Indoor radon control system based on internet of things

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of indoor radon control system based on Internet of Things (I), comprising: radon detector (1), for measuring radon in environment, temperature and humidity level;Single board computer (2), by bluetooth (B) connection to radon detector (1) and using python software coding;Internet environment (4), for using database record and store value from microcomputer;Control unit (5), by processing, with graphical rendering and tracking data on internet (4), data is sent to the computer of user (K1, K2, K3) in wireless mode;Modem (3), for wireless transmission data;And ventilation unit (7), when radon level in environment exceeds the set reference level, activate ventilation unit (7) by triggering relay (6) connected to single board computer (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a system for remotely controlling radon measurement and reducing radon levels using an automatic ventilation system when threshold values ​​are reached. More specifically, this invention relates to an automated system for a radiation control network that can be remotely controlled online and continuously measured for radon, automatically reducing indoor radon concentration through ventilation if necessary. Background Technology

[0002] Radon is radioactive and ubiquitous in our environment, regardless of concentration. Radon levels vary across different regions, which can be explained by differences in geological conditions, meteorological conditions, and other factors. Because radon is heavier than air, it accumulates over time in poorly ventilated rooms.

[0003] Inhaling radon can cause lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco use. From a public health perspective, it is crucial to determine radon levels in indoor environments (such as our homes and workplaces where we spend most of our time) and to improve the quality of the air we breathe by reducing radiation levels in hazardous areas. Because radon is undetectable by human senses, its concentration in enclosed spaces can only be determined using specially developed equipment. Currently, many instruments are used for radon measurement based on active or passive measurement methods.

[0004] Previous passive radon measurement methods had many drawbacks. These technical problems stemmed from the need to collect samples from the location where they were placed and transport them to TENMAK (Turkish Institute of Energy, Nuclear Energy and Mining). The analysis and final processing of the test kits sent there placed a significant financial burden. There were also negative consequences, such as samples coming into contact with hands, damage during transport, and the inability to obtain reliable results. Another drawback was that while some electronic measuring devices could obtain results without sending samples, these still required manual reading and recording.

[0005] While many electronic measuring devices have been developed under current conditions, many of them are expensive. The Wave radon detector, however, can transmit data wirelessly and costs $199.99, using a free Android app provided by the company to transfer data to a mobile device. In this case, data transmission is impossible without taking the phone to the device's location.

[0006] In some developed countries, measuring and removing radon from buildings has become a business area in the real estate industry. This industry is required to measure the radon levels of properties for sale and certify that their radiation levels are within acceptable limits. Otherwise, for a transaction to proceed, the radiation levels of the property must be reduced below established national limits. Certification bodies performing these tasks serve the private sector. If similar public health protection measures were implemented in our country's real estate industry, the potential for developing this new business area would be very high. However, existing problems remain because the current technology does not include a working mechanism, as described in this invention, capable of altering radon levels by activating an automatic ventilation unit.

[0007] In existing technologies, indoor radon measurements in Turkey are conducted by TENMAK, a legally authorized and responsible entity, using a system originating from Hungary (a passive measurement method where multiple carbon films are placed at the measurement site for a period of time, collected, taken to a laboratory, and developed; the radiation level is calculated by calculating the traces left by radiation on the films and determining the radiation level based on the trace density). In addition to measurements mentioned in existing technologies, there are also academic studies conducted by researchers at universities and research centers involving active or passive technologies (studies to determine indoor radon levels).

[0008] In my country, apart from measuring indoor radiation levels caused by radon, no automated measures have been implemented to reduce detected high radiation levels. Therefore, existing problems and radon exposure persist.

[0009] In prior art publication US2019385373 A1, a method for optimizing the placement of smart home devices and a smart home device managed by a mobile computing device are disclosed. In the description of the smart home device management system in this document, it is stated that the smart home device can measure certain chemical substances, specifically radon, carbon monoxide, and other gases. However, the method does not mention a system detector capable of measuring radon. Clearly, the systems and threshold values ​​used for measuring carbon monoxide and radon levels would be different. Therefore, this technology only lists alternatives without including a structure or system similar to a radon control system.

