U.S. patent application number 14/708251 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-27 for non-contact thermometer that correlates temperature of a forehead source point of a human subject to core temperature of the human subject.
This patent application is currently assigned to Brooklands, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Jason Roth. Invention is credited to Jason Roth.
Application Number | 20150238093 14/708251 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48445387 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150238093 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roth; Jason |
August 27, 2015 |
NON-CONTACT THERMOMETER THAT CORRELATES TEMPERATURE OF A FOREHEAD
SOURCE POINT OF A HUMAN SUBJECT TO CORE TEMPERATURE OF THE HUMAN
SUBJECT
Abstract
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in
some implementations a non-contact thermometer determines a body
core temperature of a subject from electromagnetic energy of a
forehead source point of a subject by a microprocessor or printed
circuit board, wherein determining the body temperature of the
subject includes calculating the body core temperature in reference
to a numerical representation of the electromagnetic energy of the
forehead source point, a mathematical formula of an ambient
temperature reading, an ambient air temperature reading, a
representation of a calibration difference and a bias in
consideration of the forehead source point.
Inventors: |
Roth; Jason; (Boca Raton,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Roth; Jason |
Boca Raton |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Brooklands, Inc.
Boca Raton
FL
|
Family ID: |
48445387 |
Appl. No.: |
14/708251 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14612262 |
Feb 2, 2015 |
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14708251 |
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13889553 |
May 8, 2013 |
8948850 |
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14612262 |
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13624874 |
Sep 21, 2012 |
8452382 |
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13889553 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/474 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/01 20130101; A61B
2560/0252 20130101; A61B 5/7275 20130101; G01J 5/0809 20130101;
A61B 5/0064 20130101; A61B 2562/0233 20130101; G01J 5/025 20130101;
A61B 5/015 20130101; G01J 5/0025 20130101; A61B 2562/0271 20130101;
A61B 5/0059 20130101; A61B 5/0075 20130101; A61B 5/6817 20130101;
A61B 5/0086 20130101; A61B 5/6887 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/01 20060101
A61B005/01; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus to determine a body temperature from a forehead
source point, the apparatus comprising: a housing; a non-contact
electromagnetic sensor operably mounted to the housing, the
non-contact electromagnetic sensor being operable to receive
electromagnetic energy from the forehead source point of a subject
and operable to generate a numerical representation of the
electromagnetic energy of the forehead source point; a printed
circuit board mounted in the housing, electrically coupled to the
non-contact electromagnetic sensor and operable to determine the
body temperature of the subject from the numerical representation
of the electromagnetic energy of the forehead source point, wherein
determining the body temperature of the subject includes
calculating the body temperature in reference to a numerical
representation of the electromagnetic energy of the forehead source
point, a mathematical formula of an ambient temperature reading, an
ambient air temperature reading, a representation of a calibration
difference and a bias in consideration of the forehead source
point; and a button operably coupled to the printed circuit
board.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the forehead source point
further comprises: not more than one forehead source point.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bias further comprises:
+0.5.degree. C.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body temperature of the
subject further comprises: a core temperature of the subject.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body temperature of the
subject further comprises: an axillary temperature of the
subject.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body temperature of the
subject further comprises: a rectal temperature of the subject.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body temperature of the
subject further comprises: an oral temperature of the subject.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board
further comprises: a microprocessor.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body temperature of the
subject further comprises: a core temperature of the subject, an
axillary temperature of the subject, a rectal temperature of the
subject and an oral temperature of the subject.
10. An apparatus comprising: a housing; a non-contact
electromagnetic sensor operably mounted to the housing, the
non-contact electromagnetic sensor being operable to receive
electromagnetic energy from a forehead source point of a subject
and operable to generate a numerical representation of the
electromagnetic energy of the forehead source point; a printed
circuit board mounted in the housing, electrically coupled to the
non-contact electromagnetic sensor and operable to determine a core
temperature of the subject from the numerical representation of the
electromagnetic energy of the forehead source point, a button
operably coupled to the printed circuit board.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the forehead source point
further comprises: not more than one forehead source point.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the printed circuit board
further comprises: a microprocessor.
13. An apparatus comprising: a housing; a non-contact
electromagnetic sensor operably mounted to the housing, the
non-contact electromagnetic sensor being operable to receive
electromagnetic energy from a forehead source point of a subject
and operable to generate a numerical representation of the
electromagnetic energy of the forehead source point; a
microprocessor mounted in the housing, electrically coupled to the
non-contact electromagnetic sensor and operable to determine a core
temperature of the subject from the numerical representation of the
electromagnetic energy of the forehead source point, a button
operably coupled to the printed circuit board.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the forehead source point
further comprises: not more than one forehead source point.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of, and claims the
benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/612,262
filed 2 Feb. 2015, which is incorporated herein in entirety, which
is a continuation of, and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 of
U.S. application Ser. No. 13/889,553 filed 8 May 2013, now U.S.
Pat. No. 8,948,850 issued on 3 Feb. 2015, which is incorporated
herein in entirety, which is a continuation of, and claims the
benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/624,874
filed 21 Sep. 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,452,382 issued 28 May 2014
which is incorporated herein in entirety.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to digital thermometers,
and more particularly to correlating forehead source points to body
core temperature in non-contact temperature sensing.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional non-contact digital thermometers determine
temperature from a source point on a human subject.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0004] In one aspect, an apparatus to determine a body temperature
from a carotid artery source point includes a housing, a
non-contact electromagnetic sensor operably mounted to the housing,
the non-contact electromagnetic sensor being operable to receive
electromagnetic energy from the carotid artery source point of a
subject and operable to generate a numerical representation of the
electromagnetic energy of the carotid artery source point, a
printed circuit board mounted in the housing, electrically coupled
to the non-contact electromagnetic sensor and operable to determine
the body temperature of the subject from the numerical
representation of the electromagnetic energy of the carotid artery
source point, wherein determining the body temperature of the
subject further comprises calculating the body temperature from the
numerical representation of the electromagnetic energy of the
carotid artery source point, a representation of an ambient air
temperature reading, a representation of a calibration difference,
and a representation of a bias in consideration of the temperature
sensing mode and a button operably coupled to the printed circuit
board.
[0005] In another aspect, an apparatus to measure a body
temperature includes a housing, a non-contact sensor operably
mounted to the housing, the non-contact sensor having an
electromagnetic sensor, the electromagnetic sensor being operable
to receive electromagnetic energy from a plurality of body source
points of a subject including a carotid source point of the subject
and generate a numerical representation of the electromagnetic
energy of each of the plurality of body source points, a printed
circuit board mounted in the housing and operable to determine the
body temperature of the subject from the numerical representation
of the electromagnetic energy of each of the plurality of body
source points, wherein determining the body temperature of the
subject further comprises calculating the body temperature from the
numerical representation of the electromagnetic energy of each of
the body source points, a representation of an ambient air
temperature reading, a representation of a calibration difference,
and a representation of a bias in consideration of the temperature
sensing mode which yields a calculated body temperature of each of
the plurality of source points, and averaging the calculated body
temperature of each of the plurality of source points which yields
the body temperature and a display device operably coupled to the
printed circuit board and operable to display the body
temperature.
