Patent Publication Number: US-9901258-B2

Title: Temperature measurement system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/186,797, filed, Feb. 21, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/569,867, filed Aug. 8, 2012, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,912. The entire disclosures of each of the above applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/569,867, filed Aug. 8, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for temperature determination and, in particular, to systems and methods for determining a patient&#39;s core temperature. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Temperature is an important vital sign in patient evaluation. Physicians commonly use a variety of methods for determining patient temperature including, for example, obtaining temperature measurements with a thermometer. While thermometers utilizing mercury have been in existence for many years, modern thermometers typically employ one or more electronic sensors configured to measure patient temperature. Such sensors may take one or more measurements over a relatively short period of time. Based on these measurements, the thermometer may generate an estimated internal and/or core temperature of the patient. In generating this estimated core temperature, it is common practice to insert at least a portion of the thermometer into a disposable cover prior to taking temperature measurements. The cover may overlay the electronic temperature sensor of the thermometer, and may protect the sensor from contamination during use. 
     Determining core temperature in this way, however, can be problematic in certain situations. For example, despite the use of such disposable covers, harmful germs and other contaminants can be carried by the thermometer itself, from patient to patient, due to the close proximity between the patient and the thermometer when taking the temperature measurement. As a result, non-contact thermometers have become increasingly popular among healthcare professionals. Such non-contact thermometers typically employ a sensing element configured to measure the temperature of, for example, the patient&#39;s forehead, temple, and/or other external body surfaces without contacting these surfaces, and to estimate the patient&#39;s core temperature based on such measurements. However, the temperature of these external body surfaces does not often correlate well to temperature measurements taken at traditional measurement sites such as the oral cavity, rectal cavity, axilla area, or tympanic membrane. Thus, the core temperature estimates made by such non-contact devices are not as accurate as core temperature estimates made by traditional contact-based thermometers. The accuracy of measurements taken with existing non-contact thermometers is highly dependent upon the distance and alignment of the device relative to the external body surface. Thus, measurements taken with such devices are prone to significant error and, by themselves, such devices are not highly reliable as a means of patient evaluation. 
     The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward overcoming the deficiencies described above. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of determining a temperature of a patient includes measuring a first temperature of the patient with a temperature device without contacting the patient with the device, and measuring a second temperature of the patient by contacting a measurement site of the patient with the device. The method also includes determining a temperature value indicative of a core temperature of the patient based on the first and second temperatures. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a temperature measurement system includes a temperature device including a first temperature sensor configured to determine a first temperature of a patient without contacting the patient with the device. The temperature device also includes a second temperature sensor configured to determine a second temperature of the patient by contacting a measurement site of the patient with a component of the system. The temperature device further includes a controller associated with the device. The controller is configured to receive signals indicative of the first and second temperatures from the first and second temperature sensors, and to determine a temperature value indicative of a core temperature of the patient based the first and second temperatures. 
     In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of determining a temperature of a patient with a temperature device includes selecting between at least three operating modes of the temperature device. In a first operating mode, the temperature device is configured to measure a first temperature of the patient without contacting the patient with the device and determine a first temperature value indicative of a core temperature of the patient based on the first temperature. In a second operating mode, the temperature device is configured to measure a second temperature of the patient by contacting a measurement site of the patient with the device and determine a second temperature value indicative of the core temperature of the patient based on the second temperature. In a third operating mode, the temperature device is configured to measure the first and second temperatures of the patient, and determine a third temperature value indicative of the core temperature of the patient based on the first and second temperatures. In such a method, in the first operating mode, the first temperature value is determined without regard to the second temperature. Additionally, in the second operating mode, the second temperature value is determined without regard to the first temperature. 
     In still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of determining a temperature of a patient with a temperature device includes determining an alignment parameter associated with a position of the device relative to the patient. In such a method, the alignment parameter is at least one of a distance between the device and the patient, and an angle formed between the device and a plane substantially defined by an outer surface of the patient. Such an exemplary method also includes measuring a temperature of the patient with a temperature sensor of the temperature device without contacting the patient with the device. In such a method, the temperature sensor is an array of infrared sensing elements, and measuring the temperature includes focusing at least one of the sensing elements on a location on the outer surface. Such a method also includes determining a temperature value indicative of a core temperature of the patient based on the temperature. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a temperature measurement system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the temperature measurement system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary sensor and an exemplary display of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is another exemplary view of the temperature measurement system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating various positions of a sensor relative to a plane. 
         FIG. 6  is another exemplary schematic diagram illustrating various positions of a sensor relative to a plane. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary thermal image according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a temperature measurement system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is another exemplary view of the temperature measurement system shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a temperature measurement system according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a flowchart outlining an exemplary method of use associated with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a first exemplary temperature measurement system  100  of the present disclosure including a temperature device  10  and a corresponding probe cover  30 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a second exemplary temperature system  200  of the present disclosure including a temperature device  10 . The temperature device  10  of the temperature measurement system  200  includes a probe  8  and a handpiece  50  operably connected to the probe  8 . The temperature measurement system  200  also includes a probe cover  30  corresponding to the probe  8 . Whenever possible, like item numbers will be used throughout this disclosure to identify like components of the temperature systems  100 ,  200 . Additionally, as will be described herein, implementation of the present technology in the temperature devices  10  of systems  100 ,  200  is merely exemplary. The disclosed technology may be applicable to any other medical device that may use a cover, sheath, and/or other structure to protect the device from contaminants present on a surface or in a cavity of the body. Such medical devices may include, for example, probes, endoscopes, speculums, and/or other like devices where the characteristics of the cover, sheath, and/or other like structures impact the accuracy or precision of data gathered or measurements taken by the medical device. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the temperature device  10  of exemplary system  100  may include, for example, a head  18  connected to a handle  20 . The head  18  may define a distal end  12  of the temperature device  10 , and the handle  20  may define a proximal end  14  of the device  10 . The head  18  may include an atraumatic tip  16  disposed at the distal end  12 . The tip  16  may be sufficiently rounded and/or otherwise configured so as not to cause injury to a patient upon contact with a body surface or at least partial insertion of the head  18  within one or more body cavities of the patient. In an exemplary embodiment in which the temperature device  10  is utilized to measure, calculate, estimate and/or otherwise determine a core temperature of the patient, it is understood that such body cavities may include the ear, oral cavity, rectal cavity, axilla area, and/or other known body cavities from which temperature may be sensed. Collectively, such body cavities and/or body surfaces may be referred to herein as “patient measurement sites.” In further exemplary embodiments, such patient measurement sites may also include a forehead of the patient and/or any other known or easily accessible outer surface of the patient. Such outer surfaces may include the patient&#39;s skin or eyes. 
     The head  18  and/or the handle  20  may be made from any material and/or combinations of materials commonly used in medical and/or examination procedures. Such materials may include, for example, plastics, polymers, composites, stainless steel, alloys, and/or any other like materials. Such materials may be suitable for repeated use and/or repeated sanitation. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature device  10  and/or its components may be substantially waterproof. One or more waterproof seals may be included and/or otherwise utilized with components of the temperature device  10  to facilitate such repeated sanitation and/or use. 
     Alternatively, in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the temperature device  10  may include, for example, a shaft  19  extending from a handle  20  of the probe  8 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the atraumatic tip  16  may be disposed at a distal end  12  of the shaft  19 , and the tip  16  may be sufficiently rounded and/or otherwise configured so as not to cause injury to a patient upon contact with and/or at least partial insertion of the shaft  19  within one or more of the patient measurement sites described herein. The shaft  19  and/or the handle  20  of  FIG. 8  may be made from any of the materials described above with respect to the head  18  and handle  20  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The handle  20  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 8  may include one or more operator interfaces  22 . Such operator interfaces  22  may be configured to assist in performing one or more functions of the temperature device  10 . For example, the operator interfaces  22  may comprise any combination of switches, buttons, levers, knobs, dials, keys, and/or other like components configured to activate, deactivate, manipulate, and/or otherwise control components of the temperature device  10 . Such operator interfaces  22  may, for example, assist the user in toggling through and/or selecting one or more modes of operation of the temperature device  10 , enabling and/or disabling one or more sensors, alarms, and/or signals associated with operation of the device  10 , initiating a single substantially instantaneous temperature calculation, initiating a substantially continuous and/or repeating temperature calculation, and/or other like modes, functions, or operations. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , at least one of the operator interfaces  22  may be operably connected to an ejector mechanism  26  disposed proximate a base  24  of the head  18 . At least a portion of the temperature device  10  may be inserted into the probe cover  30  before and/or during use, and such an ejector mechanism  26  may be configured to assist in removing the probe cover  30  from the temperature device  10 . For example, the ejector mechanism  26  may comprise one or more extensions, flanges, clamps, hooks, shoulders, arms, tabs, rings, and/or other like structures configured to assist in ejecting the probe cover  30  from the base  24  of the head  18  after use. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more such ejector mechanisms  26  may be movable with respect to the base  24  and/or the head  18 . In such exemplary embodiments, the ejector mechanisms  26  may be movable in, for example, a path substantially parallel to the head  18 . In additional exemplary embodiments, the ejector mechanisms  26  may be movable in an arcuate path relative to the head  18 . Movement of the ejector mechanisms  26  may assist in bending, flexing, and/or otherwise deforming at least a portion of the probe cover  30 . For example, the ejector mechanisms  26  may be movable along one or more camming surfaces and/or other like external surfaces of the probe cover  30 , and such movement may assist in flexing at least a portion of the probe cover  30 . 
     Such flexing may ultimately overcome a retention force provided by one or more retention components  28  of the temperature device  10  and/or by one or more retention components  80  ( FIG. 2 ) of the probe cover  30 , thereby releasing the probe cover  30  from the temperature device  10 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a typical retention component  28  of the temperature device  10  may include a raised ring, flange, shoulder, and/or other like structure. Such a retention component  28  may extend partially or completely around, for example, a proximal portion of the head  18 , and in exemplary embodiments, one or more such retention components  28  may be disposed about the head  18 . Regardless of its form, such a retention component  28  may be configured to releasably mate with a corresponding retention component  80  ( FIG. 2 ) of the probe cover  30  to assist in releasably coupling the probe cover  30  to the temperature device  10 . 
