HK1195358A - Electronic thermometer with image sensor and display - Google Patents

Description

Electronic thermometer with image sensor and display

Technical Field

Aspects of the present invention relate generally to thermometers, and more particularly, to electronic thermometers having a camera and a video display.

Background

Medical thermometers are commonly used to measure body temperature of a subject to facilitate prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in humans and other animals. Accurate readings of the subject's body temperature are required for effective use and should be taken from the interior or core of the subject's body. A variety of thermometers are known for measuring a subject's body temperature, such as, for example, electronic thermometers, including tympanic thermometers.

Many tympanic thermometers have a sensing probe inserted into an orifice (e.g., ear) of a subject for measuring the body temperature of the subject. The sensing probe includes an electromagnetic radiation sensor, such as a thermopile for sensing infrared emissions from the tympanic membrane. During use, the thermopile is typically located inside the ear canal. The thermopile may use a waveguide that radiates heat to transfer thermal energy from the tympanic membrane to the sensor. In general, a probe is "gropingly" inserted into an ear canal, a user cannot visually observe the configuration of the inner ear, cannot determine the depth to which the probe is inserted into the ear, and cannot determine whether a sensing probe accurately senses infrared rays emitted from the eardrum.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first aspect, a thermometer for measuring the temperature of a subject generally includes a probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice of the subject. An electromagnetic radiation sensor at the probe senses electromagnetic radiation within the bore of the body. The electromagnetic radiation sensor is configured to generate data indicative of a temperature of the subject and one or more anatomical images of the subject. The thermometer includes a visual display. A controller including a processor is in communication with the electromagnetic radiation sensor and the visual display and is configured to: receiving the generated data from the electromagnetic radiation sensor; calculating a subject temperature based on the received generated data; generating a temperature image representing the calculated temperature of the subject on the display; calculating one or more constructed images of the subject based on the received generated data; and generating one or more calculated anatomical images of the subject on the display.

In another aspect, a tympanic thermometer for measuring a temperature of a subject generally includes a handle sized and shaped for grasping by a user, a visual display on the handle, and a probe extending outwardly from the handle and adapted for insertion into an ear canal of the subject. An infrared radiation temperature sensor in the probe senses infrared radiation emitted from the tympanic membrane of the subject when the probe is inserted into the ear canal of the subject. The infrared radiation temperature sensor is configured to generate temperature data indicative of a temperature of the subject. When the probe is inserted into the ear canal of the subject, a visible light image sensor at the probe senses visible light radiation reflected from the ear canal. The visible light image sensor is configured to generate configuration image data representing a configuration of the subject. A controller including a processor is in communication with the infrared radiation temperature sensor, the visible light sensor, and the visual display. The controller is configured to: receiving the generated temperature data from an infrared radiation temperature sensor; calculating a subject temperature based on the received temperature data; generating a temperature image representing the calculated temperature of the subject on the display; receiving the generated configuration image data from the visible light image sensor; and generating one or more constructed images of the subject on the display based on the received image data.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Other features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tympanic thermometer mounted on a base in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tympanic thermometer shown in FIG. 1 with a probe cover positioned at a distal end of the thermometer;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the probe shell shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the distal end of the tympanic thermometer shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional and fragmentary view of a probe of a tympanic thermometer including a probe shell;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing aspects of a thermometer;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional and fragmentary view of a second embodiment of a probe of the tympanic thermometer including a probe shell;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional and partial view of a third embodiment of a probe of the tympanic thermometer, including a probe shell;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a display of a tympanic thermometer including a visual configuration image and a temperature image overlaying the visual configuration image;

FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 9 except that the temperature image does not overlap the visual construct image;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a display of a tympanic thermometer including an infrared construct image and a temperature image superimposed with the infrared construct image;

FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 11 except that the temperature image and the infrared construct image do not overlap; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional and partial view of a third embodiment of a probe of a tympanic thermometer, including a probe shell.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

