TIMS

D I C O M S Y S T E M
SETUP AND Rev. 5.0

CONFIGURATION
GUIDE

TIMS, the PACS Connectivity Solution™

060000-5, Rev. 5
TIMS™ DICOM System Setup and Configuration Guide
Rev. 5.0 October 2007

TIMS DICOM, Foresight Imaging, and the Foresight Imaging logo are registered
trademarks of Foresight Imaging LLC. TIMS, TIMS DICOM System, the TIMS logo,
AccuStream, I-Color, and Auto-SYNC are trademarks of Foresight Imaging LLC. All
other products, service names, and registered trademarks are trademarks of their
respective companies.

Copyright © 2007 by Foresight Imaging, LLC.

All rights reserved.

The information in this document has been carefully checked and is believed to be
accurate. However, Foresight Imaging assumes no responsibility for inaccuracies.
All specifications are subject to change without notice.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide iii

iv TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide
 RCAA

BUREAU VERITAS

Conforms with UL60601-1, EN60601-1, EN60601-1-2, CSA601.1,

FCC Part 15 Class A

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide v

Explanation of Symbols

Symbol Explanation

Manufacturer

European Authorized Representative

Serial Number

Date of Manufacture

Caution, Consult Accompanying Documents

Catalogue Number

Warning: Use proper hygiene when using the TIMS DICOM System within the
patient environment. Please ensure that your medical facility is in strict
compliance and adherence to all applicable laws and regulations regarding the
handling of electronic equipment with respect to cleanliness, disinfection and
sterile environments and all other use and care instructions when operating this
equipment within the patient environment.

Temperature, Operating: 10° to 40° C

Storage: -40° to +70° C
Relative Humidity, Operating: 30 to 75% rH
Storage Humidity: 10 to 95% rH
Atmospheric pressure, Operating: 700 to 1060 hPa
Storage: 500 to 1060 hPa

Warning: The Power Supply (Tri-Mag model DT100ZM-5) shipped with the
TIMS DICOM System is a medical grade power supply and is the only power supply to
be used with the TIMS DICOM System computer. Do not use any other power supply
with the TIMS DICOM System as this may result in unsafe operation.

vi TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

FCC Compliance Information

FCC NOTICE
WARNING
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this
equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. The limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at
his/her own expense.

Users should periodically inspect the TIMS DICOM System for signs of worn or frayed
cables. If worn or frayed cables are found, contact technical support immediately.
Also, periodically inspect the TIMS DICOM System cable connections to ensure that
all cables are securely attached.

There are no user replaceable or serviceable parts in the TIMS DICOM System.
Please contact technical support with any questions.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide vii

viii TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide
Preface
The TIMS User’s Guide consists of two parts:
ƒ This TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide provides hardware setup and
software configuration information for IT professionals.
ƒ The TIMS Operator’s Guide provides instructions for technicians and
medical professionals to work with the TIMS DICOM System in everyday
operational use.

What Is TIMS?
The TIMS DICOM System is an integrated hardware/software system that solves a
critical connectivity need in hospitals today: the acquisition and conversion of data
from analog medical devices for a DICOM-compliant PACS.
With TIMS, this capability is available in a cost-effective, easy-to-use DICOM
workstation. TIMS converts analog medical modalities to DICOM and digitally
transfers the studies to a hospital’s PACS system. Additionally, each TIMS DICOM
System is a DICOM gateway, enabling the workstation to receive as well as send
DICOM studies.
TIMS is a multi-modality system, meaning it can acquire from a large variety of
analog video and DICOM modalities. Among these are ultrasound, CT, MR,
endoscopy, angiography, and nuclear medicine.
Once the images or video streams are acquired and converted to DICOM, they are
instantly available for viewing, simple image processing, DICOM send, DICOM print,
PostScript print, or CD/DVD burning. A free DICOM viewer is available and can be
automatically written to each CD/DVD.

What Is IDEA Auto-Sync?

IDEA Auto-Sync is an application that enables you to optimize the performance of TIMS
with your modalities. Although TIMS provides predefined common hardware profiles
(CHP) files for its AccuStream and I-Color capture boards, you are recommended always
to create your own customized profiles. You do this using IDEA Auto-SYNC.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide ix

x TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide
About This User’s Guide
The content of this user’s guide may differ in some respects from the functionality
of your TIMS system. Your system’s appearance, hardware configuration, and the
layout of your PC and modality connections may not be exactly the same as
described and depicted in this guide.
In addition, some of the functionality described in this guide depends on which
TIMS product you are using. See next page and margin notes throughout this guide.
This user’s guide describes hardware setup and configuration for the TIMS 2000
DICOM System. Some features are not present on TIMS 500 DICOM System, TIMS
1000 DICOM System and TIMS DICOM Gateway. See TIMS DICOM System Product
Line and margin notes throughout this guide.

