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Rhythm™ RTUser’s Guide

104-4L7-J14 Rev. CAugust 2013

Rhythm™ RTX-Ray Inspection System

User’s Guide

104-4L7-J14 Rev. CAugust 2013

www.ge-mcs.com

©2013 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.Technical content subject to change without notice.

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ii

Contents

Chapter 1. System Log On

1.1 Logging onto the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Chapter 2. Administrator Functions

2.1 System Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.2 Destinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.2.1 Default Value for Study ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2.2.2 Date-Time Stamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2.2.3 Custom Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.2.4 Low Disk Space Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.2.5 Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.2.6 Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.2.7 Scanner Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.2.8 Data Directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.2.9 Language. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.2.10 Edit Fields Layout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.2.11 X-Ray Automation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.2.12 Inspection Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.2.13 Pipe Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.2.14 Import Techniques. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.3 Administrator XML File Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Chapter 3. Using Techniques

3.1 Component Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3.1.1 Add New Component . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.1.1a Using Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.1.2 Edit Component . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.1.3 Delete Component . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.1.4 Clone Component . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.1.5 Updating Component Headers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3.2 Technique Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.2.1 Add New Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.2.2 Integration of Rhythm DR into the Technique Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.2.3 Pipe Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

3.2.4 Setup Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3.2.5 Setup Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3.2.6 Exposure Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

3.2.7 Delete Technique. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.2.8 Clone Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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Contents

Chapter 4. CR 100 Phosphor Scanner/Digitizer

4.1 Selecting a Different CR/FD Scanner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

4.2 The CR 100 Phosphor Scanner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

4.3 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

4.3.1 Pixel Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

4.3.2 Gain Select. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

4.3.3 Calibration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

4.3.4 Shifted Density Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

4.3.5 Working with Two Scanners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

4.4 CR100 Image Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

4.4.1 Application Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

4.4.2 Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

4.4.3 Select Calibration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Chapter 5. CR Tower

5.1 CR Tower Image Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26


5.1.2 Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Chapter 6. FS50 Film Digitizer

6.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

6.2 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

6.3 System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

6.4 Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

6.5 Scan Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

6.5.1 Pixel Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

6.5.2 Scan Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

6.5.3 Scan Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

6.5.4 Single Film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

6.5.5 Roll Film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

6.5.6 Scan, Cancel Scan and Eject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

6.6 Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

iv Rhythm™ RT User’s Guide

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Chapter 7. CR50P/CRx25P Scanner

7.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

7.2 Scan Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

7.2.1 Basic (Preset) Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

7.2.2 Resolution Setting Advanced Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

7.2.3 Gain Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

7.2.4 Calibration File Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

7.3 Scanner Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

7.3.1 Scan Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

7.3.2 Cancel Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

7.3.3 Ejecting a Jammed Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

7.4 Advanced Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

7.4.1 Binning Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

7.4.2 Customer Parameter File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

7.5 Creating Calibration Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

7.5.1 Calibrate Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Chapter 8. CRxFlex

8.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

8.2 General Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

8.3 Scan Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

8.4 Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

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Chapter 9. DXR X-Ray Inspection System

9.1 Rhythm DXR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

9.2 Cautions and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

9.3 Image Acquisition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49


9.3.2 Acquiring an Image (Static Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

9.3.3 Acquiring in Real-time Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

9.4 Image Analysis Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

9.4.1 Sharpening filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

9.4.2 Recursive Averaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

9.4.3 Finite Averaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

9.4.4 Playback Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

9.4.5 Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

9.4.6 Viewer Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

9.5 Administrative Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

9.5.1 Calibration Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

9.5.2 Validation Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

9.5.3 General Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

9.5.3a Panel Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

9.5.3b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allow Limited User to Change Exposure Settings58

9.5.3c Link to X-ray controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

9.5.3d Viewer Temperature Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

9.5.3e Perform Gain and Offset Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

9.5.3f Perform Pixel Interpolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

9.5.3g Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

9.5.4 Acquisition Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

9.5.4a Binning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

9.5.4b Static/Real-time Acquisition Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

9.5.4c Disable the Offset Difference Test During Pixel Interpolation Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

9.5.4d Add 275 (e/c), 550 (e/c), 1100 (e/c), 8800 (e/c) Gain Options in Real Time Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

9.5.4e Override General DR Exposure Settings with the Current Technique Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

9.5.5 Communications Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

9.6 Detector Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

9.6.1 Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

9.6.1a Manufacturer Recommended Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

9.6.1b ASTM Calibration Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

9.6.1c Gain and Offset Calibrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

9.6.2 ASTM Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

9.6.3 ASTM Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

vi Rhythm™ RT User’s Guide

Contents

9.6.3a Bad Pixel Map Information Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

9.6.3b Cluster Details Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

9.6.3c Search Cluster Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

9.6.4 Inspect ASTM Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

9.6.5 Send Bad Pixel Map to Rhythm Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

9.7 Validation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

9.8 Issue Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

9.8.1 Ghosting of an Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

9.9 X-ray Controller Interface Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

9.9.1 ERESCO MF4 Safety Precaution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

9.9.2 Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

9.9.2a ERESCO Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

9.9.3 Administrative Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

9.9.4 Exposure Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

9.9.5 Acquiring an Image (Synchronized Acquisition with Eresco MF4 and Portable DXR Detectors) . . . . . 98

9.9.6 Service Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

9.9.7 Automatic Calibration File Upgrade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

9.9.8 Study and Instance Level Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

9.9.9 X-Ray Systems for Use with Rhythm RT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

9.9.10 Graphical User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

9.9.10a Selecting the X-ray Interface Type and Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

9.9.10b Setting up the Focal Spot for the X-ray System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

9.9.11 Communication Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

9.9.12 Linking the X-ray System with Rhythm DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

9.9.13 Starting a DR Exposure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

9.9.14 Yxlon Controller set up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

9.10 DXR 250C-W Detector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

9.10.1 Start DXR 250C-W User Interface Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

9.10.1a Choose DXR Control from System Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

9.10.1b Select DXR250C-W from Active Scanner Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

9.10.2 Connect DXR 250C-W Detector to Host System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

9.10.2a Ethernet Wired Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

9.10.2b Wi-Fi Ad-hoc Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

9.10.2c Access Point Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

9.10.3 Calibration Files for Different Acquisition Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

9.10.3a Calibration in Normal Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

9.10.3b Calibration in ROI Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

9.10.3c Calibration in Binning Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

9.10.4 Basic Image Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

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9.10.4a Static Image Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

9.10.4b Real-time Image Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

9.10.5 Advance Image Acquisition and Detector Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

9.10.5a Acquisition Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

9.10.5b Detector Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

9.10.5c Detector Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

9.10.6 Resume Image Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

9.10.6a Resume on Detector Internal Buffer Empty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

9.10.6b Resume on Network Connection Dropped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

9.10.7 Network Troubleshooting Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

9.10.8 Query and Manage Detector Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

9.10.9 Host System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

Chapter 10. Send/View Images

10.1 Send Images. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

10.1.1 Study ID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

10.1.2 Local Studies View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

10.1.3 Send / View Image. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

10.1.4 Image Comments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

10.1.5 Enable Auto Send . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

10.1.6 Enable Auto Delete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

10.1.7 Manual Delete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

10.2 Image View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

10.2.1 Viewing Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

10.2.2 Adjusting Intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

10.2.3 Zooming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Chapter 11. Querying Components

11.1 Query Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

11.1.1 Query Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Chapter 12. Mobile ID

12.1 Read Cassette Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

12.2 Initialize Cassette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

12.3 Write Cassette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146

Chapter 13. Glossary of Terms

viii Rhythm™ RT User’s Guide



1.1 Logging onto the System

First, create a user login for your local computer from Users and Passwords in the Control Panel.

Note: You must be an administrator of your system to create users in Windows.

Log in to the system using the user login.

Start the Rhythm RT application by double clicking on the Rhythm Acquisition application icon found on your desktop. The Rhythm RT Administrative menu (Figure 1 below) is disabled for the user login.

Figure 1: Rhythm RT Main Form

Rhythm™ RT User’s Guide 1



2 Rhythm™ RT User’s Guide



2.1 System Preferences

To set up the Rhythm RT system for image receipt and transmittal, use the System Preferences form.

Figure 2: System Preferences Form

2.2 Destinations

These settings are necessary for communication with your Rhythm Review workstation(s). See your Rhythm Review User or Reference Guides for information on setting/getting the address information.

Multiple Destinations can be added to Destinations list, but only one Destination is activated at a time by checking the checkbox of the Destination. To add a Destination in the Destinations list, click on the Add button to bring up the Review Station form (Figure 3 on the next page). On the Review Station form, you must enter the values of the Destination Host Name, Destination AE Title and Destination Port, based on the Rhythm Review workstation settings.The Destination IP Address is automatically populated after the Destination Host Name is entered. If there are multiple IP addresses associated with the Destination Host Name, the first IP address will be selected by default.

To remove, edit or test a Destination in the Destinations list, select the Destination you want to remove, edit or test and click on the Remove, Edit or Test button respectively.

The Destination AE Title and Port must match that which is typed in the Rhythm Review workstation. (On Rhythm Review, go to the menu Configuration>Generic>DICOM tab.)

Note: The CR Tower defaults to Port 104, which is also the default on the Rhythm Review workstation. Please change the Rhythm Review and your Destination Port to another number, such as 105, when using the Tower.



2.2 Destinations (cont.)

Figure 3: Review Station Form

2.2.1 Default Value for Study ID

The Study ID is used as one portion of the three fields that make a “study” unique in Rhythm Review. The Component ID, Component Name and Study ID combination makes a unique study. So, if a date-time is used for the Study ID, then every scan within that component will be within that one study.

Note: Moving from one component to another within the component grid will cause the study-ID to refresh to a new date-time.

But the next time that component type is selected again and rescanned, a new date-time stamp will be applied, so the new scanned images will go into a new study.

By entering a unique identifier (such as the serial number for the part in the study-ID field, when that same part is scanned again, the new scans will be attached to the original study, in a new series. If no serial number is applicable, but the organization of the images within studies is still desired, then a default value can be put into the Study-ID field which will produce a similar result. For example, if always examining the same pipe at a certain location, then that Component ID, Component Name and a default Study-ID of one will produce a series of images taken at each date/time for that pipe all within one study.

IMPORTANT: Once the study is archived off of the Rhythm Review station, any new scans with the same Component ID, Component Name and Study ID will still be created into a new study, as the original on the Local Rhythm Review workstation is not available to receive additions.

2.2.2 Date-Time Stamp

When choosing the Date-time Stamp setting, the Study ID tag will be automatically filled with the time-date stamp of the point in time that the user clicked on a component. The user can still change the Study ID tag if he/she wishes, after the tag was automatically filled.



2.2.3 Custom Text

When choosing the Custom Text setting, the study ID tag will be automatically filled with the custom text entered here. The user can still change the Study ID tag if he/she wishes to after the tag was automatically filled.

2.2.4 Low Disk Space Warning

This setting will alert the user if the disk space where the images are acquired is less than the Minimum Space setting in the form above. The alert will be activated every Time Interval setting in seconds.

2.2.5 Logging

Here the user can enable the Send Logging option. If it is selected, enter the desired purge increment.

2.2.6 Theme

The user has two options:

• Standard

• Low-Light

2.2.7 Scanner Type

Select the type of scanner you have connected to your system and are ready to use.

Note: Your system hardware must be configured/installed properly for each scan device. The selection of scanner type from the drop-down menu does not necessarily provide immediate access to another scanner type. During installation, the correct drivers for your scanner must be installed.

2.2.8 Data Directories

• Image Queue Directory — This directory indicates where the images you see in your queue are stored on your system until they are sent to the Review station and removed. Images that have been received but not sent will have a .RAW extension, whereas an image that has been sent, but not deleted, will have a .SNT extension.

• Setup Diagram Directory - This directory indicates where setup diagrams for techniques will be stored on your system.

2.2.9 Language

Allows the selection of the preferred language for the GUI interface.



2.2.10 Edit Fields Layout

To perform with operations, go to Preferences and click the Edit Fields Layout button.

Figure 4: Edit Fields Layout

This brings up the Display Tags dialog. Check or uncheck the box next to the fields to be displayed, and click the OK button to confirm these changes, or Cancel to discard them.

2.2.11 X-Ray Automation

When using automated X-Rays, select the appropriate X-Ray from the drop down list and verify your X-Ray settings. (See your X-Ray documentation for valid settings.)

Note: The X-Ray controller selected must be the same type and model as listed in the drop-down list box for automation to function properly. Please verify with your GE service technician that your X-Ray controller is valid for this functionality prior to selecting this option.

2.2.12 Inspection Company

• Company Name — Input the inspecting company name

• Company Address — Input the inspecting company address

• Telephone number — Input the inspecting company telephone number

2.2.13 Pipe Data

This Pipe Data option enables the creation of data sets per pipe in an image of multiple pipes. This section explains how to import pipe data into the New Techniques and Components section explained in the following chapter.



2.2.14 Import Techniques

Access the Import Techniques option by choosing it from the File Menu.

Figure 5: Import Pipe Data

When the user selects this option, an Open File dialog box will appear. The user then will have to select an XML file that holds the import data. This can include Pipe Data along with the technique information.

Figure 6: Importing Technique XML file

Rhythm RT will create a new component, technique(s) as specified in the imported file. The technique(s) will be created and will contain the new imported pipe data if included. There is a maximum of five pipe data sets per technique.



2.3 Administrator XML File Format

Note: The user can report the pipe data sets and the techniques and the components specified through the WTMT “Wall Thickness Measurement Tool” in the Rhythm Review software package.

The file imported into Rhythm RT must have the following syntax:

<?xml version=”1.0” encoding=”UTF-8” ?><PIPE_DATA_FILE>

<PIPE_TECHNIQUE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“ComponentID”>ID</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“ComponentName”>Name</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“TechniqueName”>Name</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“TechniqueDescription”>Description</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“ApproverName”>Name</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“ApproveDate”>Date</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“ImageComments”>Comments</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“XRaySource”>Source</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“kV”>kV</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“mA”>mA</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“Exposure”>Exposure</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“FocalSpot”>FocalSpot</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“SourceDistance”>Measurement</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“IQIType”>Type</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“IQISize”>Size</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“IQIMaterial”>Material</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“FilterMaterial”>Material</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“FilterThickness”>Thickness</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“SetupDiagramName”>Name</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“CentralSource”>Yes/No</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“Tolerance”>Measurement</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE>

<PIPE_DATASET><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“PipeSetName”>Name</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“MaterialName”>Material</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“PipeDiameter”>Measurement</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“SourcetoPipe”>Measurement</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“PipetoDetector”>Measurement</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“NominalThickness”>Measurement</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“InsulationDiameter”>Measurement</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“InsulationSurround”>Measurement</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE></PIPE_DATASET>

<PIPE_DATASET>. . . Repeated for as many data sets. . . i.e., different Types with this technique

</PIPE_DATASET><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“FIELD_LABEL1”>Data1</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE>



<PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“FIELD_LABEL2”>Data2</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE><PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“FIELD_LABEL3”>Data3</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE>…<PIPE_ATTRIBUTE TAG=“FIELD_LABEL20”>Data20</PIPE_ATTRIBUTE> </PIPE_TECHNIQUE><PIPE_TECHNIQUE>. . . Repeated for as many components. . . / Techniques being input</PIPE_TECHNIQUE> </PIPE_DATA_FILE>




The acquisition application will allow a System Administrator to enter and save techniques.

