JP2000014648A - Ear type thermometer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ear type thermometer capable of easily and accurately measuring body temperature regardless of fluctuation of ambient temperature. SOLUTION: This thermometer is of the ear type that measures body temperature by detecting the intensity of infrared radiation from inside of the ear, having a thermometer body with a casing, a power switch installed at the thermometer body, a display part, and a measuring switch. An infrared sensor, a temperature sensor, a control means, an A/D converter, and the like are built into the casing. When the measuring switch is depressed, detection signals from the infrared sensor and the temperature sensor are sampled (step 301) and a predetermined arithmetic process is performed to obtain a temperature value Tj measured within the ear (step 302). The temperature value Tj measured is corrected to obtain a temperature Tjref within the ear which corresponds to ambient temperature when it is equal to reference temperature (step 303) and the result of the measurement is displayed on a display part (step 304).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ear thermometer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An infrared ear thermometer (ear thermometer) for measuring the temperature in the ear is known.

[0003] In this ear thermometer, the temperature of the ear is determined by detecting the intensity of infrared rays emitted from the ear with an infrared sensor.

[0004] For this reason, the measurement time is extremely short as compared with a conventionally used general thermometer (for example,
(About 1 to 2 seconds), which is extremely useful, for example, when measuring the body temperature of a restless infant or child.

[0005]

However, the temperature in the ear depends on the environmental temperature outside the ear (outside air temperature). Therefore, even if the body temperature is constant, if the environmental temperature fluctuates, the temperature in the ear will be reduced. Temperature fluctuates according to the environmental temperature. Therefore, in the conventional ear thermometer, there is a problem that the temperature measurement value fluctuates according to the environmental temperature, that is, the season, the measurement date and time, and the measurement location.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ear-type thermometer capable of easily and accurately measuring a body temperature irrespective of fluctuations in environmental temperature. It is in.

[0007]

This and other objects are achieved by the present invention which is defined below as (1) to (6).

(1) An ear thermometer which has infrared detecting means for detecting the intensity of infrared light emitted from the ear, and measures the temperature in the ear based on an infrared detection signal from the infrared detecting means, Using an environmental temperature detecting means for detecting an environmental temperature outside the ear, an environmental temperature detection signal from the environmental temperature detecting means, and an infrared detection signal from the infrared detecting means, the environmental temperature is equivalent to a reference temperature. An ear thermometer configured to determine the temperature in the ear.

(2) The ear thermometer according to the above (1), wherein the temperature in the ear at the environmental temperature is obtained based on the infrared detection signal.

(3) An ear thermometer which has infrared detecting means for detecting the intensity of infrared light emitted from the ear, and measures the temperature in the ear based on an infrared detection signal from the infrared detecting means, Using an environmental temperature detecting means for detecting an environmental temperature outside the ear, and an environmental temperature detected by the environmental temperature detecting means, correcting the temperature in the ear which is measured based on the infrared detecting means at the environmental temperature. An ear-type thermometer, which is configured to obtain a temperature in the ear corresponding to a time when the environmental temperature is a reference temperature.

(4) The infrared detecting means is an infrared sensor composed of a thermopile, and the environmental temperature detecting means is a temperature sensor composed of a thermistor,
The ear type according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the temperature sensor is provided near a cold junction of the thermopile, and thereby constitutes a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature in the ear together with the infrared sensor. Thermometer.

(5) There is provided a display unit, wherein the temperature of the ear measured at the environmental temperature and the temperature of the ear corresponding to the reference temperature are simultaneously or simultaneously displayed on the display unit. The ear thermometer according to the above (2) or (3), which is configured to be able to alternately display.

(6) The display device according to any one of (1) to (4), further including a display unit, wherein the display unit displays a temperature in the ear corresponding to a time when the environmental temperature is a reference temperature. An ear thermometer according to any of the above.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an ear thermometer according to the present invention will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are a front view and a side view, respectively, showing an embodiment of an ear thermometer (hereinafter simply referred to as "thermometer") according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a probe of the thermometer shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA 'in FIG. 1, showing a state in which a probe cover is attached. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the structure of the infrared sensor of the thermometer shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of a thermometer. For convenience of explanation, the upper side of FIGS.
The lower side is referred to as “lower”, the upper side in FIG. 3 is referred to as “distal end”, and the lower side is referred to as “proximal end”.

