Gamma Detector and Optical Transducer for 3D Radiation Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for detecting and locating radioactive sources in contaminated environments are limited by poor geometric interrelation between gamma radiation detectors and visible-light cameras, leading to inconsistent results and inability to perform continuous, effective three-dimensional mapping, especially in enclosed spaces.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines a gamma radiation detector with an optical transducer, using collimation mechanisms and projective imaging techniques to create a three-dimensional cone-shaped measurement field, allowing precise determination of radioactive source position and intensity by correlating gamma radiation measurements with visual references, enabling continuous movement and real-time data aggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual movement of gamma radiation detectors is used to map contaminated spaces, then the spatial distribution of radioactive sources can be detected, but operator exposure to ionising radiation increases and measurement consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical movement of detectors with an automated mobile platform equipped with both gamma radiation detectors and optical transducers. The system uses computer vision to track visual references and automatically adjusts detector positions, eliminating operator exposure while maintaining measurement consistency through automated positioning and real-time geometric correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual references (fiducial markers) as intermediaries between the detection system and the environment. These markers enable the optical transducer to track system position and orientation, providing a mediator through which the system can automatically adjust detector positioning without manual intervention, thus reducing radiation exposure while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a fixed matrix of gamma radiation detectors is used for two-dimensional mapping, then source location can be determined, but the system cannot be relocated and requires great effort to reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed detector matrix into a dynamic, mobile system. The gamma radiation detectors are mounted on a mobile platform that can be relocated to different positions. Visual references and computer vision algorithms enable the system to automatically adapt to new locations, maintaining source location accuracy while providing versatility for repeated inspections and different survey areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection system that can function in multiple locations and configurations. The mobile platform with integrated detectors and optical transducers serves as a multi-functional unit that can be deployed in various contaminated spaces, eliminating the need for location-specific fixed installations while maintaining measurement precision through adaptive positioning.
3Volume of moving object
If gamma radiation detectors are combined with visible-light cameras, then three-dimensional mapping capability is improved, but poor geometric interrelation between detectors and cameras leads to inconsistent results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges gamma radiation detectors and visible-light cameras into an integrated system with shared positioning and control. Both sensors are mounted on the same mobile platform and reference the same visual markers, ensuring consistent geometric relationships. The control unit processes data from both sensors simultaneously, correcting for relative positions and orientations to produce consistent three-dimensional maps of radioactive source distribution.
4Measurement precision
If collimation mechanisms are used to determine radiation origin direction, then measurement quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical collimation mechanisms with a computational approach using visual references. Instead of physical collimators to determine radiation direction, the system uses optical transducers to track fiducial markers and calculate system orientation. This allows the control unit to computationally determine radiation source direction based on detector responses and geometric relationships, maintaining measurement precision while significantly reducing mechanical complexity.
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 accurate, continuous three-dimensional mapping and real-time detection of radioactive sources, improving measurement quality and reducing manual intervention, with the ability to adapt to changing positions and orientations, facilitating effective surveillance in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
gamma radiation detectors are used to detect said radiation, comprising transducers which produce an electrical signal when they are stimulated by the ionising radiation
Implementation Method 2
an optical transducer such as a visible-light camera joined to the gamma radiation detector for obtaining images or videos of the radioactive surroundings
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (10) and method for the volumetric and isotopic identification of the spatial distribution of ionizing radiation from point or extensive radioactive sources (3) in radioactive surroundings. More specifically, this system (10) comprises a gamma radiation detector (2) and an optical transducer (1) joined to each other and linked to a control unit to detect the absolute position of radioactive sources (3) relative to a visual reference located in the radioactive surroundings, and to determine the radioactive activity of the sources, that is to say it detects the isotope composition of the radioactive sources (3).