     Alternatively, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , an ejector mechanism  26  may be disposed at a proximal end  15  of the probe  8 . In such an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the temperature device  10 , such as the shaft  19 , may be inserted into a probe cover  30  before and/or during use, and such an ejector mechanism  26  may be configured to assist in removing the probe cover  30  from the temperature device  10 . For example, actuating the ejector mechanism  26  may extend the shaft  19 , in the direction of arrow  51 , a desired distance from a base  24  formed at a proximal end  13  of the shaft  19 . Extending the shaft  19  in this way may eject and/or otherwise remove the probe cover  30  from the shaft  19 . In particular, extending the shaft  19  in the direction of arrow  51  may overcome a retention force provided by one or more shoulders, rings, tabs, extensions, and/or other like stationary retention components  27  of the temperature device  10 . Such stationary retention components  27  may be disposed, for example, proximate the base  24 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, one or more operator interfaces  22  may be operably connected to at least one sensor  32  ( FIGS. 2 and 8 ) of the temperature device  10 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the sensor  32  may be embedded within and/or otherwise formed integrally with the head  18  and/or the handle  20 . In such exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the sensor  32  may be electrically, operably, and/or otherwise connected to the operator interfaces  22  and/or other components of the temperature device  10  via known electrical connections. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the sensor  32  may be embedded within and/or otherwise formed integrally with the shaft  19 . In such exemplary embodiments, the sensor  32  may be disposed, for example, at a distal end  11  of the shaft  19 , such as proximate the tip  16 . As will be described in greater detail below, in each of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the sensor  32  may be operably, controllably, electrically, and/or otherwise connected to a controller  52  disposed internal or external to the temperature device  10 . In such an exemplary embodiment, the controller  52  may be configured to assist in estimating a core temperature of a patient based on signals and/or other inputs from one or more of the sensors described herein. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor  32  may be configured to sense one or more vital signs or physical characteristics of a patient such as, for example, temperature, blood pressure, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor  32  may comprise a temperature sensor, such as a thermopile, thermocouple, and/or thermistor, configured to sense a temperature associated with the patient. For example, such a sensor  32  may be configured to sense a temperature of the patient measurement site into which a portion of the temperature device  10  has been inserted and/or with which the temperature device  10  has otherwise been placed in contact. It is understood that in exemplary embodiments, measuring a temperature of the patient by contacting a patient measurement site with the temperature device  10  may include contacting the patient measurement site with the temperature device  10  while a probe cover  30  is disposed on the head  18  or shaft  19  thereof. In such exemplary embodiments, contact between the temperature device  10  and the patient measurement site may include contact between the probe cover  30  and the patient measurement site. For example, in embodiments in which the patient measurement site comprises the patient&#39;s ear, a portion of the head  18  of the temperature device  10  shown in  FIG. 1  may be inserted into the ear such that a temperature associated with, for example, the tympanic membrane of the patient may be determined. In such embodiments, a probe cover  30  of the temperature device  10  may actually contact the ear and/or portions of the ear canal while the sensor  32  measures the temperature associated with the tympanic membrane. Alternatively, in embodiments in which the patient measurement site comprises the patient&#39;s oral cavity, a portion of the shaft  19  of the temperature device  10  shown in  FIG. 8  may be inserted into the patient&#39;s mouth such that a temperature measurement may be taken. In such embodiments, a probe cover  30  of the temperature device  10  may actually contact a surface of the mouth beneath the tongue, and/or other portions of the oral cavity, while the sensor  32  measures an associated temperature. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the sensor  32  may comprise an infrared temperature sensor such as, for example, a thermopile and/or other like infrared-based temperature sensing components. Such a sensor  32  may be configured to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, and may comprise two or more thermocouples connected in series or in parallel. Such components may be configured to generate an output voltage proportional to a local temperature difference and/or temperature gradient. In an exemplary embodiment in which the sensor  32  comprises at least one thermopile, the temperature device  10  may comprise, for example, an infrared temperature probe and/or other like infrared thermometer. In such embodiments, the sensor  32  may be configured to receive and/or emit radiation  62  ( FIG. 2 ), such as thermal and/or infrared radiation. For example, the sensor  32  may be configured to sense, detect, collect, and/or otherwise receive radiation  62  emitted by the patient. Such radiation  62  may be emitted by, for example, the tympanic membrane and/or any of the patient measurement sites described herein. In such embodiments, the sensor  32  may be configured to collect the radiation  62 , and to send a signal to the controller  52  indicative of the collected radiation  62 . The controller  52  may utilize the received signal for any number of known functions. For example, the controller  52  may be configured to estimate, infer, calculate, and/or otherwise determine a core temperature of the patient based on the signal and/or one or more additional inputs. 
     The sensor  32  may be configured to collect radiation  62  that is reflected, reemitted, and/or otherwise returned to the sensor  32 . For example, at least a portion of such radiation  62  may reflect off of the tympanic membrane and/or may be absorbed and reemitted by the membrane. In such embodiments, the sensor  32  may be configured to collect the reflected and/or reemitted radiation  62 , and to send a signal to the controller  52  indicative of the collected radiation  62 . 
     The temperature device  10  may additionally include at least one window, lens, and/or other like optical component  36  positioned proximate the sensor  32 . For example, such an optical component  36  may be disposed substantially flush and/or coplanar with the outer surface of the head  18  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Such optical components  36  may be disposed, for example, at the tip  16  of the temperature device  10 , and may be configured to assist in, for example, focusing, directing, and/or otherwise transmitting radiation  62  to the sensor  32  for collection. In additional exemplary embodiments, such optical components  36  may assist in focusing, directing, and/or otherwise transmitting radiation  62  emitted by the sensor  32 . Such optical components  36  may also assist in protecting the thermopile, thermocouple, thermistor, and/or other sensor components during use of the temperature device  10 , and may assist in forming a substantially fluid tight compartment  82  ( FIG. 2 ) within the head  18  to protect sensor components from contact with bodily fluids, cleaning solutions, and/or other liquids. It is understood that such optical components  36  may be substantially transparent to assist in the transmission of infrared and/or other types of radiation  62 . In exemplary embodiments, the optical components  36  may comprise one or more convergent, collimating, and/or divergent lenses. 
     It is understood that in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the sensor  32  may comprise a thermopile, thermocouple, a thermistor, and/or any of the other temperature sensors described above, configured to sense a temperature associated with the patient. The sensor  32  may be configured to sense a temperature of the patient measurement site into which the shaft  19  and/or other portion of the temperature device  10  has been inserted, and/or with which the shaft  19  and/or other portion of the temperature device  10  has otherwise been placed in contact. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , one or more optical components  36  may be disposed substantially flush and/or coplanar with the outer surface of the shaft  19 . In an exemplary embodiment in which the shaft  19  is substantially cylindrical, such optical components  36  may be substantially curved so as to match the radius of curvature of the shaft  19 . Such optical components  36  may assist in, for example, focusing and/or transmitting infrared radiation between a thermopile of the sensor  32  and the patient measurement site. Such optical components  36  may also assist in protecting the thermopile, thermocouple, thermistor, and/or other sensor components during use of the temperature device  10 , and may assist in forming a substantially fluid tight compartment (not shown) within the shaft  19  so as to protect sensor components from contact with bodily fluids, cleaning solutions, and/or other liquids. It is understood that such optical components  36  may be substantially transparent to assist in the transmission of radiation to and/or from the sensor  32 . Such optical components  36  may also be highly electrically-transmissive and may have a negligible effect on, for example, an electric field generated by the sensor  32 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, the temperature device  10  may include one or more additional sensors configured to assist in determining one or more physical characteristics of the patient. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one such sensor  33  may be the same type of sensor described above with respect to sensor  32 . For example, the sensor  33  may comprise any type of sensor, such as a thermocouple and/or thermistor, configured to sense a temperature associated with the patient. In an additional exemplary embodiment, the sensor  33  may comprise an infrared temperature sensor such as, for example, a thermopile and/or other like infrared-based sensor. As shown in  FIG. 3 , in still further embodiments, the sensor  33  may comprise an array of pixels and/or other like sensing elements  48  configured to determine a temperature of the patient. In exemplary embodiments, an array of sensing elements  48  may include one or more such sensing elements  48  configured to sense a temperature of an outer surface  70  of the patient. As noted above, such outer surfaces  70  may include, for example, a skin surface such as the face, an eye, and/or any other like outer body surface of the patient. Such sensors  33  may be configured to determine a temperature of the outer surface  70  without contacting the patient with the temperature device  10 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, the one or more sensing elements  48  of sensor  33  may be configured to determine more than one temperature of the outer surface  70 . For example, an array of sensing elements  48  included in sensor  33  may be configured to sense, measure, observe, read, and/or otherwise survey the outer surface  70  from one or more locations relative to the patient. In such embodiments, the controller  54  and/or the sensing elements  48  of sensor  33  may be configured to generate a two or three-dimensional temperature measurement of the patient and, in particular, of the outer surface  70 . For example, a user of the temperature device  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 4  may rotate the temperature device  10  about one or more axes  55 ,  57  passing substantially through and/or otherwise substantially defined by the patient while sensing a temperature of the outer surface  70  with the sensor  33 . It is understood that, in further exemplary embodiments, one or more of the axes  55 ,  57  may be substantially defined by the temperature device  10 . Alternatively, a user of the temperature device  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  may rotate the handpiece  50  about one or more of the axes  55 ,  57  while sensing a temperature of the outer surface  70  with the sensor  33 . In the exemplary embodiments shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the sensor  33  may be disposed on the handpiece  50 , while in further exemplary embodiments of the system  200 , the sensor  33  may be disposed on, for example, the handle  20  or the shaft  19  of the probe  8 . In such further exemplary embodiments of the system  200 , the user may rotate the probe  8  about one or more of the axes  55 ,  57  while sensing a temperature of the outer surface  70  with the sensor  33 . It is understood that movement of the handpiece  50  and/or the probe  8  relative to the axes  55 ,  57  and/or otherwise relative to the patient may comprise movement of the temperature device  10  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, the axis  55 , may be substantially collinear with, for example, the spine of the patient and/or any other like bone or bone structure. In such exemplary embodiments, the axis  57  may be substantially orthogonal to the axis  55 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , in exemplary embodiments, the axis  57  may be substantially defined by an outer surface  70  of the patient such as, for example, the patient&#39;s forehead. In exemplary embodiments, in which the axis  55  is substantially defined by the patient&#39;s spine and the axis  57  is substantially defined by an outer surface  70 , the axis  55  may be spaced from the axis  57 . It is further understood that the axes  55 ,  57  may be disposed in and/or otherwise defined by one or more planes. For example, a sagital, coronal, parasagital, and/or paracoronal plane of the patient may include one or more of the axes  55 ,  57 , and in further exemplary embodiments, the axis  55  may be formed by the intersection of the sagital and coronal planes. Likewise, the axis  57  may be formed by the intersection of the coronal plane with a transverse plane of the patient passing through, for example, the forehead. 
