Non-contact Core Body Temperature Estimation via Skin Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring core body temperature often require direct physical contact with the patient, which can be invasive and impractical, especially for continuous monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact sensor system that calculates estimated core body temperature using skin temperature and ambient temperature measurements, without the need for direct physical contact, and includes a display module that shows the estimated temperature in different color schemes and distance indicators to ensure accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct physical contact methods are used to measure core body temperature, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses skin temperature as an intermediary measurement to estimate core body temperature without direct contact with internal organs. The non-contact temperature sensor measures skin temperature, and a processor calculates core body temperature using mathematical models that account for the relationship between skin and core temperatures, thereby avoiding direct physical contact while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based temperature measurement systems with optical/infrared non-contact sensing systems. The non-contact temperature sensor detects thermal radiation from the skin surface, and the processor uses algorithms to estimate core body temperature, substituting physical contact with electromagnetic field-based measurement
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact temperature measurement is used, then patient comfort and infection risk are improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously monitors skin temperature measurements and adjusts the core body temperature estimation using mathematical models. The system accounts for environmental factors and physiological variations by comparing measured skin temperature with predicted values, refining the core temperature estimate through iterative calculation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement parameter from direct core body temperature to skin temperature, which can be measured non-contactly. The processor then applies parameter transformation through mathematical models and algorithms to convert skin temperature data into core body temperature estimates, accounting for the physiological relationship between these parameters
3Measurement precision
If multiple reference objects are used for sensor calibration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs sensor calibration in advance using multiple reference objects with known temperatures before actual patient measurements. The calibration process establishes correction factors and bias values that are stored and applied during routine measurements, eliminating the need for complex real-time calibration while maintaining measurement accuracy
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 system provides a non-invasive, efficient, and accurate method for estimating core body temperature, enabling continuous monitoring and improving patient care by reducing the risk of infection and discomfort associated with direct contact.
Implementation Method 1
A non-contact sensor system that calculates estimated core body temperature using skin temperature and ambient temperature measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contact temperature measurement system for estimating core body temperature is disclosed. The temperature measurement system can include an emitter and one or more sensors configured to generate sensor data responsive to detecting radiation emanating from the patient comprising reflected radiation. The sensor data from the sensor is useable to determine temperature information and distance information. A hardware processor can determine a distance between the one or more sensors and the patient from the sensor data and estimate core body temperature of the patient from the sensor data. A display module can generate indicia including the core body temperature and vary the indicia based on the distance between the one or more sensors and the patient to indicate whether the distance is optimal.