Techniques are broken into two separate sections:

• Component Information — This is where an Administrator defines the component and gives descriptive information for that component.

• Technique Information — The Administrator can enter multiple techniques (setup information, such as: kV, mA, exposure time, etc.) for each component type.

Figure 7: Components and Techniques

This technique information can then be associated with a captured image in the resulting DICOM image file header, where it will be stored with the image.

3.1 Component Information

Figure 8: Add Components

To create one or more techniques for a component, first the component information must be entered into the system.



3.1.1 Add New Component

To add a new component, click the Create New button at the bottom of the form, then select Component Information. A form for adding component information will appear.

3.1.1a Using Techniques

Enter all applicable fields. Select OK.

3.1.2 Edit Component

To edit an existing component:

1. Select in the list the component to be edited by clicking on it (the item will highlight).

2. Select the Edit button at the bottom of the form, then select Component Information. The form for adding/editing component information will appear: (See the Component Information Form in the previous section.)

3. Modify fields.

4. Select OK.

The component will be modified in the list.

3.1.3 Delete Component

To delete an existing component:

1. Select, in the list, the component to be deleted by clicking on it (the item will highlight).

2. Select the Delete button at the bottom of the form, then select Component Information.

3. A message box to confirm the deletion will appear. Select Yes.

The component will be deleted from the list.

3.1.4 Clone Component

To clone an existing component:

1. Select in the list the component to be cloned by clicking on it (the item will highlight).

2. Select the Clone button at the bottom of the form.

The form for adding/editing component information will appear with all the information from the component being cloned: See the Component Information Form in section 3.1.1 above.

3. Modify fields for your new component.

4. Select OK.

The new component will be added in the list.



3.1.5 Updating Component Headers

A user can change the component headers to any custom defined text. To change a header, right-click on the header (Figure 9 below) and choose the Column Properties… menu item to bring up the Edit Column Properties form (Figure 10 below).

Figure 9: Component Form

Figure 10: Custom Text Form

The custom text the user enters will appear anywhere that the user-selected updatable header would appear.



3.2 Technique Information

Once you have added a component to the system, you can then add 1 to N techniques for that component.

3.2.1 Add New Technique

To add a new technique:

1. Click the New button, then click Technique Information at the bottom of the form. A form for adding technique information will appear:

Figure 11: Add Technique Page, with Pipe Data HIDDEN

2. Enter all applicable fields.

3. Select OK.

The new technique will be added to the list.

3.2.2 Integration of Rhythm DR into the Technique Form

To integrate Rhythm DR exposure settings, please refer to section 9.5.4e, Override General DR Exposure Settings with the Current Technique Settings, on page 63.



3.2.3 Pipe Data

The Pipe Data Set is a way for the user to define different values for multiple pipes on an acquired image. To enable that option, click on the “Pipe Data Available” toggle button on the Technique form.

Figure 12: Pipe Data Button

When this option is checked, the form in Figure 13 below will be added at the end of the Technique form.

Figure 13: Pipe Data Set Options

A user can enter up to five pipe data sets per technique image.



3.2.3 Pipe Data (cont.)

The user can also enter optional fields, to represent any other important information regarding the pipe data. These optional fields are general to the whole technique, i.e., not distinct to the data sets. The pipe data should adhere to the following diagram:

Figure 14: Pipe Data Diagram

3.2.4 Setup Details

This section deals with the setup instruments used to validate the application and the parts under test.

IQI: Image Quality Indicator

• Commonly a phantom containing objects with different properties relevant to the clinical investigations for which the X-ray equipment is used.

• The phantoms contain, for instance, low and high contrast objects of different sizes, resolution patterns, objects for modulation transfer function MTF measurements, contrast step wedges, etc.

• A phantom of this kind should regularly be exposed using controlled conditions in order to demonstrate deviations from expected equipment performance.



3.2.5 Setup Diagram

The setup diagram (Figure 15 below) is a way for the system administrator to illustrate how to physically set up a tech-nique using parts being tested.

Figure 15: Setup Diagram

There are two options on the setup diagram dialog box:

1. Select setup image files:

This option will open a dialog box, where the user selects the picture that contains the setup diagram to be displayed. Only BMP, GIF, JPG files can be accepted as a setup diagram.

Figure 16: Select Setup Diagram File

After selecting the appropriate setup file, the user will be prompted to enter a Description for the selected file that iden-tifies it to the Rhythm RT system.



3.2.5 Setup Diagram (cont.)

Figure 17: Save Setup Diagram Description

2. Delete the setup image file:

This option will delete the current displayed setup image from the database.

Figure 18: Delete Setup Diagram

3.2.6 Exposure Settings

These are the settings defined for the exposure:

• Source Type - the irradiation source

• kV - amount of kilo volts applied to the source

• mA - amount of current, in mill amps, going through the filaments

• Focal Spot - the type of focal spot of the source (FS1, FS2, FS3, and FS4)

• Source distance - the distance between the focal point of the source and the detector

• Exposure - time in seconds of the exposure

• Geometric Enlargement - the increase in the size of a feature on a radiograph that results from locating the part a distance from the film in the exposure setup. Enlargement or magnification allows the inspector to view features that would otherwise be too small to distinguish.



3.2.6 Exposure Settings (cont.)

The amount of magnification can be calculated using the following formula:M= (a + b) / awhere M = magnificationa = distance from the source to the objectb = distance from the object to the detector

3.2.6 Edit Technique

To edit an existing technique:

1. Select in the list the technique to be edited by clicking on it (the item will highlight).

2. Select the Edit button at the bottom of the form, then select “Technique Information”. The form for adding/editing technique information will appear: See Technique Information Form in “Add New Technique” on page 14.

3. Modify fields.

4. Select OK.

The technique will be modified in the list.

3.2.7 Delete Technique

To delete an existing technique:

1. Select in the list, the technique to be deleted by clicking on it (the item will highlight).

2. Select the Delete button at the bottom of the form, then select “Technique Information”.

3. A message box to confirm the deletion will appear. Select Yes.

The technique will be deleted from the list.



3.2.8 Clone Technique

To clone an existing technique:

1. Select in the list the technique to be cloned by clicking on it (the item will highlight).

2. Select the Clone button at the bottom of the form, then select “Technique Information.” Figure 19 below will appear; the user has to select to clone the Technique to the current component. All other components appear in the drop down list.

Figure 19: Clone Technique Form

3. The form for adding/editing technique information will appear with all the information from the technique being cloned: See the Technique Information Form in “Add New Technique” on page 14. Modify fields for your new technique.

4. Select OK.

The new Technique will be added in the list.




4.1 Selecting a Different CR/FD Scanner

For Computed Radiography (CR) or Film Digitization (FD) Scanners, once your license is created, you have access to all possible scanner options. Depending on which scanner you have purchased along with your software and which drivers have been installed, you will have the option to readily select from the interface which scanner you want to use.

4.2 The CR 100 Phosphor Scanner

Computed radiography (CR) is a well-established process for capturing digital radiographic images. CR has been widely accepted in NDT for its replacement of film and film processing. CR also provides the benefits associated with digital imaging.

The CR100 phosphor scanner is an instrument designed to scan phosphor screens and produce high quality x-ray images over a wide dynamic range with a high signal-to noise ratio. The scanner illuminates the screen with a laser beam, as the screen is moved perpendicular to the laser. The emitted light is collected, converted to an electrical signal and digitized to provide a 12-bit resolution image.

The CR100 film digitizer is designed to produce 12-bit digital images from existing film. A laser beam discretely illuminates each point (pixel) on the film, with over 90% of the transmitted light collected and measured. As a result, the resolution and densities in the digital image are representative of the original radiograph.

4.3 System Requirements

• Windows 2000 or Windows XP workstation operating system.

• LSDT environment installed on workstation.

Note: LSDT version must be 2.5 or higher.

Figure 20: CR100 phosphor scanner

4.3.1 Pixel Pitch

Pixel Pitch options are determined by the film digitizers or phosphor scanners interfacing with your workstation. The options allow the modification of the amount of data that is read by the digitizer or scanner.



4.3.2 Gain Select

This option is specific to phosphor scanners and allows the modification of the scanner photomultiplier tube sensitivity. Select the gain recommended for the phosphor plates and exposure conditions being used.

4.3.3 Calibration File

A Calibration File is specific for each particular scanner. Select the calibration file that applies to the scanner currently connected.

4.3.4 Shifted Density Range

Shifted Density Range can be set on the Lumisys Control Panel. This feature is available with the Scanner Driver version 2.5. To perform this operation, go to Windows Start> Programs>Lumisys> Control Panel> CR Tab. The following form will appear (Figure 21 below):

Figure 21: LSDT Control Panel

Check or make a selection to indicate whether the Shifted Density Range is On or Off. Then click OK.

4.3.5 Working with Two Scanners

If two scanners are connected to the workstation using an A/B switch, the “Refresh” button is available to stop and start the LSDT Windows service (connection to scanner) to reestablish a connection when the system is switched from one scanner to another.



4.4 CR100 Image Acquisition

4.4.1 Application Startup

Double click on the desktop icon for the Rhythm RT application.

When started, the application will automatically verify the connection between the workstation and the CR100 scanner. The following events occur:

• Scanner model displayed

• Last used Pixel Pitch selected

• Last used Gain selected

• Last used Calibration File selected

If the scanner has not been connected to the workstation or the connection fails, then the proper message will be dis-played and the Scan button will be disabled.

4.4.2 Scan

1. Select Pixel Pitch.

2. Select Gain.

3. Select Calibration File.

4. Make sure that the phosphor plate is inserted into the scanner.

5. Click the Scan button to initialize the scan. The scanned Image will appear in the Image Queue as *.raw. (See the section Send Image for more information on the Image Queue.)

6. Select the appropriate Technique, input a Unique Component ID (or timestamp will be used) and any Comments, then select the *.raw image and click on the Send button to push the image to the EIM (Enterprise Inspection Management) review station. (See Chapter 3, Using Techniques, for setting up components and their techniques.)



4.4.3 Select Calibration File

Check the name of the Calibration file that has been delivered with your scanner. Copy this file into any directory on the hard drive of your workstation. Click the Browse button on the CR100 Acquisition Main Screen.Find the Calibration file directory. Select the file from the “Calibration File” list.

Figure 22: Browse Calibration Directory Form

Figure 23: Main Acquisition Form


Chapter 5. CR Tower

Chapter 5. CR Tower

The CR Tower is a digitizer for phosphor imaging plates retaining latent X-ray images. The CR Tower accepts one cassette containing one image plate at a time. The CR Tower:

• takes the cassette containing the image plate from the cassette slot;

• reads the cassette ID data;

• removes the image plate from the cassette;

• scans the image plate;

• converts the information of the latent image to digital data;

• erases the image plate and re-inserts it into the cassette;

• gives the cassette ID data the status “erased”;

• transmits the digital image data to RADView.

Figure 24: The CR Tower

The CR Tower permits re-erasing an image plate before re-using it. In specific cases, this is necessary to prevent ghost images caused by previous exposures or stray radiation from interfering with the image of interest. As many image plates can be read into the CR Tower as needed, prior to image viewing on the RADView system. The images will be queued and ready for viewing and saving.

Note: The RADView application must be running prior to any images plates being scanned into the CR Tower or the digital images will not be properly queued and they will be lost.


Chapter 5. CR Tower

5.1 CR Tower Image Acquisition


Double click on the desktop icon for the Rhythm RT application.

The application, when started, will automatically start the background polling process that waits for images from the CR Tower. The following events occur:

• Date Time Stamp appears in message window

• Ready status appears in message window.

5.1.2 Scan

Once the above application is started and the “ready” status appears, cassettes can be scanned at the CR Tower.




6.1 Overview

Film Digitizing is a standard process that allows scanning of existing static images so that the images can be stored, manipulated, or transmitted in digital format.

The FS50 film digitizer is an instrument designed to convert radiographic film to high quality digital images at 12 bit resolution, The 2905 Laser film Digitizer is extremely fast, scanning a 14 X 17 film to 2K resolution in a mere 7 seconds. With advanced laser and superior optic technologies, the 2905 is perfectly suited to scan all of your department’s images, regardless of the challenges your studies present.

6.2 System Requirements

• Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating system.

• LSDT environment installed.

• ASPI driver installed.

Note: LSDT version must be 2.5 or higher.

6.3 System Operation

The FS50 can operate with standard film sizes, custom film sizes or roll film. The measurement units used for this scanner can be specified in the Configuration form.

6.4 Technical Specifications

Light Source HeNe Laser (632.8nm)

Sensor PhotoMultiplier

Density Range 0.0 - 4.0

Pixel Bit Depth 12-bit (4096)

Sampling Pitch 50µm - 500 µm (1 µm steps)

Optical Resolution 50 µm

Memory 64 Mb (onboard)

Scan Speed 6 seconds @ 200 µm

Film Sizes 14” x 17”, 14” x 14”, 11” x 14”, 10” x 12”, 08” x 10”, 100mm, 30mm (dental), B4, 14” x 11”, 12” x 10”, 10” x 08”, (257 x 364 mm), 05” x 12”, 15 x 30 cm, 15 x 40 cm, 18 x 43 cm, 20 x 40 cm, 24 x 24 cm, 30 x 30 cm, 12” x 15”, 24 x 30 cm, 30 x 35 cm, 18 x 24 cm, 30 x 40 cm, 30 x 24 cm, 35 x 30 cm

Interfaces SCSI, SCSI II, Twain



6.5 Scan Operation

Note: Be sure that the FS50 has been selected as the Active Scanner from the list on the Preferences item, in the File menu.

6.5.1 Pixel Pitch

The pixel size of the image can be set from 50 microns to 2000 microns per pixel. The Acquire interface provides five preset pixel pitch (50 – 200 microns) and the option to input a Variable pixel pitch. When the Variable pixel pitch is selected, a desired pixel pitch must be specified.

If Roll film is selected, the Maximum Height of the image is recalculated when a new pixel pitch is entered. Rhythm RT will calculate the Maximum Image height from this information. The maximum Image height is based on the following limitations:

• The number of Lines per Image cannot exceed 32767. (Note: the number of lines depends on the pixel pitch selected.)

• The size of the Image file cannot exceed 128 MB.

If Single film is selected, the maximum image height will NOT change, but the size of the image saved to the media will change.

6.5.2 Scan Mode

Scan mode represents the quality of the scan. There are three (3) modes available:

• High Speed mode: Each line is scanned only once, and no averaging will be calculated.

• High Quality image mode: Each line is scanned four times and the average value will be sent over to the Rhythm RT system

• Normal mode: Each line is scanned two times and the average value will be sent over to the Rhythm RT system

6.5.3 Scan Type

The Scan Type indicates whether a single sheet of film or roll film is being scanned.

6.5.4 Single Film

The height of the image is calculated automatically based the width of the film sensed by the scanner according to the table above (as listed in “Technical Specifications” on page 27).



6.5.5 Roll Film

The user will scan a roll of film of an unidentified height, and the user will specify an image height; this segment will be scanned and saved in one file and sent to the Acquire system, then the next segment will be scanned and saved in a separate film. The system will continue to scan the same image height the user entered until it detects the end of film.

After each segment has been scanned and saved, Rhythm RT will reverse the film by some N value mm (indicated in the GEDI_FS50.ini file) and start the next scan. This ensures no portion of the film is overlooked.The maximum height of the image is calculated based on the pixel pitch and the width of the film inserted into the scanner.

