the target, the distance of the thermometer from the target, and the predetermined compensation information.