Abstract:
The present invention provides a system, device, computer program product and article for a telepositional dosimeter (TPD) and a radiation measurement system (RMS) having one or more TPDs capable of communicating environmental radiation measurements to a network, database or other data management technology. The present invention combines radiation measurement technology, wireless network and mobile communication technology, software, and related technologies to enable applications in various environments including the areas of environmental protection, homeland security, anti-terrorism, nuclear safety, radiation material handling and safety, and emergency response.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present embodiment relates generally to radiation detection and dosimetry and more particularly to a real time radiation monitoring device and system integrating a portable telepositional dosimeter. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Monitoring radiation exposure from ionizing radiation is of heightened importance in a variety of areas such as homeland security, environmental protection, nuclear safety, general emergency response and preparedness, and instrumentation and testing. In general, both passive and active dosimeters have been used to detect radiation and thereafter report a finding in a delayed (i.e., passive) or immediate (i.e., active) response period. The two different dosimeter reporting technologies each have certain advantages and limitations. 
         [0003]    For example, certain passive dosimeters may employ thermoluminescence (TLD) technology to meet strict performance requirements of governmental requirements but TLD-based dosimeters are unable to provide immediate reporting of any findings. Certain active dosimeters may be deployed in routine environments to provide an immediate report warning where radiation exposure exceeds a predetermined range or level, however often these active dosimeters can be errorful and imprecise. In general, dosimeters, be they passive or active often have further limitations. 
         [0004]    Dosimeters, when handheld, may be ideally suited for early or pre-emergency targeted identification due to their portable features, but typically these dosimeters are limited in their ability to communicate and report their respective results to interested users apart from a user holding the handheld device. Additionally, a handheld dosimeter often only provides radiation measurement, limited alarm functions in response to radiation measurements, and other limited functionality usually also related to only radiation detection. 
         [0005]    Further, handheld dosimeters lack network connectivity, positional and proximity detection, likely as they are intended for stand alone use in the field in an area requiring measurement or detection. Unfortunately users of dosimeters have heretofore been required to independently take a dosimeter&#39;s measurement results of a target and separately apply the results to other data systems, users, and third parties who may have an interest in the results collected. Interested users who are not proximate to the handheld dosimeters often find delays in information receipt, timeliness of data results, and errors in transcription of data. 
         [0006]    Attempts to create systems deploying dosimeters have also presented limitations in portability and communication. Typically, systems deploying mobile dosimeter-based devices have required base stations and large physical equipment to be present with each sensor device. Often the “mobility” aspect proposed in these systems has been disappointing and does not permit a single user to easily use or access a device in such a system, to readily obtain key positional or geospatial information about the device or area of coverage, nor have such systems provided a simple deployment option to a user in the field. Additionally, these attempts to create integrated mobile systems have often resulted in complex infrastructure and sizeable expense. Unfortunately, many of these attempted integrated mobile systems are not only unable to quickly respond or even reach a target position, particularly where there is an emergency response needed, but they are unable to instantly and comprehensively collect radiation measurements as instantaneous, cumulative and time-distributed data events, or in relation to geographical location. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, what is desired is a system and device to overcome the limitations of the present art and provide a portable telepositonal dosimeter with added functionality over existing dosimeters. Additionally, what is desired is a system and device for a radiation monitoring system including one or more telepositional dosimeters capable of timely measuring and reporting environmental radiation measurements, instantaneously, cumulatively and as time-distributed data events, with relation to geographical location, as well as other environmental data, to a network or network system. The present invention addresses such a need. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention fulfills these needs and has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available dosimeters, radiation measurement systems and related technologies. 
         [0009]    The present invention sets forth a system, device, computer program product and article for a telepositional dosimeter (TPD) and a radiation measurement system (RMS) having one or more TPDs capable of communicating environmental radiation measurements to a network, database or other data management technology. The present invention combines radiation measurement technology, wireless network and mobile communication technology, software, and related technologies to enable applications in various environments including the areas of environmental protection, homeland security, anti-terrorism, nuclear safety, radiation material handling and safety, and emergency response. The present invention can be operated, displayed, updated and deployed locally or remotely, use in various networks, and is capable of collecting, transmitting and receiving position, time, historical data and other information in a portable dimension. 
         [0010]    The present invention provides for a portable telepositional dosimeter (TPD) and a real time radiation monitoring system (RMS) having one or more TPDs in communication. The TPDs of the present invention comprise radiation measurement capabilities, wireless communication means, worldwide positional location information means, geospatial information means, processing means and networking technology means. Additionally, a TPD is portable and of a dimension capable of being held the hand of a user. The TPDs of the present invention further provide display means for providing visual, audio, and sensory information to a user in relation to radiation measurements taken of target locations and other notices from analyzed or received data, as well as communication means for providing network communication with a network system or other device. 