Detailed Description

Exemplary embodiments of electronic thermometers and methods of use disclosing the present invention are discussed below, in which a medical thermometer for measuring body temperature is taken as an example, and more particularly, a tympanic thermometer including a temperature sensor for measuring body temperature when the thermometer is inserted into a subject's ear is taken as an example. The disclosed elements may be used with other types of electronic thermometers without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the discussion that follows, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the structure that is closer to the actual operator, while the term "distal" refers to the portion that is further from the actual operator. FIG. 2 illustrates the "proximal" and "distal" ends of the structure of the tympanic thermometer that is fully assembled and useable. As used herein, the term "subject" refers to a patient or other animal whose body temperature is to be measured. According to the present invention, the term "practitioner" refers to a doctor, nurse, father, or other care provider who uses a tympanic thermometer to measure a subject's body temperature, and may include support personnel.

Aspects of the present invention relate to electronic thermometers, and more particularly, to an electronic tympanic thermometer including a probe for insertion into an ear canal (broadly, an orifice) of a subject, a temperature sensor in the probe, and a camera (broadly, an image sensor) adjacent a distal end of the probe. The camera detects or senses one or more types of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visible light, infrared radiation, etc.) from within the ear and converts the sensed radiation into image data representing one or more anatomical images of the interior of the subject's ear. In one embodiment, the electronic thermometer includes an image display for displaying images generated from the constructed image data. Further, a temperature image representing the temperature calculated by the thermometer may be displayed on a display, such as superimposed on an image of the inside of the subject's ear.

In one embodiment, the image sensor includes an Infrared (IR) image sensor for generating image data relating to sensed IR radiation emitted from an interior of an ear of a patient (e.g., IR radiation emitted from an eardrum of the patient). In another embodiment, the image sensor comprises a visible light image sensor for generating image data on sensed visible light from inside the ear of the patient. In yet another embodiment, the electronic thermometer includes an IR image sensor and a visible light image sensor, and a switch for selecting between two modes of operation: one mode for displaying IR images (e.g., thermal images) and another mode for displaying visual images.

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the various drawings. Turning now to the drawings and referring first to fig. 1 and 2, a tympanic thermometer, indicated generally at 20, is shown in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. It is contemplated that the tympanic thermometer 20 includes the necessary electronics and/or processing components to perform temperature measurement via the tympanic membrane, as is known to those skilled in the art. It is further contemplated that tympanic thermometer 20 may include a waveguide that facilitates sensing of tympanic membrane thermal energy. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the waveguide is advantageously omitted.

The tympanic thermometer 20 is releasably mounted to the base 40 for later use. The tympanic thermometer 20 and the base 40 can be fabricated from semi-rigid plastic, rigid plastic and/or metal materials suitable for temperature measurement and related uses. It is contemplated that the base 40 may include the electronics necessary to facilitate the provision of electrical power to the tympanic thermometer 20, including, for example, battery charging functionality, and the like. The thermometer 20 may operate in a sleep mode, wherein the thermometer 20 saves energy and is unable to perform temperature measurements, may operate in an awake mode, wherein the thermometer operates at full power and is able to perform temperature measurements under certain conditions, as described in more detail below.

Referring to fig. 1-5, a tympanic thermometer 20 includes a handle 21 (fig. 1 and 2), and a probe, generally indicated at 22, extending distally outwardly from the handle. The probe 22 defines a longitudinal axis X. The probe 22 may have various geometric cross-sectional configurations such as, for example, cylindrical, rectangular, oval, and the like. The probe 22 is configured for insertion into the ear canal of the subject, although it should be understood that the probe may be configured for insertion into other orifices of the subject.

