Technical

Publications

Direction 2160288–100
Revision 0

GE Medical Systems
CT/i Service Tips

Copyright
1996 by General Electric Company

Operating Documentation
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WARNING THIS SERVICE MANUAL IS AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH ONLY.

IF A CUSTOMER’S SERVICE PROVIDER REQUIRES A LANGUAGE OTHER
THAN ENGLISH, IT IS THE CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE
TRANSLATION SERVICES.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SERVICE THE EQUIPMENT UNLESS THIS SERVICE
MANUAL HAS BEEN CONSULTED AND IS UNDERSTOOD.
FAILURE TO HEED THIS WARNING MAY RESULT IN INJURY TO THE SERVICE
PROVIDER, OPERATOR OR PATIENT FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK, MECHANICAL
OR OTHER HAZARDS.

AVERTISSEMENT CE MANUEL DE MAINTENANCE N’EST DISPONIBLE QU’EN ANGLAIS.

SI LE TECHNICIEN DU CLIENT A BESOIN DE CE MANUEL DANS UNE AUTRE
LANGUE QUE L’ANGLAIS, C’EST AU CLIENT QU’IL INCOMBE DE LE FAIRE
TRADUIRE.
NE PAS TENTER D’INTERVENTION SUR LES ÉQUIPEMENTS TANT QUE LE
MANUEL SERVICE N’A PAS ÉTÉ CONSULTÉ ET COMPRIS.
LE NON-RESPECT DE CET AVERTISSEMENT PEUT ENTRAÎNER CHEZ LE
TECHNICIEN, L’OPÉRATEUR OU LE PATIENT DES BLESSURES DUES À DES
DANGERS ÉLECTRIQUES, MÉCANIQUES OU AUTRES.

WARNUNG DIESES KUNDENDIENST–HANDBUCH EXISTIERT NUR IN ENGLISCHER

SPRACHE.
FALLS EIN FREMDER KUNDENDIENST EINE ANDERE SPRACHE BENÖTIGT,
IST ES AUFGABE DES KUNDEN FÜR EINE ENTSPRECHENDE ÜBERSETZUNG
ZU SORGEN.
VERSUCHEN SIE NICHT, DAS GERÄT ZU REPARIEREN, BEVOR DIESES
KUNDENDIENST–HANDBUCH NICHT ZU RATE GEZOGEN UND VERSTANDEN
WURDE.
WIRD DIESE WARNUNG NICHT BEACHTET, SO KANN ES ZU VERLETZUNGEN
DES KUNDENDIENSTTECHNIKERS, DES BEDIENERS ODER DES PATIENTEN
DURCH ELEKTRISCHE SCHLÄGE, MECHANISCHE ODER SONSTIGE
GEFAHREN KOMMEN.

AVISO ESTE MANUAL DE SERVICIO SÓLO EXISTE EN INGLÉS.

SI ALGÚN PROVEEDOR DE SERVICIOS AJENO A GEMS SOLICITA UN IDIOMA
QUE NO SEA EL INGLÉS, ES RESPONSABILIDAD DEL CLIENTE OFRECER UN
SERVICIO DE TRADUCCIÓN.
NO SE DEBERÁ DAR SERVICIO TÉCNICO AL EQUIPO, SIN HABER
CONSULTADO Y COMPRENDIDO ESTE MANUAL DE SERVICIO.
LA NO OBSERVANCIA DEL PRESENTE AVISO PUEDE DAR LUGAR A QUE EL
PROVEEDOR DE SERVICIOS, EL OPERADOR O EL PACIENTE SUFRAN
LESIONES PROVOCADAS POR CAUSAS ELÉCTRICAS, MECÁNICAS O DE
OTRA NATURALEZA.

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ATENÇÃO ESTE MANUAL DE ASSISTÊNCIA TÉCNICA SÓ SE ENCONTRA DISPONÍVEL

EM INGLÊS.
SE QUALQUER OUTRO SERVIÇO DE ASSISTÊNCIA TÉCNICA, QUE NÃO A
GEMS, SOLICITAR ESTES MANUAIS NOUTRO IDIOMA, É DA
RESPONSABILIDADE DO CLIENTE FORNECER OS SERVIÇOS DE
TRADUÇÃO.
NÃO TENTE REPARAR O EQUIPAMENTO SEM TER CONSULTADO E
COMPREENDIDO ESTE MANUAL DE ASSISTÊNCIA TÉCNICA.
O NÃO CUMPRIMENTO DESTE AVISO PODE POR EM PERIGO A SEGURANÇA
DO TÉCNICO, OPERADOR OU PACIENTE DEVIDO A‘ CHOQUES ELÉTRICOS,
MECÂNICOS OU OUTROS.

AVVERTENZA IL PRESENTE MANUALE DI MANUTENZIONE È DISPONIBILE SOLTANTO IN

INGLESE.
SE UN ADDETTO ALLA MANUTENZIONE ESTERNO ALLA GEMS RICHIEDE IL
MANUALE IN UNA LINGUA DIVERSA, IL CLIENTE È TENUTO A PROVVEDERE
DIRETTAMENTE ALLA TRADUZIONE.
SI PROCEDA ALLA MANUTENZIONE DELL’APPARECCHIATURA SOLO DOPO
AVER CONSULTATO IL PRESENTE MANUALE ED AVERNE COMPRESO IL
CONTENUTO.
NON TENERE CONTO DELLA PRESENTE AVVERTENZA POTREBBE FAR
COMPIERE OPERAZIONI DA CUI DERIVINO LESIONI ALL’ADDETTO ALLA
MANUTENZIONE, ALL’UTILIZZATORE ED AL PAZIENTE PER FOLGORAZIONE
ELETTRICA, PER URTI MECCANICI OD ALTRI RISCHI.

