Thermometer Ambient Temperature Correction Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature measurement devices face inaccuracies due to rapid ambient temperature fluctuations and repeated use, which can affect the accuracy of core temperature readings.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize two sensing elements to measure ambient and patient temperatures, determining their respective rate of change, and applying a correction factor when the ambient temperature rate of change exceeds a threshold, to accurately calculate the core temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the thermometer is used in an environment with rapid ambient temperature fluctuations, then the thermometer can perform temperature measurements, but the accuracy of the measurements deteriorates due to the thermometer's own temperature being affected by ambient changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors ambient temperature and feeds this information back to the controller, which then applies dynamic correction factors to the patient temperature readings. This feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for ambient temperature effects in real-time, maintaining measurement accuracy despite environmental fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the correction factor parameter based on the ambient temperature rate of change. When ambient temperature changes rapidly, a larger correction factor is applied; when changes are slow, a smaller correction factor is used. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes measurement accuracy across different environmental conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If heating components are used to stabilize the thermometer temperature, then the thermometer temperature can be maintained, but the solution does not reliably maximize measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical heating stabilization system with an algorithmic correction approach. Instead of physically heating the thermometer to maintain temperature, the system uses software-based correction factors that calculate and compensate for ambient temperature effects on the readings, achieving stabilization without thermal intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction factor acts as an intermediary between the raw temperature measurement and the final reported value. Rather than directly controlling the thermometer's physical temperature, the correction factor mediates the measurement data to account for ambient temperature influences, providing an indirect but effective stabilization mechanism.
3Productivity
If repeated temperature measurements are taken in a short period, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but the accuracy of measurements deteriorates due to the thermometer's temperature being affected by frequent use
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring both ambient temperature and the rate of change of ambient temperature during repeated measurements. This allows the controller to dynamically adjust correction factors for each measurement, ensuring accuracy is maintained even during high-frequency measurement sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction factor is made dynamic rather than static, changing in real-time based on the current ambient temperature conditions and the rate of change. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to the thermal effects of repeated measurements, maintaining accuracy across varying measurement frequencies and environmental conditions.
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 core temperature measurements by accounting for ambient temperature changes, thereby improving the reliability of temperature readings, especially in environments with rapid temperature fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
sensing, by a first sensing element, an ambient temperature of an environment over a first time period
Implementation Method 2
sensing, by a second sensing element, a patient temperature at a measurement site of the patient over a second time period
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a temperature of a patient includes measuring a first temperature of the patient with a temperature device, and measuring a second temperature of an environment with the temperature device. The method includes determining if a change in the ambient temperature exceeds a threshold. If the change does exceed the threshold, the method also includes applying a correction factor to the first temperature of the patient to account for the change in ambient temperature.