Sprite User's Manual
Table of Contents Introduction and Basics __________________________________________ 1 Introduction 1 Safety Information 1 Intended Use: 1 Installing and Moving Sprite 4 Pre-Installation Requirements 4 Additional Connections 4 Licensing 4 Moving Sprite 4 Safety 5 Compliance 5 Modification of Sprite 5 Safety Features 5 Procedures 6 Protection 6 Liquids 6 User Safety Symbols and Features 6 Brushed Stainless Steel 9 Exterior Cabinet 9 Touch screen 9 External Machine Diagram 9 Machine Specifications 10 Cabinet
Sprite User's Manual Begin a New Scan Button One Touch Scan Button Utilities Button Locate a Scan Button Background Processing Button X-ray System Maintenance Button Messages Begin a New Scan Screen Image Area Scan Settings System Calibration or Validation Settings Preview Image Button Save Button Stage Position Control Scan Button Scout Penetration Full Imaging Scanning, System Calibration, and Validation Scanning Screen Scan Progress Image Area Scan Review Screen Image Area Action Button Table Settings B
Table of Contents Image Area Surface Export Results Screen – Calibrations and Validations Report Button System Calibration and Validation Reports Locate a Scan Screen Scan Table Page Up and Page Down Buttons Search Button Table Settings Button Background Processing Screen Reconstruction Table Utilities Screen System Sleep Button Touch screen Calibration Button System Shutdown Button Storage Device Management Button Network Configuration Button One Touch Scan Setup Button Submit Trouble Ticket Button Reset
Sprite User's Manual Navigation Buttons Turn X-rays Off Button Background Processing Button Scan Identification Keyboard Kilovolts Icon Milliamperes Icon Status Light and Message Temperature Gauge X-ray Icon Trefoil 62 63 63 64 64 65 65 65 66 66 67 Technical Support ______________________________________________ 69 vi
Introduction and Basics Introduction Welcome to the Sprite CT scanner by IMTEC™, a 3M Company. Sprite is a sleek, compact, state-of-the-art CT scanner allows you to easily scan an object and produce a 3D image for numerous applications. Sprite uses advanced X-ray technology and the innovative FlashCT™ software developed exclusively by IMTEC engineers to create a unique CT scanner well above industry standards.
Sprite User's Manual Summary of device labels containing safety information WARNING Risk of Danger Refer to Manual WARNING Risk of Shock CAUTION X-ray Hazard WARNING Hazardous Voltage CAUTION X-ray Hazard (Canada) 2
Introduction and Basics WARNING To reduce the risk associated with hazardous voltage: • do not service this scanner – there are no user serviceable parts. Use only 3M authorized service personnel, • do not modify this scanner, • disconnect power cord when the scanner is not in use and while cleaning, and • do not use a damaged power cord.
Sprite User's Manual Installing and Moving Sprite Pre-Installation Requirements Please follow these conditions when preparing for Sprite's installation: • must be placed on a flat, level surface, • footprint is 59" wide by 24" deep, • weighs 800 lbs, • should be in a location where it will not be bumped or physically disturbed, • have a local area network (LAN) Ethernet outlet available (if you choose to network Sprite), • and have a dedicated 208-240VAC 50/60Hz electrical circuit.
Introduction and Basics Safety Compliance Sprite complies with all federal regulations for cabinet X-ray equipment set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (revised 2008) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (see 21CFR1020.40). Sprite also complies with UL 61010-1 (Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use; Part 1: General Requirements, Underwriters Laboratories). This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Sprite User's Manual Interlock System The interlock system is a safety mechanism that protects the operator from active X-rays. The lock is in place in accordance with 21CFR1020.40. The interlock system automatically locks the door when X-rays are turned on. You will not be able to open the door until the X-rays are turned off, at which point the interlock system unlocks the door. Key Switch The key must be inserted and rotated for X-rays to be enabled.
Introduction and Basics Safety Features Feature Name Description "X-ray On" Indicator Lights Illuminating indicators located on either side of the touch screen that pulsate while X-rays are being generated. Operator "E-Stop" Button Located on the front of the machine near the touch screen. This button should be pressed only in the event of an emergency. Cabinet Safety Symbols Symbol Name Description WARNING Risk of Danger Refer to Manual Located adjacent to the accessory power outlets.
