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Upgrading from Version 1.0

The major enhancements brought to GammaVision-32 V 1.0 are:

  • New ROI-32 Analysis Engine
    For the user who needs to mark specific Regions-of-Interest for nuclides within their library, we now have an analysis engine designed to do just that. Designed for the highly technically qualified user, this engine should be used with caution. The user manual gives specific cautions and guidelines for using this engine. For those that do choose the ROI-32 engine, they can analyze Live spectra or Archived spectra.
  • Improvement to the Total Uncertainty Calculation
    Previous versions of GammaVision included options for calculating Total Uncertainty (TPU). However, the user was limited on the type of distribution he could apply to the specific uncertainty terms. With the latest version of GammaVision-32, the user can define their uncertainty terms, and decide how to propagate the terms. The user has the option of treating their additional uncertainty as a uniform (rectangular distribution), or a normal distribution. The software will apply the correct mathematical propagation of the Total Uncertainty.
  • Two New “Hot Buttons” Added to the Toolbar
    The Sample Type Settings button will immediately open the dialog that controls the current analysis settings for the detector or buffer selected. This duplicates the Analyze/Settings/Sample type (three mouse clicks) operation on the main tool bar.
    The Analyze Spectrum button will immediately analyze the spectrum selected. This duplicates the Analyze/Entire Spectrum in Memory (two mouse clicks) operation on the main tool bar.
  • Create PBC Function Added to Peak Background Correction Menu
    This allows the user to more quickly create and save a background file. In older versions of GammaVision, this function required multiple steps and was prone to user error. Now, the user utilizes the Browse and Save functions to easily associate the Background spectra to a file.
  • Enhanced User Manual
    Table to assist user in selection of the proper Analysis Engine
    Clearly defined explanations of the MDA options
    Thorough explanation of the various ZDT modes
    Detailed explanation of the QA parameters that are monitored
    And of course, an explanation of the new features of GammaVision 6.06
  • A New Multi-Detector Interface
    With the new GammaVision, your entire laboratory can be visible within the GammaVision program interface. The new Mutiple Detector Interface in GammaVision allows viewing up to 8 Detector and 8 Buffer windows simultaneously for a total of 16 interactive windows. Controlling multiple detectors, visually comparing spectra, and viewing multiple MCB properties is now easier than ever!
  • Simple Simultaneous Acquisition Control
    The new interface not only allows viewing and comparing of spectrum windows, but also for maximizing sample throughput in your lab. You can begin acquisitions of multiple samples or select one detector at a time. Synchronizing data acquisition on multiple detectors simultaneously is now a snap! Acquisition options allow for automatic acquisition for a group or single detector. The analyst can be prompted for acquisition options when acquisition is stopped and started, or the preferred option can be predefined. The new features are sure to improve the performance of your lab…..and FAST!
  • Display Analysis Results
    Spectral displays are now more powerful than ever with peak nuclide identification, absolute and relative residuals, and a variety of flexible display properties for every aspect of the spectrum display. It has never been easier and faster to identify a full-energy peak than with the new Analysis Results Display!
  • The New Winplots
    The new GammaVision improves not only your ability to quickly and easily identify and highlight energy peaks on screen, but also to create quickly a precise spectral report for the region of the spectrum that you need…and that is just the beginning with the new Winplots! Notable feature enhancements to the Winplots spectral reporting tool include: fill properties for identified, unidentified, multiplet, and composite peaks; spectrum display in points, line, or filled formats; peak information pop-ups; and manual or automatic scaling of all axes. These features are available within GammaVision and WinPlots.
    These new features allow you to define precisely the region of the spectrum that you require — easily and quickly!
  • Interactive Manual Calibration
    When the time comes to import a spectrum for another format or you need to fine tune the energy calibration of your spectrum, you need to get it done without delay. The newly enhanced calibration features in GammaVision include a Manual Energy Calibration dialog that offers greater flexibility in fine tuning calibrations and ensuring compatibility with other spectrum formats. The Channel and FWHM associated with each energy peak can now be manually defined to match data pairs from other system spectra and precisely duplicate their calibrations. Calibrations performed using the interactive and automatic methods offered in earlier versions of GammaVision can also be adjusted easily to meet specific needs.
