Radiation Camera Aperture Mask Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation camera systems require excessive manual operations during setup and measurement phases, lack panoramic scanning capabilities, and do not permit horizontal panning, vertical tilting, automated detection, or measurement traceability, posing challenges in real-time radiological imaging and safety during crisis management and maintenance tasks.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight radiation camera system with a modular design that includes a radiation sensor, coded camera aperture masks, a mask rotation motor, rotation detection sensor, and a computing control device, enabling automated operation, panoramic scanning, horizontal panning, vertical tilting, and measurement traceability through automated identification and rotation of aperture masks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual operations are used for aperture mask installation and rotation, then device complexity is reduced, but operator exposure time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the aperture mask type and rotates it to the correct position without operator intervention. The computing control device receives identification data from the detection sensor and autonomously controls the rotation motor, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating manual operations that expose operators to radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated electromechanical system. A detection sensor optically reads identification data from the aperture mask, and a rotation motor automatically positions the mask, substituting human hands and eyes with electronic sensing and actuation systems that reduce radiation exposure.
2Productivity
If automated aperture mask detection and rotation is implemented, then productivity increases and operator exposure time decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing control device serves multiple functions: it controls the rotation motor, processes identification data from the detection sensor, determines the correct aperture mask position, and coordinates the overall measurement process. This multi-functionality consolidates control logic into a single device, increasing productivity while limiting the growth of system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection sensor acts as an intermediary between the aperture mask and the computing control device. It optically reads identification data and transmits it to the controller, enabling automated recognition without requiring direct physical manipulation or complex mechanical coupling mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed camera position is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases and panoramic scanning is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system transitions from a fixed position to a dynamic, adjustable position. The positioning mechanism allows the camera to be remotely moved and oriented to different locations and angles, enabling panoramic scanning and adaptation to various measurement scenarios while maintaining operational flexibility.
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
The system significantly reduces operator exposure time, enhances safety, and provides real-time, traceable radiation data with reduced manual intervention, enabling efficient radiological imaging in crisis and maintenance scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation sensor/detector (RSD)... the CAM is configured to cover the RSD (typically constructed as a gamma ray image sensor)
Implementation Method 2
The CAM is configured to cover the RSD and collimate (or in some embodiments filter the amount of) radiation external to the RCE that is presented to the RSD
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation camera system and method incorporating a radiation sensor/detector (RSD) and automated operation of coded camera aperture masks (CAMs) is disclosed that may be advantageously applied to real-time tracking of radiological hot spots in crisis, maintenance, decontamination, and/or maintenance scenarios. The system/method integrates automated camera RSD positioning, CAM identification, and CAM rotation. The system incorporates computerized controls in conjunction with remotely controlled horizontal/vertical tilting motors to direct the RSD aperture position and view of the RSD. CAMs may be installed in the camera manually and are automatically identified by the system via the use of encoding magnets that are detected using a Hall-effect sensor. The CAMs may be rotated after installation in the camera by computer control to predefined positions such as “mask” and “anti-mask” to affect the desired degree of radiation screening to be applied to the RSD.