Consult the TIMS Release Notes

Latest details about what is new or different in the current TIMS DICOM System
release are contained in the Release Notes.
Open the Release Notes from the Start menu > All Programs > TIMS > Manuals >
TIMS Release Notes or from C:\Program Files\Foresight\TIMS\Release Notes.htm.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide xi

xii TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide
TIMS DICOM System Product Line
This user’s guide describes the full range of functionality available with TIMS 2000
DICOM System, TIMS 1000 DICOM System, TIMS 500 DICOM System and TIMS DICOM
Gateway. The key differences are bolded in the following summary. Where
functionality is not applicable to all versions, the applicable product version is
noted in the margin (left).

TIMS 2000 DICOM System

9 Static & streaming capture and scanner input 2000
9 For all analog and DICOM medical modalities
9 Foresight Imaging video capture hardware
9 Small footprint computer with CD/DVD-RW
9 Support and maintenance (1 year)
9 LCD monitor and typical onsite installation

TIMS 1000 DICOM System

9 Static capture only and scanner input
1000
9 For all analog and DICOM medical modalities
9 Foresight Imaging video capture hardware
9 Small footprint computer with CD/DVD-RW
9 Support and maintenance (1 year)
9 LCD monitor and typical onsite installation

TIMS 500 DICOM System

9 Static capture only and scanner input 500
9 For all analog and DICOM medical modalities
9 Foresight Imaging video capture hardware
9 Small footprint computer
9 Support and maintenance (1 year)
9 LCD monitor and typical onsite installation

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide xiii

 TIMS DICOM Gateway
9 Scanner input only Gateway
9 For all DICOM modalities
9 DICOM send and receive
9 Small footprint computer with CD/DVD-RW
9 Support and maintenance (1 year)
9 LCD monitor and typical onsite installation

xiv TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

Table of Contents
Preface ...............................................................ix
What Is IDEA Auto-Sync? ...........................................ix
About This User’s Guide ...........................................xi
TIMS DICOM System Product Line ................................xiii
Glossary of Acronyms............................................ xvii
Get Connected ......................................................... 1
PC Connections ...................................................... 3
Power Supply Connection.......................................... 5
Modality Connections............................................... 6
Network Setup...................................................... 11
Configuring Security ................................................ 13
Configuring Channels ............................................... 17
Configure Channels ................................................ 18
Selecting Image Acquisition Settings............................ 23
Selecting DICOM Class Settings .................................. 30
Changing the DICOM File Compression Settings ............... 37
Creating a Custom Hardware Profile ............................ 40
Using IDEA Auto-SYNC ............................................. 40
Image Requirements............................................... 40
Limitations .......................................................... 40
Using IDEA Auto-SYNC .............................................. 42
Creating CHP Files ................................................. 45
Running the Auto-SYNC Wizard .................................. 49
AccuStream Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 1: Adjust HTotal ....... 51
AccuStream Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 2: Adjust Phase Delay. 52
AccuStream Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 3:
Adjust Left/Right Framing.................................... 53
AccuStream Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 4:
Adjust Top/Bottom Framing ................................. 54
AccuStream Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 5:
Adjust Brightness and Contrast .............................. 55
AccuStream Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 6:
Adjust Miscellaneous Settings................................ 57
I-Color Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 1:
Adjust Field Polarity........................................... 58

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide xv

 I-Color Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 2:
Adjust Left/Right Framing ................................... 58
I-Color Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 3:
Adjust Top/Bottom Framing ................................. 59
I-Color Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 4:
Adjust Brightness and Contrast.............................. 60
I-Color Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 5:
Miscellaneous Adjustments .................................. 62
After the Auto-SYNC Wizard is Finished........................ 68
Changing Gain/Contrast Setting................................. 69
Changing Connection Settings ................................... 70
Changing Pixel Adjustments Settings ........................... 70
Changing Frame Video Settings.................................. 72
Changing Miscellaneous Settings ................................ 73
Changing Info Settings ............................................ 74
Changing Comments Settings .................................... 75
Changing I-Color Format Settings ............................... 76
Changing Other I-Color Settings ................................. 78
Changing I-RGB Settings .......................................... 79
Adjust Combined RGB Settings .................................. 80
Saving and Undoing Changes to your Video Settings ......... 80
Saving an Image.................................................... 81
Restoring a TIMS Database .........................................82
Appendix A: Hazardous Substance Statement .................85
Appendix B: Licensing Information ...............................86
Appendix C: Modalities Without an Auxiliary Video Output.90
Using a Video Splitter ............................................. 90

xvi TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

Glossary of Acronyms

Glossary of Acronyms
AE
Application Entity (Identifies DICOM nodes)
BNC
Bayonet Nut Connector
CHP
Common Hardware Profile file (CHP file extension)
DICOM
Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine
DVI
Digital Video Interface
IP
Internet Protocol

PACS
Picture Archiving and Communications System
QR
Query/Retrieve
SCP
Service Class Provider