[0006] In yet another aspect, a method to measure body temperature
includes sensing electromagnetic energy at a plurality of external
source points on a subject which yields a sensed electromagnetic
energy of the plurality of external source points, determining the
body temperature of the subject from the sensed electromagnetic
energy of the plurality of external source points including a
carotid source point, the determining being performed by a
microprocessor, wherein determining the body temperature of the
subject further comprises calculating the body temperature from a
numerical representation of the electromagnetic energy of the
carotid source point, a representation of an ambient air
temperature reading, a representation of a calibration difference,
and a representation of a bias in consideration of the temperature
sensing mode, and the method further comprising averaging the body
temperature of each of the plurality of external source points
which yields the body temperature.
[0007] In yet a further implementation, an apparatus to determine a
body temperature from a carotid artery source point includes a
housing, a non-contact electromagnetic sensor operably mounted to
the housing, the non-contact electromagnetic sensor being operable
to receive electromagnetic energy from the carotid artery source
point of a subject and operable to generate a numerical
representation of the electromagnetic energy of the carotid artery
source point, a printed circuit board mounted in the housing,
electrically coupled to the non-contact electromagnetic sensor and
operable to determine the body temperature of the subject from the
numerical representation of the electromagnetic energy of the
carotid artery source point, wherein determining the body
temperature of the subject includes calculating the body
temperature in reference to a representation of a surface of the
body, a numerical representation of the electromagnetic energy of
the carotid source point, a mathematical formula of an ambient
temperature reading, an ambient air temperature reading, a
representation of a calibration difference and a bias in
consideration of the temperature sensing mode, and a button
operably coupled to the printed circuit board.
[0008] Apparatus, systems, and methods of varying scope are
described herein. In addition to the aspects and advantages
described in this summary, further aspects and advantages will
become apparent by reference to the drawings and by reading the
detailed description that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of apparatus to measure
temperature from multiple source points, according to an
implementation;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of apparatus to measure
temperature from a carotid source point, according to an
implementation;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an isometric top-view block diagram of an
apparatus to measure temperature using both a non-contact
thermometer with a right-angled waveguide and not including a
contact thermometer, according to an implementation;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side-view block diagram of an apparatus to
measure temperature using a non-contact thermometer with a
right-angled waveguide, according to an implementation;
[0013] FIG. 5 is an isometric block diagram of an apparatus to
measure temperature using both non-contact thermometer with a
right-angled waveguide and contact thermometer, according to an
implementation;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of apparatus to measure
temperature, according to an implementation having a right-angled
waveguide;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of apparatus to measure
temperature, according to an implementation in which each of a
non-contact thermometer and a contact thermometer are controlled by
a separate printed circuit board and the non-contact thermometer
has a right-angled waveguide, according to an implementation;
[0016] FIG. 8-14 are block diagrams of a sensor collector to guide
electromagnetic energy to measure temperature, according to an
implementation;
[0017] FIG. 15-20 are block diagrams of a shroud of a sensor
collector to guide electromagnetic energy to measure temperature,
according to an implementation;
[0018] FIG. 21 is a representation of display that is presented on
the display device of apparatus in FIG. 1-6, according to an
implementation that manages both a non-contact sensor and a contact
sensor;
[0019] FIG. 22 is a representation of display that is presented on
the display device of apparatus in FIG. 1-6, according to an
implementation;
[0020] FIG. 23 is a representation of text displays that are
presented on the display device of apparatus in FIG. 1-6, according
to an implementation;
[0021] FIG. 24-29 are representations of graphical displays that
are presented on the display device of apparatus in FIG. 1-6,
according to implementations;
[0022] FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a method to measure temperature
from multiple source points;
[0023] FIG. 31 is a flowchart of a method to measure temperature of
a forehead and a carotid artery, according to an
implementation;
[0024] FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a method of determining correlated
temperature of a carotid artery, according to an
implementation;
[0025] FIG. 33 is a flowchart of a method of forehead and carotid
artery sensing, according to an implementation;
[0026] FIG. 34 is a flowchart of a method to display temperature
color indicators, according to an implementation;
[0027] FIG. 35 is a flowchart of a method to display temperature
color indicators, according to an implementation of three
colors;
[0028] FIG. 36 is a block diagram of a thermometer control
computer, according to an implementation; and
[0029] FIG. 37 is a block diagram of a data acquisition circuit of
a thermometer control computer, according to an implementation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration specific implementations which may be
practiced. These implementations are described in sufficient detail
to enable those skilled in the art to practice the implementations,
and it is to be understood that other implementations may be
utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes
may be made without departing from the scope of the
implementations. The following detailed description is, therefore,
not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0031] The detailed description is divided into four sections. In
the first section, apparatus of implementations are described. In
the second section, implementations of methods are described. In
the third section, a hardware and the operating environment in
conjunction with which implementations may be practiced are
described. Finally, in the fourth section, a conclusion of the
detailed description is provided.
Apparatus Implementations
[0032] In this section, particular apparatus of implementations are
described by reference to a series of diagrams.
[0033] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of apparatus 100 to measure
temperature from multiple source points, according to an
implementation. A source point is an external point or position.
Apparatus 100 is handheld and battery powered for intermittent
measurement and monitoring of human or animal body temperature of
people of all ages. Apparatus 100 measures electromagnetic energy
emitted from multiple source points of the skin surface, such as
infrared energy, of the human or animal and direct body
temperature. Apparatus 100 is operationally simple enough to be
used by consumers in the household environment, yet accurate enough
to be used by professional medical facilities.
[0034] Apparatus 100 includes one or more printed circuit board(s)
102.
[0035] Apparatus 100 also includes a display device 104 that is
operably coupled to the one or more printed circuit board(s) 102.
Some implementations of apparatus 100 also include a button 106
that is operably coupled to the one or more printed circuit
board(s) 102. Apparatus 100 also includes a battery 108, such as a
lithium ion battery, that is operably coupled to the one or more
printed circuit board(s) 102.
[0036] Apparatus 100 also includes a non-contact sensor 110 that is
operably coupled to the one or more printed circuit board(s) 102.
The non-contact sensor 110 detects temperature in response to
remote sensing of a surface a human or animal. In some
implementations, the non-contact thermometer is an infrared
temperature sensor. All humans or animals radiate infrared energy.
The intensity of this infrared energy depends on the temperature of
the human or animal, thus the amount of infrared energy emitted by
a human or animal can be interpreted as a proxy or indication of
the temperature of the human or animal. The non-contact sensor 110
measures the temperature of a human or animal based on the
electromagnetic energy radiated by the human or animal. The
measurement of electromagnetic energy is taken by the non-contact
sensor 110 which constantly analyzes and registers the ambient
temperature. When the operator of apparatus 100 holds the
non-contact sensor 110 about 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) from the forehead
and activates the radiation sensor, the measurement is
instantaneously measured. To measure a temperature using the
non-contact sensor 110, pushing the button 106 causes a reading of
temperature measurement from the non-contact sensor 110 and the
measured temperature is thereafter displayed on the display device
104.