The probe shell 32 may be positioned over the thermal sensing probe 22. The probe sheath 32 has a distal end 54 substantially enclosed by a membrane 56. The film is substantially transparent to infrared radiation and is configured to facilitate sensing of infrared emissions by the thermal sensing probe 22. The membrane 56 is advantageously impervious to cerumen, moisture, and bacteria to prevent disease transmission. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other materials and fabrication methods suitable for assembly and manufacture are also within the scope of the present invention. Probe sheath 32 can be, for example, frustoconical in shape, or tapered, for easier insertion into the ear of the subject, and for easier attachment and detachment from thermal sensing probe 22. The disposable probe shell 32 may be fabricated from a material suitable for measuring body temperature via the tympanic membrane using a tympanic thermometer measurement device. These materials may include, for example, plastics such as, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, and the like, depending on the particular temperature measurement application and/or preference of the actual operator.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the probe 22 includes a nozzle, generally indicated at 100, mounted on a base 106. The nozzle 100 includes a base 110 and an elongated nose portion 112 projecting distally from the base. By way of non-limiting example, the nozzle 100 may be fabricated from metal or other materials that facilitate rapid heat exchange or transfer. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 100 is constructed of two parts (a base 110 and a nose portion 112). It is understood that the nozzle may be formed in one or more than two segments without departing from the scope of this invention. In particular, it is contemplated that the elongated nose portion 112 may be comprised of two or more segments.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the probe 22 includes a sensor package (can), generally indicated at 102, attached to temperature sensing electronics mounted at the distal end of a sensor housing 104 (or "positioner") housed within the nozzle 100. The package 102 includes a sensor base 126 and a generally inverted cup-shaped top 116, including an infrared filter or window 120 mounted on the base. In the illustrated embodiment, there is an annular space 128 between the package 102 and the nose portion 112, and an annular space 118 between the sensor housing 104 and the nose portion. The sensor housing 104 is mounted on a base 106 of the probe 22 so that it extends generally coaxially within the nozzle 100. By way of non-limiting example, the sensor housing 104 is fabricated from a material that is less thermally transmissive (i.e., more insulative) than the nozzle 100, such as plastic or other similar material. As such, the material of the sensor housing 104 has a low thermal conductivity compared to the thermal conductivity of the nozzle 100 and the base 126 of the package 102.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, a temperature sensor 122 (e.g., a thermopile), a reference temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor) 124, and an image sensor 130 are disposed within the package 102, although it should be understood that corresponding sensors may be disposed elsewhere on the probe 22 without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the image sensor 130 may be disposed outside of the package 102 (e.g., at a distal end of the housing). It is also understood that the reference temperature sensor 124 may be omitted without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Temperature sensor 122 detects or senses a subject temperature parameter (e.g., IR radiation emitted from the tympanic membrane) and generates temperature data based on the detected or sensed temperature parameter. The reference temperature sensor 124 detects or senses a temperature parameter of the package 102 and generates reference temperature data based on the detected or sensed reference temperature parameter. The image sensor 130 detects or senses radiation from within an aperture (e.g., ear) of the subject and generates image data based on the detected or sensed radiation. Each of the sensors 122, 124, and 130 is in communication with a control circuit or controller 132 of the thermometer 20. That is, the controller 132 receives temperature data from the temperature sensor 122, reference temperature data from the reference temperature sensor 124, and image data from the image sensor 130. The controller 132, including the processor, is configured (i.e., programmed) to determine or calculate the subject's body temperature based on the received temperature data from the temperature sensor and the reference temperature data from the reference temperature sensor.

As shown in fig. 9-12, and as described in greater detail below, the controller 132 generates a temperature image, indicated generally at 160, on the display 30 on the thermometer 20 that represents the calculated body temperature, and the controller 132 is further configured (i.e., programmed) to calculate a constructed image (e.g., a video image or a still image) of the subject and generate a constructed image, indicated generally at 170, on the display 30 (or another display, such as another display on the thermometer or a remote display) based on the image data received from the image sensor 130. The controller 132 may include a single controller in the thermometer 20, or in another embodiment, the controller 132 may include more than one control circuit or controller. In such embodiments, multiple controllers 132 may be in communication with each other, or the multiple controllers may operate independently of each other. Further, one or more of the controls 132 may be located on the body of the thermometer 20 (e.g., the handle 21).

