An apparatus for training a user in contamination surveillance. The contamination may be from a nuclear, bacteriological or chemical explosion or leak, for example. The apparatus is portable and can be carried by the user to various points of an exercise area. The apparatus includes a data store and an interpolation device. The data store stores data which is derived from a mathematical model of an assumed source of contamination and which defines the contamination levels at various locations within the exercise area at respective elapsed times after the assumed commencement of contamination. The interpolation device is responsive to first signals which define the location within the exercise area and to second signals which define the elapsed time when the user of the apparatus inputs the first signals. The apparatus also may include a display on which is shown the contamination level, and a keyboard from which the first and second signals may be input. In a preferred embodiment the location is defined by entering Universal Transverse Mercator grid reference co-ordinates and the interpolation device is a microprocessor.
A health physics instrument simulator system permitting an operator to simulate measurement of radiation levels of a plurality of radiation types includes a memory for storing first data corresponding to an n-dimensional training space representing a predetermined physical location, second data defining a radiation source including source strength, source type and source location with respect to the training space and radiation intensity data based on the second data, where each of the radiation intensity data corresponds to one respective location in the training space, a selecting device for selecting a predetermined simulated radiation sensing instrument, a pointing device for identifying a location within the training space defining a current location of the simulated radiation sensing instrument and a display for displaying both an instrument display corresponding to the simulated radiation sensing instrument and radiation intensity data corresponding to the current location in the training space. Methods for operating a health physics instrument simulator system including a computer and a display are also disclosed.
A health physics instrument simulator system permitting an operator to simulate measurement of radiation levels of a plurality of radiation types includes a memory for storing first data corresponding to an n-dimensional training space representing a predetermined physical location, second data defining a radiation source including source strength, source type and source location with respect to the training space and radiation intensity data based on the second data, where each of the radiation intensity data corresponds to one respective location in the training space, a selecting device for selecting a predetermined simulated radiation sensing instrument, a pointing device for identifying a location within the training space defining a current location of the simulated radiation sensing instrument and a display for displaying both an instrument display corresponding to the simulated radiation sensing instrument and radiation intensity data corresponding to the current location in the training space. Methods for operating a health physics instrument simulator system including a computer and a display are also disclosed.
A method and apparatus for training a user in the detection of nuclear, biological, and chemical contamination. Specifically, a fallout pattern generating algorithm is used to algebraically define an elliptical fallout pattern of contamination based on input provided by the user for ground zero location, wind characteristics, and fallout pattern characteristics as well as positional data for the user's location derived from a global positioning system or comparable system. A contamination value, which is indicative of a contamination level for the user's location at an elapsed time, is then calculated and displayed. This method and apparatus can be used to effectively simulate prompt radiation, arriving fallout or chemical/biological plumes, and hotspots of contamination. The apparatus can be implemented in several highly portable configurations that can be carried by a user into a training location to realistically approximate the appearance and operation of actual detection devices.
The present invention is a device that simulates a radioactive, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical source and a radioactivity, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical detector, to train individuals in the correct use of a real radioactivity, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical detector. A magnet, ultrasound emitter, or passive radio identification device (PRID) is used to simulate the hazardous material source. The PRID may include a magnet. The simulated detector includes a Hall effect device to detect the magnet when used. When the magnet is detected as a trainee moves the simulated detector close to the PRID, the simulated detector outputs a 50 ms RF burst to activate the PRID. The simulated detector may transmit the burst every 250 ms when the magnet is not used in the PRID. Once activated, the PRID waits for completion of the 50 ms pulse, and then transmits a signal that identifies the type of contamination to the simulated detector. The ultrasound emitters and magnet can be used without the need for the RF pulse to simulate a single contamination material, or the ultrasound emitters can use multiple frequencies for different materials. The ultrasound emitters may emit a modulated signal that identifies the type of contamination to the simulated detector, similar to the PRID.
The present invention is a device that simulates a radioactive, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical source and a radioactivity, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical detector, to train individuals in the correct use of a real radioactivity, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical detector. A magnet, ultrasound emitter, or passive radio identification device (PRID) is used to simulate the hazardous material source. The PRID may include a magnet. The simulated detector includes a Hall effect device to detect the magnet when used. When the magnet is detected as a trainee moves the simulated detector close to the PRID, the simulated detector outputs a 50 ms RF burst to activate the PRID. The simulated detector may transmit the burst every 250 ms when the magnet is not used in the PRID. Once activated, the PRID waits for completion of the 50 ms pulse, and then transmits a signal that identifies the type of contamination to the simulated detector. The ultrasound emitters and magnet can be used without the need for the RF pulse to simulate a single contamination material, or the ultrasound emitters can use multiple frequencies for different materials. The ultrasound emitters may emit a modulated signal that identifies the type of contamination to the simulated detector, similar to the PRID.
