PROcount-ESP Count Procedure Software
Features
- Complete proceduralized operation for the routine gamma counting facility
- Procedures for sample counting, background counting, calibration and quality control
- Sample analysis types provide control over sample counting and analysis protocols and are uniquely defined for the site
- Supports multiple detectors operating independently, with each detector capable of having its own analysis sequence and associated parameters
- Security commands restrict access to functions based on user authorizations
- Audit log records important tasks that are performed along with time and name of operator
- Optional sample changer support allows preloading sample information for a batch with unattended sample counting and processing (Model 480676)
- Operation with mouse or keyboard
Description
PROcount-ESP Counting Procedure Software is designed for the routine counting laboratory that must efficiently count large numbers of samples in a consistent, defensible manner.
PROcount procedures direct a system operator through various operations. Step by step instructions reduce the possibility of erroneous operation and result in more efficient operation and consistent results.
The procedures guide the user through sample counting, calibration operations, background counting and quality assurance. User dialog is presented using terminology defined by the system manager at setup time. Thus, the user is completely isolated from the operating system’s computer commands. In no case is the user expected to remember file names or type instructions to the system.
Operation is further simplified, and correct operation assured, by PROcount's security system. The VMS User Name determines which functions the user will be able to access. The system will restrict this user's access to those functions that have been defined in the Security File Editor.
The straightforward menu structures in PROcount are implemented in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) style, providing a simple user interface to comprehensive counting procedures. All operations can be accomplished via either a mouse or keyboard.
PROcount eliminates the tedium of building software command procedures or batches by providing a comprehensive set of pre-programmed procedures. The user needs only to bring up the PROcount environment to set up the MCA, define sample types and geometries, calibrate and begin counting.
Yet PROcount is fully flexible. The system manager can define numerous geometries, sample types and parameter/sample information entry screens. The manager builds analysis protocols – choosing from a variety of analysis algorithms – defines custom report formats and configures quality control tests to monitor the parameters of his or her choosing.
SAMPLE COUNTING
Sample counting is the most fundamental operation performed by PROcount. The sample counting user-interface dialog is driven by setup information which describes the sample types, counting geometries and other information to be used by the system.
When the user selects “Start a Count” from the main menu, a list of sample types is presented from which the user can choose. For example, if the system is configured to count milk, water, vegetation and filter samples, these are the choices that appear on the menu.
Once the sample type is selected, the software prompts the user for detector number and geometry for the sample count. Selection of each of these items (sample type, detector, geometry) defines the parameters necessary to count and analyze the sample.
Each sample type can be set up to count for a preset real or live time. PROcount also includes logic for counting to a preset Minimum Detectable Activity (MDA). This mode of operation allows counting until a particular sensitivity is reached, or until a maximum count time expires. Lab managers can optimize the use of detection systems by ensuring that excessively long count times are not routinely performed.
BACKGROUND COUNTING
Most counting labs use analysis protocols that are designed to compensate for known background contribution to that sample under analysis. This is done by counting a background spectrum, either on an empty shield or with a blank sample container, performing an analysis on the spectrum and using those results to perform a peak net area background subtraction on the unknown samples.
PROcount provides a procedure specifically for counting background spectra. The user is guided through a dialog that prompts for detector and geometry, then performs a full assay.
The results are stored and automatically associated with the selected detector and geometry. At this point, they are available for use in any count procedures that call for background subtraction. This protects the user from the tedium of making this association manually at the time samples are counted.
CALIBRATION
PROcount calibration procedures accomplish initial energy and shape calibration, energy recalibration and efficiency calibration.
Calibration operations are performed on a calibration file. The operator is prompted for a certificate file name, then to position the calibration standard on the detector. The system counts the standard and saves the results for use in later calibration operations.
For initial energy/shape calibration, the user is directed to select “initial calibration” peaks, typically two lines at opposite ends of the spectrum, to establish a rough two point calibration. A calibration plot is presented on the screen to verify that the selected points were correct.
The system then proceeds with the full calibration, using all energy lines in the standard, and again presents the plot. On the plot, the user can make adjustments to the calibration if desired.
After an initial energy/shape calibration has been done, the operator can perform routine recalibrations by simply selecting “Recalibrate” from the menu after counting a new calibration spectrum. This operation matches the lines in the calibration certificate to those in the standard and automatically updates the calibration.
Efficiency calibration calculates the efficiency calibration by mapping the calibration peak areas to the decay adjusted activity in the certificate file. The user selects a geometry, then the system performs calibration calculations and presents the calibration curve graphically.
Efficiency calibrations need to be approved before they can be used. If, at the conclusion of the calibration, the current user is signed on at a sufficiently high security level, the operator is asked to approve the calibration. Otherwise, the operator is warned that the calibration will not take effect until approved. A user at a higher security level can then approve the calibration using a separate “Approve Efficiency Results” dialog.