Referring again to fig. 5, in one embodiment, the temperature sensor 122 detects Infrared (IR) radiation emitted from the subject's tympanic membrane, for example, through the membrane 56 of the probe shell 32 and into the enclosure 102 through the window 120 of the probe 22. This infrared energy can cause the package 102 to heat up and create a temperature gradient across the top 116 from its distal end to its proximal end that contacts the base 126. I.e. the distal end is hotter than the proximal end. In the illustrated embodiment, heat from, for example, the ear of the subject is transferred from probe casing 32 to nozzle 100 to base 126 of package 102 by way of heat flux HF. The path of the heat flux causes the package 102 to heat up in order to reduce the temperature gradient across the top 116. The inner ridge 121 engages the distal end of the outer peripheral edge 114 of the base 126 to provide a heat conduction path defining a heat flow path from the nozzle 100 to the base 126. It is contemplated herein that the nozzle 100 may be in physical contact with the peripheral edge 114 or in close proximate relationship to the peripheral edge 114 of the package 102. In other embodiments, the nozzle 100 may not be in thermal contact with the encapsulation 102, or there may be insulation between the nozzle and the encapsulation to inhibit thermal contact to limit heat transfer from the inner ridge 121 of the nozzle 100 to the outer peripheral edge 114 of the pedestal 126.

In one example, the reference temperature data generated by the reference temperature sensor 124 is used by the controller 132 to (e.g., analyze) adjust (e.g., calibrate and/or compensate) the temperature data generated by the temperature sensor 122 in order to calculate the subject temperature. In the illustrated embodiment, the reference temperature sensor 124 is adapted to detect the temperature of the base 126 of the sensor package 102. The reference temperature sensor 124 may be a thermistor or other thermal sensor.

In another embodiment, the image sensor 130 comprises a visible light image sensor for sensing radiation L within the visible spectrum that is reflected (i.e., emitted) by the anatomy of the subject (e.g., the inner ear). The visible light image sensor 130 generates visible light data, and the controller 132 calculates a visible anatomical image based on the visible light data and generates an image 170 (e.g., video) of the anatomy of the subject on the display 30. In one example, the display 30 includes a video display that displays, for example, a live continuous stream of video generated by the controller 132 based on visible light data received from the image sensor 130. In embodiments that include the visual image sensor 130, the visual image 170 generated on the display 30 may inform the actual operator of whether there is cerumen or another foreign object on top of the distal end of the thermometer probe 22, provide a visual cue that helps control the depth of insertion of the thermometer probe, and/or help determine whether the ear needs to be cleaned before a measurement is taken. Additionally, visual images (e.g., video) may also be used to train users so that they can develop efficient and accurate techniques for using a tympanic thermometer.

In one example, the controller 132 is configured to generate a temperature image 160 on the video display 30 based on temperature data received from the temperature sensor 122 (e.g., an IR temperature sensor) and reference temperature data received from the reference temperature sensor 124. The temperature image 160 (e.g., 98.6 ° F, as shown in fig. 9 and 10) represents the subject temperature and may be superimposed (e.g., as an overlay) on the video image 170, as shown in fig. 9. In another embodiment, such as shown in fig. 10, the temperature image 160 and the video image 170 may be separate so as not to be superimposed. It is also contemplated that display 30 may include more than one display, including an image display for displaying a build image and a temperature display for displaying a temperature image representing the calculated temperature of the subject. In the illustrated embodiment, the display is associated with the thermometer's handle 21, however, in another example, the thermometer 20 may be equipped with a wireless transmitter for transmitting still images, video signals and/or temperature data to a remote display and/or to an electronic medical recording system in lieu of or in addition to the video display 30. This information may be useful for providing evidence of infection or other medical conditions.

The embodiment shown in fig. 13 is similar to the embodiment of fig. 5 including visible light image sensor 130, reference temperature sensor 124, and temperature sensor 122, as set forth above. In addition to these components, the embodiment of fig. 13 includes a light source 140 (e.g., an LED) for illuminating the field of view of the visible light image sensor 130. In one embodiment, the light source 140 is in communication with the controller 132 so that the controller controls the operation of the light source. In another embodiment, the light source may include a light pipe along the length of the probe for providing light from a source adjacent the proximal end of the probe. Other ways of illuminating the field of view of the image sensor 130 do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 5, 11 and 12, in another embodiment, the image sensor 130 is an Infrared (IR) image sensor. As shown in fig. 11 and 12, an IR image 170 (e.g., a thermal video) generated on the display 30 may be used to direct the user to the hottest portion of the subject's tympanic membrane (as indicated by the shallowest shaded area in fig. 11 and 12). The temperature image 160 (e.g., 98.6 ° F) may be superimposed on the video image 170 (e.g., as an overlay), as shown in fig. 11, or may be separate from the IR image so as not to be overlaid, as shown in fig. 12. The IR image sensor 130 may be used to identify cerumen or other obstructions within the field of view of the temperature sensor 120 (e.g., an IR temperature sensor). Additionally, incorporating the IR image sensor 130 in the thermometer 20 may provide improved repeatability and accuracy for measurements made with the thermometer. The thermometer 20 including the IR image sensor 130 may also be used to train users so that they can develop an efficient and accurate technique for using a tympanic thermometer.

