KR100661900B1 - Method and apparatus for portable radioactive contamination gauge using usb interface - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for measuring portable radiation using a USB interface are provided to minimize the volume and the weight by calculating the radiation according to a measurement algorithm. An apparatus and a method for measuring portable radiation using a USB interface include a portable detector(100) and a terminal(200). A detection signal is produced by detecting the radiation discharged from a radiation source. The number of pulses of the detection signal is counted for a predetermined period of time to produce radiation information. Information on radiation is calculated according to a measurement algorithm. The information on the radiation is transmitted to the portable detector and is stored in the portable detector.

Description

Device and method for portable radiation measurement using USB interface {method and apparatus for portable radioactive contamination gauge using USB interface}

1 is a block diagram illustrating a portable radiation measuring apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view for explaining a connection structure connecting the portable detector and the terminal according to the present invention.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a portable detector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram illustrating a terminal according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart for explaining a radiation measuring method of the portable radiation measuring apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

<Description of Symbols for Main Parts of Drawings>

100: portable detector 110: power supply

120: radiation measuring unit 121: detection unit

122: preamplification unit 123: selection unit

130: control operation unit 131: timer

132: counting unit 140: communication processing unit

141: storage unit 142: USB control unit

200: terminal 210: USB port

220: network interface unit 230: keypad unit

240 display unit 250 memory unit

260: central control unit 270: dose processing unit

The present invention relates to a portable radiation measuring apparatus and method using a USB interface.

In general, radiation accidents caused by the leakage of radioactive material lead to fatal radiation overexposures that are life-threatening.

The radiation overexposure accident is more serious because the radiation worker or radiographer working in the field is not aware of the radiation leakage.

Therefore, a radiation worker or a radiation meter needs to carry out a radiation dose meter, which is a radiation measuring device that measures radiation dose in the field, and always measure the radiation dose. As such a radiation dose meter, a survey meter or a personal exposure dose meter is used. (personal alarm dosimeter).

Such a general radiation dosimeter is largely composed of a radiation detection device and a radiation data processing / indicator for counting and displaying the radiation dose detected by the radiation detection device.

Such a general radiation dosimeter includes a detector such as a GM counter, a plurality of amplifiers for amplifying a detection signal detected and output from the detector, a selector for selecting a detection signal from among the amplified detection signals, and a constant signal in the detection signal selected at the selector. Power supply devices such as a counter for counting, a dose meter for measuring the radiation dose from a count value counted by the counter according to a dosimetry algorithm, a display for displaying the measured radiation dose, and a battery for providing a driving power for the radiation dosimeter And the like.

Therefore, since a large number of components constituting the radiation dosimeter is so large that the volume and weight of the individual is difficult to carry, it is common to use a fixed installation in an area where radioactive materials can leak, such as a nuclear power plant.

In other words, it is effective for the radiation worker or the meter to measure the radiation dose while moving, but currently the radiation dosimeter is difficult to carry due to its volume and weight, thereby reducing the efficiency of the operation.

In general, the radiation dosimeter only performs a function of outputting the measured radiation dose to the display device, so that information on the measured radiation dose cannot be used later.

In addition, when the program (firmware) of the radiation dosimeter is upgraded, there is a problem that the radiation worker or the meter must upgrade the program by repurchasing the upgraded radiation dosimeter or directly visiting the seller.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, to minimize the volume and weight of the radiation measurement device for measuring the radiation dose to be carried by the operator or the operator, so that the measured radiation dose information can be used later In addition, the object of the present invention is to provide a portable radiation measuring apparatus and method using a USB interface that can easily upgrade the program of the radiation measuring apparatus.

A radiation measuring apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, by detecting radiation flowing out from the radiation source to generate a detection signal, by counting the number of pulses of the detection signal for a predetermined time to generate radiation information When the portable detector transmits to a terminal connected with a USB cable and the portable detector is connected with a USB cable, the portable detector is provided with power, and the radiation dose information is calculated according to a dosimetry algorithm based on the radiation information received from the portable detector. And a terminal for outputting the radiation dose information so that an operator can check it, and transmitting and storing the radiation dose information to a portable detector.

