WO2008051657A2

WO2008051657A2 - Automated radiation dosimeters and methods of determining a maximum stay time

Info

Publication number: WO2008051657A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/077619
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin L. Young; Trond A. Bjornard
Original assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, Llc
Priority date: 2006-10-25
Filing date: 2007-09-05
Publication date: 2008-05-02
Also published as: WO2008051657A3

Abstract

An automated radiation dosimeter includes a housing; a sensor for measuring a level of radiation in an area; a microprocessor to receive data related to the level of radiation; memory; software code for calculating a maximum stay time; and an indicator device for indicating the maximum stay time. A method for determining a maximum stay time for a user includes measuring the level of radiation in the area; transmitting the data related to the level of radiation from the sensor to the microprocessor; calculating the maximum stay time with the microprocessor based on the data related to the level of radiation; and indicating the maximum stay time to the user.

Description

AUTOMATED RADIATION DOSIMETERS AND METHODS OF DETERMINING A MAXIMUM STAY TIME

Related Applications

This application claims benefit of U.S. Non-provisional application No. 1 1/552,565, filed October 25, 2006, entitled AUTOMATED RADIATION DOSIMETERS AND METHODS OF DETERMINING A MAXIMUM STAY TIME, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Contractual Origin of the Invention

This invention was made with United States Government support under contract number DE-AC07-05-ID14517 between the United States Department of Energy and Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC. The United States Government has certain rights in the invention.

Technical Field

This invention relates to radiation dosimeters in general and more specifically to radiation dosimeters having improved real-time data presentation and functionality.

Background

Emergency responders must determine how long it is safe to stay in a radiation area while conducting rescue or first aid activities. Typically, this "stay time" calculation is performed manually based on radiation readings from hand-held meters. These calculations require expert training and know-how, take time to compute, and are prone to human error, especially in an emergency response situation. Summary of the Invention

In an embodiment, there is provided an automated radiation dosimeter, comprising a housing; a sensor carried by the housing, and configured for measuring a level of radiation in an area adjacent the housing; a microprocessor contained within the housing, in communication with the sensor, and configured to receive data related to the level of radiation measured by the sensor; memory in communication with the microprocessor; software code stored in the memory for calculating a maximum stay time with the microprocessor, and the maximum stay time being calculated based on the data related to the level of radiation measured by the sensor; and an indicator device configured for indicating the maximum stay time.

In another embodiment, there is provided a method of determining a maximum stay time for a user, the method comprising providing an automated radiation dosimeter, comprising a housing; a sensor carried by the housing, and configured for measuring a level of radiation in an area adjacent the housing; a microprocessor contained within the housing, in communication with the sensor, and configured to receive data related to the level of radiation measured by the sensor; memory in communication with the microprocessor, and having software code for calculating a maximum stay time with the microprocessor based on the data related to the level of radiation measured by the sensor; and an indicator device configured for indicating the maximum stay time; measuring the level of radiation in the area adjacent to the housing; transmitting the data related to the level of radiation from the sensor to the microprocessor; calculating the maximum stay time with the microprocessor based on the data related to the level of radiation; and indicating the maximum stay time to the user. In yet another embodiment, there is disclosed a method for determining a maximum stay time for a user, the method comprising measuring a level of radiation in an area with a sensor; transmitting data related to the level of radiation from the sensor to a microprocessor; calculating a maximum stay time with the microprocessor based on the data related to the level of radiation; and indicating the maximum stay time to the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings Illustrative and presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings in which:

Figure l is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of an automated radiation dosimeter;

Figure 2 illustrates an attachment device disposed on the housing of the automated radiation dosimeter illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of another exemplary embodiment of an automated radiation dosimeter having a portion of the sensor protruding from the housing;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of an automated radiation dosimeter having a series of LEDs as a visual display for indicating remaining stay time;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of an automated radiation dosimeter used in connection with a PDA;

