Wearable Thermometer Skin Temperature Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body temperature measurement methods, such as wearable thermometers, face challenges in accurately estimating body temperature continuously and may not be suitable for medical usage due to lower skin temperature readings compared to armpit temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a wearable device with two temperature sensors to measure body skin and environment temperatures, applying the equation Tb = f(Ts) − Te * A + B * Ts + C * Te + Ts to estimate body temperature, where Tb is the body temperature, Ts is the skin temperature, Te is the environment temperature, and A, B, and C are parameters, with f(x) being a function that ensures accuracy by compensating for temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wearable thermometer is used to measure body skin temperature, then the ease of operation and continuous monitoring capability are improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates because skin temperature is lower than armpit temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement parameter from direct skin temperature to estimated armpit temperature by changing the mathematical relationship between measured and target parameters. The equation Tb = f(Ts) - Te * A + B * Ts + C * Te + Ts converts skin temperature (Ts) and environmental temperature (Te) into estimated armpit temperature (Tb), resolving the precision issue while maintaining wearable convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces environmental temperature (Te) as an intermediary parameter to improve the accuracy of body temperature estimation. By measuring both skin temperature and environmental temperature, the system uses Te as a mediator to compensate for the temperature difference between skin and armpit, thereby improving measurement precision without sacrificing ease of operation
2Measurement precision
If traditional mercury thermometers are used to measure armpit temperature, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to hold the thermometer tightly under the arm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by not directly measuring armpit temperature with a wearable device, but instead measuring skin temperature and environmental temperature, then calculating armpit temperature through a mathematical model. This inversion allows the wearable device to maintain high ease of operation while achieving measurement precision comparable to traditional methods
3Productivity
If wearable thermometers are used for continuous temperature monitoring, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to lower skin temperature readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter transformation to convert skin temperature measurements into armpit temperature estimates through a mathematical equation. This allows continuous monitoring (high productivity) to be maintained while measurement precision is improved by changing from direct skin temperature to estimated armpit temperature via the equation Tb = f(Ts) - Te * A + B * Ts + C * Te + Ts
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 and continuous body temperature estimation, overcoming the limitations of prior methods by using a wearable device with temperature sensors and a specific equation to account for environmental and skin temperature differences, ensuring reliable health monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor configured to measure a body skin temperature of the living body
Implementation Method 2
a second temperature sensor configured to measure an environment temperature of the environment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for estimating body temperature may be provided, comprising: receiving a measured body skin temperature and a measured environment temperature; and estimating the body temperature based on the measured body skin temperature and the measured environment temperature by using the following equation: Tb＝f (Ts–Te) * (A+B*Ts+C*Te) +Ts wherein, Tb denotes the body temperature, Ts denotes the measured skin temperature, Te denotes the measured environment temperature, A, B and C are parameters, f is a function such that f (x) is less than x when x is greater than 1. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product for estimating a body temperature may also be provided.