The portable detector according to the present invention converts power received from a terminal through a USB cable into driving power to enable the portable detector to be driven, and detects radiation emitted from a radiation source to generate a detection signal, and Noise and noise and a predetermined magnitude value by separating the pulse, the radiation detection unit for outputting a detection signal having a pulse of a constant size value, and the control to generate the radiation information by counting the pulse of the detection signal received from the radiation detection unit for a predetermined time And a communication processing unit for transmitting the radiation information generated by the control computing unit to the terminal through a USB cable and storing the radiation dose information received from the terminal.

The radiation detector according to the present invention is implemented as a semiconductor sensor, and detects radiation to generate a detection signal, a preamplifier for amplifying the detection signal generated by the detection at a predetermined ratio, noise and noise of the detection signal and And a sorting unit for classifying pulses by a predetermined magnitude value and selecting and outputting a detection signal having a pulse having a constant magnitude value.

When a detection signal having a predetermined magnitude value is received from the radiation detection unit, the control operation unit according to the present invention counts the number of pulses of the detection signal during a predetermined time and a predetermined time during which the timer is driven to calculate radiation information. It includes a counting unit to generate.

The communication processing unit according to the present invention converts the radiation information generated by the control operation unit into a format of a USB communication method and transmits it to a terminal via a USB cable, and receives a radiation dose information from the terminal, and a portable detector of A storage unit stores driving program information and radiation dose information.

When the terminal according to the present invention is connected to the portable detector with a USB cable, the terminal provides power and receives radiation information, and accesses the manufacturer's web server via a network to download program information for upgrading the portable detector. Based on the radiation information received from the network interface unit and the portable detector, the radiation dose information is calculated and output according to a dosimetry algorithm, the radiation dose information is transmitted to the portable detector, and the program information downloaded through the network interface unit is portable detector. It includes a dose processing unit for transmitting to automatically upgrade.

The terminal according to the present invention, when there is a request for radiation dose information from the operator, reads and outputs the radiation dose information from the portable detector connected by a USB cable, and deletes / manages the radiation dose information stored in the portable detector at the request of the operator. .

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radiation measuring apparatus including a portable detector and a terminal. The portable detector includes a power supply unit configured to convert a power received from the terminal through a USB cable into driving power to enable the portable detector to be driven, and from a radiation source. A radiation detector for detecting outgoing radiation to generate a detection signal, and outputting a detection signal having a pulse having a predetermined magnitude value by separating noise and noise and a predetermined magnitude value of the detection signal, and a detection received from the radiation detection part A control calculation unit for generating radiation information by counting pulses of a signal for a predetermined time, and a communication processing unit for transmitting radiation information generated by the control calculation unit to a terminal through a USB cable, and storing radiation dose information received from the terminal; When the terminal is connected with a portable detector and a USB cable, USB port for supplying power and receiving radiation information, a network interface for accessing the manufacturer's web server via a network to download program information for upgrading the portable detector, and a dose based on radiation information received from the portable detector. And a dose processing unit for calculating and outputting the radiation dose information according to the measurement algorithm, transmitting the radiation dose information to the portable detector, and transmitting the program information downloaded through the network interface unit to the portable detector to be automatically upgraded. do.

Radiation measuring method of a radiation measuring apparatus including a portable detector and a terminal according to another aspect of the present invention, when the terminal is connected to the portable detector with a USB cable, applying a driving power, the portable detector is radiation of the surrounding environment Generating a detection signal by detecting a level, counting a pulse of the detection signal for a predetermined time, generating a radiation information, and transmitting the radiation information to a terminal through a USB cable; and measuring the dose based on the radiation information by the terminal. Calculating and outputting the radiation dose information according to an algorithm, transmitting the radiation dose information to a portable detector through a USB cable, and storing the radiation dose information by the portable detector.