Figure 6 illustrates a diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of an audible signal device integrated within the housing of an automated radiation dosimeter; Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of a vibratory device integrated within the housing of an automated radiation dosimeter;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular system having an automated radiation dosimeter with a wireless communication equipment for communication with a remote device, such as a PDA; Figure 9 illustrates a diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular system having an automated radiation dosimeter with wireless communication equipment for communication with a dedicated remote device, such as a visual display device having a series of LEDs for indicating remaining stay time; Figure 10 illustrates a diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular system having an automated radiation dosimeter with wireless communication equipment for communication with a remote device having a visual display and audible signaling capabilities;

Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular system having an automated radiation dosimeter with wireless communication equipment for communication with a dedicated remote device, such as an audible signaling device for indicating remaining stay time;

Figure 12 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular system having an automated radiation dosimeter with wireless communication equipment communication with a dedicated remote device, such as a vibratory device similar to a pager;

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular system having an automated radiation dosimeter with a remote view interface for pre-programming memory of the dosimeter prior to use in the field;

Figure 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method of determining maximum stay time; and

Figure 15 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a method of determining maximum stay time. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Various exemplary embodiments of an automated radiation dosimeter 100 are illustrated in Figures 1-13. In an embodiment, and as best shown in Figure 1, an automated radiation dosimeter 100 may include a housing 102. A sensor 104 may be carried in housing 102. Sensor 104 may be configured for measuring a level of radiation in an area adjacent housing 102. A microprocessor 106 may be contained within housing 102. Microprocessor 106 may be in communication with sensor 106. Microprocessor 106 may be configured to receive data related to the level of radiation measured by sensor 104. Generally, memory 108 is in communication with microprocessor 106. Memory 108 of dosimeter 100 may include, but is not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), removable memory, and/or non-removable memory. Software code 110 may be stored in memory 108 for calculating a maximum stay time with microprocessor 106. The maximum stay time may be calculated based on the data related to the level of radiation measured by sensor 104. An indicator device 112 may be configured for indicating the maximum stay time. Indicator device 1 12 may also be configured to provide or indicate information other than the maximum stay time. For example, and as will be described in further detail below, indicator device 112 may be configured to provide accumulated radiation dose received, current radiation field intensity (e.g., in mRem/hr), or alternatively dose rate.

As best shown in Figure 2, and in one embodiment, housing 102 of automated radiation dosimeter 100 may include an attachment device 114 for attachment to a user to wear within a radiological environment. Attachment device 114 may include a clip, hook- and-loop tape, snaps or other such attachment features. In another embodiment, housing 102 may not include any attachment features. Housing 102 may be sized for carrying in a pocket or in a hand. In any form described herein, housing 102 may be sized for carrying by a user within a radiological environment. In one embodiment, automated radiation dosimeter 100 may be about the size of a standard pager device.

Sensor 104 may be disposed within housing 102. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, housing 102 may completely surround sensor 104. Alternatively, and as shown in Figure 3, at least a portion 104A of sensor 104 may protrude through housing 102.

Memory 108 may be configured to store data related to the level of radiation measured by sensor 104. Memory 108 may include a single device or multiple devices. As described above, each memory device may include, but is not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), removable memory, and/or non-removable memory.

Microprocessor 106 may be configured to calculate the maximum stay time based on previously stored data and currently obtained data. The previously stored data may be related to the level of radiation previously measured by sensor 104 and stored in memory 108. The currently obtained data may be related to the level of radiation contemporaneously measured by the sensor 104.

In one embodiment, automated radiation dosimeter 100 may have indicator device 112 attached to housing 102. The maximum stay time may be indicated by indicator device 112 and may include a numeric display. Furthermore, the maximum stay time indicated by indicator device 112 may include an alert at a pre-selected interval prior to reaching the maximum stay time.