[0010] Another prior art study, US2020103894 A1, describes methods and systems for collecting data in industrial environments, and methods and systems for monitoring, remotely controlling, autonomously acting, and other activities in industrial environments using the collected data. It also discloses that it can be configured to work and integrate with existing data collection, processing, and storage systems for streaming, collecting, processing, and storing industrial machine sensor data in IoT-based systems, and may include methods for capturing large streams of sensed data from sensors. However, the radon measurement and automatic ventilation system for areas based on measurement results mentioned in this invention are not included in US2020103894.

[0011] In the prior art, our patent application, registration number 2021 / 012804, describes an online radon measurement network system. As described in system number 2021 / 012804, the radon measurement network design enables the first network-controlled wireless online radon monitoring system to be implemented in Turkey. Using this system, the radiation level caused by radon gas in an indoor space can be continuously monitored in real time from a control center (or remotely via an online connection to the control center). However, this system can only detect and record the radon concentration level at the measurement location and can inform users of the radiation level they are exposed to when necessary.

[0012] Unlike the prior art invention numbered 2021 / 012804, the main problem this invention aims to solve (described in this specification) is the lack of a method for removing radon from spaces with high radon concentrations and automatically reducing radiation exposure to occupants of such spaces. To address these issues, this invention's "Internet of Things-based Indoor Radon Control System" requires innovation, enabling the system to automatically intervene in indoor spaces where radon concentrations exceed permissible limits. Utility Model Content

[0013] This utility model relates to an indoor radon control system based on the Internet of Things. The system meets the above requirements, eliminates all the disadvantages, and brings some additional beneficial effects.

[0014] Since this invention is directly related to public health, a system has been developed that can be used in all indoor areas, especially in places where radiation is applied and in public institutions and organizations where people receive services collectively.

[0015] By utilizing the Internet of Things-based indoor radon control system, which is the subject of this utility model, the atmospheric radon level in the indoor space can be continuously measured and monitored. When the radon concentration is detected to be higher than the specified reference level, the ventilation unit will automatically operate without human intervention and reduce the radiation level in the environment.

[0016] After installing the system of this invention, it is possible to ensure continuous monitoring of radon levels and access to the measurement data remotely. Most importantly, the system can automatically reduce radon levels in areas where high radiation is detected without user intervention.

[0017] Currently, while the sectors in our country that can directly use our invention (radiation centers, universities, TENMAK, etc.) are limited, it has potential applications, such as public institutions and organizations where people receive collective services, like schools and hospitals, as well as homes and workplaces. The aim is to ensure that radon exposure levels in these areas are automatically reduced.

[0018] This invention can also be applied to fields that require high-tech applications, such as regional monitoring.

[0019] This invention also enables active radon detectors to monitor radon levels online using our newly developed data transmission method.

[0020] Using the radon measurement system employed in this invention, an online monitoring system capable of continuously measuring radon can be established. Furthermore, by optimizing this system (in which multiple detectors operate simultaneously), it can be ensured that all measurements are accessible via a control program when needed. To achieve this, a radon detector (Wave radon detector) capable of continuous measurement using an active measurement method is wirelessly connected to a microcomputer, and the measurement data is transmitted via code written in Python to a predetermined internet area containing location and time information. All data is then processed, tracked, and stored by a control program written for a workstation with access to that area.

[0021] The structure and features of this utility model will be clearly understood through the following drawings and the detailed description made with reference to these drawings; therefore, these drawings and detailed description should be taken into account for evaluation. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 : A representative view of the architecture of the Internet of Things-based indoor radon control system of this utility model.

[0023] Figure Labels

[0024] 1. Radon detector

[0025] 2. Single-board computer

[0026] 3. Modem

[0027] 4. Internet environment

[0028] 5. Control Unit

[0029] 6. Relay

[0030] 7. Ventilation unit

[0031] B. Bluetooth

[0032] D1. First detector (viewable by all users K1, K2, and K3)

[0033] D2. Second detector (viewable by all users K1, K2, and K3)

[0034] D3. Third detector (viewable by all users K1, K2, and K3)

[0035] G. Safety Wall

[0036] I. Internet of Things

[0037] K1. First User

[0038] K2. Second User

[0039] K3. Third User

[0040] W.Web Applications Detailed Implementation

[0041] In this detailed description, preferred embodiments of the Internet of Things (IoT)-based indoor radon control system are used only to illustrate the subject matter in a manner that does not create a limiting effect.