As shown in these figures, a thermometer 1 is an ear thermometer for measuring a body temperature by detecting the intensity of infrared rays emitted from an ear. A thermometer body 2 having a casing 21 and a thermometer body 2 A thermometer main body 2 and a power switch 3 and a display unit 5 installed on the front of the thermometer main body 2.

The probe 6 is mounted on the front side of the thermometer main body 2 so as to be detachable from the thermometer main body 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the support 7 has a large-diameter portion 71 and a small-diameter portion 72 at the distal end thereof, and the large-diameter portion 71 and the small-diameter portion 72.
Male screws 73 and 74 are respectively formed on the outer periphery of.

On the other hand, at the base end of the tubular probe 6, there is provided a base portion 61 which comes into contact with the front end surface of the large diameter portion 71.
A female screw 62 that is screwed with the male screw 74 is formed on the inner surface on the proximal end side of the probe 6. By screwing the male screw 74 and the female screw 62, the probe 6 is supported and fixed on the support 7.

The probe 6 has a shape whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward the distal end, and the outer peripheral portion (edge) 63 of the distal end of the probe 6 is designed for safety when inserted into the ear cavity. It has a rounded shape.

A light guide (waveguide) 8 that guides infrared rays (heat rays) introduced from the tip of the support base 7 to an infrared sensor 101 of a temperature detector 10 described later is provided upright at the center of the support base 7. The light guide 8 is preferably made of a metal such as copper having good heat conductivity, and its inner surface is plated with gold.

The light guide 8 is covered with a protective sheet 81 so as to cover the opening at the tip. This prevents dust, dust and the like from entering the light guide 8. The protective sheet 81 has infrared transmittance, and examples of the constituent material include the same resin material as the probe cover 11 described later.

A protective sheet fixing tube 15 is provided on the outer peripheral portion on the proximal end side of the protective sheet 81, and the proximal end side of the protective sheet 81 is fixed to the light guide 8 by the protective sheet fixing tube 15. Have been.

A ring nut 9 is screwed into the large diameter portion 71 of the support 7. That is, a female screw 91 is formed on the base end side inner surface of the ring nut 9, and the female screw 91 is screwed with the male screw 73 of the large diameter portion 71, so that the ring nut 9 is supported on the support base 7. Fixed.

The ring nut 9 has a tapered portion 92 whose outer diameter gradually decreases from the vicinity of the distal end of the female screw 91 toward the distal end, and the inner surface of the tapered portion 92 is attached to the body 12 of the probe cover 11. An engaging portion 93 to be engaged is formed.

The probe 6 is covered with the probe cover 11,
When the ring nut 9 is attached and rotated and screwed in a predetermined direction, the body 12 of the probe cover 11 is sandwiched between the inclined portion 64 of the probe 6 and the engaging portion 93 of the ring nut 9, and the probe cover 11 is It is securely fixed to the probe 6.

A flange mounting base and the like are provided around the open end (base end) of the probe cover 11 of the present embodiment.
The probe cover 11 can be fixed by sandwiching the flange or the like between the probe 6 and the ring nut 9.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the probe cover 11 from being displaced from the probe 6 or from easily detaching during measurement of body temperature or the like. In order to remove the probe cover 11 from the probe 6, it is necessary to rotate the ring nut 9 with a considerable force to release the screw engagement with the large diameter portion 71. Inconvenience such as putting in the mouth is also prevented.

