Radiation Source Positioning via Collimator Rotation and Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiation source detection apparatuses are limited in providing accurate information about both direction and distance, often requiring complex image processing and bulky equipment, and are slow in detecting radiation sources in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A radiation source detection apparatus using a collimator with a radiation sensor, rotation driving unit, and position tracking unit, which measures radiation intensity and movement distance to determine longitude and latitude angles, enabling rapid and accurate detection of radiation source distance using a simple construction with one radiation sensor and one collimator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a gamma camera with single CCD camera is used to detect radiation source direction, then the direction of radiation source can be detected, but information about the distance to the radiation source is not provided and the apparatus becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirection detection accuracyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential function of radiation detection from a complex gamma camera system. By using a single radiation sensor with a collimator instead of a full gamma camera with CCD array, the system obtains direction information through collimator rotation while avoiding the bulk and complexity of image processing equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical image processing system of a gamma camera with a simpler rotational mechanical system. Instead of using a bulky CCD array and complex image processing algorithms, the system uses a single sensor with a rotating collimator to sweep through angles and determine direction, significantly reducing apparatus complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If CCD camera is used to obtain distance information, then distance information can be obtained, but image processing becomes complicated, apparatus becomes bulky, and measurement time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance informationVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a position tracking unit as an intermediary component that directly measures the rotation angles and movement distance of the collimator and radiation sensor. This intermediary measurement system provides distance information through geometric calculation based on angular positions and displacement, avoiding the need for complex image processing and reducing measurement time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional radiation detection apparatus is used, then radiation source detection can be performed, but the detection speed is slow and the apparatus is heavy making it difficult to attach to movable robots

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation source detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, heavy gamma camera system into a dynamic, lightweight system. The collimator and radiation sensor are mounted on a rotation driving unit that can quickly sweep through angular positions, and the entire assembly can be attached to movable robots. The position tracking unit continuously monitors dynamic position changes, enabling rapid detection while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 rapid and accurate detection of radiation source distance by obtaining direction information at multiple points, improving the speed and accuracy of radiation source localization in complex environments.

Implementation Method 1

a collimator (10) configured to have an optical path for converging radiation formed therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollimation: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a radiation sensor (20) provided at the end of the optical path and configured to measure the intensity of radiation incident on the optical path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9389322B2Apparatus and method to determine a position of a radiation source

Publication Date: 2016.07.12 KOREA RES INST OF STANDARDS & SCI

AI summary

An apparatus for detecting a radiation source includes a collimator configured to have an optical path for converging radiation formed therein, a radiation sensor provided at the end of the optical path and configured to measure the intensity of radiation incident on the optical path, a rotation driving unit connected to the collimator and configured to rotate the collimator up and down and left and right, movement means configured to move the collimator and the rotation driving unit along the surface of land, a position tracking unit provided within the collimator and configured to track a current position and to measure a distance moved by the movement means, and a radiation position information processing unit configured to obtain direction information and information about the distance to the radiation source based on a maximum intensity of radiation, measured by the radiation sensor, and the movement distance.