Non-Contact Thermometer Sensitivity Adjustment for Accurate Readings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermometers face challenges in accurately measuring body temperatures across varying conditions, such as different environmental temperatures and individual skin conditions, without causing infection spread and ensuring precise readings.
Innovation Solution
The system employs sensors to adjust sensitivity based on distance, environment, and individual conditions, uses interchangeable filters for temperature measurement, and incorporates machine learning to detect anomalies and adjust operations, including anti-microbial surfaces and dynamic mode transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the thermometer uses a fixed sensitivity setting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature measurement precision deteriorates under varying environmental conditions and distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sensitivity adjustment by modifying the sensitivity of the thermometer circuit based on detected distance values. The system transitions from a fixed sensitivity setting to a dynamic one where the sensitivity parameter is adjusted in real-time according to the distance between the thermometer and the target individual, thereby maintaining measurement precision across varying conditions without requiring multiple fixed sensitivity modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the sensitivity parameter of the thermometer circuit based on environmental conditions and distance measurements. By dynamically modifying this key parameter rather than using fixed settings, the thermometer achieves accurate temperature measurements across diverse conditions while avoiding the complexity of multiple predetermined sensitivity configurations.
2Reliability
If the thermometer measures temperature without considering environmental factors, then the measurement process is simplified, but the reliability of temperature readings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect environmental factors such as distance, ambient temperature, and skin conditions. This information is fed back to the processor, which then adjusts the thermometer circuit sensitivity and measurement parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable temperature readings by continuously adapting to environmental conditions without requiring complex manual calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermometer performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting environmental conditions and modifying its own measurement parameters. The system uses onboard sensors and processors to autonomously compensate for environmental factors, eliminating the need for external calibration or complex user intervention while maintaining high reliability of temperature readings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the thermometer uses a single temperature measurement technique, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different body parts and conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal temperature measurement system that can accurately measure temperatures across different body parts and conditions using a single integrated platform. The system employs multiple interchangeable bandpass filters and adjustable sensitivity settings that allow the same thermometer to adapt to various measurement scenarios (forehead, ear, skin surface) without requiring multiple specialized devices, thereby achieving multi-functionality while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the thermometer surface is made non-anti-microbial, then the manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but the harmful effects of infection spread increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies anti-microbial composite materials to the thermometer surface that combines the base material properties with anti-microbial functionality. This composite approach provides infection prevention capabilities while maintaining ease of manufacture, as the anti-microbial properties are integrated into the material structure rather than requiring separate complex coating or treatment processes.
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
Enhances temperature measurement accuracy across diverse conditions, reduces infection risk, and provides real-time feedback and adjustments for improved precision and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
Each thermometer comprises a temperature sensor which measures a change in temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for operating a thermometer. The methods comprise: generating first sensor data by at least one first sensor of the thermometer; analyzing, by a processor of the thermometer, the first sensor data to obtain a distance value specifying a distance between the thermometer and a surface of a body of a target individual at which the thermometer is pointed; modifying, by the processor, a sensitivity of a thermometer circuit based on the distance value; and generating, by the thermometer circuit, a body temperature measurement for the target individual.