  • Fully-Embedded DataMaster Option
    When you need to analyze spectra from various data formats, you need to do quickly and easily — with as few steps as possible. The new GammaVision includes an option for a fully-embedded application that makes reading and writing in numerous spectral formats a snap!
    DataMaster is a powerful spectrum conversion utility that is supported as an Add-In for GammaVision. This program allows superior flexibility in converting between a wide variety of spectrum formats for use in GammaVision and other software products. Switching between different formats is now as simple as opening or saving a file!
  • True Coincidence Correction to Reduce Effects of Cascade Summing
    GammaVision-32 includes a new algorithm for correction of cascade summing (or True Coincidence Summing) gamma rays such as those from Co-60, Cs-134, Eu-152, and hundreds of other isotopes. Cascade summing results in loss of counts from photo peaks which ultimately causes the under-reporting of activities for the affected nuclides.
  • ZDT™ Analysis with Uncertainty Calculation
    When used with the ORTEC DSPEC-PLUS MCB, loss free counting correction using ORTEC's Zero Dead Time algorithm can be enabled to correct every channel of the spectrometer for counting losses due to system dead time. This method is especially suited to applications such as the analysis of rapidly decaying samples as in Neutron Activation Analysis or "hot spots" as in real time monitoring of effluents. GammaVision-32 also includes, for the first time anywhere, the correct propagation of the counting uncertainties in the ZDT-corrected spectrum (patent applied for).
  • Calibration Wizard
    A new calibration wizard walks the operator through all steps to perform: Energy, Efficiency, and True Coincidence Correction calibrations. The fully automated wizard reduces the chances of data input errors during the calibration process.
  • New Analysis Engine Optimized for Environmental Sample Counting
    A new analysis engine, ENV32, has been added which enhances GammaVision-32’s capabilities in analyzing complex environmental samples. ENV32 allows the user to select a large library with many potential nuclides and then uses a Mariscotti-type peak search to identify, quantify, and report activities for radioisotopes in the library. The new engine also includes directed fit capabilities for singlets and multiplets.
  • Presets for Counting
    Users with DSPEC-PLUS MCBs can now take advantage of Multi-Nuclide MDA preset count conditions in addition to all the other available presets.
  • Enhanced Support for Nuclide Navigator III
    Users of Nuclide Navigator III (Model C53-B32) chart of the nuclides software can now directly use Nuclide Navigator libraries, in Microsoft Access format, in GammaVision. You can also select the Nuclide Navigator or GammaVision editor as the library editor.
  • Enhanced Source Certificate File Editor
    A fully graphical interface for creating and editing certificate files for calibration sources.
  • Built-in Support for Future Hardware
    New technology has been added so that the latest version of GammaVision-32 will automatically support new hardware (including the saving of hardware parameters in the SPC file) without any change to GammaVision itself. ORTEC’s unique, seamless integration of hardware with the user interface remains fully intact.
  • Expanded Dictionary of GammaVision Job Commands
    These commands have been added or enhanced in the Job File facility, to increase the degree of automation achievable:
    SAVE command includes an optional numeric identifier for support of MCBs that have multiple spectrum capability (such as the DSPEC-PLUS in ZDT Modes). Allows the operator to write JOB files to save the spectrum in each of the memories automatically.
    SAVE_CALIBRATION command added which allows the JOB file to save the current energy and efficiency calibration to a new calibration file (*.CLB).
  • Direct Save/Recall of *.SPE File Format
    GammaVision-32 can save and recall spectral data in the ASCII SPE format direct from the File menu (no translation into CHN or SPC formats required).