Sprite User's Manual Inner Cabinet Information Information 8 Item Description Power Status Label Located on the front of Sprite’s electronics enclosure near the power and key switches. This label supplies information about the power status of the computer and X-ray systems. Identification Plaque Located on the front of Sprite’s electronics enclosure near the power switch. This label supplies important information about Sprite and its certifications.
Introduction and Basics Cleaning Sprite Sprite is a state-of-the art cabinet X-ray system with a touch screen on the exterior and all electrical, mechanical, and computer components located inside. Because Sprite contains such components, its care should be similar to that of an appliance. Any liquid around Sprite should be considered a potential electrical shock hazard. You should not spray, pour or otherwise allow any fluids in Sprite's vicinity.
Sprite User's Manual Machine Specifications Sprite is a small industrial X-ray CT (computed tomography) scanning machine. Samples to be scanned are placed in a plastic or Styrofoam canister, which then is set on the stage in the cabinet. Image viewing and reconstruction are performed through the embedded computer. Sprite allows you to transfer your scan data to a removable storage unit so you may download it to a computer that is equipped with ILUMAVision Industrial.
Introduction and Basics Electrical System Specifications Power Consumption External Connections 110-240VAC 50/60Hz 1400 Watts consumption max Rotary Stage Design Motors Circuit Boards Four separate, motion stages in fixed positions within the cabinet that allow for four levels of magnification Four 800 line/rev NEMA-23 hybrid stepper motor (one per stage) 1. System Board – Communicates to imbedded computer via USB and contains the RFID.
Sprite User's Manual Basic Operation This section provides an overview of basic operation, or quick-start, of Sprite. Please read the user’s manual for complete instructions and safety information. Powering Sprite On and Off To power Sprite on and off, you must insert the key into the key switch and turn it to the "on" position. You may power Sprite on and off with the power switch located on the front of the electronics enclosure, inside the lower cabinet.
Introduction and Basics Sample Placement This topic covers the placement of items in the cabinet. Proper positioning is simple, yet it is essential to accurate imaging. Your Sprite system includes canisters and accessories to help ensure the proper placement of your sample between the X-ray source and the detector.
Sprite User's Manual Fixture/Phantom Placement To begin a full imaging scan, place and secure your sample in the appropriate canister and on the appropriate stage. To begin a system calibration or validation, place and secure a calibration phantom on its corresponding stage. (A fixture/phantom is secured when it has been gently turned until it locks into place. An Audible Announcement informs you the fixture/phantom is secure.
Components Main Screen Sprite's main screen provides access to Sprite's main components. This is a reproduction of main screen. The components of this screen are described below. Begin a New Scan Button Tap this button to open the Begin a New Scan screen. This button provides access to all three types of scans – full imaging scans, system calibration scans, and validation scans. For more information on these, see Full Imaging Scanning, System Calibration, and Validation.
Sprite User's Manual One Touch Scan Button This component allows you to conduct a scan quickly by using pre-set default scan settings. With One Touch Scan, you can skip the Begin a New Scan screen and start scanning immediately. This component is ideal for scanning numerous items that require the same scan settings. If you feel confident that you do not need a preview image and have placed your sample and entered default settings, tap the One Touch Scan button.
Components Background Processing Button The Background Processing button provides access to the Background Processing screen. This button appears on the main screen and in the bottom right corner of every screen. If the gears of this button are moving, image processing (or reconstruction) is under way. Note: You may not begin a scan while any image processing is under way. X-ray System Maintenance Button Tap this button to access the maintenance procedures to regularly perform on Sprite.
Sprite User's Manual To find out about scheduling automatic conditioning and detector calibration, please see Scheduled Maintenance in the X-ray System Maintenance component. Messages Messages appear in yellow text on the main screen under the main components. They indicate the status of the system and what actions, if any, you must take before starting a scan.
