METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR USE IN MONITORING RADIATION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The field of the invention relates generally to monitoring systems and  more particularly  to monitoring systems for use in monitoring radiation.
[0002] In many industrial facilities  such as nuclear generating stations (NGSs) and power plants  the potential for radiation to be emitted into the environment and surrounding areas exists. More specifically  during operation and under certain circumstances  nuclear power plants may emit dangerous levels of radiation. For example  at least some known piping systems within an NGS may channel fluid that is contaminated with radioactive materials. Accordingly  monitoring radiation within such systems is essential.
[0003] To detect the presence of radiation within such industrial facilities  at least some known monitoring systems and devices  such as dosimeters  may be used. At least some of such monitoring systems use at least one sensor to detect the presence of radiation. The sensor transmits data received associated with the radiation to a display device that enables a user to monitor the radiation within the facility. However  such monitoring systems may not necessarily provide real-time data  as the user may be required to go to a different location to view the display device. Moreover  a device  such as the dosimeter  may be difficult to use by the user. For example  the user may be required to carry the dosimeter  which can be heavy. Moreover  the user is required to periodically look at the dosimeter to see the reading. Such devices may also have audible alarms that provide a sound  such as a clicking and/or accelerated clicking sound when the presence of radiation exceeds a predefined threshold value. However  such devices are unable to annunciate an actual radiation dosage level and/or dose rate. Moreover  such devices do not enable a user to monitor radiation within a facility in a hands free mode nor do such devices and/or monitoring systems enable a user to have a direct display of a radiation level that is lightweight  portable  and convenient to carry around a location.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one embodiment  a display assembly for use with a monitoring system is provided. The display assembly includes a communication interface that is configured to receive radiation data indicative of at least a dosage level for the radiation. Moreover  the display assembly also includes a processor that is coupled to the communication interface  wherein the processor is programmed to generate at least one image representative of the radiation data. The display assembly also includes a display media coupled to the processor  wherein the display media is configured to present the image to a user in real-time. The display assembly is positioned against the user such that the display assembly is movable with the user and the user is enabled to continuously monitor the radiation within a location while the user moves about the location.
[0005] In another embodiment  a monitoring system is provided. The monitoring system includes a sensor assembly including at least one sensor that is configured to detect radiation and to generate at least one signal representative of radiation data based on the detection of the radiation. The radiation data is indicative of at a dosage level for the radiation. Moreover  the monitoring system includes a display assembly that is communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly. The display assembly includes a communication interface that is configured to receive the radiation data. Moreover  the display assembly also includes a processor that is coupled to the communication interface  wherein the processor is programmed to generate at least one image based representative of the radiation data. The display assembly also includes a display media coupled to the processor  wherein the display media is configured to present the image to a user in real-time. The display assembly is positioned against the user such that the display assembly is movable with the user and the user is enabled to continuously monitor the radiation within a location while the user moves about the location.
[0006] In yet another embodiment  a method for use in monitoring radiation is provided. The method includes positioning a display assembly against a user such that the display assembly is movable with the user and the user is enabled to continuously monitor the radiation within a location while the user moves about the location. Radiation data that is indicative of at least a dosage level for the radiation is received. At least one image representative of the radiation data is then generated. The image is presented in real-time  via a display media  to the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary monitoring system;
[0008] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary display assembly that may be used with the monitoring system shown in Fig. 1;
[0009] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary display assembly that may be used with the monitoring system shown in Fig. 1; and
[0010] Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for use in monitoring radiation using the display assembly shown in Fig. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The exemplary methods and systems described herein overcome at least some known disadvantages associated with known systems for use in monitoring radiation within an industrial facility. In particular  the embodiments described herein provide a monitoring system that includes a display assembly. The display assembly includes a communication interface that is configured to receive radiation data indicative of at least a dosage level for the radiation. Moreover  the display assembly also includes a processor that is coupled to the communication interface  wherein the processor is programmed to generate at least one image representative of the radiation data. The display assembly also includes a display media coupled to the processor  wherein the display media is configured to present the image to a user in real-time. The display assembly is positioned against the user such that the display assembly is movable with the user and the user is enabled to continuously monitor the radiation within a location while the user moves about the location. As such  the monitoring system disclosed herein enables the user to monitor the radiation in a hands-free mode and/or enables the user to have a direct display via a handheld sensor that is lightweight and convenient to carry around the facility.
