JP4414044B2 - Radiation measuring instrument - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a radiation measuring instrument, and more particularly to a radiation measuring instrument that can perform radiation measurement in which a measurement object and its position are specified easily and accurately.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A portable radiation measuring device designed to be small and light is called a survey meter. The survey meter can be freely carried in a radiation facility and the like, and can measure radiation at a desired location. When using such a portable radiation measuring instrument, it is generally necessary to record not only the radiation measurement value but also what is measured from which position as a measurement condition. Conventionally, as a method of recording a measurement object and a measurement position, there are methods of writing a situation observed by a measurer or photographing using a camera. In addition, the distance between the object to be measured and the radiation measuring device has been measured by a measurer using a measure or the like and written down.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, conventionally, the recording of the measurement object and the measurement position has been performed as an operation different from the operation of the radiation measuring instrument. In other words, in order to record the measurement object as a photograph, it is necessary to carry a camera separately from the radiation measuring instrument, and to photograph the measurement object using the camera before and after the radiation measurement. In order to record the distance up to, it was necessary to perform measurement using a measure or the like. In addition, it was necessary to write down the photograph number and the measured distance in association with the radiation measurement value.
[0004]
There has been a problem that it is complicated to perform such operations as separate measurement and photographing for each measurement location. In addition, it has been difficult to accurately perform operations such as matching the positions and orientations of the radiation measuring device and the camera, and measuring the distance between the radiation measuring device and the measurement object alone with a measure. In addition, when manually recording and organizing the measurement results for a large number of locations, there is a possibility that various measurement values and photographs are associated with each other incorrectly. In these respects, there is also a problem that the measurement conditions, and thus the reliability of the measurement results, cannot be obtained sufficiently.
[0005]
In addition, when the measurement location is narrow or dark, it is difficult to specify a measurement target or handle a camera or a measure.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A configuration according to an embodiment to be described later is for a portable radiation measuring instrument configured as a survey meter, in order to capture an optical image of a radiation detection portion that is directed in a target direction and detects radiation from a measurement target, and a radiation measurement location An optical image capturing section provided to face the target direction, and a radiation probe held by one hand during radiation measurement, and a main body to which the radiation probe is connected via a cable. A counting unit that counts measurement values based on a signal from the radiation detector, a display meter that displays the measurement values, and an image display unit that displays the optical image captured by the optical image capturing unit; A portable main body that is held by the other hand during radiation measurement, and in the radiation probe, adjacent to the sensitive surface of the radiation detector, the optical In which the taking unit is provided.
[0008]
According to the above configuration , the radiation measuring instrument itself has the imaging means, and an optical image of the radiation measurement location can be taken. The optical image capturing unit of the imaging unit is provided adjacent to the sensitive surface of the radiation detection unit, and is directed in the target direction together with the radiation detection unit. As a result, the imaging means can take an optical image of the radiation measurement location viewed from the position of the radiation detection unit. In particular, when the measurement target is a specific tangible object, the target direction is determined toward the measurement target, and the measurement target can be captured as an optical image of the radiation measurement location. In addition, even when the object to be measured is directly invisible, for example, the radiation dose at the place, the radiation detection unit is directed at which location and in which direction from the optical image obtained by the imaging means. It is identified whether it was done.
[0009]
Desirably, the radiation meter, that is provided on the radiation probe having a lighting means for illuminating the target direction.
[0010]
According to the said structure , the target direction to which the optical image capture part was turned is illuminated by providing an illumination means with an optical image capture part in a radiation probe . As a result, even when the target direction is dark, it is possible to capture an optical image in the target direction.
[0011]
Preferably, the imaging means, and the optical image taken, that records in association with the detection result of the radiation detector when the optical image shooting.
[0012]
According to the above configuration , it is possible to suppress an error from occurring in the correspondence relationship between the captured optical image and the detection result of the radiation detection unit at the time of capturing the optical image.
