FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a remote radiation sensing device. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for a remote radiation sensing device for detecting radiation. The patent specification describes this use but it is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Radiation can be harmful. Sometimes it may be necessary for workers to enter a radioactive environment for work.

For those who work with or around radiation, one of the most important factors is an awareness of the levels of radiation around them.

Typically, radiation sensors are placed manually in a radioactive environment to detect the radiation. Typically, the detection results are read by workers manually.

One problem is that it is harmful to the worker’s health being exposed in a radioactive environment.

Another problem is that real time radiation data may not be recorded if workers aren’t in the radioactive environment.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above mentioned problems and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a remote radiation sensing device, including one or more radiation sensors adapted to detect radiation; one or more environmental sensors adapted to detect one or more environmental conditions, and a communication module adapted to transmit data from the one or more radiation sensors and/or the one or more environmental sensors to a remote device. Preferably the communication module includes a wireless communication module. In one embodiment, the wireless communication module is a WIFI module. In another embodiment, the wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module. In a further embodiment, the wireless communication module is a cellular communication module, such as 2G/3G/4G/5G. In another embodiment, the communication module is a Lora WAN module. In a further embodiment, the communication module is a satellite module.

In one embodiment, the communication module is connectable to a cable. Preferably the communication module is an Ethernet module.

In one embodiment, the one or more radiation sensors includes at least one gas-filled radiation sensor. In another embodiment, the one or more radiation sensors includes at least one scintillator radiation sensor. In a further embodiment, the one or more radiation sensors includes at least one solid-state radiation sensor. In one embodiment, the one or more radiation sensors includes one or more Geiger tubes. Preferably the one or more radiation sensors includes two Geiger tubes.

Preferably one or more environmental sensors includes at least one temperature sensor. Preferably the at least one temperature sensor is adapted to detect temperature. In one embodiment, the at least one temperature sensor is a thermocouple temperature sensor. In another embodiment, the at least one temperature sensor is a resistance temperature detector. In a further embodiment, the at least one temperature sensor is a thermistor temperature sensor. In another embodiment, the at least one temperature sensor is a semiconductor based integrated circuit temperature sensor.

Preferably one or more environmental sensors includes at least one humidity sensor. Preferably the at least one humidity sensor is adapted to detect humidity. In one embodiment, the at least one humidity sensor is a capacitive humidity sensor. In another embodiment, the at least one humidity sensor is a resistive humidity sensor. In a further embodiment, the at least one humidity sensor is a thermal conductivity humidity sensor.

Preferably one or more environmental sensors includes at least one CO2 sensor. Preferably the at least one CO2 sensor is adapted to detect a concentration of carbon dioxide. In one embodiment, the at least one CO2 sensor is a non- dispersive infrared CO2 sensor. In another embodiment, the at least one CO2 sensor is an electro-chemical CO2 sensor. In a further embodiment, the at least one CO2 sensor is a metal oxide semiconductor CO2 sensor.

Preferably one or more environmental sensors includes at least one hydrogen sensor. Preferably the at least one hydrogen sensor is adapted to detect a concentration of hydrogen. In one embodiment, the at least one hydrogen sensor is a catalytic hydrogen sensor. In another embodiment the at least one hydrogen sensor is an electro-chemical hydrogen sensor. In a further embodiment, the at least one hydrogen sensor is a metal oxide hydrogen sensor. In another embodiment, the at least one hydrogen sensor is a thermal conductivity hydrogen sensor.

Preferably the remote radiation sensing device includes a power module. Preferably the power module is adapted to provide power to the one or more radiation sensors, the one or more environmental sensors and each module of the remote radiation sensing device. In one embodiment, the power module is an AC power module. In another embodiment, the power module is a DC power module. In one embodiment, the power module includes a battery. Preferably the battery is a rechargeable battery.

Preferably the remote radiation sensing device includes a switch. Preferably the switch is adapted to control a power connection of the remote radiation sensing device. In one embodiment, the switch is a button. In another embodiment, the switch is a touch screen.

Preferably the remote radiation sensing device includes a transformer module. Preferably the transformer module is adapted to transform a power input to a designated power of the remote radiation sensing device.

Preferably the remote radiation sensing device includes a display module. Preferably the display module is adapted to display information of the remote radiation sensing device. In one embodiment, the display module is adapted to display data from the one or more radiation sensors and/or the one or more environmental sensors. In another embodiment, the display module is adapted to display connection status of the communication module. In a further embodiment, the display module is adapted to display power information of the power module.

In one embodiment, the display module is an LCD display. In another embodiment, the display module is a LED display. In a further embodiment, the display module is an OLED display. Preferably the remote radiation sensing device includes a control module. Preferably the control module is adapted to control the one or more radiation sensors, the one or more environmental sensors and each module of the remote radiation sensing device. Preferably the control module is a micro-controller.