[0037] Body temperature of a human or animal can be measured in
many surface locations of the body. Most commonly, temperature
measurements are taken of the forehead, mouth (oral), inner ear
(tympanic), armpit (axillary) or rectum. In addition, temperature
measurements are taken of a carotid artery (the external carotid
artery on the right side of a human neck). An ideal place to
measure temperature is the forehead in addition to the carotid
artery. When electromagnetic energy is sensed from two or more
source points, for example, the forehead and the external carotid
artery on the right side of a human neck, a multi-source
temperature correlator 112 performs one or more of the correlating
actions in the methods as described in FIG. 30-33. The multi-source
temperature correlator 112 correlates the temperatures sensed by
the non-contact sensor 110 from the multiple source points (e.g.
the forehead and the carotid artery) to another temperature, such
as a core temperature of the subject, an axillary temperature of
the subject, a rectal temperature of the subject and/or an oral
temperature of the subject. The multi-source temperature correlator
112 can be implemented as a component on a microprocessor, such as
controller chip 3704 in FIG. 37 or read-only memory.
[0038] The apparatus 100 also detects the body temperature of a
human or animal regardless of the room temperature because the
measured temperature of the non-contact sensor 110 is adjusted in
reference to the ambient temperature in the air in the vicinity of
the apparatus. The human or animal must not have undertaken
vigorous physical activity prior to temperature measurement in
order to avoid a misleading high temperature. Also, the room
temperature should be moderate, 50.degree. F. to 120.degree. F.
[0039] The non-contact sensor 110 provides a non-invasive and
non-irritating means of measuring human or animal temperature to
help ensure good health.
[0040] In some implementations, the apparatus 100 includes only one
printed circuit board 102, in which case the printed circuit board
102 includes not more than one printed circuit board 102. In some
implementations, the apparatus 100 includes two printed circuit
boards 102, such as a first printed circuit board and a second
printed circuit board. In some implementations, the printed circuit
board(s) 102 include a microprocessor. In some implementations, the
apparatus 100 includes only one display device 104, in which case
the display device 104 includes not more than one display device
104. In some implementations, the display device 104 is a
liquid-crystal diode (LCD) display device. In some implementations,
the display device 104 is a light-emitting diode (LED) display
device. In some implementations, the apparatus 100 includes only
one battery 108, which case the battery 108 includes not more than
one battery 108.
[0041] When evaluating results, the potential for daily variations
in temperature can be considered. In children less than 6 months of
age daily variation is small. In children 6 months to 2 years old
the variation is about 1 degree. By age 6 variations gradually
increase to 2 degrees per day. In adults there is less body
temperature variation.
[0042] While the apparatus 100 is not limited to any particular
printed circuit board(s) 102, display device 104, button 106,
battery 108, a non-contact sensor 110 and a multi-source
temperature correlator 112, for sake of clarity a simplified
printed circuit board(s) 102, display device 104, button 106,
battery 108, a non-contact sensor 110 and a multi-source
temperature correlator 112 are described.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of apparatus 200 to measure
temperature from a carotid source point, according to an
implementation. Apparatus 200 is handheld and battery powered for
intermittent measurement and monitoring of human or animal body
temperature of people of all ages. Apparatus 200 measures
electromagnetic energy, such as infrared energy, emitted from a
source point of the skin surface of a carotid artery of the human
or animal. Apparatus 200 is operationally simple enough to be used
by consumers in the household environment, yet accurate enough to
be used by professional medical facilities.
[0044] Apparatus 200 includes one or more printed circuit board(s)
102 and a display device 104 that is operably coupled to the one or
more printed circuit board(s) 102. Some implementations of
apparatus 200 also include a button 106 that is operably coupled to
the one or more printed circuit board(s) 102. Apparatus 200 also
includes a battery 108, such as a lithium ion battery, that is
operably coupled to the one or more printed circuit board(s)
102.
[0045] Apparatus 200 also includes a non-contact sensor 110 that is
operably coupled to the one or more printed circuit board(s) 102.
The non-contact sensor 110 detects temperature in response to
remote sensing of a surface a human or animal. When the operator of
apparatus 200 holds the non-contact sensor 110 about 5-8 cm (2-3
inches) from the carotid artery and activates the non-contact
sensor 110, the measurement is instantaneously measured.
[0046] When electromagnetic energy is sensed by the non-contact
sensor 110 from the carotid artery on the right side of a human
neck, a carotid temperature correlator 202 performs one or more of
the correlating actions in the methods as described in FIG. 30-32.
The carotid temperature correlator 202 correlates the temperatures
sensed by the non-contact sensor 110 from the carotid source point
to another temperature, such as a core temperature of the subject,
an axillary temperature of the subject, a rectal temperature of the
subject and/or an oral temperature of the subject. The carotid
temperature correlator 202 can be implemented as a component on a
microprocessor, such as controller chip 3704 in FIG. 37 or
read-only memory.
[0047] The apparatus 200 also detects the body temperature of a
human or animal regardless of the room temperature because the
measured temperature of the non-contact sensor 110 is adjusted in
reference to the ambient temperature in the air in the vicinity of
the apparatus 200. The human or animal must not have undertaken
vigorous physical activity prior to temperature measurement in
order to avoid a misleading high temperature. Also, the room
temperature should be moderate, 50.degree. F. to 120.degree. F.
[0048] In some implementations, the apparatus 200 includes only one
printed circuit board 102, in which case the printed circuit board
102 includes not more than one printed circuit board 102. In some
implementations, the apparatus 200 includes two printed circuit
boards 102, such as a first printed circuit board and a second
printed circuit board. In some implementations, the printed circuit
board(s) 102 include a microprocessor. In some implementations, the
apparatus 200 includes only one display device 104, in which case
the display device 104 includes not more than one display device
104. In some implementations, the display device 104 is a
liquid-crystal diode (LCD) display device. In some implementations,
the display device 104 is a light-emitting diode (LED) display
device. In some implementations, the apparatus 200 includes only
one battery 108, which case the battery 108 includes not more than
one battery 108.
[0049] While the apparatus 200 is not limited to any particular
printed circuit board(s) 102, display device 104, button 106,
battery 108, a non-contact sensor 110 and a carotid temperature
correlator 202, for sake of clarity a simplified printed circuit
board(s) 102, display device 104, button 106, battery 108, a
non-contact sensor 110 and a carotid temperature correlator 202 are
described.
[0050] FIG. 3 is an isometric top-view block diagram of an
apparatus 300 to measure temperature using both a non-contact
thermometer with a right-angled waveguide and not including a
contact thermometer, according to an implementation. Apparatus 300
is handheld and battery powered for intermittent measurement and
monitoring of human or animal body temperature of people of all
ages. Apparatus 300 measures non-contact infrared energy emitted
from the skin surface of the human or animal. Apparatus 300 can be
used by consumers in the household environment.
[0051] Apparatus 300 includes the display device 104 that is
mounted on the exterior of a body 302 or other housing of the
apparatus 300. Apparatus 300 also includes the button 106 that is
mounted on the exterior of the body 302 or other housing of the
apparatus 300. Apparatus 300 also includes a sensor 303 of the
non-contact sensor 110, the sensor 303 being mounted in the
interior of the body 302 of the apparatus 300. The non-contact
sensor 110 detects temperature in response to remote sensing of a
surface a human or animal. The right-angled waveguide 318 is
positioned in proximity to the contact sensor 304. The right-angled
waveguide 318 includes at least one flat planar surface. The
apparatus 300 includes 4 flat planar surfaces 306, 308, 310 and
311.
[0052] Apparatus 300 also includes a mode button 312 that when
pressed by an operator toggles or switches between three different
detection modes, a first detection mode being detection and display
of surface temperature, a second detection mode being detection and
display of body temperature and a third detection mode being
detection and display of room temperature.
