Noncontact Thermometry Positioning for Accurate Core Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact thermometers lack the ability to accurately orient the device relative to the patient's body surface, leading to significant measurement errors in determining core temperature.
Innovation Solution
A temperature measurement device equipped with a proximity sensor to determine the device's distance and alignment relative to the patient's measurement site, along with additional non-contact sensors to measure temperatures at different locations, and a controller to calculate the core temperature based on these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-contact thermometers are used to measure patient temperature without contact, then ease of operation and hygiene are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to distance and alignment sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary actions by automatically determining distance and alignment parameters before temperature measurement. The proximity sensor detects distance and the alignment sensor detects angular orientation in advance, allowing the system to verify proper positioning is achieved before initiating the temperature measurement, thus ensuring measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements feedback mechanisms where the controller receives signals from proximity and alignment sensors, processes this information, and provides feedback to the user through visual or audible indicators. This feedback loop allows users to adjust device positioning to achieve optimal measurement conditions, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature measurements are taken at different locations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves multi-functionality by using a single integrated sensor array that can measure temperatures at multiple different locations on the patient's body surface. The same sensor system performs both distance measurement and temperature measurement at various points, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity while improving measurement precision through multiple location sampling
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
Improves the accuracy of core temperature determination by ensuring proper device positioning and alignment, reducing measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor configured to determine that the device is located within at least one of a distance range and an alignment range of a first portion of a measurement site of the patient
Implementation Method 2
at least one additional sensor configured to determine a first temperature of a first location on at least one of the first portion and a second portion of the measurement site and a second temperature of a second location
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a temperature of a patient includes determining that a temperature measurement device is located within at least one of a distance range and an alignment range of a portion of a measurement site of the patient, providing an indication to a user of the device that the device is located within the at least one of the distance range and the alignment range, and determining, with the device, a first temperature of a first location on the portion of the measurement site without contacting the patient with the device. Such a method also includes determining, with the device, a second temperature of a second location on the portion of the measurement site without contacting the patient with the device, wherein the second location is different from the first location. Such a method further includes determining a third temperature of the patient based on the first and second temperatures.