Dosimeter Motion Sensor Integration for Wear Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation sensors worn by individuals, such as personal dosimeters, face challenges in determining if the sensor was worn and for how long, as well as correlating motion activity, time, and exposure to radiation sources, which is crucial for occupational monitoring and compliance verification.
Innovation Solution
A method using motion sensors to determine the active time period of a dosimeter, reporting this information through visual displays or storage media, and correlating motion, time, and radiation exposure data to determine if the sensor was worn and exposed to radiation sources, including determining the location and probability of exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motion sensors and data processing are integrated into the dosimeter, then the ability to verify sensor wear and correlate exposure data is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines motion sensors, radiation sensors, processors, and communication interfaces into an integrated dosimeter system. The motion sensor module and radiation sensor module are merged into a single device with a unified processor that coordinates data collection from both sensors, enabling correlated measurement of motion and radiation exposure without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosimeter is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs radiation detection, motion tracking, data processing, wireless communication, and visual display. The single device serves multiple purposes: measuring radiation dose, recording motion activity, determining wear status, and providing real-time feedback, replacing what would otherwise require multiple separate monitoring devices.
2Loss of information
If motion sensors and data processing are integrated into the dosimeter, then the correlation of motion activity and radiation exposure is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dosimeter is divided into distinct functional modules: a motion sensor module with its own processor, a radiation sensor module, a communication interface, and a visual display. Each module can be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly, allowing specialized fabrication processes for each component type while maintaining overall system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses software-based parameter configuration to adapt to different manufacturing variations. The processor can be programmed with different thresholds and algorithms depending on the specific hardware configuration, allowing the same manufacturing process to produce devices with customized performance characteristics without requiring precise hardware standardization.
3Measurement precision
If the dosimeter continuously monitors and processes motion and radiation data, then the accuracy of exposure verification is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dosimeter performs periodic sampling of motion and radiation data rather than continuous monitoring. The processor collects data at specified intervals, processes the samples, and updates the display periodically. This approach maintains measurement accuracy for occupational dosimetry purposes while significantly reducing the power consumption compared to continuous high-frequency sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosimeter incorporates an energy harvester that captures and stores energy from the wearer's motion to power the device's electronic components. The kinetic energy from normal body movement is converted to electrical energy, providing a self-sustaining power source that reduces or eliminates the need for external battery replacement and minimizes the energy burden on the wearer.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are a method and apparatus for determining based on motion data when an individual wearing a dosimeter is active. Also described are a method and apparatus for determining based on motion data whether an individual was wearing a dosimeter when the dosimeter was exposed to radiation. Also described are a method and apparatus for determining based on motion data whether a dosimeter was in a particular location when the dosimeter was exposed to radiation. Also described are a method and apparatus for determining based on motion data where on the body of an individual the individual was wearing a dosimeter when the dosimeter was exposed to radiation. Also described are a method and apparatus for determining based on motion data the probability that an individual is wearing a dosimeter that is assigned to the individual.