6.5.6 Scan, Cancel Scan and Eject

• The Scan button will start a scan.

• Cancel Scan button will cancel the scan and reverse the film back to the start position in the input tray of the scanner.

• Eject Scan button will cancel the scan and eject the film to the output (top) tray.

6.6 Properties

This form displays the scanner Firmware description.

Figure 25: FS50 Scanner Properties Form




7.1 Overview

Computed radiography (CR) is a well-established process for capturing digital radiographic images. The SCAN X scanner is an instrument designed to scan phosphor plates and produce high quality x-ray images over a wide dynamic range with a high signal-to noise ratio.

This is accomplished by illuminating the screen with a laser beam, as the screen is moved perpendicular to the laser. The emitted light is collected, converted to an electrical signal and digitized to provide a 16-bit resolution image.

A laser beam discretely illuminates each point (pixel) on the film. As a result, the resolution and densities in the digital image are representative of the original radiograph.

Figure 26: CR50P (a) and CRx25P (b) Scanner

(a) (b)



7.2 Scan Options

Note: Be sure that the CR50P\CRx25P has been selected as the Active Scanner from the Active Scanner list on the toolbar of the main form.

Figure 27: Selecting CR50P in the Preferences Item

7.2.1 Basic (Preset) Mode

There are eight optimized setting modes from which to choose in a dropdown. Unlike the Advanced Mode described below where resolution, gain and a calibration file must be chosen first, this Mode (Figure 28 on page 33) has preset values and an associated Calibration file for each mode. Simply select a mode and scan.

1. Corrosion Mode: IPC2, 134mu pixel, IR192 - 50% D7, X-ray 25% D7 2. General Purpose: IPS, 100mu pixel, IR192 - 100% D7; X-ray 50% D7 3. Weld: IPS, 50mu pixel, IR192 - 50% D4 4. Weld small WT: IPU 25mu pixel, SE75 - 100% D4

5. Bam Certified: IPS - 50mu pixel 6. Bam Certified: IPU - 25mu pixel 7. Quality: IPS - 67mu pixel 8. Quality: IPS - 33mu pixel

2. Xml files provided for the preset will be placed in the AppModeFiles folder located one folder below where Rhythm is installed. The calibration files that are created for each mode shall be renamed to the same name as the Application Mode found in the dropdown, with the .kor suffix. e.g.,



7.2.1 Basic (Preset) Mode (cont.)

Figure 28: Basic Mode

Xml files provided for the preset will be placed in the AppModeFiles folder located one folder below where Rhythm is installed. The calibration files that are created for each mode shall be renamed to the same name as the Application Mode found in the dropdown, with the .kor suffix, e.g.,

7.2.2 Resolution Setting Advanced Mode

The Resolution of the image can be set from a drop down menu that has the items listed below and in the window shown in Figure 29 on page 34.

Whether selecting one preset in Basic Mode or each of the following - Resolution, Gain and a Calibration File in Advanced, an Initialization or INI file (Figure 30 on page 34) will be created.

• 17 Microns - 29.15 lp/mm (Only available on CRx25P Scanner)

• 25 Microns - 19.82 lp/mm (Only available on CRx25P Scanner)

• 40 Microns - 12.5 lp/mm







• 250 Microns - 2 lp/mm

When the user selects a resolution setting, the information frame will display the current speed of the scan and the maximum pixel value for the current resolution setting



7.2.2 Resolution Setting Advanced Mode (cont.)

Figure 29: Advanced Tab

Figure 30: Information File



7.2.3 Gain Setting

The gain of the scanner is set from the drop down menu on the GUI. The gain setting represents the voltage setting of the PMT.

There are three gain settings for the SCAN X scanner:

• High Gain

• Medium Gain

• Low Gain

7.2.4 Calibration File Selection

In order to proceed with a scan, the user must select a calibration file (If a calibration file is not selected, Rhythm RT will prompt the user to choose a calibration file to proceed.) This calibration file must:

• Be created using the proper utility described below

• Have the same serial number as the serial number of the scanner attached to the system

• Have an extension of “kor”

The user should select the directory where the calibration file(s) are located. All the calibration files in the directory chosen will appear in the drop-down menu in the calibration frame. The user should choose the proper calibration file from that list.

Figure 31: Calibration File Directory



7.3 Scanner Modes

7.3.1 Scan Mode

To initiate a scan:

1. Press either SCAN or Continuous SCAN. The scanner will set up with the current settings (Status - Waiting for plate)

2. The user should place the plate on the scanner and slide it into place. The scanner will start to scan (Status - Scanning), and the image will be processed (Status - Processing data.)

3. Once the image is fully acquired (Status - Connected), the plate will be ejected from the scanner.

4. If the SCAN button was used, then the scanner will be reset for the next scan. If the Continuous SCAN button was selected, then the scanner will wait for the user to insert another plate.

Note: If the acquired image has some pixels with values over 200 and some under 200, then the pixel values under 200 will be raised to 200.If the acquired image has all values of the pixels under 200, then the image will be disregarded and the user will be given a message indicating that the exposure was not high enough to be recorded as an image.

7.3.2 Cancel Mode

When the user clicks the Cancel Scan button, the plate will continue to be pushed out of the scanner in the same speed as the scanning speed; then the scanner will reset.

The user can click Cancel SCAN at any time to cancel the current scan.

7.3.3 Ejecting a Jammed Plate

In the case of a jammed plate inside the scanner, the user can repower the scanner and hit SCAN on the interface; this procedure will eject the plate from the scanner.



7.4 Advanced Options

The Advanced Options button is only available for the user with the administrative rights to the Rhythm RT Utility. Please refer to this manual on how to set up administrative access to users for the Rhythm RT utility.

• When the user clicks on the Cancel button, the Advanced Options window will close and the user would lose all the modifications that he/she did on that window.

• When the user clicks on the Reset button, all the values on that window will reset to their original values that were there when the software was installed on the system.

• When the user clicks on the Save button, the Advanced Options window will close, saving all the values that the user modified when that window was open.

Figure 32: The Advanced Options Window



7.4 Advanced Options (cont.)

The Advanced Options window contains several subwindows:

• Calibration

• Calculate image size

• Eraser setting

• Power and Speed options

• Gain setting

• Advanced scanner options

• Customer Parameter File

• Scanner Info and Parameter Template

7.4.1 Binning Feature

This subwindow contains a checkbox marked Binning on.

Figure 33: The Advanced Scanner Options

When this checkbox is checked, binning will be turned on. Binning will result in a pitch of the plate transport that is only half of the pixel size; i.e. the pixel size in the direction of the scanning laser spot (fastscan) will be kept constant, but the pixel size in the direction of the plate transport (slowscan) will be half of that in the fastscan direction. Subsequent 2x1 binning results back in square pixels of the originally selected size.

This binning option is useful to avoid undersampling when a pixel size is selected that is larger than the basic spatial resolution of the image plate/scanner combination, e.g., pixel size >40 µm for IPU and pixel size >80 µm for IPS. The Binning option will result in a better SNR value, but also in a lower throughput.



7.4.2 Customer Parameter File

Figure 34: Customer Parameter File

This subwindow allows you to select and view a custom parameter file. This file contains custom parameter settings that will override the selected parameters. The custom parameter file is XML file (extension .xml).

Several files are included in the installation. The included files are intended for situations that require horizontal and vertical sizes to be exactly equal, e.g., for compliance with EN14784-1.

Clicking Browse will open a folder, “bam_templates”, containing these files.

Figure 35: bam_templates folder

The 25mu and 50mu pixel size correspond to the modes that were BAM certified. Two additional pixel sizes, 40mu and 100mu, are also included. For each pixel size, there are 3 files corresponding to low gain (450pmt), medium gain (600pmt) and high gain (800pmt).

Clicking on a specific file will select this file. Selection is finalized by clicking on Open, then the window closes automatically. The selected file may be viewed by clicking on View. This will open the XML file and the customer parameter settings may be inspected.



7.4.2 Customer Parameter File (cont.)

Clicking on Save will save the customer parameter set and these will override all previously selected parameters.

Figure 36: XML



7.5 Creating Calibration Files

7.5.1 Calibrate Scanner

The creation of a calibration file for the scanner is a sensitive operation that requires extensive CR experience. Please read carefully the calibration instructions when attempting to calibrate the scanner.

When the user clicks the Calibrate Scanner button, the calibration instructions will appear; when the user clicks the Done button, the calibration utility will launch.

Figure 37: The Calibration Utility

The user should choose option number one, then slide the exposed plate into the scanner. When the plate is scanned, the utility will ask the user to press any key to proceed. When the calibration is done, the utility will display the final result.

If the calibration is successful, the utility will ask the user to set the calibration file current. If the calibration is not successful, the utility will display the reason for failure, which could range from a noisy image to an overexposed or underexposed plate.

After a successful calibration, the calibrated file will be saved in the same directory as Rhythm RT or the scanx_dlls\Version60 or scanx_dlls\Version61 folder in the Rhythm RT directory, depending on what scanner type is used. The format of the calibration file will be as follows:

<Serial Number of the Device> <Space> <Year - Month - Day> <Space> <Hour - Minute - Second> <.kor>

Example: AP000113 2006-12-15 10-23-46.kor


Chapter 8. CRxFlex

Chapter 8. CRxFlex

8.1 Overview

The CRxFlex is a CR scanner which connects to the host PC over a FireWire (IEEE-1394) connection. This scanner operates via TWAIN protocol. The appropriate TWAIN drivers must be installed before using this device with Rhythm RT.

Figure 38: The CRxFlex Scanner

8.2 General Usage

A user creates a scan by manually inserting a cassette into the front opening of the scanner and engaging the locking mechanism. Once a cassette is locked into place, the appropriate scan settings should be selected and then the Scan button clicked.

After a scan is complete, the imaging plate will be automatically erased and loaded back into the cassette. The cassette will be unlocked from the scanner when the scan cycle is complete.


Chapter 8. CRxFlex

8.2 General Usage (cont.)

Figure 39: Scanner Software Interface

8.3 Scan Settings

Scan Resolution - select either 100 micron or 50 micron scan resolution

Eraser Power - adjusts the length of the erase cycle.

IP Sensitivity - this value is used to account for minor variations between screen batches. If you know this number enter it here and it will help ensure optimum image quality. If unknown use value of 1000 to utilize default setting.

IP Adapter - if the optional 14"x17” (35CMx43CM) cassette with special IP insert carrier is used, user should check this box and select the IP Adapter Type from the list. The software will crop out the areas of interest and create separate image files for each area. This option only has an effect when scanning 14"x17” (35CMx- 43CM) cassettes. Do not select this option if you are not using the special cassette with inserts, as cropping will have an undesirable effect on your output image.

Custom / RFID - custom allows user to choose scan resolution and IP sensitivity manually. RFID will use values pre-programmed on the cassette RFID chip


Chapter 8. CRxFlex

8.4 Buttons

• Scan - initiates the scan process.

• Eject - release a cassette locked in place by the cassette locking mechanism.

• View Capabilities - view capabilities of the currently selected TWAIN source.

• Select Source - selects the current TWAIN device. User should select NDT_5176 option for CRxFlex


Chapter 8. CRxFlex





9.1 Rhythm DXR

The DXR X-Ray Inspection System (to be identified as the “DXR System” for the purposes of this section of the user’s guide) supplies x-ray images (radiographs) of objects that let operators find indications of defects, internal configuration, and morphology.

Figure 40: The Rhythm DXR X-Ray System

The detector of the DXR system is an imaging device that uses flat-panel, cesium-iodide and gadolinium oxide sulphide detectors that GE developed. High fidelity imaging capabilities are the result. These capabilities are used to supply a complete imaging system for non-destructive industrial inspections. This imaging system has significant benefits in performance and sensitivity compared to conventional film-based or image-intensified radiography. The detector, with its associated data acquisition hardware and software, is the core of the DXR System.

All of the DXR systems provide static images. Some DXR systems, such as the DXR-250RT system, can supply static digital radiography (DR) images, or real-time digital images at 30 frames per second (fps).



9.2 Cautions and Warnings

WARNING! THE user must make sure that only those personnel sufficiently trained in the use of the GE DXR system and related equipment will operate it. The operators must fully know and understand the operating procedures related to this equipment and supplied in the operation manual.

WARNING! The operators must also fully know and understand the safety recommendations supplied in the operation manual. If not, serious injury to the operator or to other personnel can be the result.

CAUTION! Always use a shield to give protection to the detector from x-rays during the x-ray tube warmup procedure. Excessive exposure to x-ray radiation can cause artifacts in the image and decrease the life of the detector.



9.3 Image Acquisition


Double click on the desktop icon for the Rhythm DXR Acquire application. The DXR window will appear on the upper right hand side of the main form. If this is not the case, click on the Preferences icon and select the DXR radio button on the Scanner Type group, then choose the correct detector from the available detectors on the toolbar of the main form.

Figure 41: Selecting the DXR in Preferences Menu

Figure 42: Selecting a Detector



9.3.1 Application Startup (cont.)

The following information will appear in the upper right quadrant of the Acquire application:

• Type of DXR Detector

• Selection item for the DXR Mode (static or real-time)

• The acquisition resolution for the detector. There is only one resolution per detector, except for the case of the DXR250RT+ detector, which can operate with two different resolutions.

• Detector Gain (e/c): Detector gain is defined by electron per count.

Figure 43: Rhythm DXR Window

9.3.2 Acquiring an Image (Static Mode)

In your DXR area, the DXR Mode selected should read Static. Select the number of Frames to Normalize. Also, indicate the Exposure Time in seconds.



9.3.2 Acquiring an Image (Static Mode) (cont.)

Figure 44: Static Acquisition Window

Click on the Acquire button to start the Acquisition.

Figure 45: Sample Static Image Acquired



9.3.3 Acquiring in Real-time Mode

Note: Your detector must support this mode of operation.

In your DXR area, the DXR Mode selected should read Real-time. Input the number of frames per second you would like your acquisition to run.

Figure 46: DXR Real-time Mode

Click the Acquire button to start the acquisition.

Figure 47: Sample Real-Time Acquisition



9.4 Image Analysis Tools

To apply sharpening filters and gain to your acquisition, move the gain slider (see Figure 46 above) to the right to the desired level and click on the Apply Sharpening Filter checkbox.

9.4.1 Sharpening filter

To apply sharpening filters and gain to your acquisition, move the gain slider (see Figure 48 below) to the right to the desired level and click on the Apply Sharpening Filter checkbox. The higher the sharpening gain level, the more sharpened and segmented the image will look.

Figure 48: Sharpening Filter Checkbox

9.4.2 Recursive Averaging

To apply Recursive Averaging to your acquisition, click on the Recursive Averaging checkbox. The Recursive Averaging filter is a filter in which the output is a weighted average of the previous frames with the current acquired frame. The lag slide bar determines the weighted variable in the equation. The higher the Lag value, the more weight the average of the previous images will have in the final displayed image.

Figure 49: Recursive Averaging Checkbox

9.4.3 Finite Averaging

To apply Finite Averaging, click on the Finite Averaging button.The Finite Averaging filter is a filter in which the out-put displayed on the screen is the average of series of images determined by the Frames slidebar, located on the right side of the Finite Averaging button.

