Smart Thermometer Site Identification via Electrical Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermometers struggle to accurately determine the site of temperature measurement on the body, leading to uncertainties in core temperature approximation due to varying environmental and anatomical factors, and lack advanced features for site identification and data management.
Innovation Solution
A thermometer with a processor, memory, and electrodes that receive temperature and electrical characteristic measurements, determine the measurement site based on electrical properties, and associate the temperature with the site, featuring a compact design with reduced connections for simplified manufacturing and enhanced data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thermometer measures temperature at peripheral body sites (axilla, oral cavity, rectum), then the measurement site is accessible and convenient, but the temperature reading is affected by ambient environmental heating or cooling, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures electrical characteristics (impedance, resistance, capacitance) at the temperature measurement site and uses this feedback information to identify which body site is being measured. This feedback loop enables automatic site recognition and allows the system to compensate for site-specific environmental effects, improving core temperature approximation accuracy while maintaining ease of operation at peripheral sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical parameters (impedance, resistance, capacitance) of different body sites to identify the measurement location. By monitoring these parameter variations, the system can distinguish between axillary, oral, and rectal measurements and apply appropriate correction factors, thereby improving temperature measurement precision without requiring core body access.
2Measurement precision
If electrical characteristics are measured to identify the measurement site, then site identification accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electrodes that serve dual functions: they both measure temperature and measure electrical characteristics (impedance, resistance, capacitance) for site identification. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor systems, thereby improving site identification accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines temperature sensing and electrical characteristic measurement capabilities into a single integrated sensor assembly. By merging these functions into one device component, the patent achieves accurate site identification while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through shared hardware resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If smart thermometer functions (historical storage, wireless communication) are added, then data management capability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processor in the smart thermometer performs multiple functions: it processes temperature measurements, analyzes electrical characteristics for site identification, stores historical data, and manages wireless communications. By making the processor multi-functional, the system achieves advanced data management capabilities without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one component handles diverse tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines data storage, processing, and communication functions into an integrated smart thermometer system. By merging these previously separate functionalities into a single unified device with a multi-functional processor, the system improves data management capability while controlling the increase in device complexity through integration.
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 accurate site identification and core temperature approximation, improves data management with site-specific temperature corrections, and enhances user hygiene and preference through site-aware functionality.
Implementation Method 1
receive an indication of a temperature measurement made at a site on a body
Implementation Method 2
receive an indication of an electrical measurement of one or more electrical characteristics made at the site where the temperature measurement was made
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus is provided for receiving an indication of a temperature measurement made at a site on a body, the first measurement being of a first type; receiving an indication of an electrical measurement of one or more electrical characteristics made at the site where the temperature measurement was made; determining, based at least in part on the measurement of the one or more electrical characteristics, the site on the body where the temperature measurement was made; associating the measured temperature with the determined site. A method and a computer program product are also provided.