In one embodiment, indicator device 112 may be configured to provide an escalating warning as the maximum stay time is approached. The escalating warning may include, but is not limited to, one or more indications provided by visual displays 116, audible signal devices 122, and vibratory signaling devices 123. Referring to Figures 1, 3-5, and 8-10, indicator device 112 may include a visual display 116 for indicating maximum stay time. For example, visual display 116 may include one or more of an LCD display 118, at least one LED 120, and a personal digital assistant (PDA) 500. Looking at Figures 1 , 3, and 4, there is shown a series of LEDs 120 a visual display for indicating remaining stay time. As illustrated in Figure 4, LEDs 120 may be progressively activated, or deactivated, from LED 120A to LED 120G in order to indicate time remaining. In an embodiment, each of LEDs 120 may be labeled. In another embodiment, LEDs 120, such as LEDs 120A- 120G, may be unlabeled such that the user is trained on approximate stay times indicated by relative ones of LEDs 120. In an embodiment, LEDs 120 at positions 120A- 120G may be colored red, yellow and green, or other appropriate colors, to signal remaining stay time. Each of LEDs 120 may constitute a single color when activated, or may be selectively activated as a color chosen from multiple colors.

Referring now to Figures 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, and in an embodiment, indicator device 112 may include an audible signal device 122 for indicating the maximum stay time. For example, audible signal device 122 may include one or more of a PDA 500, audible signal device 122 including a beeper 600, and a vibratory signaling device 700.

Audible signal devices 122 may include, for example, audible tones to provide an indication of the remaining stay time or the approaching of the maximum stay time. The audible tones may increase in volume, pitch, or duration as the maximum stay time approaches. In an embodiment, audible signal device may require an acknowledgment from the user, such as depressing a button, so to acknowledge that a pre-selected stay time, such as 10 minutes, remains. In another embodiment, audible signal device 122 may include a synthesized voice to enunciate the remaining time in minutes. Looking at Figures 1-7, automated radiation dosimeter 100 is shown as a self- contained unit. In Figures 1-4, 6, and 7, there is shown the self-contained automated radiation dosimeter 100 having indicator device 112 within housing 102. In Figure 7, housing 102 is attached to PDA 500, and the combined unit of housing 102 and PDA 500 provides all of the features for the self-contained automated radiation dosimeter 100.

Referring to Figures 8-12, indicator device 112 may be separate from housing 102. Wireless communication equipment 124, 126 may be disposed within indicator device and housing 102, respectively. Wireless communication equipment 124 of housing 102 may be configured to receive the maximum stay time from microprocessor 106 and transmit the maximum stay time to indicator device 112.

A numeric display may indicate the maximum stay time by indicator device 112. Alternatively, indicator device may include a progression of graduated lights or other non- numerical output may indicate the maximum stay time. Indicator device 112 may be configured to indicate the maximum stay time by an alert at a pre-selected interval. In an embodiment, indicator device 112 may be configured to provide an escalating warning as the maximum stay time is approached. This escalating warning may include, for example, lights, sounds and vibrations, which may be simultaneously activated, alternately activated, or progressively activated with respect to one another. Escalating warning lights may include strobe lights, flashing lights, progressive LEDs going from a "safe" period of time to various "warning" periods to cumulate in an "exit" period. The "exit" period may include a predetermined buffer time to allow the user to safely leave the radiological scene.

In addition to providing escalating warnings, the automated radiation dosimeter 100 may be configured to provide warnings of increasing urgency as the stay time is reduced. For example, in one embodiment, warnings may be provided at increasing frequency (i.e., reduced times between warnings) as the stay time approaches zero. The increased frequency of warnings may be provided for any of the warnings (e.g., lights, sounds or vibrations) described herein. If voice-synthesized warnings are provided, such warnings may be provided at increasing frequencies. In addition, the verbiage of the warnings can also be changed to convey the sense of increasing urgency as the maximum stay time approaches zero.