The distal end surface 94 of the ring nut 9 forms a substantially flat surface. When the probe 6 is inserted into the ear cavity, the distal end surface 94 abuts near the entrance of the ear cavity, and regulates the insertion depth of the probe 6 into the ear cavity to a certain depth. For this reason, the measurement can always be performed under appropriate conditions, and a measurement error due to a change in the insertion depth into the ear cavity can be prevented. In addition, the probe 6 can enter the ear cavity too deeply and damage the inner part of the ear. Such inconvenience does not occur. Thus, the thermometer 1 detects infrared rays emitted from a portion deeper than a certain depth of the ear cavity (ear canal), that is, a portion deeper than the tip of the probe 6.

On the outer peripheral surface of the tapered portion 92 of the ring nut 9, a plurality of grooves (slip preventing means) 95 for exerting a non-slip effect when rotating the ring nut 9 in a tightening direction or a loosening direction are circled. They are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. In addition, not only the concave portion such as the groove 95 but also a convex portion can exert the same function. Further, a high friction material such as rubber may be provided.

The probe cover 11 has a shape in which the base end is open and the end is closed. This probe cover 11
Is composed of a cylindrical body 12 whose outer diameter and inner diameter gradually decrease toward the tip, and a film 14 formed at the tip of the body 12 and capable of transmitting infrared rays.

The body 12 and the film 14 are preferably integrally formed of a resin material. As the resin material, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene,
Polyolefins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer,
Examples include polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate.

A hollow portion 75 is formed at the base end of the large-diameter portion 71 of the support base 7, and a can (metal container) 16 is fitted therein. And the hollow part 7
The metal stem 19 to be described later is provided on the base end side of
A base 18 made of an ABS resin or the like for supporting the base material is provided.

At the tip of the can 16 (upper side in FIG. 3),
An opening 161 is formed, and the opening 161 is
Infrared transmitting plate member (window) 1 installed inside
7 covered. In addition, as a constituent material of the plate member 17, for example, silicon having infrared transmissivity is used.

The base end of the can 16 (lower side in FIG. 3)
Is fitted with a metal stem 19, and an infrared sensor (infrared ray detecting means) 101 and a temperature sensor (environmental temperature detecting means) 107 are provided on the metal stem 19 (on the tip side of the metal stem 19). A temperature detector 10 is provided. As described above, the tip surface 9 of the ring nut 9
4 is in contact with the vicinity of the entrance of the ear cavity.
Is located outside the ear.

A circuit board (not shown) is provided in the casing 21. As shown in FIG. 5, the circuit board has a control means 31 composed of a microcomputer.
And an A / D converter 32 and the like. In the casing 21, a power supply unit 40 for storing a battery is provided.
Is installed, and power is supplied from the power supply unit 40 to each unit of the temperature detection unit 10 and the circuit board.

The control means 31 has a built-in arithmetic unit 311, a memory (RAM, ROM, EEPROM) 312, and a timer (not shown) including an auto power off timer. The main function of the temperature measuring means (including the correction to be described later) for obtaining the temperature in the ear corresponding to the case where the environmental temperature outside the ear is the reference temperature is achieved by the control means 31.

The control means 31 is provided with an automatic power-off timer for suppressing unnecessary power consumption.

The auto power-off timer automatically turns off the power after a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) from the start of the timer when the power switch 3 is left in an on state. Even if the power switch 3 is turned off within a predetermined time after starting the auto power-off timer, until the predetermined time elapses,
The timer continues its counting operation (time measurement).

As shown in FIG.
Includes a heat sink 111 and a thermopile (thermocouple array) 102 provided on the heat sink 111 via an insulating film 112 for insulating heat and electricity. The thermopile 102 has a plurality of thermocouples connected in series.

Then, at the center on the insulating film 112,
Each hot junction 103 of the thermopile 102 is installed,
Each cold junction 104 is provided outside the hot junction on the insulating film 112.

Above the hot junction 103, a heat collecting portion (infrared absorbing film) 106 that covers each hot junction 103 is provided.