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CERTIFIED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR STATEMENT

All electrical Installations that are preliminary to positioning of the equipment at
the site prepared for the equipment shall be performed by licensed electrical
contractors. In addition, electrical feeds into the Power Distribution Unit shall be
performed by licensed electrical contractors. Other connections between pieces
of electrical equipment, calibrations and testing shall be performed by qualified
GE Medical personnel. The products involved (and the accompanying electrical
installations) are highly sophisticated, and special engineering competence is
required. In performing all electrical work on these products, GE will use its own
specially trained field engineers. All of GE’s electrical work on these products will
comply with the requirements of the applicable electrical codes.

The purchaser of GE equipment shall only utilize qualified personnel (i.e., GE’s
field engineers, personnel of third–party service companies with equivalent
training, or licensed electricians) to perform electrical servicing on the
equipment.

IMPORTANT...X–RAY PROTECTION
X–ray equipment if not properly used may cause injury. Accordingly, the
instructions herein contained should be thoroughly read and understood by
everyone who will use the equipment before you attempt to place this equipment
in operation. The General Electric Company, Medical Systems Group, will be glad
to assist and cooperate in placing this equipment in use.

Although this apparatus incorporates a high degree of protection against

x–radiation other than the useful beam, no practical design of equipment can
provide complete protection. Nor can any practical design compel the operator
to take adequate precautions to prevent the possibility of any persons carelessly
exposing themselves or others to radiation.

It is important that anyone having anything to do with x–radiation be properly

trained and fully acquainted with the recommendations of the National Council
on Radiation Protection and Measurements as published in NCRP Reports
available from NCRP Publications, 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Room 1016,
Bethesda, Maryland 20814, and of the International Commission on Radiation
Protection, and take adequate steps to protect against injury.

The equipment is sold with the understanding that the General Electric Company,
Medical Systems Group, its agents, and representatives have no responsibility
for injury or damage which may result from improper use of the equipment.

Various protective materials and devices are available. It is urged that such
materials or devices be used.

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DAMAGE IN TRANSPORTATION
All packages should be closely examined at time of delivery. If damage is
apparent write ‘‘Damage In Shipment’’ on ALL copies of the freight or express bill
BEFORE delivery is accepted or ‘‘signed for’’ by a GE representative or hospital
receiving agent. Whether noted or concealed, damage MUST be reported to the
carrier immediately upon discovery, or in any event, within 14 days after receipt,
and the contents and containers held for inspection by the carrier. A
transportation company will not pay a claim for damage if an inspection is not
requested within this 14 day period.

Call Traffic and Transportation, Milwaukee, WI (414) 785 5052 or 8*323 5052
immediately after damage is found. At this time be ready to supply name of
carrier, delivery date, consignee name, freight or express bill number, item
damaged and extent of damage.

Complete instructions regarding claim procedure are found in Section S of the

Policy And Procedures Bulletins.
14 July 1993

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REVISION HISTORY

   

  
0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 May, 1996 . . . . . . . . . Initial Release of Document. Updates for Software release 3.4.

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NOTES

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SECTION 1
IMPORTANT MUST DO’S FOR INSTALLATION

1.1 CAMERA SETUP

LFC: During the Load from Cold procedure, you will be led to the Hispeed CT/i
System Configuration screen to setup your system defaults, preferences, and
hardware settings. When you click the button titled ’Hardware’, you will be able
to set up the parameters related to your Camera & Filming.
(1) Ensure that you highlight all the ’available’ film formats.
(2) Ensure that you pick the 4x3 or the most often used film format default for
your site.
(3) Ensure that you pick the correct camera, digital or analog, and the
appropriate options.
Note 1 There is no gray scale on digital camera films.
(4) Ensure that you pick the appropriate film quality, either SMOOTH or
SHARP.
This is absolutely imperative for making good images on films, &
works like the current GE HiSpeed & Hilight systems. From our
clinical experiences, we recommend the following settings:
Kodak: Smooth
Dupont: Smooth
3M: Sharp
Agfa: Sharp
If you hear from your site that the images on film are ’too pixely’, chances
are that the film has been set to sharp, and you need to set it to smooth.
And vice versa.
RECONFIG: Run ’Reconfig’ to ensure that your camera, parameters & defaults
are correctly set for your site. Follow steps (1) thru (4) as above. This will prevent
a lot of headaches for you.

1.2 COLOR MONITOR SETUP

OVERVIEW: The light output from all color monitors is lower than the output
from black & white monitors, e.g. Hispeed/Hilight. For this reason you need to
be very careful when setting up the monitor brightness & contrast for CT/i.
Initially, the systems are set to factory defaults, but these can be adjusted. Refer
to the ’HiSpeed CT/i Installation Manual’ for details on how to adjust the
Brightness & Contrast for these monitors.
The technologist may perceive that the image on the monitor is ’softer’ than the
image on the film, i.e. they like the film, but they would like the image on the
monitor to look like their film in terms of contrast & brightness. By now, you’ve
probably guessed that due to the light output of the color monitor, you need to
make the adjustment for Brightness & Contrast so that the technologist can see
anatomical structure (window width) at the right amount of brightness(window
level). This should be no different for you than adjusting the brightness & contrast
on your TV at home.

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1.3 FILM QUALITY

All cameras on the market provide various tweeking ’algorithms’ so that the
image quality on films match the quality as seen on display monitors. Your
technologists & radiologists will not compromise the film quality. Since your
camera service vendor will be at your site to setup the new CT/i port on your
camera, it will be best for you to ensure that the new films from CT/i matches in
quality with the films that your radiologists are used to reviewing.

Please make that a top priority.