Figure 50: Finite Averaging



9.4.4 Playback Options

In real-time mode you have the option to playback up to the last 10 secs of recording, depending on the detector type and installation settings. To do this, click on the Pause button (middle) and then on either the reverse (<<) button, which will start playing backwards, or the back (|<) button to go directly back 10 secs.

Figure 51: Playback Buttons

Use the forward (>>) or the end (>|) buttons to move back towards the current acquisition. The images that appear on the screen will be saved in the order of their appearance.

9.4.5 Record

In real-time mode, you also have the option to record up to 30 secs of image acquisition, depending on the detector type and installation settings. The recording will be segmented in files where each file will not exceed 180 MB. The amount of frames per file will depend on the frame size and the frequency of acquisition.

To record, select the Record option from the drop down listbox.

Options:

• DICOM Multi-Frame Image – will create a DICOM file that will play in Cine mode

• DICOM Image – will capture a full DICOM image

Figure 52: Recording Options

Then click on the Record button (red button) to capture.



9.4.6 Viewer Tools

When you have an image open in Rhythm DXR, you will see a toolbar to the left of the image. This will allow you to do some basic image manipulations.

Figure 53: Viewer Tools

• Center/Width (Window/Leveling) - To center:

• hold down the right mouse button and move the mouse left/right or up/down over the image OR

• use the triangle on the toolbar and move it within the frame OR

• click the button to draw an ROI on the image to Auto Window/Level based on that area of the image.

• Zoom – To zoom:

• use the middle mouse wheel over the image and scroll OR

• use the slide bar on the Tools panel OR

• use the option buttons for Fit to Window, 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x.

• Rotate – Click the Rotate button and the image will rotate to the right 90 degrees.

• Invert – Click the checkbox to Invert the image

• Mirror – Click the checkbox to Mirror the image

The Pixel Value (Level) appears along with the pixel location under the mouse pointer. A functioning tag is displayed under the pixel value tag, that shows whether the pixel is a functioning pixel, or an interpolated pixel according to the ASTM E2597-07. (This feature is only available when a bad pixel correction has been applied.)



9.5 Administrative Options

Note: You must be an Administrator on this system to open the Administrative Options form. If you are not an Administrator, the form will not give you the option to enter the Administrative Option, nor will you be able to change the acquisition parameters, unless it is allowed by the Administrator user in the Administrative Options form.

Click the Administrative Options button and the form shown in Figure 54 below will appear:

Figure 54: The Administrative Options Form

9.5.1 Calibration Tab

Calibration and classification methods are discussed in detail in the section “Detector Calibration” on page 65.



9.5.2 Validation Tab

The validation method is discussed in detail in the section “Validation” on page 89.

Figure 55: Validation Tab



9.5.3 General Tab

Figure 56: General Tab

9.5.3a Panel Serial Number

The Detector serial number is an identifying name for all bad pixel, gain and offset files for every detector. Acquisition and calibrations cannot proceed without a detector serial number entered into the administrative options form.

9.5.3b Allow Limited User to Change Exposure Settings

This option, when checked, will allow the limited user to change Detector exposure settings in the front GUI. These settings would be restricted if this option is not checked, and the user is signed on to Windows as a limited user.

9.5.3c Link to X-ray controller

This option is discussed in detail in “X-ray Controller Interface Overview” on page 93.



9.5.3d Viewer Temperature Units

This option gives the user the ability to select the temperature units the DXR viewer displays during image acquisition.

Figure 57: Viewer Temperature Units

9.5.3e Perform Gain and Offset Correction

This option will use the gain/offset calibration files — associated with the detector serial number defined in the “Detector Serial number” textbox in the General tab of the Administrative Options section — to correct in real-time the frames being acquired from the detector. Depending on the acquisition mode of the detector, either the static gain tag or the real-time gain tag tables will be applied. Gain and offset tags for static and real-time mode must be created separately. To create static gain tags, select Default Acquisition Mode -> Static, and then proceed to the Calibration tab and select Create Gain and Offset Tables. Similarly, for real-time gain tags, select Default Acquisition Mode -> Realtime and proceed to the Calibration tab and select Create Gain and Offset tables.

Figure 58: Calibration Request



9.5.3f Perform Pixel Interpolation

This option will use the bad pixel calibration files — associated with the detector serial number defined in the “Detector Serial number” textbox in the General tab of the Administrative Options section — to correct in real-time the frames being acquired from the detector.

If the bad pixel calibration files do not exist, or they are not associated with the Detector serial number defined, then a message box will appear asking the user to calibrate the detector.

Figure 59: Pixel Interpolation Message Box

9.5.3g Reminders

Check the Prompt for reminders box to turn the option on. Then set up the recurrence time for each. Recurrence can be Daily, Weekly or Monthly. Then you can pick the day and time of day to do the action.

Prompt for Calibration Reminders

This option, when checked, will prompt the user to create bad pixel maps, and gain/offset tables without the user being required to enter the Admin options form. To understand more calibrations, please see section 9.6.

The user can set the reminders to occur per day/week/month.

Prompt for Validation Reminders

This option when checked will prompt the user to create validation results without the user being required to enter the Administrative Options form. To understand validation, please see “Validation” on page 89.

The user can set the reminders to occur per day/week/month.



9.5.4 Acquisition Tab

Figure 60: Acquisition Tab

9.5.4a Binning

Figure 61: Binning Window

The binning section enables the user to turn on the binning for all the Acquire images (Real-Time and Static).

• 2X Binning:

In this operation, each 4 pixels are added together —2 horizontal and 2 vertical— and the result will replace those pixels in the displayed image.

• 4X Binning:

In this operation, each 16 pixels are added together — 4 horizontal and 4 vertical— and the result will replace those pixels in the displayed image.

• 8X Binning:

In this operation, each 64 pixels are added together —8 horizontal and 8 vertical — and the result will replace those pixels in the displayed image.



9.5.4b Static/Real-time Acquisition Options

Figure 62: Static and Real-Time Acquisition Options

The settings in these group boxes will be the default settings for the DXR exposure settings when the Rhythm RT software package loads in the limited user mode.

These settings are generally set up by the Admin user, so the limited user always uses these options unless overridden by the following two methods:

• “Allow limited user to change exposure settings” option is checked in the General tab: In this case, the last settings used by the limited user will be reloaded when the Rhythm RT software package starts.

• “Override general DR exposure settings with the current technique settings” option is checked in the Acquisition tab: In this case the exposure settings will be overridden by the settings in the Technique database (discussed in more detail below).

9.5.4c Disable the Offset Difference Test During Pixel Interpolation Analysis

This option, if checked, will disable the offset difference test during the creation of the bad pixel map (Interpolated pixel map). This will result in a lower number of bad pixels reported. However, this option is for a very specific application and should not be used unless the user speaks with the GE Measurement & Control Applications team.

9.5.4d Add 275 (e/c), 550 (e/c), 1100 (e/c), 8800 (e/c) Gain Options in Real Time Mode

This option will only be available for the DXR250RT detector type. It will add the following detector gain settings in Real-time mode: 275(e/c), 550 (e/c), 1100 (e/c), 8800(e/c).



9.5.4e Override General DR Exposure Settings with the Current Technique Settings

This option will override the DXR exposure settings with the setting associated with the Technique database.

To change the exposure settings in the technique database:

1. Create or edit an existing technique as shown in Figure 63 below.

Figure 63: Technique Creation Window

2. Modify the exposure settings as shown in Figure 64 below for the Static Acquisition mode, or in Figure 65 below for the Real-time mode.

Figure 64: Exposure Settings for Static Mode

Figure 65: Exposure Settings for Real-time Mode

3. When the technique is selected in the Rhythm RT Acquisition tab, if any user (limited or Admin) clicks on the Acquire button, the exposure settings saved in the selected technique will be loaded to override the exposure settings loaded in Rhythm DR.



9.5.5 Communications Tab

This option, when turned on, activates the SOAP communication protocol to remotely activate an exposure. However, it is intended for a specific application. Please contact the GE Measurement & Control Applications department before turning ON this option, as it will cause significant delays in Acquisition.

Figure 66: Communications Tab



9.6 Detector Calibration

9.6.1 Calibration

Rhythm RT supports two types of Pixel Calibration:

• Manufacturer recommended calibration —This method of calibration is based on the custom algorithms developed by General Electric for the specific detector type being calibrated. GE Measurement & Control recommends that its customer base use this calibration method, as it is developed specifically for this type of detectors.

• ASTM Calibration method — Using this method of calibration is based on the algorithms developed by the ASTM committee according to E2597-07. This calibration is meant to be used as a general guideline and a comparing tool. GE Measurement & Control recommends that its customer base use the “Manufacturer recommended” method of calibration.

Rhythm RT supports two methods of calibration:

• Manual Calibration — In this mode, Rhythm RT will not be communicating with the X-ray controllers. The user must set up the exposure techniques on the x-ray controller manually. To use manual calibration:

1. Log on to Windows as an Administrator.

2. Start Rhythm RT.

3. Select Rhythm DR, and enter Administrative Options (Figure 54 on page 56).

4. Select the General tab

5. Uncheck the Link to X-ray Controller.

6. Uncheck the Link to Shutter Controller.

• Automated Calibration — In this method Rhythm RT will communicate with the X-ray controller and the Shutter controller if they exist. Rhythm RT will set up the X-ray controller settings based on the user entries in the “Calibration Exposure settings” in the Admin options of Rhythm RT (figure 49f). The mA and kV settings entered by the user should correspond with the X-ray exposure settings that would bring the detector just below its saturation value. The saturation value for the detector varies; however, it is generally above 13000 pixel value count.

To use automated calibration:

1. Log on to Windows as an Administrator.

2. Start Rhythm RT.

3. Open the Preferences form, and select the proper X-ray controller and shutter controller (figure 49g).

4. Select Rhythm DR, and enter the Admin options (Figure 67).

5. Select the General tab.

6. Check the Link to X-ray Controller.

7. Check the Link to Shutter Controller.

8. Enter the proper exposure settings (Figure 68) so that the detector can achieve a level just before saturation.



9.6.1 Calibration (cont.)

9. The calibration exposure time to compute saturation levels differs per each detector type. Please see Figure 68 below for the exposure time per detector type.

Figure 67: Administrative Options for Calibration

Figure 68: Exposure Settings




Figure 69: X-Ray and Shutter Automation




Table 1: Exposure Time Per Detector Type

Detector TypeAcquisition

Mode Gain (e/c) Calibration TypeExposure Time

(ms)

DXR250RT Static 4400 Manufacturing recommended 6000

DXR250RT Real-time 2200 Manufacturing recommended 34

DXR250RT Static 4400 ASTM 6000

DXR250RT Real-time 4400 ASTM 6000

DXR250 Static 4400 Manufacturing recommended 2000

DXR250 Real-time 4400 Manufacturing recommended 2000

DXR250 Static 4400 ASTM 2000

DXR250 Real-time 4400 ASTM 2000

DXR500L Static 4400 Manufacturing recommended 6000

DXR500L Real-time 4400 Manufacturing recommended 6000

DXR500L Static 4400 ASTM 6000

DXR500L Real-time 4400 ASTM 6000

DXR250V Static 4400 Manufacturing recommended 4000

DXR250V Real-time 4400 Manufacturing recommended 4000

DXR250V Static 4400 ASTM 4000

DXR250V Real-time 4400 ASTM 4000

DXR250RT+ Static 4400 Manufacturing recommended 2000

DXR250RT+ Real-time 1100 Manufacturing recommended 34

DXR250RT+ Static 4400 ASTM 2000

DXR250RT+ Real-time 1100 ASTM 2000

DXR500 Static 1467 Manufacturing recommended 6000

DXR500 Real-time 1467 Manufacturing recommended 6000

DXR500 Static 1467 ASTM 6000

DXR500 Real-time 1467 ASTM 6000

DXR250P Static 4400 Manufacturing recommended 4000

DXR250P Real-time 4400 Manufacturing recommended 4000

DXR250P Static 4400 ASTM 4000

DXR250P Real-time 4400 ASTM 4000

DXR250T Static 4400 Manufacturing recommended 2000

DXR250T Real-time 4400 Manufacturing recommended 2000

DXR250T Static 4400 ASTM 2000

DXR250T Real-time 4400 ASTM 2000




To perform a calibration:

1. Click on Administrative Options.

2. From the Administrative Options form, enter the appropriate technique information (Source distance, mA, kV and Filter Material).

3. Choose the method of calibration, either Manufacturer Recommended or ASTM.

4. Then click Create Pixel Map.

9.6.1a Manufacturer Recommended Calibration

Figure 70: Calibration Tab with Manufacturer Recommended Method Selected



9.6.1a Manufacturer Recommended Calibration (cont.)

1. To begin, turn off X-rays (Figure 71 below). The Acquisition window opens (Figure 72 below).

Figure 71: Turn Off X-rays Window

Figure 72: Acquisition Screen

Rhythm RT will take three acquisition sequences while the X-rays are turned off (Dark Shots):

• One Frame for “Offset Dispersion Short” test

• Sixteen Frames for “Offset Dispersion Long” test

• Three Frames for “Light Lo Offset Shots” test




2. Start the X-rays Acquisition at one third of the exposure level necessary to reach the detector saturation levels.

Figure 73: Pixel Calibration Creation Window

If you have selected Link to X-ray controller in the Admin menu, then the X-rays will start automatically, and the window above will not appear.

When the X-rays start and stabilize, click OK (Figure 73 above). A four-frame acquisition will occur, called “Light Lo air shots.”

After the acquisition window automatically terminates, the program performs several calculations (Figure 74).

Figure 74: Calculation Window

Rhythm RT will measure the average pixel value of the middle 200 x 200 pixel of every image acquired to be called “Average pixel value per image”. The program then calculates the average of the “Average pixel value per image” for all the images acquired in a calibration sequence, and labels it “Average Pixel Value in the center of the detector”. Rhythm RT will display a message if the “Average Pixel Value in the center of the detector” is below or above a set value, based on the type of detector.

3. You can repeat the last acquisition step, cancel the calibration, or continue to the next step despite the warning.

If you have enabled the automated calibration option, then after the termination of the acquisition window, another acquisition window will appear.

A 16 frame offset acquisition will occur. This acquisition is called “Light Med offset shots.”




4. If the automated calibration is disabled, then Rhythm RT will ask you to start the X-ray at two-thirds the exposure settings needed to reach detector saturation levels; if not, then the PC will automatically start the X-rays at two-thirds of the mA input on the Admin options.

A 16 frame Air acquisition will occur. This acquisition is called “Light Med Air shots.”



Rhythm RT will measure the average pixel value of the middle 200 x 200 pixel of every image acquired, called “Average pixel value per image.” Then the program calculates the average of the “Average pixel value per image” for all the images acquired in a calibration sequence, called “Average Pixel Value in the center of the detector”.

5. Rhythm RT will display a message if the “Average Pixel Value in the center of the detector” is below or above a set value based on the type of detector. You must repeat the last acquisition step, cancel the calibration, or continue to the next step despite the warning (as shown in Figure 75 above).

If automated calibration option is enabled, then after the termination of the acquisition window, another acquisition window will appear.

A 3 frame offset acquisition will occur. This acquisition is called “Light Hi offset shots”.