     Relative movement between the temperature device  10  and the patient, such as movement of the temperature device  10  and/or the sensor  33  about, along, substantially parallel to, substantially perpendicular to, at an angle to, and/or otherwise relative to one or more of the axes  55 ,  57 , may assist in measuring the temperature of the outer surface  70  from a plurality of different points, angles, locations, and/or positions. Various temperature measurements taken during such relative movement may assist the temperature device  10  in generating, for example, the three-dimensional temperature measurement of the patient mentioned above. Such an exemplary three-dimensional temperature measurement will be described in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 7 . Such relative movement may also assist in measuring the temperature of more than one location on the outer surface  70 . For example, in embodiments in which the outer surface  70  comprises the patient&#39;s face, such locations may include the patient&#39;s forehead, eyes, nose, sinus region, temple, lips, and/or other anatomical structures or patient measurement sites found on the face. Multiple temperature measurements obtained by moving the array of sensing elements  48  of sensor  33  relative to the outer surface  70  may be directed to the controller  52 . The controller  52  may use such measurements as inputs into one or more algorithms, control maps, and/or look-up tables to assist in generating, for example, the three-dimensional temperature measurement of the patient. 
     The sensor  33  may include any of the optical components  36  described above with respect to the sensor  32 . For example, at least one window, lens, and/or other like optical component  36  may be positioned proximate the sensor  33 , and may be configured to assist in, for example, focusing, directing, and/or otherwise transmitting radiation  62  to the sensor  33  for collection. Such optical components  36  may be substantially transparent to assist in the transmission of infrared and/or other types of radiation to the sensor  33 , and in exemplary embodiments, the optical components  36  may comprise one or more convergent, collimating, and/or divergent lenses. Such optical components  36  may be configured to assist in, for example, focusing one or more sensing elements  48  of the sensor  33  on one or more respective locations associated with the outer surface  70  of the patient. For example, the optical components  36  may be configured to focus a first plurality  66  ( FIG. 3 ) of sensing elements  48  of a pixel array associated with the sensor  33  on a first location of the outer surface  70 . The optical components  36  may also be configured to focus a second plurality  68  of sensing elements  48  of the pixel array on a second location of the outer surface  70 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , if such an exemplary outer surface  70  comprises a face of the patient, the first location may include at least one of the patient&#39;s eyes while the second location may include the patient&#39;s forehead. It is understood that the locations described with respect to  FIG. 3  are merely exemplary. Moreover, in exemplary embodiments the first, second, and/or additional locations on the outer surface  70  may be substantially simultaneously focused upon by the optical components  36  and/or the sensing elements  48 . By focusing, for example, an array of pixels and/or other sensing elements  48  of the sensor  33  in this way, exemplary embodiments of the temperature device  10  may be configured to only use temperature measurements and/or other inputs corresponding to the locations on the outer surface  70  that are brought within a field of view  64   a ,  64   b  ( FIGS. 4 and 9 ) of the respective sensing elements  48 . 
     In further exemplary embodiments, the temperature device  10  may include one or more additional components such as, for example, a camera or other like imaging device  60 . Such imaging devices  60  may be configured to capture digital, thermal, and/or other like images of the patient. For example, the imaging device  60  may comprise a digital camera operably connected to the controller  52  and configured to capture an image of the outer surface  70  and/or other portions of the patient. Alternatively, and/or in addition, the imaging device  60  may be configured to collect thermal, infrared, and/or other radiation  62  emitted by the patient, and to form a thermal image of the patient using and/or based on the collected radiation  62 . In such exemplary embodiments, the imaging device  60  may be configured to form a thermal image of the patient independently or in combination with the sensing elements  48  of the sensor  33 . 
     In further exemplary embodiments, the controller  52  may include components such as an image processor  53  ( FIGS. 1 and 8 ) configured to receive signals and/or other inputs from the imaging device  60 . The image processor  53  may be configured to assist in forming an image of the patient based on such inputs. For example, in embodiments in which the imaging device  60  comprises a digital camera, the image processor  53  may receive signals and/or other inputs from the imaging device  60 , and may assist in forming a visual image  72  of the patient based on such inputs. As shown in  FIG. 3 , such a visual image  72  may be illustrated on a display  54  of the temperature device  10 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , such a display  54  may be included as a component of the probe  8  and/or the handpiece  50 . 
     Alternatively, in embodiments in which the imaging device  60  is configured to collect thermal, infrared, and/or other radiation  62  emitted by the patient, the image processor  53  may receive signals and/or other inputs from the imaging device  60  indicative of such collected radiation  62 . In such embodiments, the image processor  53  may assist in forming a thermal image  74  of the patient based on such inputs. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the thermal image  74  may be illustrated on the display  54 , and such a thermal image  74  may comprise a two or three-dimensional image, temperature gradient, and/or temperature profile of the patient as described above. 
     In exemplary embodiments, one or more of the images  72 ,  74  described herein may be used to correlate one or more sensing elements  48  of the sensor  33  with one or more respective locations associated with the outer surface  70  of the patient. For example, based on inputs received from the imaging device  60 , the image processor  53  and/or other components of the temperature device  10 , the controller  52  may employ one or more algorithms, image recognition programs, or software routines to correlate the first plurality  66  of sensing elements  48  with the first location on the outer surface  70 . Using such algorithms and/or software routines, the controller  52  may also correlate the second plurality  68  of sensing elements  48  with a second location of the outer surface  70 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , if such an exemplary image  72  of the outer surface  70  illustrates a face of the patient, the first plurality  66  of sensing elements  48  may be correlated with a first location including at least one of the patient&#39;s eyes, while the second plurality  68  of sensing elements  48  may be correlated with a second location including the patient&#39;s forehead. 
     In such correlation processes, one or more sensing elements  48  of the sensor  33  may be controlled and/or otherwise directed by the controller  52  to only measure temperature associated with the correlated location on the outer surface  70  and/or to ignore temperature associated with locations on the outer surface  70  other than the correlated location. For example, through such a correlation process, one or more of the sensing elements  48  may remain inactive until a correlated and/or otherwise recognized location on the outer surface  70  is brought within the field of view  64   a ,  64   b  ( FIGS. 4 and 9 ) of the one or more sensing elements  48 . 
     In further exemplary embodiments, the controller  52  may be configured to compare, for example, inputs correlated to different locations on the outer surface  70 , and to determine one or more physical characteristics of the patient based on the comparison. For example, at least one of the sensing elements  48  may be correlated to a first location on the outer surface  70  illustrated in an image  72  of the patient. In such exemplary embodiments, at least one sensing element  48  may be correlated with, for example, a sinus region and/or other anatomical structures of the patient illustrated in the image  72 . The sensing element  48  may be configured to determine a temperature of the sinus region as described above. In such an exemplary embodiment, at least one additional sensing element  48  may be correlated to a second location on the outer surface  70  illustrated in the image  72  different than the first location. For example, the additional sensing element  48  may be correlated with a forehead and/or other anatomical structure of the patient illustrated in the image  72 . The additional sensing element  48  may be configured to determine a temperature of the forehead. Both sensing elements  48  may send signals indicative of the respective determined temperatures to the controller  52 , and the controller  52  may compare the two temperatures with respect to the locations on the outer surface  70  from which the respective temperatures were obtained. In exemplary embodiments, the controller  52  may determine one or more physical characteristics of the patient, other than a temperature of the patient, based on the comparison. For example, if the controller  52  determines that the temperature of the forehead is within an acceptable range, such as between approximately 96 degrees Fahrenheit and approximately 98 degrees Fahrenheit, but that the temperature of the sinus region is above such an acceptable range, the controller  52  may conclude and/or otherwise determine that there is an injury and/or disease state associated with the sinus region. As used herein, the term “disease state” may be defined as any known infection, rash, disease, illness, ailment, condition, or other like medical abnormality associated with a patient. It is understood that such a physical characteristic determination may be dependent upon, for example, the various anatomical structures being observed and/or sensed by the sensing elements  48 , and that such physical characteristics may further include happiness, sadness, nervousness, tension, laughter, fear, stress, excitement, and/or other emotional states. 
