Multi-Sensor Infrared Thermometer for Accurate Body Temperature Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Infrared temperature guns with single sensors suffer from accuracy deviations due to small acquisition areas, inability to judge abnormalities in the measurement area, and difficulties in identifying correct measurement positions and distances, leading to inaccurate body temperature readings, which can delay critical medical treatments.

Innovation Solution

A temperature measuring device employing multiple infrared sensors arranged in parallel or at an angle with different filters, connected to a signal acquisition circuit and a microcontroller unit for enhanced signal processing, which calculates a weighted average temperature and detects abnormalities through standard deviation analysis, expanding the acquisition area and improving measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single infrared sensor is used, then the device structure is simple, but the acquisition area is small and measurement accuracy is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement task into multiple segments by using multiple infrared sensors (at least two) arranged in parallel. Each sensor captures temperature data from a specific sub-region, and the microcontroller integrates these readings to determine the overall temperature. This segmentation increases the effective acquisition area and improves measurement accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a single infrared sensor is used, then the device is easy to operate, but it cannot judge abnormalities in the measurement area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation convenienceVSAvoidabnormality detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the microcontroller compares temperature readings from multiple sensors to detect abnormalities. When the standard deviation of temperature values exceeds a preset threshold, the system generates an abnormality prompt. This feedback loop enables automatic quality control of measurements without complicating user operation, as the system autonomously identifies and alerts measurement errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If multiple infrared sensors are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple infrared sensors into a unified measurement system where all sensors work simultaneously to capture temperature data. The microcontroller integrates the readings from all sensors using algorithms (such as averaging or weighted calculation) to produce a single comprehensive temperature value. This merging approach improves measurement accuracy by combining data from multiple sources while managing device complexity through integrated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Area of stationary object

If multiple infrared sensors are used, then the acquisition area is expanded, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacquisition areaVSAvoidsensor configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent expands the acquisition area by arranging multiple infrared sensors in a spatial configuration (parallel arrangement) that covers a broader measurement zone. Instead of increasing the size of a single sensor, the system uses multiple sensors positioned side-by-side to collectively cover a larger area. This dimensional expansion of the sensing array increases the acquisition area while keeping individual sensor components simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The use of multiple infrared sensors enhances measurement accuracy by compensating for temperature deviations and identifying abnormalities, ensuring precise body temperature detection and reducing errors, thereby improving the effectiveness of temperature measurement in medical applications.

Implementation Method 1

all objects above absolute zero in nature radiate energy constantly. According to the blackbody radiation law, the size of the object's outward radiation energy and its distribution by wavelength are closely related to its surface temperature. The higher the object's temperature, the stronger the infrared radiation capacity it emits.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11402277B2Temperature measuring device adopting a plurality of infrared sensors and its method
Publication Date: 2022.08.02 LIANG CAO
  • US11402277B2 patent drawing
  • US11402277B2 patent drawing
  • US11402277B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention discloses a temperature measuring device adopting a plurality of infrared sensors and its method. The temperature measuring device consists of a housing, a main control circuit board unit set in the housing, a power supply unit and an infrared sensor set at the head of the housing, wherein the main control circuit board unit is a main control circuit board, and a main control Microcontroller Unit, a signal acquisition circuit, a display screen, a power supply and a control key integrated in the main control circuit board. The method is to calculate and output the accurate target temperature through infrared sensors combined with Microcontroller Unit, at the same time, it can effectively identify such as abnormality of measurement area, abnormality of user measurement method and so as to improve the effectiveness of measurement results.