Wireless Battery-Free Body Temperature Sensing Device for Key Workers

We propose a battery-free temperature monitoring device that can be fitted inside the ear for an accurate body temperature measurement of a subject. The proposed application consists of two primary systems: 1) a battery-free temperature sensing ultra-high-frequency radio frequency identification sensory tag and 2) an auxiliary energy harvesting system, which enhances the sensing device's measurement accuracy and precision. The system can record changes in the localized body temperature of authenticated users with an average latency of 501 ms. The assembly demonstrated a temperature average accuracy of ± 0.14 °C operating at 866 MHz. The system performance demonstrated high stability and repeatability of reported temperature measurements. The device's dimension is a form factor that can easily fit in a front shirt pocket, with a wire tethered earbud temperature sensor. The system is developed to make sensor measurements without requiring a battery for the device. Measurements are made remotely as users pass by checkpoints installed throughout a building. The device is a cost-effective solution for monitoring body temperature in work environments.