[0016]
According to the present invention, the sensitive surface of the radiation detection unit and the light receiving opening of the optical image capturing unit are located at substantially the same position. As a result, the captured optical image coincides with the one viewed from the sensitive surface of the radiation detection unit with high accuracy. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the light receiving opening is disposed at a central portion of the sensitive surface of the radiation detection unit. Thereby, the shift | offset | difference between the location where a radiation detection part opposes, and the location where an optical image is taken in by an optical image taking-in part is suppressed.
[0017]
Preferably, the optical image capturing unit, Ru fiber der having an imaging optical system in the end.
[0018]
Desirably, the radiation probe is further provided with distance measuring means for measuring the distance between the measurement object and the radiation detection unit .
[0019]
According to the above configuration , by providing the radiation measuring instrument itself with the distance measuring means, it is possible to easily and accurately measure the distance between the measurement target and the radiation detection unit at the time of radiation measurement .
[0020]
Preferably, the apparatus includes the distance measuring unit, and includes a measurement result recording unit that records the radiation detection result by the radiation detection unit in association with the distance at the time of detection of the radiation. Preferably, in the apparatus including the imaging unit and the distance measuring unit, a measurement result of recording the radiation detection result by the radiation detection unit in association with the optical image and the distance at the time of detection of the radiation. It has a recording means.
[0021]
According to these configurations , the correspondence between the detection result of the radiation detection unit and the distance to the measurement target, or the correspondence between the detection result of the radiation detection unit and the optical image at the time of radiation detection and the distance to the measurement target. The occurrence of errors is suppressed.
[0022]
A radiation measuring instrument according to an embodiment to be described later includes an optical image capturing unit that captures an optical image of a radiation measurement location and a captured optical image in a radiation measuring instrument having a radiation probe that is pulled out from a main body and directed in a target direction. an image pickup means including a photosensitive unit generating an image corresponding to the optical image capturing unit, Ru provided so as to face the target direction to the radiation probe.
[0023]
According to the above configuration , the optical image capturing unit of the imaging unit is provided in the radiation detection unit and is directed in the target direction together with the radiation detection unit. Thereby, the imaging unit can capture an optical image in the target direction as viewed from the position of the radiation detection unit. The photosensitive part of the imaging means is provided in the main body of the radiation measuring instrument, and generates an image corresponding to the optical image obtained from the optical image capturing part, for example, by electrical or chemical action. By providing the photosensitive portion in the main body, the radiation detecting portion is further reduced in size and weight, and handling work such as directing it toward the measurement object is facilitated.
[0024]
Preferably, an optical fiber that transmits the optical image from the optical image capturing unit to the photosensitive unit is provided, the photosensitive unit is provided in the main body, and the optical fiber connects the radiation probe and the main body. cables and Ru is integral. According to this aspect, the main body and the radiation detection unit are simply connected.
[0025]
The present invention provides a portable radiation measuring instrument configured as a survey meter, and includes a radiation detection unit that detects radiation from a measurement target that is directed in a target direction, and an imaging unit that captures an optical image of the radiation measurement location. The optical image capturing unit of the imaging unit is provided so as to face the target direction in the radiation detecting unit, and a light receiving opening of the optical image capturing unit is flush with a sensitive surface of the radiation detecting unit. And it is arrange | positioned in the center part in the said sensitive surface.
The present invention detects a radiation from a measuring object directed to a target direction in a portable radiation measuring instrument configured as a survey meter having a front surface of the measuring device oriented in the target direction and a rear surface of the measuring device opposite to the measuring device. A radiation detector having a sensitive surface provided on the front surface of the measuring device and provided on the front surface of the measuring device so as to face the target direction in order to take an optical image of a radiation measurement location; An optical image capturing unit, and a finder window for presenting the optical image captured by the optical image capturing unit to an operator so that the optical image can be observed on the rear surface of the measuring instrument.