On the insulating film 112, a hot junction terminal (positive output terminal) 113 connected to a predetermined hot junction 103 is provided.
And a cold junction terminal (negative output terminal) 114 connected to a predetermined cold junction 104 are provided, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 3, the temperature sensor 10 is located near the infrared sensor 101 (near the cold junction).
7 are installed. This temperature sensor 107 detects the temperature of the cold junction 104 of the infrared sensor 101 because it is located outside the ear at the time of temperature measurement, and also detects the environmental temperature (outside air temperature) outside the ear. As the temperature sensor 107,
For example, a contact-type temperature sensor such as a thermistor can be used.

Such a temperature measuring section 10 is located outside the ear when measuring. Then, the temperature detecting unit 10 uses the infrared sensor 101 and the temperature sensor 107, respectively, to connect the hot junction 103 heated by the infrared irradiation from the ear (the eardrum, the ear canal, etc.) and the cold junction 104 not irradiated with the infrared from the ear. Signal corresponding to the temperature difference with the infrared (infrared detection signal)
And a signal (environmental temperature signal) corresponding to the temperature of the atmosphere near the cold junction 104 (environmental temperature outside the ear), and the temperature in the ear can be measured (determined) by using these functions.

Hereinafter, the ambient temperature outside the ear (outside air temperature) is simply referred to as “environmental temperature”. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the ear and the inside thereof, and FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between each part (measurement part) in the ear and the temperature measured therein (ear temperature, eardrum temperature). FIG. 8 is a graph showing a relationship between each part (measurement part) in the ear and the temperature (ear temperature, eardrum temperature) when the environmental temperature (outside air temperature) changes.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, a predetermined depth of the environmental temperature (outside temperature) and T _a, an ear canal surface (an ear canal entrance) 201 temperature (ear hole surface temperature) T _h of the ear canal 202 (the ear) And the measured temperature (in-ear temperature) with the tip of the probe 6 positioned
The T _j, the temperature of the eardrum 203 that is deep in the ear canal 202 (tympanic temperature) and T _k, the relation of these temperatures T _h, T _j and T _k, as shown in FIG. 7, tympanic temperature T _k is the highest and the lowest ear hole surface temperature T _h. That is, the temperature in the ear gradually decreases as the tip position of the probe 6 moves from the eardrum 203 to the ear canal surface 201.

As shown in FIG. 8, the eardrum temperature T _k
, If temperature is constant, regardless of the environmental temperature T _a, it is constant.

[0048] In contrast, ear temperature T _j and the ear canal surface temperature T _h, respectively, even body temperature is constant, changes according to the environmental temperature T _a.

[0049] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, ear temperature T _j
And the ear canal surface temperature T _h, respectively, the ambient temperature T _a is increased from the reference temperature (standard temperature) T _ref, increases accordingly, the ambient temperature T _a is reduced from a reference temperature T _ref, drops accordingly I do.

The probe 6 This thermometer 1, the environmental temperature T actual temperature (ear temperature) of the ear which varies depending on _a T _j, i.e., the regulated predetermined depth in the ear canal 202
Temperature value (in-ear temperature) T _j by positioning the tip of
Look, the thermometric value T _j is corrected, measured by positioning the tip of the probe 6 into regulated predetermined depth in the ear canal 202 of the environmental temperature T _a corresponds to the time of the reference temperature T _ref The temperature (in-ear temperature) T _jref to be _obtained is determined. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given. The ear canal 2
The temperature in the ear measured by positioning the tip of the probe 6 at a predetermined depth at 02 is simply referred to as “ear temperature”. That is, the in-ear temperature here is measured based on the intensity of infrared rays emitted from the inside of the ear deeper than a predetermined position along the ear canal 202.

In the thermometer 1, the infrared sensor 101
By, and detects an intensity of infrared light emitted from a deep ear than a predetermined position along the ear canal 202, the temperature sensor 107 detects the environmental temperature T _a, the detection of these infrared sensors 101 and the temperature sensor 107 Based on the signal, the actual temperature in the ear (ear temperature) T _j
Is measured. In other words, to obtain thermometry value in ear (ear temperature) T _j from the detection signal.

