def image_strings(split=false)
      # Pixel data may be a single binary string in the pixel data element,
      # or located in several encapsulated item elements:
      pixel_element = self[PIXEL_TAG]
      strings = Array.new
      if pixel_element.is_a?(Element)
        if split
          strings = pixel_element.bin.dup.divide(num_frames)
        else
          strings << pixel_element.bin
        end
      elsif pixel_element.is_a?(Sequence)
        pixel_items = pixel_element.children.first.children
        pixel_items.each {|item| strings << item.bin}
      end
      return strings
    end
def image_strings(split=false)
      # Pixel data may be a single binary string in the pixel data element,
      # or located in several encapsulated item elements:
      pixel_element = self[PIXEL_TAG]
      strings = Array.new
      if pixel_element.is_a?(Element)
        if split
          strings = pixel_element.bin.dup.divide(num_frames)
        else
          strings << pixel_element.bin
        end
      elsif pixel_element.is_a?(Sequence)
        pixel_items = pixel_element.children.first.children
        pixel_items.each {|item| strings << item.bin}
      end
      return strings
    end
Extracts the pixel data binary string(s) in an array.

 @param [Boolean] split if true, a pixel data string containing 3D volumetric data will be split into N substrings (where N equals the number of frames)
 @return [Array<String, NilClass>] an array of pixel data strings, or an empty array (if no pixel data present)