WO2019025770A1 - Charging device - Google Patents

Charging device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019025770A1
WO2019025770A1 PCT/GB2018/052153 GB2018052153W WO2019025770A1 WO 2019025770 A1 WO2019025770 A1 WO 2019025770A1 GB 2018052153 W GB2018052153 W GB 2018052153W WO 2019025770 A1 WO2019025770 A1 WO 2019025770A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
detector
charging device
radiation
accordance
portable
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2018/052153
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Craig Duff
Edward Marsden
Ian Radley
Benjamin John CANTWELL
Original Assignee
Kromek Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kromek Limited filed Critical Kromek Limited
Priority to GB2000530.2A priority Critical patent/GB2578073A/en
Publication of WO2019025770A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019025770A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/44—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/4411—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis the apparatus being modular
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/42—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with arrangements for detecting radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/4283—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with arrangements for detecting radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis characterised by a detector unit being housed in a cassette
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/56—Details of data transmission or power supply, e.g. use of slip rings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/58—Testing, adjusting or calibrating apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/582—Calibration
    • A61B6/585—Calibration of detector units
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01T—MEASUREMENT OF NUCLEAR OR X-RADIATION
    • G01T1/00—Measuring X-radiation, gamma radiation, corpuscular radiation, or cosmic radiation
    • G01T1/16—Measuring radiation intensity
    • G01T1/17—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector
    • G01T1/175—Power supply circuits
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01T—MEASUREMENT OF NUCLEAR OR X-RADIATION
    • G01T7/00—Details of radiation-measuring instruments
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0042—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction
    • H02J7/0044—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J2310/00—The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load
    • H02J2310/10—The network having a local or delimited stationary reach
    • H02J2310/20—The network being internal to a load
    • H02J2310/23—The load being a medical device, a medical implant, or a life supporting device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
    • H02J50/80—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/00032—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by data exchange
    • H02J7/00034—Charger exchanging data with an electronic device, i.e. telephone, whose internal battery is under charge

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a charging device for use with a portable radiation detector, to a portable radiation detector provided in combination with such a charging device, and to a method of charging a portable radiation detector using such a charging device.
  • Portable and for example handheld radiation detectors (alpha, beta, gamma, neutron, X-ray) are used in a range of fields, such as medicine, security and nuclear monitoring to detect, identify and often quantify sources of radiation.
  • fields such as medicine, security and nuclear monitoring to detect, identify and often quantify sources of radiation.
  • the detectors it is necessary to ensure the performance of the devices, including factors such as detection efficiency and energy calibration.
  • Handheld detectors also require a power source which can be incorporated into the device in a manner consistent with portability, and which can be replenished. In the most common case this constitutes a battery or like rechargeable storage device for storing electrical charge, which is charged via a wired connection to the device or wirelessly. Charging stations may be provided that allow regulated charging of a device, by placing the device in a defined position to ensure connectivity.
  • Radiation detectors also require periodic checking to confirm the device is working correctly, such as detecting radiation accurately and is within calibration tolerances. These actions also require that the detectors are not available for their primary use.
  • the invention aims to minimise the time lost to these two functions.
  • a charging device including: a docking module configured to couple operatively to a portable radiation detector and effect a charge transfer connection and a data connection with a detector so coupled;
  • a charge transfer module configured to deliver a charge to a detector so coupled in use via the charge transfer connection
  • a calibration module configured to obtain data relating to a detector performance parameter from a detector so coupled in use via the data connection.
  • the charging device is adapted for use with a portable radiation detector which for example comprises:
  • a detection module configured to detect radiation in accordance with one or more detector performance parameters
  • a charge storage module for storing electrical charge, such as a rechargeable battery, to power the detector.
  • a portable radiation detector in combination with a charging device, wherein:
  • the portable radiation detector comprises:
  • a detection module configured to detect radiation in accordance with one or more detector performance parameters
  • a charge storage module for storing electrical charge, such as a rechargeable battery, to power the detector
  • the charging device comprises:
  • a docking module configured to couple operatively to the detector and effect a charge transfer connection and a data connection with the detector so coupled;
  • a charge transfer module configured to deliver a charge to the charge storage module of the detector via the charge transfer connection;
  • a calibration module configured to obtain data relating to a detector performance parameter from the detector via the data connection.