[0052] Further, based on the environmental temperature T _a detected by the temperature sensor 107, an ear temperature measuring values in the ear (ear temperature) T _j, environmental temperature T _a corresponds to the time of the reference temperature T _ref A correction amount (correction value) ΔM for correcting the internal temperature (ear temperature) T _jref is obtained. The reference temperature T _ref
Is preferably set to, for example, about 20 or 25 ° C.

[0053] Then, based on the correction amount .DELTA.M, corrects the temperature measuring values T _j within the ear, the environmental temperature T _a is the reference temperature T
The temperature T _jref in the ear corresponding to _ref is _obtained .

[0054] Temperature T _JREF in ear environmental temperature T _a corresponds to the time of the reference temperature T _ref is expressed by the following equation (1).

T _jref = T _j + ΔM (1)

When T _a > T _ref , ΔM <0,
That is, T _j > T _jref . Further, <when the _{T ref, ΔM> T a 0} , that is, the _{T j} <T jref. When T _a = T _ref , ΔM = 0, that is, T _j
= T _jref .

[0057] Then, in the thermometer 1, a calibration curve for determining the correction amount ΔM corresponding environmental temperature T _a detected by the temperature sensor 107 in the environment temperature T _a is in advance, stored in memory 312 .

This calibration curve is stored in the memory 312 as, for example, an equation (arithmetic equation) or a table.
Incidentally, the formula for guiding the correction amount ΔM is represented by the environmental temperature T _a of the primary or more function f (T _a).

The calibration curve (formula or table) can be experimentally set as follows, for example.

[0060] The environmental temperature T _a, for example, by changing the range of 5 to 35 ° C., respectively, obtains the thermometric value T _j of the ear.

[0061] In this case, always, the environmental temperature T _a reference temperature T _ref (e.g., 20 ° C.) in the, temperature measuring values of the ear at the time (hereinafter, simply referred to as "thermometer value when the reference temperature")
_Find T _{jr ef} '. Then, for each of the measured temperature values T _j in the ear, a change amount ΔM ′ (= T _j −T _jref ′) of the _measured temperature value T _j from the _measured temperature value T _jref ′ at the reference temperature is determined. It should be noted that the variation ΔM ′ of the temperature detection value T _j is T _j > T
'When, _positive, T _j <T jref' jref time, becomes negative.
The above measurements are performed on a number of subjects to collect data.

[0062] Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the environmental temperature T _a
The x-axis, plotted 'variation .DELTA.M of thermometry value T _j from the' temperature check value T _JREF when the reference temperature to x-y coordinate system with the y-axis, the respective measuring point (T _a, ΔM ') a Then, a function (averaging line) f '(T _a ) passing substantially the center of the distribution and passing through the point (T _ref , 0) is obtained.

Since this function f ′ (T _a ) substantially represents the central value of the variation ΔM ′ of each temperature detection value T _j , the correction amount Δ
M is set so as to cancel the center value of ΔM ′, that is, by reversing the sign (±) of the function f ′ (T _a ). Specifically, the correction amount ΔM = −f ′
(T _a ) = f (T _a ) is set.

By setting a calibration curve for obtaining the correction amount ΔM, for example, when the environmental temperature T _a = T _a1 (> T _ref ), f ′ (T _a ) = + m ₁ (where m ₁ >) 0), that is, the correction amount ΔM = −m ₁ is obtained. Therefore, the temperature T of the ear to the environmental temperature T _a corresponds to the time of the reference temperature T _ref
From equation (1), _jref is T _jref = T _j + ΔM = T _j
−m ₁ .

When the environmental temperature T _a = T _a2 (<T _ref ), f ′ (T _a ) = − m ₂ (where m ₂ > 0), that is, the correction amount ΔM = + m ₂ is obtained. . Therefore, the temperature T of the ear to the environmental temperature T _a corresponds to the time of the reference temperature T _ref
From equation (1), _jref is T _jref = T _j + ΔM = T _j
+ M ₂ .

When a calibration curve for obtaining the correction amount ΔM is stored in the memory 312 as an equation (arithmetic equation), the function f (T _a ) is stored in the memory 312.