     In still further exemplary embodiments, the temperature device  10  may include one or more sensors configured to determine a position of the temperature device  10  relative to another structure such as the patient. In exemplary embodiments, such a sensor may comprise a proximity sensor  61  configured to determine one or more alignment parameters associated with a position of the temperature device  10  relative to the patient. As shown in  FIG. 4 , such an alignment parameter may include a distance D between the temperature device  10  and the patient. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 9 , such an alignment parameter may include a distance D between the handpiece  50  and the patient. In exemplary embodiments, the distance D may be representative of a distance between a sensing surface  63  and/or other portion of the proximity sensor  61  and a plane P substantially defined by an outer surface  70  of the patient. As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 9 , the plane P may be substantially defined by a forehead of the patient and/or other like locations on the outer surface  70 . The axis  57  may extend along the plane P, and in exemplary embodiments, the plane P may comprise and/or be substantially parallel to a coronal plane of the patient. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the sensor  33  may be characterized by a preferred proximity range. In such embodiments, the “preferred proximity range” may be defined as a distance range, wherein when the sensor  33  is employed to determine a temperature of an object, positioning the sensor  33  such that the object is within the preferred proximity range results in an accurate temperature determination by the sensor  33 . Such a temperature determination may be considered “accurate” when the temperature measured using the sensor  33  without contacting the patient is within approximately 10 percent of the temperature measured using the sensor  32  via patient contact. In exemplary embodiments, the preferred proximity range may be between approximately 1 foot and approximately 6 feet. In further exemplary embodiments, such a preferred proximity range may be between approximately 1 foot and approximately 2 feet. In exemplary embodiments, the preferred proximity range of the sensor  33  may be defined by and/or may be a function of the sensitivity of the sensor  33 , and/or a focal length of one or more of the optical components  36  associated with the sensor  33 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 9 , one or more such optical components  36  may assist in forming, shaping, and/or otherwise configuring the field of view  64   a ,  64   b  associated with sensing elements  48  of the sensor  33 . In such exemplary embodiments, the preferred proximity range of the sensor  33  may be substantially equal to the focal length of one or more such optical components  36 . In exemplary embodiments, the preferred proximity range of the sensor  33  may comprise an additional alignment parameter associated with the temperature device  10 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, the proximity sensor  61  may comprise one or more gyroscopes, accelerometers, and/or other components configured to determine an angular position of the temperature device  10  relative to another structure. For example, the proximity sensor  61  may be configured to determine the magnitude of one or more angles formed between the temperature device  10  and the plane P defined by the outer surface  70  of the patient. In exemplary embodiments, such an angle may be formed between the sensing surface  63  and/or any other portion of the proximity sensor  61  and the plane P. With respect to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , such angles may be formed by, for example, rotating and/or otherwise moving the temperature device  10  about one or both of the axes  55 ,  57 . Alternatively, with respect to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , such angles may be formed by, for example, rotating and/or otherwise moving the handpiece  50  about one or both of the axes  55 ,  57 . Such exemplary angles are illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , rotating the sensor  61  and/or the temperature device  10  about the axis  55  may result in an angle Θ formed between the plane P and a normal line extending substantially perpendicularly from the sensing surface  63  of the sensor  61  through the axis  55 . When the sensing surface  63  and/or the temperature device  10  is disposed substantially parallel to the plane P, an angle Θ a  equal to approximately 90 degrees may be formed between the plane P and the normal line. Alternatively, rotating the proximity sensor  61  and/or the temperature device  10  about the axis  55 , such as by rotating the temperature device  10  about the face of the patient, may increase (angle Θ c ) or decrease (angle Θ b ) the magnitude of the angle Θ formed between the normal line and the plane P. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor  33  may determine a temperature of the outer surface  70  when the temperature device  10  is disposed substantially parallel to the outer surface  70  (i.e., when the angle Θ a  formed between the plane P and the normal line is equal to approximately 90 degrees). It is understood, however, that temperature determinations made by the sensor  33  may also have an acceptable accuracy for some applications when the angle Θ is within a desired angle range. Such a desired angle range for the angle Θ may be between approximately 75 degrees and approximately 105 degrees. The accuracy of such temperature determinations may be considered “acceptable” when the temperature measured using the sensor  33  without contacting the patient is within approximately 10 percent of a corresponding temperature measured using the sensor  32  via patient contact. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , rotating the sensor  61  and/or the temperature device  10  about the axis  57  may result in an angle α formed between the plane P and the normal line extending substantially perpendicularly from the sensing surface  63  of the sensor  61  through the axis  57 . When the sensing surface  63  and/or the temperature device  10  is disposed substantially parallel to the plane P, an angle α a  equal to approximately 90 degrees may be formed between the plane P and the normal line. Alternatively, rotating the proximity sensor  61  and/or the temperature device  10  about the axis  57 , such as by rotating the temperature device  10  from the forehead to the chin of the patient, may increase (angle α c ) or decrease (angle α b ) the magnitude of the angle α formed between the normal line and the plane P. In additional exemplary embodiments, one or more of the angles Θ, α described herein may comprise additional alignment parameters associated with the temperature device  10 . In exemplary embodiments, the sensor  33  may determine a temperature of the outer surface  70  when the temperature device  10  is disposed substantially parallel to the outer surface  70  (i.e., when the angle α a  formed between the plane P and the normal line is equal to approximately 90 degrees). It is understood, however, that in some applications the temperature determinations made by the sensor  33  may also have an acceptable accuracy when the angle α is within a desired angle range. Such a desired angle range for the angle α may be between approximately 75 degrees and approximately 105 degrees. As described above, the accuracy of such temperature determinations may be considered “acceptable” when the temperature measured using the sensor  33  without contacting the patient is within approximately 10 percent of a corresponding temperature measured using the sensor  32  via patient contact. 
     In further exemplary embodiments, the temperature device  10  may include one or more actuation devices (not shown) associated with the sensor  33 . Such actuation devices may be operably connected to the controller  52  and may be configured to move the sensor  33  relative to the temperature device  10 . For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  such actuation devices may be configured to pivot the sensor  33  relative to the handle  20  and/or any other portion of the temperature device  10 . In such an exemplary embodiment, the one or more actuation devices may be configured to pivot the sensor  33  about a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the handle  20  and/or the temperature device  10 . In further exemplary embodiments, such actuation devices may be configured to move the sensor longitudinally along the handle  20  and/or other portions of the temperature device. In exemplary embodiments, such movement may be substantially parallel to, for example, the longitudinal axis of the handle  20 . In still further exemplary embodiments, such actuation devices may be configured to pivot the sensor  33  about an axis (not shown) extending substantially perpendicular to the handle  20  and/or other portions of the temperature device  10 . In exemplary embodiments, such an axis may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle  20 . In still further exemplary embodiments, such actuation devices may be configured to move one or more of the optical components  36  relative to the temperature device  10 . In such exemplary embodiments, the actuation devices may move the optical devices  36  in concert with or independently from movement of the sensor  33 . 
     Alternatively, in the embodiment of  FIG. 8  such actuation devices (not shown) may be configured to move the sensor  33  relative to the handpiece  50 . Such movement may be analogous to the movement described above with respect to the sensor  33  and/or optical components  36  shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , such actuation devices may be configured to pivot the sensor  33  relative to the handpiece  50  and/or to move the sensor  33  along one or more surfaces of the handpiece  50 . Such movement may be, for example, about, along, and/or substantially parallel to one or more axes of the handpiece  50 . Additionally, in such exemplary embodiments the actuation devices may move one or more optical devices  36  in concert with or independently from movement of the sensor  33 . 
     The exemplary actuation devices described above may comprise any electric motor, servo motor, and/or other known device configured to assist in moving one or more components of the sensor  33  relative to the temperature device. Accordingly, it may be possible to form any of the angles Θ, α described herein with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6  through activation of one or more such actuation devices while maintaining the position of the temperature device  10  substantially stationary with respect to the plane P and/or the patient. 
     In exemplary embodiments the temperature device  10  may further include one or more signal devices  44  operably connected to the controller  52 , the sensors  32 ,  33 , and/or the proximity sensor  61 . Such signal devices  44  may include, for example, one or more lights, LEDs, speakers, and/or other like devices configured to emit an audible and/or optical alarm or signal in response to a command or signal from the controller  52 . Such an alarm or other signal may be initiated by, for example, the controller  52  when a temperature determined by the temperature device  10  meets or exceeds a threshold temperature. In additional exemplary embodiments, such an alarm or signal may be initiated during a substantially continuous temperature calculation operation where the rate of patient temperature change meets or exceeds a predetermined temperature change rate threshold. In further exemplary embodiments, such an alarm or signal may be initiated and/or otherwise communicated to a user of the temperature device  10  based on one or more of the alignment parameters described herein. For example, the signal device  44  may be configured to output information indicative of one or more such alignment parameters to assist the user in positioning the temperature device  10  and/or the sensor  33  relative to the patient. In exemplary embodiments, the signal device  44  may output an alarm or other signal indicating that the temperature device  10  and/or the sensor  33  is disposed outside of the preferred proximity range of the sensor  33 . The signal device  44  may also be configured to output a signal indicating when the temperature device  10  and/or the sensor  33  has been positioned within the preferred proximity range. In a similar manner, the signal device  44  may be configured to output one or more signals or alarms indicative of one or more of the desired angle ranges described above with respect to the angles Θ, α. 
     As discussed above, and as illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9 , the temperature device  10  may include one or more displays  54 . An exemplary display  54  may be operably connected to the controller  52  and/or to the image processor  53 . The display  54  may comprise, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, a light emitting diode (LED) display, a digital read-out, an interactive touch-screen, and/or any other like components configured to communicate information to the user or control the temperature device  10 . Such displays  54  may be configured to indicate, for example, one or more temperatures determined by the sensors  32 ,  33 , one or more temperatures determined based on signals received from the sensors  32 ,  33 , and/or any other information that may be useful during operation of the temperature device  10 . For example, the display  54  may also be configured to communicate information indicative of the alignment parameters described herein. The display  54  may also be configured to communicate information indicative of additional physical characteristics of the patient including but not limited to disease state, injury, and emotional state. The display  54  may be configured to communicate such information substantially instantaneously and/or substantially continuously depending on the mode of operation of the temperature device  10 . Such a display  54  may also indicate whether or not the temperature device  10  is turned on, and whether a probe cover  30  has been connected to the temperature device  10 . Although in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 8  the sensor  33 , signal device  44 , operator interfaces  22 , imaging device  60 , and sensor  61  are shown as being disposed on the same side of the handpiece  50  as the display  54  (i.e., a “front” side of the handpiece  50 ), in additional exemplary embodiments, one or more of these components may be disposed on, for example, a different side of the handpiece  50  than the display. For example, one or more such components may be disposed on a “rear” side of the handpiece  50  opposite the front side shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     In each of the exemplary embodiments described herein, one or more of the signal device  44  and the display  54  may be configured to request and/or direct movement of the patient relative to the temperature device  10 . In such embodiments, for example, the signal device  44  and/or the display  54  may output one or more audible and/or visual signals or requests informing the user where to position the patient. Such requests may comprise, for example, one or more visual alignment beams, visual images, and/or audible communications/instructions indicating a desired patient movement relative to a substantially stationary temperature device  10 . In still further embodiments, such requests may comprise visual instructions including one or more indicator lights on the temperature device  10 . Such indicator lights may, for example, be illuminated sequentially as the patient moves closer to or further from a desired location relative to the temperature device  10 . The requests and/or instructions described herein may assist the sensor  33 , imaging device  60 , and/or other components of the temperature device  10  to sense, measure, observe, read, and/or otherwise survey the outer surface  70  in a systemic manner while the temperature device  10  is maintained substantially stationary. In exemplary embodiments, the instructions and/or requests may be based on one or more of the alignment parameters and/or preferred proximity ranges described herein. In addition, in such embodiments the actuation devices described herein may be omitted. Accordingly, such instructions and/or requests may assist in forming the two or three-dimensional image, temperature gradient, and/or temperature profile of the patient as described above. 