[0012] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary monitoring system 100 that may be used to enable a user (not shown) to monitor radiation within a location (not shown) in an industrial facility (not shown)  such as a nuclear generating stations (NGS) and/or power plant. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  monitoring system 100 enables a user to monitor radiation. In the exemplary embodiment  monitoring system 100 monitors ionizing electromagnetic radiation  such as  for example  neutrons  gamma rays  x-rays  and alpha and beta particles  being emitted from a piping system 102  within the NGS. While the exemplary embodiment describes a monitoring system being used in an industrial facility  the present invention is not limited to an industrial facility  and one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the current invention may be used in connection with any facility that may contain radiation.
[0013] In the exemplary embodiment  monitoring system 100 includes a sensor assembly 106 that is spaced a distance 108 from piping system 102. Sensor assembly 106 includes at least one transducer or sensor 112. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  sensor assembly 106 includes a plurality of sensors 112 that each detects the presence of radiation and/or at least one radioactive component (not shown) within distance 108. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  each sensor 112 detects a particular type of radiation and detects a dosage level and/or dose rate for the radiation. Alternatively  sensors 112 may be configured to detect various other parameters of radiation or radioactivity that enable sensor assembly 106 and/or monitoring system 100 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment  the dosage level for the radiation is detected and presented in the units of Sievert (Sv)  and the dose rate for the radiation is presented in milliSieverts per/hour (mSv/hr). Alternatively  any other unit known in the art may be used.
[0014] In the exemplary embodiment  sensor assembly 106 also includes a sensor communication interface 116 that enables sensor assembly 106 to communicate with at least one other component of monitoring system 100. More specifically  monitoring system 100 includes a display assembly 118  and communication interface 116 is coupled to display assembly 118 via network 122. It should be noted that  as used herein  the term “couple” is not limited to a direct mechanical  communication  and/or an electrical connection between components  but may also include an indirect mechanical  communication and/or electrical connection between multiple components.
[0015] In the exemplary embodiment  sensor assembly 106 communicates with display assembly 118 using a wireless communication means  such as radio frequency (RF)  e.g.  FM radio and/or digital audio broadcasting  an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE®) 802.11 standard (e.g.  802.11(g) or 802.11(n))  the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX®) standard  a cellular phone technology (e.g.  the Global Standard for Mobile communication (GSM))  a satellite communication link  and/or any other suitable communication means. WIMAX is a registered trademark of WiMax Forum  of Beaverton  Oregon. IEEE is a registered trademark of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers  Inc.  of New York  New York. Alternatively  sensor assembly 106 may communicate with display assembly 118 using a wired network connection (e.g.  Ethernet or an optical fiber).
[0016] In the exemplary embodiment  communication interface 116 enables sensor assembly 106 to communicate with display assembly 118. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  communication interface 116 receives information from each sensor 112. In the exemplary embodiment  communication interface 116 receives radiation data that is indicative of a dosage level for the radiation detected and/or a dose rate. Moreover  communication interface 116 transmits a signal representative of the radiation data to display assembly 118 based on information received from each sensor 112.
[0017] Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  display assembly 118 receives the radiation data and presents the radiation data to the user in the form of at least one image. In the exemplary embodiment  display assembly 118 is positioned against the user  such as against the body of the user  such that display assembly 118 is movable with the user and the user is enabled to continuously monitor the radiation within a location  such as distance 108  while the user moves about the location. For example  display assembly 118 may be worn or held by the user.
[0018] Similarly  in the exemplary embodiment  sensor assembly 106 is also positioned against the user  such as against the body of the user. For example  sensor assembly 106 may be worn or held by the user. Alternatively  sensor assembly 106 may not be positioned against the body of the user and may be located anywhere within the industrial facility.
[0019] During operation  in the exemplary embodiment  as the user approaches piping system 102  if any radiation is emitted from piping system 102  such radiation will be detected when the user is within distance 108. Each sensor 112 detects the presence of radiation by detecting a particular type of radiation and detecting a dosage level for the radiation and/or a dose rate for the radiation detected. The radiation data is transmitted to communication interface 116. The radiation data is then transmitted to display assembly 118  wherein the radiation data is then continuously presented to the user via at least one image. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  since display assembly 118 and sensor assembly 106 are positioned against the user  the radiation data received by display assembly 118 may change based on the location of the user.