[0067] Further, when the calibration curve is stored in memory 312 as a table, the table corresponding (corresponding) to the function f (T _a), i.e., a T _a, corresponding to the environmental temperature T _a The combination with the correction amount ΔM is stored in the memory 312.

The storage of the formula (arithmetic formula) or table for obtaining the correction amount ΔM in the memory 312 is performed, for example, at the time of shipment of the thermometer 1 from the factory or before that.

In the present invention, the method for setting the calibration curve (formula or table) is not limited to the above method.
Needless to say.

Next, a method of using the thermometer 1 and its operation will be described. FIG. 10 is a view schematically showing a state where the probe 6 of the thermometer 1 shown in FIG. 1 is inserted into the ear cavity.
5 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the control means 31 when measuring body temperature.

The probe 6 is screwed and attached to the small-diameter portion 72 of the support 7 of the thermometer main body 2 as described above.
The probe 6 is covered with the probe cover 11. Then
From above, the ring nut 9 is inserted and screwed into the large diameter portion 71 of the support base 7. As a result, the body 12 of the probe cover 11 is sandwiched between the inclined portion 64 of the probe 6 and the engaging portion 93 of the ring nut 9, and the probe cover 11 is fixed to the probe 6. Thereby, the probe cover 1
1 is completed.

Next, the power switch 3 is turned on,
After a lapse of a predetermined time, the thermometer main body 2 is gripped, and the probe 6 covered with the probe cover 11 is inserted into the ear cavity, that is, the ear canal 202, as shown in FIG.

Next, the measurement switch 4 is pressed for a predetermined time. Thereby, the program shown in FIG. 11 is executed,
A measurement of body temperature is made.

First, a detection signal (infrared detection signal) from the infrared sensor 101 and a detection signal (environmental temperature signal) from the temperature sensor 107 are fetched (step 30).
1).

In this case, infrared rays (heat rays) radiated from the inside of the ear (the eardrum, the ear canal, etc.)
Are sequentially introduced into the light guide 8, are repeatedly reflected on the inner surface thereof, pass through the plate member 161, reach the infrared sensor 101 of the temperature measuring unit 10 located outside the ear, and are irradiated to the heat collecting unit 106. You.

As shown in FIG.
From the above, an output (analog signal) corresponding to the temperature difference between the hot junction 103 and the cold junction 104 is obtained.
The signal is converted into a digital signal (hereinafter referred to as “AD value from the infrared sensor”) by the D converter 32 and
1 is input.

Further, from the temperature sensor 107, an output (analog signal) corresponding to the temperature of the atmosphere near the cold junction 104 (the environmental temperature outside the ear) is obtained.
The signal is converted into a digital signal (hereinafter, referred to as an “AD value from the temperature sensor”) by the converter 32 and input to the control unit 31.

Next, the arithmetic unit 311 of the control means 31
Based on the input AD value from the infrared sensor and the AD value from the temperature sensor, predetermined arithmetic processing is performed to obtain the actual temperature T _j in the ear, that is, the temperature measurement value T in the ear.
_j is obtained (step 302).

Next, the arithmetic unit 311 of the control means 31
By correcting the temperature measuring values T _j of the ear to determine the temperature T _JREF in ear environmental temperature T _a corresponds to the time of the reference temperature T _ref (step 303).

In step 303, an AD value from the temperature sensor or an AD value from the temperature sensor is obtained from an expression (arithmetic expression) or a table for obtaining the correction amount ΔM stored in the memory 312 of the control means 31. It was based on the environmental temperature T _a, obtains the correction amount .DELTA.M.

Then, the obtained correction amount ΔM and the temperature measurement value T _j in the ear are calculated by the above-described equation (1), that is, “T
_JREF = by substituting T _j + .DELTA.M ", determine the temperature T _JREF in ear environmental temperature T _a corresponds to the time of the reference temperature T _{re f.}

Next, the obtained body temperature (measurement result) is displayed on the display unit 5 (step 304).