     Additionally, in exemplary embodiments in which the imaging device  60  described above comprises a digital camera operably connected to the controller  52  and configured to capture an image of the outer surface  70  and/or other portions of the patient, the imaging device  60  may be substantially aligned with and/or otherwise spatially associated with the sensor  33 . In such embodiments, the imaging device  60  may be utilized to capture one or more digital images of the patient, and the images may be utilized by a user of the temperature device  10  to assist in positioning the temperature device  10  prior to and/or while sensor  33  determines one or more physical characteristics of the patient. For example, the images captured by the imaging device  60  may be shown on the display  54  while the sensor  33  is operable to assist in aligning the temperature device  10 . In such embodiments, such images may comprise still photos or real-time video images. Such images may include, for example, a visual illustration of the outer surface  70  of the patient, as well as a visual illustration of one or more of the alignment parameters and/or preferred proximity ranges described herein superimposed onto the illustration of the outer surface  70 . Such images may assist the user in positioning the temperature device  10  prior to and/or during use. 
     In additional exemplary embodiments, the temperature device  10  may include one or more transmitters, receivers, transceivers and/or other like communication devices (not shown) configured to send information to and/or receive information from a remote device and/or source. In such exemplary embodiments, the temperature device  10  may be configured to send and/or receive any of the information described herein with regard to the display  54 , sensors  32 ,  33 , and/or other components of the temperature device  10  via such communication devices. In such embodiments, a communication device of the temperature device  10  may be configured to send and/or receive such information to a remote device and/or source wirelessly via BLUETOOTH®, WIFI®, or other like means. Such a communication device may be disposed at any convenient location on the temperature device  10 , and in additional embodiments, such a communication device may be disposed partially and/or completely internal to the temperature device  10 . 
     The display  54  may also be configured to indicate one or more modes of operation of the temperature device  10 . Such modes of operation may include, for example, substantially continuous or instantaneous modes of temperature determination. Such modes of operation may also include a first operating mode where the temperature device  10  is configured to measure a first temperature of the patient without contacting the patient with the temperature device  10  (i.e., a noncontact-based temperature), and to determine a first temperature value indicative of a core temperature of the patient based on the first temperature. Such modes of operation may also include a second operating mode in which the temperature device  10  is configured to measure a second temperature of the patient by contacting a measurement site of the patient with at least a portion of the temperature device  10  (i.e., a contact-based temperature), and to determine a second temperature value indicative of the core temperature of the patient based on the second temperature. Such modes of operation may also include a third operating mode in which the temperature device  10  is configured to measure the first and second temperatures described above, and to determine a third temperature value indicative of the core temperature of the patient based on the first and second temperatures. In the exemplary embodiments described above, when the temperature device  10  is operating in the first operating mode, the first temperature value may be determined without regard to the second temperature. Moreover, when the temperature device  10  is operating in the second operating mode, the second temperature value may be determined without regard to the first temperature. As will be described in greater detail below, while operating in such exemplary first and third operating modes, the controller  52  of the temperature device  10  may also utilize inputs from one or more of the additional sensors described herein. Such inputs may facilitate determining physical characteristics of the patient in addition to, for example, temperature values indicative of core temperature. 
     In still further exemplary embodiments, the display  54  may be configured to communicate information indicative of whether one or more threshold temperatures, threshold temperature change rates, and/or other sensed metric thresholds have been met or exceeded. The display  54  may be configured to display any other typical operating information such as, for example, a temperature vs. time trend line or other graphical depictions. 
     As described above with respect to  FIG. 3 , the display  54  may be configured to illustrate a visual image  72  of the patient. Additionally, as described above with respect to  FIG. 7 , the display  54  may be configured to illustrate a two-dimensional or three-dimensional thermal image  74  indicative of patient temperature. Such two or three-dimensional thermal images  74  may comprise, for example, two or three-dimensional temperature profiles corresponding to an outer surface  70  of the patient. Such temperature profiles may be formed using temperature measurements obtained with, for example, one or more of the sensing elements  48  associated with the sensor  33  described above. Such temperature profiles may assist in determining, for example, a disease state, injury, emotional state, and/or other physical characteristics of the patient. For example, as shown in the thermal image  74  of  FIG. 7 , such temperature profiles may illustrate areas of relatively high temperature (referred to herein as “hot spots”  77 ) associated with the outer surface  70 . Such hot spots  77  may be indicative of a relative difference in blood pressure, temperature, and/or other like characteristics at the imaged location on the outer surface  70 . Such relative differences may be useful in identifying, for example, an injury or a disease state associated with the location. Such hot spots  77  may also be indicative of happiness, sadness, nervousness, tension, laughter, fear, stress, excitement, and/or other physical characteristics or emotional states. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the display  54 , the controller  52 , the image processor  53 , the sensor  33 , the imaging device  60 , and/or other components described herein may assist in correlating such hot spots  77  to, for example, a visual image  72  of the patient. In such exemplary embodiments, the visual image  72  may be stored in a memory of the controller  52  and/or may be obtained using the imaging device  60 . In exemplary embodiments, the display  54  may assist in such correlation by, for example, superimposing the three-dimensional thermal image  74  over the visual image  72  such that both images  72 ,  74  are displayed at the same time and/or are otherwise correlated. It is understood that such correlation may also be performed by the controller  52  without displaying one or both of the images  72 ,  74 . 
     The controller  52  may be operably connected to the operator interfaces  22 , display  54 , sensors  32 ,  33 , imaging device  60 , proximity sensor  61 , and/or other components of the temperature device  10 , and the controller  52  may be configured to control the operation of such components. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller  52  may be configured to receive signals, information, measurements, and/or other data from the sensors  32 ,  33  of the temperature device  10 , and to determine a temperature value indicative of a core temperature of the patient based on the information received. The controller  52  may also be configured to execute one or more commands and/or control programs. In addition to the image processor  53  described above, the controller  52  may comprise memory, additional processors, and/or other known controller components to facilitate the functionality described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller  52  may be disposed within, for example, the handle  20  of the temperature device  10 . In such an embodiment, the handle  20  may form one or more substantially water-tight and/or substantially hermetically sealed compartments for storing the various components of the controller  52 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the controller  52 , image processor  53 , memory, additional processors, and/or other known controller components may be disposed within the handpiece  50 . In such an embodiment, the handpiece  50  may form one or more substantially water-tight and/or substantially hermetically sealed compartments for storing such controller components. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the probe cover  30  may include a body  38  having a distal end  40 , a proximal end  42 , and a substantially atraumatic tip  58  disposed at the distal end  40 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in exemplary embodiments the probe cover  30  may also include an annular flange  34  disposed at the proximal end  42 . The body  38  may be substantially conical, substantially cylindrical, and/or any other suitable shape, and in exemplary embodiments, the body  38  may be similar in shape, size, and/or dimensions to the head  18 . For example, the probe cover  30  may be hollow, and the body  38  may be incrementally longer than the head  18  so as to fit over substantially the entire head  18 . When mounted on the temperature device  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , the probe cover  30  may overlay the sensor  32  disposed at the tip  16  of the head  18 . The probe cover  30  may define an orifice  46  at the proximal end  42  thereof. The probe cover  30  may have a longitudinal axis  76  extending centrally through the body  38  and the tip  58 , and when the probe cover  30  is connected to the temperature device  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the longitudinal axis  76  may be substantially collinear with, for example, a central and/or longitudinal axis (not shown) of the sensor  32 . 
     Alternatively, with respect to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  the probe cover  30  may have similar dimensions to that of the shaft  19 . For example, the probe cover  30  shown in  FIG. 8  may be incrementally longer than the shaft  19  so as to fit over substantially the entire shaft  19 . 
     The probe covers  30  described herein may be formed from any medically approved material known in the art. Such materials may include, for example, plastics, polymers, and/or any of the other materials discussed above with regard to the temperature device  10 . Using such materials may enable, for example, the probe cover  30  to be repeatedly used and/or sanitized. Such materials may also facilitate formation of the probe cover  30  through any molding, extrusion, and/or other like process known in the art. Such materials and/or processes may enable the probe cover  30  to be formed with any desirable transmissivity, thickness, dimensions, and/or other configurations. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the probe cover  30  may include one or more optical components  56  disposed proximate the distal end  40 . In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the optical components  56  may be disposed flush with and/or form at least a portion of the tip  58 . Alternatively, at least one of the optical components  56  may be disposed flush with and/or form at least a portion of the body  38  proximal to the tip  58 . The optical components  56  may be similar to the optical components  36  described above with respect to the head  18 . For example, the optical components  56  may comprise one or more windows, mirrors, lenses, filters, or other like components, and in an exemplary embodiment, the optical components  56  may comprise one or more divergent, collimating, and/or convergent lenses. Such optical components  56  may assist in focusing, guiding, and/or otherwise directing radiation  62  to the sensor  32 . 