Referring now to fig. 7, in another embodiment, the thermometer 20 may include an IR temperature/image sensor 122' that senses electromagnetic radiation emitted from a structure (e.g., the inner ear) of the user and generates data representing a temperature (e.g., temperature data) of the subject and an image (e.g., image data) of the structure of the subject. That is, the temperature/image data generated by the IR sensor 122' may be used by the controller 132 as temperature data and image data. In the fig. 7 embodiment, controller 132 (fig. 6) is configured to calculate body temperature and construct images for display on display 30 using data generated by IR temperature/image sensor 122'. The controller 132 may display the temperature image and the configuration image on the display 30 in a manner similar to that shown in fig. 11 and 12 or in another manner.

Referring to FIG. 8, in another embodiment, the thermometer 20 includes an IR image sensor 130a and a visible light image sensor 130 b. The illustrated thermometer 20 also includes a temperature sensor 122 (e.g., an IR temperature sensor), although a temperature sensor 122', as described with reference to the embodiment illustrated in fig. 7, may be used to generate temperature data and image data. In one example of such an embodiment, the thermometer 20 may include a switch (not shown) that allows the user to select between two modes of operation: an IR imaging mode in which the controller 132 receives IR image data from the IR image sensor 130a, calculates a build image based on the received IR image data, and generates an IR build image on the display 30, such as shown in fig. 11 and 12; and a visual imaging mode in which the controller 132 receives visual image data from the visual image sensor 130b, calculates a visual configuration image based on the received visual image data, and generates a visual image on the display, such as shown in fig. 9 and 10.

In another example of this embodiment, the controller 132 processes the data output of the IR image sensor 130a and the visible light image sensor 130b to simultaneously generate the IR and visible construct images 170 at the display 30. For example, the visual image may overlay the IR image, or vice versa. It is further contemplated that the visual configuration image and the IR configuration image may be displayed side-by-side on the display 30.

Configured imaging addresses problems in tympanic membrane temperature measurement, including blind placement, cerumen in the ear canal, cerumen on the probe tip, improper insertion depth, improper insertion angle, and lost or damaged (e.g., worn, holes, hazed) probe shells. The tympanic thermometer 20 having the image sensor 130 and the display 30 for displaying the subject's configuration eliminates the blindness of the placement technique, allowing the practitioner to determine whether the probe 22 is properly inserted within the subject's ear. In addition, the thermometer 20 also allows the physical operator to identify whether the probe sheath 32 is present, and if so, whether the probe sheath is clean and intact. The thermometer is also useful for the actual operator to identify possible ear infections.

Advantageously, the film typically required for infection control on the probe case can now be eliminated, since the camera (i.e., image sensor 130) can detect foreign objects on the lens or probe case, which can alert the user once the device is turned on. Alerting the user provides the opportunity for the user to first clean the lens or replace the probe shell before taking a temperature measurement. Thus, aspects of the present invention allow for the use of a lower cost and simpler probe shell, much like the mirror of an otoscope.

In addition to serving as a visual placement aid, in another embodiment, the controller 132 may also be configured (i.e., programmed) to automatically detect whether the probe 22 is properly placed in the orifice of the body (e.g., ear canal), automatically detect and alert for cerumen in the ear canal, and automatically detect and indicate the proper insertion depth of the probe. Those skilled in the art are familiar with image processing software for identifying certain shapes, sizes, etc. within a region of interest of an image, as opposed to automatic detection of placement. Such image processing software is useful for identifying the hottest spot within the ear canal and triggering a temperature measurement when that spot is in the center of the field of view of the camera. In addition, image processing software may also be used to enhance the use of captured video or other images.