[0053] Apparatus 300 also includes a temperature button 314 that
when pressed by an operator toggles or switches between two
different temperature modes, a first temperature mode being display
of temperature in Celsius and a second temperature mode being
display of temperature in Fahrenheit.
[0054] Apparatus 300 also includes a memory button 316 that when
pressed by an operator toggles or switches between a plurality of
past temperature readings. In one implementation, the plurality of
past temperature readings is 32.
[0055] FIG. 4 is a side-view block diagram of an apparatus 400 to
measure temperature using a non-contact thermometer with a
right-angled waveguide, according to an implementation. Apparatus
400 is handheld and battery powered for intermittent measurement
and monitoring of human or animal body temperature of people of all
ages. Apparatus 400 measures non-contact infrared energy emitted
from the skin surface of the human or animal. Apparatus 400 can be
used by consumers in the household environment.
[0056] Apparatus 400 includes the display device 104 that is
mounted on the exterior of a body 402 or other housing of the
apparatus 400. Apparatus 400 also includes the button 106 that is
mounted on the exterior of the body 402 or other housing of the
apparatus 400.
[0057] Apparatus 400 includes the non-contact sensor having an
infrared sensor 404. The infrared sensor 404 is operable to receive
infrared energy 406 via a pathway to the infrared sensor 404.
Apparatus 400 includes a lens 408 that is positioned over the
pathway. In some implementations, the lens 408 has only
right-angled edges, the lens 408 being square in geometry, that is
transverse to the pathway to the infrared sensor 404. The pathway
intersects the lens 408. A reflector 410 that is positioned at a 45
degree angle to the infrared sensor 404. The lens 408 has a
longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of
the infrared sensor. The reflector 410 is positioned at a 45 degree
angle to the lens 408. The pathway is coincident to the IR energy
406 that passes through the lens 408, reflects off of the reflector
410 and to the IR sensor 404.
[0058] Apparatus 400 also includes the sensor 303 of the
non-contact sensor 110, the sensor 303 being mounted in the
interior of the body 302 of the apparatus 400. The non-contact
sensor 110 detects temperature in response to remote sensing of a
surface of a human or animal. The contact sensor 412 detects
temperature in response to direct contact with the human or animal.
The dual sensors 110 and 412 provide improved convenience and
heightened accuracy in detecting temperatures in humans or animals.
In some situations, the non-contact sensor 110 is used as initial
instrument of temperature detection of a human or animal and the
contact sensor 412 is used as a second instrument of temperature
detection of the human or animal.
[0059] FIG. 5 is an isometric block diagram of an apparatus 500 to
measure temperature using both non-contact thermometer with a
right-angled waveguide and a contact thermometer, according to an
implementation. Apparatus 500 is handheld and battery powered for
intermittent measurement and monitoring of human or animal body
temperature of people of all ages. Apparatus 500 measures both
infrared energy emitted from the skin surface of the human or
animal and direct body temperature. Apparatus 500 can be used by
consumers in the household environment.
[0060] Apparatus 500 includes the display device 104 that is
mounted on the exterior of a body 502 of the apparatus 500.
Apparatus 500 also includes the button 106 that is mounted on the
exterior of the body 502 of the apparatus 500. Apparatus 500 also
includes a lens 408 of the non-contact sensor 110, the lens 408
being mounted on the exterior of the body 502 of the apparatus 500.
The non-contact sensor 110 behind the non-contact sensor 404
detects temperature in response to remote sensing of a surface a
human or animal. A right-angled waveguide 318 is positioned in
proximity to the non-contact sensor 110. The right-angled waveguide
318 includes at least one flat planar surface and right angles 504,
506, 508 and 510. Apparatus 500 also includes the contact sensor
412 that is mounted on the exterior of the body 502 of the
apparatus 500. The contact sensor 412 detects temperature in
response to direct contact with the human or animal. The dual
sensors 110 and 412 provide both convenience and heightened
accuracy in detecting temperatures in humans or animals. In some
situations, the non-contact sensor 110 is used as an initial
instrument of temperature detection of a human or animal and the
contact sensor 412 is used as a second instrument of temperature
detection of the human or animal.
[0061] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of apparatus 600 to measure
temperature, according to an implementation. Apparatus 600 is
handheld and battery powered for intermittent measurement and
monitoring of human or animal body temperature of people of all
ages. Apparatus 600 measures both electromagnetic energy emitted
from the skin surface, such as infrared energy, of the human or
animal and direct body temperature. Apparatus 600 is operationally
simple enough to be used by consumers in the household environment,
yet accurate enough to be used by professional medical
facilities.
[0062] Apparatus 600 includes one or more printed circuit board(s)
102.
[0063] Apparatus 600 also includes a display device 104 that is
operably coupled to the one or more printed circuit board(s) 102.
Some implementations of apparatus 600 also include a button 106
that is operably coupled to the one or more printed circuit
board(s) 102. Apparatus 600 also includes a battery 108, such as a
lithium ion battery, that is operably coupled to the one or more
printed circuit board(s) 102.
[0064] Apparatus 600 also includes a non-contact sensor 110 that is
operably coupled to the one or more printed circuit board(s) 102.
The non-contact sensor 110 detects temperature in response to
remote sensing of a surface a human or animal. In some
implementations the non-contact thermometer is an infrared
temperature sensor.
[0065] Some implementations of apparatus 600 also include a contact
sensor 512 that is operably coupled to the one or more printed
circuit board(s) 102. The contact sensor 512 detects temperature in
response to direct contact with a human or animal.
[0066] A right-angled waveguide 318 is positioned in proximity to
the non-contact sensor 110. The geometry of the right-angled
waveguide 318 has at least one right-angle and at least flat planar
surface. In some implementations, the geometry of the right-angled
waveguide 318 has only right-angled edges. In general, a waveguide
is a structure of a passageway or pathway which guides waves, such
as electromagnetic waves. Waves in open space propagate in all
directions, as spherical waves. In this way the wave lose power
proportionally to the square of the distance; that is, at a
distance R from the source, the power is the source power divided
by R2. The waveguide confines the wave to propagation in one
dimension, so that (under ideal conditions) the wave loses no power
while propagating. Waves are confined inside the waveguide due to
total reflection from the waveguide wall, so that the propagation
inside the waveguide can be described approximately as a "zigzag"
between the walls. There are different types of waveguides for each
type of wave. The original and most common implementation of a
waveguide is a hollow conductive metal pipe used to carry high
frequency radio waves, particularly microwaves. Waveguides differ
in their geometry which can confine energy in one dimension such as
in slab waveguides or a waveguide can confine energy in two
dimensions as in fiber or channel waveguides. As a rule of thumb,
the width of a waveguide needs to be of the same order of magnitude
as the wavelength of the guided wave.
[0067] A conventional geometry of a waveguide has a circular
cross-section, which is most useful for gathering electromagnetic
waves that have a rotating, circular polarization in which the
electrical field traces out a helical pattern as a function of
time. However, infrared energy emitted from a surface of a human
does not have a rotating, circular polarization in which the
electrical field traces out a helical pattern as a function of
time. Therefore, in apparatus that measures infrared energy of a
human as a proxy of temperature of the human, circular and rounded
waveguides should not be used. The waveguide 318 is not conical in
geometry because a conical waveguide reflects the electromagnetic
waves in a somewhat incoherent manner in which the electromagnetic
waves are received at the sensor with a decreased degree of
coherency, thus decreasing the signal strength; and the conical
waveguide reflects a significant portion of electromagnetic waves
out of the waveguide and away from the sensor, thus further
reducing the signal strength of the electromagnetic waves received
by the sensor and therefore further reducing the accuracy and speed
of the non-contact temperature sensing. More specifically,
waveguide 318 is not a conical funnel in which the conical funnel
has an opening at one end of a longitudinal axis that has a larger
diameter than an opening at the other end of the longitudinal
axis.
