RADIATION MEASURING DEVICE

Abstract: A portable device for measurement of radiation having at least two Geiger-Muller counter tubes (42 and 44) of different sensitivity. A high-voltage supply (48) is in connection with each Geiger-Muller tube and pulse shaping devices (60 and 62) are connected to the Geiger-Muller tubes to generate output signals based on the intensity of radiation. A high-speed counter (64) is coupled to the pulse shaping devices. A microprocessor (46) includes program storage and random access memory and is capable of switching between the Geiger-Muller tubes based on the radiation intensity. Information generated by the high-speed counter and the microprocessor is visually displayed. Stable and accurate readings are made at low radiation intensity while providing quick response to significant changes in radiation intensity.

Description: RADIATION MEASURING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention. The present invention relates to a portable radiation measurement device having a microprocessor for measurement of alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma or x-ray radiation capable of measu¬ ring a wide range of radiation. 2. Prior Art. Various radiation measuring devices, both stationery and portable, are known, including those employing a Geiger-Muller counter. In Geiger-Muller counters, a gas filled chamber is employed in which is incorporated two electrodes. The ionization produced by radiation dissipates part or all of its energy by generating electron- ion pairs. A count is registered each time a pulse of voltage exceeds a minimum value established. Heretofore, different measurement devices were required for different types of radiation and different intensity levels. For example, a device for measuring low level environmental background radiation would not be suitable for measuring high dose rates. Accordingly, it is a principal object and purpose of the present invention to provide a radiation measurement device which covers an extremely wide operating range utilizing two Geiger-Muller tubes with a central microprocessor which automatically switches between the two. It is an additional object and purpose of the present invention to provide a radiation measuring device having an external connector adapted to receive various external probes for radiation, measurement. A patentability search was conducted on the above invention and the following U.S. patents were uncovered: Patent No. Patentee Issue Date 4,320,387 Powell March 16, 1982 4,555,640 Bonnet November 26, 1985 4,596,932 Buffa June 24, 1986 4,596,933 aechter June 24, 1986 4,631,411 Noback December 23, 1986 4,672,544 Chizallet June 9, 1987 4,718,110 Schaefer January 5, 1988 4,721,857 Kronenberg January 26, 1988 4,725,735 Ariel February 16, 1988 In Noback (No. 4,631,411), a radiation device is disclosed having a Geiger-Muller tube and a microprocesser which controls a ROM and RAM memory. No suggestion is made that the memory can be dumped into a different computer. While a range of measurement is suggested, there is no suggestion of automatically responding to the wide range of measurement as set forth in the present invention. Kronenberg (No. 4,721,857) discloses a hybrid radiation detector comprising an ion chamber including a Geiger-Muller tube. Three modes of operation are shown, resulting in a range of measurements. Buffa (No. 4,596,932) discloses a portable dosimeter. A signal from an integrating amplifier circuit represents the radiation intensity and is passed to a microprocesser. Waechter (No. 4,596,933) discloses a portable radiation detector wherein a single Geiger-Muller tube output is fed to a pulse detector and then to an LCD bar graph. None of the foregoing disclose a portable radiation measurement device which has the ability to measure a wide range of radiation levels by automatically switching between two Geiger-Muller counter tubes. None of the foregoing disclose a portable radiation device to measure different types of radiation by connecting different external probes via an external connector on the device. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a front view of a radiation measurement device constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a right side view of a radiation measurement device as seen in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a bottom view of a radiation measurement device as shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a block diagram of a radiation measurement device constructed in accordance with the present invention as shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a pair of graphs illustrating operation of the radiation measurement device shown in Figure 1 indicating hypothetical radiation readings; and Figure 6 is a flow chart of the measurement algorithm for the radiation measurement device shown in Figure 1. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring to the drawings in detail, Figure 1 shows a front view of a portable radiation measurement device 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The device 10 is housed in a rugged case 12 protecting it against environmental hazards. As will be described herein, the device may be used as a portable or stationery system. All of the controls are located on the front side of the case 12 including a digital and analog visual liquid crystal display 14. An on- off switch 16 controls power to the device. A push button switch 18 controls an acoustic pulse signaling and acoustic alarm threshold feature to be described in detail. A push button switch 20 is provided to activate the display illumination. The on-off switch 16 and push button switches 18 and 20 are easily operated while the user (not shown) is wearing gloves. A series of hooks 22 will accommodate a carrier belt (not shown) to be worn by the operator, allowing freedom of the operator's hands while insuring optimum visibility of the display 14 and controls. An abbreviated set of operator