Camera Shutter Mechanism for Dual-Mode Radiation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal-use radiation detectors are expensive, complex, and bulky, limiting their widespread deployment, and existing software solutions on consumer devices require constant foreground operation and tape coverage, impacting camera functionality and battery life.
Innovation Solution
A mobile electronic device with a digital camera equipped with a shutter mechanism that allows for interchangeable nuclear radiation detection and image capture functionality, using CCD or CMOS sensors to detect radiation levels, with software that runs in the background and provides alerts via audio, visual, or vibratory cues, allowing for remote monitoring and storage of radiation levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized radiation detection equipment is used, then radiation detection capability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the digital camera sensor to serve dual purposes: standard image capture and nuclear radiation detection. The same sensor array processes both visible light photons and higher-energy radiation photons, eliminating the need for separate specialized detection equipment. This is achieved through software that distinguishes radiation events from normal camera operation based on signal characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a copy approach by leveraging the existing digital camera infrastructure (sensor, processor, display) to perform radiation detection instead of requiring dedicated detection hardware. The camera's sensor array creates a replicated detection capability that mirrors specialized detectors' function while using consumer-grade components already present in ubiquitous devices.
2Reliability
If opaque tape is permanently applied to the camera lens, then radiation detection functionality is improved, but camera functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lens coverage state changeable rather than fixed. The shutter mechanism can dynamically transition between covering the lens (enabling radiation detection mode) and revealing the lens (enabling camera mode). This dynamic switching allows the device to adapt its functionality based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for permanent tape application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-positioning the shutter mechanism in place of requiring permanent tape application. The shutter is designed and integrated beforehand as a reversible covering solution, allowing the device to switch between modes without requiring users to permanently modify the camera lens with tape.
3Reliability
If radiation detection software runs constantly in the foreground, then radiation monitoring is improved, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by having the radiation detection software operate in the background rather than constantly in the foreground. The system periodically samples the sensor data and only activates full processing and user interface elements when radiation events are detected or during scheduled update intervals, significantly reducing continuous power consumption while maintaining monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses self-service by implementing background operation with automatic activation. The radiation detection system runs autonomously in the background, automatically detecting radiation events and activating alerts or notifications only when necessary, without requiring continuous user attention or foreground operation. This allows the system to conserve power while maintaining readiness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables cost-effective, ubiquitous, and efficient personal-use nuclear radiation detection on consumer devices, allowing for simultaneous camera and radiation detection functionality without the need for additional equipment, with low incremental cost and minimal impact on device performance.
Implementation Method 1
a shutter adjacent the at least one sensor and translatable from a sensor-covering orientation in which nuclear radiation level monitoring is allowed to a sensor-revealing orientation in which the nuclear radiation level monitoring is disallowed
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor capable of receiving nuclear radiation and generating an output corresponding to the nuclear radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile electronic device for detecting nuclear radiation levels, where the device has image capturing means comprising a sensor capable of receiving nuclear radiation and converting same to a value indicative of the nuclear radiation level. The device also comprises a shutter translatable from a first orientation covering the sensor (in which radiation level monitoring is allowed) to a second orientation revealing the sensor (in which radiation level monitoring is disallowed). The device may be a modified cellular telephone, satellite telephone, personal digital assistant or tablet personal computer provided with a digital camera, such that camera functionality is maintained and permitted when the shutter is in the second orientation.