Radiation Imaging System With Optical Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for remotely monitoring radiation and contamination areas require multiple surveys with varying sensor sensitivity and range adjustments, exposing personnel to potential harm and lacking direct mapping of survey results onto images.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging system combining a camera and image plate within a casing, using an optical reflector to align fields of view, allowing simultaneous imaging and radiation detection without sensor position changes, enabling direct mapping of survey results onto still or video images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are used to survey radiation areas with different sensitivity and range, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and personnel exposure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple radiation sensors with different sensitivities and ranges into a single integrated sensor unit. This allows the system to perform multiple surveys with varying sensitivity and range limits without adjusting sensor position, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision across different radiation levels
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed to perform multiple functions by conducting surveys at different sensitivity and range limits without requiring physical adjustment. This multi-functional capability allows a single sensor to replace multiple separate sensors, reducing both device complexity and the number of components needed
2Manufacturing precision
If manual plotting of survey results is used to map radiation locations, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but productivity decreases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical plotting process with an automated electronic system. The sensor electronically maps radiation locations and levels directly to still or video images captured by a camera, eliminating the need for manual plotting while maintaining mapping accuracy and significantly increasing processing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an electronic copy of the physical survey area by overlaying radiation measurement data onto digital images. This electronic mapping process automatically reproduces the spatial distribution of radiation sources on visual records, maintaining accuracy while dramatically improving productivity compared to manual methods
3Measurement precision
If sensor position is adjusted to change sensitivity and range, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of sensor sensitivity and range through electronic control rather than physical repositioning. The sensor can change its detection parameters dynamically while remaining in the same position, allowing multiple surveys with different sensitivity and range limits to be conducted without time-consuming physical adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the sensor (sensitivity and range limits) through electronic configuration rather than physical movement. This allows the same sensor to accurately detect different radiation levels by adjusting its detection parameters, eliminating the time loss associated with repositioning sensors for different measurement conditions
4Measurement precision
If personnel conduct radiation surveys manually, then measurement precision is maintained, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service radiation surveying where the automated sensor and imaging system perform the measurement and mapping functions without requiring personnel to physically enter or remain in the radiation area. The sensor autonomously conducts surveys and electronically overlays results on images, maintaining measurement precision while eliminating personnel exposure to harmful radiation
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 safe, efficient remote monitoring by capturing images and radiation data simultaneously, reducing personnel exposure and enhancing survey accuracy through direct mapping of results onto images.
Implementation Method 1
An optical reflector that is substantially transparent to the high-energy particles produced by the radioisotope is disposed with respect to the camera and the image plate to reflect light to the camera and to allow the high-energy particles produced by the radioisotope to pass through the optical reflector to the image plate
Implementation Method 2
A second field of view through the first casing to the image plate exposes the image plate to high-energy particles produced by a radioisotope outside of the first casing
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation imaging system includes a casing and a camera disposed inside the casing. A first field of view through the casing exposes the camera to light from outside of the casing. An image plate is disposed inside the casing, and a second field of view through the casing to the image plate exposes the image plate to high-energy particles produced by a radioisotope outside of the casing. An optical reflector that is substantially transparent to the high-energy particles produced by the radioisotope is disposed with respect to the camera and the image plate to reflect light to the camera and to allow the high-energy particles produced by the radioisotope to pass through the optical reflector to the image plate.