[0026]
According to the present invention, at the time of radiation measurement, the operator holds the radiation measuring instrument in front of his / her face in the target direction. At this time, the front surface of the radiation measuring device on which the sensitive surface for radiation and the optical image capturing unit are arranged is directed in the target direction, and the finder is placed in front of the operator's eyes. The operator can determine the target direction by adjusting the direction of the radiation measuring device so as to capture a desired measurement target and background in the finder, and radiation measurement in the target direction and photographing of an optical image are performed. The adjustment of the orientation of the radiation measuring device is performed in an integrated manner with the operation of the operator looking at the measurement object and the like, and therefore can be easily and quickly performed.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall configuration of a GM survey meter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the apparatus. This apparatus includes a radiation probe 2, a main body 4, and a cable 6 for connecting both of them. The radiation probe 2 includes an end window type GM (Geiger-Muller) counter tube 8 as a radiation detection unit. A high voltage is applied to the GM counter tube 8 from a power source provided in the main body 4, and an electric pulse is generated by multiplying a charge generated by incident radiation. In the radiation probe 2, the end window 10 which is a sensitive surface of the GM counter 8 is directed to the measurement target, and an electric pulse generated according to the radiation incident from the end window 10 is output to the main body 4.
[0029]
One of the features of the radiation measuring instrument is that it includes an imaging unit that captures an image of the measurement object, and the radiation probe 2 includes an optical image capturing unit 12 that captures an optical image of the measurement object as a component of the imaging unit. ing. The optical image capturing unit 12 includes an optical lens 14 arranged side by side with the end window 10 of the GM counter tube 8, and an optical fiber 16 whose end surface is optically coupled to the optical lens 14. The optical lens 14 is directed to the measurement object together with the radiation probe 2 to generate an image thereof. This image is input to the optical fiber 16.
[0030]
The optical lens 14 is disposed adjacent to the end window 10 and on the same plane as the end window 10. Thereby, almost the same image of the measurement object as seen from the position of the end window 10 is taken into the imaging means.
[0031]
The imaging means of this apparatus has an image signal generation unit 18 in the main body 4. The measurement target image captured by the optical image capturing unit 12 is transmitted by the optical fiber 16 to the image signal generating unit 18 on the main body 4 side.
[0032]
As a characteristic configuration related to the provision of the imaging unit, the radiation probe 2 includes an illumination unit 20 that illuminates the measurement target. The illumination unit 20 can be configured to light up under the control of the power source or the like from the main body 4. For example, in this apparatus, the image signal generation unit 18 determines the brightness of the optical image captured from the optical image capture unit 12, and the illumination power source 22 of the illumination unit 20 is controlled based on the determination result. ON / OFF and light emission amount are controlled. Even if the measurement object is dark, the illumination unit 20 can appropriately capture the image.
[0033]
It is also a feature of this radiation measuring instrument that the radiation probe 2 has a distance measuring unit 24 for measuring the distance to the measurement target. As the distance measuring unit 24, various methods used in an autofocus camera or the like can be employed. This apparatus employs, for example, an active method for observing the reflected reflected infrared light. The distance measuring unit 24 includes an infrared laser light emitting element and a one-dimensional CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor. The infrared laser light emitting element emits an infrared laser beam so as to form a predetermined angle with respect to the radiation probe 2, and the position of the reflected spot is detected by a one-dimensional CCD sensor. Based on the distance between the detection position of the reflected spot image on the one-dimensional CCD sensor and the beam emission position, the distance between the radiation probe 2 and the measurement target can be obtained.
[0034]
In the present embodiment, the cable 6 is not only an electric signal line 26 for supplying power from the main body 4 to the GM counter tube 8 and transmitting voltage pulses from the GM counter tube 8 to the main body 4 as in the prior art, but also the optical fiber 16, An electric signal line 28 for connecting the distance measuring unit 24 and the illuminating unit 20 to the main body 4 is bundled together. For example, the cable 6 is one in which each electric signal line and the optical fiber 16 are passed through one coated tube. Thus, by making the electrical signal line and the optical fiber 16 that connect the radiation probe 2 and the main body 4 into one cable 6, the electrical signal line and the optical fiber 16 are prevented from being entangled with each other, and the radiation probe 2 is routed. It becomes easy. However, it is not always necessary to use one cable.
