Dosimeter Reader Using Digital Image Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring radiation dosage using dosimeters lack high accuracy, as they rely on imprecise visual comparisons or limited optical density measurements, and there is a need for a system that can compare treated dosimeter images with pre-treated images to determine treatment conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dosimeter reading system utilizing a CCD camera to capture and compare digital images of treated dosimeters with a series of pre-treated images, correcting for illumination and position variations, and using software to determine the treatment condition by finding the closest match, which can be applied to various indicating devices and processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual comparison or limited optical density measurement is used to monitor radiation dosage, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital imaging to create copies of the dosimeter at different exposure levels. A library of reference images is created showing the dosimeter at known radiation doses, and the actual dosimeter image is compared against this library to determine the radiation exposure level, replacing complex optical density measurements with image comparison
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical measurement systems (densitometers, spectrophotometers) with a digital imaging system using a CCD or CMOS camera. This substitution allows for full-area imaging and digital processing, improving measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device complexity
2Measurement precision
If optical densitometer or spectrophotometer is used to read the indicator, then the device complexity is moderate, but the measurement precision is limited due to small area measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point or small-area measurement (1D/2D limitation of densitometers) to full 2D area imaging. The digital camera captures the entire dosimeter surface, allowing comparison of color changes across the whole area rather than just a small spot, thereby improving measurement precision through increased sampling area
3Measurement precision
If CCD camera is used to scan the dosimeter and compare with pre-treated images, then the measurement precision is high, but the device complexity and software requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital library of reference images showing the dosimeter at various known exposure levels. The system captures an image of the actual dosimeter and compares it against this pre-generated library using image recognition software, determining the radiation dose by finding the best match. This copying approach simplifies the measurement process while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the dosimeter's own visual characteristics (color changes) to determine the radiation dose. By comparing the dosimeter's appearance before and after exposure, or against reference images, the system performs self-diagnosis of the exposure level without requiring complex external analysis equipment
4Reliability
If manual visual comparison is used to determine radiation dosage, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability is low due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual comparison with automated digital image processing. A camera captures the dosimeter image, and software automatically compares it against reference images to determine the radiation dose. This eliminates human subjectivity and error while maintaining ease of operation, as the user simply needs to place the dosimeter in the reader
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
This system provides high accuracy and reliability in determining radiation exposure, reducing human and instrumental errors, and is user-friendly, capable of monitoring radiation exposure automatically and accurately across different types of radiation including UV, X-ray, and neutrons.
Implementation Method 1
A dosimeter device which changes color upon treatment with certain materials, such as toxic gases and processes, such as ionizing radiation and sterilization
Implementation Method 2
A dosimeter reading system utilizing a CCD camera to capture and compare digital images of treated dosimeters
Data Source
AI summary
A general purpose high accuracy dosimeter reader, 80, for determination of a treatment condition, based on comparison of an image of treated dosimeter, 111, with a series of images of pre-treated dosimeter, 114, is disclosed. A dosimeter undergoes noticeable changes, such as a color change upon treatment with certain materials, such as toxic gases and processes, such as ionizing radiation and sterilization is pre-treated. The dosimeter is imaged with an imaging device, 115, such as charge-coupled device camera and images of the dosimeter or the changes, e.g., color change, are stored in an information storage device, 118. In order to determine the treatment condition, the treatment dosimeter is imaged and the image is compared with the series of pre-treated images of the dosimeter using software. The closest match of the treated dosimeter with the pre-treated and pre-imaged dosimeter would indicate the treatment conditions. The process and device can be used for almost any indicating device, process and treatment.