Thermometers have been around for for almost 2000 years!! That is hard to believe, especially considering how far we've come along technologically in the past century alone. The earliest known temperature measurement devices were made by the Greeks and Indians, who developed a simple tool for measuring body temperatures all way back in 9-10 century AD.
In its basic design, the early devices featured the use of scientific principles that observed “certain substances, notably air, which were known to expand and contract when a ‘closed tube partially filled with air’ had its end (either one) submerged in a container of water.
Due to the expansion and contraction of the air in these tubular passages, there was a significant shift in the position of the water/air interface to move along the tube”. Through this physical movement of the water, the observer could infer temperature changes caused due to physical heat being supplied or extracted from the system.
In terms of the modern day thermometer as we know it, the first clinical use of the device was made by Sir Thomas Clifford Allbutt (also known as the father of the ‘clinical thermometer). This unique device produced a body temperature reading in five minutes as opposed to twenty minutes taken by archaic devices used just a couple of centuries earlier.
In 1999, Dr. Francesco Pompei (affiliated to the Exergen Corporation) introduced the world's first temporal artery thermometer, this non-invasive temperature sensor uses a unique mechanism, wherein it scans the forehead in about two seconds and provides a medically accurate body temperature within a matter of minutes.
About Wishbone Smart Thermometer
Wishbone Smart Thermometer has been described by many media outlets as “the world's smallest and easiest-to-use smart thermometer”. Though the use of the device, one can accurately check body, object or environment temperature depending upon one’s needs and requirements.
The origins of this device stem form the fact that the creators wanted a device that could be for temperatures of infants, newborns. Finding a dearth of quality thermometers, the inventors had to strive to create a product that not only met their requirements, but could also be used by parents all around the globe.
In its essence, Wishbone help parents monitor and track temperatures more efficiently, so that in cases of medical emergencies a full record of one’s physical health can be monitored.
Key Features of the Wishbone Smart Thermometer
- Contactless: Wishbone is a ‘non-contact thermometer’ that works in conjunction with nearly all modern smartphones to improve the way we measure and track one’s body temperatures. Due to its innovative, small design shape, it is easy to use and can accurately detect body temperature in under 2 seconds of use. Another key aspect of the Wishbone is its technological compatibility, through its unique app, Wishbone can store ‘historical medical data’ which can be later used for medical analysis and other clinical investigations. This feature is particularly helpful for individuals who are taking care of small infants, children.
- Design: The Wishbone features a unique Y-shape design that has been found to provide ‘better viewing angles’ during operation. Also, it is the ‘only smart thermometer’ that is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Thus, making it highly useful and easy to use.
- Angular detection: using scientific data, the creators have used a unique 45 degree angle tilt for the sensor design. This is because, it is the most natural viewing angle for human eyes, making it much easier to operate and view the app simultaneously. It also allows for a more sensitive detection of one’s temperature fluctuations. According to various technical reviews ‘The Y-shape design also allows users to point Wishbone in the direction that is more comfortable for each situation, Users can simply rotate Wishbone to find the best way to point its sensor.’
- Compatibility: Wishbone is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Apart from its device integration abilities, it is also compatible with various other mobile phones which have different types of electrical outputs.
- Battery Powered: it can be easily powered using a small lithium battery source, these batteries are available everywhere and can be obtained easily through physical or online purchase.
Measurement Options
The primary mechanism that the device uses to measure one’s temperature is through the use of an ”infrared sensor”. Wishbone is non-invasive, versatile and can be used for many applications. For example, it can accurately measure body temperature through using upon one’s forehead skin. Alternatively, it can be used to examine liquid temperature from surfaces in just a few seconds.
A key thing to note about the Wishbone is that, during measurement recording it does not emit any ‘radiation or sound’ (this is due to the fact that it uses a ‘passive sensor’). Lastly, the device can also measure environment temperature by pointing it toward the sky or ceiling.
How the Wishbone Smart Thermometer Works
As mentioned earlier, the Wishbone Smart Thermometer features a ‘passive infrared sensor’ for collecting all its readings. Similarly, through the use of advanced algorithms, it can quickly and accurately measure temperatures from many different sources simultaneously.
In terms of the technical (computer) side of things, the app uses ‘highly optimized codes for processing sensory data in each detection mode to achieve both speed and accuracy’. There are no light or radio-electrical energy emissions which might interfere with one’s mental health, nor does the device contain any traces of mercury that can cause health concerns.
Wishbone Smart Thermometer Availability
Wishbone is still in its ‘crowdfunding phase’ of its Kickstarter campaign. Pledges of $33.00 or more can allow users to obtain one or more devices. For example, a pledge of $140.00 can see users obtain 5 devices which all feature different colour variants. Payments can be made through regular, direct-debit options like Visa, MasterCard and Paypal.