[0035]
The main body 4 has a radiation counter 30, counts the voltage pulses output from the GM counter 8, and displays the measured value on the display meter 32. Further, as described above, the image signal generator 18 is built in the main body 4. The image signal generator 18 converts the optical image captured from the optical image capture unit 12 and transmitted through the optical fiber 16 into an electrical image signal. The conversion from an optical image to an electrical signal is performed using an image sensor such as a CCD image sensor 36 optically coupled to the end of the optical fiber 16 using a lens 34, for example. The video signal processing circuit 38 of the image signal generation unit 18 generates a video signal based on the electrical signal from the CCD image sensor 36.
[0036]
This apparatus has a display (image display means) 40 for displaying a video signal generated by the image signal generator 18. The display 40 can be configured using a panel-type display that can be easily reduced in size and weight, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The panel-like display 40 can be attached to the main body 4 so that it can be folded and stored using a hinge or the like, and when not in use, the radiation measuring instrument can be miniaturized by folding and storing. The display 40 can be provided, for example, so as to be folded over the display meter 32. Such an arrangement is convenient because the overlapping surface of the display meter 32 and the display 40 is basically a plane, and when the display 40 is unfolded during use, the display meter 20 and the display 40 are arranged adjacent to each other. Therefore, it is also advantageous in that the operator can monitor both of them together.
[0037]
The main body 4 is provided with a distance calculation unit 50 that calculates a distance based on a signal from the distance measurement unit 24. The calculated distance is displayed on the distance display unit 52 by digital display, for example.
[0038]
The display 40 may be configured to display the measurement value of the radiation and / or the distance of the measurement object together with the image of the measurement object. In this case, a radiation measurement value is input from the radiation counter 30 and a measurement distance is input from the distance calculator 50 to the video signal processing circuit 38. In the configuration in which the functions of the display meter 32 and the distance display unit 52 are combined with the display 40 as described above, the display meter 32 and the distance display unit 52 may not be provided.
[0039]
This apparatus includes a measurement result recording unit 60 configured using a memory element or the like, and can store an image signal, a radiation measurement value, and a measurement distance for each radiation measurement object in association with each other. In addition, the image signal and the radiation measurement value may be recorded in association with other data such as a measurement date and time.
[0040]
Note that a data output terminal may be provided in the main body 4 and a measurement result recording device may be externally connected to the terminal to record an image signal and a radiation measurement value. For example, a VTR (Video Tape Recorder) can be used as a measurement result recording device, and an image signal on which a radiation measurement value and a measurement distance are displayed together with a measurement object can be recorded on a video tape. Further, as a signal transmission means between the main body 4 and the measurement result recording device, wireless transmission can be used instead of cable connection.
[0041]
When not in use, the radiation probe 2 is locked to the handle 70 of the main body 4 for convenience of carrying. On the other hand, at the time of use, the radiation probe 2 is removed from the handle 70, and the operator carries the main body 4 with the handle 70 in one hand, for example, and holds the radiation probe 2 pulled out from the main body 4 in the other hand. Then, measure the radiation toward the measurement target. At this time, since an image in the direction in which the radiation probe 2 is directed is displayed on the display 40, the operator can easily confirm the measurement target.
[0042]
The image of the measurement object captured from the radiation probe 2 and various data corresponding to the measurement object may be continuously recorded, or only the measurement result for the desired measurement object may be recorded. In the latter case, the operator confirms that the target measurement object is displayed on the display 40 and then operates the recording button, whereby the image and various data at that timing are recorded. The recording button is conveniently provided at a position where the operator can operate while carrying the radiation probe 2 and the main body 4. From this point of view, for example, the recording button can be arranged on the side surface of the radiation probe 2 held by the operator's hand or on the handle 70.