[0042] The indoor radon control system based on the Internet of Things (IoT) of this invention includes the following:

[0043] - Radon detector 1, used to measure radon gas, temperature, and humidity levels in the environment, and can perform continuous measurements.

[0044] - A microcomputer 2 is connected to the radon detector 1 via Bluetooth B and is coded using Python software.

[0045] - Internet environment 4, used to record and store values ​​from single-board computer 2 using its hosted database (Microsoft SQL).

[0046] - Control unit 5, created using ASP.NET MVC5 web application and C# code, processes data from the Internet environment 4, converts it into graphics and tracks it, and then wirelessly transmits the data to the user's computer.

[0047] - Modem 3, used for wireless data transmission.

[0048] - Ventilation unit 7 operates by triggering relay 6 connected to single-board computer 2 when the radon level in the environment exceeds a specified reference level.

[0049] The single-board computer 2 described in this utility model has software that marks the data (radon, humidity, temperature) received from the radon detector 1 as information such as data time, data location, and detector ID.

[0050] The single-board computer 2 of this invention has software that allows all data to be sent to the Internet environment 4 within a specified time and to operate the ventilation unit 7 connected to the relay 6 when necessary.

[0051] The single-board computer 2 described in this utility model includes a 5V adapter cable for providing power, an internet connection cable for wired interaction, and a cable for connecting relays 6.

[0052] The single-board computer 2 described in this utility model includes wired and wireless internet connectivity, a Raspbian operating system installed on a micro SD card, an HDMI display connection, and a USB connection.

[0053] The radon detector 1 of this invention is equipped with two 1.5V batteries for power supply.

[0054] The control unit 5 of this invention was created using an ASP.NET MVC5 web application and C# code.

[0055] The single-board computer 2 mentioned in this invention belongs to the Raspberry Pi system. A Raspberry PiImager is used to install the Raspbian operating system on the Raspberry Pi, i.e., the single-board computer 2. Radon measurement values ​​(including time and location information) obtained from the device are transmitted to the Internet environment 4 using code written in Python. The time interval for data transmission to the database and when radon exceeds the reference value are determined by code written to the single-board computer 2 to operate the ventilation unit 7.

[0056] Users K1, K2, and K3 access the system through control unit 5. Control unit 5 can access data online from the Internet environment 4 and, when necessary, intervene in ventilation unit 7 using programs developed at the center where the workstation is located.

[0057] Figure 1 The environmental measurements D1, D2, and D3 shown are monitored online by the first user (K1), second user (K2), and third user (K3) after control unit 5, respectively. The development of this system makes it possible to remotely control automatic ventilation systems in areas with high radon concentrations. This allows for the monitoring of sudden radon concentration peaks to prevent potential high radon exposure.

[0058] Elements adding novelty to this invention are the relay 6 and ventilation unit 7 connected to the single-board computer 2, which are triggered when the radon level in the environment exceeds a specified reference level, and Python code written to the single-board computer 2 to operate the ventilation unit 7. In addition to our patented system for "Network-Controlled Online Radon Monitoring" (patent number 2021 / 012804), the system also includes the relay 6 acting as a switching device and the ventilation unit 7 connected to the relay 6 via a cable. Furthermore, Python code has been added to the single-board computer 2 to activate the ventilation unit 7 by triggering the relay 6. The added hardware and software bring innovation to the previously patented system and facilitate the creation of an IoT-based indoor radon control network.

[0059] In the indoor radon control system based on the Internet of Things (IoT) of this invention, apart from the relay 6, the ventilation unit 7, and the single-board computer 2 that activates the relay 6 to operate the ventilation unit 7, its features and systems are as follows.