Preferably the remote radiation sensing device includes a memory. Preferably the memory is adapted to store data from the one or more radiation sensors and/or the one or more environmental sensors. In one embodiment, the memory is adapted to store data associated with each module of the remote radiation sensing device. Preferably the memory is a SD card.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a remote radiation sensing device, including one or more radiation sensors adapted to detect radiation; one or more environmental sensors adapted to detect one or more environmental conditions, and a wireless communication module adapted to wirelessly transmit data from the one or more radiation sensors and/or the one or more environmental sensors to a remote device, wherein the one or more environmental sensors includes at least one temperature sensor, at least one humidity sensor, at least one CO2 sensor and/or at least one hydrogen sensor.

In one embodiment, the wireless communication module is WIFI. In another embodiment, the wireless communication module is Bluetooth. In a further embodiment, the wireless communication module is a cellular communication module, such as 2G/3G/4G/5G. In another embodiment, the communication module is a Lora WAN module. In a further embodiment, the communication module is a satellite module.

In one embodiment, the communication module is connectable to a cable. Preferably the communication module is an Ethernet module.

In one embodiment, the one or more radiation sensors includes at least one gas-filled radiation sensor. In another embodiment, the one or more radiation sensors includes at least one scintillator radiation sensor. In a further embodiment, the one or more radiation sensors includes at least one solid-state radiation sensor. In one embodiment, the one or more radiation sensors includes one or more Geiger tubes. Preferably the one or more radiation sensors includes two Geiger tubes. Preferably the at least one temperature sensor is adapted to detect temperature. In one embodiment, the at least one temperature sensor is a thermocouple temperature sensor. In another embodiment, the at least one temperature sensor is a resistance temperature detector. In a further embodiment, the at least one temperature sensor is a thermistor temperature sensor. In another embodiment, the at least one temperature sensor is a semiconductor based integrated circuit temperature sensor.

Preferably the at least one humidity sensor is adapted to detect humidity. In one embodiment, the at least one humidity sensor is a capacitive humidity sensor. In another embodiment, the at least one humidity sensor is a resistive humidity sensor. In a further embodiment, the at least one humidity sensor is a thermal conductivity humidity sensor.

Preferably the at least one CO2 sensor is adapted to detect a concentration of carbon dioxide. In one embodiment, the at least one CO2 sensor is a non-dispersive infrared CO2 sensor. In another embodiment, the at least one CO2 sensor is an electro-chemical CO2 sensor. In a further embodiment, the at least one CO2 sensor is a metal oxide semiconductor CO2 sensor.

Preferably the at least one hydrogen sensor is adapted to detect a concentration of hydrogen. In one embodiment, the at least one hydrogen sensor is a catalytic hydrogen sensor. In another embodiment the at least one hydrogen sensor is an electro-chemical hydrogen sensor. In a further embodiment, the at least one hydrogen sensor is a metal oxide hydrogen sensor. In another embodiment, the at least one hydrogen sensor is a thermal conductivity hydrogen sensor.

Preferably the remote radiation sensing device includes a power module. Preferably the power module is adapted to provide power to the one or more radiation sensors, the one or more environmental sensors and each module of the remote radiation sensing device. In one embodiment, the power module is an AC power module. In another embodiment, the power module is a DC power module. In one embodiment, the power module includes a battery. Preferably the battery is a rechargeable battery.

Preferably the remote radiation sensing device includes a switch. Preferably the switch is adapted to control a power connection of the remote radiation sensing device. In one embodiment, the switch is a button. In another embodiment, the switch is a touch screen. Preferably the remote radiation sensing device includes a transformer module. Preferably the transformer module is adapted to transform a power input to a designated power of the remote radiation sensing device.

Preferably the remote radiation sensing device includes a display module. Preferably the display module is adapted to display information of the remote radiation sensing device. In one embodiment, the display module is adapted to display data from the one or more radiation sensors and/or the one or more environmental sensors. In another embodiment, the display module is adapted to display connection status of the communication module. In a further embodiment, the display module is adapted to display power information of the power module.

In one embodiment, the display module is a LCD display. In another embodiment, the display module is a LED display. In a further embodiment, the display module is an OLED display.

Preferably the remote radiation sensing device includes a control module. Preferably the control module is adapted to control the one or more radiation sensors, the one or more environmental sensors and each module of the remote radiation sensing device. Preferably the control module is a micro-controller.

Preferably the remote radiation sensing device includes a memory. Preferably the memory is adapted to store data from the one or more radiation sensors and/or the one or more environmental sensors. In one embodiment, the memory is adapted to store data associated with each module of the remote radiation sensing device. Preferably the memory is a SD card.