6. If the automated calibration is disabled, then Rhythm RT will ask you to start the X-ray at the exposure settings needed to reach detector saturation levels; if not, then the PC will automatically start the X-rays at the mA input on the Admin options

A 3 frame Air acquisition will occur. This acquisition is called “Light Hi Air shots”. After the acquisition window automatically terminates, the program performs several calculations (Figure 76 on the next page).





Rhythm RT will measure the average pixel value of the middle 200 x 200 pixel of every image acquired, called “Average pixel value per image”. The program also calculates the average of the “Average pixel value per image” for all the images acquired in a calibration sequence, called “Average Pixel Value in the center of the detector”. Rhythm RT will display a message if the “Average Pixel Value in the center of the detector” is below or above a set value based on the type of detector.

7. You must repeat the last acquisition step, cancel the calibration, or continue to the next step despite the warning.

Once this step is complete, the summary window appears as shown in Figure 77 on the next page.




Figure 77: Interpolated Pixels Summary

The last line in the above window lists the isolated and total numbers of bad pixels reported for the Rhythm RT software package.



9.6.1b ASTM Calibration Method

Figure 78: Calibration Tab with ASTM Selected

1. Select the ASTM Calibration method by clicking the ASTM option button as shown above.

2. To begin calibration, turn off the X-rays as shown in Figure 79 below.

Figure 79: Turn Off X-Rays Window

Rhythm RT will take a 120-second series of acquisitions while X-rays are turned off (Figure 80 on the next page).



9.6.1b ASTM Calibration Method (cont.)

Figure 80: DR Viewer with X-Rays Off

3. Start the X-rays Acquisition at one-half (50%) of the exposure level necessary to reach the detector saturation levels.

Figure 81: X-Ray Acquisition Window

Note: If Link to X-ray controller is selected from the Admin menu, then the X-rays will start automatically, and the window above will not appear.




4. When the X-rays start and stabilize, click OK.

A 120 second series of acquisitions will occur. This acquisition is called “ASTM_50P”. After the acquisition window automatically terminates, the program performs several calculations (Figure 82).


Rhythm RT will measure the average pixel value of the middle 200 x 200 pixel of every image acquired, described as “Average pixel value per image”

Rhythm RT will calculate the average of the “Average pixel value per image” for all the images acquired in a calibration sequence, called “Average Pixel Value in the center of the detector”.

Rhythm RT will display a message if the “Average Pixel Value in the center of the detector” is below or above a set value based on the type of detector.

5. You can repeat the last acquisition step, cancel the calibration, or continue to the next step despite the warning. If automated calibration option is enabled, then after the termination of the acquisition window, another acquisition window will appear.

6. If the automated calibration is disabled, then Rhythm RT asks you to start the X-ray at 10% of the exposure settings needed to reach detector saturation levels. If not, then the PC will automatically start the X-rays at 10% of the mA input on the Admin options.

A 120 second series of Air acquisitions will occur. This acquisition is called “ASTM_10P”.

After the acquisition window automatically terminates, Rhythm RT will measure the average pixel value of the middle 200 x 200 pixel of every image acquired, described as “Average pixel value per image”.

The program will calculate the average of the “Average pixel value per image” for all the images acquired in a calibration sequence, described as “Average Pixel Value in the center of the detector”. Rhythm RT will display a message if the “Average Pixel Value in the center of the detector” is below or above a set value based on the type of detector.





8. If the automated calibration option is enabled, then after the termination of the acquisition window, another acquisition window will appear. But if the automated calibration is disabled, then Rhythm RT will ask the user to start the X-ray at the exposure settings needed to reach 80% of the level needed to reach the detector saturation level. If not, then the PC will automatically start the X-rays at 80% of the mA input on the Admin options.

A 120 second series of Air acquisitions will occur. This Acquisition is called “ASTM_80P”


Figure 83: Calculations Window

Rhythm RT will measure the average pixel value of the middle 200 x 200 pixel of every image acquired, called “Average pixel value per image” Then the program calculates the average of the “Average pixel value per image” for all the images acquired in a calibration sequence, called “Average Pixel Value in the center of the detector”.

Rhythm RT will display a message if the “Average Pixel Value in the center of the detector” is below or above a set value based on the type of detector.


10. If you are satisfied with the acquisition, keep the power ON to the detector, and turn off X-rays. Then wait for 30 minutes under the previous conditions. The 30 minute wait allows you to adhere to the E2597-07 Specification of the ASTM standard.

11. Once the 30 minutes expire, click the Continue button. A 120 second series of Offset acquisitions will occur, called “ASTM_LagOffset”.

12. If the automated calibration is disabled, then Rhythm RT asks you to start the X-ray at the exposure settings needed to reach 80% of the level needed to reach the detector saturation levels. If not, then the PC will automatically start the X-rays at 80% of the mA input on the Admin options. That acquisition will take 5 minutes (300 seconds) to complete (Figure 84 on the next page).




Figure 84: X-Ray Acquisition Window —Lag 80%

13. When the acquisition sequence is done, do not turn off the X-rays. The following window will appear (Figure 85 below).

Figure 85: Pixel Calibration Window

14. If you are satisfied with the exposure, click Continue. Then turn off the X-rays after 5 seconds, or at the appearance of the first acquired frame, if the frame time is more than 5 seconds. A 70-second series of Air Exposures will start. Once the exposure is complete, Rhythm RT will analyze the frames and display the results in the Summary window (Figure on the next page).




Figure 86: Summary Window



9.6.1c Gain and Offset Calibrations

Gain Calibration is the process where each pixel is calibrated (weighted) so that all pixels shall have very similar values if exposed with the same radiation amount provided that the X-ray tube field is constant and uniform. Offset Calibration is the process where each pixel value is reduced by a value very similar to the value of the average of that specific pixel across a series of similar acquisitions where the detector is not exposed to any form of radiation.

1. To calibrate for Gain offset, click on Create gain and offset table either for Manufacturer recommended calibration or ASTM calibration (Figure 87 below and Figure 88 on the next page).

Figure 87: Calibration Tab with Manufacturer Recommended Calibration Selected



9.6.1c Gain and Offset Calibrations (cont.)

Figure 88: Calibration Tab with ASTM Calibration Selected

2. Turn off X-rays by clicking OK (Figure 89 below).

Note: If the Connection to X-ray option is checked, then that message will not appear but, the X-rays will be stopped automatically if they are already turned on.

Figure 89: Turning Off X-Rays

A series of 20 frames will be acquired while X-rays are off, called “Offset Calibration Shots”.




3. After the acquisition is complete, a message appears (Figure 90 below), asking you to start the exposure to achieve a value just below detector saturation.

Note: If “Connection to X-ray” option is checked, then that message will not appear, but the X-rays will start automatically at the exposure settings already declared in the “Calibration Exposure settings” section.

Figure 90: Gain Offset Calibration

After the acquisition window automatically terminates, the program performs several calculations (Figure 91 below).

Figure 91: Pixel Calibration Window

Rhythm RT will measure the average pixel value of the middle 200 x 200 pixel of every image acquired, called “Average pixel value per image”. The program will then calculate the average of the “Average pixel value per image” for all the images acquired in a calibration sequence, called “Average Pixel Value in the center of the detector”.

Rhythm RT will display a message if the “Average Pixel Value in the center of the detector” is below or above a set value, based on the type of detector.




4. You must now repeat the last acquisition step, cancel the calibration, or continue to the next step despite the warning. If the automated calibration option is enabled, then after the acquisition window closes, the message shown in Figure 92 below appears.

Figure 92: Confirmation Screen

9.6.2 ASTM Analysis

Click on the Perform ASTM Analysis button to create a bad pixel report based on the bad pixel definition of the ASTM document E 2595-07.

Figure 93: Perform ASTM Analysis Button



9.6.3 ASTM Report

Click on the Show ASTM Report button to show the ASTM report.

This section discusses how the ASTM document E2597-07 “Standard Practice for Manufacturing Characterization of Digital Detector Arrays” classifies bad pixels.

According to section 6.2.1 of the ASTM document E2597-07, bad pixels are grouped as follows:

• Single Bad Pixel

A single bad pixel is a bad pixel with only good neighborhood pixels.

• Cluster of Bad Pixels

• Two or more connected bad pixels are called a cluster. Pixels are called connected if they are connected by a side or a corner (8-neighborhood possibilities). Pixels which do not have 5 or more good neighborhood pixels are called cluster kernel pixels (CKP).

• A cluster without any CKP is well correctable and is labeled an irrelevant cluster. The name of the cluster is the size of a rectangle around the cluster and number of bad pixels in the irrelevant cluster, for example, “2x3 cluster4”.

• A cluster with CKP is labeled a relevant cluster. The name of the cluster is similar to the irrelevant cluster; with the exception that the prefix “rel” is added and the number of CKPs is provided as a suffix, for example, “rel3x4 cluster7-2”, where 7 is the total number of bad pixels and 2 are those in this group that are CKPs.

• A bad line segment is a special irrelevant cluster with 10 or more bad pixels connected in a line (row or column) where no more than 10% of this line has adjacent bad pixels; no pixel in the bad line segment shall be a CKP. The name of a bad line segment will have the word “line” substituted for the word “cluster”, for example, “1x256 Line256” or “2x24 Line26”.

Figure 94 below lists examples of how each pixel can be named and classified according to the ASTM standard E2597-07

Figure 94: Naming and Classifying Pixels (Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E2597 - 07e1 Standard Practice for Manufacturing Characterization of Digital Detector Arrays, copyright ASTM International, 100

Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428)



9.6.3 ASTM Report (cont.)

Figure 95: ASTM Analysis Report Screen

9.6.3a Bad Pixel Map Information Section

This section lists the number of clusters in the bad pixel map, and also lists the number of bad pixel in this bad pixel map.



9.6.3b Cluster Details Section

This section lets the user browse through all types and clusters. By selecting a specific cluster, the user can see all the relevant information about the cluster, such as:

• Cluster location (vertical and horizontal)

• Cluster size (vertical and horizontal)

• Total number of pixels in the cluster

• Total number of irrelevant pixels only in the cluster

• Total number of relevant pixels in the cluster

• ASTM name of the cluster (located in the drop down menu)

• Specific ID to identify that specific cluster (located in the drop down menu)

9.6.3c Search Cluster Section

This section lets the user search through all the cluster of a single type. The user can search by:

• Minimum horizontal size in pixels

• Minimum vertical size in pixels

• Minimum cluster size in pixels

When the search results are generated on the fly, users should pick which results they would like to see in detail.



9.6.4 Inspect ASTM Map

In the Administrative Options window (Figure 93 on page 84), click on the Show Bad Pixel Map button to show the bad pixel map.

Figure 96: Bad Pixel Map

This map (Figure 96 above) will show all the bad pixels in the bad pixel map. When moving the curser on the map, the ASTM name of the bad pixel will be displayed on the left of the window under the pixel X and Y locations.

9.6.5 Send Bad Pixel Map to Rhythm Review

In the Administrative Options window (Figure 93 on page 84), click on the Send Bad Pixel Map to Review button to send the bad pixel map as an image to Rhythm Review. The parameters for sending the bad pixel map to Rhythm Review are located under the Preference section.



9.7 Validation

The validation process makes a set of dark images, a set of air images, and then acquires images with the validation phantom in place.

To do a validation, click on Administrative Options. From the Administrative Options form (Validation tab), enter the appropriate technique information (Source distance, mA, kV and Filter Material). Then click Validate Panel.

Figure 97: Validation Button

Go through the validation following the instruction screens that will appear.

Figure 98: Validation in Progress Screen



9.7 Validation (cont.)

Figure 99: Place Phantom Screen

The phantom should be put directly against the detector with the round portion of the phantom aligned with the center of the active detector area. The phantom housing grid outside of the round portion is also used in the validation, so an equal amount must be usable on either side of the round portion. The GE logo on the phantom should be upright on the detector.

Figure 100: Start Validation Screen

Figure 101: Status Screen



9.7 Validation (cont.)

Figure 102: Validation Summary Form

If the validation is successful, the above form (Figure 102) will appear. If the validation fails, another form will appear, detailing the reason the validation failed.

If the contrast in the phantom images is not sufficient for the software to find the phantom features, problems with validation can occur. The situations that follow can affect the contrast:

• Failure to use the necessary filter

• The source-to-detector distance is not set correctly

• The x-rays are not set correctly, if the operator manually controls the x-rays

• The phantom is put upside down, or not correctly aligned with the center.

• The x-ray settings for the validation are not correct.

If the MTF value for the given panel at desired lp/mm is not near the usual value, then the operator should do the validation procedure again. Make sure the dark image levels are not too high. If validation is done just after high exposures were done, the detector will have some charge on it and the dark images will show this. There are several “scratch” images taken in the validation acquisition to avoid this problem, but sometimes it is not sufficient.



9.8 Issue Resolution

9.8.1 Ghosting of an Image

• Ghosting occurs under some conditions following an excessively high exposure to a localized region of the detector. When ghosting occurs, the operator can see a transient artifact or remnant from previous exposure frames. It is recommended to stop the x-rays, if the operator does no interpretations or inspections at that time, to avoid this excessive exposure. This is especially applicable if the x-rays are being controlled manually.

• If ghosting shows in an image during inspection, the operator can acquire several static shots with no source exposure; this should remove the ghosting.



9.9 X-ray Controller Interface Overview

9.9.1 ERESCO MF4 Safety Precaution

ERESCO is considered as stand-alone field radiography instruments where a trained and certified operator has to ensure all relevant cardinal rules for X-ray safety are taken. The ERESCO controller, equipped with emergency Stop, X-RAY-ON and X-RAY-OFF buttons, shall always be in the near proximity of the operator. Rhythm RT only sends the relevant technique data the ERESCO and provides synchronization with the DXR acquisition. Activation of X-ray can be only done via the ERESCO controller.

Please consult the ERESCO operation manual for all relevant equipment safety and operational instructions.

Due to ERESCO MF4 safety requirements, the user will be prompted to start X-rays manually when this controller is selected in “Preferences”. The following dialog is displayed whenever the Eresco MF4 X-ray unit is started from the Rhythm RT Acquisition interface.

Figure 103: Startup Dialog

At this point, the user must click the OK button on the dialog for Rhythm to confirm that all cardinal safety rules of field radiography have been considered and the user will be required to press the X-RAY-ON button on the controller panel in order to energize the X-ray unit.

IMPORTANT: Whenever the ERESCO is ready for operation, the X-RAY ON button on the ERESCO controller is illuminated.



9.9.2 Configuration

To configure ERESCO communication settings, click on the toolbox icon in the X Ray Central pane.

Figure 104: Acquire Images Tab with Toolbox Icon

ERESCO Communicator

settings

AdministratorOptions



9.9.2a ERESCO Communication

Figure 105: Communication Settings

Make sure that the communication settings on the ERESCO as well as on the host PC side are corresponding. A connectivity test can be executed by clicking Test Connection.



9.9.3 Administrative Options

To activate the X-ray control, click Link to Xray controller on the General tab of the Administrative Options menu.

Figure 106: General Tab with X-ray Control Options

In order to use the exposure settings from the components database, click Overwrite General DR exposure with the current technique settings. Otherwise the exposure settings from the “Static Acquisition” mode will be taken. They are different ways to enter exposure times, depending on the configuration

Figure 107: Static Acquisition and Current Technique Settings



9.9.4 Exposure Time

The ERESCO MF4 controller exposure time can only be set by a precision of 1/10 of a minute. As such, when the Eresco controller is selected from the Preferences dialog, the Exposure (s) entry field will change to a NumericUpDown object, which will only allow the user to enter time in six second intervals.