         [0011]    An RMS of the present invention includes a software-centric data center having data center software, one or more communication means providing communication linkage between the data center and the one or more TPDs of the system, where the TPDs may display information, results, status, geographic, positional, timing, and other information both locally to a user holding or in proximity to the TPD, as well as remotely to a network or other device in communication with the TPD which may thereafter further analyze received information. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a pictorial representation of a preferred embodiment of a RMS of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the TPD of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3A  is a functional block diagram of a further preferred embodiment of the TPD of the present invention in a further implementation; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3B  is a functional block diagram of an operational status mode means of the present invention in a preferred embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a functional block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the data center software (DCSW) of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a functional pictorial representation of a preferred embodiment of a RMS of the present invention in a preferred implementation; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a functional block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the gateway of the present invention in a preferred implementation; and, 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram of the creation of a complete data set under the present invention in a preferred embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    The present invention relates generally to radiation detection and dosimetry and more particularly to a real time radiation monitoring device, system, computer product and article integrating one or more portable telepositional dosimeters. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment of the present invention, a telepositional dosimeter device for measuring radiation comprising an operational mode status, a software means, one or more communication means, a display means, a processing means, a memory means, an input means, a positioning and timing means, a notification means, and a power means, wherein said processing means is controlled by said control logic means and said device is portable, is provided. In another preferred embodiment, the TPD further comprises a local communication means and has operation mode status comprising one or more modes of monitoring, searching security, and timer, wherein each mode further comprises an alarm notification means. 
         [0022]    In another embodiment, the present invention is a radiation measurement system for measuring and detecting radiation at one or more target areas comprising one or more software-centric data centers each having data center software, one or more communication means providing communication linkage between a data center and one or more telepositional dosimeters of the system, whereby each TPD further comprises a processing means instructively coupled to one or more software means, one or more communication means, a display means, a processing means, a memory means, an input means, a positioning and timing means, a notification means, a power means, and an operational status means, wherein said radiation includes alpha radiation, beta radiation, gamma radiation, x-ray radiation, neutron emissions, and related dosimetry-types of radiation and particle detection of radiated particles, and said TPD is portable, is provided for. 
         [0023]    In another embodiment of the present invention a computer program product is provided where the computer readable program means causes a computer to analyze radiation measurement data from a radiation measurement means of one or more telepositional dosimeters and communicate a complete data set to one or more remote users; the computer program product including program instructions for collecting, analyzing and transmitting data comprising: collecting radiation measurement data, collecting operation mode status data, collecting positioning and timing data, combining collected data, storing combined collected data, and transmitting stored combined collected data as a complete data set to one or more remote users. 
         [0024]    In a further preferred embodiment, a portable TPD in communication with one or more remote networked devices through one or more communication pathways, wherein said TPD provides a complete data set of information across said one or more communication pathways to said one or more remote networked devices for collection at a remote networked storage database, wherein said TPD comprises processor-controlled logic means for instructing each coupled therewith including a display, a memory, a storage device, an input device, a positioning and timing module, an operational mode status switch, an alarm and TPD software, wherein said operational mode status switch comprises one or more modes of monitoring, searching security, and timer, wherein each mode is operable to activate or deactivate said alarm, is provided for. 
         [0025]    As used herein, the term “TPD” of the present invention is intended to be either a networked data collector (NDC), capable in part of radiation measurement and detection, or a standalone personal dosimeter (SPD), each having similar data collection and sensor-based detection capability, each being portable (i.e., handheld, wearable, mobile without assistance of another device, compact, etc.), and where either may be applicable to the term “TPD” and may be used interchangeably herein unless expressly set forth otherwise. Further, the term “TPD” is intended to include a radiation measurement device having an outer case, the dimensions of which are not restrictive except as to be portable to a user, where such a device further comprises software, one or more communication means, a display means, a processing means, a memory and/or storage means, an input means, a positioning and timing means, a notification means, a power means, and optionally, a local communication means. 
         [0026]    As used herein the term “radiation” is intended to mean alpha radiation, beta radiation, gamma radiation, x-ray radiation, neutron emissions, and related dosimetry-types of radiation or particle detection capabilities and technologies. 