  • a charge storage module such as a rechargeable battery to power the detector; the method comprising:
  • a charging device having: a docking module configured to couple operatively to the detector and effect a charge transfer connection and a data connection with the detector so coupled;
  • a charge transfer module configured to deliver a charge to the charge storage module of the detector via the charge transfer connection
  • a calibration module configured to obtain data relating to a detector performance parameter from the detector via the data connection
  • This invention comprises a charging station with a built-in method for testing detector performance, a detector with such a charging station, and the use of such a charging station to charge the detector.
  • the invention thereby aims to minimise the time lost to these two functions by using a device which functions both to charge the device and check, and if necessary recalibrate, its detection performance.
  • the charging device of the invention includes a charge transfer module configured to deliver a charge to a detector to which it is coupled in charge transfer connection in use.
  • the detector includes a portable charge storage module such as a rechargeable battery, and the charge transfer module is configured to deliver a charge to the portable charge storage module of the detector.
  • the method of the invention includes a charging step of delivering a charge to the portable charge storage module of the detector.
  • the charging device of the invention includes a calibration module that is configured to obtain data relating to at least one detector performance parameter from a detector to which it is coupled in data connection in use, and for example more completely that is configured to compare data relating to the at least one detector performance parameter to a predetermined standard and thereby determine whether the detector remains in scope against that standard, and more preferably that is configured to recalibrate a detector performance via the data connection if a detector performance parameter is found not to meet the predetermined standard.
  • a calibration module that is configured to obtain data relating to at least one detector performance parameter from a detector to which it is coupled in data connection in use, and for example more completely that is configured to compare data relating to the at least one detector performance parameter to a predetermined standard and thereby determine whether the detector remains in scope against that standard, and more preferably that is configured to recalibrate a detector performance via the data connection if a detector performance parameter is found not to meet the predetermined standard.
  • the method of the invention includes a calibration step that involves obtaining data relating to at least one detector performance parameter from a detector, and for example the step of comparing such data relating to the at least one detector performance parameter to a predetermined standard and thereby determining whether the detector remains in scope against that standard, and optionally additionally the step of recalibrating a detector performance via the data connection if a detector performance parameter is found not to meet the predetermined standard.
  • the docking module is configured to couple operatively to the detector and thereby to effect a charge transfer connection and a data connection with the detector.
  • the charge transfer connection may be wired or wireless.
  • the data connection may be wired or wireless.
  • the docking module may be configured to receive a docking portion of the detector, for example thereby to effect a suitable wired connection and/ or juxtapose the detector and charging device in such a relationship as to facilitate a suitable wireless connection.
  • the docking module may include a socket portion into which a docking portion of the detector is received and located.
  • the docking module may be so configured that it merely needs to be brought into proximity to the detector to effect the suitable wireless connection.
  • the method may comprise charging the detector accordingly by analogy.
  • the invention comprises a radiation source, which is in particular a source of ionizing radiation and for example a source of gamma ray and/ or subatomic particle radiation.
  • the invention thus comprises a charging station with a built-in radiation source.
  • the radiation source is a radioisotope source.
  • the radiation source can serve a number of purposes, potentially serving multiple purposes in the same embodiment.
  • the radiation source acts as a source of energy to power the device.
  • the radiation source acts as a source of energy for operation of the charging device.
  • the radiation source comprises a source of energy from which the charging device is configured to generate electrical charge for delivery in use via the charge transfer connection to the detector and for example to a charge storage module thereof.
  • the radiation source is additionally or alternatively configured to function and be used to determine whether the detection efficiency of the handheld detector remains in scope or needs to be recalibrated to be in scope.
  • the radiation source is for example used as a reference source against which the detection response of the detector can be tested.
  • an expected count rate is calculable and can be compared to the actual count rate. This count rate and the comparison with the expected count rate may be used to determine whether the detector remains in scope against a performance standard, and where necessary to recalibrate to scope.
  • the radiation detector to which the invention relates is a portable radiation detector adapted for portable use for example in situ in the field and is for example designed for handheld operation.