[0068] The dual sensors 110 and 412 provide improved convenience
and heightened accuracy in detecting temperatures in humans or
animals. In some situations, the non-contact sensor 110 is used as
an initial instrument of temperature detection of a human or animal
and the contact sensor 412 is used as a second instrument of
temperature detection of the human or animal. The non-contact
sensor 110 eliminates need for contact with the skin, yet the
contact sensor 412 provides a more accurate detection of human or
animal body temperature to supplement or verify the temperature
detected by the non-contact sensor 110.
[0069] In some implementations, the apparatus 600 includes only one
printed circuit board 102, in which case the printed circuit board
102 includes not more than one printed circuit board 102. In some
implementations, the apparatus 600 includes two printed circuit
boards 102, such as a first printed circuit board and a second
printed circuit board. In some implementations, the printed circuit
board(s) 102 include a microprocessor. In some implementations, the
apparatus 600 includes only one display device 104, in which case
the display device 104 includes not more than one display device
104. In some implementations, the display device 104 is a
liquid-crystal diode (LCD) display device. In some implementations,
the display device 104 is a light-emitting diode (LED) display
device. In some implementations, the apparatus 600 includes only
one battery 108, which case the battery 108 includes not more than
one battery 108.
[0070] While the apparatus 600 is not limited to any particular
printed circuit board(s) 102, display device 104, button 106,
battery 108, non-contact sensor 110 and a contact sensor 412, for
sake of clarity a simplified printed circuit board(s) 102, display
device 104, button 106, battery 108, non-contact sensor 110 and a
contact sensor 412 are described.
[0071] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of apparatus 700 to measure
temperature, according to an implementation in which each of a
non-contact thermometer and a contact thermometer are controlled by
a separate printed circuit board and the non-contact thermometer
has a right-angled waveguide, according to an implementation.
[0072] Apparatus 700 includes the contact sensor 412 that is
operably coupled to a first printed circuit board 702, a
non-contact sensor 110 that is operably coupled to a second printed
circuit board 704, the display device 104 that is operably coupled
to the first printed circuit board 702 and the second printed
circuit board 704, the button 106 that is operably coupled to the
first printed circuit board 702 and the second printed circuit
board 704 and the battery 108 that is operably coupled to the first
printed circuit board 702 and the second printed circuit board 704.
In apparatus 700, the display device 104, the button 106 and the
battery 108 are shared, but each thermometer has a dedicated
printed circuit board.
[0073] A right-angled waveguide 318 is positioned in proximity to
the non-contact sensor 110. The geometry of the right-angled
waveguide 318 has at least one right-angle. In some
implementations, the geometry of the right-angled waveguide 318 has
only right-angled edges.
[0074] Some implementations of apparatus in FIG. 1-6 include an
ambient air temperature sensor that is operably coupled to, or a
part of, the printed circuit board(s) 102, 702 or 704.
[0075] FIG. 8-14 are block diagrams of a sensor collector to guide
electromagnetic energy to measure temperature, according to an
implementation. FIG. 8 is a side cut-away view of the sensor
collector to guide electromagnetic energy. The electromagnetic
energy 802 enters the cavity 804 of the sensor collector and
reflects off of the shroud 806 and through the bottom opening. The
shroud 806 has in an inside surface that is concave. The shroud 806
is one example of the reflector 410 in FIG. 4. FIG. 9 is a top view
of the sensor collector to guide electromagnetic energy. FIG. 10 is
a front view of the sensor collector to guide electromagnetic
energy. FIG. 11 is a side view of the sensor collector to guide
electromagnetic energy. FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the sensor
collector to guide electromagnetic energy. FIG. 13 is a top
cut-away view of the sensor collector to guide electromagnetic
energy. FIG. 14 is a bottom isometric view of the sensor collector
to guide electromagnetic energy.
[0076] FIG. 15-20 are block diagrams of a shroud of a sensor
collector to guide electromagnetic energy to measure temperature,
according to an implementation. FIG. 15 is a side view of a shroud
of a sensor collector to guide electromagnetic energy. The
electromagnetic energy 802 enters the cavity 804 of the sensor
collector and reflects off of the shroud 806 and through the bottom
opening. FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a shroud of a sensor collector
to guide electromagnetic energy. FIG. 17 is a front cut-away view
of a shroud of a sensor collector to guide electromagnetic energy.
FIG. 18 is a front view of a shroud of a sensor collector to guide
electromagnetic energy. FIG. 19 is a front cut-away view of a
shroud of a sensor collector to guide electromagnetic energy. FIG.
20 is a back top isometric view of a shroud of a sensor collector
to guide electromagnetic energy.
[0077] FIG. 21 is a representation of display that is presented on
the display device of apparatus in FIG. 1-6, according to an
implementation that manages both a non-contact sensor and a contact
sensor.
[0078] Some implementations of display 2100 include a
representation of three detection modes 2102, a first detection
mode being detection and display of surface temperature, a second
detection mode being detection and display of body temperature and
a third detection mode being detection and display of room
temperature.
[0079] Some implementations of display 2100 include a
representation of Celsius 2104 that is activated when the apparatus
is in Celsius mode.
[0080] Some implementations of display 2100 include a
representation of a sensed temperature 2106.
[0081] Some implementations of display 2100 include a
representation of Fahrenheit 2108 that is activated when the
apparatus is in Fahrenheit mode.
[0082] Some implementations of display 2100 include a
representation of a mode 2110 of site temperature sensing, a first
site mode being detection of an axillary surface temperature, a
second site mode being detection of an oral temperature, a third
site mode being detection of a rectal temperature and a fourth site
mode being detection of a core temperature.
[0083] Some implementations of display 2100 include a
representation of a scanner mode 2112 that is activated when the
sensed temperature 2106 is from a non-contact sensor 110.
[0084] Some implementations of display 2100 include a
representation of a probe mode 2114 that is activated when the
sensed temperature 2106 is from a contact sensor 412.
[0085] Some implementations of display 2100 include a
representation of the current time/date 2116 of the apparatus.
[0086] FIG. 22 is a representation of display 2200 that is
presented on the display device of apparatus in FIG. 1-6, according
to an implementation.
[0087] Some implementations of display 2200 include a
representation of three detection modes 2102, a first detection
mode being detection and display of surface temperature, a second
detection mode being detection and display of body temperature and
a third detection mode being detection and display of room
temperature.
[0088] Some implementations of display 2200 include a
representation of Celsius 2104 that is activated when the apparatus
is in Celsius mode.
[0089] Some implementations of display 2200 include a
representation of a temperature 2106.
[0090] Some implementations of display 2200 include a
representation of Fahrenheit 2108 that is activated when the
apparatus is in Fahrenheit mode.
[0091] Some implementations of display 2200 include a
representation of memory 2210.
[0092] Some implementations of display 2200 include a
representation of battery charge level 2212.
