Abstract: A method of reducing data in a scintillation camera having a plurality of photomultiplier tubes arranged in rows and columns. The method comprises steps of (a) summing output signals from the photomultiplier tubes of each row to provide a summed row signal for each row, (b) summing output signals from the photomultiplier tubes of each column to provide a summed column signal for each column, (c) selecting a largest summed row signal and a largest summed column signal from the summed row and column signals, and (d) determining at least three output signals to be required for computing the location of a scintillation event by using the largest summed row and summed column signals, whereby reducing the amount of data to be processed. The determining step can comprise steps of locating an X and Y coordinate corresponding to the largest summed row and summed column signals, and choosing the output signals from at least three photomultiplier tubes which surround the X and Y coordinate.

Abstract: A method for calibrating photomultiplier tubes in a scintillation camera having a plurality of light sources includes the steps of: pulsing all light sources simultaneously; reading the output of each photomultiplier tube; comparing the output of each photomultiplier tube with an expected value; determining whether the output of each photomultiplier tube is within a first specified tolerance; and adjusting each photomultiplier tube if the output of the photomultiplier tube is not within the first specified tolerance.

Abstract: A support structure for medical diagnostic equipment provides entirely independent motions on all axes of the detector and very precise and reproducible motions while allowing for static, linear and rotational imaging such as by a rotatable scintillation detector. The support structure includes a rotor or ring on which there are two arms on which the detector is mounted and a counterweight attached by links to the opposite end of the arms and on the opposite side of the rotor. The arms, on which the detector is rotatably mounted, are attached to the rotor by means of short, double pivoted links which allow the arms to move towards or away from the rotor and pivot with respect to the rotor. Two secondary arms are connected to the pivot point of the detector and to a track mounted on the rotor.

Abstract: A positioner for a scintillation camera detector head is designed for use with a detector head of the type having a center of gravity dependent upon the weight of a removable collimator plate and being supported between a pair of substantially parallel support arms such that the detector head is rotatable relative to the support arms about an axis of rotation passing through the support arms. The positioner includes a pair of rigid detector head links for aligning the center of gravity of the detector head relative to the support arms. Each detector head link includes an arm end rotatably attached to the adjacent support arm by way of an arm axle, and a head end rotatably attached to the detector head by way of a head axle. The positioner also includes a lock for selectively securing the relative positions of the detector head and the detector head links.

Abstract: A photomultiplier tube identifier is designed to identify a malfunctioning photomultiplier tube in a scintillation camera having an array of photomultiplier tubes. The photomultiplier tube identifier includes a photomultiplier tube for generating a photomultiplier tube signal. An amplifier/integrator generates an amplified/integrated signal from the photomultiplier tube signal. An analog to digital converter generates a digitized signal from the amplified/integrated signal. A series of pull up resistors generates a code signal identifying the photomultiplier tube. A bus buffer generates an encoded signal comprising the amplified/integrated signal followed by the code signal. A position computing device calculates the position of the photomultiplier tube. An image computer generates an image from a plurality of encoded signals. A display displays the image.