Abstract: A method for automatic removal of vertical streaks involves a comparison between image data for a pixel and its neighbor pixels to determine whether the pixel is non-homogenous. In a preferred method, the comparison employs an adaptive threshold against which a difference between the pixel and its neighbor pixels is compared, with the adaptive threshold taking into account accumulative information pertaining to pixels generated by a common optical sensor element. A preferred method also includes the step of considering locations of non-homogenous pixels in the image to determine whether the image data associated with the non-homogenous pixels needs to be changed or modified. A preferred method also includes the step of associating the non-homogenous pixels with different image data.

Abstract: A method of investigating the response of an instrument to gamma emissions using a source package includes providing a source package on one side of a collimator including an aperture and a detector on the other side of the collimator relative to the source package, the collimator and detector positions defining an operating axis for the instrument. The position of the source package is then moved relative to the collimator. The response of the detector is measured for two or more of these different positions of the source package. The aperture in the collimator has a first dimension measured in a first direction perpendicular to the operating axis. The source package includes one or more individual gamma emitting sources provided in a container. During use, the individual source(s) have an overall extent in the first direction, the overall extent, during at least 10 seconds of use, being two or more times the first dimension of the collimator in that first direction.

Abstract: A method of investigating the response of an instrument to gamma emissions using a source package includes providing a source package on one side of a collimator including an aperture and a detector on the other side of the collimator relative to the source package, the collimator and detector positions defining an operating axis for the instrument. The position of the source package is then moved relative to the collimator. The response of the detector is measured for two or more of these different positions of the source package. The aperture in the collimator has a first dimension measured in a first direction perpendicular to the operating axis. The source package includes one or more individual gamma emitting sources provided in a container. During use, the individual source(s) have an overall extent in the first direction, the overall extent, during at least 10 seconds of use, being two or more times the first dimension of the collimator in that first direction.