     The probe cover  30  may also include one or more structures to facilitate usage with, connection to, and/or removal from the temperature device  10 . For example, while the orifice  46  of the probe cover  30  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  may be shaped, sized, and/or otherwise configured to accept the head  18  and to mate with one or more ejector mechanisms  26  of the temperature device  10 , in further exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the proximal end  42  of the probe cover  30  may include additional notches, cutouts, tabs, ribs, flanges, and/or other retention components  80  configured to assist in connecting the probe cover  30  to and/or disconnecting the probe cover  30  from the temperature device  10 . The retention components  80  of the probe cover  30  may be shaped, sized, located, and/or otherwise configured to mate with the retention components  28  of the head  18 . Once the probe cover  30  has been connected to the temperature device  10 , the retention components  80  of the probe cover  30  may assist in providing a retention force sufficient to maintain the connection between the probe cover  30  and the temperature device  10 . An exemplary retention force may be a compression force applied by, for example, a semi-circular and/or otherwise concave retention component  80  of the probe cover  30  to one or more convex retention components  28  proximate the base  24  of the head  18 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the flange  43  may form part of the one or more retention components  80 . Alternatively, the flange  34  may be disposed proximate the one or more retention components  80  such as, for example, proximal to the retention components  80 . At least a portion of the flange  34  may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  76 , and an exemplary embodiment of the flange  34  may include one or more camming surfaces positioned such that the ejector mechanism  26  is able to ride along the one or more camming surfaces to assist in bending and/or otherwise flexing a portion of the probe cover  30 . The force applied by the ejector mechanism  26  to the one or more camming surfaces of the probe cover  30  may be sufficient to overcome the retention force provided by the retention components  80 , and as a result, the probe cover  30  may be ejected from the head  18 . 
     Alternatively, the orifice  46  of the probe cover shown in  FIG. 8  may be shaped, sized, and/or otherwise configured to accept the shaft  19  and to mate with one or more stationary retention components  27  of the temperature device  10 . In further exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the proximal end  42  of the probe cover  30  shown in  FIG. 8  may include additional notches, cutouts, tabs, ribs, rings, flanges, and/or other retention components (not shown) configured to assist in connecting the probe cover  30  to and/or disconnecting the probe cover  30  from the temperature device  10 . For example, such retention components of the probe cover  30  may mate with the stationary retention components  27  of the temperature device  10  to facilitate retention of the probe cover  30  on the shaft  19  and/or ejection of the probe cover  30  from the shaft  19 . 
     The exemplary temperature measurement systems  100 ,  200  described herein may be utilized by physicians, nurses, health care professionals, and/or other users in a variety of different environments. For example, the temperature devices  10  and/or temperature measurement systems  100 ,  200  described herein may be employed in any of a number of examination facilities to determine one or more temperatures associated with a patient such as, for example, an estimated core temperature of the patient. Such an estimated core temperature may be utilized by the health care professional to assist in treating the patient, and may have a variety of uses that are well known in the medical field. 
     The exemplary temperature measurement systems  100 ,  200  may be utilized to determine patient temperature in a variety of different ways. For example, the temperature devices  10  disclosed herein may be configured to determine patient temperature using one or more contact-based methods of temperature determination. In such contact-based methods, a “contact” mode of the temperature device  10  may be selected using one or more of the operator interfaces  22  described herein. Additionally, a user of the temperature device  10  may insert at least a portion of the temperature device  10  into a corresponding probe cover  30 . The user may insert at least a portion of, for example, the head  18  into the probe cover  30 , via the orifice  46 . Alternatively, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the user may insert at least a portion of the shaft  19  into the prove cover  30  via the orifice  46 . In an exemplary embodiment, the probe cover  30  may be disposed within a box or other like storage container (not shown) while the head  18  (or the shaft  19 ) of the temperature device  10  is inserted into the probe cover  30 . In such an exemplary embodiment, the probe cover  30  may be accessed through an opening of the storage container for insertion of the head  18  or shaft  19 . 
     As one or more of the retention components  27 ,  28  of the temperature device  10  comes into contact with the probe cover  30 , the retention components  27 ,  28  may hook, clip, and/or otherwise mate with the proximal end  42  of the probe cover  30  to assist in retaining the probe cover  30 . In exemplary embodiments in which the proximal end  42  of the probe cover  30  defines one or more of the notches, cutouts, and/or other concave retention components described above, these retention components may mate with the corresponding retention components  27 ,  28  of the temperature device  10  to assist in retaining the probe cover  30  thereon. 
     Once the probe cover  30  has been mounted onto the temperature device  10 , the probe cover  30  may be placed into contact with a patient measurement site to facilitate determining an estimated core temperature of the patient. For example, at least a portion of the probe cover  30  shown in  FIG. 1  may be inserted into an ear canal of the patient such that the tip  58  is disposed proximate the tympanic membrane of the patient. The probe cover  30  and/or the sensor  32  may be positioned such that the probe cover  30  is in contact with the ear and/or ear canal, and the tympanic membrane is disposed at least partially within the field of view of the sensor  32 . Alternatively, in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the probe cover  30  may be inserted into an axilla area, a rectal cavity, an oral cavity, and/or other like patient measurement site such that the tip  58  is disposed in contact with the measurement site. 
     Once the probe cover  30  has been placed in contact with the patient measurement site, the sensor  32  may be activated via the operator interfaces  22  to sense a temperature indicative of a temperature of the patient measurement site. For example, in an embodiment in which the sensor  32  comprises a thermocouple and/or a thermistor, the sensor  32  may be utilized to measure the temperature of the measurement site. Alternatively, in embodiments in which the sensor  32  comprises an infrared temperature sensor, the sensor  32  may detect radiation  62  emitted by the measurement site. For example, radiation  62  emitted by the tympanic membrane, oral cavity, axilla area, and/or rectal cavity may be directed to the sensor  32  for collection via the one or more optical components  56 . Signals indicative of the patient measurement site temperature may be sent to the controller  52  by the sensor  32 , and while the temperature device is operating in the contact mode, the controller  52  may assist in estimating the core temperature based solely on this sensed temperature. 
     In additional exemplary embodiments, the temperature devices  10  disclosed herein may be configured to determine patient temperature and/or other physical characteristics of the patient using one or more noncontact-based methods of patient evaluation. In such noncontact-based methods, a “noncontact” mode of the temperature device  10  may be selected using one or more of the operator interfaces  22  described herein. In such exemplary noncontact modes of operation, the sensor  33  may be activated via the operator interfaces  22  to determine a temperature indicative of a temperature of the patient measurement site. For example, in an embodiment in which the sensor  33  comprises a thermocouple, a thermopile, and/or an infrared temperature sensor, the sensor  33  may detect radiation  62  emitted by the measurement site. For example, radiation  62  emitted by the forehead, eyes, sinus area, and/or other locations on the outer surface  70  of the patient may be collected by the sensor  33 . Such radiation may be directed to the sensor  33  for collection via the one or more optical components  36  associated with the sensor  33 . Signals indicative of the patient measurement site temperature may be sent to the controller  52  by the sensor  33 , and while the temperature device  10  is operating in the noncontact mode, the controller  52  may assist in estimating the core temperature based solely on this sensed noncontact-based temperature. Such noncontact-based methods of temperature determination may be useful in a variety of applications. Such applications may include initial and/or patient intake screening, and situations in which the patient is uncooperative. Such applications may also include situations in which temperature determination through traditional contact-based methods may place the user at an elevated risk of contact with, for example, germs, viruses, contagious disease, patient bodily fluids, and/or other like substances or contaminants. 
     In exemplary embodiments in which the temperature device  10  is configured to determine patient temperature and/or other physical characteristics using a noncontact-based method of patient evaluation, one or more components of the temperature device  10  associated with contact-based methods of patient evaluation may be omitted. For example, in such embodiments the sensor  32  and corresponding optical components  36  may be omitted from the temperature device  10 . Additionally, with regard to the exemplary temperature device  10  shown in  FIG. 8 , the shaft  19 , handle  20 , and/or the entire probe  8  may be omitted. Omission of such components may reduce the cost and complexity of the temperature device  10  and may be desirable in environments in which noncontact-based patient evaluation methods are adequate for the level of care required. Such an exemplary device is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
     In further exemplary embodiments, the temperature devices  10  disclosed herein may be configured to determine one or more physical characteristics of a patient, including but not limited to patient temperature, using a combination of a contact-based method of temperature determination and a noncontact-based method of temperature determination and/or patient evaluation. In such methods, a “combination” mode of the temperature device  10  may be selected using one or more of the operator interfaces  22  described herein. Such a combination mode may be useful to assist in determining a variety of physical characteristics of the patient based on one or more comparisons between contact-based and noncontact-based method of patient evaluation. Further, it is understood that the temperature devices  10  of the present disclosure may allow the user to select between the contact mode, noncontact mode, and combination mode of operation depending upon the requirements of each particular application and/or the condition or characteristics of the patient. 
     While operating in the combination mode, an exemplary method of temperature determination may include determining one or more alignment parameters associated with the position of the temperature device  10  relative to the patient. Such an alignment parameter may be determined using one or more of the sensors described herein, and the alignment parameter may be determined before, during, and/or shortly after determining the temperature indicative of the temperature of the measurement site with the sensor  33 . In such embodiments, a temperature value indicative of the patient&#39;s core temperature may be determined based on the alignment parameter. 
     For example, as described above with respect to the embodiments of  FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 9 , the alignment parameter may include a distance D between the temperature device  10  and the patient. In such embodiments, the distance D may be a distance between the sensing surface  63  of the proximity sensor  61  and the plane P substantially defined by the outer surface  70  of the patient. In such embodiments, the plane P may be substantially defined by, for example, the forehead of the patient and/or other like locations on the outer surface  70 . Such locations on the outer surface  70  may define and/or otherwise include the patient measurement site. In such exemplary embodiments, the distance D may be determined when the sensing surface  63  is disposed substantially parallel to the plane P. 