[0060] The radon gas value measured by the radon detector 1 can be transmitted to the modem 3 via the microcomputer 2, and the results can be tracked online. The radon detector can perform continuous measurements in both short and long periods. In a preferred method for transmitting the data received here to the control unit 5, the measurement data transmitted from the radon detector 1 to the single-board computer 2 is wirelessly transmitted from the single-board computer 2 to the modem 3 via Bluetooth B, and then from there to the Internet environment 4. This enables the control unit 5 to perform online monitoring.

[0061] In this invention, after detector 1 detects the radon level, it transmits it to single-board computer 2, i.e., a Raspberry Pi device, via Bluetooth B. The captured data is labeled with three different pieces of information. These are as follows:

[0062] 1) Data time,

[0063] 2) Data capture location, and

[0064] 3) Detector ID.

[0065] The first feature displays the time and value of this data, the second feature records the location of detector 1, and the third feature identifies detector 1. An operating system (Raspberry Pi Imager) is installed on the Raspberry Pi, and using code written in Python, the radon measurement values ​​(including time and location information) obtained from the device are transmitted to the Internet 4. The time interval between data transmissions to the database is determined by code written to the programming board computer 2. Users K1, K2, and K3 access the system via a control unit 5 that can obtain data from the Internet 4, using a program we developed online at the workstation center.

[0066] Following control unit 5, the first user (K1), second user (K2), and third user (K3) can monitor environmental measurements online. This measurement system can remotely control radon levels in real time based on previous radon measurements. Compared to passive radon measurement, using active radon detector 1 allows for real-time radon monitoring. This enables the detection of sudden radon peaks and provides early warning and prevention of potential high radon exposure, while ventilation unit 7 operates automatically.

[0067] The website interface considered in this study consists of boxes displaying the location name of radon detector 1. Three different types were selected online based on the critical threshold.

[0068] 1) Hollow,

[0069] 2) Stripes, and

[0070] 3) Dashed line.

[0071] A hollow frame indicates that the sensor is placed in an area with radon levels below the limit (≤99 Bq / m³). 3 The striped boxes indicate the extreme values ​​(100-149 Bq / m). 3 Finally, the dashed box indicates that the value exceeds the limit (150 Bq / m). 3 Hollow, striped, and dashed boxes can be arbitrarily categorized by color or different geometric patterns. The first environmental radon detector measured ≤99 Bq / m³. 3 The radon detector 1 in the second environment measured 100-149 Bq / m³. 3 Between these measurements, the third detector (D3) measured ≥150 Bq / m 3 In the planning interface, you can open the boxes with these location names, and the data values ​​will be visualized in two different ways:

[0072] 1) Values ​​updated within the sampling time.

[0073] 2) Charts.

[0074] The screen displays numerical values ​​in real time, and users can select different chart options. All values ​​and data read from the database are recorded. Since the readings are shared across the Internet, they are transmitted in the same way to different users K1, K2, and K3. Users K1, K2, and K3 are added based on the critical importance of these values ​​in locations requiring continuous monitoring, such as hospitals, childcare centers, nursing homes, and nuclear facilities. Additional functionality can be added to websites specifically designed for these applications. For example, an audio signal can be generated via the website when a red light illuminates.

[0075] Online radon systems can be used in caves, seismic survey sites, and remote locations. 1) Since caves are used for tourism, these locations can be monitored using camera systems. In this case, locations with camera monitoring systems can utilize the internet. If there is no internet connection, measurements can be taken using a device that displays radon levels on a screen, which can be read by a camera. In this case, simply replacing the system's radon measuring device provides uninterrupted online operation. 2) In locations without internet access and remote locations, data will be ensured to be transmitted to radon measuring base stations using RFID technology.

[0076] If internet access is available in offices, shops, or other locations with a small number of employees, or in factories, warehouses, shopping malls, or chain supermarkets with a large number of employees, the system will operate without any problems. If internet access is unavailable, a large-area modem can be used for online radon monitoring. If a large modem is not available, radon levels can be monitored online in these locations using radon measuring devices that can be read by cameras.