The generation of the radiation information according to the present invention includes the steps of amplifying a detection signal by a portable detector at a predetermined ratio, selecting noise and noise included in the detection signal, pulses having a predetermined value, and predetermined time Counting the pulses of the detection signal during the step of generating radiation information.

In the radiation measuring method according to the present invention, the terminal accesses the manufacturer's web server via an internet network, and downloads the firmware for the portable detector transmission, and the terminal transmits the upgrade firmware to the portable detector, and the portable detector automatically Upgrading the firmware, when the terminal requests the radiation dose information from the operator, reading the radiation dose information stored in the portable detector connected by the USB cable and outputting, and the radiation dose information stored in the portable detector at the request of the operator It further includes the step of deleting / managing.

Hereinafter, a portable radiation measuring apparatus using a USB interface and a method thereof according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a portable radiation measuring apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a portable radiation measuring apparatus according to the present invention detects radiation flowing out from a radiation source and provides a portable detector 100 and a communication interface with the portable detector 100 (for example, a USB method). Can be connected to the USB support terminal for calculating the radiation dose information according to the radiation information provided by detecting the radiation provided by the portable detector 100, and transmitting the stored radiation dose information to the portable detector 100 for storage. 200 (hereinafter referred to as "terminal").

In addition, the terminal 200 is connected to the manufacturer of the portable detector 100 through a network to receive the firmware from the manufacturer's web server (not shown) that provides an upgraded program of the portable detector 100, for example, firmware. It transmits to the portable detector 100, and provides the driving power of the portable detector 100 is connected in a USB manner.

The portable detector 100 automatically upgrades the firmware by using the firmware received from the terminal 200.

The terminal 200 refers to a device that supports communication based on a USB method. For example, the terminal 200 may correspond to an electronic device such as a laptop, a computer device, a mobile phone, a PDA, and the like.

Therefore, the operator can measure the radiation level of the surrounding environment by connecting the terminal 200 and the portable detector 100 which can be carried at all times with a USB cable, and the radiation dose information is stored in the portable detector 100. , Regardless of time and place, the worker can check the radiation dose information using a variety of terminals (200).

2 is a perspective view illustrating a connection structure connecting a portable detector and a terminal according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal 200 and the portable detector 100 are connected by a USB cable 300. For example, after the portable detector 100 is mounted with a mounting unit at the rear of the terminal 200. To a USB cable 300.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a portable detector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the portable detector 100 according to the present invention includes a radiation measuring unit 120, a control calculating unit 130, a communication processing unit 140, and a power supply unit 110, and the radiation measuring unit 120 includes: The detector 121, the preamplifier 122, and the selector 123. The control calculator 130 includes a timer 131 and a counter 132, and the communication processor 140 includes a USB controller ( 142 and the storage unit 141.

The radiation measuring unit 120 generates a detection signal by detecting the radiation flowing out of the radiation source, and after amplifying the detection signal at a predetermined ratio, distinguishes a signal having a predetermined value from noise and noise included in the detection signal. Output a clear detection signal.

That is, the detection unit 121 of the radiation measuring unit 120 may be implemented as a semiconductor sensor, and detects radiation flowing out from the radiation source and outputs a detection signal.

The preamplifier 122 amplifies the detection signal according to a predetermined predetermined amplification ratio since the detection signal output from the detection unit 121 is a weak signal.

Since the detection signal amplified by the preamplifier 122 includes noise and noise, the selection unit 123 selects and outputs a detection signal in which only pulses having a predetermined signal value or more are present in the detection signal.

When the detection signal is received from the radiation measuring unit 120, the control calculator 130 counts pulses of the detection signal for a predetermined time period, and generates radiation information.

That is, the timer 131 of the control operation unit 130 is set when the detection signal is received, that is, when the detection signal having a pulse size value that can be recognized from the radiation measurement unit 120 is received, the timer 131 is set By driving according to the value, the counting unit 132 counts the number of pulses of the detection signal for a preset time.

The counting unit 132 generates radiation information by counting pulses of the detection signal during the time that the timer 131 is driven.

