Smartphone Camera Attachment for Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature measurement devices, while functional, lack accessibility and availability, particularly in scenarios where a dedicated thermometer may not be readily available.
Innovation Solution
A camera attachment configured to couple with a smartphone, utilizing a temperature reactive material (TRM) that changes color in response to temperature, allowing for image-based temperature measurement through image processing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dedicated thermometer device is used, then temperature measurement function is provided, but accessibility and availability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a smartphone to perform temperature measurement in addition to its existing imaging functions. The TRM integrates with the smartphone's camera system, allowing the same device to serve both imaging and temperature measurement purposes, thereby increasing accessibility without requiring separate dedicated thermometers
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature reactive material (TRM) serves as an intermediary between the smartphone camera and the target object. The TRM converts temperature information into visual color changes that the camera can capture, enabling the smartphone to indirectly measure temperature without direct thermal contact or specialized sensors
2Reliability
If a dedicated thermometer device is manufactured, then temperature measurement capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a visual copy mechanism where the TRM creates a color representation of temperature states that can be captured by the smartphone camera. Instead of using expensive thermal sensors and processing electronics, the system copies temperature information into the visual domain, leveraging the smartphone's existing camera and image processing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The TRM is implemented as a low-cost, passive material that can be easily integrated into the smartphone ecosystem. The material itself is inexpensive compared to dedicated thermometer components, and the system utilizes the smartphone's existing hardware rather than requiring additional expensive sensors or processing units
3Ease of operation
If image processing method is used with TRM, then temperature measurement is achieved, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relies on the temperature reactive material's color changes in response to temperature variations. The TRM undergoes predictable color transitions that correlate with temperature states, providing a visual code that can be captured and decoded by image processing algorithms to determine temperature with sufficient precision for the application
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
Enables readily accessible and cost-effective temperature measurements by converting a smartphone into a temperature measurement device, reducing manufacturing costs and increasing availability.
Implementation Method 1
temperature measurement is based on image data and specifically based on image data associated with a temperature reactive material (TRM)
Data Source
AI summary
A camera attachment for measuring a temperature of a surface, and related methods of measuring the temperature of the surface, employ a temperature reactive material that is thermally coupled with the surface and imaged to provide image data of the temperature reactive material that is analyzed to measure the temperature. A camera attachment for measuring a temperature of a surface includes a distal surface configured to be thermally coupled with the surface, a frame configured to be coupled with a camera that has a field of view, and a temperature reactive material coupled with the frame and thermally coupled with the distal surface. The frame positions the temperature reactive material within the field of view of the camera so that an image captured by the camera includes at least a portion of the temperature reactive material.