[0020] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary display assembly 118 that may be used with monitoring system 100 (shown in Fig. 1). In the exemplary embodiment  display assembly 118 is worn by a user (not show) such that display assembly is positioned against the user  such as against the body (not shown) of the user. More specifically  display assembly 118 is incorporated into a pair of eyeglasses worn by the user such as safety glasses usually worn in industrial settings. Alternatively  display assembly 118 may be any form such that display assembly 118 may be positioned against the user and that enables display assembly 118 and/or monitoring system 100 to function as described herein.
[0021] Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  display assembly 118 includes a battery 201 that provides power to display assembly 118. In the exemplary embodiment  battery 201 is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery 201. Alternatively  battery 201 may be any other lithium-based battery or any other type of battery that enables display assembly 118 to function as described herein.
[0022] Display assembly 118 includes a communication interface 202 that receives radiation data from sensor assembly 106 (shown in Fig. 1). More specifically  sensor communication interface 116 (shown in Fig. 1) is coupled to communication interface 202 via network 122 (shown in Fig. 1). In the exemplary embodiment  communication interface 116 transmits a signal representative of the radiation data received from each sensor 112 (shown in Fig. 1) to communication interface 202. Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  communication interface 202 is an antenna  such as  for example  an antenna that may be used for wireless radio communication. Alternatively  communication interface 202 may be any other type of communication module that enables display assembly 118 and/or monitoring system 100 to function as described herein.
[0023] In the exemplary embodiment  display assembly 118 also includes a receiver 206 communicatively coupled to communication interface 202. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  receiver 206 is a wireless receiver that receives the radiation data from communication interface 202 via a wireless data connection. Moreover  receiver 206 transmits the radiation data to a processor 210 that is coupled to communication interface 202 and receiver 206 via a system bus (not shown). Processor 210 is also coupled to a memory device 214 via the system bus.
[0024] In some embodiments  executable instructions are stored in memory device 214. Moreover  display assembly 118 is programmable to perform one or more operations described herein by programming processor 210. For example  processor 210 may be programmed by encoding an operation as one or more executable instructions and providing the executable instructions in memory device 214. Processor 210 may include one or more processing units (e.g.  in a multi-core configuration). In the exemplary embodiment  processor 210 is programmed to continuously generate at least one image based on the radiation data processor continues to receive from sensor assembly 106. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  processor 210 is programmed to generate an image that includes a graphical representation of the dosage level and/or a dose rate for the radiation detected. Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  processor 210 is programmed to generate an image that includes the remaining time until a predefined threshold value for the dosage level and/or the dose rate is reached. Processor 210 is also programmed to generate an image that includes a textual warning if the dosage level and/or dose rate exceeds a predefined threshold. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  the textual warning is provided prior to the dosage level and or dose rate for the radiation exceeding the predefined threshold value. Moreover  processor 210 is programmed to provide the textual warning in time intervals (i.e.  every ten minutes) such that the textual warning flashes in the sequence of the time intervals when presented to a user. Alternatively  processor 210 may be programmed to generate any other image(s) that enable display assembly 118 and/or monitoring system 100 to function as described herein. Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  processor 210 is programmed to generate an audio output based on the dosage level and/or dose rate for the radiation exceeding the predefined threshold value.
[0025] As used herein  the term “processor” refers generally to any programmable system including systems and microcontrollers  reduced instruction set circuits (RISC)  application specific integrated circuits (ASIC)  programmable logic circuits (PLC)  and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The above examples are exemplary only  and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term “processor.”
[0026] Moreover  processor 210 may include  but is not limited to  a general purpose central processing unit (CPU)  a graphics processing unit (GPU)  a microcontroller  a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor  an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)  a programmable logic circuit (PLC)  and/or any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in a computer readable medium  including  without limitation  a storage device and/or a memory device. Such instructions  when executed by processor 210  cause processor 210 to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. The above examples are exemplary only  and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term processor.
[0027] Memory device 214 enables information such as executable instructions and/or other data to be stored and retrieved. Memory device 214 may include one or more computer readable media  such as  without limitation  dynamic random access memory (DRAM)  static random access memory (SRAM)  a solid state disk  and/or a hard disk. Memory device 214 may be configured to store  without limitation  executable instructions  configuration data  geographic data (e.g.  topography data and/or obstructions)  utility network equipment data  and/or any other type of data.