The communication processor 140 transmits the radiation information generated by the control calculator 130 to the terminal 200 through the USB interface, and stores the radiation dose information received from the terminal 200.

When the operator requests the stored radiation dose information using the terminal 200, the communication processor 140 transmits the corresponding radiation dose information to the terminal 200. That is, the communication processing unit 140 stores the detected radiation dose information so that the operator can check it later.

The USB control unit 142 of the communication processing unit 140 processes the radiation information received from the control operation unit 130 into an information format that can be transmitted through the USB interface, and through the USB interface (for example, a USB cable), the terminal ( When connected to the 200, and transmits the radiation information to the terminal 200.

The USB control unit 142 stores the radiation dose information received from the terminal 200 in the storage unit 141, and when the radiation dose information is requested, reads the radiation dose information from the storage unit 141. 200).

The storage unit 141 stores radiation information received from the control operator 130, radiation dose information received from the terminal 200, and program information such as firmware, and may be implemented as a nonvolatile memory. That is, the storage unit 141 stores the driving program information in the form of an executable file.

When the firmware is received from the terminal 200, the communication processor 140 automatically upgrades the firmware after storing the received firmware.

The power supply unit 110 converts the power provided from the terminal 200 through the USB cable into driving power of the portable power supply unit 110 and applies the power to the radiation measurement unit 120, the control operation unit 130, and the communication processing unit 140. . That is, the portable detector 100 does not need to embed a power source such as a separate battery by receiving the driving power from the terminal 200 through a USB cable.

4 is a block diagram illustrating a terminal according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the terminal 200 according to the present invention includes a USB port unit 210, a memory unit 250, a central control unit 260, a network interface unit 220, a keypad unit 230, and a display unit. 240, and the central control unit 260 includes a dose processing unit 270.

The USB port unit 210 is connected to the portable detector 100 through a USB cable, receives the radiation information from the portable detector 100, and the portable detector for the radiation dose information calculated by the terminal 200 using the radiation information Send to 100.

In addition, the network interface unit 220 connects to the manufacturer web server through a network (for example, the Internet network), and receives program information such as firmware from the manufacturer web server.

The memory unit 250 stores driving program information of the terminal 200, firmware of the portable detector 100, and calculated radiation dose information.

The keypad 230 includes a plurality of key buttons and provides a key signal according to a key button selected by an operator.

The key signal is a key signal for requesting the radiation dose information stored in the portable detector 100, a key signal for calculating the radiation dose information according to the dose measurement algorithm from the radiation information, and the firmware is transmitted to the portable detector 100. The key signal may be a key signal for outputting image information based on the radiation dose information through the display unit 240.

The display unit 240 displays the radiation dose information in the form of a diagram or an image according to an image signal received from the central controller 260.

The central control unit 260 provides a mobile communication service when the set function of the terminal 200, for example, the terminal 200 is a mobile phone.

The dose processing unit 270 of the central controller 260 calculates radiation dose information according to a dose measurement algorithm based on the radiation information received from the portable detector 100.

The dose processing unit 270 transmits an image signal according to the calculated radiation dose information to the display unit 240 so that an operator can check the radiation dose, and transmits the radiation dose information to the portable detector 100.

That is, the portable detector 100 detects radiation flowing out from the radiation source and measures only the radiation information, and the calculation of the radiation dose information according to the radiation information is processed by the terminal 200 supporting the USB communication method. Since the volume and size of 100) can be minimized, it is easy for the worker to carry.

In addition, the terminal 200 calculates the radiation dose information and stores the radiation dose information in the portable detector 100, so that the operator can check the radiation dose information later and also semi-permanently store the terminal 200. Firmware upgrade of the portable detector 100 can be downloaded from the network and transmitted to the portable detector 100.

In addition, the terminal 200 applies a driving power that the portable detector 100 can drive through a USB cable.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a radiation measuring method of the portable radiation measuring apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the worker connects the portable detector 100 to the terminal 200 with a USB cable, and the terminal 200 applies driving power to the portable detector 100 (S 100).