Figure 108: Exposure Settings in Technique

In the event the user attempts to enter some exposure time which is not evenly divisible by six, a dialog prompting the user to enter a valid exposure time will appear, and no changes will be saved until the user complies.

Figure 109: Preselection Time Six-Second Multiple Dialog



9.9.5 Acquiring an Image (Synchronized Acquisition with Eresco MF4 and Portable DXR Detectors)

Depending on the selected configuration, a DXR acquisition can be executed based on technique information taken from the components database or DXR technique data from the Static Acquisition window. Just as with Technique entry, while the Eresco MF4 controller is selected in Preferences, the Exposure Time (s) will only accept 1/10 of a minute entries as valid.

Figure 110: Exposure Time

Click on the Acquire button to start the Acquisition. An invalid entry will cause the same error dialog seen when entering an invalid exposure time to appear, and the Static Acquisition will abort.

Due to the ERESCO MF4 safety requirement, after clicking Acquire, the user will be prompted to start the X-rays manually from the controller.

Figure 111: Safety Dialog

The user must click OK on the safety dialog to confirm that all safety measures are taken and must then press X-RAY-ON at the ERESCO to start X-ray and proceed with the acquisition.

IMPORTANT: The Image Acquisition will be synchronized with the ERESCO exposure. In order to cover X-ray ramp up time / X-ray shut-down time the actual X-RAY ON time will be approximately 24 seconds longer than the selected exposure time for the image acquisition. Hence, a total of 24 seconds will be added to DXR exposure time. Once the image acquisition is completed, the X-ray operation will be switched off by Rhythm RT.

In addition, the pre-set ERESCO exposure timer will make sure that the exposure will be terminated once the counter expires.



9.9.6 Service Mode

Figure 112: Service Mode Option

The Service Mode prevents Acquire from controlling the starting of X-Ray equipment, even if an X-Ray controller is selected. This needs to be enabled as a safety measure in the case someone is troubleshooting a system remotely. Upon enabling Service Mode, the user is notified of the implications of this option.

Figure 113: Control Disabling Warning

In a similar fashion, when starting Acquire and an X-Ray controller is selected, the user will be notified that automated X-Ray control is enabled.

Figure 114: X-Ray Enabling Warning

This notification is also displayed when the user first enables an X-Ray controller in the Preferences dialog.



9.9.7 Automatic Calibration File Upgrade

Calibration files created with Acquire prior to release 4.1.31.0 follow a different naming convention. Upon starting, Acquire scans the directory for files which use the old naming convention. If they are detected, they are automatically renamed and placed in the new directory structure. As a safety precaution, the files are also copied to the directory Rhythm_RT\Pre Cal File Upgrade.

9.9.8 Study and Instance Level Tags

Study Level Tags (Generic Study 1, etc.) provide the user the opportunity to annotate component acquisitions with text data that provide descriptions about the subject of the acquisition. Instance Level Tags (Generic Field 1, etc.) provide the user the opportunity to annotate technique acquisitions with text data that provide descriptions about the technique used for the acquisition.

Figure 115: Study and Instance Level Tags

The user has up to 10 study and instance tags each. If the user does not wish to use all of the tags, it is possible to hide tags from view.



9.9.8 Study and Instance Level Tags (cont.)

Figure 116: Display Tags Dialog

Additionally, the description of the study and instance tags can be customized. To change the description, right click the description and select Column Properties. This brings up the Edit Column Properties dialog. The user can right click the label on the Display Tags dialog and on the main form.

Figure 117: Edit Column Properties

From here you can change the description. Click Default to restore the original description. Alter the description and click OK to save the change, or click Cancel to discard the change.



9.9.9 X-Ray Systems for Use with Rhythm RT

Rhythm RT can control the following X-ray systems:

• Seifert X-ray systems:

• Seifert ISO Volt X-ray systems

• Seifert Titan X-ray systems

• Seifert Titan E X-ray systems

• Yxlon X-ray systems:

• Yxlon MGC41 X-ray systems

9.9.10 Graphical User Interface

9.9.10a Selecting the X-ray Interface Type and Model

To select the X-ray interface, the user should click on the Preference button on Rhythm RT, and choose the proper X-ray system from the drop-down list.

Figure 118: The Preference Button

Under the X-ray Automation pane, select the X-ray controller from the drop-down list, and set the focal spot for that X-ray controller.



9.9.10a Selecting the X-ray Interface Type and Model (cont.)

Figure 119: Selecting Controllers and Focal Spots

9.9.10b Setting up the Focal Spot for the X-ray System

The Administrator can define the value of the focal spot and assign it to a focal spot setting. The user can choose which focal spot setting to use when creating or modifying a technique in the technique grid.

Figure 120: Focal Spot Selection



9.9.10 Graphical User Interface (cont.)

Figure 121: General Interface in Stand-by Mode

Figure 122: General Interface in X-ray Energized Mode



9.9.11 Communication Settings

Figure 123: Communications Settings

• The settings shown in Figure 123 above should match the settings set on the X-ray system.

• The Feedback setting (ms) should be bigger than the Time Out setting (ms)

• The Default button will reset the communication settings to the default settings.

• Apply Port Settings button will save the modification that the user changed.

• Test Connection button will attempt to communicate with the X-ray controller according to the settings specified in this form.



9.9.12 Linking the X-ray System with Rhythm DR

The Administrator can click on the Link to X-ray checkbox to link the X-ray controller chosen from the Preference page, to the Rhythm DR control.

Figure 124: Linking Rhythm DR with X-Ray



9.9.13 Starting a DR Exposure

When the “Link to X-ray controller” checkbox is checked in the Administrative Options form, and the user clicks on the Acquire button on the Rhythm DR interface, the X-rays will start with the kV, mA, and focal spot defined in the technique chosen by the user from the technique grid. The exposure will continue until an image is acquired in Static mode, or the DR viewer window is closed in Real-time mode.

When the user starts an acquisition, the X-rays will start; once the kV, mA reaches the desired value after the X-ray tube ramps up, the DR Acquisition will start.

Figure 125: Acquire Button on Rhythm DR Interface



9.9.14 Yxlon Controller set up

1. Switch ON the X-Ray controller (by placing the key in standby position).

2. When the controller starts, the communication is set to manual control of X-Rays.

3. Press CTRL+4 to set the mode to 401. (Remote access enabled.)

4. Press CTRL+F1 to enter the Setup menu.

5. Select (1) to set language. Press Up (or 2) /Down (or 8) to change the language. Make sure that the selected language is “ENGLISH”.

6. Press CTRL+F1 to exit and press CTRL+F1 to enter the Setup menu again.

7. Select (3) to set the interface parameters. Once you enter the interface window, use the left/right arrows to toggle between fields and use up/down arrows to change the values of that field. The settings should be as follows:

a. Baud = 9600b. Stop = 1c. Bit/ch = 8d. Prtk = Englishe. COM = B

8. Press CTRL+F1 to exit.

9. Switch the X-ray system to the energized position by moving the key to the ON position.

10. Press the X-ray ON button on the controller, to enable Rhythm RT to start the X-rays remotely.



9.10 DXR 250C-W Detector

9.10.1 Start DXR 250C-W User Interface Control

9.10.1a Choose DXR Control from System Preferences

To start the DXR 250C-W control from Rhythm RT, open the System Preferences form by clicking on the System Preferences button on toolbar, and then check the DXR checkbox under the Scanner Type group on Preferences form (Figure 126 below).

Figure 126: DXR Checkbox on Preferences Form



9.10.1b Select DXR250C-W from Active Scanner Menu Items

The DXR 250C-W menu item is now available under the menu list. Click on Active Scanner button on toolbar, and then select DXR250C-W, which loads the detector user interface control (Figure 127 below).

Figure 127: DXR250C-W in Scanner List

9.10.2 Connect DXR 250C-W Detector to Host System

9.10.2a Ethernet Wired Mode

1. Connect the host PC to Panel using a network cable and make sure the wired network connection is enabled and its IP set to 192.168.1.46 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0 (Figure 128).

Figure 128: Settings for Network Connection



9.10.2a Ethernet Wired Mode (cont.)

2. Power on panel if it is not on, then run Rhythm RT and select DXR250C-W from Scanner menu list in toolbar. The host PC now should be connected to panel and the Temperature icon (Figure 129) should display on the top left corner of the DXR250C-W control (wait for a few seconds if the Temperature icon doesn't appear yet).

Figure 129: Temperature Icon on DXR250C-W Control

9.10.2b Wi-Fi Ad-hoc Mode

1. Connect host PC to Panel using a network cable, and make sure the wired network connection is enabled and its IP set to 192.168.1.46 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0 (Figure 130). Open a command window, then enter ipconfig /all command in the window to get the MAC address of wired network interface (Figure 131); the MAC address will be used in Step 6.




9.10.2b Wi-Fi Ad-hoc Mode (cont.)

Figure 131: Physical Address

2. Power on Panel. If it is not on, then run Rhythm RT and select DXR250C-W from the Scanner menu list in toolbar. The host PC now should be connected to panel and the Temperature icon (Figure 132) should display on the top left corner of DXR250C-W control (wait for a few seconds if the Temperature icon doesn't appear yet). Click on the Admin button to open the Administrator form, then select the 250W tab. The Disable Wireless button should be enabled on the tab page. Click on the Enable Ad hoc button to enable wireless Ad hoc mode (Figure 133), The Enable Ad hoc button should display as “Enable AP” after the panel is reconnected. If you don't see the Enable Ad hoc button, it means that the current wireless mode is already the Ad hoc mode, so omit this step, then close the Administrator form.

Figure 132: Temperature Icon




Figure 133: Panel Tools Buttons

3. Disconnect the network cable after the Administrator form is closed.

4. Open the Wireless Connection Properties dialog form by right clicking on the Wireless Network Connection icon and then on the Properties menu item on the Context menu (Figure 134)

Figure 134: Wireless Network Connection Icon




5. In the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog, click on the Wireless Networks Tab. Check the checkbox for Use Windows to configure my wireless network setting, then click on Add… button to add a new network (Figure 135).

Figure 135: Wireless Network Connection Properties

6. In the Wireless Network Properties dialog, on the Association tab page, enter MAC address (from Step 1) of the wired network card currently connected to Panel in Network name (SSID) text field. Check the checkbox on Connect even if this network is not broadcasting. Set the Network Authentication to Open, Data Encryption to Disabled. Check the checkbox This is a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network; wireless access points are not used (Figure 136). On the Connection tab, check the checkbox Connect when this network is in range (Figure 137). Click OK when finished.

Figure 136: Wireless Network Properties




Figure 137: Connection Tab

7. Set the wireless network connection IP address to 192.168.1.46 as well (Figure 9.10.2.2.1)

8. Right click on Wireless icon on system tray, click on View Available Wireless Networks menu item to bring up the Wireless Network Connection form (Figure 138). Select the network you just added, then click on Connect to initiate connection to the panel. The host should be connected to Panel (Figure 139), and the Temperature icon and Wireless icon should appear on the DXR250C-W control (Figure 140). If you don't see the icons within a few seconds, click Ping Panel in the Context menu to verify the connection.

Figure 138: Wireless Network Connection Form




Figure 139: Connection of Host to Panel

Figure 140: DXR250C-W Control

9.10.2c Access Point Mode

1. Connect the host PC to Panel using a network cable and make sure the wired network connection is enabled and its IP set to 192.168.1.46 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0 (Figure 141). Open a command window, then enter the ipconfig /all command in the window to get the MAC address of the wired network interface (Figure 9.10.2.3.2); the MAC address will be used in Step 6.




9.10.2c Access Point Mode (cont.)

Figure 142: Physical Address

2. Power on Panel. If it is not on, then run Rhythm RT and select DXR250C-W from the Scanner menu list in toolbar. The host PC now should be connected to Panel and the Temperature icon (Figure 143) should display on the top left corner of the DXR250C-W control (wait for a few seconds if Temperature icon doesn't appear yet). Click on the Admin button to open the Administrator form, then select the 250W tab. The Disable Wireless button should be enabled on the tab page. Click on the Enable AP button to enable wireless Access Point mode (Figure 9.10.2.3.4). The Enable AP button should display as Enable Ad hoc after Panel is reconnected. If you don't see the Enable AP button, it means that the current wireless mode is already AP mode, so omit this step and close the Administrator form.

Figure 143: Temperature Icon




Figure 144: Panel Tools

3. Disconnect the network cable from Panel side after the Administrator form is closed, then connect the cable to Access Point. (Make sure Access Point power is turned on.)

4. Follow your Access Point manufacturer instructions to login its configuration page using web browser. (If AP's default IP address is 192.168.0.1, then you need to set the wired network to 192.168.0.46 temporarily and set it back to 192.168.1.46 when you have finished.) Also, AP's default IP address needs to be set to 192.168.1.1 (Figure 145) and DHCP settings are set to the values shown in Figure 146. Set the Access Point's Network Name-SSID (Figure 147 on page 119) to MAC address (from Step 1) of wired network interface of your PC on Wireless Settings page. Select WPA/WPA2 -Personal with AES as Encryption and 26 ones as password on Wireless Settings page (Figure 9.10.2.3.8)

Figure 145: Default IP Address

Figure 146: DHCP Settings




Figure 147: Network Name-SSID

Figure 148: WPA/WPA2

5. Save the settings and reboot the Access Point.

6. Power on the panel and it should connect to Access Point within two minutes.

7. If the connection between host and AP uses a network cable, then you can omit the other steps. (However, make sure the wired network connection IP address remains 192.168.1.46 and Enable.)

8. If the connection between host and AP uses Wi-Fi (disconnect the network cable between host PC and AP, wired network interface is disabled and wireless network interface is Enable), then open the Wireless Connection Properties dialog form by right clicking on the Wireless Network Connection icon, then on the Properties menu item on the Context menu (Figure 9.10.2.3.9)




Figure 149: Wireless Network Connection Menu

9. On the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog, click on Wireless Networks Tab. Check the checkbox for Use Windows to configure the My Wireless Network settings, then click on Add… button to add a new network (Figure 150).

Figure 150: Wireless Networks Tab




10. On the Wireless Network Properties dialog, on the Association tab page, enter the MAC address (from Step 1) of the wired network interface in Network name (SSID) text field. Set the Network Authentication to WPA2-PSK with AES as Data encryption and 26 ones as Network key (Figure 151). On the Connection tab page, check the checkbox Connect when this network is in range (Figure 152). Click OK when finished.

Figure 151: Wireless Network Properties

Figure 152: Connection Tab




11. Set wireless network connection IP address to 192.168.1.46 as well (Figure 141 on page 116).

12. Right click on the Wireless icon on the System Tray. If host is not connected to Access Point at this point, click on the View Available Wireless Networks menu item to bring up the Wireless Network Connection form. Select the network you added, then click on Connect to initiate connection to the panel, The host should be connected to Panel (Figure 9.10.2.3.13), and the Temperature icon and Wireless icon should appear on the DXR250C-W control (Figure 9.10.2.3.14). If you don't see the icons within a few seconds, click Ping Panel in the Context menu to verify the connection.

