Coded Aperture Dual Particle Image Fusion for Radiation Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging equipment that discriminates between neutrons and gamma radiation sources is large and cumbersome, limiting its mobility and effectiveness in creating radiation distribution maps, especially for securing worker safety in environments with special nuclear materials.
Innovation Solution
A coded-aperture-based dual particle image fusion apparatus that combines real-time site images from CCD or CMOS image sensors with reaction images of gamma rays and neutrons, using a scintillator array and optical sensor array to generate and process scintillation signals, and fuses these images with GPS information for nuclide discrimination and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imaging equipment uses neutron-scattering method to discriminate between neutrons and gamma radiation sources, then nuclide discrimination capability is improved, but device size becomes large and mobility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a coded aperture (traditionally used for gamma rays) with a neutron scattering detector into a single integrated imaging system. This merging allows the device to simultaneously capture gamma ray transmission patterns and neutron scattering patterns, enabling dual-particle discrimination without requiring separate large-scale imaging equipment for each radiation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions: gamma ray imaging through coded aperture, neutron imaging through scattering detection, and combined nuclide discrimination. This multi-functionality allows a single compact device to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized imaging systems, reducing overall device size while maintaining comprehensive radiation detection capability.
2Ease of operation
If imaging equipment is designed to be compact and portable, then ease of operation and mobility are improved, but imaging capability and measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into distinct functional modules: a coded aperture module for gamma ray detection, a neutron scattering detector module, and an image processing module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a compact overall structure, enabling portable deployment without sacrificing imaging precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in radiation interaction parameters - gamma rays primarily interact via transmission through the coded aperture, while neutrons interact via scattering off atomic nuclei. By detecting and analyzing these different interaction patterns, the system achieves accurate nuclide discrimination in a compact form factor, maintaining measurement precision despite reduced device size.
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 secure worker safety by visualizing position information of gamma rays and neutrons, providing a compact, portable solution for creating radiation distribution maps based on location movement with rapid image processing and accurate data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator array having a structure in which pixels are arranged in an N×N matrix, the scintillator array being configured to generate a scintillation signal for gamma rays and neutrons from the radiation incident through the coded aperture
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor array having a structure in which pixels are arranged in an N×N matrix, the optical sensor array being configured to acquire an electrical signal for the scintillation signal generated through the scintillator array
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a coded-aperture-based dual particle image fusion apparatus that simultaneously fuses a real-time site image of a radiation source and a reaction image of gamma rays and neutrons to perform nuclide discrimination through the position of radiation, dose per second, and spectrum information, to provide numerical information of dose, and to visualize position information of gamma rays and neutrons through GPS information, whereby it is possible to secure worker safety, and that has a compact size so as to be easily carried, whereby it is possible to create a radiation distribution map based on location movement.