  • Improvements to the Analysis Engines for Small Peaks
    The peak analysis process uses the peak amplitude to reduce the peak-analysis-width-region in order to reduce the peak area uncertainty.
    The directed fit process for small peaks has been improved.
    The peak rejection flags (for bad shape) can be ignored. Small peaks can often have bad shape because of statistical fluctuations in the low counts per channel.
  • New Analysis Engine Optimized for Nuclear Power Plant Sample Counting
    A new analysis engine, NPP32, has been added which specifically addresses the needs of analyzing samples in nuclear power plants. NPP32 was designed with the input from key nuclear power counting room customers. In addition to a revised decision tree used for determining the presence or absence of a nuclide, a more detailed output report gives the users and reviewers better information about how GammaVision qualifies the data.
  • MCB Hardware Support
    Fully Integrated Support for all ORTEC MCBs including the DSPEC-PLUS, TRUMP-PCI, LANL M3CA, and Rossendorf MiniMCA-166.
  • Control of Peak Stripping
    Full user control of peak stripping with manual or automatic options, to insure proper multinuclide interference corrections.
  • Presets for Counting User presets for counting to specified MDA, specified statistical measures, live time, real time, peak region of interest, and region of interest integral.
  • User-Defined Criteria for Peak and Nuclide Acceptance Testing Including counting uncertainty, key line matching, and abundance fraction testing for greater nuclide matching assurance.
  • Peak and Nuclide Flagging For user control of averaging, activity reporting, and MDA reporting.
  • On-Screen Updates Real-time on-screen Live updates of selected peak information during acquisition, especially useful during setup or calibrations.
  • Support for Right-Click Mouse Operations In the spectrum display window of GammaVision-32, right-clicking with the mouse will bring up a quick-start menu allowing the operator to Start/Stop/Clear the data acquisition, Zoom In/Out, Set/Clear an ROI, Get Peak Information, or View the MCB Properties page. This feature offers quick access to these often-used commands for the ultimate in convenience.
  • Toolbar Buttons For control of routine MCB and software functions. Simplifies user interaction with the hardware and software.
  • View GammaVision-32 Files with Windows Explorer Full integration of GammaVision-32 files into Windows Explorer for simple file and program access using Windows file associations for Spectrum files (CHN, SPC, and AN1 extensions), JOB files (JOB extension), and Library files (LIB extension). This allows the user to double-click the names for the files in Windows Explorer (or My Computer) and have the spectrum, JOB file editor, or library editor displayed automatically.
  • Input Count Rate Meter Enabling the new Input Count Rate Meter will display the actual number of events detected at the input to the spectrometers supporting this feature (such as the DSPEC-PLUS and MiniMCA-166).
  • MCB Hardware Support
    Hardware control has been added for the DART MCA. Field mode support for DART and MicroNOMAD has also been added.
  • High-Productivity User Interface Option (MultiTasker-32)
    A High-Productivity User Interface option allows predefined, but fixed screens to be used to achieve the simplest possible operator interface. This option also provides support for sample changers.
  • File Import/Export
    Files produced in other vendors formats may now be imported and exported via GammaVision-32. To assist the operator, Spectrum File Recall dialog now shows sample description, file size, and date.
  • Automatic Isotope Identification Mode
    An alternate analysis "engine" is provided, capable of operating with extremely large libraries for the analysis of complete unknowns. The library is automatically modified on the basis of found key peaks before analysis. A high degree of resistance to false alarms is achieved.
  • Optional Configurable Report Writer and Access-Compatible Results Database
    An optional configurable report generator allows results to be written to an intermediate Accesscompatible database. The standard report is extracted from this database. Completely custom reporting is possible via the use of user-created templates.
  • Peak Interference Correction
    The ability to solve multiplets in which the overlap is so severe that no "normal" deconvolution is possible, has been added.
  • Geometry Correction
    A geometry correction function has been added to allow multiple geometries to be referenced back to a single "primary" geometry, thereby greatly simplifying the recalibration process.