Then, the portable detector 100 detects the radiation level of the surrounding environment (S 110).

According to an example, the portable detector 100 detects radiation flowing out of a radiation source to generate a detection signal, and after amplifying the detection signal at a predetermined ratio, noise and noise included in the detection signal, and a detection signal having a predetermined value. Separate

When the detection signal is generated, the portable detector 100 generates radiation information by counting pulses of the detection signal for a predetermined time (S 120).

The portable detector 100 transmits the generated radiation information to the terminal 200 through the USB cable (S 130).

When the radiation information is received through the USB cable, the terminal 200 calculates radiation dose information according to the dose measurement algorithm based on the radiation information (S 140).

The terminal 200 outputs the calculated radiation dose information so that an operator can check it (S 150).

In addition, the terminal 200 transmits the radiation dose information to the portable detector 100 through the USB cable (S 160).

The portable detector 100 stores the radiation dose information received from the terminal 200 (S 170).

The terminal 200 accesses the manufacturer's web server through a network (for example, an internet network) and checks whether there is program information such as firmware to be transmitted to the portable detector 100 (S180).

If there is firmware to upgrade the portable detector 100, the terminal 200 downloads it from the manufacturer's web server and transmits it to the portable detector 100 (S 190).

The portable detector 100 stores the firmware received from the terminal 200, and automatically upgrades the firmware (S 200).

When the operator requests the radiation dose information, the terminal 200 reads and outputs the radiation dose information stored in the portable detector 100 connected with the USB cable (S 210). That is, the operator can check the previous radiation dose information stored in the portable detector 100, thereby managing the radiation dose information.

In addition, the operator may delete / manage the radiation dose information stored in the portable detector 100 using the terminal 200.

Although the present invention has been described in detail only with respect to the described embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes are possible within the technical spirit of the present invention, and such modifications and modifications belong to the appended claims.

As described above, according to the present invention, a terminal connected to a portable detector with a USB cable is provided, and the radiation dose is calculated by the terminal according to a dosimetry algorithm, thereby minimizing volume and weight, thereby making it easy to carry. have.

In addition, since the radiation can be measured by connecting a portable detector through a terminal and a USB cable that the operator can carry at all times, the radiation can be measured regardless of place / time.

Since the portable detector stores the measured radiation dose information, the operator can check and manage the radiation dose information later.

In addition, a program such as firmware in the portable detector can be downloaded from the network using the terminal and automatically upgraded.

In addition, by providing a dosimetry algorithm, a power supply unit, a screen display unit, etc. in the terminal (PC or PDA), it is possible to minimize the size and production cost of the portable detector of the radiation measuring apparatus. In other words, compared to survey meters (millions of won) and personal exposure dosimeters (hundreds of thousands), the radiation measuring device can be produced and sold at a significantly reduced production cost.

Claims (11)