  • the detector is adapted for the detection and processing of data derived from incident radiation.
  • the detector for example comprises some or all of the following: at least one detector element and for example a plurality of detector elements, and for example a plurality of separately addressable detector elements which may be selected to exhibit two or more different known response properties;
  • a portable power source for example including a portable charge storage module such as a rechargeable battery;
  • a collection module to collect data from radiation incident at the or each detector element
  • a processing module to process the collected data and derive a result regarding the nature/ origin of the incident radiation
  • a coupling module configured to couple operatively to the docking module of the charging device and effect a charge transfer connection and a data connection with the charging device when so coupled, which connections may be wired or wireless; all being associated together in compact and portable manner, for example within a common casing.
  • the detector is in particular designed for the detection of high-energy radiation such as ionising radiation, for example high-energy electromagnetic radiation such as hand and/ or soft x-rays and/or gamma rays, or subatomic particle radiation including without limitation alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons.
  • high-energy radiation such as ionising radiation
  • high-energy electromagnetic radiation such as hand and/ or soft x-rays and/or gamma rays
  • subatomic particle radiation including without limitation alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons.
  • Each detector element is preferably adapted correspondingly to detect such radiation.
  • separate detector elements may be provided to detect soft x-rays and/or hard x-rays and/ or gamma rays.
  • the radiation detector is a spectroscopic radiation detector. That is, the radiation detector comprises at least one detector element that resolves radiation spectroscopically rather than merely detecting amplitude of incident radiation monochromatically.
  • the detector element may be adapted to exhibit a spectroscopically variable response across at least a part of a target detection spectrum allowing spectroscopic information to be retrieved and allowing intensity information to be detected at a plurality of differentiated energy bands across the target detection spectrum.
  • Spectroscopic radiation detectors determine the energy of incoming photons by measuring the magnitude of the detected signal. Calibration is required to determine the relationship between the signal magnitude and photon energy. In many radiation detection systems, this gain can be seen to vary with time and other parameters.
  • the radiation source within the charging station allows the handheld detector's calibration to be checked, and calibrated/recalibrated as required.
  • the charging device of the invention conveniently comprises an outer casing.
  • An advantage of the invention is that the source can be contained within the casing, reducing handling requirement.
  • the casing is designed to act as a shield to minimise release of radiation outside of the case.
  • the illustrated device comprises a casing 2 which defines a detector docking area into which a portable radiation detector 3 may be docked for charging and calibration by the device.
  • the casing 2 also defines a second docking area for docking and charging a mobile telephone 4.
  • the second docking area provides a useful additional functionality supplementary to the primary functionality of the charger in relation to the charging and calibration of the portable radiation detector 3.
  • a radioisotope source is contained within a source housing 1. With the detector 3 engaged in the docking area of the casing, the detector 3 is brought into close proximity with the radioisotope source housing 1 , and in particular a detection module of the detector 3 is brought into a detection range of the source within the housing 1.
  • the portable radiation detector 3 comprises in familiar manner a housing which includes a detection module comprising a detector and suitable processing electronics (within the housing and not shown) a display screen, and a battery to serve as a charge storage device (again within the housing and not shown).
  • a detector response can be obtained from the detection module of the detector in response to the source within the housing 1.
  • suitable processing electronics which constitutes a calibration module configured to obtain data relating to the detector response from the detector and to effect a comparison of this response with an expected response for the known source contained in the source housing 1.
  • Additional control systems and electronics may be provided externally to the charging device. Together, these control systems allow the calibration of the detector to be checked to see that it remains in scope, and additionally may permit the detector to be recalibrated if it is no longer in scope.
  • the docking area of the casing 2 additionally includes a charging link (not specifically shown) with which the detector 3 can engage in order to charge the detector battery.
  • a suitable source of electrical power for the charging device might include: a battery source within the casing 2, a mains powered connection to the casing 2, or a means to generate electrical charge from the radioisotope source in the source housing 1.
  • the charging device of the embodiment of the invention additionally defines a docking module for the docking of a mobile telephone 4, in order to allow the simultaneous charging of the mobile telephone from the same power source.