  • Absorption Correction
    An absorption correction function has been added to allow correction for matrix (internal) absorption and container wall (external) absorption. This may be implemented by the use of standard absorbers or by material data stored in the supplied internal database.
  • Calculation of Isotope-Related Derived Quantities
    Derived quantity calculations for DAC (MPC), IEQ, and EBar have been added.
  • Calibration Improvements
    Calibration has been extensively improved. Automatic energy calibration may be achieved with no prior knowledge other than the name of the radioactive source library (patent applied for). The user may now recall energy of efficiency or both calibrations from .CLB, .SPC, or analysis files.
  • Control of Peak Stripping
    Full user control of peak stripping with manual or automatic options, to insure proper multinuclide interference corrections.
  • User-Defined Criteria for Peak and Nuclide Acceptance Testing
    Including counting uncertainty, key line matching, and abundance fraction testing for greater nuclide matching assurance.
  • Peak and Nuclide Flagging
    For user control of averaging, activity reporting, and MDA reporting.
  • Total Uncertainty
    Total uncertainty calculation has been added, also user-set random and systematic uncertainties.
  • Hardware Parameters Stored to Spectral File
    Hardware parameter settings are now saved with the spectral data.
  • IMPROVED Facilities for Sample Automation
    • Expanded Dictionary of GammaVision Job Commands
      These commands have been added to enhance the power of the Job File facility, to increase the degree of automation achievable:
      BEEP "string" function has been made more flexible, including the ability to use .WAV files.
      CALIBRATE_AUTO automatic energy calibrate.
      EXPORT "filename"
      IMPORT "filename"
      LOCK "Pwd" ["Name"] lock the current Detector using "Pwd" as the password.
      LOOP SPECTRA...END_LOOP (for field mode).
      QABACKGROUND background QA test.
      QASAMPLE sample QA test.
      REM [Text]
      UNLOCK "Pwd" unlock the current Detector using "Pwd" as the password.
      VIEW "i" moves the "i"th stored spectrum to position 0.
      WAIT_QA wait until QA is complete.
      SAVE command includes an optional numeric identifier for support of MCB’s that have multiple spectrum capability (such as the DSPEC-PLUS in ZDT Modes). Allows the operator to write JOB files which will save the spectrum in each of the memories automatically.
      SAVE_CALIBRATION command added which allows the JOB file to save the current energy and efficiency calibration to a new calibration file (*.CLB).
    • DSPEC Commands Added to Job File Language:
      SET_PRESET_UNCERTAINTY <limit>,<low channel>,<high channel>.
      START_OPTIMIZE starts optimize function.
      START_PZ triggers Auto PZ.
      STOP_PZ stops Auto PZ.
      WAIT_AUTO waits for both OPTIMIZE and Auto PZ to complete.
      WAIT_CHANGER waits for the sample changer to advance; this is done automatically as part of the existing CHANGE_SAMPLE command.
      Job File Macros
      The following macros are expanded in Job file strings:
      $(FullPath) Full pathname of the spectrum file.
      $(FullBase) Full pathname of the spectrum without '.' and extension.
      $(FileExt) File extension of the spectrum file.
      $(FileDir) Directory of the spectrum file without the last backslash (\).
      $(McaDir) GammaVision directory without the last backslash.
      $(CurDir) Starting (current) directory.
      $(Loop) Current value of the loop counter.
      $(AutoFile) Creates an automatic filename based on Start/Save/Report settings.
      Export/Import Macros
      The following macros are expanded in Job file strings:
      $(ShortPath) Relative pathname of the spectrum file.
      $(ShortBase) Relative pathname of the spectrum without '.' and extension.
      $(ExeDir) Export/Import program directory without the last backslash.
  • 32-Bit Operation
    GammaVision-32 is a true 32-bit application. 32-bit operation results in smoother, truly preemptive multitasking, and greater crash resistance.