     Additionally, the alignment parameter may comprise an angle Θ, α formed between the temperature device  10  and the plane P. For example, such angles Θ, α may be formed between the sensing surface  63  of the proximity sensor  61  and the plane P. In the exemplary embodiments shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , such angles Θ, α may be formed between the plane P and a normal line extending substantially perpendicularly from the sensing surface  63 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , various angles Θ may be formed between the normal line and the plane P when the normal line passes through the axis  55 . Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 6 , various angles α may be formed between the normal line and the plane P when the normal line passes through the axis  57 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, the temperature value indicative of the core temperature of the patient may be determined based on one or more of the alignment parameters described herein. For example, noncontact-based temperature determinations made by the sensor  33  may be most accurate when, for example, the sensor  33  is disposed within the preferred proximity range described above. If the measured distance D is within the preferred proximity range of the sensor  33 , the controller  52  may increase, decrease, and/or otherwise modify, for example, a temperature value measured by the sensor  33  based on the distance D. For example, a distance D P  associated with a peak accuracy of the sensor  33  may be stored within a memory of the controller  52 , and the controller  52  may decrease a temperature value measured by the sensor  33  as a function of a measured distance D 1  less than the distance D P . Such a distance D 1  may indicate that the sensor  33  is disposed closer to the plane P than desired for peak accuracy. The controller  52  may also be configured to increase a temperature value measured by the sensor  33  as a function of a measured distance D 2  greater than the distance D P . Such a distance D 2  may indicate that the sensor  33  is disposed further from the plane P than desired for peak accuracy. In such embodiments, the controller  52  may increase or decrease the temperature value measured by the sensor  33  based on one or more algorithms, look-up tables, maps, and/or other like means. In still further exemplary embodiments, if the measured distance D is outside of the preferred proximity range of the sensor  33 , the controller  52  may provide a corresponding alarm, signal, and/or other like message to the user via the display  54  and/or the signal device  44 . It is understood that the distances D P , D 1 , and D 2  described herein are merely exemplary, and these distance are not illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9 . 
     Likewise, the non-contact-based temperature determinations made by the sensor  33  may be most accurate when, for example, the angles Θ, α formed between the sensing surface  63  of the proximity sensor  61  and the plane P are within the respective acceptable angle ranges described above. If the measured angles Θ, α are within the respective acceptable angle ranges, the controller  52  may increase, decrease, and/or otherwise modify, for example, a temperature value measured by the sensor  33  using methods similar to those described above with respect to the distances D P , D 1 , and D 2 . For example, angles Θa, αa substantially equal to 90 degrees may be associated with a peak accuracy of the sensor  33 , and such respective angles Θa, αa may be stored within a memory of the controller  52 . The controller  52  may increase or decrease a temperature value measured by the sensor  33  as a function of the difference between a measured angle Θ b , α b , and the corresponding angle Θa, αa stored in the memory of the controller  52 . In still further exemplary embodiments, if one of the measured angles Θ b , α b  is outside of the respective acceptable angle range of the sensor  33 , the controller  52  may provide a corresponding alarm, signal, and/or other like message to the user via the display  54  and/or the signal device  44 . 
     While operating in the combination mode, another exemplary method of temperature determination may include generating a three-dimensional temperature profile of the patient. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , such a three-dimensional temperature profile may be represented in a three-dimensional thermal image  74 . Such an image  74  may be shown on the display  54 . In such exemplary embodiments, the sensor  33  may measure temperature from a plurality of different locations on the outer surface  70  of the patient without contacting the patient. For example, the sensor  33  may determine a plurality of temperatures associated with different locations on the outer surface  70 , and the user may move the temperature device  10  relative to the patient to facilitate measurement of such different locations. As described above, moving the temperature device  10  relative to the patient may include, for example, rotating the temperature device  10  about one or more axes  55 ,  57  substantially defined by the patient. Such movement may also include movement relative to the plane P described above. Alternatively, the temperature device  10  may remain substantially stationary relative to the patient, and the sensor  33  may be moved relative to the temperature device  10  using one or more actuation devices associated with the sensor  33 . 
     In still further exemplary embodiments, sensing temperature from a plurality of different locations on the outer surface  70  of the patient without contacting such locations may include focusing sensing elements  48  of a sensor array of the temperature device  10  on different respective locations. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , such an array of sensing elements  48  may be included in the sensor  33 , and such sensing elements  48  may be substantially simultaneously focused on the respective different locations. For example, the first plurality  66  of sensing elements  48  may be focused on a first location of the outer surface  70  through the use of one or more of the optical components  36  described herein. In such exemplary embodiments, the second plurality  68  of sensing elements  48  may be focused on a second location of the outer surface  70  through the use of one or more additional optical components  36 . 
     By focusing, for example, one or more sensing elements  48  of the sensor  33  in this way, exemplary embodiments of the temperature device  10  may be configured to only use temperature measurements and/or other inputs corresponding to the locations on the outer surface  70  that are brought within the field of view  64   a ,  64   b  of the respective sensing elements  48 . In such embodiments, computations utilized to determine patient temperature using such inputs may be simplified, and the accuracy of the resulting temperature determinations may be increased. Additionally, in such exemplary embodiments the array associated with the sensor  33  may be constructed with fewer sensing elements  48  (i.e., without a number of pixels that would ordinarily be associated with locations on the outer surface  70  that are not focused on by the optical components  36 ), thereby reducing the overall cost of the temperature device  10 . 
     While operating in the combination mode, another exemplary method of temperature determination may include correlating sensing elements  48  of the sensor arrays described herein to one or more respective anatomical structures of the patient using an image of the patient. For example, the imaging device  60  of the temperature device  60  may be used to capture a visual image  72  of the patient including, for example, the outer surface  70  and/or other portions of the patient. The respective anatomical structures may be included in the image. In still further exemplary embodiments, the imaging device  60  and/or the sensor  33  may be employed to form a thermal image  74  of the outer surface  70 . The image processor  53  of the controller  52  may then employ one or more algorithms, software routines, and/or feature recognition programs to identify various anatomical structures appearing in the image  72 ,  74 . Once such anatomical structures have been identified, one or more sensing elements  48  of the sensor  33  may be associated with a respective anatomical structure. A temperature value indicative of the core temperature of the patient may then be determined based on such a correlation. 
     For example, by associating one or more sensing elements  48  of the sensor  33  with an identified anatomical structure based on an image  72 ,  74 , exemplary embodiments of the temperature device  10  may be configured to only use temperature measurements and/or other inputs received from locations on the outer surface  70  having a known temperature correlation to temperature measurements taken orally, at the axilla area, at the ear canal, at the rectal cavity, and/or at other traditional temperature measurement locations. In such embodiments, computations utilized to determine patient temperature using such inputs may be simplified, and the accuracy of the resulting temperature determinations may be increased. Additionally, in such exemplary embodiments the array associated with the sensor  33  may be constructed with fewer sensing elements  48  (i.e., without a number of pixels associated with locations on the outer surface  70  that do not show a strong correlation to temperature measurements taken at traditional temperature measurement locations), thereby reducing the overall cost of the temperature device  10 . 
     While operating in the combination mode, another exemplary method of temperature determination may include determining one or more physical characteristics of the patient other than temperature values indicative of the core temperature. For example, the temperature devices  10  described herein may be configured to correlate one or more sensing elements  48  with a first anatomical structure of the patient using one of the images  72 ,  74  described above, and may measure a first temperature associated with the first anatomical structure using the one or more sensing elements. The temperature devices  10  may also be configured to correlate one or more different sensing elements  48  with a second anatomical structure different than the first anatomical structure using the image  72 ,  74 , and may measure a second temperature associated with the second anatomical structure using the one or more different sensing elements  48 . The controller  52  may then determine, for example, a disease state, an injury, and/or an emotional state of the patient based on a comparison between the measured temperatures. Such comparison-based determinations of patient condition may further assist the user in treating and caring for the patient by providing more information to the user than typically provided by traditional temperature devices. 
     In another exemplary combination mode of operation, the user may measure a first temperature of the patient, using sensor  33 , without contacting the patient with any portion of the temperature device  10 . The user may also measure a second temperature of the patient, using sensor  32 , by contacting a patient measurement site with the temperature device  10 . The controller  52  may then determine a temperature value indicative of the core temperature of the patient based on the first and second temperatures. In such embodiments, the controller  52  may be configured to modify the second (contact-based) temperature determined with sensor  32  based on the first (noncontact-based) temperature determined with sensor  33 . Alternatively, the controller  52  may be configured to modify the noncontact-based temperature determined with sensor  33  based on the contact-based temperature determined with sensor  32 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, the controller  52  may assign an arithmetic bias and/or other like weight factor to one or both of the first and second temperatures. Such a weight factor may be indicative of, for example, a priority of one of the determined temperatures relative to the other determined temperature, and such a relative priority may be useful when determining the core temperature of the patient. Such a weight factor may comprise, for example, a constant and/or other like coefficient associated with the one or more determined temperatures, and such coefficients may be part of a core temperature determination algorithm employed by the controller  52 . The controller  52  may determine and/or associate such a weight factor with one or more of the determined temperatures described herein by using one or more weight factor look-up tables and/or weight factor data maps stored in a memory of the controller  52 . Moreover, the controller  52  may be configured to modify one of the determined temperatures based on the other determined temperature and the weight factor assigned and/or otherwise associated with at least one of the determined temperatures. 
