Study of facial skin and aural temperature

Abstract
This article aims to study the correlations between the facial skin surface and contact aural temperatures using two types of IR imagers: 1) IRTRS with only color display mode and 2) ThermalVision900 (TVS900) with direct temperature readings. Results showed that the TVS900 imager Type 2 has good capability in reproducing readings. The noncontact ear temperature was more closely related to contact measured aural (tympanic) reading after running, drinking a hot beverage, and normal conditions. However, the correlation between ear (contact) and eye (noncontact) temperatures taken by IRTRS was relatively lower than what was expected. It is thus essential to give more attention on the device calibration before performing the data collection. The procedures previously suggested allow for more systematic and scientific ways of detecting feverish persons suspected of SARS. The future development of a computerized data processing method is, however, preferable so that less manual work is involved. In the statistical analysis, a setting of 35.5/spl deg/C was found suitable for an IRTRS that is potentially workable.