SCU
Service Class User
SOP
Service Object Pair
TWAIN
Technology Without An Interesting Name
USB
Universal Serial Bus

xvii TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide xviii
 Get Connected

Get Connected
Connecting your TIMS DICOM System comprises the following steps, reviewed in
this chapter:
ƒ Site Survey
ƒ Set Region AC Voltage Setting
ƒ Make Standard PC Connections
ƒ Make Modality Connections
ƒ Connect Trigger (optional)
ƒ Configure Network
After you connect your system, additional software configuration steps are
required before the system is ready to use:
ƒ Configure Security (optional)
See Page 13
ƒ Configure Channels and DICOM Class Lists
See Page 17
ƒ Configure Modality Worklist
See Operator’s Guide
ƒ Configure DICOM Send
See Operator’s Guide
ƒ Configure DICOM Printers (optional)
See Operator’s Guide

Site Survey
Before you set up the hardware connections or software configuration for your
TIMS DICOM System, you should perform a site survey to establish general
requirements.
ƒ Determine requirements and location of TIMS units, including proximity
to power and network adapters.
ƒ Determine the type, number, and location of video imaging devices you
will connect to TIMS.
ƒ Determine if distances to video sources will exceed 6 meters, in which
case a video amplifier may be required.
ƒ Determine network settings (domain or workgroup, dynamic or static IP
address, and so on).

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 1

Get Connected

Typical System Unit

Note: The appearance of your system, its backplane ports, and supplied
connection hardware may differ, in some respects, from what is shown
and described here.

Front View (Front Panel)

R/W
CD/DVD

Front
Panel

Front Panel

1 2 3 4 5

USB (2) Hard Drive Activity Power Switch

1 3 5
Light
2 Not Active 4 Power On Light

2 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Get Connected

Rear View (Backplane)

PC Power Modality
Connections Supply Connection

Connecting your TIMS DICOM System comprises standard PC connections

(including network connections) and Modality (imaging device) connections.

PC Connections
Your TIMS DICOM System is equipped with the full range of standard PC
connection options and peripherals. These include:
ƒ External Power Supply — US, Europe, or UK (as supplied)
ƒ Keyboard
ƒ Mouse
ƒ Network RJ45 10/100/1000
ƒ VGA output: analog and DVI (if equipped)
ƒ Sound
ƒ Serial and Parallel Ports
ƒ USB Ports

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 3

Get Connected

2 4 6 6 8 10

1 3 5 7 9

1 Mouse

2 Keyboard

Compact keyboard

3 VGA Out:
Analog
4 VGA Out: DVI
Digital
5 Serial I/O (2)

6 Network (2)
(Use right port
only)

4 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Get Connected

7 USB (4)
8 Line In - Stereo
9 Microphone Input

10 Headphones -
Stereo

Power Supply Connection

1 External Power
Supply

Low voltage sealed connection

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 5

Get Connected

Modality Connections
Your TIMS DICOM System is equipped with one high-performance video capture
board. It is:
ƒ AccuStream 205a
- For Standard and High Resolution RGB
- For Standard and High Resolution Monochrome
- For NTSC / PAL -
S-Video and Composite

¾ To make modality connections, you must:

1. Determine the type of video source you are connecting to.
2. Determine the type of supplied connector to use.
Use the following table for guidance.

Non-NTSC/PAL
Video Source Connector

ƒ RGB DVI to 5-BNC Cable

- 3 Wire 030093, Male
- 4 Wire
- 5 Wire
or DVI to 5-BNC Cable
ƒ Monochrome 030093, Male

ƒ Sync
- Composite
- Horizontal
- Vertical
NTSC/PAL

ƒ S-Video S-Video Cable, Standard

4-Pin DIN, Male
or
ƒ Composite BNC Cable, Male

6 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Get Connected

DVI to BNC
S-Video Cable or DVI to
Connector VGA Connector
3
21
NTSC/PAL Non-
NTSC/PAL

AccuStream
205a

1 2 4 Trigger Adapter
Male Phono to
BNC Female BNC
Connector

1 Color Composite Video In:

NTSC or PAL

Male-to-Male BNC / Barrel Connectors

2 S-Video In: NTSC or PAL

S-Video 12′ Cable

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 7

Get Connected

3 RGB or Monochrome In

DVI to BNC
4 Trigger In: All Inputs

Male Phono to Female BNC

Adapter
Male Phono to Female BNC Adapter

8 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Get Connected

Connecting Your Video Source to AccuStream 205a

A DVI to BNC cable is supplied for imaging devices:
For RGB Connections
DVI to 5-BNC Cable 030093, Male

Connection Steps:
Using the color-coded BNC wires as your guide:
3
ƒ Connect DVI to TIMS .
ƒ Make the Red, Green, and Blue connections to device.
ƒ Make the Sync connection to device:
- If Composite Sync, use Gray for Comp/H-Sync
- If Horizontal Sync, use Gray for H-Sync
- If Vertical Sync, use Black for V-Sync