In one embodiment, the one or more environmental sensors include at least one spectrum analyser sensor. Preferably the at least one spectrum analyser sensor is adapted to detect amplitude and magnitude of electromagnetic frequencies. In one embodiment, the at least one spectrum analyser sensor is a radio sensor. Preferably the radio sensor is controlled by software to detect amplitude and magnitude of electromagnetic frequencies. In another embodiment, the at least one spectrum analyser sensor is a Fast Fourier Transform analyser. In a further embodiment, the at least one spectrum analyser sensor is a Vector Signal Analysis sensor.

In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method for detecting radiation, including the steps of detecting radiation using one or more radiation sensors, detecting one or more environmental conditions using one or more environmental sensors, and transmitting data from the one or more radiation sensors and/or the one or more environmental sensors to a remote device.

Preferably the step of detecting radiation using one or more radiation sensors includes using two Geiger tubes to detect radiation.

Preferably the step of detecting one or more environmental conditions using one or more environmental sensors includes using a temperature sensor to detect temperature. Preferably the step of detecting one or more environmental conditions using one or more environmental sensors includes using a CO2 sensor to detect a concentration of carbon dioxide. Preferably the step of detecting one or more environmental conditions using one or more environmental sensors includes using a hydrogen sensor to detect a concentration of hydrogen. Preferably the step of detecting one or more environmental conditions using one or more environmental sensors includes using a humidity sensor to detect humidity.

Preferably the step of transmitting data from the one or more radiation sensors and/or the one or more environmental sensors to a remote device includes transmitting the data wirelessly. In one embodiment, the data is transmitted by WIFI. In another embodiment, the data is transmitted by Bluetooth. In a further embodiment, the data is transmitted by cellular communication, such as 2G/3G/4G/5G and/or the like. In another embodiment, the data is transmitted by Lora WAN. In one embodiment, the data is transmitted by Ethernet. In another embodiment, the data is transmitted by satellite.

The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a remote radiation sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figure 1 , there is shown a schematic view of a remote radiation sensing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The remote radiation sensing device 10 has two Geiger tubes 18,20, a temperature sensor 22, a CO2 sensor 24 and a hydrogen sensor 26.

The two Geiger tubes 18,20 are used to detect radiation of an environment (not shown).

The temperature sensor 22 is in the form of a thermometer temperature sensor. The temperature sensor 22 is used to detect a temperature of the environment.

The CO2 sensor 24 is in the form of a non-dispersive infrared CO2 sensor. The CO2 sensor 24 is used to detect a concentration of carbon dioxide in the environment.

The hydrogen sensor 26 is in the form of a catalytic hydrogen sensor. The hydrogen sensor 26 is used to detect a concentration of hydrogen in the environment.

The remote radiation sensing device 10 has a power unit 12. The power unit 12 is connectable to a power source (not shown) to provide power to the remote radiation sensing device 10.

The remote radiation sensing device 10 also has a battery 36. The battery 36 is a rechargeable battery to provide power to the remote radiation sensing device 10.

The remote radiation sensing device 10 has a display 14. The display 14 is in the form of an OLED display. The display 14 is used to display data from the remote radiation sensing device 10.

The remote radiation sensing device 10 has a controller 16. The controller 16 is in the form of a microcontroller. The controller 16 is used to control each component of the remote radiation sensing device 10.

The remote radiation sensing device 10 has an Ethernet port 28. The Ethernet port 28 can be used to transmit data from the remote radiation sensing device 10 to a remote device (not shown).

The remote radiation sensing device 10 has a Lora WAN port 30. The Lora WAN port 30 can be used to remotely transmit data from the remote radiation sensing device 10 to a remote device. The remote radiation sensing device 10 also has a cellular communication module 32 and antennae 34. The cellular communication module 32 and antennae 34 can be used to transmit data from the remote radiation sensing device 10 to a remote device via a cellular network (not shown).

In use, the two Geiger tubes 18,20, temperature sensor 22, CO2 sensor 24 and hydrogen sensor 26 detect radiation and environmental conditions of a location. The data from the two Geiger tubes 18,20, temperature sensor 22, CO2 sensor 24 and hydrogen sensor 26 is sent to a remote device via the Ethernet port 28, the Lora WAN port 30 or the cellular communication module 32 and antennae 34. The remote radiation sensing device 10 can transmit data at predetermined intervals. The remote radiation sensing device 10 can also store data in a memory (not shown). The data can be downloaded or transmitted from the memory at a later stage.

ADVANTAGES

An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the remote radiation sensing device includes that radiation can be detected remotely. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the remote radiation sensing device includes that environmental conditions can be detected, including temperature, humidity, CO2 and/or hydrogen. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the remote radiation sensing device is that all detected data can be remotely transmitted to remote devices.

VARIATIONS

While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.