Abstract

A charging device for portable radiation detector is described comprising a docking module configured to couple operatively to a portable radiation detector and effect a charge transfer connection and a data connection with a detector so coupled;a charge transfer module configured to deliver a charge to a portable radiation detector so coupled in use via the charge transfer connection;a calibration module configured to obtain data relating to a detector performance parameter from a portable radiation detector so coupled in use via the data connection.A method of charging a portable radiation detector in particular using such a device, and a portable radiation detector in combination with such a device are also described.

Description

CHARGING DEVICE
The invention relates to a charging device for use with a portable radiation detector, to a portable radiation detector provided in combination with such a charging device, and to a method of charging a portable radiation detector using such a charging device.
Portable and for example handheld radiation detectors (alpha, beta, gamma, neutron, X-ray) are used in a range of fields, such as medicine, security and nuclear monitoring to detect, identify and often quantify sources of radiation. When using the detectors for critical applications, it is necessary to ensure the performance of the devices, including factors such as detection efficiency and energy calibration.
Handheld detectors also require a power source which can be incorporated into the device in a manner consistent with portability, and which can be replenished. In the most common case this constitutes a battery or like rechargeable storage device for storing electrical charge, which is charged via a wired connection to the device or wirelessly. Charging stations may be provided that allow regulated charging of a device, by placing the device in a defined position to ensure connectivity.
The charging of handheld detectors requires a period in which they are not available for their primary use.
Radiation detectors also require periodic checking to confirm the device is working correctly, such as detecting radiation accurately and is within calibration tolerances. These actions also require that the detectors are not available for their primary use.
Therefore there is a problem with the current use of radiation detectors which limits their period of availability for the end user.
The invention aims to minimise the time lost to these two functions.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a charging device including: a docking module configured to couple operatively to a portable radiation detector and effect a charge transfer connection and a data connection with a detector so coupled;
a charge transfer module configured to deliver a charge to a detector so coupled in use via the charge transfer connection;
a calibration module configured to obtain data relating to a detector performance parameter from a detector so coupled in use via the data connection.
The charging device is adapted for use with a portable radiation detector which for example comprises:
a detection module configured to detect radiation in accordance with one or more detector performance parameters;
a charge storage module for storing electrical charge, such as a rechargeable battery, to power the detector.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a portable radiation detector in combination with a charging device, wherein:
the portable radiation detector comprises:
a detection module configured to detect radiation in accordance with one or more detector performance parameters;
a charge storage module for storing electrical charge, such as a rechargeable battery, to power the detector; and
the charging device comprises:
a docking module configured to couple operatively to the detector and effect a charge transfer connection and a data connection with the detector so coupled; a charge transfer module configured to deliver a charge to the charge storage module of the detector via the charge transfer connection;
a calibration module configured to obtain data relating to a detector performance parameter from the detector via the data connection.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of charging a portable radiation detector having a charge storage module such as a rechargeable battery to power the detector; the method comprising:
providing a charging device having: a docking module configured to couple operatively to the detector and effect a charge transfer connection and a data connection with the detector so coupled;
a charge transfer module configured to deliver a charge to the charge storage module of the detector via the charge transfer connection;
a calibration module configured to obtain data relating to a detector performance parameter from the detector via the data connection;
coupling the portable radiation detector to the docking module;
operating the charging device to deliver a charge to the charge storage module of the detector via the charge transfer connection and to deliver data relating to a detector performance parameter from the detector via the data connection.
This invention comprises a charging station with a built-in method for testing detector performance, a detector with such a charging station, and the use of such a charging station to charge the detector. The invention thereby aims to minimise the time lost to these two functions by using a device which functions both to charge the device and check, and if necessary recalibrate, its detection performance.
In this regard, the charging device of the invention includes a charge transfer module configured to deliver a charge to a detector to which it is coupled in charge transfer connection in use. For example the detector includes a portable charge storage module such as a rechargeable battery, and the charge transfer module is configured to deliver a charge to the portable charge storage module of the detector. The method of the invention includes a charging step of delivering a charge to the portable charge storage module of the detector.