[0043]
[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a radiation probe of a scintillation type survey meter according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description is simplified.
[0044]
The radiation probe 100 uses a scintillator plate 102 as a radiation detection unit. The scintillator plate 102 is configured using, for example, a plastic scintillator. A photomultiplier tube 104 is connected to the scintillator plate 102 via a light guide 106. The scintillator plate 102 and the light guide 106 are shielded by a light shielding film or the like, and are configured so that light from the outside does not leak into the photomultiplier tube 104. When radiation enters the scintillator plate 102 and scintillation light is generated, this light is guided to the photomultiplier tube 104, subjected to photoelectric conversion and multiplication, and output to the main body 4 as an electric pulse. In the radiation probe 100, the planar portion of the scintillator plate 102 is brought close to the measurement object, and the surface contamination is detected.
[0045]
The flat portion of the scintillator plate 102 is provided with, for example, a lattice-shaped reinforcing frame in order to prevent the light shielding film covering the portion from being damaged. In this radiation probe, an optical lens 14 for imaging and a light lens 110 for illumination are attached to the reinforcing frame. When the optical lens 14 is attached to the central portion of the scintillator plate 102, it is preferable in that the measurement object can be photographed with high accuracy because it is possible to suppress the deviation between the location where the scintillator plate 102 faces and the imaging location. is there. Illumination light is guided to the light lens 110 from a light emitter such as a light bulb via an optical fiber. This illumination light is irradiated from the light lens 110 onto the measurement object that the scintillator plate 102 faces. An optical fiber 16 is optically coupled to the optical lens 14, and an optical image captured from the optical lens 14 is guided to the image signal generation unit 18 of the main body 4 through the optical fiber 16.
[0046]
Various electric signal lines and optical fibers connecting the main body 4 and the radiation probe 100 may be bundled with the cable 6 or may not be bundled. Moreover, the structure of the main body 4 can be comprised similarly to the said 1st Embodiment.
[0047]
[Embodiment 3]
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a camera-type radiation measuring instrument according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description is simplified.
[0048]
This apparatus has an imaging lens system 202 that is an optical image capturing unit 12, a sensitive surface 204 of a radiation detection unit, a flash 206 that is an illumination unit 20, and a distance that is a distance measurement unit 24 on the front surface of a box-shaped housing 200. A total of 208 is arranged. Further, a transmission type finder 210 penetrating from the front surface to the rear surface of the apparatus is provided.
[0049]
The operator holds the apparatus in front of his / her eyes, looks through the window on the rear surface side of the finder 210, and orients the apparatus so that the object to be measured is captured in the finder 210. In this state, this apparatus is configured such that the imaging lens system 202, the sensitive surface 204, the flash 206, and the distance meter 208 all face the measurement target. That is, these various mechanisms of the apparatus are directed to the measurement object in conjunction with the operation of the operator looking at the measurement object. For the purpose of measuring the distance to the measurement object, the distance meter 208 is preferably closer to the sensitive surface 204.
[0050]
A switch 220 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 200, for example. Further, when the flash 206 is provided and the measurement location is dark, the flash 206 can be used for photographing.
[0051]
In addition, measurement of the radiation dose incident on the sensitive surface 204 is started in conjunction with the switch 220. During radiation measurement, the operator holds the apparatus so that the object to be measured is in the viewfinder 210. When the radiation measurement for a predetermined time is completed, the operator is notified by sound or LED (Light Emission Diode) display in the viewfinder. The measurement result of radiation is displayed on the display unit 222. Note that the display of the radiation measurement value and the distance measurement value on the display unit 222 is held for a predetermined time sufficient for the operator to perform an operation of viewing the display unit 222 after the measurement is completed. For example, a changeover switch 224 for changing the range of radiation measurement can be provided on the upper surface of the housing 200.
[0052]
The photosensitive portion can be configured using an image sensor such as a CCD image sensor, and can be configured to be exposed to and recorded on a photographic film.
