Method and apparatus for imaging and localizing radiation

Abstract

An imaging probe system includes a portable imaging gamma ray probe and a computer, and is used to locate and examine the distribution of radiation concentrated in animal tissue. The imaging probe system can operate in an imaging mode, a non-imaging mode (simple counting mode), or both simultaneously. The imaging probe system may include smart algorithms that analyze subdivisions of the images and indicate to the user via an audio indicator, a visual indicator, or both, the presence of one or more high-density concentrations of radiation within the image. The determination of such concentrations is governed either spatial resolution requirements of the subdivided image, or based on statistical variations of the cumulative number of particles detected. The imaging probe can also display the count of the detected radioactivity. The frequency of the audio output may be varied in proportion to the count rate and modulating the frequency, volume, phase or stereo panning of the audio output indicates the presence of more than one source in the field of view. By replacing the collimator of the imaging probe, the user is allowed to vary imaging parameters including variable spatial resolution, sensitivity and field of view.