[0028] In the exemplary embodiment  memory device 214 stores the radiation data received from sensor assembly 106 and stores the images that are generated by processor 210. Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  memory device 214 may include random access memory (RAM)  which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM)  magnetic RAM (MRAM)  ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other forms of memory. Memory device 214 may also include read only memory (ROM)  flash memory and/or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). Any other suitable magnetic  optical and/or semiconductor memory  by itself or in combination with other forms of memory  may be included in memory device 214. Memory device 214 may also be  or include  a detachable or removable memory  including  but not limited to  a suitable cartridge  disk  CD ROM  DVD or USB memory. Alternatively  memory device 214 may be a database. The term “database” refers generally to any collection of data including hierarchical databases  relational databases  flat file databases  object-relational databases  object oriented databases  and any other structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. The above examples are exemplary only  and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term database. Examples of databases include  but are not limited to only including  Oracle® Database  MySQL  IBM® DB2  Microsoft® SQL Server  Sybase®  and PostgreSQL. However  any database may be used that enables the systems and methods described herein. (Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation  Redwood Shores  California; IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation  Armonk  New York; Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation  Redmond  Washington; and Sybase is a registered trademark of Sybase  Dublin  California.)
[0029] A display media 218 and a display adaptor 220 are also coupled to processor 210 via the system bus. In the exemplary embodiment  display media 218 includes at least one screen 223 within at least one lens 224. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  display media 218 includes two lenses 224  wherein each lens 224 has one screen 223 within. In the exemplary embodiment  lenses 224 are polarizing lenses. Alternatively  lenses 224 may be any type of lens that enables display media 218 to function as described herein. Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  display media 218 presents the images generated by processor 210 to the user. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  display media 218 includes a visual display  such as a cathode ray tube (CRT)  a liquid crystal display (LCD)  an organic LED (OLED) display  and/or an “electronic ink” display. As such  in the exemplary embodiment  the user is enabled to see the images on at least one of the screens 223 within lenses 224.
[0030] In the exemplary embodiment  display assembly 118 also includes a user interface 230 that is coupled to processor 210 via the system bus. User interface 230 receives any information suitable for use with the methods described herein. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  the user can input the various images the user would like displayed on display media 218 and the user can input whether the user would like to receive information via an audio signal. Moreover  the user can input the time intervals in which the user would like to receive the textual warning. Further  in the exemplary embodiment  user interface 230 includes a touch sensitive panel 234. Alternatively  user may include  for example  a keyboard  a pointing device  a mouse  a stylus  a touch pad  a touch screen  a gyroscope  an accelerometer  a position detector. Display assembly 118 also includes an audio input interface 240 coupled to processor via the system bus. In the exemplary embodiment  audio input interface 240 includes a microphone 244 to enable the user to communicate with a third party.
[0031] Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  display assembly 118 includes an audio output device 248 that is coupled to processor 210 via the system bus. In the exemplary embodiment  audio output device 248 is an audio adapter and/or a speaker. Alternatively  audio output device 248 may be any type of device that enables display assembly 118 and/or monitoring system 100 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment  audio output device 248 is configured to receive an output from processor 210 when the dosage level and/or dose rate for the radiation exceeds the predefined threshold value and to generate an audio signal based on the output received. More specifically  audio output device 248 is configured to generate an audio signal based on the dosage level and/or dose rate for the radiation exceeding a predefined threshold value. Audio output device 248 is configured to transmit the audio signal to the user. In the exemplary embodiment  the audio signal is an audio alarm that may annunciate an actual radiation dosage level  dose rate  and/or warning. Alternatively  audio signal may be any type of audio signal that enables display assembly 118 and/or monitoring system 100 to function as described herein.
[0032] During operation  in the exemplary embodiment  as the user wearing display assembly 118 approaches piping system 102 (shown in Fig. 1)  if radiation is emitted from piping system 102  then the radiation will be detected within distance 108 (shown in Fig. 1). Each sensor 112 (shown in Fig. 1) detects the presence of the radiation by detecting the particular type of radiation and by detecting a dosage level for the radiation. This radiation data is transmitted to communication interface 116.