For Monochrome Connections

DVI to 5-BNC Cable 030093, Male

Connection Steps:
Using the color-coded BNC wires as your guide:
3
ƒ Connect DVI to TIMS .
ƒ Make the Green to Monochrome video connection.
ƒ Make the Sync connection:
- If Composite Sync, use Gray for Comp/H-Sync
- If Horizontal Sync, use Gray for H-Sync
- If Vertical Sync, use Black for V-Sync

Optional Trigger
ƒ Connect to
4
TIMS and to the trigger device.
Note: A trigger is a foot pedal or pushbutton device for
starting and stopping video capture.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 9

Get Connected

Connecting Your S-Video and Composite Video Sources

S-Video and Composite cables are supplied for NTSC/PAL imaging devices:

For S-Video (Y/C) Connections

BNC Cable, Standard 4-Pin DIN, Male

Connection Steps:
2
ƒ Connect to TIMS .
ƒ Make S-Video Connection to device.

For Composite Color Video Connections

BNC Cable, Male

Connection Steps:
1
ƒ Connect to TIMS .
ƒ Make BNC Connection to device.

Optional Trigger
ƒ Connect to
4
TIMS and to the trigger device.
Note: A trigger is a foot pedal or pushbutton device for
starting and stopping video capture.

10 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Get Connected

Network Setup
Your TIMS DICOM System requires standard network configuration.
Consult your network administrator to determine the following:
ƒ Whether the system is to be part of a domain or a workgroup.
ƒ Whether the system is to have a dynamic or static IP address.
¾ To set computer name, domain/workgroup:
1. Open Start menu > Control Panel > System Properties > Computer
Name tab.
2. To join a domain, use the Network Identification Wizard (click
Network ID).

¾ If a static IP address is required:

1. Open Start menu > Connect To > Show all connections.
2. Right-click your local area connection and select Properties > General
tab.
3. Enter the required IP and DNS information.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 11

Get Connected

12 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Configuring Security

Configuring Security
To ensure secure operation, including access by authorized personnel,
passwords can be applied to various TIMS features. The TIMS Administrator
password is always required to change security settings and for the TIMS
Channel Configuration window. By default, Administrator passwords are
required for configuring operational units. A password is not required, by
default, for normal TIMS operations.

Operational Unit Security Setting

Changing security settings Always requires Administrator

password

Always
TIMS Channel Configuration Always requires Administrator
password

Configuring compression settings Administrator password

Configuring DICOM filters Administrator password

Configuring DICOM modality worklist Administrator password

Configuring DICOM send/query Administrator password

Configuring log deletion setting Administrator password

Configuring printer settings Administrator password

Default
Configuring study list layout Administrator password

Configuring study viewer Administrator password

Configuring TIMS Consultant Administrator password

Deleting studies Administrator password

Editing body parts list Administrator password

Editing preferences Administrator password

Video adjustments Administrator password

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 13

Configuring Security

Updating patient information No password

Archiving studies to CD/DVD No password

Editing toolbar layout No password

Importing studies/restoring TIMS No password

database

Default
Inverting image data (destructive) No password

Printing Studies No password

Query PACS for studies No password

Saving study images to image files No password

Using TIMS Consultant No password

Viewing log files No password

Change the Administrator Password

The TIMS Administrator (Admin) password is the master password for the TIMS
system. (It is not related to the Windows Administrator password.)

¾ To Set the Admin Password:

1. From the Configure menu, select Security Settings.
2. Enter the Administrator Password and click OK.

14 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Configuring Security

3. In the Security Settings dialog box, click Change Admin Password.

4. Enter the new password twice and click Set Password.

Notes: Passwords are case-sensitive. Use a password that can be easily
remembered. If lost, a complete TIMS software reinstall would
be required to regain access to the configuration settings.

¾ To Change or Set a Feature Password:

1. In the Security Settings dialog, select the feature and click Change (or
just double-click the feature):
2. In the Change Security Setting dialog, the name of the feature is
confirmed.
3. You can choose from the following options:
ƒ Administrator password
The master password is required for this feature.
ƒ Admin or special password
The master password or a feature-specific password is required.
ƒ No password at all
Any user can access this feature.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 15

Configuring Security

¾ If you want to set a feature password:

1. Select Admin or special password required and click Change.
2. Enter the new password twice and click Set Password.

The new Feature password appears in the Change Security Setting dialog and
is also visible in the Security Settings dialog. (It is visible to the TIMS
Administrator only.)

16 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Configuring Channels

Configuring Channels
The chapter discusses configurable settings and features of the TIMS software
for image acquisition and DICOM settings:
ƒ Selecting Image Acquisition Settings
ƒ Selecting DICOM Class Settings
ƒ Selecting DICOM File Compression Settings

Configuring DICOM Channels means setting all the properties that determine
image acquisition and DICOM data fields. You do this in the TIMS Channel
Configuration window.
A channel comprises image acquisition properties of a medical modality
and the data acquisition properties that define the associated DICOM
class.

