Augmented Reality Holographic Radiation Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for managing risks in radioactive zones, such as irradiation and contamination, rely on outdated paper cartography and oral communication, which are not real-time and difficult to share, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns due to the limitations of existing technologies like teledosimetry and supervision systems in environments with high electromagnetic interference.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing augmented reality devices, such as Microsoft Hololens, to display discrete holographic symbols indicating radiation intensity, allowing operators to visualize dose rates in real-time and share data through a digital model, enhancing safety by providing immediate and accessible risk information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If paper maps and oral communication are used to share risk information, then the system is simple to implement, but the information is not real-time and difficult to share

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time information sharingVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses holographic projections to create visual copies of radiation risk information in the environment. Operators can see holographic representations of dose rates and contamination levels projected in real-time at relevant locations, enabling immediate information sharing without requiring complex electronic displays or communication systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical information delivery methods (paper maps, oral briefings) with optical holographic projections. This substitution enables real-time, visual information presentation that can be viewed by multiple operators simultaneously without requiring physical distribution or verbal communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If teledosimetry and supervision systems are used, then dosimetry monitoring is improved, but the systems are impacted by electromagnetic disturbances in the reactor building

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosimetry monitoring reliabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses holographic projections as an intermediary to display radiation information. Instead of directly transmitting dosimetry data through electromagnetic waves that are blocked by concrete walls, the system projects visual representations of dose rate information that can be viewed by operators in the controlled area without requiring direct electromagnetic communication through the concrete barriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates visual copies of dosimetry information through holographic projections, allowing operators to view real-time radiation levels without requiring direct electronic transmission through electromagnetic waves that are blocked by the reactor building's concrete structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If protective equipment is worn to limit radiation exposure, then operator safety is improved, but the operator's field of vision is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidfield of vision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent projects holographic information into three-dimensional space around the operator, allowing risk information to be displayed in the environmental dimension rather than on a two-dimensional screen in front of the operator. This enables operators to view radiation information without removing their protective equipment or having it obstruct their view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The holographic projection acts as an intermediary that presents information in the operator's field of view without requiring the operator to remove protective equipment. The projections can be positioned in the environment around the operator, allowing safe viewing while maintaining protective gear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If real-time measurement and display of radiation levels is implemented, then safety is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety monitoringVSAvoidmeasurement and display system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic display systems with holographic projection technology. This substitution allows real-time radiation information to be displayed visually in the environment, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining real-time monitoring capabilities and improving operator awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3811380B1Method and assembly for intervention in a radioactive zone
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 FRAMATOME SA
  • EP3811380B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3811380B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and assembly for intervention in a radioactive zone. Said method comprises the following steps: production of a digital model representing the three-dimensional topography of the radioactive zone (1); and intervention of the at least one operator in the radioactive zone (1), the intervention step comprising at least the following substeps: repeated measurement of the radioactive radiation intensity by a portable detector (3), and determination of the spatial coordinates of the portable detector (3) at the time of the measurement; recording of a plurality of said measurements and the corresponding spatial coordinates in the digital model; and materialisation of the recorded measurements in an augmented reality device (5) worn by the at least one operator, by a plurality of discrete holographic symbols (7).