[0093] FIG. 23 is a representation of text displays 2300 that are
presented on the display device of apparatus in FIG. 1-6, according
to an implementation. Some implementations of display 2300 include
a text representation that a sensed body temperature 2302 is "Lo"
as in "low". Some implementations of display 2300 include a text
representation that a sensed body temperature 2304 is "Hi" as in
"high".
[0094] FIG. 24-29 are representations of graphical displays that
are presented on the display device of apparatus in FIG. 1-6,
according to implementations. The double-arrow bracket 2402 in FIG.
24-29 represents a general range of normal temperatures.
[0095] FIG. 24 is a graphical display that represents a state of
having no sensed temperature. The empty thermometer in FIG. 24
indicates that no temperature sensing activity has completed.
[0096] FIG. 25 is a graphical display that represents a state of
having sensed a high temperature. The thermometer in FIG. 25 having
a contrasting color 2502 that is located above the general ranges
of normal temperature indicates a higher than normal temperature.
In FIG. 25-29, the contrasting color 2502 contrasts to the
remainder 2504 of the interior of the thermometer image. In the
example shown in FIG. 25-29, the contrasting color 2502 is black
which contrasts with the white of the remainder 2504 of the
interior of the thermometer image. FIG. 25 includes a pointer 2506
indicating the sensed temperature.
[0097] FIG. 26 is a graphical display that represents a state of
having sensed a low temperature. The thermometer in FIG. 26 having
only a contrasting color that is located below the general ranges
of normal temperature indicates a lower than normal temperature.
FIG. 26 includes a pointer 2506 indicating the sensed
temperature.
[0098] FIG. 27 is a graphical display that represents a state of
having sensed a low temperature. The thermometer in FIG. 27 having
contrasting color located only below the general ranges of normal
temperature indicates a lower than normal temperature.
[0099] FIG. 28 is a graphical display that represents a state of
having sensed a high temperature. The thermometer in FIG. 28 having
contrasting color that is located above the general ranges of
normal temperature indicates a higher than normal temperature.
[0100] FIG. 29 is a graphical display that represents a state of
having sensed a high temperature. The thermometer in FIG. 29 having
contrasting color that is located above the general ranges of
normal temperature indicates a higher than normal temperature.
[0101] Use Cases of Apparatus
[0102] In one example of use of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1-6, an
operator performs a scan with the non-contact sensor 110, the
operator determines that a contact temperature is helpful or
necessary and the operator performs a reading with a contact sensor
412. In another example of use of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1-6,
the operator performs a reading with the contact sensor 412, the
operator determines that a non-contact temperature is helpful or
necessary and the operator performs a scan with the non-contact
sensor 110.
[0103] To perform a scan with the non-contact sensor 110, the
operator uses a button to select one three modes of the apparatus,
1) oral 2) rectal or 4) axillary. The operator pushes the scan
button 106 to initiate a non-contact temperature scan. The
apparatus displays the detected temperature that is calculated in
reference to the selected mode.
[0104] To determine that a contact temperature is helpful or
necessary, the operator reviews the temperature displayed by the
apparatus and determines that a temperature reading using a
different technique, such as either contact or non-contact) would
be informative.
[0105] To perform a reading with the contact sensor 412, the
operator removes a contact sensor 412 probe from a receiver and
places a disposable probe cover over the contact sensor 412, and
the operator inserts the probe of the contact sensor 412 into the
mouth of a human or animal. The apparatus senses in increase in
temperature through the contact sensor 412 and in response the
apparatus starts a timer. After expiration of the timer, the
apparatus displays on the display device 104 the sensed temperature
at the time of the timer expiration and generates an audio alert
and in response the operator removes the probe of the contact
sensor 412 from the mouth of the human or animal, places the probe
of the contact sensor 412 into the receiver and reads the displayed
temperature on the display device 104.
Method Implementations
[0106] In the previous section, apparatus of the operation of an
implementation was described. In this section, the particular
methods performed by apparatus 100, 200, 400, 500 and 700 of such
an implementation are described by reference to a series of
flowcharts.
[0107] FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a method 3000 to measure
temperature from multiple source points. Method 3000 includes
sensing electromagnetic energy at a plurality of external source
points on a subject, at block 3002. The sensing at block 3000
yields a sensed electromagnetic energy of the plurality of external
source points. In one implementation, block 3002 includes sensing
the electromagnetic energy from only at the carotid artery source
point on the subject and sensing the electromagnetic energy at no
other point on the subject.
[0108] Method 3000 also includes correlating a temperature of the
subject from the sensed electromagnetic energy of the plurality of
external source points, at block 3004. The correlating at block
3004 yields a correlated temperature. In some implementations, the
correlating at block 3004 is performed by the multi-source
temperature correlator 112 in FIG. 1. In some implementations,
block 3004 includes correlating only the temperature of the subject
from the sensed electromagnetic energy of the carotid artery source
point on the subject. In one implementation, block 3004 includes
correlating the electromagnetic energy from only the carotid artery
source point on the subject and correlating the electromagnetic
energy at no other point on the subject.
[0109] FIG. 31 is a flowchart of a method 3100 to measure
temperature of a forehead and a carotid artery, according to an
implementation. Method 3100 includes sensing the electromagnetic
energy at the carotid artery source point on the subject and/or the
forehead source point on the subject, at block 3102. In one
implementation, block 3102 includes sensing the electromagnetic
energy from only at the carotid artery source point on the subject
and sensing the electromagnetic energy at no other point on the
subject. The sensing at block 3102 yields the sensed
electromagnetic energy of the external source point(s).
[0110] Method 3100 also includes correlating the temperature of the
subject from the sensed electromagnetic energy of the carotid
artery source point on the subject and/or from the forehead source
point on the subject, at block 3104. The correlating at block 3104
yields a correlated temperature. In some implementations, block
3104 includes correlating only the temperature of the subject from
the sensed electromagnetic energy of the carotid artery source
point on the subject. In some implementations, the correlating at
block 3104 is performed by the multi-source temperature correlator
112 in FIG. 1. In one implementation, block 3104 includes
correlating the electromagnetic energy from only the carotid artery
source point on the subject and correlating the electromagnetic
energy at no other point on the subject.
[0111] In some implementations of method 3000 and 3100, the
correlated temperature of the subject includes only a core
temperature of the subject, an axillary temperature of the subject,
a rectal temperature of the subject and an oral temperature of the
subject. Methods 3000 and 3100 permit an operator to take the
temperature of a subject at multiple locations on a patient and
from the temperatures at multiple locations to determine the
temperature at a number of other locations of the subject. The
multiple source points of which the electromagnetic energy is
sensed are mutually exclusive to the location of the correlated
temperature. In one example, the carotid artery source point on the
subject and a forehead source point are mutually exclusive to the
core temperature of the subject, an axillary temperature of the
subject, a rectal temperature of the subject and an oral
temperature of the subject.
[0112] The correlation of action 3004 in FIG. 30 and action 3104
can include a calculation based on Formula 1:
T.sub.body=|f.sub.stb(T.sub.surface
temp+f.sub.ntc(T.sub.ntc))+F4.sub.body| Formula 1 [0113] where
T.sub.body is the temperature of a body or subject [0114] where
f.sub.stb is a mathematical formula of a surface of a body [0115]
where f.sub.ntc is mathematical formula for ambient temperature
reading [0116] where T.sub.surface temp is a surface temperature
determined from the sensing 3002 in FIG. 3000 or 3102 in FIG. 31.