instructions 24 are affixed to the front of the case 12. The device 10 has internal water-tight cylindrical cavities or compartments 26 and 28. Each compartment is sealed with a water-tight lock, 30 and 32. The probe compartment 26 is capable of housing an optional external probe 34 (shown in outline form) which may be utilized as an alternative to the internal measurement counters to be described herein. The external probe contains an alpha-beta gamma measurement counter. As will be described, other measurement probes, such as telescopic probes, liquid monitoring probes, large-area contamination probes and scintillation probes, may be utilized with the device 10. A probe connector 36 extends outward from the case 12. The connector will receive a cable 38 which in turn may be connected to one of a variety of different probes for radiation measurement. While the preferred embodiment described herein contains the probe compartment 26, it should be understood the external probe 34 is an optional feature. The other compartment 28 houses batteries 40 to provide a power supply for the device. The batteries are shown in outline form in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows a side view and Figure 3 shows a top view of the device 10. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the device 10. Two Geiger-Muller counters 42 and 44, of different sensitivity, provide high and low dosage response. A central processing unit microprocessor 46, selectively activates either of the Geiger-Muller counters, 42 or 44, by selectively activating a high voltage supply 48. Thus , the central processing unit 46 automatically switches between Geiger-Muller counters providing a wide range of measuring ranges. In the present embodiment, the measuring range is from .50 micro sieverts per hour (micro Sv/h) to 5 Sv/h. The high voltage supply 48 is powered in one of two ways. The power is supplied from either batteries 40 housed within internal compartment 28 or, alternatively, from an external power supply (not shown) through serial interface connector 50. As seen in Figures 1 and 2 , the serial interface connector 50 and the probe connector 36 have caps 51 to protect the connectors when not in use. Returning to a consideration of Figure 4, as an alternative to the Geiger-Muller counters 42 and 44 contained within the device, external probes such as the probe 52 may be connected via connector 36. The external probe 52 will provide identification of the type of probe connected by circuit 54. In the probe 52 shown, a pair of Geiger-Muller counters 42' and 44' are utilized, however, other types of measurement devices might be used. When the probe 52 is connected, the internal Geiger-Muller counters 42 and 44 are bypassed. In order to provide a stable internal time measurement, a quartz oscillator 56 is provided. A watch dog, self-checking circuit 58 provides continuous self-checking and guards against component malfunction. In operation, the signal voltage received from the operational Geiger-Muller counters, 42 or 44, is fed to pulse shaping devices 60 and 62, respectively. Each pulse shaping device is connected to a high speed counter 64 which is in turn connected to the central processing unit 46. The high speed counter keeps track of the pulses delivered by the Geiger-Muller counter tubes during fixed time sampling periods. Every second the number of accumulated pulses, the count rate per second, is read by the central processing unit microprocessor and then the counter is restarted. A measurement algorithm, to be described in detail, is programmed and stored in unchanging storage 66. The central processing unit 46 maintains and updates internal tables in a random access memory 68. A multifunction input-output chip 70 interfaces with the liquid crystal display 14 as well as the scale illum nation switch 20 and the acoustic pulse signaling switch 18. Acoustic beeper 72 is also connected to the input-output chip 70. Control of the high voltage supply 48 is also accomplished by the input-output chip 70. The serial interface connector 50 extending from the case is provided in order to connect the device 10 to an external power supply or to an external computer (not shown) . An additional circuit (not shown in the drawings) monitors the current through the Geiger-Muller counters 42 and 44 and activates an overflow warning signal if the current exceeds a certain threshold. Based on the measurement algorithm to be described, a display value is generated derived from the counter value of the high speed counter 64 in conjunction with the appropriate state and calibration tables contained in the random access memory 68. The RAM tables contain information for each measurement range that controls the actual processing of the pulse generated from the Geiger-Muller counters. The RAM tables also contain calibration information to convert the averaged count value to technical radiation units in sieverts/h. Referring to Figure 5, a pair of graphs 76 illustrate the measurement algorithms and the operation of the device 10 for a hypothetical radiation reading. The measurement algorithm allows for the random or stochastic nature of radiation and adapts itself to the statistical requirements of the particular dose rate. Three distinct operational states are shown; start up, steady state and step response. The upper graph in Figure 5 gives the actual counter values in counts per second on the y ordinate versus the time on the x ordinate. Initially, the radiation averages about two counts per second stepping up to approximately 10 counts per second after 18 seconds. The lower graph of Figure 5 shows the averaged counts per second value after processing by the instrument logic. The resulting value is derived from converting the counts per second average to technical units based on conversion tables for Geiger-Muller tubes which are 8 incorporated in the random access memory 68. Starting from 0 seconds, the ordinate at the left hand margin indicates