In an embodiment, indicator device 1 12 separately disposed from housing 102 may be configured for indicating the maximum stay time with a visual display 116. For example, visual display 116 may include one or more of a PDA 800, at least one LED 900, and an LCD display 1000. In addition to, or instead of, visual display 116, indicator device 112 separately disposed from housing 102 may be configured for indicating the maximum stay time with an audible signal device 122. For example, audible signal device 122 one or more of a PDA 800, a beeper 1100, and a vibratory device 1200.

Automated radiation dosimeter 100 may be configured to store a maximum allowable dose selected by the user in memory 108. The maximum stay time may be calculated by microprocessor 106 based on the maximum allowable dose selected by the user. In an embodiment, a user interface 128 may be provided for the user to adjust the maximum allowable dose. As shown in Figures 1-3, user interface 128 may be in connection with housing 102. Alternatively, and as shown in Figures 5, 8, and 10, user interface 128 may be separate from housing 102. For example, user interface 128 may include one or more buttons, keypads, radio dials, and handwriting recognition software.

For separate modules, housing 102 and user interface 128 may each include wireless communication equipment 124, 126, respectively as shown in Figures 8-12. Wireless communication equipment 124 of housing 102 may be configured to receive the maximum allowable dose from microprocessor 106 and transmit the maximum allowable dose to indicator device 112.

Looking at Figure 13, and as an exemplary example, housing 102 and user interface 128 may each include a connector 1300, 1302, respectively. Connector 1300 of housing 102 and connector 1302 of user interface 128 may be configured for selective attachment to one another. Attachment of connectors 1300, 1302 may allow transmission of the maximum allowable dose from user interface 128 to microprocessor 106 in housing 102. In addition, other data during this interfacing procedure may be transmitted between microprocessor 106 in housing 102 and the user interface 128. For operation within a changing radiation field, microprocessor 106 may be configured to update the maximum stay time based on the level of radiation measured by sensor 104 as the user is within the changing radiation field. When a user first enters a radiation field, automated radiation dosimeter 100 may include an alarm 130 for alerting a user to a presence of a radiation field. Alarm 130 may include one or more of visual display 116 and audible signal device 122 as indicated in Figures 4-6 and 13.

In an embodiment, microprocessor 106 may be configured to compute an accumulated radiological dose for a user. Indicator device 112 may also be configured to display the accumulated radiological dose for the user. Microprocessor 106 may be configured to compute an accumulated radiological rate for a user. Indicator device 112 may be configured to display the accumulated radiological dose rate for a user.

In addition to the basic health physics functions (e.g., stay time, does rate, dose received, radiation field intensity, etc.) that may provided by the automated radiation dosimeter 100, automated radiation dosimeter 100 may be provided with additional functions to increase the utility and/or user-friendliness of the dosimeter 100. For example, in one embodiment, the automated radiation dosimeter 100 may be provided with functionality (e.g., via software code 110) to serve as a training device. Such training functionality would reduce, or even possibly eliminate, the need to provide the user with additional training. Training functions that may be provided include several levels of user-selectable training regimes depending on the knowledge level of the user (i.e., untrained in health physics, some knowledge and training in health physics, extensive training and knowledge in health physics), circumstance (i.e., on the way to an incident, or in the classroom), and need. The various training functions may be performed by providing the dosimeter 100 with voice- synthesis capability so that the various training functions can be easily understood by the user. Automated radiation dosimeter 100 may also be provided with "on-scene responder instruction" functionality (e.g., via software code 110) to provide specific instructions to the user. Such on-scene responder instruction will allow a user without any training in health- physics to follow basic accepted practices while performing responder functions in a radiation field. Such functionality could be provided for several categories of user activity, such as, for example, incident preparation and procedures (e.g., how to suit-up), on-scene procedures and reminders (e.g., don't smoke, don't put your hand in your mouth, wear a respirator, etc), and post-incident procedures, such as cleanup (e.g., reminders to treat all equipment used as contaminated, how to decontaminate, etc.). Such instructions may be provided as written instructions on indicator device 112, via voice synthesis, or some combination of the two.

