Simplifying installation and service for C-arms (part 3 towards RSNA 2017)

Next generation camera lens assemblies with CMOS image sensors for C-arm X-ray systems can improve image quality and reduce patient dose while also simplifying installation and service. RUBY delivers full digital real-time 1k2 30fps imaging for Image Intensifier based medical X-Ray imaging systems to increase performance and reduce costs. This is the third of a three-part series on Adimec’s new Ruby camera lens assembly (CLA) for X-Ray imaging. RUBY is specifically designed to reduce costs in fluoroscopy C-arm systems compared to existing CCD based solutions (Part 1), while improving image quality and reducing patient dose (Part 2), and doing that in a system that is simple to install and service (Part 3).

The RUBY CLA fits on any brand of image intensifier with a 25mm output window. The low weight, compact outline and low power operation make it easy to install RUBY in existing mobile C-arm designs, with re-use of the existing aesthetic covers in most cases. Adjustment provisions on RUBY make it simple to position, align and fine-focus the image, regardless of the orientation of the C-arm.

RUBY provides digital video & command interface via the industry standard low cost GigE Vision over 30+ meter Ethernet cable to any PC. ABC interface via analog signals (-7.5V…+7.5V) for low-latency feedback loop to X-ray generators. ABC signals are based on user programmable circular measurement fields applied to the digital video image from the sensor. This is done with no moving parts control integration!

The RUBY is fast to install, saving production time and cost. Assemble, Adjust, Test, Release. A sequence made simple, reliable and repeatable with RUBY. Precision is built into the CLA, not requiring highly experienced personal to achieve quality on topics like image sharpness. The RUBY CLA mounts directly to the mechanical interface of the Image Intensifier (II). Optical alignment and focusing are done with the CLA mounted to the II.

The adaptor plate supports the ND-filter set and provisions for image orientation, X-Y positioning and focus fine-tuning. Mounting the CLA with adaptor plate and performing these adjustments can be done reliably with high repeatability in just minutes. And are possible under any position of the mobile C-arm.

Adjusting the image brightness is controlled by 1 gain parameter setting in RUBY. RUBY supports measurement of the average signal level in a circular measuring field. You can use this digital measurement to determine the gain setting required for your clinical procedure. At system level, this process can be automated, making it easy to setup the II-CLA chain for any II-mode and procedure dose-level, and repeat this over time in the field during planned maintenance sessions for the system to compensate for degradation in II sensitivity.

The RUBY is easy to service. RUBY has NO failures due to a malfunctioning iris. Therefore, with RUBY in imaging chains, fault finding can be quick and accurate in pinpointing the root cause in case of imaging failures. RUBY CLAs and adaptor plates are field replaceable units (FRUs). Field adjustments are simple.

RUBY operational status can be diagnosed without removing the detector aesthetic covers. RUBY supports built-in-self-testing at startup. An on-board test-pattern generator allows to quickly detect if camera or Image Intensifier are failing in case of a ‘dark image’. These functions are all called through the GigE interface. When the cover is removed, LEDs on RUBY indicate the operational status, which is very helpful in case of detailed trouble shooting.

The CLA is simple to replace. The CLA and adaptor plate are a field replaceable unit (FRU). Replacing a RUBY CLA in the field is done quickly by unlocking the adaptor plate and mounting the replacement RUBY. Then the alignment and focusing are easily accomplished.

In Summary, the RUBY CLA is simple to integrate, install and service. It is a cost-effective alternative to CCD systems giving full 1k2 resolution the similar or lower cost levels known from 0.5k2 CCD imagers, with significant advantage in cost of ownership due in large part to the digital iris with no moving parts. It provides equal to or greater performance in terms of image quality due to the CMOS imager.

Adimec is visiting RSNA2017 in Chicago. Feel free to contact us directly at strategy@adimec.com to meet us at RSNA and learn more about RUBY, PEARL, CMOS vs CCD in medical imaging and our other cameras for Clinical Diagnostics applications.

If these three blogs caught your interest and you want to know more? Take the next step and download the RUBY datasheet.