By Dhel Nazario
The DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) is currently developing a non-contact temperature-taking devices which use a medical grade sensor that can be utilized by front liners amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to DOST-ASTI there are three types that are being developed. First is the Modified Wood Moisture Meter retrofitted with a thermal sensor. This is an existing product for the woodworking industry that was co-developed by DOST-ASTI, DOST- Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), and Alexan.
The device looks like typical thermal scanners used in checkpoints with temperature readings displayed in a screen.
Second is a small device that can be attached to smartphones using typical wire interfaces.
The third is a small device that can be attached to smartphones with wireless/Bluetooth interfaces.
The idea for the latter two was to develop a small attachment that can be fitted with a phone to take advantage of its availability and prevalence. Temperature readings will be displayed in the phone screen through an application.
The project is being developed by DOST-ASTI's embedded, wireless systems, and Philip-pine Earth Data Resource and Observation (PEDRO) teams.