In another embodiment, the processor of the controller 132 is programmed to identify a first condition in which the video images indicate that the probe 22 is received in the probe shell 32 but not inserted into the body, and a second condition in which the video images indicate that the probe 22 is received in the probe shell 32 and inserted into the body. The processor may be programmed to provide an indication, such as a reading on the display 30 of the thermometer 20, informing the actual operator which condition is being detected. However, the indication may be provided in other ways, such as an audible indication, without departing from the scope of the invention.

In another embodiment, the processor may also be programmed to activate the temperature sensor 122 to measure the body temperature only after the processor identifies a second condition in which the probe 22 is received in the probe shell 32 and inserted into the body. This will improve the accuracy of the thermometer 20 because no power is provided to the temperature sensor 122 until the probe 22 is properly inserted into the body. The external influence on the temperature sensor 122 is minimized, making the temperature reading produced by the temperature sensor more accurate.

In the same embodiment, the processor may be programmed to trigger an alarm when the processor identifies a first condition in which the probe 22 is inserted into the body without the probe shell. For example, a flashing light may be displayed on the display 30 of the thermometer 20 to indicate to the actual operator that the probe 22 is improperly inserted into the subject. If the processor recognizes this first condition, the thermometer 20 will continue to prevent power from being provided to the temperature sensor 122 so that the thermometer cannot measure the subject's temperature. The display 30 may further prompt the physical operator to clean the probe 22 prior to properly reinserting the probe with the probe cover into the patient. By alerting the actual operator to clean the probe 22 and place the probe cover over the probe before reusing the thermometer 20, the potential contamination that occurs with using a thermometer without inserting the thermometer into the subject is minimized.

Having described in detail the embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the order of execution shown and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, as contemplated by the inventors, the elements of the methods may be performed in any order, and the methods may include more or less elements than those disclosed herein, unless otherwise specified. For example, it is within the scope of aspects of the invention to perform one operation before, concurrently with, or after another operation.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments thereof, "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (21)

1. A thermometer for measuring the temperature of a subject, comprising:

a probe adapted to be inserted into an aperture of the body;

an electromagnetic radiation sensor at the probe for sensing electromagnetic radiation within an orifice of the subject, the electromagnetic radiation sensor configured to generate data representative of the temperature of the subject and one or more anatomical images of the subject;

a visual display; and

a controller in communication with the electromagnetic radiation sensor and the visual display comprising a processor, the controller configured to:

receiving the generated data from the electromagnetic radiation sensor;

calculating the subject temperature based on the received generated data;

generating a temperature image representing the calculated temperature of the subject on the display;

calculating one or more constructed images of the subject based on the received generated data;

generating one or more computed anatomical images of the subject on the display.

2. The thermometer of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic radiation sensor comprises an infrared sensor configured to sense infrared radiation within an aperture of the subject, wherein the infrared sensor is configured to generate the data representative of the temperature of the subject and one or more anatomical images of the subject.

3. The thermometer of claim 2, wherein the infrared sensor comprises a first infrared sensor configured to generate temperature data representative of the temperature of the subject, and a second infrared sensor separate from the first infrared sensor configured to generate image data representative of one or more anatomical images of the subject.

4. The thermometer of claim 2, wherein the infrared sensor comprises a single infrared sensor configured to generate temperature data representative of the temperature of the subject and image data representative of one or more anatomical images of the subject.

5. The thermometer of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic radiation sensor includes a first electromagnetic radiation sensor configured to sense visible radiation reflected from the anatomy of the subject and to generate image data representing one or more visible anatomical images of the subject, and a second electromagnetic radiation sensor configured to sense infrared radiation emitted from the anatomy of the subject and to generate temperature data representing the temperature of the subject.

6. The thermometer of claim 1, further comprising a reference temperature sensor configured to generate reference temperature data representative of the temperature of the probe, wherein the controller is configured to receive the reference temperature data and calculate the subject temperature based on the reference temperature data.

