Field

The present specification relates to a radiation detection apparatus comprising a battery removal detection system.

Background

Electronic devices are ubiquitous in modern society. Many electronic devices are battery- operated, which avoids the need for connection to a mains power supply, for example to improve portability.

Radiation detection devices, e.g. radiation dosimeters, are a type of electronic device that measures the level of exposure (dose) to an external source of ionizing radiation. Radiation dosimeters are therefore typically used to monitor and/or record a dose and/or a dose rate of radiation in a given environment. This may be for continuous monitoring in a specific location. Alternatively, this may be for monitoring the potential exposure to ionising radiation by a person, in which case the dosimeter may typically be worn by the person being monitored. Such a device is referred to herein as a personal electronic dosimeter ('PED'). PEDs typically provide a continuous readout of cumulative dose and/or instant dose rate and are often equipped with a warning element that can provide a user with a signal (such as an audible sound or a visual display) if a predetermined cumulative dose or dose rate is exceeded. Examples of such devices include Tracerco™ Personal Electronic Dosimeters.

PEDs are battery-powered, and typically use either a small Geiger-Muller (GM) tube or use semiconductors (sometimes in conjunction with scintillator materials), in which ionizing radiation releases charges resulting in measurable electric current.

In the United Kingdom, the monitoring of exposure to radiation is regulated by Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR17) came into force on 1 January 2018, replacing Regulations IRR99. The regulation sets dose limits to protect workers and members of the public from the effects of ionising radiation. They are set at a level that balances the risk from exposure with the benefits of using ionising radiation. The fundamental requirement is for employers to reduce all exposure to ionising radiations to as low a level as possible and not to exceed the dose limits set by the regulations.

Whilst PEDs provide effective means of monitoring and/or recording exposure to ionising radiation, e.g. at work, a problem is that their operation is reliant on a connection to the required battery or batteries, which are typically removable. Thus, a user, whilst wearing a PED, could potentially disable the PED monitoring and/or recording function by removing the battery or batteries from the device. This is undesirable for the user's own health, and also for the employer's requirements to comply with HSE regulations. In addition, the capacity of rechargeable batteries used in PEDs tends to be set such that the PEDs can be expected to have a minimum autonomy before the next change of batteries is due. As such, it is undesirable for the batteries to be replaced without the operator company knowing that the batteries have been replaced, as a user might have replaced the original batteries with batteries of a different type, such as batteries having a different capacity, batteries of a different type (e.g. non-ATEX batteries when ATEX batteries are required), or non-rechargeable batteries.

It is an object of the present invention to address or mitigate one or more problems of the prior art.

Summary

The present inventors have developed a system that allows the detection of intentional and/or unintentional removal of a battery or batteries from a radiation detection apparatus.

According to the present specification there is provided a radiation detection apparatus, the radiation detection apparatus comprising: a microcontroller unit (MCU) configured to control the radiation detection apparatus; a first battery module configured to power the radiation detection apparatus; a first electronic module, wherein the first electronic module is powered by the first battery module, and wherein the first electronic module is in communication with the MCU; and a second electronic module, wherein the second electronic module is powered by a second battery module, and wherein the second electronic module is in communication with the MCU, wherein the MCU is configured to receive a signal and/or data from the first electronic module and from the second electronic module, compare the signal and/or data received from the first electronic module with the signal and/or data received from the second electronic module, and generate a signal indicative of a prior removal of the first battery module based on said comparison.

The present specification also provides a method of detecting removal of a battery from a radiation detection apparatus, wherein radiation detection apparatus comprises: a microcontroller unit (MCU) configured to control the radiation detection apparatus; a first battery module configured to power the radiation detection apparatus; a first electronic module, wherein the first electronic module is powered by the first battery module, and wherein the first electronic module is in communication with the MCU; and a second electronic module, wherein the second electronic module is powered by a second battery module, and wherein the second electronic module is in communication with the MCU, wherein the method comprises receiving a signal and/or data from the first electronic module and from the second electronic module, comparing the signal and/or data received from the first electronic module with the signal and/or data received from the second electronic module, and generating a signal indicative of a prior removal of the first battery module based on said comparison.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a battery removal detection system according to an embodiment;

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a radiation detection apparatus according to an embodiment. Detailed Description

The present specification provides a reliable detection system to monitor the potential removal of a battery module in an electronic apparatus such as a radiation detection apparatus. The radiation detection apparatus may be configured to detect, measure and/or record one or more types of radiation, e.g. ionising radiation. The radiation detection apparatus may be a portable device. For example, the radiation detection apparatus may be configured to be worn by a user, e.g. may be a personal electronic dosimeter. Alternatively, the radiation detection apparatus may be a static device. For example, the radiation detection apparatus may be configured to be deployed in a particular location, e.g. in a room, on an object, or a piece of equipment, etc.