[0077] Using the system of this invention, the control unit 5 can monitor radon in real time and automatically operate the ventilation unit 7 when the level exceeds a specified value. First, the air is ionized in the radon detector 1 by a sensor inside the detector, and the amount of radon is transmitted hourly to the single-board computer 2. At time intervals specified by code written into the single-board computer 2, these values ​​are displayed graphically on a control panel at the internet address www.irl32.me. The charts created here can be imported in JPEG and Excel formats. Data can be retrieved at any time interval using the code written into the single-board computer 2. This time range is entirely determined by the administrator or expert. Even a 1-second time interval can be selected if needed.

[0078] The system is mounted on a wall or panel, and installation is completed by connecting the necessary wires and USB cables, and by providing a screen connection for the single-board computer 2. The measurement environment is numbered.

[0079] Step 1: After writing the code to obtain radon and other parameters on the single-board computer 2 screen and entering the range, it will be immediately reflected on http: / / www.irl32.me / . The code is as follows: sudo python read_wave2.py 29......(wave device serial number) 3600 (time in seconds)

[0080] Step 2: On the web control page, click the icon for the first radon detector (1) to display environmental measurements. A graphical area will then appear. When you move the mouse to the end of the radon short graph, you can see the last radon value read.

[0081] Step 3: In the installation environment, TeamViewer Host can connect to the single-board computer 2 from anywhere. The Host first connects to the main user. After obtaining the Host ID, enter this ID into the TeamViewer control panel in the main control center to access the first environmental measurement point.

[0082] On the TeamViewer main control screen, enter the number of the first radon measurement point in the "Other User ID" section. Then click the link to access the single-board computer 2 in that environment.

[0083] Step 4: Remote connection to the single-board computer 2 screen allows for access and control at any time. The terminal window on the single-board computer 2 screen displays radon, humidity, and temperature readings. The screen also shows the time intervals for writing code and transmitting parameters to the Internet environment 4.

[0084] The arrows show how the radon monitoring system transmits data. Wave Radon Detector 1 > Bluetooth B > Microcomputer 2 (Raspberry Pi) > www.irl32.me > MSSQL (Microsoft SQL): Internet environment for storing data 4 > IRL Labs > IoT (I) (Internet of Things).

Claims

1. An indoor radon control system based on the Internet of Things (I), characterized in that, include: - Radon detector (1), used to measure radon gas, temperature and humidity levels in the environment, - A microcomputer (2) is connected to the radon detector (1) via Bluetooth (B) and coded in Python software to tag the data received from the radon detector (1) with data time, data location and detector ID. - The Internet environment (4) is used to record and store values ​​from the microcomputer (2) using its hosted database. - A control unit (5) capable of accessing data online from the Internet environment (4), which processes, converts, and tracks data from the Internet environment (4), wirelessly transmits the data to the user's (K1, K2, K3) computer, and is created using ASP.NET MVC5 web application and C# code. - Modem (3), used for wireless data transmission - The ventilation unit (7) is automatically activated by the control unit (5) when the radon level in the environment of the microcomputer (2) exceeds the set reference level. - A relay (6) connected to a microcomputer (2) is triggered and causes the ventilation unit (7) to operate when the radon level in the environment exceeds a specified reference level. - Software located in the microcomputer (2) allows all data and information belonging to the data to be sent to the Internet environment (4) within a specified time period.

2. The indoor radon control system based on the Internet of Things (I) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microcomputer (2) has a 5V adapter cable for power supply and an internet connection cable for wireless interaction.

3. The indoor radon control system based on the Internet of Things (I) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microcomputer (2) includes wired and wireless internet connectivity, a Raspbian operating system installed on a micro SD card, an HDMI display connection, and a USB connection.

4. The indoor radon control system based on the Internet of Things (I) according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a radon detector (1) with two 1.5V batteries that provide power.

5. The indoor radon control system based on the Internet of Things (I) according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has a system in which a switching device or a mobile phone can be used instead of the microcomputer (2).

6. The indoor radon control system based on the Internet of Things (I) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microcomputer (2) is a Raspberry Pi system.

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