[0033] Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  the radiation data is transmitted to display assembly 118. More specifically  the radiation data is received by communication interface 202. Communication interface 202 transmits the radiation data to receiver 206  which transmits the data to processor 210 and to memory device 214 such that the radiation data may be stored. Processor 210 continuously generates a plurality of images based on the radiation data that communication interface 202 continues to receive. More specifically  processor 210 generates an image that includes a graphical representation of a dosage level and/or dose rate for the radiation detected and the time remaining until a predefined threshold value for the dosage level and/or dose rate is reached. If the dosage level and/or dose rate exceeds the predefined threshold value that is programmed in processor 210  then processor 210 generates an image that includes a textual warning.
[0034] Display media 218 continuously presents information to the user based on the input the user provides to user interface 230. More specifically  the user can input whether the information is presented via a visual output and/or audio output. If the user chooses to receive the information via a visual output  processor 210 continuously transmits the plurality of images to display media 218. The user can then visually identify various parameters of the radiation within the industrial facility. More specifically  the user will be presented with an image that includes a graphical representation of a dosage level and/or dose rate for the radiation detected and the time remaining until a predefined threshold value for the dosage level and/or dose rate is reached. Moreover  if the dosage level and/or dose rate exceeds a predefined threshold value  then the user will see an image that includes a textual warning. These images will continue to change as each of the parameters change while the user moves about a location within the industrial facility.
[0035] If the user chooses to receive additional information via an audio output  processor 210 transmits an audio output to audio output device 248 when the dosage level and/or dose rate for the radiation exceeds a predefined threshold level. Audio output device 248 generates an audio signal based on the output received. More specifically  audio output device 248 generates an audio signal based on the dosage level and/or dose rate for the radiation exceeding the predefined threshold value. Audio output device 248 then transmits the audio signal to the user.
[0036] Fig. 3 illustrates an alternative display assembly 300 that may be used with monitoring system 100 (shown in Fig. 1) rather than display assembly 118 (shown in Figs. 1 and 2). In the exemplary embodiment  display assembly 300 is held or retained by a user such that display assembly 300 is positioned against the user  such as against the body of the user. More specifically  display assembly 300 is in the embodiment of a handheld computing device  such as a smart phone. Alternatively  display assembly 300 may be any form such that display assembly 300 may be positioned against the user and that enables display assembly 300 and/or monitoring system 100 to function as described herein.
[0037] Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  display assembly 300 includes a battery 301 to provide power to display assembly 300. In the exemplary embodiment  battery 301 is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery 301. Alternatively  battery 301 may be any other lithium-based battery or any other type of battery that enables display assembly 300 and/or monitoring system to function as described herein.
[0038] Display assembly 300 includes a communication interface 302 that receives radiation data from sensor assembly 106 (shown in Fig. 1). More specifically  sensor communication interface 116 (shown in Fig. 1) is coupled to communication interface 302 via network 122 (shown in Fig. 1). In the exemplary embodiment  communication interface 116 transmits a signal representative of the radiation data received from each sensor 112 (shown in Fig. 1) to communication interface 302. Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  communication interface 302 is a short-range wireless communication channel such as BLUETOOTH®. BLUETOOTH is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG  Inc. of Kirkland  Washington. Alternatively  communication interface 302 may be any other type of communication module that enables display assembly 300 and/or monitoring system 100 to function as described herein.
[0039] In the exemplary embodiment  display assembly 300 also includes a receiver 306 communicatively coupled to communication interface 302. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  receiver 306 is a wireless receiver that receives the radiation data from communication interface 302 via a wireless data connection (not shown). Moreover  receiver 306 transmits the radiation data to a processor 310 that is coupled to communication interface 302 and receiver 306 via a system bus (not shown). Processor 310 is also coupled to a memory device 314 via the system bus.