QUALITY CONTROL
PROcount procedures facilitate the maintenance of quality control records (when the Quality Assurance Software option is installed). The Quality Control menu selection guides the user through counting of a standard, then transfers the results to the appropriate QA file.
QA files are maintained for calibration and background by detector and geometry. A QA file may also be maintained for manually entered information such as temperature and humidity, LN usage, etc.
Additional facilities exist to allow the user to automatically make entries to a QA file as each sample is counted.
The system manager defines, through the standard QA editor, the variables for which QA information is to be maintained. The standard QA editor, which is accessible via a PROcount Edit menu, is used to generate QA plots and reports.
SYSTEM SECURITY
PROcount is structured to support the complete count room operation. As such, the system is designed to be used by operators at a variety of levels. For example, operations that may be available to the system manager or engineer (such as the nuclide library editor) may not be appropriate for the operating technician to access.
PROcount’s built in security system restricts access to functions based on user name. The security system is fully flexible and can easily be tailored by the system manager by simple editing of the security file or the batch procedures that drive the PROcount dialog. Thus, it is the system managers decision if access is to be controlled and which capabilities are assigned to which classes of users.
A user/password file is maintained by the system, which describes which users are allowed access to the system and their passwords. Also defined in that file is a security flag for each user. Whenever an operation is initiated, PROcount checks the security flag of the currently signed on user to determine if the function is allowed. If the user is allowed access, operations are permitted.
An audit log keeps track of activities such as calibrations, counts, edits, backups, reanalyses and modifications to detector status. The log records the time and name of the person who performed the activity.
SYSTEM SETUP
Setting up the PROcount system is straightforward. The system manager configures the MCA through Genie-ESP commands in the usual way. If programmable signal processing is used on the system (e.g. ICB NIM) the manager sets up the front end using the adjustment dialog of the Genie-ESP Spectroscopy Assistant environment.
At this point, all that is required is for the manager to define counting parameters and sample types. Nuclide libraries and certificate files can also be set up.
Then the manager creates a set of sample type definitions corresponding to the nature of the samples to be counted on the system. The Analysis Sequence File editor prompts the manager for the analysis protocol, parameter editing screen, default preset time, and other information for this sample type.
Other PROcount setup options are available, such as archive device specification, default count times for calibration and background spectra, and various dialog options.
Model 480676 PROCOUNT/SC SAMPLE CHANGER SOFTWARE OPTION
The PROcount Sample Changer Software works together with PROcount to provide a fully automated method of controlling selected sample changers. Each PROcount/SC based system can include one or more sample changers, controlled either through a serial I/O link or through a TTL compatible Change command (contact the factory for a list of supported sample changers).
The PROcount Sample Changer Software allows preloading a sample changer with a group of samples called a batch. When beginning a count, information about samples in the batch are loaded into the software. The type of information that needs to be defined for each sample depends upon the selected Sample Type. Batches can consist of either samples of all the same type, or samples of differing types.
When the sample type and geometry, including sample-specific information, have been defined, PROcount will begin to count the samples by sequencing them into the shield, counting for the defined time, loading the next sample, and processing the one just collected. In effect, once the process is started, it continues unattended until the entire batch is complete. Data collected for each sample is stored in an archive file for later review.
PROcount/SC provides selected functions for defining batch names, selecting sample changers, defining sample changer interface ports and editing batch definitions before counting. In addition, PROcount/SC includes modes for allowing default parameters to be propagated to all samples within a batch.
PREREQUISITES
The PROcount Software is available for both VAX- and Alpha CPU-based Genie-ESP systems. PROcount and PROcount/SC require that the Genie-ESP systems be configured to include one or more CANBERRA 556A AIM Modules, plus the following software:
480198 VMS Basic Spectroscopy Software480258 VMS Genie Acquisition Control Software
480726 VMS Genie-ESP Software
480201 VMS Nuclide ID Software
OPTIONAL SOFTWARE
CANBERRA recommends the following optional software:
480206 VMS Detector QA Software480269 VMS Digital Plot Software
– or –
480539 VMS Print/Plot Software
SU-ASST2 Startup Assistance, 2 Day
INSTALL-5 Startup Assistance, 5 Day
Alpha, VAX and VMS are registered trademarks of Digital Equipment
Corporation.
Note to our International Customers: If you would like a quote on this product, please contact your Local Sales Office for assistance. |
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| Models | Description | |
| 480720LL | PROcount-ESP Counting Procedure - Unlimited License - AXP | |
| 480720AS | PROcount-ESP Counting Procedure Software Support - 1 Yr | |