¾ To open the Channel Configuration window:

1. Choose Channels from the Configure menu.
2. Enter the Administrator password in the Enter Password dialog.
The Configure Channel dialog opens.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 17

 Configuring Channels

Configure Channels
TIMS has factory-configured video channel settings that are selectable from the
500 Channel Name list. These out-of-the-box settings can be modified, and you can
1000 add any number of new channels according to your particular needs. The preset
2000 channel settings are shown in the following table:

TIMS Channel Configuration Factory Settings

Channel Name Board Video Sync Pixel Type1 CHP File2
Channel Channel

DICOM_RECEIVE3 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

NTSC_Comp1 I-Color Composite N/A YCBCR_YONLY, NTSC_C1.chp

RGB24

NTSC_RS170_Mono AccuStream CA2 CA2 GRAY_8, RGB24 RS170Mono.chp

NTSC_RS170_RGB AccuStream CA1 CA1 GRAY_8, RGB24 RS170RGB.chp

NTSC_SVideo1 I-Color S-Video1 N/A YCBCR_YONLY, Ntsc_sv1.chp

RGB24

PAL_Comp1 I-Color Composite N/A YCBCR_YONLY, PAL_C1.chp

RGB24

PAL_Mono AccuStream CA2 CA2 GRAY_8, RGB24 PAL_mono.chp

PAL_RGB AccuStream CA1 CA1 GRAY_8, RGB24 PAL_RGB.chp

PAL_SVideo I-Color S-Video1 N/A YCBCR_YONLY, pal_sv1.chp

RGB24

Ultrasound AccuStream CA1 CA1 GRAY_8, RGB24 Accu_mono.chp

Add a New Channel

1. From the Configure Channels window, click the Add button.
2. In the Add Channel dialog, enter a new channel name.

1
Bolded type is selected by default but may be changed.
2
CHP files are installed in C:\Program Files\Foresight\Idea\CHP\ by default.
3
DICOM_RECEIVE is for an IP-based Service Class Provider – it is not a video channel.

18 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Configuring Channels

Tip: To enter an underscore, press the Spacebar. (The space is

converted to an underscore when you click OK.)
3. Select the modality from the drop-down menu.

4. Click the OK button and the Channel Configuration dialog appears. For
information on configuring the channel, see:
1. Selecting Image Acquisition Settings on page 23.
2. Selecting DICOM Class Settings on page 30.
5. Click the OK button when you have completed making any changes (or
if you decided to go with the defaults) and the Configure Channels
dialog returns. Click the Close button if you are finished.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 19

Configuring Channels

Delete a Channel
The Delete command applies to the currently selected channel on the
Configure Channels dialog.
1. From the Configure Channels window, select the channel you want to
delete, and click the Delete button.

2. Click the Yes button to delete the channel and the channel is removed
and is no longer displayed in the left hand window of the Configure
Channels dialog.

Edit a Channel
The Edit command applies to the currently selected channel on the Configure
Channels dialog.
1. From the Configure Channels window, select the channel you want to
edit, and click the Edit button.
2. The Channel Configuration dialog appears. For information on
configuring the channel, see:
ƒ Selecting Image Acquisition Settings on page 23.
ƒ Selecting DICOM Class Settings on page 30.
3. Click the OK button when you have completed making any changes and
the Configure Channels dialog returns. Click the Close button if you
are finished.

Copy a Channel to Create a New Channel

The Copy command applies to the currently selected channel on the Configure
Channels dialog.
1. From the Configure Channels window, click the Copy button.
2. In the Copy Channel dialog, enter a new channel name.

20 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Configuring Channels

Tip: To enter an underscore, press the Spacebar. (The space is

converted to an underscore when you click OK.)
3. Select the modality from the drop-down menu.

4. Click the OK button and the Channel Configuration dialog appears. For
information on configuring the channel, see:
ƒ Selecting Image Acquisition Settings on page 23.
ƒ Selecting DICOM Class Settings on page 30.
5. Click the OK button when you have completed making any changes (or
if you decided to go with the defaults) and the Configure Channels
dialog returns. Click the Close button if you are finished.

Rename a Channel
The Rename command applies to the currently selected channel on the
Configure Channels dialog.
1. From the Configure Channels window, click the Rename button.
2. In the Rename Channel dialog, enter a new channel name.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 21

Configuring Channels

Tip: To enter an underscore, press the Spacebar. (The space is

converted to an underscore when you click OK.)
3. Click the OK button and the Channel Configuration dialog appears.
4. Click the Close button if you are finished.

Reorder the Channels

1. From the Configure Channels window, click the Reorder button.
2. In the Reorder Channels dialog, you can:
ƒ Use the Move Up button to move a listing up on the channel list.
ƒ Use the Move Down button to move a listing down on the channel
list.
ƒ Use the Sort button to sort the channel names alphabetically.