[0117] where T.sub.ntc is an ambient air temperature reading [0118]
where F4.sub.body is a calibration difference in axillary mode,
which is stored or set in a memory of the apparatus either during
manufacturing or in the field. The apparatus also sets, stores and
retrieves F4.sub.oral, F4.sub.core, and F4.sub.rectal in the
memory. [0119] f.sub.ntc(T.sub.ntc) is a bias in consideration of
the temperature sensing mode. For example
f.sub.axillary(T.sub.axillary)=0.2.degree. C.,
f.sub.oral(T.sub.oral)=0.4.degree. C.,
f.sub.rectal(T.sub.rectal)=0.5.degree. C. and
f.sub.core(T.sub.core)=0.3.degree. C.
[0120] FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a method of determining correlated
temperature of a carotid artery, according to an
implementation;
[0121] Method 3200 includes determining a correlated body
temperature of carotid artery by biasing a sensed temperature of a
carotid artery, at block 3202. In one example, the sensed
temperature is biased by +0.5.degree. C. to yield the correlated
body temperature. In another example, the sensed temperature is
biased by -0.5.degree. C. to yield the correlated body temperature.
Method 3200 in FIG. 31 is one example of block 3004 in FIG. 30 and
block 3104 in FIG. 31. An example of correlating body temperature
of a carotid artery follows:
f.sub.ntc(T.sub.ntc)=0.2.degree. C. [0122] when
T.sub.ntc=26.2.degree. C. as retrieved from a data table for body
sensing mode. [0123] assumption: T.sub.surface temp=37.8.degree.
C.
[0123] T.sub.surface temp+f.sub.ntc(T.sub.ntc)=37.8.degree.
C.+0.2.degree. C.=38.0.degree. C.
f.sub.stb(T.sub.surface temp+f.sub.ntc(T.sub.ntc))=38.degree.
C.+1.4.degree. C.=39.4.degree. C. [0124] assumption:
F4.sub.body=0.5.degree. C.
[0124] T.sub.body=|f.sub.stb(T.sub.surface
temp+f.sub.ntc(T.sub.ntc))+F4.sub.body|=|39.4.degree. C.+0.5
C|=39.9.degree. C.
[0125] The correlated temperature for the carotid artery is
39.9.degree. C.
[0126] FIG. 33 is a flowchart of a method 3300 of forehead and
carotid artery sensing, according to an implementation.
[0127] Method 3300 includes measuring temperature of a forehead and
a carotid artery, at block 3302. Method 3000 in FIG. 30 is one
example of block 3302. In an example of correlating temperature of
a plurality of external locations, such as a forehead and a carotid
artery to an axillary temperature, first a forehead temperature is
calculated using formula 1 as follows:
f.sub.ntc(T.sub.ntc)=0.2.degree. C. [0128] when
T.sub.ntc=26.2.degree. C. as retrieved from a data table for
axillary sensing mode. [0129] assumption: T.sub.surface
temp=37.8.degree. C.
[0129] T.sub.surface temp+f.sub.ntc(T.sub.ntc)=37.8.degree.
C.+0.2.degree. C.=38.0.degree. C.
f.sub.stb(T.sub.surface temp+f.sub.ntc(T.sub.ntc))=38.degree.
C.+1.4.degree. C.=39.4.degree. C. [0130] assumption:
F4.sub.body=0.degree. C.
[0130] T.sub.body=|f.sub.stb(T.sub.surface
temp+f.sub.ntc(T.sub.ntc))+F4b.sub.ody|=|39.4.degree. C.+0
C|=39.4.degree. C.
[0131] And second, a carotid temperature is calculated using
formula 1 as follows:
f.sub.ntc(T.sub.ntc)=0.6.degree. C. [0132] when
T.sub.ntc=26.4.degree. C. as retrieved from a data table. [0133]
assumption: T.sub.surface temp=38.0.degree. C.
[0133] T.sub.surface temp+f.sub.ntc(T.sub.ntc)=38.0.degree.
C.+0.6.degree. C.=38.6.degree. C.
f.sub.stb(T.sub.surface temp+f.sub.ntc(T.sub.ntc))=38.6.degree.
C.+1.4 C=40.0.degree. C. [0134] assumption: F4.sub.body=0.degree.
C.
[0134] T.sub.body=|f.sub.stb(T.sub.surface
temp+f.sub.ntc(T.sub.ntc))+F4.sub.body|=140.0.degree. C.+0
C|=40.0.degree. C.
[0135] Thereafter the correlated temperature for the forehead
(39.4.degree. C.) and the correlated temperature for the carotid
artery (40.0.degree. C.) are averaged, at block 3304, yielding the
final result of the scan of the forehead and the carotid artery as
39.7.degree. C.
[0136] FIG. 34 is a flowchart of a method 3400 to display
temperature color indicators, according to an implementation.
Method 3400 provides color rendering in the display device 104 to
indicate a general range of a correlated temperature.
[0137] Method 3400 includes receiving a correlated temperature, at
block 3402. The correlated temperature can be received from the
non-contact sensor 110 or the contact sensor 304, or the correlated
temperature can be received from a printed circuit board that has
adjusted a temperature in reference to either the site on the human
or animal of the temperature sensing and or the ambient temperature
detected in the vicinity of the apparatus performing the method
3400.
[0138] Method 3400 also includes determining in which of a
plurality of ranges is the correlated temperature, at block
3404.
[0139] Method 3400 also includes identifying a display
characteristic that is associated with the determined temperature
range, at block 3406. In some implementations, the display
characteristic is a color of text. In some implementations, the
display characteristic is an image such as a commercial
advertisement image.
[0140] Method 3400 also includes activating the display device 104
in accordance with the identified display characteristic, at block
3408. In the implementations in which the display characteristic is
a color of text, method 3400 provides color rendering in the
display device 104 to indicate the general range of the sensed
temperature. The medical significance of the temperature is
indicated by the displayed color. In the implementations in which
the display characteristic is an image such as a commercial
advertisement image, method 3400 provides advertising that is
relevant to the medical condition of a patient.
[0141] In one implementation of a method to display temperature
color indicators, according to an implementation of two colors, the
method includes the non-contact sensor (such as 110 in FIG. 1)
yielding a sensed temperature that is correlated and color changes
of the display device (such as 104 in FIG. 1) are related to the
correlated temperature, and the display device activates pixels in
at least two colors, the colors being in accordance with the
correlated temperature.
[0142] FIG. 35 is a flowchart of a method 3500 to display
temperature color indicators, according to an implementation of
three colors. Method 3500 provides color rendering in the display
device 104 to indicate a general range of a correlated
temperature.
[0143] Method 3500 includes receiving a correlated temperature, at
block 1602. The correlated temperature can be received from the
non-contact sensor 110 or the contact sensor 512, or the correlated
temperature can be received from a printed circuit board that has
adjusted a temperature in reference to either the site on the human
or animal of the temperature sensing and or the ambient temperature
detected in the vicinity of the apparatus performing the method
3500.
[0144] Method 3500 also includes determining whether or not the
correlated temperature is in the range of 32.0.degree. C. and
37.3.degree. C., at block 3502. If the correlated temperature is in
the range of 32.0.degree. C. and 37.3.degree. C., then the color is
set to `green` to indicate a temperature of no medical concern, at
block 3504 and the background of the display device 104 is
activated in accordance with the color, at block 3506.