         [0027]    As used herein the term “measurement” is not intended to be restrictive to a particular measure, amount or methodology of gathering a detection or measured result, rather the term is intended to be inclusive of count rate, dose rate, accumulated dose rate, nucleus identification, nucleus dose rate, periods of detection at an instant in time, periods of detections over a range of time, periods of detection over a function of time, emission rate, dosage rate, and any other measure, method of measure, and unit of measure. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a pictorial representation of a preferred embodiment of a RMS  100  of the present invention. In  FIG. 1  a RMS  100  includes one or more TPDs  110 , a software-centric data center  120  having DCSW  125 , and a communication means  130  providing communication linkage between the data center and the one or more TPDs. 
         [0029]    The DCSW  125  of the present invention is data management software capable of receiving, collecting, analyzing, storing, transmitting, reporting, exploiting, displaying and extrapolating data, whether collected or generated. The DCSW  125  includes functionality, integrated or modularly resident therein, of that of a management information system (MIS), geographical information system (GIS) and other data management based function. 
         [0030]    From  FIG. 1 , a preferred communication means may include one or more TPDs  110  in or capable of being in communication with a cell or satellite-based telecommunication system  131  (such as but not limited to Global System for Mobile communication/General Packet Radio Systems (GSM/GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), etc.) which is linked to or capable of communication with a data network system  132  (such as but not limited to commercial service provider, private network, internet, etc.) of which the datacenter  120  is linked to or capable of communication with. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the TPD  200  of the present invention. From  FIG. 2 , a TPD  200  includes a processing means  210 , a storage means  220 , an input means  230 , a display means  240 , a radiation measurement means  250 , a wireless communication means  260 , a positioning and timing means  270 , a local communication means  280 , a notification means  290 , a power means  295 , and an Operational Mode Status means at  298 . A control logic means is also pictorially shown as  299  where the control logic may be a bus, circuitry or other communications means enabling the processing means  210  to instruct and operably control the storage means  220 , input means  230 , display means  240 , radiation measurement means  250 , wireless communication means  260 , positioning and timing means  270 , local communication means  280 , notification means  290 , power means  295 , and Operational Mode Status means at  298 , of which the processing means is coupled to one or more of. 
         [0032]    The processing means  210  is preferably central to and controls the functions of the TPD logically, which is pictorially represented by the logic means  299  in a preferred embodiment. 
         [0033]    The wireless communication means includes one or more of a GSM/GPRS and/or CDMA communication capability and a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), User Datagram Protocol/Internet Protocol (UDP/IP), short message, voice, data and/or other communications protocol. 
         [0034]    A radiation measurement means includes the ability and capability to measure or obtain the measurement of radiation as is set forth herein. Preferably, a radiation measurement means is an energy compensation tube based gamma detector, including x-ray. 
         [0035]    In a preferred embodiment, a TPD  200  includes a central processing unit  210  instructively coupled by logic means  299  to one or more of a memory and/or drive storage  220 , an input device such as a keypad  230 , a display integrated in and visible on the TPD  240 , a gamma radiation detection sensor  250 , a global wireless communication transmitter/receiver  260 , a positioning and timing sensor  270 , a local communication port  280 , an audible, visual, vibration or non-indication alarm  290 , and a power supply  295 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 3A  is a functional block diagram  300  of a further preferred embodiment of the TPD of the present invention in a further implementation, however the present invention is not so limited to only this implementation. In  FIG. 3A , the processing means of the TPD consists of two CPUs  310 ,  320 , Philips LP213X and Atmel AT89C511D2. The TPD&#39;s local communication means is an RS-232 standard port  330 , where a TPD may download all stored data via this or a similar communication port. The TPD&#39;s memory and storage means includes an external flash drive  340  and an EEPROM  345 , preferably enabling collection of data to exceed ten days. The storage means of the present invention may include generic memory such as flash, EEPROM, SRAM, DRAM, and may be physical or software memory. The TPD&#39;s input means, wireless communication means and notification means are, respectively, a keypad  350 , a GSM/GPRS or CDMA module  360 , and an alarm  370  capable of one or more notification characteristics of audio, visual, and vibration. The power means of the TPD is a power supply module  380  having a high capacity rechargeable battery and associated circuitry. A radiation measurement means  385 , display (such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD))  390 , and GPS module as part of the positioning means at  395 , are also shown. 