  • CONNECTIONS -32 Support
    CONNECTIONS     -32 is the ORTEC architecture for Local Area Networks (LAN). It is built into all 32-bit software products which control ORTEC MCB hardware. In a LAN environment, CONNECTIONS provides a host of benefits, including remote control of detectors across the network with live spectral display, easy connection to remote systems, resource sharing, etc. Detector locking security is provided. A separate brochure on CONNECTIONS -32 is available on request.
  • Expanded Dictionary of GammaVision Job Commands
    These commands have been added to enhance the power of the Job File facility, to increase the degree of automation achievable:
    ANALYZE [<spectrum filename>] analyze SPC file on disk or analyzes displayed spectrum if no file name given.
    ASK_CALIBRATION
    ASK_COLLECTION
    ASK_DESCRIPTION
    ASK_LIBRARY
    ASK_OPERATOR
    ASK_OPTIONS
    ASK_PRESET
    ASK_SPECTRUM
    ASK_WEIGHT
    BEEP "string" function has been made more flexible, including the ability to use .WAV files.
    CALIBRATE_AUTO automatic energy calibrate.
    EXPORT "filename"
    IMPORT "filename"
    LOCK "Pwd" ["Name"] lock the current Detector using "Pwd" as the password.
    LOOP SPECTRA...END_LOOP (for field mode).
    QABACKGROUND background QA test.
    QASAMPLE sample QA test.
    REM [Text]
    RUN_MINIMIZED "program"
    UNLOCK "Pwd" unlock the current Detector using "Pwd" as the password.
    VIEW "i" moves the "i"th stored spectrum to position 0.
    WAIT "program" waits until the named Program, e.g., started by the "RUN" command, stops execution.
    WAIT_QA wait until QA is complete.
    ZOOM<i> changes the size of the GammaVision window to icon, normal, or maximum.
    ZOOM: <x,y,w,h> changes the size of the GammaVision window to the stated values.
  • Quality Assurance, According to ANSI N13.30 Requirements
  • IMPROVED Facilities for Sample Automation
    • Increased Command Line Options for Use on Program Startup
      The startup command line can be used to define several application- or installation-related properties, analysis library, detector "pick list" (detectors allowed to be seen by THIS application/operator), and display zoom, position, and "always on top." Also a specific .JOB file may be specified to be automatically executed on startup. Thereby GammaVision-32 may be customized to accommodate "production lab" needs and personal preferences; separate desktop icons may be used for each different "appearance" of GammaVision-32. Multiple copies may run simultaneously.
    • "PROGRAM" Output Option (under Analysis settings)
      This allows the report to be sent directly to an external program for further processing, e.g., to a report generator or word processor.
    • An On-Line JOB Editor Simplifies Use of .JOB Files
    • Expanded Dictionary of GammaVision Job Commands
      These commands have been added to enhance the power of the Job File facility, to increase the degree of automation achievable:
      ASK_CALIBRATION
      ASK_COLLECTION
      ASK_DESCRIPTION
      ASK_LIBRARY
      ASK_OPERATOR
      ASK_OPTIONS
      ASK_PRESET
      ASK_SPECTRUM
      ASK_WEIGHT
      RUN_MINIMIZED "program"
      VIEW "i" moves the "i"th stored spectrum to position 0.
      WAIT "program" waits until the named Program, e.g., started by the "RUN" command, stops execution.
      WAIT_QA wait until QA is complete.
      ZOOM<i> changes the size of the GammaVision window to icon, normal, or maximum.
      ZOOM: <x,y,w,h> changes the size of the GammaVision window to the stated values.
  • Peaked Background Correction (PBC) Added
    PBC allows analysis of samples for nuclides also present in the background. It is based on subtraction of peak counts from the background. Correct statistics are preserved.
  •  On-Line Help
    Context-sensitive on-line help is provided for most GammaVision-32 functions.
  • Password Security on ALL Menu Items
    This provides extensive and very flexible password security on all menu items, allowing access to certain "sensitive" functions such as calibration or library editing to be restricted to supervisors.