Wireless Dosimeter Using Sensor Fusion for Real-Time Dose Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation dosimetry systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently monitoring radiation exposure, particularly for large populations and in real-time, due to limitations in existing dosimeter technologies such as TLD, OSL, and electronic dosimeters, which are either cumbersome, costly, or impractical for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple sensor devices, including integrating ionizing radiation sensors, accelerometers, and geospatial positioning sensors, that calculates personal dose equivalents using a numerical optimization process to determine radiation dose values from a response matrix, allowing for accurate, real-time, and cost-effective monitoring of radiation exposure across various radiation sources and angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional radiation detecting devices (TLD, OSL, electronic dosimeters) are used for monitoring radiation exposure, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase, making them impractical for widespread use among large populations
Solution Approach 1:
The dosimeter is divided into multiple detector elements arranged in a matrix configuration, where each element responds to radiation from different angles and energy ranges. This segmentation allows the system to accurately characterize complex radiation fields while keeping individual detector elements simple and inexpensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation dosimeter is designed to simultaneously measure radiation from multiple sources, detect radiation at various angles of incidence, and operate across a wide energy range using a single device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized dosimeters while maintaining measurement precision.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional dosimetry systems are used for monitoring large populations in real-time, then comprehensive radiation exposure data can be collected, but productivity and response time are reduced due to cumbersome procedures and delayed readings
Solution Approach 1:
The dosimeter automatically performs self-calibration and self-characterization by analyzing signals from its multiple detector elements and comparing them against stored response matrices. This eliminates the need for manual calibration procedures and laboratory processing, enabling real-time readings and immediate data availability for monitoring large populations efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-stores response matrices characterizing detector element responses to various radiation sources, energies, and angles during manufacturing. This preliminary characterization allows the dosimeter to rapidly process and interpret radiation exposure data in real-time without requiring complex calculations or external reference measurements during actual monitoring.
3Ease of operation
If model-based estimates are used for radiation dose assessment in contaminated areas, then access to areas can be maintained, but measurement precision and reliability are compromised due to reliance on assumptions rather than direct measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The dosimeter continuously monitors radiation exposure and provides real-time feedback to wearers and monitoring systems. This direct measurement feedback replaces model-based estimates with actual dose data, enabling accurate dose assessment while maintaining access to contaminated areas through dynamic dose tracking and alert systems.
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 accurate and reliable measurement of personal dose equivalents over a wide range of energies and angles, providing real-time data for occupational and environmental dosimetry, reducing reliance on model-based estimates and facilitating safer access to contaminated areas by ensuring accurate dose tracking and public confidence in cleanup effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
integrating ionizing radiation sensors
Implementation Method 2
accelerometers
Implementation Method 3
accelerometers
Implementation Method 4
geospatial positioning sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Described is an apparatus, method and machine-readable medium for determining radiation dosages based on a solution vector for each radiation field and an objective function.