1.4 BUILT–IN PROTOCOL FILES / SMARTBEAM

Your new CT/i system comes with built–in protocols that will be used by the
technologists. There are Adult protocols & Pediatric protocols. Within the Adult
protocols, for large body scanning only, we have sent protocols for both
Smartbeam & non–Smartbeam option systems. The differences is in the dose
provided to the patient. Before turning the system over for patient scanning, you
must do the following so that the appropriate protocols are used by your system:

Determine if you have the SmartBeam option installed. On the Service Desktop,
on the Utilities menu, run ”Verify Options”. If SmartBeam shows up in the list,
SmartBeam has been installed and is functional.

1.4.1 SYSTEMS WITHOUT SMARTBEAM OPTION

Steps to remove the Smartbeam protocols:
(1) Go to Protocol Management
(2) Select the region 3 on the Adult body by clicking around the arrow for the
region. These are the C–spine protocols
(3) Select the protocol name with (S/B) on it. This is a smartbeam protocol.
(4) Press ’delete’ at the bottom of the menu, & confirm.
(5) Press Done.
(6) Repeat steps (2)–(5) for Regions 3–9 from the Adult body.

1.4.2 SYSTEMS WITH SMARTBEAM OPTION:

Steps to remove the non–Smartbeam protocols:
(1) Go to Protocol Management
(2) Select the region 3 on the Adult body by clicking ......... These are the
chest ? protocols 3. Select the 1st protocol, i.e. the one that does not have
(S/B) on it. This is for non–smartbeam option systems.
(3) Press ’delete’ from the bottom of the menu, & confirm.
(4) Also, edit the name of the smartbeam protocol. Place the cursor at the end
of the smartbeam protocol name, & delete the end characters ”(S/B)”.
(5) Press Done.
(6) Repeat steps (2)–(5) for each of the Regions 3–9 from the Adult body.

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1.5 AUTOVOICE/INTERCOM VOLUME

(1) Intercom Volume Verification:
To adjust the Gantry Speaker Volume, adjust the leftmost volume
thumbwheel while speaking into the console microphone.
To adjust the Console Speaker volume, adjust the center volume
thumbwheel while speaking into the Gantry microphone.
(2) Autovoice Volume Verification:
To adjust the Gantry Speaker volume, adjust the right volume thumbwheel
while autovoice is playing, & check the volume for the gantry speaker.
To adjust the Console Speaker Volume, bring up the Autovoice volume
control from the Toolchest.
» Adjust the RIGHT Channel volume only, this is the only volume control.
» The LEFT Channel must be kept locked at the maximum.

1.6 NETWORK
To add other stations to network to & from CT/i:
(1) Select Network from Image Works, go to Select Remote Host from the
pull down menu.
(2) Select Add. Enter the IP address, name of station, network protocol you
want to use.
(3) Save.
DICOM Port #
» Genesis stations (HiLight, HiSpeed): 104
» Non–Genesis stations: 4006

1.7 INSITE NETWORK

InSite on a CT/i system is using Internet Protocol (IP) which runs over lower level
Point to Point (PPP) software layer. PPP emulates an IP connection over a phone
line. This protocol requires that all CT/i systems have a Registered IP Address.
To obtain a registered IP address, follow one of the two options below:
(1) If the site has a registered network, contact the site’s network adminstrator
to obtain an IP address.
OR

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(2) If your site does not have a registered network, you may contact your local
Support Center to obtain an IP address.
(a) a. Gather the following information:
– Site Name
– Site Address
– Contact at the Site
– FDO Number
– FE Name
– FE Employee Number
(b) b. Contact your Support Center as described below:
– GEMS – Americas
Call 1–800–321–7937
In the Phone tree Enter
1 for OnLine Center
##### your 5 digit badge number
#### your PIN number
2 for Technical Support
9 for Networks
Provide the information to the Online Engineer and Receive your
IP Address or leave a message and an OnLine Engineer will call
you back.
– GEMS – Asia
Fill out the PROFS form and you will be notified of your assigned
address.
– GEMS – Europe
Fill out the PROFS form and you will be notified of your assigned
address.
(3) Configure the CT/i system with the assigned Registered IP Address.
(4) Call your local Support Center for an InSite Checkout.

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SECTION 2
OTHER TECHNICAL INFO & HOW TO’S

2.1 SAVE SCAN FILES TO MOD

(1) Go to Service Desktop, click Utilities, click Scan Analysis.
(2) Select Exam.
(3) Press ’Save Scan data’.
This step moves Scans from the scan database and makes unix files on the
system disk, in directory /data.
(4) Go to Tool Chest menu & click on ’Save scan Files’. This shows list of
scan files saved.
(5) Hilight on or more of the scan files from the list.
(6) Click ’Save to MOD’.
This step now moves the scan (unix) files to your MaxOptics MOD. FYI,
you can append scan files to used MOD.

2.2 RESTORE SCAN FILES FROM MOD

(1) Place MOD in drive, Click ’Restore Scan Files’ from the Toolchest menu.
(2) Select the scan files.
(3) Click ’Restore’.
(4) This copies the scan files from the MOD straight into the Scan Database.

2.3 RESERVE/RELEASE SCAN DATA

This function allows you to lock scan data in the database so that a particular scan
is saved for future reconstruction. Otherwise, eventually all of the 450 scan data
buffer will be overwritten with new scan data.
This feature is very crude at this state, and tediously (1 scan at a time) allows you
to accomplish what you want to.
(1) Click the Reserve/release button from the Toolchest menu.
(2) Select ’Reserve or Release’
(3) Select ’Reserve’ option, or the ’Release’ option.
Note 2 Note that:
Column 1 is an index number, but also the number for identifying the scan file
Column 2 is the station
Column 3 is Exam #
Column 4 is Series #
Column 5 is Scan #
Column 6 is 0 (ignore, does not change)

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(4) Enter an index # to reserve or release the scan file.

Note 3 Note that there will be no status update or feedback.