Typically, the first battery module may comprise or may be a removable battery module. The first battery module may comprise one or more batteries. The first battery module may comprise one or more rechargeable batteries. The first battery module may comprise one or more ATEX batteries.

Typically, the second battery module may comprise or may be a non-removable battery module. The term "non-removable" will be herein understood to mean that the second battery module may not be configured to be removed or replaced by a user in normal use. However, the second battery module may still be removable or replaceable, for example during servicing of the device, e.g. by an authorised user or company. This may ensure that the second electronic module is always in operation, i.e. connected to the second battery module, when the apparatus is in use. The second battery module may comprise one or more batteries, e.g. one or more coin cell batteries or the like.

Preferably, the MCU may be configured to detect a discrepancy between a signal and/or data received from the first electronic module and a signal and/or data received from the second electronic module which is indicative of a prior removal of the first battery module.

Optionally, when the second battery module is discharged or its power level is below a predetermined level, the MCU may be configured to generate a signal, e.g. a visual display, a sound or the like, to inform a user that the second battery module is discharged or its power level is below a predetermined level. When the power level of the second battery module is below a predetermined level, the MCU may be configured to stop or discontinue operation of the apparatus. This may provide a safety mechanism to ensure that the apparatus may not be used by a user when the second battery module is below a predetermined capacity, such that the second electronic module is not at risk of losing power during use of the apparatus.

The first and second electronic modules can be connected (e.g. wired) to the MCU with the MCU being configured to receive a signal or data from the first electronic module and from the second electronic module. The first electronic module and/or the second electronic module may comprise or may be an integrated circuit module.

According to certain preferred configurations, the first electronic module may comprise or may be a real-time clock (RTC) module and the second electronic module may comprise or may be a real-time clock (RTC) module. In such instance, the signal or data may be representative of realtime. The MCU is configured to compare a signal and/or data received from the first electronic module, e.g. first RTC module, with a signal and/or data received from the second electronic module second, e.g. second RTC module. When the signal and/or data received from the first electronic module and the signal and/or data received from the second electronic module are consistent, e.g. substantially identical or within a predetermined range of difference, the MCU may be configured to operate under a normal mode of operation and/or may be configured to take no specific action. When the signal and/or data received from the first electronic module, e.g. first RTC module, and the signal and/or data from the second electronic module, e.g. second RTC module, are not consistent, e.g. are not substantially identical or are above a predetermined range of difference, the MCU may be configured to generate a signal, e.g. a visual display, a sound or the like, to inform a user. Alternatively, or additionally, the MCU may be configured to transmit a signal or a warning to a remote device or a cloud, e.g. by wireless means such as Bluetooth, wi-fi, or the like. A discrepancy between the signal and/or data received from the first RTC module and the signal and/or data received from the second RTC module indicates that the first battery module has been removed from the apparatus or has been disconnected from the MCU, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Thus, the present system provides a reliable means of controlling continued operation of the apparatus and/or of detecting removal of the main (first) battery module powering the apparatus.

It will be understood that, in order to compare the signal and/or data received from the first electronic module with the signal and/or data received from the second electronic module, the MCU is typically connected to a source of power, e.g. to the first battery module. As such, the MCU may be configured to generate a signal or to may be configured to transmit a signal or a warning to a remote device or a cloud, upon reconnection of a (third) battery module in place of the first battery module. The third battery module may be the first battery module (i.e., if the first battery module has been temporarily disconnected). The third battery module may be different from the first battery module (i.e., if the first battery module has been replaced by a different, third, battery module).

When the first electronic module is a first RTC module, and the second electronic module is a second RTC module, it will be understood that, upon activation of the radiation detection apparatus, the first RTC module and the second RTC module may be synchronised, thus providing consistent and/or identical data (e.g. date and time) to the MCU. However, if the first battery module if disconnected and/or removed, the radiation detection apparatus will stop operating due to the interruption of power supply to the MCU. Upon reconnection of the first battery module or of a third battery module in place of the first battery module, the radiation detection apparatus will be reactivated. At that point, due to the previous interruption of power supply to the first RTC module, the first RTC module may generate a signal or data (e.g. date and time) different from the signal or data (e.g. date and time) generated by the second RTC module. As a result of the discrepancy between the signal and/or data received from the first electronic module and the signal and/or data received from the second electronic module detected by the MCU, the MCU may generate a signal or may transmit a signal or a warning to a remote device or a cloud, indicating the earlier disconnection of the first battery module.