         [0037]    In operation, in a preferred embodiment, as a gamma ray is detected by the radiation measurement unit, the gamma detector coverts and transmits the detected gamma ray into a set of pulses as input to a processor, such as that of  320 . The radiation measurement unit preferably measures more than one type of radiation and in more than one measure or measurement. For instance, in a preferred embodiment, the radiation measurement unit measures one or more of count rate, dose rate, accumulated dose, nucleus identification, nucleus dose rate for one or more radiation types. The processor  320  calculates the gamma dose rate based on the pulses and further determines the accumulated dose or dosage rate. The results are then combined with the positioning and timing information of  360  and  395 , as well as the status information of relevant TPDs. The combination of these results and information, though customizable by a user, is determined as a complete data set for a specific event or time. The data analyzed, calculated and combined, including the complete data set, is capable of being stored in the flash  340  as well as being displayed on the display means  390 . The stored data is then capable of being communicated remotely based on directions of a user. 
         [0038]    The present invention may be operated in one or more operative modes. 
         [0039]      FIG. 3B  is a functional block diagram  321  of an operational status mode means of the present invention in a preferred embodiment. An operative mode  323  of the present invention is determinable by a user, local or remote, at  322  providing control information, or may be predetermined by presets of a processor or logic means of the TPD at  322 . An operational mode at  323  is then defined to be one of a “monitoring mode,” at  324 , “security mode,” at  325 , “searching mode,” at  326 , or “timer mode” at  327 . The operative mode  323  of the present invention is determinable locally or remotely at  322 , and may be pre-designated, programmed or otherwise pre-determined or defined locally or remotely at  322 . A logic means  399  controls the operation of the present invention in a particular mode, as is set forth further below. 
         [0040]    In a preferred embodiment, each mode of the operational mode means further comprises an notification means (such as an alarm) at  328  which is operable in relation to preset ranges of a respective mode, where a notification is triggered and communicated in a predetermined manner in response at  329  to said mode and radiation measurement data gathered at a target area. In a further preferred embodiment, an alarm is sent remotely to networked computer or device at  329 . 
         [0041]    The present invention is operable in a monitoring mode at  324  for radiation measurement and detection. In a monitoring mode, the present invention, via TPDs, monitors real time radiation strength, displays dose rate or accumulated dose rate information on a local display of the TPD or locally networked device, and is capable of transmitting collected data to a data center in communication with one or more TPDs. Additionally, an alarm or notification means can be triggered to activate upon the occurrence of the dose rate and/or the accumulated dose rate exceeding a predetermined threshold or range. 
         [0042]    The present invention is operable in a security mode at  325  for radiation material handling and security. In a security mode, the present invention, via TPDs, monitors real time radiation strength, displays dose rate, and provides data to a networked data center. Additionally, an alarm or notification means can be triggered to activate upon the occurrence of the dose rate and/or other rate information falling below a predetermined threshold or range indicating that material may be lost. 
         [0043]    The present invention is operable in a searching mode at  326  for radiation material searching and detection. In a searching mode, the present invention, via TPDs, monitors radiation strength in real time and displays locally the strength changes over a predetermined period or range of time. A user is thereby able to determine and find the radiation material in relation to trend changes or similar analysis of the radiation strength information as a function of time. The collected data as a function of time is also provided to a data center in communication with the one or more TPDs. Additionally, an alarm or notification means can be triggered to activate upon the occurrence of the dose rate and/or the accumulated dose rate exceeding a predetermined threshold or range. 
         [0044]    The present invention is operable in a timer mode at  327  for personal health of users at or near a target area. In a timer mode, the present invention, via TPDs, is operable by a user when entering a target area. One or more users use their respective TPDs to measure dose rate, accumulated dose rate, and timing in a target area. Additionally, an alarm or notification means can be triggered to activate upon the occurrence of the dose rate, timing and/or other rate information exceeding a predetermined threshold or range indicating that the user has exceeded the safe period in the target area or that measurements exceed safe rates. 
         [0045]    The alarm or notification means can be visual, audible, or sensory-based such as vibration. The alarm or notification means can be set by a user of a TPD or remotely by a networked user. In each mode, when an alarm or notification means is triggered and there is remotely connected user or data center, the TPD will activate all preset indicators and immediately transmit collected data to the connected user or data center. 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  is a functional block diagram  400  a preferred embodiment of the data center software (DCSW) of the present invention. From  FIG. 4 , the DCSW includes an operating system means  410 , a database means  420 , an information management means  430 , a geospatial information management means  440 , a network and client management means  450 , a network table means  470 , and application means  480 . 
