Radioactive Source Direction Estimation via Weighted Centroid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating a radioactive source are either time-consuming and dose-intensive or require expensive and complex equipment, such as gamma cameras, while existing drone-based solutions provide inexact location due to simple signal intensity comparisons.
Innovation Solution
A directional detection device with multiple radiation detectors, a processing unit, and an optional display unit, which computes a centroid of detection signals to estimate the direction towards a radioactive source, allowing for precise directional information and optional distance estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a radiation-measuring device is used to measure ambient radiation levels, then the device is inexpensive and simple to use, but it provides no information on the position of the sources generating the radiation and requires time-consuming spatial scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the detection function across multiple detectors arranged in specific spatial configurations (collinear, triangular, or tetrahedral arrangements). Each detector measures radiation intensity independently, and the processing unit combines these segmented measurements to compute directional information through centroid calculations, thereby extracting position data that a single detector cannot provide
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional radiation intensity measurement to three-dimensional directional determination by arranging detectors in spatial configurations and computing weighted centroids. This dimensional transformation enables the system to derive angular and positional information from intensity measurements taken at multiple spatial points
2Measurement precision
If a gamma camera is used to locate radioactive sources, then directional information is obtained, but the device is expensive and requires a certain level of know-how to use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive, complex gamma cameras with multiple simple, inexpensive radiation detectors. These detectors can be basic scintillation or semiconductor detectors that are much cheaper than gamma cameras, while the computational complexity is shifted to software algorithms for centroid calculation and direction determination
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the complex mechanical and optical systems of a gamma camera with a simpler electronic detection system. Instead of using collimators, rotating cameras, or complex image processing hardware, the system uses multiple fixed detectors with electronic signal processing and mathematical algorithms to achieve directional localization
3Productivity
If a drone-based device with multiple detectors is used to locate a radioactive source, then directional information is obtained, but the location is inexact due to simple comparison of signal intensities
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the computational parameter from simple intensity comparison to weighted centroid calculation. By computing the centroid of detector positions weighted by their respective signal intensities, the system achieves more accurate directional determination. This mathematical transformation converts raw intensity data into precise angular and positional information
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processing unit continuously refines direction estimates based on detected signal patterns. The centroid calculation provides feedback on the source direction, which can be used to guide further measurements or adjust detector orientations to improve precision while maintaining rapid location capability
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 device provides a cost-effective, simple-to-use method for determining the direction and distance to a radioactive source, enhancing efficiency and accuracy over existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
at least two radiation detectors, each detector being configured to generate a detection signal depending on the number of particles detected by the detector; the radioactive source emitting radiation composed of gamma particles or X-rays or neutrons
Data Source
AI summary
A device for estimating a position of a radioactive source, comprising: a holder; and at least two radiation detectors configured to generate a detection signal, the device being such that, each detector being assigned a position, the detectors are placed around an iso-centroid of each position, i.e., a centroid of each position equally weighted. The device also includes processing circuitry configured to compute a centroid of each position weighted by the detection signal measured by each detector; and depending on the centroid, estimate a direction pointing toward the source, corresponding to a direction between the device and the source.