Figure 153: Wireless Network Connections

Figure 154: Temperature and Wireless Icons



9.10.3 Calibration Files for Different Acquisition Modes

There are three sets of calibration files for this detector, and each set of them should be applied based on the image acquisition mode used. Three different image acquisition modes are used:

• Normal

• ROI

• Binning

9.10.3a Calibration in Normal Mode

1. Make sure the ROI and Binning checkboxes are unchecked (Figure 155) and save the setting.

2. Click the Bad Pixel Map button and follow the existing calibration process to generate a bad pixel map,

3. Click the Gain Offset button and follow the existing calibration process to generate Gain and Offset maps.

Figure 155: Normal Mode Calibration Settings

9.10.3b Calibration in ROI Mode

1. Make sure the ROI checkbox is checked (Figure 156) and save the setting.

2. Click the Bad Pixel Map button and follow the existing calibration process to generate a bad pixel map.


Figure 156: ROI Mode Calibration Settings



9.10.3c Calibration in Binning Mode

1. Make sure the Binning checkbox is checked (Figure 9.10.3.3.1) and save the setting.

2. Click the Bad Pixel Map button and follow the existing calibration process to generate a bad pixel map.


Figure 157: Binning Mode Calibration Settings



9.10.4 Basic Image Acquisitions

There are two basic image acquisition modes, Static and Real-time.

For each image acquisition mode, calibration files (Pixel map, Gain and Offset maps) generated from Step 3 can be applied to it during image acquisition. There is currently only one default Gain for this detector, which is 4400 e/ct. The resolution for basic image acquisition is 200 micron, although resolution can be changed to 400 micron when it is used in Binning mode in Advance image acquisition. For Static mode, the image exposure time is set between 200 milliseconds to 120 seconds. For Real-time mode, the number of frames per second is set between 0.2 to 5 frames. These values will be changed when Binning mode is used (See Section 5).

9.10.4a Static Image Acquisition

1. Select Static from the DXR Mode listbox (Figure 158).

2. Enter the number of frames to be averaged.

3. Enter the exposure time for each frame.

Figure 158: Static Data Acquisition



9.10.4b Real-time Image Acquisition

1. Select Real-time from the DXR Mode listbox (Figure 9.10.4.2.1).

2. Enter the number of frames per second.

Figure 159: Real-time Image Acquisition

9.10.5 Advance Image Acquisition and Detector Settings

Advance image acquisition and detector settings can be accessed from the Administrative Options -> 250C-W Settings tab page. These settings are grouped into three categories and each category has specific defined settings.

9.10.5a Acquisition Settings

Image acquisition settings are listed under the Acquisition Settings group on 250C-W Settings tab page on the Administrative Options form (Figure 160 on page 127).

• EMI Correction - This setting is to turn On/Off EMI correction on acquired images. When EMI is turned on, you can also specify three EMI related parameters or use their default values. These three EMI related parameters are:

• Amplitude Threshold - RT attempts to remove all noise signals with amplitude above the specific threshold.

• Frequency LSL - RT attempts to remove all noise signals with frequency greater than specific lower level frequency threshold.

• Frequency USL - RT attempts to remove all noise signals with frequency less than specific upper level frequency threshold.

• ROI - Detector only reads out center portion(512x512) of acquired image and sends the image data to host when ROI is set to On.

• Binning - Detector sums up every two rows and two columns as single row and column. As a result, it sends out 512x512 image data to host when Binning is set. Note that the pixel count of Binning mode is about twice as much as normal mode.



9.10.5a Acquisition Settings (cont.)

• Accumulate Frames - This option allows you to accumulate multiple frame pixel values into one single frame pixel values. The final frame pixel values are saturated at 16383. The default value is set to 0 which turns this option off.

Figure 160: Acquisition Settings

9.10.5b Detector Settings

Detector settings are under Detector Settings group on 250C-W Settings tab page on the Administrative Options form (Figure 161 on page 128).

• Synchronize Pulse Source - When it is set, detector and host will use synchronous communication during image acquisition. The sequences of synchronous communication are:

a. Host requests detector to start image acquisition.

b. Detector acknowledges it and replies back to host that it is ready for x-ray exposure.

c. Host receives the detector reply and notifies users to start x-ray with a message box.

d. When exposure is complete, the user closes the message box and the host then notifies the detector that x-ray exposure is completed.

e. Detector acknowledges the exposure completed notification, reads out image and sends the image data to host.

• No Activity Timeout - It is used to set the detector's no-activity-timeout property. When the specific timeout is elapsed, the detector will shut down itself if it is powered by a battery. The default value is set to 3600 seconds, the valid values are between 0 -7200 seconds.

• Active Power Saving mode - When this option is set, panel will go to Power Save mode (Figure 162 on page 128) to save battery power every time when it finishes image acquisition after DXR Viewer window is closed. Note that if detector is not powered by battery, this option is ignored and detector is always in full power mode. If the detector is in power save mode when user starts an image acquisition, the detector will be automatically brought up to full power and it will takes about 15-20 seconds for detector to go from power save mode to full power mode. The user will be notified by displaying the status in DXR Viewer title bar during this power transient period.



9.10.5b Detector Settings (cont.)

Figure 161: Detector Settings

Figure 162: Power Save Mode



9.10.5c Detector Tools

Detector Tools are under the Detector Tools group on 250C-W Settings tab page on the Administrative Options form (Figure 9.10.5.3.1). All the tools under the group are disabled if there is no detector connected to the host at the time except the View Log button. These buttons will be enabled when a detector is connected to the host.

• Disable Wireless - This is used to disable wireless inside the detector. After detector wireless is disabled, detector cannot connect to host using Wi-Fi AP/Ad hoc mode. If detector wireless is already disabled, then this button is disabled

• Enable AP/Ad hoc - This is used to toggle detector Wi-Fi setting between access point mod or Ad-hoc mode

• Detector Signature - It queries detector signature and displays the content of detector signature

• Voltage Test - This is used to run voltage sensors test in detector and display all the voltage sensors results when test is done

• BIST Test - This is used to run detector build-in-self test and display the test result when it is completed

• View Log - View all entries logged by Rhythm RT. The log file will be archived as old log file when it reaches 100 MB in file size or an error occurred in xml syntax in the log file, then a new log file will be created

Figure 163: Detector Tools



9.10.6 Resume Image Acquisition

In order to acquire all requested frames after image acquisition started, the 250C-W module implements a mechanism that automatically resumes image acquisition due to interruptions such as detector internal buffer empty, network connection dropped/reconnected or changing battery during the course of image acquisition.

9.10.6a Resume on Detector Internal Buffer Empty

When image transmission speed between host and detector can't keep up with the detector acquisition speed, such as 10 frames per second for Binning mode, the detector will stop acquiring image when its internal buffer is empty. When this happens, the 250C-W module automatically sends a restart command to the detector to restart the image acquisition without user interaction (Figure 9.10.6.1.1) if the image acquisition was not completed at the moment.

Figure 164: Resuming Acquisition

9.10.6b Resume on Network Connection Dropped

When image acquisition is interrupted due to a network connection being dropped, such as no wireless signal in range or changing battery, the 250C-W module will notify users that connection is dropped and offer that they retry (Figure 165) when connection is back in range/battery is plugged in again.

Figure 165: Dropped Connection



9.10.7 Network Troubleshooting Tools

In case of seeing a connection issue between Detector and Host, a context menu tool is available in the upper left corner of the 250C-W user interface (Figure 9.10.7.1).

• Ping Detector - This tool is used to check the connection between detector and host

• Ping Access - this Point tool is used to check the connection between Access Point and host

• Network Connection - This tool is used to open the window network connections dialog

• Restart Service - This tool is used to restart the background service process which initiates connection to detector and monitors detector status such as detector temperature, wireless strength and remaining battery power

Figure 166: Troubleshooting Tools

9.10.8 Query and Manage Detector Tools

There are some handy detector tools in the context menu tool from the upper left corner of 250C-W user interface for easy access. Note that these tools are only available when host is connected to detector (Figure 9.10.8.1).

• Detector Signature - This tool is used to query the detector signature. You can get the detector signature from Administrative Options->250C-W Settings -> Panel Signature.

• Wireless Status - This tool is used to query the current wireless setting in the detector.

• Power Save Mode - This tool is used to bring the detector to Power Save mode. Note that it is only available when the detector is powered by battery (Figure 9.10.5.2.2)

• Reboot Detector - This tool is used to reboot the detector.

• Shutdown Detector - This tool is used to shut down the detector.



9.10.8 Query and Manage Detector Tools (cont.)

Figure 167: Detector Tools

9.10.9 Host System Specifications

Table 2: System SpecificationsFunction Host System

Operating System Support Windows XP, Windows7-32 bit and 64-bit

Image Data Transfer Speed (Detector to Host)

1. 1 Gb/s with wired connection and Host is equipped with Gigabit Network Card.

2. 11 - 54 Mb/s with Wi-Fi Ad-hoc or Access Point connection respectively. The actual speed may vary depending on the signal strength at the time of use.

Image Data Transmission Encryption for wireless connections

1. WPA2 - AES encryption is used in Wi-Fi Infrastructure (Access Point) mode.

2. WEP encryption is used in Wi-Fi Ad hoc mode.




10.1 Send Images

This section describes how Rhythm RT manages images received from a scan device.

Images are received at Rhythm RT through the Scan process. Once the image is received, it will appear in the Image Queue. The Image Queue area is where images are managed once received at Rhythm RT.

To send an image, click on the image in the queue and click on the Send Image button.

If Auto Send is enabled, then the images will appear in the queue and be automatically sent to the Review station. If Auto Delete is enabled, then the image will be removed once sent to the Review station.

Figure 168: Send Image Button

Note: This process might take place quickly, so that the appearance of the image in the queue is not noticeable.

If Auto Delete is not enabled, the image will stay in the queue after it is sent, though the extension of the image will change from .raw to .snt to indicate the image has indeed been sent to the Review station. The image can be manually deleted once verified at the Review station.

10.1.1 Study ID

The Study-ID is the identifier that is associated with your specific part. The Component ID is the “part type” identifier, where this ID is the actual Serial # or other identifier on the part that uniquely identifies it.

10.1.2 Local Studies View

With the Study-ID each image is put into the same study as a series. If this part is then sent back for rework and is shot again with View A, B & C, a new series will appear beneath this same Study.



10.1.3 Send / View Image

Figure 169: Local Components View

Figure 170: Component ID

For greater image management in Local Components View, the Component ID is the main identifier; within Component ID will be found the studies by Study-ID, then within Study-ID the series of images by technique.

10.1.4 Image Comments

The area allows comments to be added along with the image being sent to the Review station.



10.1.5 Enable Auto Send

This feature allows the scanned image to go directly to the Review station or stay in the image queue until manually sent. Click on the Enable Auto Send checkbox.

Figure 171: Enable Auto Send Checkbox

The following message will appear

Figure 172: Message Box

Click Yes to enable.

When the image is acquired, it will automatically be sent to the Review station selected in System Configuration, with the currently selected technique information associated.

Note: The correct technique must be selected prior to scanning when Auto Send is enabled. If Auto Delete (see “Enable Auto Delete” on the next page) is disabled, then the image will still appear in the queue with a .snd extension, else it will be deleted automatically.



10.1.6 Enable Auto Delete

This feature allows the sent image to be automatically deleted once it is sent.

1. Click on the Auto Delete checkbox.

Figure 173: Auto-Delete Checkbox

The following message will appear:

Figure 174: Auto-Delete Message Box

2. Select Yes to enable. When the image is sent (either manually or automatically), the image file will be deleted from the acquisition temp location.

Note: Once the image is deleted, it cannot be re-sent. If for some reason your network is not behaving properly and you are concerned your images are not reaching the Review station, you would want to leave the Auto Delete feature disabled to verify that the image has been received before deleting from the acquisition station.



10.1.7 Manual Delete

The image can be deleted from the queue manually, by selecting the image node or its parent node in the tree on the View Images form. Click on the Delete button on the bottom of the form.

Figure 175: Manual Image Deletion

10.2 Image View

Image View lets the user view an acquired image in Rhythm RT. The user can manipulate the images in the following ways:

• change the intensity of the image

• zoom

• rotate 90/180/270 degrees

• invert image/mirror image



10.2.1 Viewing Images

The image can be viewed by selecting the image in the tree, and clicking on the Magnifier icon or double-clicking in the image node in the tree.

Figure 176: Viewing an Image



10.2.2 Adjusting Intensity

To adjust intensity, right click on the image, hold the right mouse button and move the mouse to adjust the intensity; or move the intensity triangle to adjust intensity. The intensity indicator displays the intensity of each pixel highlighted by the mouse pointer.

Figure 177: Intensity Indicator

10.2.3 Zooming

Adjust the slidebar to zoom from 1 to 10 times, Press 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X buttons to zoom 1, 2, 3, 4 times.




This section will describe how to Query (search) components based on any, some or all of the fields in the Query Properties form.

11.1 Query Properties

A user can select the Query Properties option by clicking on Query Properties from the File menu or by pressing CTRL+F on the keyboard.

Figure 178: Query Properties Option

The Query Properties form contains two list boxes:

• Selected Fields: this listbox holds the fields that will appear on the Query form when the user attempt to create a Query for the components grid. The order in which these fields appear on the Query form resembles the order in which they appear on the selected Fields list box. The user should use UP and Down buttons to specify the order in which the search fields will appear on the Query form.

• Available fields: This listbox holds all the fields that are available to be on the Query Form. The Reset button will reset both list boxes to their original content when the Query Properties form was loaded.



11.1 Query Properties (cont.)

Figure 179: Available and Selected Fields

11.1.1 Query Components

This form contains the Query Fields, that, where specified in the Query Properties, form in the same order.

Figure 180: Query Fields

Note: Asterisks(*) represents all characters specified after the Asterisks(*)Question mark (?) represents any character specified in the location of the question mark (?)




The Mobile ID is a USB accessory that can be used to initialize and read RFID chips contained in the CRxFlex and CRxTower hard cassettes. The information contained on these tags is read by the scanner during acquisition.

The Mobile ID Utility is launched from the Rhythm RT Toolbar.

Figure 181: Mobile ID Icon

After the Mobile ID utility is launched, you must select which type of scanner you will be reading, or for which you will initialize cassettes. Although the RFID tag is the same, the data is formatted differently, so the proper format must be selected prior to use. The cassette format is selected in the menu File->Cassette Format.

Figure 182: Cassette Format Selection



12.1Read Cassette Data

To read the information already contained on a cassette RFID tag, make sure Mobile ID is connected via USB port, then launch the Mobile ID utility. Select the Read Cassette button form the Read Cassette tab, then bring the RFID into range of the reader. The fields will populate and you will hear a beep when reading is complete.

Figure 183: Mobile ID Utility



12.2Initialize Cassette

This tab is only available on the CRxFlex. It is used to write information to a cassette chip that is not normally changing often, such as IP Serial Number, or IP type. It is meant to be done at time an IP is mated with a cassette. To initialize the cassette, enter the data, click the Initialize Cassette button, then bring the cassette within range of the Mobile ID USB device. You will hear a beep when initialization is complete.