Components Begin a New Scan Screen The Begin a New Scan screen appears when you tap Begin a New Scan on the main screen. Use this screen to choose the settings (or parameters) for a full imaging scan, a system calibration or validation. Note: The screen capture below applies to a full imaging scan. The screen is configured slightly differently for system calibrations and validations.
Sprite User's Manual Scan Settings The scan settings differ depending upon whether you are performing a full imaging scan, a system calibration or a validation. When you perform a full imaging scan, the scan settings section looks like this: Scan Length The scan time and processing time vary with the scan settings you choose. Take note of these times, especially after you make changes to the settings, because you may not want to start a scan that will take more time than you have.
Components When you perform a system calibration or a validation, the scan settings section looks like this: Scan Name The scan name can be entered (by tapping in the box and entering information with the keyboard) or will be automatically assigned when you choose a system calibration or validation. The abbreviation "Cal" or "Val" will appear in the name box and on the following screen in the title bar with a time stamp. Scan Type Select Validation or Calibration.
Sprite User's Manual System Calibration or Validation Settings When you perform a system calibration or a validation, the scan settings section looks like this: Scan Name The scan name can be entered (by tapping in the box and entering information with the keyboard) or will be automatically assigned when you choose a system calibration or validation. The abbreviation "Cal" or "Val" will appear in the name box and on the following screen in the title bar with a time stamp.
Components Save Button If you would like to save your preview (or scout) image, tap the save button and a copy of it will be saved on the active data drive. You may find all saved scans through the Locate a Scan component. Stage Position Control You may turn the stage from outside of the cabinet using the Stage Position Control on the screen. You may want use this control in combination with the preview image feature to ensure accurate sample placement.
Sprite User's Manual Full Imaging Scanning, System Calibration, and Validation The type of scan – whether full imaging scan, a system calibration or a validation – is determined by what you place on the stage. Full Imaging Scanning Full imaging scans are the most common activity you will perform with Sprite. Although validation and calibration likely will be performed regularly, they likely will not be performed as frequently as full imaging scans.
Components Scanning Screen This screen displays the progress of your scan and provides for the entry of key scan information. This is a reproduction of the Scanning screen. The components of this screen are described below. Scan Progress Before scanning begins, the system must prepare itself. As it does so, it displays in the scan progress area the steps it is taking. (These steps are determined by the scan settings.
Sprite User's Manual Image Area The image area contains images produced in real time by the scanning process.
Components Scan Review Screen This screen allows you to view the status of the various scan types (i.e., reconstruction, system calibration, or validation), to access the results of the scan, and to manipulate the scan's raw images. When the scan is complete, you may tap the associated arrow in the table to see the full results. After your sample is scanned, the raw image is automatically processed to allow for further reconstruction. This screen allows you to view the status of the various scan types (i.
Sprite User's Manual Image Area The image area contains the raw images produced by the scan. This is an image of an aluminum part. This is an image of the calibration phantom. Note: These images can be examined and manipulated while reconstruction occurs. Action Button The Action button represents actions that can be performed on the data. The button represents verification for the user that the data can be processed into the next state.
Components The column headings include: GUID - Global Unique Identifier Operation - messages generated by the FlashCTDPS software regarding the reconstruction Description - description of the scan entered by the user Comment - system-generated text that displays what reconstruction action is taking place Scan/Reconstruction Table This table contains and provides access to the scan and all of the reconstruction information, as well as system calibration and validation reports.
Sprite User's Manual Copy Tap the Copy button to copy the scan data to a different active drive (such as a USB flash drive). When you tap the button, the list of active drives appears. Select the drive to which you want the copy sent. You will be asked to confirm your intention. A dialog box indicates the status of the copy. Move Tap the Move button to move the scan data to a different active drive (such as a USB flash drive). When you tap the Move button, the list of active drives appears.
Components When the system calibration or validation is complete, the Preview Image area is colored white to indicate a successful validation and red to indicate an unsuccessful one. Tap the Report button in the upper right corner to generate the full report. Note: When reconstruction is under way, the gears in the Background Processing icon in the lower right corner of the screen are in motion.