[0040] In some embodiments  executable instructions are stored in memory device 314. Moreover  display assembly 300 is programmable to perform one or more operations described herein by programming processor 310. For example  processor 310 may be programmed by encoding an operation as one or more executable instructions and providing the executable instructions in memory device 314. Processor 310 may include one or more processing units (e.g.  in a multi-core configuration). In the exemplary embodiment  processor 310 is programmed to continuously generate at least one image based on the radiation data processor continues to receive from sensor assembly 106. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  processor 310 is programmed to generate an image that includes a graphical representation of the dosage level and/or dose rate for the radiation detected. Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  processor 310 is programmed to generate an image that includes the remaining time until a predefined threshold value for the dosage level and/or dose rate is reached. Processor 310 is also programmed to generate an image that includes a textual warning if the dosage level and/or dose rate exceeds a predefined threshold. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  the textual warning is provided prior to the dosage level and/or dose rate for the radiation exceeding the predefined threshold level. Moreover  processor 310 is programmed to provide the textual warning in time intervals (i.e.  every ten minutes) such that the textual warning flashes in the sequence of the time intervals when presented to a user. Alternatively  processor 310 may be programmed to generate any other image(s) that enable display assembly 300 and/or monitoring system 100 to function as described herein. Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  processor 310 is programmed to generate an audio output based on the dosage level for the radiation exceeding the predefined threshold value.
[0041] Moreover  processor 310 may include  but is not limited to  a general purpose central processing unit (CPU)  a graphics processing unit (GPU)  a microcontroller  a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor  an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)  a programmable logic circuit (PLC)  and/or any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in a computer readable medium  including  without limitation  a storage device and/or a memory device. Such instructions  when executed by processor 310  cause processor 310 to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. The above examples are exemplary only  and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term processor.
[0042] Memory device 314 enables information such as executable instructions and/or other data to be stored and retrieved. Memory device 314 may include one or more computer readable media  such as  without limitation  dynamic random access memory (DRAM)  static random access memory (SRAM)  a solid state disk  and/or a hard disk. Memory device 314 may be configured to store  without limitation  executable instructions  configuration data  geographic data (e.g.  topography data and/or obstructions)  utility network equipment data  and/or any other type of data.
[0043] In the exemplary embodiment  memory device 314 stores the radiation data received from sensor assembly 106 and stores the images that are generated by processor 310. Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  memory device 314 may include random access memory (RAM)  which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM)  magnetic RAM (MRAM)  ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other forms of memory. Memory device 314 may also include read only memory (ROM)  flash memory and/or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). Any other suitable magnetic  optical and/or semiconductor memory  by itself or in combination with other forms of memory  may be included in memory device 314. Memory device 314 may also be  or include  a detachable or removable memory  including  but not limited to  a suitable cartridge  disk  CD ROM  DVD or USB memory. Alternatively  memory device 314 may be a database. The term “database” refers generally to any collection of data including hierarchical databases  relational databases  flat file databases  object-relational databases  object oriented databases  and any other structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. The above examples are exemplary only  and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term database. Examples of databases include  but are not limited to only including  Oracle® Database  MySQL  IBM® DB2  Microsoft® SQL Server  Sybase®  and PostgreSQL. However  any database may be used that enables the systems and methods described herein. (Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation  Redwood Shores  California; IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation  Armonk  New York; Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation  Redmond  Washington; and Sybase is a registered trademark of Sybase  Dublin  California.)
[0044] A display media 318 and a display adaptor 320 are also coupled to processor 310 via the system bus. In the exemplary embodiment  display media 318 includes a display screen 324. Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  display media 318 presents the images generated by processor 310 to the user. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  display media 318 includes a visual display  such as a cathode ray tube (CRT)  a liquid crystal display (LCD)  an organic LED (OLED) display  and/or an “electronic ink” display. As such  in the exemplary embodiment  the user is enabled to see the images on screen 324.
[0045] In the exemplary embodiment  display assembly 300 also includes a user interface 330 that is coupled to processor 310 via the system bus. User interface 330 receives any information suitable for use with the methods described herein. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  the user can input the various images the user would like displayed on display media 318 and the user can input whether the user would like an audio signal as well. Moreover  the user can input the time intervals in which the user would like to receive the textual warning. Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  user interface 330 includes a keyboard 334. Alternatively  user may include  for example  a pointing device  a mouse  a stylus  a touch pad  a touch screen  a gyroscope  an accelerometer  a position detector. Display assembly 300 also includes an audio input interface 340 coupled to processor via the system bus. In the exemplary embodiment  audio input interface 340 includes a microphone 344 to enable the user to communicate with a third party.