[0053]
This apparatus converts an optical image into an electrical video signal using an image sensor in the photosensitive part. This video signal is recorded on a magnetic disk or a memory card in association with other data such as radiation measurement values and distance measurement values. Note that this apparatus has a magnetic disk or memory card insertion portion 226 on, for example, a side surface of the housing 200. When an optical image is recorded on a photographic film, an optical image and various measured values can be recorded integrally by providing means for printing various measured values on the film. In addition, when APS (Advanced Photo System) is adopted as an imaging method using a photographic film, various related data can be recorded in a magnetic recording portion of the film of the system.
[0054]
The above-mentioned radiation measuring device records a still image of a radiation measuring object, but a VTR that records a video signal from an image sensor on a video tape is mounted on the radiation measuring device to record a moving image of the measuring object. It can also be configured as follows. If a radiation measuring device capable of recording such a moving image is used, continuous radiation measurement is possible.
[0055]
The viewfinder 210 may be configured using an LCD panel in addition to the simple viewing window as described above. In this case, the optical image captured from the imaging lens 202 is converted into a video signal by the imaging device, and this video signal is recorded by the VTR and displayed on the LCD panel. In addition, related data such as a radiation measurement value, a distance measurement value, and a measurement date and time are recorded together with a video signal by a VTR and can be displayed on an LCD panel.
[0056]
【The invention's effect】
According to the radiation measuring instrument of the present invention, by providing the radiation detection unit with the optical image capturing unit, it is possible to photograph the measurement target image from the same position as the radiation detection unit simultaneously with the radiation measurement. Since the operator can perform radiation measurement while confirming the measurement target image, there is an effect that the intended measurement target can be accurately captured and radiation measurement can be performed. In addition, by recording and correlating the captured measurement object image with the radiation measurement result, it is possible to easily grasp the measurement object when organizing the subsequent data, and there is an error that makes the object different from the actual measurement object. There is an effect to be prevented.
[0057]
In addition, by providing the radiation detection unit together with the optical image capturing unit in the radiation detection unit, it is possible to obtain an image of the measurement target satisfactorily even in a dark place or a shadow of the radiation detection unit. is there.
[0058]
Further, by providing the distance measuring means in the radiation detection unit, there is an effect that the distance between the radiation detection unit and the measurement target at the time of radiation measurement can be easily and accurately measured.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall configuration of a GM survey meter according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the radiation measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a radiation probe of a scintillation type survey meter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a camera-type radiation measuring instrument according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Radiation probe, 4 body, 6 cable, 8 GM counter, 12 optical image capture unit, 14 optical lens, 16 optical fiber, 18 image signal generation unit, 20 illumination unit, 24 distance measurement unit, 30 radiation count unit, 32 Display meter, 40 display, 50 distance calculation unit, 52 distance display unit, 60 measurement result recording unit.

Claims (2)

In a portable radiation measuring instrument configured as a survey meter,
A radiation detector that detects radiation from the measurement object that is directed in the target direction; and
Imaging means for taking an optical image of the radiation measurement location;
Have
The optical image capturing unit of the imaging means is provided to face the target direction in the radiation detection unit,
The light receiving opening of the optical image capturing unit is disposed on the same plane as the sensitive surface of the radiation detecting unit and is disposed in the central portion of the sensitive surface.
A radiation measuring instrument characterized by that. In a portable radiation measuring instrument configured as a survey meter, having a measuring instrument front face directed in a target direction and a measuring instrument rear face opposite thereto,
A radiation detection unit that detects radiation from a measurement target that is directed to a target direction, and has a sensitive surface provided on the front surface of the measuring instrument, and
An optical image capturing unit provided on the front surface of the measuring instrument so as to face the target direction in order to take an optical image of a radiation measurement location, and the optical image captured by the optical image capturing unit on the rear surface of the measuring instrument A finder window that is presented to the operator so that it can be observed at
A radiation measuring instrument.

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