power up of the device 10. The start-up time is approximately 2 seconds. After power up and associated self tests or diagnosis, the measurement algorithm operates and expands the integration time up to a specific maximum dependent on the current mean value. The bars 78 below the curve of resultant counts per second average values show the increasing length of the integration interval. Each second a new mean value is calculated based on the current integration interval. This information is converted to sieverts/h (Sv/h) and then displayed on the liquid crystal display 14. The integration intervals in the steady state operation are of fixed length, continuously shifted to provide the most current values as indicated by bars 80 above the curve. In the event of a dramatic change in radiation, and to insure quick response, two features are employed. An adaptive threshold setting allows for small, statistical fluctuations of the long term mean value and is illustrated by curves 82 and 84 below and above the curve of counts per second average values. Additionally, a comparatively short, internal check interval reflects short term variation and is illustrated by dashed lines 86. As long as the measurement value generated on the basis of the short check interval stays within the currently set threshold, as shown by curves 82 and 84, steady state operation is assumed. This guarantees long integration times even at highly fluctuating low dose rates. A sudden change in radiation, shown after 18 seconds on the graphs 76, has a dramatic effect on the value derived from the check interval. In response to such a change, the main integration time 88 shrinks back, thus assigning more weight to the most recently measured counter values. The degree of shrinking of the main integration interval and the short check interval is coupled to the dose rate evaluation. In the example shown in the graphs 76, the upward change in radiation was rather small and steady state characteristics are quickly reestablished. This leads to a new expansion of the main integration interval 90 in order to stabilize the resultant display. A maximum integration time (up to 240 seconds) is selected for the current dose rate reading based on optimum statistic performance. Similar to start¬ up conditions, the main integration interval is allowed to expand to this maximum value. Once the maximum integration time is established and steady-state conditions persist, this new fixed interval 92 is shifted to supply the average of the most recent values. The internal tables for minimum and maximum integration time, threshold setting and short check interval are continuously updated every second. The calculation of the actual displayed value on the display 14 is also executed every second. The digital readout on the display 14 is based on the evaluation of the main integration interval and is given in Sv/h. The analog readout on the display 14 is shown as a bargraph and is connected to the short check interval to reflect trends in the radiation more easily. Figure 6 shows the measurement algorithm for the device which is based on the repetitive evaluation of counts delivered by the Geiger- Muller counter , 42 or 44 , which is in use . The appr op r i a te Ge i ger -Mu l l e r c ount e r tube i s selected prior to the use of this measurement algorithm. The flow chart in Figure 6 indicates the actions performed. Rectangular boxes indicate simple action, such as the assignment of processed values to specific variables. Hexagon shaped boxes indicate decision points of the yes/no type. In the first action 94, the actual integration interval is initialized to the value of the previous integration in (t^-i) which is found from the preceding processing of the algorithm. During the first processing, the integration interval is initialized to 1 second. In the second action 96, a shorter check interval (t c ) is derived from t^ by taking the square root and adding a constant. In the third action 98, the check interval is used to calculate a first average of count rates x c by considering all counts in an interval of t c seconds. In the fourth action 100, the average value x c is used to select for current measuring range so that 3c c falls between the lower (x ] _) and upper (x n ) limit of the interval. Specific values are assigned to the parameters t± max and ^ min, the upper and lower limit of the actual integration interval as well as f+ and £ - , the limits of statistical fluctuation for steady state operation in the particular dose rate range. These parameters are selected from tables which are programmed in unchanging storage 66. This calculation is shown in the fifth action 102. The actual integration interval t j _, derived in the first action 94, is now compared against the upper limit t _ max and, if exceeds this value is reset to this limit as indicated in the y branch of the sixth action 104. If this value is shorter, the main average j _ is calculated in the seventh action 106 in much the same way as the average is x c . The value x~-_ is a preliminary result of the desired average of measurement values, based on the assumption of steady state operation. Additional actions will ascertain this assumption or modify the preliminary result as set forth with the eighth action 108. The main average j _ is weighted with the upper and lower fluctuation limit factors f+ and f-, allowing a certain tolerance band from fluctuation of the average values. This is particularly critical in the low dosage area. The average x c , based on the short check interval t c , is compared against this fluctuation band. If it falls within this range, the assumption of steady state condition is verified (y branch) with the actual integration interval t^ incremented for the next action 110 and the evaluation algorithm terminates. If, however, x c does not fall within the above tolerance band (n branch) step response action is performed by shrinking back the integration interval t^_ to assign more