Once reserved, make sure you remember to release it as soon as you don’t need
it anymore. Make sure you jot down the exam, series, scan number you reserve
so you know which to release.

2.4 TO PREPARE A MAXOPTICS MOD

If you have a brand new MOD, the rhapsnap and Save Scan Data functions require
you to prep it by hand. System State and DD File Analysis will detect this
condition and prepare it for you. To prep a new MOD, do the following:
Open a unix shell. Type mkfsMOD (this will take about 3–5 min).

2.5 KEYBOARD REPLACEMENT TIP

To replace the keyboard, power down the console/computer, install the keyboard
& then power back up. The keyboard will not work if power is not recycled.

2.6 OPTIONS MOD

The system software options are being deployed thru the MaxOptics MOD. If you
happen to lose that MOD, please contact your OLC representative who will
contact the proper CT Manufacturing personnel to procure a new options MOD.
Also, note that if the Full–House I/O board (small board with serial, keyboard,
mouse, and ethernet connectors plugged into the SGI motherboard and screwed
to the back of the SGI chassis) in the SGI chassis is replaced, a new options MOD
will be required.

2.7 DASM DIAGNOSTICS

There is an application utility called ’showdasm’ that can be run from any shell
to check basic communications with the DASM by retrieving it’s configuration.
Also, the DASM runs a powerup self–test as well as an idle test loop (heartbeat)
when on. See the manual that comes with all DASMs for more info on LED error
status and heartbeat indications.

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2.8 SGI MEMORY ERRORS

Soft (recoverable) SIMM memory errors are logged to the SGI system error log
(/var/adm/SYSLOG). These are tolerated but could result in hard errors
eventually (system PANIC). The offending SIMM is identified by it’s SIMM
socket location which is silkscreened on the SGI CPU motherboard (IP22). A
SIMM with a high soft error frequency should be proactively replaced.

Hard (unrecoverable) SIMM memory errors will cause an SGI operating system
(Irix) PANIC. Usually, a PANIC message will be posted to a screen window and
logged in /var/adm/SYSLOG. The offending SIMM will be identified by it’s
SIMM socket number. If the system will not reboot after a hard SIMM memory
error PANIC, it is probably because the bad SIMM is one of the first 4 where Irix
is trying to boot into. To eliminate this possibility, swap all 4 SIMMs between the
first 2 banks (swap SIMMs in sockets 12,11,10,9 with SIMMs in sockets 8,7,6,5).
(see below for more SIMM socket information)

It’s possible that if a SIMM (either bank) fails that the rest of the bank is no longer
”visible” or that the entire memory bus is locked. Try removing an entire bank
at a time in these instances to determine which bank contains the offending SIMM.
We have run systems on 64MB or 128MB but system performance/simultaneity
may be seriously hampered and this is not recommended for extended periods.
We’ve seen bootup failure messages indicating ”PANIC: CPU parity error
interrupt” that turned out to be a bad SIMM in the first bank.

There are 12 SIMM sockets on the motherboard. The SIMM socket closest to the
CPU ”brick” is SIMM #12 and the SIMM socket farthest from the CPU ”brick”
is SIMM #1. SIMM sockets are arranged to accomodate up to 3 banks of 4 SIMMs
each. Each bank MUST be populated with the same type of SIMM (i.e. – 16MB
or 32MB) and all sockets in a bank must be populated. In the standard CT/i
configuration, SIMM sockets 12, 11, 10, and 9 will each contain a 32MB SIMM
(making up 128MB) and SIMM sockets 8, 7, 6, and 5 will each contain a 16MB
SIMM (making up 64MB). This results in total system CPU main memory of
192MB. The DIP (Deterministic Image Performance) option adds another 4
16MB SIMMs into SIMM sockets 4, 3, 2, and 1 resulting in total system CPU main
memory of 256MB and fully populating all available SIMM sockets in the SGI
IP22 motherboard.

2.9 SGI MG (MARDI GRAS) GRAPHICS BOARDS

In the final product configuration, there will be an SGI MG1,0 for the UIF (left)
CRT monitor (a.k.a. ”head”) and an SGI MG1,1 for the DISPLAY (right) head.
The MG1,0 is basically a depopulated single card version of the MG1,1, which
is a 2–card sandwich. The MG1,0 does NOT contain the required Geometry
Engine (GE) or Texture Memory (TMRAM) to run the display head so the boards
are NOT interchangeable for CT/i display applications but you can swap them
temporarily to just check basic SGI Irix dual head detection and operation
problems. The optional TMRAM and VCR video upgrades planned for CT/i are
for use ONLY on the MG1,1 board and will not plug into the MG1,0. Note that
early CT/i shipments will contain dual MG1,1 boards (which are exactly the same
and CAN be swapped) but the plan is to retrofit one of them out of the field as soon
as MG1,0 becomes available and is validated.

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2.10 SGI MINIMUM BOOT CONFIGURATION

The minimum Irix bootup configuration for the SGI in the carrier box is:
(a) the power supply
(b) the SGI Indigo2 GEMS–IP22 motherboard
(c) at least 1 full bank of memory SIMMs (minimum 32MB)
(d) the midplane assembly
(e) at least 1 MG board and CRT
(f) the SGI system disk or CDROM with LFC media
Note 4 All SCSI peripherals are powered by the VME power supply so it is also
needed to use any SGI SCSI peripheral

For Irix bootup, you can remove the Specialix board, one of MG boards, the BIT3,
and all but the any full bank of memory SIMMs. The MOD, PMOD, DASM,
optional disk, are not needed by Irix. If booting the system disk, the CDROM is
not required. If booting from CDROM, the system disk is not needed. If only
running the PROM monitor, no peripherals are needed.