In this regard, the charging device of the invention includes a calibration module that is configured to obtain data relating to at least one detector performance parameter from a detector to which it is coupled in data connection in use, and for example more completely that is configured to compare data relating to the at least one detector performance parameter to a predetermined standard and thereby determine whether the detector remains in scope against that standard, and more preferably that is configured to recalibrate a detector performance via the data connection if a detector performance parameter is found not to meet the predetermined standard. In this regard, the method of the invention includes a calibration step that involves obtaining data relating to at least one detector performance parameter from a detector, and for example the step of comparing such data relating to the at least one detector performance parameter to a predetermined standard and thereby determining whether the detector remains in scope against that standard, and optionally additionally the step of recalibrating a detector performance via the data connection if a detector performance parameter is found not to meet the predetermined standard. The docking module is configured to couple operatively to the detector and thereby to effect a charge transfer connection and a data connection with the detector. The charge transfer connection may be wired or wireless. The data connection may be wired or wireless. The docking module may be configured to receive a docking portion of the detector, for example thereby to effect a suitable wired connection and/ or juxtapose the detector and charging device in such a relationship as to facilitate a suitable wireless connection. For example the docking module may include a socket portion into which a docking portion of the detector is received and located. Alternatively, the docking module may be so configured that it merely needs to be brought into proximity to the detector to effect the suitable wireless connection. The method may comprise charging the detector accordingly by analogy.
In one embodiment the invention comprises a radiation source, which is in particular a source of ionizing radiation and for example a source of gamma ray and/ or subatomic particle radiation. The invention thus comprises a charging station with a built-in radiation source.
In one embodiment the radiation source is a radioisotope source.
The radiation source can serve a number of purposes, potentially serving multiple purposes in the same embodiment.
In one embodiment the radiation source acts as a source of energy to power the device. For example, the radiation source acts as a source of energy for operation of the charging device. In particular, the radiation source comprises a source of energy from which the charging device is configured to generate electrical charge for delivery in use via the charge transfer connection to the detector and for example to a charge storage module thereof.
In another embodiment the radiation source is additionally or alternatively configured to function and be used to determine whether the detection efficiency of the handheld detector remains in scope or needs to be recalibrated to be in scope. The radiation source is for example used as a reference source against which the detection response of the detector can be tested.
For example, with the handheld detector located in a fixed position to the charging station and relative to the radiation source, an expected count rate is calculable and can be compared to the actual count rate. This count rate and the comparison with the expected count rate may be used to determine whether the detector remains in scope against a performance standard, and where necessary to recalibrate to scope.
The radiation detector to which the invention relates is a portable radiation detector adapted for portable use for example in situ in the field and is for example designed for handheld operation.
The detector is adapted for the detection and processing of data derived from incident radiation. The detector for example comprises some or all of the following: at least one detector element and for example a plurality of detector elements, and for example a plurality of separately addressable detector elements which may be selected to exhibit two or more different known response properties;
a portable power source for example including a portable charge storage module such as a rechargeable battery;
a collection module to collect data from radiation incident at the or each detector element;
a processing module to process the collected data and derive a result regarding the nature/ origin of the incident radiation;
a coupling module configured to couple operatively to the docking module of the charging device and effect a charge transfer connection and a data connection with the charging device when so coupled, which connections may be wired or wireless; all being associated together in compact and portable manner, for example within a common casing.
The detector is in particular designed for the detection of high-energy radiation such as ionising radiation, for example high-energy electromagnetic radiation such as hand and/ or soft x-rays and/or gamma rays, or subatomic particle radiation including without limitation alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons. Each detector element is preferably adapted correspondingly to detect such radiation. Optionally separate detector elements may be provided to detect soft x-rays and/or hard x-rays and/ or gamma rays.
In one embodiment the radiation detector is a spectroscopic radiation detector. That is, the radiation detector comprises at least one detector element that resolves radiation spectroscopically rather than merely detecting amplitude of incident radiation monochromatically. The detector element may be adapted to exhibit a spectroscopically variable response across at least a part of a target detection spectrum allowing spectroscopic information to be retrieved and allowing intensity information to be detected at a plurality of differentiated energy bands across the target detection spectrum.