[0046] Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  display assembly 300 includes an audio output device 348 that is coupled to processor 310 via the system bus. In the exemplary embodiment  audio output device 348 is an audio adapter and/or a speaker. Alternatively  audio output device 348 may be any type of device that enables display assembly 300 and/or monitoring system 100 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment  audio output device 348 is configured to receive an output from processor 310 when the dosage level exceeds the predefined threshold level. Audio output device 348 is configured to generate an audio signal based on the output received. More specifically  audio output device 348 is configured to generate an audio signal based on the dosage level for the radiation exceeding a predefined threshold level. Audio output device 348 is configured to transmit the audio signal to the user. In the exemplary embodiment  the audio signal is an audio alarm that may annunciate an actual radiation dosage level  dose rate  and/or warning. Alternatively  audio signal may be any type of audio signal that enables display assembly 300 and/or monitoring system 100 to function as described herein.
[0047] During operation  in the exemplary embodiment  as the user wearing display assembly 300 approaches piping system 102 (shown in Fig. 1)  if radiation is emitted from piping system 102  such radiation will be detected within distance 108 (shown in Fig. 1). Each sensor 112 (shown in Fig. 1) detects the presence of radiation by detecting the type of radiation and by detecting a dosage level for the radiation. This radiation data is transmitted to communication interface 116.
[0048] Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  the radiation data is transmitted to display assembly 300. More specifically  the radiation data is received by communication interface 302. Communication interface 302 transmits the radiation data to receiver 306  which transmits the data to processor 310 and to memory device 314 to be stored. Processor 310 continuously generates a plurality of images based on the radiation data communication interface 302 continues to receive. More specifically  processor 310 generates an image that includes a graphical representation of a dosage level and/or a dose rate for the radiation detected and the time remaining until a predefined threshold value is reached. If the dosage level and/or dose rate exceeds the predefined threshold value that is programmed in processor 310  then processor 310 generates an image that includes a textual warning.
[0049] Display media 318 continuously presents information to the user based on the input the user provides to user interface 330. More specifically  the user can input whether the information is presented via a visual output and/or audio output. If the user chooses to receive the information via a visual output  processor 310 continuously transmits the plurality of images to display media 318. The user can then visually identify various parameters of the radiation within the industrial facility. More specifically  the user will be presented with an image that includes a graphical representation of a dosage level and/or dose rate for the radiation detected and the time remaining until a predefined threshold value for the dosage level and/or dose rate is reached. Moreover  if the dosage level and/or dose rate exceeds a predefined threshold value  then the user will see an image that includes a textual warning. These images will continue to change as each of the parameters change while the user moves about a location within the industrial facility.
[0050] If the user chooses to receive additional information via an audio output  processor 310 transmits an audio output to audio output device 348 when the dosage level and/or dose rate for the radiation exceeds a predefined threshold value. Audio output device 348 generates an audio signal based on the output received. More specifically  audio output device 348 generates an audio signal based on the dosage level and/or dose rate for the radiation exceeding the predefined threshold value. Audio output device 348 then transmits the audio signal to the user.
[0051] Fig. 4 is a flow chart that illustrates an exemplary method 400 for use in monitoring radiation using a display assembly  such as display assembly 118 (shown in Figs. 1 and 2). Alternatively  method 400 may use display assembly 300 (shown in Fig 3). In the exemplary embodiment  display assembly 118 is positioned 402 against a user (not shown)  such as against the body (not shown) of the user. More specifically  display assembly 118 is positioned against the user such that the display assembly is movable with the user and the user is enabled to continuously. Radiation data is received 404 by a communication interface 202 (shown in Fig. 2)  wherein the radiation data is indicative of a dosage level and/or a dose rate for the radiation detected. A processor 210 (shown in Fig. 2) continuously generates 406 at least one image based on the radiation data. More specifically  in the exemplary embodiment  the images include a graphical representation of the dosage level for the radiation detected and the remaining time until a predefined threshold value for the dosage level and/or dose rate is reached. Moreover  if the dosage level and/or dose rate exceeds the predefined threshold value that is programmed in processor 210  then an image that includes a textual warning is also generated. These images will continue to change as each of the parameters change while the user moves about the location.
[0052] A display media 218 (shown in Fig. 2) presents 408 the images to the user. Moreover  in the exemplary embodiment  an audio output device 248 (shown in Fig. 2) generates 410 an audio signal based on a dosage level for the radiation exceeding a predefined threshold value. The audio signal is transmitted 412 to the user.