7. The thermometer of claim 1, wherein the image sensor has a field of view, and wherein the controller is configured to process the image to detect an obstruction within the field of view of the camera.

8. The thermometer of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to process the received data to detect that the probe is inserted in the body at a desired depth.

9. The thermometer of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to process the received data to detect a desired placement of the probe and automatically trigger a temperature measurement.

10. The thermometer of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine when the probe is received in a probe shell but not inserted into the body.

11. The thermometer of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine when the probe is received in a probe cover and inserted into the body.

12. The thermometer of claim 11, wherein the controller is programmed to activate the electromagnetic radiation sensor to receive data from the sensor only after the controller determines that the probe is received in the probe cover and inserted into the subject.

13. The thermometer of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to cause the display to indicate to a user one or more of the following alerts: cleaning ears; cleaning the top; the probe shell is lost; damage of the probe shell; ear infections; and pressing a button.

14. The thermometer of claim 1, further comprising a wireless transmitter for transmitting the data to the display, wherein the display comprises a remote display.

15. The thermometer of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to superimpose the temperature image and the configuration image on the display.

16. The thermometer of claim 1, wherein the image sensor has a field of view, the thermometer further comprising a light source for illuminating at least a portion of the field of view of the camera.

17. A tympanic thermometer for measuring a temperature of a subject, comprising:

a handle sized and shaped for a user to hold;

a visual display on the handle;

a probe extending outwardly from the stem and adapted to be inserted into an ear canal of the body;

an infrared radiation temperature sensor in the probe for sensing infrared radiation emitted from the tympanic membrane of the subject when the probe is inserted into the ear canal of the subject, the infrared radiation temperature sensor configured to generate temperature data indicative of the temperature of the subject;

a visible light image sensor at the probe for sensing visible radiation reflected from an ear canal of the subject when the probe is inserted into the ear canal, the visible light image sensor configured to generate anatomical image data representative of the anatomy of the subject; and

a controller comprising a processor in communication with the infrared radiation temperature sensor, the visible light sensor, and the visual display, the controller configured to:

receiving the generated temperature data from the infrared radiation temperature sensor;

calculating the subject temperature based on the received temperature data;

generating a temperature image representing the calculated temperature of the subject on the display;

receiving the generated configuration image data from the visible light image sensor; and the number of the first and second groups,

generating one or more constructed images of the subject on the display based on the received image data.

18. The tympanic thermometer set forth in claim 17, further comprising a light source configured to illuminate the ear canal when the probe is inserted into the ear canal.

19. The tympanic thermometer set forth in claim 17, further comprising an infrared radiation image sensor at the probe for sensing infrared radiation emitted from the tympanic membrane when the probe is inserted into the ear canal of the subject, the infrared radiation image sensor configured to generate anatomical image data representative of the anatomy of the subject, wherein the controller is configured to:

receiving the generated image data from the infrared radiation image sensor;

calculating one or more anatomical images of the subject based on image data received from the infrared radiation image sensor;

generating one or more computed anatomical images of the subject on the display.

20. The tympanic thermometer set forth in claim 19, wherein the thermometer further comprises a switch configured to allow the user to select between a first mode and a second mode, wherein the one or more construct images based on the image data from an infrared radiation image sensor are displayed on the display in the first mode and the one or more construct images based on the image data from the visible light image sensor are displayed on the display in the second mode.

21. A thermometer for measuring the temperature of a subject, comprising:

a probe adapted to be inserted into an aperture of the body, the probe having a probe shell without a membrane;

an electromagnetic radiation sensor at the probe for sensing electromagnetic radiation within an orifice of the subject, the electromagnetic radiation sensor configured to generate data representative of the temperature of the subject and one or more anatomical images of the subject;

a visual display; and

a controller in communication with the electromagnetic radiation sensor and the visual display comprising a processor, the controller configured to:

receiving the generated data from the electromagnetic radiation sensor;

calculating the subject temperature based on the received generated data;

generating a temperature image representing the calculated temperature of the subject on the display;

calculating one or more constructed images of the subject based on the received generated data;

generating one or more computed anatomical images of the subject on the display.