Spectroscopic radiation detectors determine the energy of incoming photons by measuring the magnitude of the detected signal. Calibration is required to determine the relationship between the signal magnitude and photon energy. In many radiation detection systems, this gain can be seen to vary with time and other parameters. The radiation source within the charging station allows the handheld detector's calibration to be checked, and calibrated/recalibrated as required.
Radiation sources such as radioisotopes generally require detailed handling procedures. The charging device of the invention conveniently comprises an outer casing. An advantage of the invention is that the source can be contained within the casing, reducing handling requirement. In an embodiment, the casing is designed to act as a shield to minimise release of radiation outside of the case. The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figure, which illustrates in perspective view an embodiment of a charging device in accordance with the invention. The example embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 shows a charging device embodying the principles of the invention in use and docked with a portable radiation detector, and additionally further docked with a mobile telephone.
The illustrated device comprises a casing 2 which defines a detector docking area into which a portable radiation detector 3 may be docked for charging and calibration by the device.
In the illustrated embodiment the casing 2 also defines a second docking area for docking and charging a mobile telephone 4. The second docking area provides a useful additional functionality supplementary to the primary functionality of the charger in relation to the charging and calibration of the portable radiation detector 3.
A radioisotope source is contained within a source housing 1. With the detector 3 engaged in the docking area of the casing, the detector 3 is brought into close proximity with the radioisotope source housing 1 , and in particular a detection module of the detector 3 is brought into a detection range of the source within the housing 1.
The portable radiation detector 3 comprises in familiar manner a housing which includes a detection module comprising a detector and suitable processing electronics (within the housing and not shown) a display screen, and a battery to serve as a charge storage device (again within the housing and not shown).
With the detector 3 docked in the casing 2, a detector response can be obtained from the detection module of the detector in response to the source within the housing 1.
Within the casing 2 is contained (and therefore not visible in the drawings) suitable processing electronics which constitutes a calibration module configured to obtain data relating to the detector response from the detector and to effect a comparison of this response with an expected response for the known source contained in the source housing 1. Additional control systems and electronics may be provided externally to the charging device. Together, these control systems allow the calibration of the detector to be checked to see that it remains in scope, and additionally may permit the detector to be recalibrated if it is no longer in scope.
The docking area of the casing 2 additionally includes a charging link (not specifically shown) with which the detector 3 can engage in order to charge the detector battery. A suitable source of electrical power for the charging device might include: a battery source within the casing 2, a mains powered connection to the casing 2, or a means to generate electrical charge from the radioisotope source in the source housing 1.
For additional functionally, the charging device of the embodiment of the invention additionally defines a docking module for the docking of a mobile telephone 4, in order to allow the simultaneous charging of the mobile telephone from the same power source.

Claims

A charging device for portable radiation detector comprising:
a docking module configured to couple operatively to a portable radiation detector and effect a charge transfer connection and a data connection with a detector so coupled;
a charge transfer module configured to deliver a charge to a portable radiation detector so coupled in use via the charge transfer connection;
a calibration module configured to obtain data relating to a detector performance parameter from a portable radiation detector so coupled in use via the data connection.
A charging device in accordance with claim 1 adapted for use with a portable radiation detector comprising a portable charge storage module, wherein the charge transfer module is configured to deliver a charge to the portable charge storage module of the detector.
A charging device in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the calibration module is configured to obtain data relating to at least one detector performance parameter from a detector to which it is coupled in data connection in use, and to compare data relating to the at least one detector performance parameter to a predetermined standard and thereby determine whether the detector remains in scope against that standard.
A charging device in accordance with claim 3 wherein the calibration module is configured to recalibrate a detector performance via the data connection if a detector performance parameter is found not to meet the predetermined standard.
A charging device in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the docking module is configured to receive a docking portion of a detector in use and thereby to effect a suitable wired connection and/ or juxtapose the detector and charging device in such a relationship as to facilitate a suitable wireless connection.
6. A charging device in accordance with any preceding claim comprising a radiation source.
7. A charging device in accordance with claim 6 wherein the radiation source is a radioisotope.
8. A charging device in accordance with claim 6 or 7 wherein the radiation source is configured to act a as a source of energy for operation of the charging device.