2.11 DASM AND SGI BOOTING

When troubleshooting SGI boot problems, always try turning off the DASM if the
system complains that it can’t find boot disk/partition. There are SGI PROM
parameters that MUST be set properly in order to boot when a DASM is installed.
Normally, these parameters will be set, but if an IP22 motherboard is swapped,
you MUST set them yourself.
From the SGI Command Monitor (firmware) prompt, use ’printenv’ to check for
the following parameters:
» SystemPartition=scsi(1)disk(1)rdisk(0)partition(8)
» OSLoadPartition=scsi(1)disk(1)rdisk(0)partition(0)
» OSLoader=sash
» OSLoadFilename=/unix
Note 5 Only if any of these are NOT set, then set it using the ’setenv’ command from
the Command Monitor (firmware) prompt (>) EXACTLY AS SHOWN:

> setenv SystemPartition scsi(1)disk(1)rdisk(0)partition(8)

> setenv OSLoadPartition scsi(1)disk(1)rdisk(0)partition(0)
> setenv OSLoader sash
> setenv OSLoadFilename /unix

The parameters will be stored in non–volatile memory ”forever” or until the IP22
is swapped out.

It is also extremely important that the CT/i DASM (either VDB or LCAM) SCSI
ID jumpers be set to SCSI ID 1 for proper booting and filming. Note that the digital
LCAM used on CT/i is basically the same type as used on AW (except SCSI ID),
however, the analog DASM/VDB used on CT/i (46–269566P2) has new firmware
for CT/i performance and it is NOT the same DASM/VDB as used on AW
(46–269566P1). Using an AW DASM/VDB on CT/i will result in mixed and missed
film images!

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2.12 IDE DIAGNOSTICS

Since IDE actually boots from the system disk or CDROM, you must have at least
items ’a’ thru ’f’ listed above. The SGI IP22 CPU also runs a PROM based
self–test on powerup or reset.
To initiate IDE, become root. Type reboot, Stop for Maintenance, then
select Run Diags.

2.12.1 SGI DEVICES

The SGI Irix filesystem is known as ”efs” (Extent File System). The general form
of the SGI SCSI devices are:
disk with filesystem (efs) = /dev/dsk/dksXdYZ
or,
raw disk device/partition = /dev/rdsk/dksXdYZ
or,
generalized SCSI device = /dev/scsi/scXdYZ
where:
X is the SCSI controller channel (0 = DASM channel, 1= boot/system
channel)
Y is the device SCSI ID (CPU controllers are 0, devices can be 1 thru 7)
Z is the partition (s0, s1, s2, etc.), volume (vol), or other (l0)
The current SGI system devices are:

SCSI Channel #1
4.2GB system disk /dev/dsk/dks1d1sZ (where Z is the partition number)
4.2GB option disk /dev/dsk/dks1d2sZ (where Z is the partition number)
Standard MOD /dev/dsk/dks1d3s7 (mounted to /MOD for snaps/state)
Pioneer MOD /dev/scsi/sc1d5l0 (the current archive device)
CDROM /dev/scsi/sc1d6l0 (the LFC and CBT device)

SCSI Channel #0
DASM (VDB or LCAM) /dev/scsi/sc0d1l0 (the /dev/dasm1 device gets linked to
this)

IP22 Motherboard I/O

keyboard /dev/keybd the PS/2 keyboard (type 3)
mouse /dev/mouse the PS/2 mouse
serial port 1 /dev/ttym1 as used for Insite modem (with
PPP)
” ” ” /dev/console if EPROM configured for serial
console (d)
serial port 2 /dev/ttyd2 as used for HW service key
ethernet ec0 kernel ethernet device
printer /dev/plp centronics parallel printer port
audio in/out /dev/audio system audio & AutoVoice
record/play

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GIO64 Bus I/O

Mardi Gras 1,0 /dev/gfx (board 1) the UIF (left) CRT, or
”head”
Mardi Gras 1,1 /dev/gfx (board 0) the DISPLAY (right)
CRT, or ”head”
GIO64 BIT3 vd0 host side kernel device to VME

EISA Bus I/O

Specialix serial
/dev/ttya1–ttya8 serial expansion ports
/dev/ttya1 RS232 link to SBC console port
/dev/ttya2 RS232 touch panel input
/dev/ttya3 RS232 trackball input
/dev/ttya4 RS232 port for laptop
/dev/ttya5 RS422 Dynaplan link to STC serial
#2
/dev/ttya6–ttya8 RS422 not assigned

Note 6 The ANALOG (VDB) video output specs and serial interface were specified
from, and are the same as, the Genesis interface output specs. Does NOT apply
to the CT/i digital (LCAM) filming interface.

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2.13 GEMS CT/i ANALOG FILMING INTERFACE

SPECIFICATIONS (VIDEO & SERIAL)
Analog DASM VIDEO OUTPUT (measured into 75 ohms at BNC output)
amplitude: 1 volt peak–to–peak
video: 0.643V +/–10%
setup: 0.071V +/–10%
sync: 0.286V +/–10%
DAC resolution: 8 bits
diff linearity: +/– 1 LSB max
glitch area: 80 picovolt–seconds max, for any step size
rise/fall times: > 10 nsec, 10%–90%
FS settling time: 7.5 nsec typical to 1 LSB
transfer func: guaranteed monotonic
noise level: > 5.0 millivolt peak–to–peak, combined sync/async noise
DC offset: +/– 1VDC referenced to ground
Analog DASM PIXEL CLOCK OUTPUT
logic family: F series TTL
output low level: 0.8VDC max
output high level: 2.0VDC min
output period: 41.336 nsecs +/–10%
transition times: 10 nsec max, 10%–90%