Optionally, software code 110 of automated radiation dosimeter 100 may be configured for performing ALARA calculations. ALARA is an acronym for As Low As Reasonably Achievable and is a well-known radiation safety principle for minimizing radiation doses and releases of radioactive materials by employing all reasonable methods. Software code 110 may be configured to perform radiation unit conversions. In an embodiment, a battery power source 132 may be provided in connection with housing 102. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, power may be provided from a PDA. In another embodiment, power may be provided from another device or power source.

In another embodiment, automated radiation dosimeter 100 may be provided with an integral global positioning system receiver (GPS) (not shown), to allow the user to readily determine his or her location. Dosimeter 100 may also configured to transmit data to a remote device or facility (e.g., via wireless communication equipment 124) for monitoring by a third party. Exemplary data that may be transmitted may include any or various combinations of data acquired and/or computed by dosimeter 100, including, without limitation, the calculated stay time, data regarding the radiation field, radiation field intensity, accumulated dose, dose rate, and/or position (if a GPS receiver is provided with dosimeter 100).

Referring now to Figure 14, and in an embodiment, there is shown a method 1400 for determining a maximum stay time for a user. Method 1400 may include providing 1402 an automated radiation dosimeter. Method 1400 may further include measuring 1404 the level of radiation in the area adjacent to the housing. Method 1400 may include transmitting 1406 the data related to the level of radiation from the sensor to the microprocessor. Method 1400 may include calculating 1408 the maximum stay time with the microprocessor based on the data related to the level of radiation. Method 1400 may include indicating 1410 the maximum stay time to the user.

In one embodiment, method 1400 may further include storing 1412 the data related to the level of radiation measured by the sensor in the memory. Method 1400 may also include calculating 1414 the maximum stay time based on the data related to the level of radiation stored in the memory and the data related to the level of radiation instantaneously measured by the sensor. In another embodiment, method 1400 may further include providing 1416 a maximum exposure dose to the microprocessor. Method 1400 may also include calculating 1418 the maximum stay time based on the data related to the level of radiation stored in the memory, the data related the level of radiation instantaneously measured by the sensor, and the maximum exposure dose. In another embodiment, method 1400 may include calculating 1420 the maximum stay time based on the data related to the level of radiation measured by the sensor and the maximum exposure dose.

Optionally, indicating 1410 the maximum stay time to the user may include one or more of displaying 1422 a numerical time output, providing 1424 a visual alarm, or providing 1426 an audible alarm, or providing 1428 a vibratory alarm.

In an embodiment, method 1400 may include programming 1430 microprocessor via a wired connection. In another embodiment, method 1400 may include programming 1432 microprocessor via a wireless connection.

Referring to Figure 15, and in an embodiment, there is shown a method 1500 for determining a maximum stay time for a user. Method 1500 may include measuring 1502 a level of radiation in an area with a sensor. Method 1500 further may include transmitting 1504 data related to the level of radiation from the sensor to a microprocessor. Method 1500 may include calculating 1506 a maximum stay time with the microprocessor based on the data related to the level of radiation. Method 1500 may also include indicating 1508 the maximum stay time to the user.

Automatically calculating stay time may allow the user to more effectively plan activities based on a dynamic calculations of radiation exposures prior to receiving a maximum allowable radiation dose. The novel automated radiation dosimeters described herein may include a relatively simple user interface for operation by an emergency responder with little or no training in health physics. Generally, automatic calculation of stay time is less prone to error in comparison to human calculations. Stay time calculations made using dynamic conditions may be much more accurate as calculated times are based on one or more real-time radiation fields. Furthermore, dynamic calculations may be updated regularly as the user moves from one radiation zone to another.

While using the novel automated radiation dosimeter, emergency responders and radiological workers, also referred to as "rad workers", may be provided with a more accurate and expedient determination of stay time. This may be advantageous while responding to a radiation incident or working in varying radiation fields. In turn, more accurate and expedient stay time determination may also provide increased safety and allow better planning of activities while inside radiation areas.