3. Click the OK button and the Channel Configuration dialog appears.

4. Click the Close button if you are finished.

22 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Configuring Channels

Make a Channel the Default

The Make Default Channel command applies to the currently selected channel
on the Configure Channels dialog.
1. Select the channel that you want to make the default in the left hand
window of the Configure Channels dialog.
2. Click the Make Default Channel button. The channel is marked
default.

(Default) is placed
next to the selected
channel.

3. Click the Close button if you are finished.

Selecting Image Acquisition Settings

Image settings tell TIMS everything it needs to know to acquire a video signal
for a particular medical modality (imaging device).
Using the Channel Configuration Images tab, you specify the image source,
video capture configuration, triggers, streaming video format, among other
settings.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 23

Configuring Channels

Image Source: Video Capture

You can specify the image source for any medical device, such as those
employed in ultrasound, CT, MR, endoscopy, angiography, and nuclear
medicine.
There are four categories of image sources:
ƒ a real-time signal captured from a medical imaging device
ƒ a DICOM image from an IP address
ƒ a TWAIN-compliant scanner
ƒ a DICOM AVI, JPG, or BMP file

Video Capture Configuration

The TIMS-supplied CHP (Common Hardware Profile) files contain configuration
data that is applicable to all devices. However, your choice of board type,
video channel, and sync channel are device-dependent.

24 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Configuring Channels

Board
TIMS uses one video capture board, for all video sources: NTSC or PAL from S-
Video and Composite signals, RGB, and Monochrome.

The Accustream 205a supports:

ƒ NTSC or PAL
S-Video or Composite
ƒ Standard or High Resolution RGB
ƒ Standard or High Resolution Monochrome
See Modality Connections, Page 6

Video Channel
A choice of video channels is available:

AccuStream 205a

Video Channel Sync Channel

CA1 CA1
CA2 CA2
CA3 CA3
CA4 CA4
SS
SS(-H)
SS(-V)
-SS

ƒ For Monochrome and RGB sources, a sync channel is required in

addition to a video channel.
ƒ For NTSC/PAL, S-Video, and Composite video sources, use CA1 for both
the video and sync channel.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 25

 Configuring Channels

Common Hardware Profile (CHP) Path

These TIMS-supplied files configure the video capture board for the specific
video source from which it will be acquiring images. You click Browse to
choose the CHP file that matches the video source that will be providing the
images.

Examples: The file used for an NTSC S-Video source connected to channel 1 is
NTSC_SV1.chp. The file used for a PAL S-Video source connected to channel
1 is PAL_SV1.chp.

Video Streaming Save Settings

2000 This determines how TIMS handles video streams after they have been acquired
when a study is saved. Video streams can be saved as DICOM files or AVI files.

• DICOM
In this mode, when a study is saved, the associated video streams are
converted and saved as DICOM files. This is the default streaming mode.
• AVI
In this mode, when a study is saved, the associated video streams are
converted and saved as both DICOM files and AVI files.
Usage Note: For performance reasons, it is recommended to capture video
streams as DICOM files and then use the File menu > Save as
command to export to AVI format.

Buffers
This setting determines the number of frames to be stored in memory.

Frame Decimation
Saving video streams using lossless formats like DICOM and AVI are resource-
intensive. Frame Decimation refers to the technique of allowing every nth
frame to be acquired while others are dropped. A value of 5 means every 5th
frame is acquired. The default value of 1 means every frame is acquired.

26 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Configuring Channels

Motion Elimination
Motion Elimination settings reduce motion artifacts when acquiring image stills
and video streams on interlaced video signals.

This is only required when combing or blurring are present in the captured
images or video streams.
Such image artifacts as “combing” or “blurring” can occur when the imaging
acquisition device (such as an ultrasound wand) or subject are in motion.
When interlaced devices capture frames in a two-pass process — first the
odd field, then the even field — the first field does not always align with the
second.
In order to reduce the effect of these artifacts, the technique of repeating
either the odd or even field can be used. Choose either Repeat Odd or Repeat
Even and do a test capture. Then try the other scheme, and compare the
results to determine which scheme works best for this device.

Triggers
Triggers are any physical means of starting and stopping streaming video
captures. If the TIMS operator will be using the mouse exclusively, this step 2000
can be skipped. However, if a foot pedal or pushbutton device will be used
with a channel, you configure the trigger behavior here.

Note: The Enable Triggered Snaps is enabled only if the driver for a particular
trigger device has been installed.
¾ Click Video Stream Triggers to open the Stream Trigger Options dialog:

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 27

Configuring Channels

ƒ Under Trigger Options, choose from the following.