Figure 184: Utility with Initialize Cassette Button



12.3Write Cassette

On CRxTower, this accomplishes the same thing as Initialize Cassette. To write the cassette, enter the data, click the Write Cassette button, then bring the cassette within range of the Mobile ID USB device. You will hear a beep when it is complete.

Figure 185: Utility with Write Cassette Button




Acquisition Process

The acquisition process is a sequence of procedural steps that has as its result one or more radiographic images.

Active

A currently selected form (window) or icon noted by a change in color of title or label. A window or icon must be active to register commands and keystrokes. An active window sits on top of multiple windows.

Air Image

The radiographic image that is the result when the system reads the detector with the x-rays on and no inspection object in the beam.

Application

A computer program used for a particular job, such as word processing or database management. Sometimes called application program.

Application Icon

A small graphic that represents a running application.

Application Window

The window containing the work area and menu bar for an application. The name of the application appears at the top of this window. An application window may contain multiple document windows (forms).

Arrow Keys

Located on keyboard, these keys are used to move cursor or objects around the screen. They are also known as direction keys.

Beam

The cone-shaped radiation field emitted from the x-ray tube.

Bit

A bit is a single unit of binary information. In a computer, a series of bits represents integers. The number of bits used limits the resolution and range of integers that can be represented. For example, the 14-bit numbers used in the DXR System detector supply 16,384 levels of digitization.



Browse

To look through files and directories. Some dialog boxes have Browse buttons, which open another dialog box that lists files and directories so that you can easily select the file you want.

Calibrate

A function that increases accuracy by determining the deviation from an assigned standard to ascertain the proper correction factors.

Calibration Procedure

The process of characterizing the response of each element of the detector, and then storing the results for later use in producing calibrated radiographic images.

Check Box

Small box next to an option within a dialog box that can be turned on and off. An “X” appears in the box when it is selected. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

Clicking

Selecting an item by placing the pointer on it then pressing the mouse button.

Command

A word or phase, usually found in a menu, that you choose in order to carry out an action. You choose a command from a menu, or type a command at the MS-DOS prompt. You can also type a command in the Run dialog box in File Manager or Program Manager.

Command Button

A button within a dialog box that performs the task labeled on it. Pressing a command button having an ellipsis (…) after its label causes another dialog box to appear. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

Configure

To organize a system, such as a set of components, features, or functions.

Confirmation Message

A message box usually appearing after performing a specific task or operation. You may be asked to confirm or cancel the task or operation requested. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

Copy

To put a copy of a selected text or item onto the Clipboard so that you can transfer it to another location. You can also copy an entire file from one location to another by using File Manager.



Counts

Counts are the units of the pixel values for digital numbers that represent x-ray intensity measurements from the digital detector. For the 14-bit DXR System, the possible counts range from 0 – 16,383.

Cursor

Movable on screen reference point (usually represented by an arrow) used to determine insertion point or to select a check box or command button. Controlled by mouse, TAB key, or arrow keys. Also see horizontal-line cursor and vertical-line cursor.

DFN Card

The detector-framing node (DFN) is a PCI fiber-optic interface card in the detector controller. The DFN supplies the communication of commands to the x-ray detector controller board and receives radiographic image data from the x-ray detector. The DFN makes an interface between the x-ray detector and the detector controller.

Dark Image

The dark image is the result when the DXR System reads the detector with no x-rays on.

Data Acquisition

Data acquisition is the process the DXR System uses to supply inspection imagery.

Database

Compilation of individual test parameters.

Data File

Any file created within an application. Also known as a document.

Desktop

The screen background for Windows on which windows, icons, and dialog boxes appear.

Detector (X-ray)

The device that measures the intensity of an incident x-ray beam, outputting a measurement at each active element.

Device Driver

A software program that enables a computer to communicate with peripheral devices such as hard disk drives and CD-ROM drives. Each kind of device requires a different driver. Device driver programs are stored on a computer’s hard disk and are loaded into memory at boot time.



Dialog Box

A box which temporarily appears and requires selection of an option before carrying out a command. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

Digital Filter

A software component used for attenuating unwanted frequencies in digital signals, while passing frequencies of interest.

Digital Radiography (DR)

The process of using an x-ray detector with digital output and displaying output levels as shades of gray in an image to produce digital radiographs, which can be displayed, stored, printed, or electronically transmitted.

Direction Keys

Arrow keys used to moved objects or cursor in direction indicated on key.

Disk

A medium for storing information. Information stored on a disk remains there even when you turn your computer off, unlike information stored in memory (RAM). A floppy disk can be inserted and removed from a floppy disk drive, whereas a hard disk is permanently mounted inside its drive.

Document

Whatever you create with an application, including information you type, edit, view, or save. A document may be a business report, a spreadsheet, a picture, or a letter, for example, and is stored as a file on a disk.

Double-click

To rapidly press and release a mouse button twice without moving the mouse. Double-clicking carries out an action, such as starting an application.

Drag

The action of moving an object across the desktop and is accomplished by pressing and holding down the mouse button on a selected item and moving the mouse in a desired direction. The object will move with the mouse cursor.

Enclosure

The x-ray proof container that keeps the x-rays in a safe area.

File

A collection of information that has been given a name and stored on a disk. This information can be a document or an application.



Filter

A component used for attenuating unwanted frequencies while passing frequencies of interest. See digital filter.

Frame

The frame is the image that is the result of a single read operation of a digital x-ray detector.

Ghosting

Under certain conditions, such as after a prolonged high-intensity x-ray exposure without movement of the part, a transient artifact or remnant from prior exposure frames can show in the image.

GUI

Graphical User Interface

Gray Scale

The human eye can typically discern a maximum of 256 shades of gray (8 bits). A gray scale look-up table defines which values in the 14-bit data range are mapped into each of the displayable grays.

Highlighted

The change in color of a box or text when selected indicating that it will be acted upon.

Icon

A pictorial representation of an element such as a disk drive, document, or application.

Inactive Window

An open window not currently selected. Indicated by light gray title. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

Keywords

Used for test identification; notes associated with tests

Level

The level is the center of the gray scale map. The level is typically selected to make visible a range of counts that the user is interested in viewing on a monitor. In many regards, it is equivalent to setting the brightness of the display for the region of interest. The operator usually selects the level at the same time as a window adjustment.

List Box

A box within an application form (window) or dialog box that lists available choices such as file names or devices. A scroll allows additional items to be viewed if size of box is limited. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)



Mass Storage Device

A device for storing large amounts of data that are likely to be collected in the field.

Maximize Button

Command button located at far right of title containing a square with bold top bar. Used to enlarge the window to its maximum size on the screen. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

Menu

A list of available commands in an application window which appear in the menu near the top of the window. Menus are opened by selecting the menu name. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

Menu Bar

The horizontal area under the title containing the names of the application’s menus. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

Minimize Button

Command button located at far right of title containing a solid bar at bottom. Used to reduce a window to an icon. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

Modem

A communications device that enables a computer to transmit information over a telephone line.

Open

To display the contents of a file in a window or to enlarge an icon to a window. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

Option Button

A small, round button that appears in a dialog box. Within a group of related option buttons, you can select only one. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

PMT

Photo Multiplier Tube.

Pixel Map

An image used to portray the measured detector response for each element of a detector. The system uses the maps to supply calibrated radiographs.



Pixel Values

Pixel values are the result of the measurement of x-ray intensity for each detector pixel. The DXR System gives pixel values that vary from 0 –16,383 counts.

Point

Method of selecting an item on the screen by placing the pointer on it or a term used to reference a single pixel of an image.

Pointer

An arrow-shaped cursor displayed on the screen corresponding to the movement of a mouse. Used to select items on which it rests by pressing button on pointing device.

Pop-up Window

A small screen, known as a window, that appear to “pop-up” when its menu heading is selected.

Power Supply

The power supply supplies and controls the electric power to the electronics of the detector.

Pull-down Menu

A sub-menu that is released from the one above it in the menu hierarchy. It appears to be “pulled down.”

Radiation field

The volume of space filled with x-rays.

Read the Detector

After a period of time during which x-ray energy is accumulated in the detector, the system must measure the accumulated energy to supply an image. To read the detector means to start the measurement process and capture the results of the measurements.

Recursive Averaging

Recursive averaging is available only in Real Time mode. Recursive averaging is a mathematical operation that calculates a weighted-sum of new images with older images to supply improved image quality. The DXR- 250RT system can do a recursive averaging on images in real-time mode. Older images have less of an effect on the result than newer images. The operator can select the amount of the weight variable in the calculation.

Reduce

To minimize a window to an icon at the bottom of the desktop by using the Minimize button or the Minimize command. A minimized application continues running, and you can select the icon to make it the active application. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)



Restore Button

The small button containing a square in front of a square at the right of the title. The Restore button appears only after you have enlarged a window to its maximum size. Clicking the Restore button returns the window to its previous size. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

Scaling

Determining the correct numbers for the horizontal and vertical axis on plots.

Scroll (Verb)

To move through text or graphics (up, down, left, or right) in order to see parts of a file or list that cannot fit on the screen. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

Scroll Arrow

An arrow on either end of a scroll that you use to scroll through the contents of the window or list box. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

Scroll Bar

A bar that appears at the bottom and/or right edge of a window whose contents are not entirely visible. Each scroll bar contains a scroll box and two scroll arrows. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

Scroll Box

In a scroll, the small box that shows the position of information currently in the window or list box relative to the contents of the entire window. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

SCSI

Small Computer Systems Interface. A standard PC bus interface, pioneered by Adaptec, that defines standard physical and electrical connections for devices. SCSI provides a standard interface that enables many different kinds of devices, such as disk drives, magneto optical disks, CD-ROM drives, and tape drives to interface with the host computer.

Select

The choosing of an item to have an action carried out upon.

Shield (X-ray)

The x-ray shield is additional material put over the x-ray tube output port, during the warmup procedure, to protect the detector from excessive radiation.

Shortcut Key

A key or key combination that you press to carry out a command or action. If a command has a shortcut key, the key combination is listed to the right of the command name on the menu.



Spot Size

The spot size is the size of the spot that the electron beam makes as it impacts the tungsten target in an x-ray tube. Some x-ray tubes have adjustable spot sizes.

Technique (Acquisition Software)

An inspection technique contains all of the parameters that can be specified to acquire a set of inspection images. Depending upon which components are being controlled by the system, the parameters can include detector settings, manipulator settings, x-ray settings, display settings and review settings. Other portions of the technique set the mode (static or real-time), specify how the image corrections are to be done, and the name under which images will be stored. In a real-time acquisition, the parameters setting up the interactive controls are also specified.

Temperature Controller

The device used to regulate the temperature of the detector, thus ensuring consistent performance. The temperature controller is an electric, solid state, recirculating-fluid bath.

Text Box

In a dialog box, a box in which you type information needed to carry out a command. The text box may be blank or may contain text when the dialog box opens. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

Title Bar

The horizontal bar (at the top of a window) that contains the title of the window or dialog box. (see Microsoft Windows User’s Guide)

Tube (X-ray)

The x-ray tube (or source) supplies the x-ray radiation and sends it towards the inspection object.

Validation Procedure

Validation is the procedure that measures the performance of the system. The operator uses a known phantom object to do a validation. The validation lets the operator assess and monitor the system performance over time. An analysis of acquired images is done to produce image quality metrics including electronic noise, uniformity, brightness, noise power spectrum, spatial modulation transfer function (MTF), contrast, dynamic range linearity and a measure of detector quantum efficiency (DQE).

Viewing Parameters

The detector measures the amount of x-ray energy at each active element. These measured values are mapped onto a range of gray intensities to form an image. The range of measured x-ray values is usually much larger than the number of grays that can be distinguished by the human eye. Thus, only a portion of possible measurement values is displayed. Image viewing parameters define the contrast and brightness. They are specified as a window and a level of the image pixel values.



Window

The window is range of the gray scale map. The window is typically selected to make visible a range of counts that the user is interested in viewing on a monitor. In many regards, it is equivalent to setting the contrast of the display. The adjustment is usually combined with a level adjustment.

Zoom

To enlarge or reduce a section of a screen display, thereby enabling the user to see a small portion of the trace in detail.


Index

A

Acquisition Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Active. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Add New Component

in Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Add New Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14AE Title and Port

in Destinations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Air Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Application Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Application Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Arrow Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147ASTM Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65ASTM Map Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88ASTM Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85Auto Delete, Enabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136Auto Send, Enabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

B

Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Browse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

C

Calibrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148Calibration File for CR 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Calibration Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148Cassette Data, Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144Cassette Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143Check Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148Clone Component

in Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Clone Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148Command Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148Component Headers, Updating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Component Information

in Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Computed Radiography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Configure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148Confirmation Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148Copy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Counts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149CR 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21CR 100 Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21CR Tower

Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3CR Tower Digitizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25CR50P

Advanced Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Calibration File Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Gain Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Resolution Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Scan Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

CR50P Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Calibrating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

CRxFlex Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43General Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Scan Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Cursor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149Custom Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

D

Dark Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149Data Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149Data Directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Data File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149Date-Time Stamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Delete Component

in Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Delete Image. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137Delete Technique. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Density Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Destinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Detector (X-ray) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149Device Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149DFN Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150Digital Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150Digital Radiography (DR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150Digitizer

FS50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Direction Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150


Index

Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150Double-click . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150Drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150DXR X-Ray Inspection System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Administrative Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81Image Acquisition (Real-time Mode) . . . . . . . . . . 52Image Acquisition (Static Mode). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Issue Resolution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92Validation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89Viewer Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

EEdit Component

in Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Edit Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Enable Auto Delete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136Enable Auto Send . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150Exposure Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

F

File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150Filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151Finite Averaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151FS50

Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

FS50 Film Digitizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

G

Gain Select for CR 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Ghosting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Gray Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151GUI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

H

Highlighted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

I

Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Image Acquisitionwith CR 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23with CR Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Image Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134Image Ghosting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92Image Queue Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Image View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137Images, Zooming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139Import Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Inactive Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151Inspection Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Intensity, Adjusting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

K

Keywords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

L

Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151List Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151Local Studies View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Logging on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Low Disk Space Warning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

M

Main Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Manual Deletion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137Mass Storage Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152Maximize Button. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152Menu Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152Minimize Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152Mobile ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

O

Open. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152Option Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

P

Pipe Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Pipe Data Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Pixel Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152Pixel Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21


Index

Pixel Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153Playback Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54PMT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153Pointer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153Pop-up Window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153Pull-down Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

Q

Query Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142Query Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141Querying Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

R

Radiation Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153Read Cassette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144Read the Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Recursive Averaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53, 153Reduce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153Restore Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154RFID chip reader for CRxFlex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143Rhythm DXR Acquire Application

Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

S

Scaling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154Scan

for FS50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Scan Mode

for FS50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Scan Options

CR50P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Scan Type

for FS50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Scanner

CR 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21CR50P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31CRxFlex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Scanner Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Scanner, Selecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Scanners

Working with Two . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Scroll (Verb) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154Scroll Arrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154Scroll Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154Scroll Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154SCSI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154Sending Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133Setup Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Setup Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Setup Diagram Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Shield (X-ray) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154Shortcut Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154Single Film

for FS50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Spot Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155Study ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 133Syntax for Acquire Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8System Preferences form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

T

Technique (Acquisition Software). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155Technique Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 14Techniques

Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Temperature Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155Text Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Title Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155TWAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

UUsage

CRxFlex Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

V

Validation Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155Viewing Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

W

Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

X

XML File Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8X-Ray Automation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6X-Ray Controller

Graphical User Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102


Index

X-ray Controller Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Z

Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156Zooming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139


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