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Analog DASM VIDEO TIMING CHARACTERISTIC 60 HZ 50 HZ

pixel frequency: 24.192 Mhz 24.192 Mhz
pixel period: 41.336 nsec 41.336 nsec
horiz line freq: 33.6 Khz 33.6 Khz
horiz line width: 720 pixels 720 pixels
horiz active: 544 pixels 544 pixels
horiz blanking: 176 pixels 176 pixels
horiz front porch: 26 pixels 26 pixels
horiz sync: 76 pixels 76 pixels
horiz back porch: 74 pixels 74 pixels
vert frame freq: 60 Hz 50 Hz
vert frame time: 560 lines 672 lines
vert active: 524 lines 524 lines
vert blanking: 36 lines 148 lines
vert sync: 3 lines 3 lines
vert back porch: 30 lines 86 lines
vert front porch: 3 lines 59 lines
scanning format: non–interlaced non–interlaced

Analog DASM VIDEO DISPLAY FORMAT

visible field: 544 pixels by 524 lines
image field: 512 pixels by 512 lines
greyscale field: 32 pixels by 16 level grey bar on left side of image
greyscale: software selectable on/off
greyscale off value: 0 (black)
initial greyscale: 255 (white) at upper left corner
border field: 12 lines at bottom of visible field
border field value: any 8–bit value, software programmable
Analog DASM HOST COMMUNICATIONS/CONTROL SERIAL PORT
(ANALOG INTERFACE ONLY*)
interface: RS422
25D conn pinout: pin 8 (RX+), pin 21 (RX–), pin 9 (TX+), pin 22 (TX–), pin
7 (GND)
baud rate: 1200 baud
word length: 8 bit, 1 start bit, 1 stop bit
parity: even
type: asynchronous

Note 7 The CT/i digital DASM/LCAM serial control is standard RS232 on pins 2, 3, &
7 and some cameras may require a NULL MODEM cable and/or adaptor.

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2.14 GEMS CT/i Digital Filming Interface Specifications

(DASM/LCAM)

2.14.1 DASM/LCAM HOST CONTROL SERIAL LINK (DIGITAL DASM ONLY)

RS232 serial host control interface, 25–pin D–type connector
pin 2 (TX)
pin 3 (RX)
pin 7 (GND)
Note 8 A null modem cable may be required (reverses pins 2–3) between some
cameras
baud rate = 1200
start bits = 1
stop bits =1
parity = even
end of message = CR
protocol = ACK/NACK (3M M952)

2.14.2 DASM/LCAM IMAGE DATA INTERFACE

RS422/RS485 8–bit digital image data interface, 37–pin D–type connector
(3M M952 defacto–industry standard digital interface)
pixels: 512
lines: 512
bits/pixel: 8
protocol: 3M M952
Note 9 The greyscale reference bar option at the left of the filmed images is NOT
supported by the digital filming interface.

Camera installation FE’s who are unable to successfully setup a camera on CT/i
should contact their regional technical support group. CT/i has basically the same
filming interface specifications as the GE Medical Systems Advantage Windows
workstation, either analog (DASM/VDB) or digital (DASM/LCAM).
Note 10 HOST CONTROL IS REQUIRED TO FILM WITH CT/i.

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2.15 CT/i DISPLAY MONITOR VIDEO CHARACTERISTICS &

TIMING PARAMETERS
The following tables define the video signal timing for the CT/i image and
operator display video outputs. Both channels are 1280 x 1024 RGB color at 76Hz
(FUTS Release) or 72HZ (2nd Release and forward), 1 Volt peak–to–peak video
at 75 ohms.

CT/i Display Monitor Video Charateristics

Parameter
Active Pixel Format
Field/Frame
Refresh Rate
Pixel Clock Freq, Period
Horizontal Freq, Period
Horizontal Active
Horizontal Front Porch
Horizontal Sync
Horizontal Back Porch
Horizontal Blanking
Vertical Freq, Period
Vertical Active
Vertical Front Porch
Vertical Sync
Vertical Back Porch
Vertical Blanking
Equalization Pulses
Serration Pulses
76 Hz (1st Release)
1280 x 1024
non–interlaced
76 Hz
140 Mhz, 7.143 ns
12.1 usec, 1708 pixels
9.143 usec, 1280 pixels
0.228 usec, 32 pixels
1.257 usec, 176 pixels
1.572 usec, 220 pixels
3.057 usec, 428 pixels
13.164 msec, 1079 lines
12.493 msec, 1024 lines
36.6 usec, 3 lines
36.6 usec, 3 lines
597.8 usec, 49 lines
670.98 usec, 55 lines
72 Hz (2nd Release...)
1280 x 1024
non–interlaced
72.239 Hz
129.25 MHz, 7.737 ns
12.998 usec, 1680 pixels
9.903 usec, 1280 pixels
0.232 usec, 30 pixels
1.083 usec, 140 pixels
1.780 usec, 230 pixels
3.095 usec, 400 pixels
13.843 msec, 1065 lines
13.310 msec, 1024 lines
38.99 usec, 3 lines
38.99 usec, 3 lines
454.93 usec, 35 lines
532.92 usec, 41 lines
yes (@horiz rate)
no

Video Output Video Level Sync Level Blanking Level

Red 0.714 Vp–p none 0.054 volts
Blue 0.714 Vp–p none 0.054 volts
Green 0.714 Vp–p 0.286 volts 0.054 volts

Note 11 If the display monitor RGB is tapped off using an RGB “splitter” for any
reason, a commercial, high quality, splitter device (example: Black Box Corp.
#RGBSplit–2) and good quality (low loss) 75 ohm video cables are required to
maintain display monitor and remote destination video quality. Reference
remote greyscale monitor option (GEMS B7530RB).

