Mono-sensor 3D Radiation Detection via Pan-Tilt Coordinate Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional three-dimensional radiation detection and visualization systems using two sensing modules are heavy, costly, and require complex coordinate conversions, limiting their operability and marketability, as they cannot accurately determine the distance and intensity of a radiation source.

Innovation Solution

A symmetrical-type mono-sensor system with one radiation sensor and one image sensor, where the sensors are independently arranged and rotated using pan/tilt motors to minimize coordinate conversion errors, allowing for accurate three-dimensional radiation detection and visualization without the need for two sensing modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If two sensing modules are used to obtain distance information to the radiation source, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance information accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensing system into two independent modules: a radiation sensor module for detecting radiation sources and an image sensor module for capturing visible images. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in its function while working together to provide three-dimensional information, resolving the contradiction by achieving accurate distance measurement without requiring two complete sensing modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension by capturing radiation information and image information at different time points. The radiation sensor captures radiation data first, then the image sensor captures the corresponding visible image, allowing the system to calculate distance through time-based coordinate conversion rather than requiring simultaneous dual-module detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If two sensing modules are used to obtain distance information, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance information accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the system into separate radiation sensing and image sensing modules, the patent avoids the need to manufacture and integrate two complete dual-function sensing modules. Each module can be optimized and manufactured independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while still achieving three-dimensional radiation detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the image sensor to capture a visible copy of the radiation scene, which is then overlaid with the radiation information. This visual copy serves as a reference framework that allows accurate spatial mapping and distance calculation without requiring duplicate radiation sensing hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If coordinate conversion is performed in stereo radiation imaging devices, then three-dimensional detection is achieved, but error occurrence increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional detection accuracyVSAvoidcoordinate conversion error rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calibration and coordinate system establishment before actual radiation detection. The image coordinate system and radiation sensor coordinate system are pre-aligned and calibrated, so that when detection occurs, the coordinate conversion between the two systems is straightforward and error-minimized rather than requiring complex real-time transformations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If one sensing module is used, then device complexity is reduced, but distance information cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoiddistance information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of radiation detection and visual imaging into a unified system where the radiation sensor and image sensor work together. By combining the radiation data with the visual image data from the single sensing module, the system recovers the distance information that would normally require two separate modules, thus eliminating information loss while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach reduces manufacturing costs, weight, and complexity, enabling accurate three-dimensional radiation detection and visualization with reduced error, while maintaining operational efficiency and market viability.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation sensor (110)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

an image sensor (210)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage sensing: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2966478B1Symmetrical-type mono-sensor three-dimensional radiation detection and visualisation system and method thereof
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 KOREA ATOMIC ENERGY RES INST
  • EP2966478B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2966478B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2966478B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a three-dimensional radiation detection and visualization system. The three-dimensional radiation detection and visualization system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first sensing module (100) including one radiation sensor (110), a second sensing module (200) including one image sensor (210), a first supporting body (300) in which the first sensing module (100) and the second sensing module (200) are coupled to one side and the other side thereof to be vertically rotated, and a second supporting body (400) coupled with the first supporting body (300) so that the first supporting body (300) is horizontally rotated.