9. A charging device in accordance with claim 8 wherein the radiation source comprises a source of energy from which the charging device is configured to generate electrical charge for delivery in use via the charge transfer connection to the detector.
10. A charging device in accordance with one of claims 6 to 9 the radiation source is configured to function to determine whether the detector remains in scope or needs to be recalibrated to be in scope.
1 1. A charging device in accordance with claim 10 wherein the radiation source is configured to function as a reference source against which the detection response of the detector can be tested.
12. A portable radiation provided in combination with a charging device in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the portable radiation detector comprises:
a detection module configured to detect radiation in accordance with one or more detector performance parameters;
a charge storage module such as a rechargeable battery to power the detector.
13. A portable radiation detector in combination with a charging device, wherein: the portable radiation detector comprises:
a detection module configured to detect radiation in accordance with one or more detector performance parameters; a charge storage module such as a rechargeable battery to power the detector; and
the charging device comprises:
a docking module configured to couple operatively to the detector and effect a charge transfer connection and a data connection with the detector so coupled;
a charge transfer module configured to deliver a charge to the charge storage module of the detector via the charge transfer connection;
a calibration module configured to obtain data relating to a detector performance parameter from the detector via the data connection.
14. A portable radiation detector and charging device combination in accordance with one of claims 12 or 13 wherein the detector comprises at least one of: at least one detector element and for example a plurality of detector elements, and for example a plurality of separately addressable detector elements which may be selected to exhibit two or more different known response properties;
a portable power source for example including a portable charge storage module such as a rechargeable battery;
a collection module to collect data from radiation incident at the or each detector element;
a processing module to process the collected data and derive a result regarding the nature/ origin of the incident radiation;
a coupling module configured to couple operatively to the docking module of the charging device and effect a charge transfer connection and a data connection with the charging device when so coupled, which connections may be wired or wireless;
all being associated together in compact and portable manner, for example within a common casing.
15. A portable radiation detector and charging device combination in accordance with one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the detector is a detector for the detection of high-energy radiation such as ionising radiation A portable radiation detector and charging device combination in accordance with one of claims 12 to 15 wherein the detector is a spectroscopic radiation detector.
A method of charging a portable radiation detector having a charge storage module such as a rechargeable battery to power the detector; the method comprising:
providing a charging device having:
a docking module configured to couple operatively to the detector and effect a charge transfer connection and a data connection with the detector so coupled;
a charge transfer module configured to deliver a charge to the charge storage module of the detector via the charge transfer connection;
a calibration module configured to obtain data relating to a detector performance parameter from the detector via the data connection;
coupling the portable radiation detector to the docking module;
operating the charging device to deliver a charge to the charge storage module of the detector via the charge transfer connection and to obtain data relating to a detector performance parameter from the detector via the data connection.
A method in accordance with claim 17 wherein the radiation detector comprises a portable charge storage module, and the method comprises delivering a charge to the portable charge storage module of the detector.
A method in accordance with claim 17 or claim 18 including a calibration step that comprises obtaining data relating to at least one detector performance parameter from a detector, comparing such data relating to the at least one detector performance parameter to a predetermined standard and thereby determining whether the detector remains in scope against that standard.
A method in accordance with claim 19 comprising additionally the step of recalibrating a detector performance via the data connection if a detector performance parameter is found not to meet the predetermined standard.
21. A method in accordance with one of claims 17 to 20 comprising providing a radiation source with the charging device.
22. A method in accordance with claim 21 comprising using the radiation source as a source of energy for operation of the charging device.
23. A method in accordance with claim 21 or 22 comprising using the radiation source to determine whether the detector remains in scope or needs to be recalibrated to be in scope.
24. A method in accordance with claim 23 comprising using the radiation source as a reference source against which the detection response of the detector can be tested.
25. A method in accordance with claim 24 comprising obtaining a measured count rate from the reference source;
calculating an expected count rate;
comparing the measured count rate to the expected count rate;
using the comparison to determine whether the detector remains in scope against a performance standard.
PCT/GB2018/052153 2017-07-31 2018-07-30 Charging device WO2019025770A1 (en)

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