In step 304, the temperature measurement value T in the ear
_j And the environmental temperature T_a Is the reference temperature T_{re f} Corresponds to
In-ear temperature T_jrefAt least the ambient temperature T_a But
Reference temperature T_ref Temperature T in the ear corresponding to_jrefIs a table
Is shown.

For example, as shown in FIG.
, The thermometry value in the ear and (ear temperature) T _j, also display both the temperature (ear temperature) T _{jr ef} in ear corresponding to when the environmental temperature T _a is the reference temperature T _ref Good, and Figure 13
As shown, only may be displayed temperature T _JREF in ear corresponding to when the environmental temperature T _a is the reference temperature T _ref.

[0085] Further, when displaying both a temperature measuring values T _j of the ear, may be displayed simultaneously corresponding to the temperature T _JREF of the ear when the ambient temperature T _a is the reference temperature T _ref, In addition, they may be displayed alternately.

[0086] Also, the display unit 5, the temperature measuring values in the ear and (ear temperature) T _j, the temperature (ear temperature) in the ear corresponding to when the environmental temperature T _a is the reference temperature T _ref and T _JREF a first display mode in which both display the ambient temperature T _a is the reference temperature T _ref
The second display mode for displaying only the temperature T _jref of the ear canal 202 corresponding to the case of (1) may be configured (selected) by an operator (user) using an operation unit (not shown). .

The buzzer 3 is used to notify the end of the measurement.
3 may be sounded. In this case, the operator can know from the notification of the buzzer 33 that the measurement of the body temperature has been completed. By the notification of the buzzer 33, the operator removes the probe 6 from the ear cavity.

[0088] As described above, according to this thermometer 1, the determining the temperature T _JREF in ear environmental temperature T _a corresponds to the time of the reference temperature T _ref, affected by variations in environmental temperature T _a The temperature in the ear (the temperature in the ear) corresponding to the temperature T _{k of the} eardrum 203 can be obtained.

[0089] That is, environmental temperature T _a varies, the temperature T _j of the ear canal 202 accordingly be varied, the variation is canceled.

As a result, an accurate body temperature can always be obtained regardless of the season, measurement date and time, measurement location, and the like.

The ear thermometer of the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of each part may be any configuration having the same function. Can be replaced with something.

For example, in the present invention, the infrared sensor (infrared ray detecting means) for detecting the intensity of the infrared ray emitted from the ear is not limited to a thermopile type sensor (an infrared sensor composed of a thermopile). In addition, for example, a pyroelectric sensor, a bolometer, or the like may be used.

In the present invention, the sensor for detecting the environmental temperature (environmental temperature detecting means) is not limited to a contact type temperature sensor (thermistor or the like). In addition, for example, an infrared sensor (thermocouple type sensor, Pyroelectric sensor, bolometer, etc.).

In the above embodiment, the sensor for detecting the environmental temperature (environmental temperature detecting means) also serves as the sensor for detecting the temperature near the cold junction of the thermopile. Sensor (environmental temperature detection means)
In addition, a sensor for detecting the temperature near the cold junction of the thermopile may be separately provided.

In the above embodiment, the reference temperature T _ref
Is set to 20 or 25 ° C., but in the present invention, the reference temperature T _ref may be set to a temperature other than 20 and 25 ° C.

Further, according to the present invention, the temperature measurement value in the ear (the temperature in the ear) _Tj and the environmental temperature T _a can be obtained without obtaining the correction amount ΔM.
From may be configured to determine the temperature (ear temperature) T _JREF directly in the ear that corresponds to when the environmental temperature T _a is the reference temperature T _ref.

[0097] In the present invention, the temperature measuring values of the ear without requiring (ear temperature) T _j and the ambient temperature T _a, the environmental temperature T _a from the detection signal from the sensor for detecting the infrared sensor and the ambient temperature The temperature in the ear (in-ear temperature) T _jref corresponding to the reference temperature T _ref may be directly _obtained .

[0098]

As described above, according to the ear thermometer of the present invention, the temperature in the ear corresponding to the case where the ambient temperature outside the ear (outside air temperature) is the reference temperature (standard temperature) is obtained. It is possible to obtain the temperature in the ear corresponding to the temperature of the eardrum which is not affected by the fluctuation of the environmental temperature outside the ear.

