초록 ▼

A mobile robotic system that conducts radiological surveys to map alpha, beta, and gamma radiation on surfaces in relatively level open areas or areas containing obstacles such as stored containers or hallways, equipment, walls and support columns. The invention incorporates improved radiation monit

A mobile robotic system that conducts radiological surveys to map alpha, beta, and gamma radiation on surfaces in relatively level open areas or areas containing obstacles such as stored containers or hallways, equipment, walls and support columns. The invention incorporates improved radiation monitoring methods using multiple scintillation detectors, the use of laser scanners for maneuvering in open areas, ultrasound pulse generators and receptors for collision avoidance in limited space areas or hallways, methods to trigger visible alarms when radiation is detected, and methods to transmit location data for real-time reporting and mapping of radiation locations on computer monitors at a host station. A multitude of high performance scintillation detectors detect radiation while the on-board system controls the direction and speed of the robot due to pre-programmed paths. The operators may revise the preselected movements of the robotic system by ethernet communications to remonitor areas of radiation or to avoid walls, columns, equipment, or containers. The robotic system is capable of floor survey speeds of from 1/2-inch per second up to about 30 inches per second, while the on-board processor collects, stores, and transmits information for real-time mapping of radiation intensity and the locations of the radiation for real-time display on computer monitors at a central command console.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for performing characterization of radioactive contamination on surfaces at a location within an area, said apparatus measuring the intensity of surface radiation and the location of said surface radiation, said apparatus comprising:a platform;a drive unit pr

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for performing characterization of radioactive contamination on surfaces at a location within an area, said apparatus measuring the intensity of surface radiation and the location of said surface radiation, said apparatus comprising:a platform;a drive unit providing locomotion of said platform;a first detection unit carried by said platform for locating obstacles in a path of said platform;a second detection unit carried by said platform for navigating said platform in a preselected path over a surface;a plurality of radiation detectors carried by said platform;a processor controlling movement of said platform carried by said platform; anda communications device carried by said platform for remotely communicating the intensity of surface radiation and the location of surface radiation at each time of detection by the plurality of radiation detectors.