Early detection of illnesses, particularly those accompanied by elevated body temperature, could help prevent the spread of contagious diseases in homes, offices, and public spaces. While handheld infrared thermometers exist, they require direct interaction and manual operation. A passive, non-invasive solution integrated into everyday devices—like a smart doorbell—could provide seamless and scalable health monitoring.

How It Could Work

One way to achieve this is by embedding a thermal imaging camera into a smart doorbell. When someone approaches the door, the device would capture a thermal image, analyze it for elevated skin temperature, and notify the homeowner or business operator if a fever is detected. The system could also log temperature data (with user consent) for tracking trends. More advanced versions might use AI to detect additional symptoms, such as coughing, or integrate with health apps for further analysis.

• Homeowners could screen visitors (e.g., delivery personnel, guests) for fevers, especially during outbreaks.
• Businesses could passively monitor employees or customers for signs of illness.
• Public spaces like airports might use it for crowd health monitoring.

Execution and Challenges

A simple starting point could be a thermal camera add-on for existing smart doorbells, connecting via USB or wirelessly. This would avoid the need for a full hardware redesign initially. Software could process thermal data, set temperature thresholds, and send alerts. Testing in real-world conditions would help refine accuracy, especially since factors like distance, ambient temperature, and clothing can affect readings.

Privacy concerns would need addressing—for example, by processing data locally on the device and only storing it in the cloud with explicit user consent. Regulatory approval might also be necessary if marketed as a health device.

Comparison with Existing Solutions

Unlike handheld thermal cameras (e.g., FLIR ONE), this approach would be passive and automated. Compared to standard smart doorbells (e.g., Ring), it adds health monitoring without requiring additional devices. And unlike contact thermometers (e.g., Kinsa), it works without direct interaction.

Potential advantages include convenience, scalability, and the ability to integrate with existing smart home ecosystems. Over time, AI enhancements could further differentiate the solution.