     For example, if the contact-based temperature determined by the sensor  32  indicates a patient measurement site temperature that is within an acceptable range, such as a temperature that is within approximately 1 percent of 98 degrees Fahrenheit, but the noncontact-based temperature determined by sensor  33  indicates an outer surface temperature that is outside of such an acceptable range, the controller  52  may adjust and/or otherwise modify the contact-based temperature to more closely match the noncontact-based temperature. Such a modification may be based on the weight factor associated with one or both of the determined temperatures, and such weight factors may be indicative of the relative correlation between such temperatures and the actual core temperature of the patient. Moreover, such a modification may be performed by nature of the one or more algorithms employed to determine the core temperature of the patient. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the controller  52  may be configured to modify the weight factor associated with at least one of the determined temperatures. For example, the controller  52  may modify a weight factor associated with a determined temperature based on a temperature value determined by the controller  52  indicative of the core temperature of the patient. In such embodiments, the controller  52  may, for example, compare the initial weight factor associated with a determined temperature to one or more different weight factors previously utilized when determining a temperature value indicative of the core temperature of the respective patient. For example, the controller  52  may extrapolate between the current weight factor and the different weight factor previously used to determine a modified weight factor for future temperature determinations. In exemplary embodiments, the controller  52  may modify the weight factor associated with at least one of the first and second determined temperatures described above, and the temperature device  10  may then measure a third temperature of the patient using one of the sensors  32 ,  33 . In such embodiments, the controller  52  may determine an additional temperature value representative of the core temperature of the patient based on the modified weight factor and the additional temperature. Such modifications to the weight factor and/or to the one or more determined temperatures may be performed on a closed-loop basis and may result in a more accurate core temperature determination. 
     In additional exemplary embodiments in which the combination mode of operation is employed, any of the additional sensors described herein may be utilized to provide information to the user relevant to the patient&#39;s health. For example, contact-based temperature determinations made using the sensor  32  may be combined by the controller  52  with information received from the imaging device  60 , proximity sensor  61 , and/or other like sensors of the temperature device  10  to assist the user in determining information indicative of one or more of the physical characteristics described herein. Such information may be provided to the user by the display  54  and/or the signal device  44 . In such exemplary combination mode embodiments, the information received from the imaging device  60 , proximity sensor  61 , and/or other like sensors of the temperature device  10  may be used by the controller  52  as described above with respect to, for example,  FIGS. 3-7 and 9 , as well as the exemplary noncontact modes of operation. 
     In still further exemplary embodiments, the temperature devices  10  of the present disclosure may include one or more ports, connectors, terminals, and/or other like connection devices configured to enable communication between the temperature device  10  and one or more separate devices. For example, in the noncontact-based embodiments described herein, the sensor  32  and corresponding optical components  36  may be omitted from the temperature device  10 . Additionally, as discussed above with respect to at least the exemplary temperature device  10  shown in  FIG. 8 , the shaft  19 , handle  20 , and/or the entire probe  8  may be omitted. In such embodiments, the handpiece  50  may include one or more connection devices (not shown) enabling connection and/or communication between the handpiece  50  and a separate contact-based probe  8  or other like contact-based sensing device. In such embodiments, one or more components of the contact-based sensing devices may be disposable. 
     Additionally, in one or more of the exemplary contact-based embodiments described herein, a contact-based temperature device  10  may include one or more ports, connectors, terminals, and/or other like connection devices configured to enable communication between the contact-based temperature device  10  and one or more separate noncontact-based temperature sensing devices. Such noncontact-based temperature sensing devices may include, for example, one or more sensors  33  configured to determine a physical characteristic of the patient without contacting the patient. 
     In additional exemplary embodiments, the temperature devices  10  described herein may be capable of automatically configuring and/or reconfiguring themselves depending on the age, gender, and/or other physical characteristics of the patient. For example, such temperature devices  10  may be configured to make a noncontact-based determination of one or more physical characteristics of the patient. Such noncontact-based determinations may be made, for example, by the controller  52  in conjunction with the imaging device  60 , sensor  33 , and/or any other noncontact-based sensors of the temperature device  10 . Such determinations may include, for example, capturing an image of the patient and, through one or more image recognition and/or image processing algorithms, determining an approximate age of the patient. Such images may include, for example, a visual image and/or a thermal image, and such algorithms may also be used to determine, for example, the gender of the patient. Once the gender and/or the approximate age of the patient has been determined, the temperature device  10  may automatically select an appropriate control configuration for future temperature determinations and/or other physical characteristic determinations. For example, if the temperature device  10  determines that the patient is an adult, the temperature device  10  may, in response to the determination, automatically utilize one or more core temperature determination algorithms and/or physical characteristic determination algorithms tailored toward treatment and/or diagnosis of adult patients. Alternatively, if the temperature device  10  determines that the patient is a pediatric patient, the temperature device  10  may, in response to the determination, automatically utilize one or more core temperature determination algorithms and/or physical characteristic determination algorithms tailored toward treatment and/or diagnosis of pediatric patients. A similar “tailored” algorithm and/or process may be employed by the temperature device  10  in response to the determination of patient gender. 
     In still further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the temperature devices  10  of the present disclosure may be configured to enable the user to select and switch between contact, noncontact, and/or combination-based modes of operation. The flowchart  300  shown in  FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary method of use associated with the temperature devices  10  described herein. Although the method shown in  FIG. 11  illustrates contact and noncontact-based modes of operation, in further embodiments, such exemplary methods may also include enabling the user to select and/or switch to one of the combination-based modes of operation described above. As shown in  FIG. 11 , a user may begin an exemplary workflow by selecting a desired mode of operation (Step:  84 ). For example, at Step:  84 , the user may select between the noncontact, contact, and/or combination-based (not shown) modes of operation described herein. The user may select such a desired mode by pressing, switching, and/or otherwise manipulating an operator interface  22  associated with mode selection. 
     If the user selects a noncontact mode of operation at Step:  84 , control may proceed to Step:  86  wherein the user may manipulate one or more operator interfaces  22  of the temperature device  10  associated with determining noncontact information such as a physical characteristic of the patient. For example, the user may press one of the operator interfaces  22  associated with activating sensor  33 , imaging device  60 , proximity sensor  61 , and/or other noncontact components of the temperature device  10 . Upon activation at Step:  86 , such components may obtain noncontact information associated with the patient at Step:  88 . For example, such components may sense, measure, observe, read, and/or otherwise survey the outer surface  70  at Step:  88 , and may send one or more corresponding signals to controller  52 . At Step:  88 , controller  52  may utilize noncontact information contained in such signals as inputs to one or more algorithms, look-up tables, maps, and/or other like means, and may determine one or more physical characteristics, or other noncontact information, associated with the patient using such means. For example, at Step:  88 , the proximity sensor  61  may determine one or more alignment parameters associated with a position of the temperature device  10  relative to the patient. In such an exemplary embodiment, such an alignment parameter may include, among other things, the distance D between the temperature device  10  and the patient. 
     At Step:  90 , the controller  52  may determine whether the information obtained at Step:  88  is within one or more acceptable ranges, above or below one or more predetermined thresholds, and/or is otherwise acceptable. For example, if an alignment parameter or other information determined at Step:  88  is outside of a predetermined acceptable range (Step:  90 —No), control may proceed to Step:  96  wherein the controller  52  may recommend that the user switch from the noncontact mode to the contact mode of operation. Such recommendations may be made to the user via one or more of the display  54  and the signal device  44 . If the user accepts such a recommendation the user may manipulate an operator interface  22  in order to switch from noncontact mode to contact mode, and control may proceed to Step:  102 . 
     If, on the other hand, the alignment parameter or other information determined at Step:  88  is within a predetermined acceptable range (Step:  90 —Yes), control may proceed to Step:  92  where the sensor  33  and/or controller  52  may determine a noncontact-based temperature of the patient. For example, the sensor  33  may be activated to collect radiation  62  emitted by the forehead, eyes, sinus area, and/or other locations on the outer surface  70  of the patient. Signals indicative of the patient measurement site temperature may be sent to the controller  52  by the sensor  33 , and the controller  52  may assist in estimating a core temperature of the patient at Step:  92  based such signals. 
     At Step:  94 , the controller  52  may determine whether the noncontact-based temperature determined at Step:  92  is within one or more acceptable ranges, above or below one or more predetermined thresholds, and/or is otherwise acceptable. If the determined temperature is outside of a predetermined acceptable range (Step:  94 —No), control may proceed to Step:  96  wherein the controller  52  may recommend that the user switch from the noncontact mode to the contact mode of operation. If, on the other hand, the determined noncontact-based temperature is within a predetermined acceptable range (Step:  94 —Yes), control may proceed to Step:  98  where the temperature determined at Step:  92  may be output to the user. At Step:  98 , the determined noncontact-based temperature may be output to the user via one or more of the display  54  and the signal device  44 . 
     If the user selects the contact mode of operation at Step:  84  or if the user accepts the recommendations made at Step:  96 , control may proceed to Step:  102  where the user may load a probe cover  30  onto a portion of the temperature device  10 . For example, with respect to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the user may position a probe cover  30  over the head  18 , and may releasably couple the probe cover  30  to the temperature device  10  as described above. Alternatively, with respect to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the user may insert the shaft  19  of probe  8  into the probe cover  30 , and may releasably couple the probe cover  30  to the temperature device  10  as described above. 
     At Step:  104 , the probe cover  30  may be placed into contact with a patient measurement site to facilitate determining a contact-based temperature of the patient. For example, as described above with respect to  FIG. 1 , at least a portion of the probe cover  30  may be inserted into an ear canal of the patient such that the tip  58  is disposed proximate the tympanic membrane of the patient. The probe cover  30  and/or the sensor  32  may be positioned such that the probe cover  30  is in contact with the ear and/or ear canal, and the tympanic membrane is disposed at least partially within the field of view of the sensor  32 . Alternatively, as described above with respect to  FIG. 8 , the probe cover  30  may be inserted into an axilla area, a rectal cavity, an oral cavity, and/or other like patient measurement site such that the tip  58  is disposed in contact with the measurement site. Once the probe cover  30  has been placed in contact with the patient measurement site, the sensor  32  may sense a temperature indicative of a temperature of the patient measurement site. Signals indicative of the patient measurement site temperature may be sent to the controller  52  by the sensor  32 , and the controller  52  may assist in estimating the core temperature based on this sensed temperature. At Step:  98 , the determined contact-based temperature may be output to the user via one or more of the display  54  and the signal device  44 . 
     Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments described herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the following claims.