[0053] As compared to known systems and methods that are used to monitor radiation  the above-described embodiments of methods and systems provide a user friendly system to monitor radiation that enables the user to react more quickly to a developing danger relating to radiation within an industrial facility. In particular  the embodiments described herein provide a monitoring system that includes a display assembly. The display assembly includes a communication interface that is configured to receive radiation data indicative of at least one of a dosage level for the radiation and a dose rate for the radiation. Moreover  the display assembly also includes a processor that is coupled to the communication interface  wherein the processor is programmed to generate at least one image based on the radiation data. The display assembly also includes a display media coupled to the processor  wherein the display media is configured to present the image to a user in real-time. The display assembly is positioned against the user such that the display assembly is movable with the user and the user is enabled to continuously monitor the radiation within a location while the user moves about the location. As such  the monitoring system disclosed herein enables the user to monitor the radiation in a hands free mode and/or enables the user to have a direct display via a handheld sensor that is lightweight and convenient to carry around the facility.
[0054] A technical effect of the systems and methods described herein includes at least one of: (a) positioning a display assembly against a user such that the display assembly is movable with the user and the user is enabled to continuously monitor the radiation within a location while the user moves about the location; (b) receiving radiation data indicative of at least one of a dosage level for the radiation and a dose rate for the radiation; (c) generating at least one image based on radiation data; and presenting in real-time  via a display media  at least one image to a user.
[0055] Exemplary embodiments of a system and a method for use in monitoring radiation are described above in detail. The system and method are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein  but rather  components of the system and/or steps of the method may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example  the system may also be used in combination with other systems and methods  and is not limited to practice with only the system as described herein. Rather  the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other applications.
[0056] Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others  this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention  any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
[0057] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention  including the best mode  and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention  including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims  and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims  or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A display assembly (118) for use with a monitoring system (100)  said display assembly comprising:
a communication interface (202) configured to receive radiation data indicative of at least a dosage level for the radiation;
a processor (210) coupled to said communication interface  wherein said processor is programmed to generate at least one image representative of the radiation data; and
a display media (218) coupled to said processor  wherein said display media is configured to present the at least one image to a user in real-time  said display assembly is positioned against the user such that the display assembly is movable with the user and the user is enabled to continuously monitor the radiation within a location (108) while the user moves about the location.
2. A display assembly (118) in accordance with Claim 1  wherein said display media (218) comprises at least one lens (224).
3. A display assembly (118) in accordance with Claim 1  wherein said display media (218) comprises at least one display screen (324).
4. A display assembly (118) in accordance with Claim 1  wherein the at least one image includes a graphical representation of at least one of the dosage level for the radiation  a dose rate for the radiation  and the time remaining until a predefined threshold value is reached.
5. A display assembly (118) in accordance with Claim 1  wherein the at least one image provides a textual warning if at least one of the dosage level for the radiation and a dose rate for the radiation exceeds a predefined threshold value.
6. A display assembly (118) in accordance with Claim 5  wherein the textual warning is provided in time intervals.
7. A display assembly (118) in accordance with Claim 1  further comprising an audio output device (248) coupled to said processor (210)  wherein said audio output device is configured to generate an audio signal based on at least one of the dosage level for the radiation and a dose rate for the radiation exceeding a predefined threshold value  said audio output device is configured to transmit the audio signal to the user.
8. A monitoring system (100) comprising:
a sensor assembly (106) comprising at least one sensor (112) configured to detect radiation and to generate at least one signal representative of radiation data based on the detection of radiation  wherein the radiation data is indicative of at least a dosage level for the radiation;
a display assembly (118) communicatively coupled to said sensor assembly  said display assembly comprising:
a communication interface (202) configured to receive the radiation data;
a processor (210) coupled to said communication interface  wherein said processor is programmed to generate at least one image representative of the radiation data; and
a display media (218) coupled to said processor  wherein said display media is configured to present the at least one image to a user in real-time  said display assembly is positioned against the user such that the display assembly is movable with the user and the user is enabled to continuously monitor the radiation within a location (108) while the user moves about the location.
9. A monitoring system (100) in accordance with Claim 8  wherein said sensor assembly (106) is positioned against the user such that the sensor assembly is movable with the user.
10. A monitoring system (100) in accordance with Claim 8  wherein said display media (218) comprises at least one of a lens (224) and a display screen (223).