         [0047]    In a preferred embodiment, the DCSW includes a Microsoft Windows-based operating system  410 ; a database  420  of radiation, alarm and sensor-centric values, ranges and characteristics, as well as collected and historic data; MIS software  430 ; GIS software  440  for presenting collected data or information from the database onto the display, preferably in a map visual; a network management and client management module  450 , capable of communication with TPDs in a RMS, which collects data, verifies data collected, and populates the database with verified data; a RMS  470  managed by one or both of the network management module and the client management module, for maintaining the present characteristics of the network and its composition, including its status; and an application module  480  being an expandable functional block where software applications or routines (such as data analysis, report generation, user interfaces, user management, internet and web-based access controls, alarm notifications, etc.) are included in relation to a user&#39;s needs for the TPD. The network table maintains the latest collected information of the RMS and its components, including the status and mode setting. 
         [0048]    Preferably, the network and client management means manages and communicates with all TPDs in communication with the RMS or a specific user. The network and client management means also collects and verifies all transmitted data, provides the data to the database, and is capable of managing the RMS network. The network and client management means also manages the network table. 
         [0049]      FIG. 5  is a functional pictorial representation of a preferred embodiment of a RMS  500  of the present invention in a preferred implementation. From  FIG. 5 , the RMS  500  includes one or more short-ranged TPDs  510 , a software-centric data center  520  having DCSW  525 , and a communication gateway means  530  providing communication linkage between the data center and the one or more TPDs via the communication means  540 . The short-ranged TPDs include short-range wireless communication capabilities such as those offered by Bluetooth, ZigBee, infrared, IEEE802.11x/Wi-Fi, IEEE802.15.x, wireless RS-232, wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB), Ultra Wide Band (UWB), etc. The short-ranged TPDs are capable of communication with the gateway and the gateway accesses the network via the network communication module in one of a wired or wireless manner. 
         [0050]    In a preferred embodiment, the gateway accesses the data center via a wired communication path including one of, but not limited to, leased line, ethernet, xDSL, cable modem, power line, dial up, fiber optic, etc. 
         [0051]    In another preferred embodiment, the gateway accesses the data center via a wireless communication path including one of, but not limited to, radiofrequency (RF), microwave, infrared, satellite, WiMax, Wi-Fi, mobile wireless technologies (e.g., GSM/GPRS, CDMA, 3G, etc.). 
         [0052]    As used herein, the gateway may be one or more networks accessible by one or more personal computers (PCs), and the gateway may also be one of a modified network access device having one or more short-ranged wireless communication capabilities as set forth above. 
         [0053]      FIG. 6  is a functional block diagram  600  of a preferred embodiment of the gateway of the present invention in a preferred implementation. From  FIG. 6 , the gateway  600  includes a short-ranged wireless module  610 , a controller module  620 , and a network communication module  630 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram  700  of the creation of a complete data set under the present invention in a preferred embodiment. From  FIG. 7 , the steps to create and transmit a complete data set  700  include a computer program readable means for causing a computer to analyze radiation measurement data from a radiation measurement means of one or more telepositional dosimeters and communicate a complete data set to one or more remote users. The steps may include a combination of hardware and software and may be logical or functional based. 
         [0055]    Preferably, a computer program product including program instructions beginning at  710  is provided for collecting, analyzing and transmitting data comprising: collecting radiation measurement data at  720 , collecting operation mode status data at  730 , collecting positioning and timing data at  740 , combining collected data at  750 , storing combined collected data at  760 , and transmitting stored combined collected data as a complete data set to one or more remote users at  770 . 
         [0056]    In operation, a TPD of the present invention collects information from its target location, including the measurement of radiation, combines the collected data with the timing and positioning information obtained from a known timing and positioning source such as GPS, and creates an data set of collected data and its referentially related timing and positioning information. The data collected may be collected continuously, at predetermined intervals, or at times designated by a local user or a remote user, via the RMS. The data collected and the data set, separately or together, are displayable locally on the TPD, continuously, or at times designated by a local user or a remote user, where such data or data set may also be transmitted to a remote location such as the data center. Data collected in this manner with referential position and/or timing information may be referred to herein as a “complete data set.” 
         [0057]    Accordingly, the present invention sets forth a method to overcome the limitations of the present art and be able to create a value object for data that is requested a first time and then use that created value object for subsequent requests of similar data in associated result sets. 
         [0058]    As used herein the term “portable” is defined to mean any of being able to be carried or moved with ease, having portability, being mobile or capable of being mobile, movable or capable of being moved from one location to another without complication or motor, handheld, wearable, mobile without assistance of another device, compact, etc and/or having a dimension, weight and physical structure of a portable aspect. 
         [0059]    Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.