Start/Stop When Going Low
Allows streaming capture to be started and stopped each time the
pedal is depressed. If the foot pedal creates a LOW going pulse when
depressed, use this option.
Start/Stop When Going High
Allows streaming capture to be started and stopped each time the
pedal is depressed. If the foot pedal creates a HIGH going pulse when
depressed, use this option.
Run While Low
If the foot pedal creates a LOW going pulse, and stream capture is
desired only while the pedal is depressed, use this option.
Run While High
If the foot pedal creates a HIGH going pulse, and stream capture is
desired only while the pedal is depressed, use this option.
ƒ If you want a delay after each trigger or before capturing, enter it under
Trigger Delays:
Retrigger Block Delay (msec)
Milliseconds that must elapse before another trigger event is
recognized.
Capture Start Delay (frames)
Frames that will be ignored after a trigger event before capturing
starts.

28 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Configuring Channels

Show Live Video Preview

ƒ Select this option if you want the Preview Channel window to open
automatically when an operator uses this channel.
(The Preview Channel window displays the live video signal present on
the video capture board’s active input channel.)

Set as Current Channel

ƒ Select this option to set the channel that TIMS will use upon exiting the
Channel Configuration window.

Set as Default Channel

ƒ Select this option so that the channel you are configuring is the channel
that is selected when opening TIMS.

Scanner Acquisition
With the Scanner Acquisition option selected, select the scanning device from
the pull down list. Only a scanning device for which you have already installed
a driver will appear in the list.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 29

Configuring Channels

Selecting DICOM Class Settings

DICOM class settings determine the medical data stored in DICOM files for a
particular medical modality. Each DICOM class has a specified minimum set of
data requirements (checked modules and elements) that you cannot change.
(These data requirements and characteristics are determined by DICOM-
standards workgroups.)
You can select additional modules and elements according to your study
requirements and PACS standards. The data elements determine the data-entry
fields in the patient study form that a TIMS operator will use for a channel.
A DICOM class is a hierarchical collection of data modules and elements that
define the data stored with DICOM images acquired from a medical modality.
Each element represents an attribute of the DICOM image. Elements or
attributes are also called “tags”.
Data modules represent the top-level nodes in the data tree, with the data
elements organized under each node. In TIMS, each DICOM class has a
collection of standard and modality-specific modes and elements that
determine what information is required in the patient study.
Using the Channel Configuration DICOM tab, you specify the DICOM class and
its associated data entry fields and properties.

30 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Configuring Channels

Note: Any custom DICOM class settings you make are associated with a
particular channel. Before changing any modules or elements, make sure
you have the correct channel name selected in the Channel Name pull
down list.

Viewing the modules and elements of a DICOM Class

¾ To view the Modules and Elements tree:
1. Select the DICOM Class you require from the DICOM Class pull down
list.
2. Expand a branch of the tree by clicking the plus (+) symbols to view
submodules and elements. (If any submodule or element is selected, its
parent module will also be checked.) Collapse a branch of the tree by
clicking the minus (-) symbols.
3. Select a module or element to view its properties.
Usage Notes:
ƒ Some modalities have both current and retired DICOM classes to
choose from.
ƒ Only the top-level modules are visible to begin with. (These include
selected, or checked, items and unselected, or unchecked, items.)
ƒ A module represents a top-level node with one or more elements.
An element represents any subnode.
ƒ You cannot change the properties of a required element.
Properties consist of the following:
Description
A description the module’s or element’s attributes as specified in
DICOM standards.
Code/Tag
Mask
Type
Usage
VR
(Value range.)
Min VR
MaxVR
DivideVM
Field Status
Default Value(s)
Field Status
Not Used
Required
Fixed

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 31

Configuring Channels

Optional
Calculated
(The DICOM technical standard is described at http://medical.nema.org/)

Navigate using Next or Previous

Click on these to move to the next or previous element in the tree and view its
properties.

Default Values
You can add one or more default values to mandatory or optional elements, as
an operator aid. The enumerated values appear in the patient study form as a
pulldown list for that field.
1. Click Edit to open the Edit Value dialog.
2. Type a value and click Insert Before or Insert After.
3. Click Modify to change a value and Delete to remove it.
4. Click OK to commit your changes or Cancel.

View Required Tags Only

You can remove all non-required tags (elements) from the definition of a
DICOM class.
Warning: This is a permanent change to the class definition and removes all
customizations you may have made to a class list.

