I was very excited to read, in Forbes, about the newly patented technology that permits temperature taking directly from your smart phone by means of an embedded sensor that reads out directly on the smart phone display, as described in this link from Forbes--
http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnnosta/2012/11/14/the-thermometer-meets-the-smart-phone-technology-that-help-moms-and-saves-lives
Imagine how useful this will be for quality assurance in many construction procedures, such as those involving the temperature of substrates for many construction procedures, including spray foam insulation, sealants, paint, and ambient temperature for so many other processes, such as pouring concrete.
Before long, I envision that the construction field inspector or installer will be able to record the necessary temperatures and at the same time document the time of day, photograph the relevant condition, get a GPS reading and then email all this information, compiled on his/her smart phone, as one document of record. This should represent a tremendous saving of time, effort, and lessen or totally eliminate the need for costly legal procedures due to construction failures from incorrect temperature at the time of installation. Such technology should be a tremendous boon to contractors, installers, manufacturers, architects and engineers.
Interestingly, it appears that the original intent of the inventors was to measure human temperatures, which we all need, as well, particularly those of us with children.
I will be among the first purchasers and this record-keeping procedure, with a suggestion that this new smart phone technology be applied, will be among my requirements on all construction projects with which I am involved.
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Lydia Straus-Edwards AIA
Woodbury, CT
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