Sprite User's Manual Processing Setup Screen The Processing Setup screen allows you to choose settings for in-depth reconstructions. Among these settings is Region of Interest. With this setting you may designate a subvolume to reconstruct. To start the processing, fill out the reconstruction processing settings (set the region of interest, update the description, select the data type and resolution, etc.), and then tap the Start Processing button.
Components Automatic ROI A region of interest will automatically appear as a red box over a portion of the image. Adjusting the ROI If you would like to adjust the ROI, tap the image with the ROI you would like to adjust and the surrounding box will be highlighted in yellow. Put your finger near the area you would like to reconstruct, and drag it over the area you would like to see. A square appears over the area. This is the ROI, and it applies to all three images.
Sprite User's Manual ROI before expanding Right expand arrow ROI after expanding If you want to make the ROI boxes smaller, tap the collapse button. Tap an arrow in the direction that you would like to collapse the ROI. For example, if you would like to collapse the height of the box, tap the arrow that points down and the top of the box will move down.
Components Resolution The resolution setting is used to resolve (similar to zooming in) a small detail of a whole item. The higher the resolution setting, the better the quality of imaging (therefore, a longer processing time). Processing Button After choosing the settings for the image reconstruction, tap the Start Processing button to begin the reconstruction processing.
Sprite User's Manual Results Screen The Results screen differs depending upon whether you are performing a full imaging scan, a system calibration or a validation. This topic describes the Results screen as it pertains to full imaging scans. For a description of the Results screen as it pertains to system calibrations and validations, see below. In the context of full imaging scans, the Results screen allows you to explore the threedimensional surface or volume slice images produced by the reconstruction.
Components Volume (or STL) Reconstruction Viewing Techniques Follow the same techniques for viewing and manipulating preview and raw images. Surface Export All scans and data derived from them – including reconstructions, surface (or "PLY) files and volume (or "STL") files – are automatically saved in the active data drive. To copy a scan's surface file to another drive, tap the drive's name in the Export surface to drive list.
Sprite User's Manual Results Screen – Calibrations and Validations If you are performing a system calibration or validation, the Results screen provides a detailed report of your results. This is a reproduction of the Results screen for a system calibration. The components of this screen are described below. Report Button The button on the Results screen shows the user what is displayed on the screen.
Components General Information The general information lists the specifics of the calibration including the part, system, and date. Cylinder Diameter The cylinder diameter lists the actual diameter, the measured cylinder diameter, and the difference between the two. Spatial Calibration The spatial calibration analyzes the geometrical sharpness of the image. Geometrical blurriness limits the ability to image an object's fine structural detail. Noise Level Noise is expected and acceptable.
Sprite User's Manual Locate a Scan Screen The Locate a Scan screen allows you to: • search for scans by entering identifying information, • access scan data for viewing and reconstruction, • copy, move, and delete scans, and • access the system calibration and validation history. All scans are saved to an active data drive and may be accessed through this component. This is a reproduction of the Locate a Scan screen. The components of this screen are described below.
Components Scrolling is also available by tapping on the up or down arrow or dragging the bar in the column on the left side of the table. Search Button You may conduct an advanced search for scans (with or without reconstructions), system calibrations or validations by entering details of a scan you would like to find. Access the search window by tapping the Search button.
Sprite User's Manual Search results are displayed in the table. Table Settings Button The Table Settings button opens a dialog box that allows you to choose which columns are displayed in the table on the Locate a Scan screen. Select the check box next to the column headings you would like to see, and then tap Close to enable your changes.
Components Background Processing Screen The Background Processing screen allows you to: • view the status of active reconstruction jobs, • view the list of pending reconstruction jobs, and • abort active and pending reconstruction jobs. The Background Processing component can be accessed by tapping the Reconstruction button on any screen. Note: You may not begin a scan while a reconstruction is processing. This is a reproduction of the Background Processing screen.
Sprite User's Manual Utilities Screen The Utilities screen gives you access to various system functions, settings, and system services. Functions you may run regularly include System Sleep, System Shutdown, and Touch screen Calibration. Settings you may enter or update include Storage Device Management, Network Configuration, and One Touch Scan Setup.