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2.16 TELERADIOLOGY (FRAMEGRABBER TYPE) SYSTEMS

Some Genesis based systems have teleradiology (TR) systems that framegrab the
Genesis GFB video (512 x 512 50/60Hz). CT/i DOES NOT directly support this
type of TR. The CT/i RGB color display video is a much larger format at a much
higher pixel frequency, not to mention that it’s RGB! GE Sales Reps have been
told to NOT promise any direct compatibility with framegrabbing TR systems
(DICOM 3.0 TR systems may work depending on the DICOM implementation
but GEMS does not and cannot validate all the various TR’s.)
In the framegrabber case, a high quality (300Mhz bandwidth) video
splitter/amplifier (as listed above) is needed to intercept and re–drive the display
CRT RGB video. Composite greyscale would then be available on Green #2
(1280x1024 pixels at 76Hz, becoming 72Hz at second release). Any framegrabber
hardware attempting to capture this signal must be capable of a 140Mhz pixel rate.
This also involves TR system configuration parameters. The TR capture software
may also need upgrading to deal with 1280x1024 and/or ”crop” the signal. The
TR remote display software may need upgrading to view the larger format. The
image transmission times to the remote TR may be up to 4 times as long. GEMS
will supply all technical information necessary to assist TR suppliers in making
their systems work with CT/i but GEMS cannot be responsible for this third party
TR equipment, software, or compatibility with CT/i.

2.17 TOUCH CONFIG DEFAULTS

The following are the proper touch config default values. If for some reason, touch
does not work, please verify these values are correct in the touch ”Setup” menu.
Note 12 If during touch ”Setup” the ”Restore Defaults” is pushed, touch will not work
until the proper values are restored as shown below. (The ”Reset Default”
settings are wrong)

Touch Config Defaults

Jitter Control 8
Press Threshold 5
Release Threshold 3
Mouse Button 1 Emulation Normal
Mouse Button 2 Emulation Shift
Mouse Button 3 Emulation Ctrl
Serial Device Name /dev/ttya2
Display Name :0.0
Display Width Range Low, 0, High, 1279
Display Height Range Low, 0, High, 1023

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2.18 PROCEDURE TO USE A PARALLEL LINE PRINTER ON CT/I

FOR TEXT FILES ONLY
Note 13 This temporary procedure can be used to print a hardcopy of the HHS data
located in /usr/g/service/log/gencal.hhs_scan.report

As ROOT, from a shell window, enter the following commands in order exactly
as shown below:

2.18.1 Adding a Text Only Printer to the Software

COMMANDS (ADD TEXT–ONLY PRINTER) COMMENTS/EXPLANATION

/usr/lib/lpshut make sure print spooler is down
/usr/lib/lpadmin –ptemp1 –v/dev/plp –mdumb create dumb text printer “temp1”
/usr/lib/lpadmin –dtemp1 make printer “temp1” the default
enable temp1 enable the printer “temp1”
/usr/lib/accept temp1 enable print jobs to “temp1”
/usr/lib/lpsched start the print job scheduler

Then, to print any text file to the BubbleJet, simply enter (where <filename> is
a local text file or a complete path to a text file):

2.18.2 Printing a text file

COMMAND (PRINT TEXT FILE) COMMENTS/EXPLANATION

lp <filename> print filename to printer

Note 14 A header page with the username and the filename will be printed at the front
of every print job that is sent to the line printer.
Note 15 The printer named “temp1” will persist as the default printer until you do a
LFC or remove it with the following command (as ROOT):

2.18.3 Removing the Printer from the Software

COMMAND (REMOVE PRINTER) COMMENTS/EXPLANATION

/usr/lib/lpadmin –xtemp1 removes the printer ”temp1”

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SECTION 3
RELEASE NOTES FOR THE SERVICE DESKTOP FUNCTIONS

3.1 Functionality
All menus on the service desktop have ( ) around the features that are not yet
functional. In most cases, selecting an item with ( ) around it will cause a shell
window to open.

The following features are supported on the ExamRx Desktop:

Calibration
CT Number Edit
Fast Cal
Tube Warmup

The following features are supported on the Service Desktop:

Cal Analysis
CT Number Edit
ChangeTube
DAS Tools
DD File Analysis
DDC
Diagnostics
Generator Characterization
Hardware Resets
History Log
Image Analysis
ImageGenTest
Image Res Tool (MTF)
Install SMPTE
Mechanical Characterization
RunTimeStats
Scan Analysis
Security
StoreLog
System Log Viewing
System State
Tube Align
TubeUsage
Verify Options
Verify Security Key

The following features are not yet available:

Bit3 diagnostics
Cal Check
Config Tracker
QSA
Secure
Trending

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3.2 Known Problems / Limitations

3.2.1 Calibration
You must exit the ui_cal tool by typing Q. Do not quit the shell window. If you
quit ui_cal prematurely, the IG resource and the Scan HW resource will not be
released.
WORKAROUND: Always quit the ui_cal tool by typing Q. If you exit the tool
prematurely, and recon remains in the ”Waiting” state, you must enter ui_cal again
and exit using the ”Q” option.
CTCge22144 Afterglow cal sometimes has problems getting the scan data. There
is no indication to the operator that it failed other than an entry in the error log that
say ”Write of View Data into iq file failed.”
WORKAROUND: Rerun the Afterglow cal.
CTMge02883 Beam Hardening Vectors are sometimes corrupt and causes the
images to look washed out. This problem has to do with a glitch in the
software/hardware when creating the cal vectors. It seems to happen on either
preliminary beam hardening vectors (during air cal) or final beam hardening
(during phantom cals). If this happens the beam hardening vectors in the scan
files that generated the images will be not smooth curves (like they should be) but
will be numbers in the greater than 1,000,000 range.
WORKAROUND: Redo the air and phantom cals.

3.2.2 Cal Analysis

CTCge21045 Cal Analysis is extremely slow if you choose to view all Cal types.
All mouse events take several seconds to respond.
WORKAROUND: By default, only the ”Recon Cals” are displayed when
entering the screen. If you choose to view all Cal types, bring up the |Select Group|
or |Set Sort Mode| function and leave it partially covering the list of cal vectors.
Performance is now normal.