In the radiation measuring apparatus, A portable detector for detecting radiation emitted from a radiation source to generate a detection signal, counting the number of pulses of the detection signal for a predetermined time, and generating radiation information and transmitting the radiation information to a terminal connected with a USB cable; When connected to the portable detector with the USB cable, the portable detector is supplied with power and the radiation dose information is calculated according to a dose measurement algorithm based on the radiation information received from the portable detector. And a terminal for outputting and confirming the radiation dose information and transmitting the radiation dose information to the portable detector. The method of claim 1, wherein the portable detector, A power supply unit converting the power received from the terminal through the USB cable into driving power to drive the portable detector; A radiation detector configured to detect the radiation flowing out of the radiation source, generate a detection signal, and separate a pulse from noise and noise and a predetermined magnitude value of the detection signal, and output a detection signal having a pulse having a predetermined magnitude value; A control operation unit for generating radiation information by counting pulses of the detection signal received from the radiation detection unit for a predetermined time; And a communication processing unit which transmits the radiation information generated by the control calculating unit to the terminal via a USB cable and stores the radiation dose information received from the terminal. The method of claim 2, wherein the radiation detection unit, A detection unit which is implemented as a semiconductor sensor and detects the radiation to generate a detection signal; A preamplifier for amplifying the detection signal generated by the detector at a predetermined ratio; And a sorting unit for classifying a noise and a noise of the detection signal and a pulse having a predetermined magnitude value, and selecting and outputting a detection signal having the pulse having the predetermined magnitude value. The method of claim 2, wherein the control operation unit, When the detection signal having a predetermined magnitude value is received from the radiation detection unit, the timer is driven for a predetermined time, And a counting unit for counting the number of pulses of the detection signal during the predetermined time period during which the timer is driven to generate radiation information. The method of claim 2, wherein the communication processing unit, A USB controller for converting the radiation information generated by the control calculator into a USB communication format, transmitting the radiation information to the terminal through the USB cable, and receiving radiation dose information from the terminal; And a storage unit which stores driving program information and the radiation dose information of the portable detector. The method of claim 1, wherein the terminal, When connected to the portable detector and a USB cable, the USB port for providing the power and receiving the radiation information, A network interface unit for accessing a manufacturer's web server through a network and downloading program information for upgrading the portable detector; The radiation dose information is calculated and output according to a dose measurement algorithm based on the radiation information received from the portable detector, the radiation dose information is transmitted to the portable detector, and the program information downloaded through the network interface unit. And a dose processing unit for transmitting to the portable detector to automatically upgrade. The method of claim 1, wherein the terminal, When a radiation dose information request is made from an operator, the radiation dose information is read and output from the portable detector connected to the USB cable, and the radiation dose information is deleted / managed in the portable detector at the request of the operator. Measuring device. In the radiation measuring device comprising a portable detector and the terminal, The portable detector may include a power supply unit converting the power received from the terminal through a USB cable into driving power to drive the portable detector, and detecting the radiation emitted from the radiation source to generate a detection signal. The noise of the detection signal and the noise and the pulse and the predetermined magnitude value, the radiation detection unit for outputting a detection signal having the pulse of the predetermined magnitude value, and counting the pulse of the detection signal received from the radiation detection unit for a predetermined time A control processing unit for generating radiation information, a communication processing unit for transmitting the radiation information generated by the control calculating unit to the terminal through a USB cable, and storing the radiation dose information received from the terminal, When the terminal is connected to the portable detector via a USB cable, the terminal provides the power supply, receives a USB port, and accesses a manufacturer web server through a network to download program information for upgrading the portable detector. Calculate and output the radiation dose information according to a dose measurement algorithm based on the network interface unit and the radiation information received from the portable detector, transmit the radiation dose information to the portable detector, and through the network interface unit. And a dose processing unit for transmitting the downloaded program information to the portable detector to be automatically upgraded. In the radiation measuring method of the radiation measuring apparatus including a portable detector and the terminal, If the terminal is connected to the portable detector with a USB cable, applying driving power; Generating a detection signal by detecting a radiation level of an ambient environment by the portable detector; Generating, by the portable detector, the pulse of the detection signal for a predetermined time and generating radiation information to the terminal through the USB cable; Calculating and outputting radiation dose information according to a dose measurement algorithm based on the radiation information by the terminal; Transmitting, by the terminal, the radiation dose information to a portable detector through a USB cable; And storing, by the portable detector, the radiation dose information. The method of claim 9, wherein the generation of the radiation information, The portable detector amplifying the detection signal at a predetermined rate; Selecting noise and noise included in the detection signal and pulses having a predetermined magnitude; And generating radiation information by counting pulses of the detection signal for a predetermined time. The method of claim 9, Downloading, by the terminal, an upgrade firmware to be transmitted to the portable detector by accessing a manufacturer web server through an internet network; The terminal transmitting the upgrade firmware to the portable detector, and the portable detector automatically upgrades the firmware; Reading and outputting radiation dose information stored in the portable detector connected to the USB cable when the terminal requests radiation dose information from an operator; And deleting / managing the radiation dose information stored in the portable detector at the request of the operator.

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