The MCU may be configured to identify and/or to provide data allowing a user to identify the time of disconnection of the first battery module and/or the time of reconnection of the third (e.g. first) battery module. For example, when the first electronic module is a first RTC module, and the second electronic module is a second RTC module, resumption of power to the first RTC will cause the MCU to generate the signal or warning. In such instance, the difference in time between the second RTC module and the first RTC module may allow a user to calculate the moment, e.g. date and time, at which power was restored to the first RTC, and thus when the third (e.g. first) battery module was reconnected. The present specification thus provides a reliable detection system to monitor the potential removal of a battery module in an electronic apparatus such as a radiation detection apparatus. The radiation detection apparatus comprises a microcontroller unit (MCU) configured to control the radiation detection apparatus, and a first battery module configured to power the radiation detection apparatus. The battery removal detection system comprises a first electronic module, e.g. first real-time clock (RTC) module, wherein the first electronic module is powered by the first battery module, and wherein the first electronic module is in communication with the MCU; and a second electronic module, e.g. second real-time clock (RTC) module, wherein the second electronic module is powered by a second battery module, and wherein the second electronic module is in communication with the MCU. The MCU is configured to compare a signal and/or data received from the first electronic module with a signal and/or data received from the second electronic module.

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a battery removal detection system, generally designated 10, according to an embodiment. The battery removal detection system 10 forms part of an electronic apparatus 60, which in this embodiment is a radiation detection apparatus. The radiation detection apparatus 60 comprises a microcontroller unit (MCU) 20 configured to control the radiation detection apparatus 60, and a first battery module 32 configured to power the various working parts or elements of the radiation detection apparatus 60.

The battery removal detection system 10 includes a first electronic module, in this embodiment a first real-time clock (RTC) module 30, wherein the first RTC module 30 is powered by the first battery module 32. Typically, the first battery module 32 includes one or more rechargeable batteries. The first RTC module 30 is in communication with the MCU 20, and is capable of feeding data to the MCU 20, for example real time.

The battery removal detection system 10 also includes a second electronic module, in this embodiment a second RTC module 40, wherein the second RTC module 40 is powered by a second battery module 42. Conveniently, the second battery module 42 is a coin cell. The second RTC module 40 is in communication with the MCU 20, and is capable of feeding data to the MCU 20, for example real time. Advantageously, the MCU 20 is configured to compare a signal and/or data (such as real time) received from the first RTC module 30 with a signal and/or data (such as real time) received from the second RTC module 40.

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a radiation detection apparatus 160 according to another embodiment. The radiation detection apparatus 160 of Figure 2 is generally similar to the radiation detection apparatus 60 of Figure 1, like parts being denoted by like numerals, but incremented by '100'.

In this embodiment, the radiation detection apparatus 160 includes a number of peripheral elements, including:

- Signal output elements including screen 150 and LEDs 152 to provide a user with visual information, and speaker 154 to provide a user with audio output, e.g. informative sounds or alarm signal; and

- Communication elements including Bluetooth device 155, wi-fi device 156, and NFC device 158.

When the signal and/or data received by the MCU 120 from the first RTC module 130 and the signal and/or data received from the second RTC module 140, are consistent, e.g. substantially identical or within a predetermined range of difference, the MCU 120 is configured to operate under normal condition and/or is configured to take no specific action in response to the signals received by the RTC modules 130,140.

When the signal and/or data received from the first RTC module 130, and the signal and/or data from the second RTC module 140, are not consistent, e.g. are not substantially identical or are above a predetermined range of difference, the MCU 120 is configured to generate a signal, e.g. a visual display on screen 150, a visual output via LEDs 152, and/or a sound via audio output 154, to inform a user. Alternatively, or additionally, the MCU 120 may be able to transmit a signal or a warning to a remote device or a cloud (not shown), via one or more of Bluetooth device 155, wi-fi device 156, and NFC device 158, in order to warn of the likely removal or disconnection of the first battery module 132. Thus, the present system 10 provides a reliable means of controlling continued operation of the apparatus 160 and/or of detecting removal of the main (first) battery module 132 powering the apparatus 160. While this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.