3.2.3 DAS Tools

CTCge21799 EDAS Frequency Response Test fails.
WORKAROUND: None. This failure only applies to EDAS. For this release,
the plan is to only run on HP DAS. If, for some reason, this version of software
is run on an EDAS, do not run this test.
CTCge21830 Scan Only is not available yet.
WORKAROUND: Use DDC.

3.2.4 DDC
CTMge02812 DDC will leave the Offset Correction button highlighted on a
newly selected protocol if the previous protocol that was loaded had Offset
Correction on even if the new protocol has it defined to be off. The scan will be
taken with Offset Correction Off and the header of the scan shows datamod = 0.
WORKAROUND: If you load a protocol in DDC by hand, turn the Offset
Correct button off then on again to make sure it scans with Offset Correct On.

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3.2.5 Diagnostics
CTMge02700 Collimator Functional doesn’t run all apertures and filters when
you ’Select All’ if the test duration is short.
WORKAROUND: Set the Test Duration to at least 30 seconds so the test has
time to run through all the apertures and filters.
CTCge21974 Selecting IG Reset from the System Resets menu causes the IG
resource to be held by the service desktop. No other process can get the hardware
until you ”Cleanup” the service desktop.
WORKAROUND: After resetting the IG, select ”Cleanup” at the bottom of the
Service Desktop palette so that Recon can have the IG back.
CTCge22254 Cannot login as DIAG because there is no login prompt.
WORKAROUND: With the system up and applications shutdown, open a shell
and type ”exitScript”. This will bring up the login prompt. Then login as
DIAG.
CTCge19767 SGI IDE diags failures. There have been several reports of failures
when running IDE diags. Failures are reported after running for about an hour.
WORKAROUND: A better way to test for FPU, IP22 or memory tests is to log
in as DIAG and run the specific FPUTest, CPUSTRESSTEST or memtest by
choosing these options in the ”Set Runin” menu as part of the Mfg options. These
are the separate tests that are called as part of the IDE level tests, but are much
more reliable.

3.2.6 Generator Characterization

CTMge02676 Manual Ma cal–Accept will NOT enable anytime you choose a
different Spot Size when your mA is preselected as the highest one (200, 300,
170).
WORKAROUND: Reselect the selected kV again and the Accept Scan button
will become active.
CTMge02862 Numerous ”Warning: Select failed: error code 9” errors in the error
log. Sometimes generator charactarization will log these errors and core dump
on the exit path. Since the operator is exiting anyway and the tool comes back up
if reentered, this isn’t an operational issue.
WORKAROUND: If gen cal is having problems, exit the tool and restart.

3.2.7 Image Analysis

Image Analysis currently does not present patient/exam info on the GUI window.
WORKAROUND: This info will be displayed in the results window after a tool
button has been activated.
CTMge02866 System Software locked up when running Image Analysis. When
interacting with the viewer or plotter, do not close the window via the window
frame pulldown. It will leave the process running in the background.
WORKAROUND: Use the right mouse button and double click to exit the
viewer and plotter windows.

3.2.8 Image Gen Test

CTMge02888 Image Gen Test fails with ”File:Table is full” messages. This is
due to using too many file descriptors. This can cause ImageGenTest to fail and
subsequent Patient Scanning to fail.

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WORKAROUND: Prior to running ImageGenTest, shut down the software and

perform a System Down so the SBC reboots. Bring applications up and
immediately run ImageGenTest. When done, again shut down the software and
perform a System Down to clean up the file descriptors on the SBC.

3.2.9 Scan Analysis

When interacting with the viewer or plotter, do not close the window via the
window frame pulldown. It will leave the process running in the background.

WORKAROUND: Use the right mouse button and double click to exit the
viewer and plotter windows.

3.2.10 Security
The service key is not recognized automatically by the software when inserted.

WORKAROUND: If you insert the Service Key after application software is up

and running, switch to the ExamRx desktop, press Alt–F3 in the upper right hand
corner of the monitor to see the ”Toolchest” and select ”Check Security”. Wait
20 seconds then switch to the Service Desktop. You should now have proprietary
access.

If you have the service key in when applications are brought up, there is no need
to use this workaround.
Note 16 A Proprietary Authorization screen is presented the very first time into the
service desktop whether the service key is present or not. Pressing Cancel at
this time disables proprietary features until the next time the applications
software is started.

3.2.11 System State

CTCge22820 Window/Level values are not restored properly from System State.
These values are saved when you select ”Display Preferences” on the System
State screen, but are not restored when you select Restore.

WORKAROUND: You must restore the display preferences file while the
application software is down. Bring applications down and type the following:

sysStateABB –restoreProtoFilm

3.2.12 Tube Align

CTCge21996 ISO Align values are not saved from a system running 3.3.11
software so will not be restored on a 3.4.11 LFC.

WORKAROUND: Either perform ISO Alignment after the LFC, or copy the
following values from the scanhardware.cfg file prior to the LFC and put them
back in the scanhardware.cfg after the LFC:
isoSmallSpot
isoLargeSpot
Be sure to modify the scanhardware.cfg file in /usr/g/config on the OC and copy
it to ScanHardware.cfg file in /usr/g/g_config on the SBC.

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3.2.13 Misc.
CTMge02729 Sometimes the images on the ExamRx desktop turn different
colors after running some of the tools on the Service Desktop.
WORKAROUND: Go into the ImageWorks desktop and bring up the viewer
with any image. W/L the image. The colors on the ExamRx Desktop should now
be correct.

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NOTES

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P.O. Box 414, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201 U.S.A.
(Asia, Pacific, Latin America, North America)

GE Medical Systems – Europe: Telex 698626

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