Components If the touch screen is not responding as you would expect it to, tap the Touch screen Calibration button. Calibration will begin automatically. Follow the instructions on the touch screen to calibrate it. First, touch the target as it moves around the screen. Next, tap the screen and drag your finger. If the cursor follows your finger, tap the green check box. If the cursor does not follow your finger, tap the retry button, and the calibration will run again.
Sprite User's Manual Storage Device Management Button Sprite uses only external hard drives for performing and storing scans. Your Sprite comes equipped with one external hard drive (USB 1TB external HDD). There is one USB port and auxiliary power outlet located inside the bottom cabinet. The USB port on the front of the cabinet near the top door gives you the option of transferring scan data to another drive (a USB flash drive, for instance) for use on another workstation.
Components This is a reproduction of the Storage Device Management screen. The components of this screen are described below. Active Data Drives Active data drives are those assigned to store scan data. (For information on the assignment of drives, see Detected Storage Devices.) You may name each assigned data drive. To do so, tap the drive icon. The Drive Name box appears. Tap inside the box, and enter the name for the data drive. Tap the drive icon again. The new name appears.
Sprite User's Manual Search for Drives Button Before you can store data on a drive, you must determine whether the drive can be used for data storage. To do so, first plug the drive into a USB port. If you do not see the name of the drive appear in the list of detected storage devices tap the Search For Drives button, and your drive will appear in the list. Detected Storage Devices The default Sprite data drive is an external drive located in the cabinet, plugged into the internal USB port.
Components Network Configuration Parameters Sprite is capable of networking with other computers and connecting with the internet. To take advantage of this capability, you must have an available Ethernet outlet and an established local area network (LAN). The Sprite installer will configure your system for networking and internet connectivity. If Sprite is networked to the internet, you will be issued a web site to view the scans and their accompanying files online (from another workstation).
Sprite User's Manual Revert Button To clear information entered and revert to the previous settings, tap the Revert button. One Touch Scan Setup Button To create default scan settings, which allow you to take advantage of One Touch Scan, tap the One Touch Scan Setup button. When you tap this button, the One Touch Scan Setup screen appears. One Touch Scan Setup Screen Use this screen to set or modify the default parameters used in One Touch Scan. This is a reproduction of the One Touch Scan Setup screen.
Components Enter the other default settings to conduct full scanning and viewing procedures. The scan energy determines the strength of the X-rays. The resolution setting determines the quality of your scans. High-resolution scans produce more data (or lines per millimeter) but require a longer processing time. Note: You must set the default scan settings for each stage for wish you wish to perform One Touch Scans.
Sprite User's Manual When you tap the Submit Trouble Ticket button, the Submit Trouble Ticket screen appears. Submit Trouble Ticket Screen Trouble tickets help IMTEC technical support diagnose and correct any problems you may encounter when using Sprite. These tickets contain not only your description of a problem, but also additional internally generated system/process information. This screen allows you to create and submit a trouble ticket.
Components Export Ticket To save the ticket to another drive (to transfer it to another workstation, for example), choose the drive from the list. (Be sure you have connected the drive to one of the available USB ports.) Keep a Local Copy of Ticket Tickets saved to the current active drive can be retrieved by a technician to assess any problems. To save the ticket to the active drive tap/select the box next to Keep a local copy.
Sprite User's Manual Reset System Board Service Button IMTEC recommends creating a trouble ticket and contacting technical support to efficiently resolve software and hardware problems. This specific system reset service affects the central circuit board. It is available but should be used only after speaking with tech support. Reset X-ray Service Button IMTEC recommends creating a trouble ticket and contacting technical support to efficiently resolve software and hardware problems.
Components System Status Screen The System Status screen indicates the status of the hardware, mechanical, and software systems and alerts you to any errors. Sprite's various colored light bulbs and gauges serve as visual indicators of the overall system status and the status of individual mechanical and software components. These indicators appear not only on the System Status screen, but throughout the Sprite interface. Note: This screen is primarily for diagnostics performed by IMTEC technical support.
