Thermal Camera Inner Canthus Detection for Temperature Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature measuring devices using thermographic imaging often provide inaccurate measurements due to failure in explicitly identifying the inner canthus region of the eye, measuring unintended regions, or requiring manual adjustments, especially when the subject is not directly facing the camera.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize video/image analytics to explicitly detect the inner canthi of a person using thermographic infrared imaging, ensuring accurate body temperature measurement by determining the temperature of symmetrical hotspots and confirming face detection within thermal images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If thermographic imaging is used to measure body temperature, then non-contact temperature measurement is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates when the inner canthus region is not explicitly identified
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary face detection and inner canthus region identification before temperature measurement. By pre-locating the correct region of interest (inner canthus) using image processing and feature detection, the system ensures that subsequent temperature measurement is performed on the accurate target area, resolving the contradiction between ease of non-contact measurement and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that includes image processing module, feature detection module, and region of interest determination module. These intermediary components analyze the thermal image to identify facial features and locate the inner canthus region, serving as a mediator between the thermal camera and the temperature measurement function to ensure accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment is required to measure the intended region, then measurement flexibility is maintained, but user interaction and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the face and identifying the inner canthus region without requiring manual user input. The image processing and feature detection algorithms autonomously determine the region of interest and initiate temperature measurement, eliminating the need for user adjustment while maintaining adaptability to different positions and orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the detected face and inner canthus region are visually indicated or confirmed to the user, allowing the system to adapt to different scenarios. The feedback loop ensures that the measurement is performed on the correct region while minimizing interaction time through automated detection and confirmation processes.
3Area of stationary object
If the thermal camera captures a portion of the face only, then the field of view is maintained, but the inner canthus region may be excluded from the thermal image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional thermal image analysis to a multi-dimensional approach by combining thermal imaging with visible light image processing. By analyzing both thermal and visible light dimensions, the system can accurately locate facial features and the inner canthus region even when the thermal image alone would be insufficient, ensuring precise measurement while maintaining an appropriate field of view.
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 approach enhances the accuracy of body temperature measurements and reduces user interaction by ensuring the inner canthi are correctly identified, providing reliable estimates even when the subject is not directly facing the camera.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal camera configured to capture a thermal image of a person
Implementation Method 2
Temperature measuring devices may use thermographic imaging to measure/estimate a body temperature of a subject
Data Source
AI summary
One example temperature sensing device includes an electronic processor configured to receive a thermal image of a person captured by a thermal camera. The electronic processor is configured to determine a first temperature and a first location of a first hotspot on the person. The electronic processor is configured to determine a second location of a second hotspot on the person based on the second location being approximately symmetrical with respect to the first location about an axis, and the second hotspot having a second temperature that is approximately equal to the first temperature. The electronic processor is configured to determine a distance between the first location of the first hotspot and the second location of the second hotspot. In response to determining that the distance is within the predetermined range of distances, the electronic processor is configured to generate and output an estimated temperature of the person.