weight to the most recently measured values. In the next action 112, the actual integration interval t j _ is compared against twice the lower limit t_ in. If t j _ is still greater than twice the lower limit (y branch) , the actual integration interval is decreased by this lower limit in action 114 and the main average j _ recalculated in action 116. If integration interval t_ is between a fixed minimum value of 8 seconds shown in action 118 and twice its lower limit (n branch) , the actual integration interval t j _ is decreased by its square root in action 120 and the main average x^_ is recalculated in action 116. The y branch of action 118 discloses a phase of very fast step response, where the integration interval has already reached a minimum value and no further decreasing is allowed. The final result of the measurement algorithm is the main average X j _ of measured count rates, calculated over the integration interval t j _. This value is converted via the calibration tables in unchanging storage 66 to technical units of Sv/h. This value is displayed as the digital value in the display 14. The analog bar in display 14 is derived from average x c based on the integration time t c . This value is more sensitive to changes in radiation intensity and facilitates for recognition of trends in a radiation field. The final result of the algorithm is the actual integration interval t j _ which is then fed as the starting value in action 94 into the next processing sequence of the measurement algorithm. Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications apart from those shown or suggested herein may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A portable device for measurement of radiation which comprises: (a) at least two Geiger-Muller counter tubes of different sensitivity; (b) high voltage supply means in connection with each of said Geiger-Muller counter tubes; (c) pulse shaping means connected to each Geiger-Muller tube which will generate output signals based on the radiation intensity; (d) high speed counter means coupled to said pulse shaping means; (e) microprocessor means including program storage means and random access memory means capable of switching between said Geiger-Muller tubes based on said radiation intensity; and (f) display means to display information generated by said high speed counter and said microprocessor means, wherein said device will provide stable and accurate readings at low radiation intensity while providing quick response to significant changes in radiation intensity. 2. A portable device for measurement of radiation as set forth in claim 1 including a carrying case and a compartment within said carrying case for an external probe having at least one Geiger-Muller tube and one pulse shaping means therein. 3. A portable device for measurement of radiation as set forth in claim 1 including a carrying case and a compartment within said carrying case for batteries to power said high voltage supply means . 4. A portable device for measurement of radiation as set forth in claim 1 including an interface connector coupled to said microprocessor means and extending from said device so that said microprocessor means may be connected to and operate with other microprocessor means. 5. A method of measuring radiation for a radiation measurement device having at least one Geiger-Muller counter tube which generates pulses wherein an actual integration interval (tj is determined by a measurement algorithm, which method comprises: setting the actual integration interval (t^_) to the value of the previous integration interval (t j __ ] _) or to a fixed value at start up; retrieving a check interval (t c ) from the actual integration interval (t j _) , by taking the square root of the actual integration interval and adding a constant; calculating the average of the Geiger-Muller counter pulses (x c ) for the check interval of time (t c ) ; selecting a specific measuring range and specific values for parameters of the algorithm according to the average (x c ) , said values being the upper (t j _ max) and the lower (t j _ min) limit for the actual integration interval (t j _) and the upper and lower limit for the allowed statistical fluctuation of the radiation intensity in said measuring range; comparing the actual integration interval (t j _) to the upper limit (t j _ max) ; determining whether the actual integration interval falls below or above the upper limit ( j _ max) so that the integration interval is selected; calculating the average value (x^) of the counted Geiger- Muller pulses during the actual integration interval using the actual integration interval if it falls below the upper limit or using a shorter interval if the actual integration interval falls above the upper limit; determining a tolerance band by weighting said average (X _) with the given values of the upper and lower limit of the statistical fluctuation; using the average (x^) of the counter pulses for calculation of the dose rate if the average x " c falls within said tolerance band; and shortening the actual integration interval (t j _) if the average (x c ) falls outside the tolerance band and using said shortened interval for calculation of the dose rate value; comparing the actual integration interval (t j against twice the lower limit (t j _ in) so that if the actual integration interval (t j _) is greater than twice the lower limit, it is decreased by the lower limit and if the integration interval is between a fixed minimum value and twice its lower limit, the actual integration interval is decreased by its square root, so that the main average (χ\ j _) of count rates may be calculated.

Inventors: BOECK NORBERT, DUFTSCHMID KLAUS E, KLOESCH WOLFGANG, BOECK, NORBERT, DUFTSCHMID, KLAUS, E., KLOESCH, WOLFGANG
Applicants: OESTERR FORSCH SEIBERSDORF, OESTERREICHISCHES FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM SEIBERSDORF GES
Application year: 1988
Main classification: G01T1
IPC codes: G01T1