[0145] If the correlated temperature is not the range of
32.0.degree. C. and 37.3.degree. C., then method 3500 also includes
determining whether or not the correlated temperature is in the
range of 37.4.degree. C. and 38.0.degree. C., at block 3508. If the
sensed temperature is in the range of 37.4.degree. C. and
38.0.degree. C., then the color is set to `orange` to indicate
caution, at block 3510 and the background of the display device 104
is activated in accordance with the color, at block 3506.
[0146] If the correlated temperature is not the range of
37.4.degree. C. and 38.0.degree. C., then method 3500 also includes
determining whether or not the correlated temperature is over
38.0.degree. C., at block 3512. If the correlated temperature is
over 38.0.degree. C., then the color is set to `red` to indicate
alert, at block 3512 and the background of the display device 104
is activated in accordance with the color, at block 3506.
[0147] Method 3500 assumes that temperature is correlated in
gradients of 10ths of a degree. Other temperature range boundaries
are used in accordance with other gradients of temperature
sensing.
[0148] In some implementations, some pixels in the display device
104 are activated as a green color when the correlated temperature
is between 36.3.degree. C. and 37.3.degree. C. (97.3.degree. F. to
99.1.degree. F.), some pixels in the display device 104 are
activated as an orange color when the correlated temperature is
between 37.4.degree. C. and 37.9.degree. C. (99.3.degree. F. to
100.2.degree. F.), some pixels in the display device 104 are
activated as a red color when the correlated temperature is greater
than 38.degree. C. (100.4.degree. F.). In some implementations, the
display device 104 is a backlit LCD screen (which is easy to read
in a dark room) and some pixels in the display device 104 are
activated (remain lit) for about 5 seconds after the button 106 is
released. After the display device 104 has shut off, another
temperature reading can be taken by the apparatus. The color change
of the display device 104 is to alert the user of the apparatus of
a potential increase of body temperature of the human or animal
subject. Temperature reported on the display can be used for
treatment decisions.
[0149] In some implementations, methods 3000-3500 are implemented
as a sequence of instructions which, when executed by a processor
3602 in FIG. 36, cause the processor to perform the respective
method. In other implementations, methods 3000-3500 are implemented
as a computer-accessible medium having executable instructions
capable of directing a processor, such as processor 3602 in FIG.
36, to perform the respective method. In varying implementations,
the medium is a magnetic medium, an electronic medium, or an
optical medium.
Hardware and Operating Environment
[0150] FIG. 36 is a block diagram of a thermometer control computer
3600, according to an implementation. The thermometer control
computer 3600 includes a processor (such as a Pentium III processor
from Intel Corp. in this example) which includes dynamic and static
ram and non-volatile program read-only-memory (not shown),
operating memory 3604 (SDRAM in this example), communication ports
3606 (e.g., RS-232 3608 COM1/2 or Ethernet 3610), and a data
acquisition circuit 3612 with analog inputs 3614 and analog outputs
3616.
[0151] In some implementations of the thermometer control computer
3600, the data acquisition circuit 3612 is also coupled to counter
timer ports 3640 and watchdog timer ports 3642. In some
implementations of the thermometer control computer 3600, an RS-232
port 3644 is coupled through a universal asynchronous
receiver/transmitter (UART) 3646 to a bridge 3626.
[0152] In some implementations of the thermometer control computer
3600, the Ethernet port 3610 is coupled to the bus 3628 through an
Ethernet controller 3650.
[0153] With proper digital amplifiers and analog signal
conditioners, the thermometer control computer 3600 can be
programmed to drive the display device 602. The sensed temperatures
can be received by non-contact sensors 110 and 304, the output of
which, after passing through appropriate signal conditioners, can
be read by the analog to digital converters that are part of the
data acquisition circuit 3612. Thus the temperatures can be made
adjusted for ambient temperature or the physical site of the human
or animal that was examined for temperature on in as part of its
decision-making software that acts to process and display sensed
temperature.
[0154] FIG. 37 is a block diagram of a data acquisition circuit
3700 of a thermometer control computer, according to an
implementation. The data acquisition circuit 3700 is one example of
the data acquisition circuit 3612 in FIG. 36 above. Some
implementations of the data acquisition circuit 3700 provide 16-bit
A/D performance with input voltage capability up to +/-10V, and
programmable input ranges.
[0155] The data acquisition circuit 3700 can include a bus 3702,
such as a conventional PC/104 bus. The data acquisition circuit
3700 can be operably coupled to a controller chip 3704. Some
implementations of the controller chip 3704 include an
analog/digital first-in/first-out (FIFO) buffer 3706 that is
operably coupled to controller logic 3708. In some implementations
of the data acquisition circuit 3700, the FIFO buffer 3706 receives
signal data from and analog/digital converter (ADC) 3710, which
exchanges signal data with a programmable gain amplifier 3712,
which receives data from a multiplexer 3714, which receives signal
data from analog inputs 3716.
[0156] In some implementations of the data acquisition circuit
3700, the controller logic 3708 sends signal data to the ADC 3710
and a digital/analog converter (DAC) 3718. The DAC 3718 sends
signal data to analog outputs. The analog outputs, after proper
amplification, can be used to modulate coolant valve actuator
positions. In some implementations of the data acquisition circuit
3700, the controller logic 3708 receives signal data from an
external trigger 3722.
[0157] In some implementations of the data acquisition circuit
3700, the controller chip 3704 includes a digital input/output
(I/O) component 3738 that sends digital signal data to computer
output ports.
[0158] In some implementations of the data acquisition circuit
3700, the controller logic 3708 sends signal data to the bus 3702
via a control line 3746 and an interrupt line 3748. In some
implementations of the data acquisition circuit 3700, the
controller logic 3708 exchanges signal data to the bus 3702 via a
transceiver 3750.
[0159] Some implementations of the data acquisition circuit 3700
include 12-bit D/A channels, programmable digital I/O lines, and
programmable counter/timers. Analog circuitry can be placed away
from the high-speed digital logic to ensure low-noise performance
for important applications. Some implementations of the data
acquisition circuit 3700 are fully supported by operating systems
that can include, but are not limited to, DOS.TM., Linux.TM.
RTLinux.TM., QNX.TM., Windows 98/NT/2000/XP/CE.TM., Forth.TM., and
VxWorks.TM. to simplify application development.
CONCLUSION
[0160] A non-contact thermometer that senses temperature of a
plurality of external locations is described. A technical effect of
the non-contact thermometer is visual display of a temperature that
is correlated from the plurality of external locations. Another
technical effect of the non-contact thermometer is visual display
of a temperature that is correlated from a carotid source point.
Although specific implementations are illustrated and described
herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same
purpose may be substituted for the specific implementations shown.
This application is intended to cover any adaptations or
variations.
[0161] In particular, one of skill in the art will readily
appreciate that the names of the methods and apparatus are not
intended to limit implementations. Furthermore, additional methods
and apparatus can be added to the components, functions can be
rearranged among the components, and new components to correspond
to future enhancements and physical devices used in implementations
can be introduced without departing from the scope of
implementations. One of skill in the art will readily recognize
that implementations are applicable to future non-contact
temperature sensing devices, different temperature measuring sites
on humans or animals and new display devices.
[0162] The terminology used in this application meant to include
all temperature sensors, processors and user environments and
alternate technologies which provide the same functionality as
described herein.
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