The novel automated radiation dosimeters described herein may also provide a constantly updated readout of how much time the user can stay in the current radiation field based on the user's pre-selected or pre-established maximum allowable dose. As discussed herein, visual, audible or vibration indicators may provide additional warning when the user is at or approaching a maximum stay time.

The automated radiation dosimeter automates the health physics process for the user, and obviates the need for extensive radiation training of first responder personnel.

Having herein set forth preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is anticipated that suitable modifications can be made thereto which will nonetheless remain within the scope of the invention. The invention shall therefore only be construed in accordance with the following claims:

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An automated radiation dosimeter, comprising: a housing; a sensor carried by the housing and configured for measuring a level of radiation in an area adjacent the housing; a microprocessor contained within the housing, in communication with the sensor, and configured to receive data related to the level of radiation measured by the sensor; memory in communication with the microprocessor; software code stored in the memory, said software code instructing said microprocessor to calculate a maximum stay time, the maximum stay time being calculated based on the data related to the level of radiation measured by the sensor; and an indicator device configured for indicating the maximum stay time.

2. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 1, wherein the housing has an attachment device for attaching the housing to a user to wear within a radiological environment.

3. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 1, wherein the housing is sized for carrying by a user within a radiological environment.

4. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 1, wherein the sensor is disposed within the housing.

5. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 4, wherein the housing completely surrounds the sensor.

6. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the sensor protrudes through the housing.

7. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 1, wherein the microprocessor is configured to store data related to the level of radiation measured by the sensor in the memory.

8. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 7, wherein the microprocessor is configured to calculate the maximum stay time based on previously stored data related to the level of radiation stored in the memory together with current data related to the level of radiation measured by the sensor.

9. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 1, wherein the indicator device is attached to the housing.

10. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 9, wherein the indicator device comprises a numeric display.

11. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 9, wherein the maximum stay time indicated by the indicator device comprises an alert at a pre-selected interval.

12. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 11, wherein the indicator device is configured to provide an escalating warning as the maximum stay time is approached.

13. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 9, wherein the device for indicating the maximum stay time comprises a visual display.

14. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 13, wherein the visual display comprises at least one chosen from the group consisting of an LCD display, at least one LED, and a PDA.

15. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 9, wherein the device for indicating the maximum stay time comprises an audible signal device.

16. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 15, wherein the audible signal device comprises at least one chosen from the group consisting of a beeper, a vibration element, and a PDA.

17. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 1, wherein the indicator device is separate from the housing, wherein the housing and the indicator device each comprise wireless communication equipment, and wherein the wireless communication equipment of the housing is configured to receive the maximum stay time from the microprocessor and transmit the maximum stay time to the indicator device.

18. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 17, wherein the maximum stay time indicated by the indicator device comprises a numeric display.

19. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 17, wherein the maximum stay time indicated by the indicator device comprises an alert at a pre-selected interval.

20. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 19, wherein the indicator device is configured to provide an escalating warning as the maximum stay time is approached.

21. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 17, wherein the indicator device is configured for indicating the maximum stay time comprises a visual display.

22. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 21, wherein the visual display comprises at least one chosen from the group consisting of an LCD display, at least one LED, and a PDA.

23. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 17, wherein the device for indicating the maximum stay time comprises an audible signal device.

24. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 23, wherein the audible signal device comprises at least one chosen from the group consisting of a beeper, a vibratory device, and a PDA.

25. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 1, wherein the memory is configured to store a maximum allowable dose selected by the user, and wherein the microprocessor is configured to calculate the maximum stay time based at least in part on the maximum allowable dose selected by the user.

26. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 25, further comprising a user interface for the user to adjust the maximum allowable dose.

27. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 26, wherein the user interface is in connection with the housing.

28. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 26, wherein the user interface is separate from the housing, wherein the housing and the user interface each comprise wireless communication equipment, and wherein the wireless communication equipment of the housing is configured to receive the maximum allowable dose from the microprocessor and transmit the maximum allowable dose to the indicator device.

29. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 26, wherein the user interface is separate from the housing, wherein the housing and the user interface each comprise a connector, and wherein the connector of the housing and the connector of the user interface are configured for selective attachment to one another so as to transmit the maximum allowable dose from the user interface to the microprocessor.

30. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 1, wherein the microprocessor is configured to update the maximum stay time based on the level of radiation measured by the sensor in a changing radiation field.

31. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising an alarm for alerting a user to a presence of a radiation field.

32. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 31 , wherein the alarm comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a visual display and an audible signal device.

33. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 32, wherein the at least one selected visual display and audible signal device comprises at least one selected form the group consisting of an LCD display, at least one LED, a PDA, a beeper, and a vibration element.

34. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 1, wherein the microprocessor is configured for computing an accumulated radiological dose for a user, and wherein the indicator device is configured for displaying the accumulated radiological computed by the microprocessor.

35. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 1, wherein the microprocessor is configured for computing an accumulated radiological dose rate for a user, and wherein the indicator device is configured for displaying the accumulated radiological dose rate computed by the microprocessor.

36. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 1, wherein the software code is configured for performing ALARA calculations.

37. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 1, wherein the software code is configured to perform radiation unit conversions.

38. An automated radiation dosimeter in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a battery power source in connection with the housing.

39. A method of determining a maximum stay time for a user, the method comprising: providing an automated radiation dosimeter, comprising: a housing; a sensor carried by the housing, and configured for measuring a level of radiation in an area adjacent the housing; a microprocessor contained within the housing, in communication with the sensor, and configured to receive data related to the level of radiation measured by the sensor; memory in communication with the microprocessor, and having software code for calculating a maximum stay time with the microprocessor based on the data related to the level of radiation measured by the sensor; and an indicator device configured for indicating the maximum stay time; measuring the level of radiation in the area adjacent to the housing; transmitting the data related to the level of radiation from the sensor to the microprocessor; calculating the maximum stay time with the microprocessor based on the data related to the level of radiation; and indicating the maximum stay time to the user.

40. A method in accordance with claim 39, further comprising storing the data related to the level of radiation measured by the sensor in the memory, and calculating the maximum stay time based on the data related to the level of radiation stored in the memory and the data related to the level of radiation instantaneously measured by the sensor.

41. A method in accordance with claim 39, further comprising providing a maximum exposure dose to the microprocessor, and calculating the maximum stay time based on the data related to the level of radiation stored in the memory, the data related the level of radiation instantaneously measured by the sensor, and the maximum exposure dose.

42. A method in accordance with claim 39, further comprising providing a maximum exposure dose to the microprocessor, and calculating the maximum stay time based on the data related to the level of radiation measured by the sensor and the maximum exposure dose.

43. A method in accordance with claim 39, wherein indicating the maximum stay time to the user comprises displaying a numerical time output.

44. A method in accordance with claim 39, wherein indicating the maximum stay time to the user comprises providing a visual alarm.

45. A method in accordance with claim 39, wherein indicating the maximum stay time to the user comprises providing an audible alarm.

46. A method in accordance with claim 39, wherein indicating the maximum stay time to the user comprises providing a vibratory alarm.

47. A method in accordance with claim 39, further comprising programming the microprocessor via a wired connection.

48. A method in accordance with claim 39, further comprising programming the microprocessor via a wireless connection.

49. A method for determining a maximum stay time for a user, the method comprising: measuring a level of radiation in an area with a sensor; transmitting data related to the level of radiation from the sensor to a microprocessor; calculating a maximum stay time with the microprocessor based on the data related to the level of radiation; and indicating the maximum stay time to the user.

50. The method of claim 49, further comprising providing a training instruction for the user.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein said training instruction comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of a user-selectable training regime, a circumstance, and a need.

52. The method of claim 49, further comprising providing an on-scene instruction for the user.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein said on-scene instruction comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of an incident preparation procedure, an incident procedure, an incident reminder, and a post-incident procedure.