That is, even if the temperature outside the ear fluctuates and the temperature inside the ear fluctuates accordingly, this fluctuation is canceled.

As a result, an accurate body temperature can always be obtained irrespective of the season, the measurement date and time, the measurement location, and the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of an ear thermometer (thermometer) of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing an embodiment of the thermometer according to the present invention.

3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA 'in FIG. 1 showing a state in which a probe cover is attached to the probe of the thermometer shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a structure of an infrared sensor of the thermometer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the thermometer shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an ear and the inside thereof.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between each part in the ear and the temperature measured there.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between each part (measurement part) in the ear when the environmental temperature (outside air temperature) changes and the temperature measured there.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing a calibration curve for obtaining a correction amount ΔM in the present invention.

10 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the probe of the thermometer shown in FIG. 1 is inserted into an ear cavity.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control operation of a control unit at the time of measuring body temperature according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a body temperature on a display unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another display example of the body temperature of the display unit according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ear thermometer (thermometer) 2 Thermometer main body 21 Casing 3 Power switch 4 Measurement switch 5 Display part 6 Probe 61 Base 62 Male screw 63 Tip outer peripheral part 64 Inclined part 7 Support stand 71 Large diameter part 72 Small diameter part 73, 74 Male screw 75 Hollow part 8 Light guide 81 Protective sheet 9 Ring nut 91 Female screw 92 Taper part 93 Engagement part 94 Tip surface 95 Groove 10 Temperature detection part 101 Infrared sensor 102 Thermopile (thermocouple) 103 Hot junction 104 Cold junction 106 Heat collection part 107 Temperature Sensor 111 Heat Sink 112 Insulating Film 113 Hot Contact Terminal 114 Cold Contact Terminal 11 Probe Cover 12 Body 14 Film 15 Protective Sheet Fixing Tube 16 Can 161 Opening 17 Plate Member 18 Base 19 Metal Stem 31 Control Means 311 Operation Unit 312 MemoryReference Signs List 32 A / D converter 33 Buzzer 40 Power supply unit 201 Ear hole surface 202 Ear canal 203 Tympanic membrane 301 to 304 Step

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An ear-type thermometer that includes infrared detection means for detecting the intensity of infrared light emitted from the ear, and measures the temperature in the ear based on an infrared detection signal from the infrared detection means. Environmental temperature detecting means for detecting an external environmental temperature; and using the environmental temperature detection signal from the environmental temperature detecting means and the infrared detection signal from the infrared detecting means, the environment temperature corresponds to a reference temperature. An ear thermometer configured to determine the temperature in the ear. 2. The ear-type clinical thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the temperature in the ear at the environmental temperature is obtained based on the infrared detection signal. 3. An ear-type thermometer, comprising infrared detecting means for detecting the intensity of infrared light emitted from the ear, and measuring the temperature in the ear based on an infrared detection signal from the infrared detecting means. Environmental temperature detecting means for detecting the outside environmental temperature, using the environmental temperature detected by the environmental temperature detecting means, to correct the temperature in the ear which is measured based on the infrared detecting means at the environmental temperature, An ear thermometer characterized in that it is configured to determine a temperature in the ear corresponding to a time when the environmental temperature is a reference temperature. 4. The infrared detecting means is an infrared sensor composed of a thermopile, the environmental temperature detecting means is a temperature sensor composed of a thermistor, and the temperature sensor is a cold sensor of the thermopile. Provided near the contact point,
The ear thermometer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ear thermometer constitutes a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature in the ear together with the infrared sensor. 5. An in-ear temperature detected at the environmental temperature and an in-ear temperature corresponding to a reference temperature when the environmental temperature is a reference temperature are simultaneously or alternately displayed on the display unit. The ear thermometer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the ear thermometer is configured to be able to display the information. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit, wherein the display unit displays a temperature in the ear corresponding to a time when the environmental temperature is a reference temperature. Ear thermometer.