Sprite User's Manual When the switch is "turned on" it illuminates, as do the signs on the front of the cabinet (however, this does not actually activate the X-rays). If the "X-ray On" sign does not illuminate on the outside of the cabinet, the X-rays source cannot be turned on. Primary Indicators The primary indicators are identified with the larger of the light bulbs on the System Status screen. Each of these indicators corresponds to a multiple-function component on the system board.
Components Secondary Indicators The secondary indicators are identified with the smaller of the light bulbs on the System Status screen. Each of these indicators corresponds to a single-function component on the system board. Each bulb is labeled and can be one of four colors.
Sprite User's Manual X-ray System Maintenance Screen This screen allows you to manually begin or schedule automatic maintenance procedures. These procedures – X-ray conditioning and detector calibration – are required for the X-ray source and detector to perform at their highest levels. Note: Be sure nothing is in the cabinet prior to detector calibration. If an item is left inside the cabinet, detector calibration will not begin. This is a reproduction of the X-ray System Maintenance screen.
Components When conditioning finishes you may begin detector calibration or return to the main screen. For more information on automating conditioning, see Scheduled Maintenance. Begin Detector Calibration Button Detector calibration prepares the detector and is essential for accurate image acquisition. Your detector calibration schedule will depend on your usage and on the ambient temperature in the room containing your system.
Sprite User's Manual To set your machine to automatically condition the X-rays and calibrate the detector on a schedule, tap the Scheduled Maintenance button. The switchboard and clock appear. You may set the time that you would like automatic conditioning and calibration to begin by tapping the plus and minus buttons next to the clock. Choose the days you would like each procedure to run by tapping the switch for the corresponding days. The switch is on when a green circle illuminates on it.
Components Common Elements Abort Button Tap the Abort button to stop a scan. The button turns red, the X-rays turn off, and the scan stops. To move away from the current screen (to begin another scan, for instance), use the navigation buttons. Arrow Button To retrieve a scan or any of its reconstruction files, or calibration/validation report listed in the table, tap the arrow located in the corresponding row and the results display on the following page.
Sprite User's Manual To increase the speed of the rotation, tap the plus sign. To decrease the speed of the rotation, tap the minus sign. To stop the image in a specific "position", tap the Pause button. Level To adjust the contrast or the brightness of the image (also known as the window width and window level, respectively), tap the Level button. Touch the image on the screen and drag your finger left or right to adjust the contrast. Drag up or down to adjust the brightness.
Components Tap this button to move back to the previous screen. Tap this button to move back to the home screen. Turn X-rays Off Button The Turn X-rays Off button appears when the X-ray source is active (you can tell when the X-ray source is active because the X-ray icon and the "X-ray On" sign on both sides of the touch screen is illuminated). Press and hold this button for 3–5 seconds to stop a scan. The button turns red and a countdown begins, culminating in the scan's termination.
Sprite User's Manual Scan Identification The Begin a New Scan, Scanning, Scan Review and Results screens allow you to enter information to identify a scan. The identifying fields are Scan Name, Scan Description, and Who Did the Scan. You can enter identifying information by tapping in the box associated with a field's name. The keyboard appears (if it is not already on the screen). Scan Name The Scan Name field can be entered only on the Begin a New Scan screen.
Components Kilovolts Icon This icon indicates the force of electricity being supplied to the X-ray source. Milliamperes Icon This icon indicates the strength of electricity that is being supplied to the X-ray source. Status Light and Message The light bulb indicates the status of the mechanical and hardware system. Combined with the text message, it alerts you the status of the machine and relays any errors. The bulb can be one of four colors.
Sprite User's Manual Temperature Gauge The temperature gauge indicates the temperature of the X-ray tube. If the temperature of the tube exceeds the allowable limit, the light will turn red on the gauge and the X-ray is automatically shut off. If you try to run a scan while the X-ray tube is cooling down, a message appears indicating how much time remains until the scan will begin. The scan begins automatically when the countdown is complete.
Components Note: You can turn off X-rays in several ways. For more information, see Safety. Trefoil A radiation trefoil is permanently affixed to each button that activates X-rays.
Technical Support If you have encountered a problem, please contact IMTEC for technical support. Email: support@imtecimaging.