32 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Configuring Channels

DICOM File Load Options

These options determine how TIMS loads preexisting DICOM files. In most
circumstances, the default autodetect settings are optimum. However, the
properties you can specify are:
Meta Header
ƒ Present means a meta header must be present in the file to load
it.
ƒ Absent means a meta header must be absent in the file to load it.
Value Representation
ƒ Explicit means an explicit value range is required in the file to load
it.
ƒ Implicit means an implied value range is required in the file to load
it.
Transfer Syntax
ƒ Little-Endian means the least significant value in the file’s byte
sequence is stored first.
ƒ Big-Endian means the most significant value in the file’s byte
sequence is stored first.
Default File Extension
ƒ Can be *.DCM or *.DIC.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 33

Configuring Channels

DICOM File Save Options

These options determine how DICOM files are saved by TIMS. In most
circumstances, the default settings are optimum. However, the properties you
can specify are:
Meta Header
Value Representation
Transfer Syntax
Image Photometric
ƒ RGB
ƒ Palette
ƒ Monochrome2
Image BitsPerPixel
ƒ 24
ƒ 16
ƒ 8
Image Compression
ƒ JPEG Lossless
ƒ JPEG Lossy
ƒ Run-Length
ƒ None
Group Lengths
ƒ Absent
ƒ Present
Length Encoding
ƒ Explicit

34 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Configuring Channels

ƒ Undefined
Save Study Files in the ‘TIMS\Studies’ Folder
Save Study Files in Folder
Automatically Exit TIMS After Save Study
Default File Extension
ƒ Can be *.DCM or *.DIC.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 35

Configuring Channels

36 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Changing the DICOM File Compression Settings

Changing the DICOM File Compression

Settings
When TIMS saves DICOM files, it compresses them to reduce the file size. This is
especially important when saving video streams. The compression method TIMS
uses is determined by the DICOM Class (which is a Channel Configuration
setting). The methods can either be lossless, meaning no reduction in image
quality, or lossy, meaning some reduction in image quality.
The default compression-factor settings do not require modification except
under special circumstances.

Note: Changes to compression factor settings should be made with

caution. Incorrect settings can result in decreased system
performance, dropped frames, and longer video stream save times.

JPEG Lossless Settings

1. From the Configure menu, select Compression > JPEG Lossless.
2. Enter your password if required.
The About PICVideo dialog appears with licensing information
concerning TIMS compression and decompression.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 37

Changing the DICOM File Compression Settings

Lossless JPEG Compression Settings

Discarded Low Bits
It is recommended that the default setting of 0 should not be altered without
consulting Foresight Imaging Support.
Compress RGB using lossless pseudo YcbCr
The difference between YCbCr and RGB is that YCbCr represents color as
brightness and two color difference signals, while RGB represents color as red,
green and blue. In YCbCr, the Y is the brightness (luma), Cb is blue minus luma
(B-Y) and Cr is red minus luma (R-Y).

JPEG Lossy Settings

1. From the Configure menu, select Compression > JPEG Lossy.
2. Enter your password if required.
The About PICVideo dialog appears with licensing information
concerning TIMS compression and decompression.

38 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Changing the DICOM File Compression Settings

MJPEG Settings
The default compression setting of 18 provides for optimum image quality
and optimum file size. (A value of 1 represents the most compression and
smallest file size; 20 represents the least compression and largest file
size.)
Advanced Settings
It is recommended that the Advanced settings not be altered without
consulting Foresight Imaging Support.

Note: If a Lossy JPEG compression setting higher than 18 is used, video

streaming performance may be reduced.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 39

Creating a Custom Hardware Profile

Creating a Custom Hardware Profile

The remainder of this Setup and Configuration Guide provides step-by-step
instructions for creating a custom hardware profile for the modality you will be
using with TIMS. Although TIMS provides predefined common hardware profiles
(CHP) files for its AccuStream and I-Color capture boards, you are recommended
always to create your own customized profile. This profile will ensure you obtain an
optimized video stream.

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

The IDEA Auto-SYNC application generates a preliminary set of video settings and
allows you to customize these settings. You may return to IDEA Auto-SYNC at any
time to manipulate your custom hardware profile further. Included with IDEA Auto-
Sync are example programs that use the profile you create with IDEA Auto-SYNC
and allow you to perform image captures and other functions to test the profile.

Image Requirements
When generating a new CHP file with IDEA Auto-SYNC, best results are obtained if
the colored pixels of the image to be measured fill the entire width and height, or
at least parts of it extend to the boundaries of the active video region. Medium to
bright pixels at the edges are best. The signal should also contain the maximum
amount of contrast between black and white. The image should remain stable
during the entire operation of IDEA Auto-SYNC.

Limitations
IDEA Auto-SYNC looks at both sync and video signal data. The video portion of the
signals must contain an image that meets certain criteria. If those criteria are not
met, the CHP file generated by Auto-SYNC will not be correct and the image
captured with it will be inferior. The image criteria along with a description of the
effect of captured image, if the criteria are not met, are listed here:
1. At least 1% of the image must be the brightest white.
Else: IDEA Auto-SYNC will underestimate brightest white. Images will be too
bright and have too much contrast.
2. At least 1% of the image must be the darkest black.
Else: IDEA Auto-SYNC will overestimate darkest black. Images will be too dark
and have too much contrast.
3. Light (50% gray or whiter) portions of the image must touch all four sides of
the image.
Else: IDEA Auto-SYNC may fail to recognize image boundaries. Images will be
clipped or there may be no image capture at all.

40 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Creating a Custom Hardware Profile

4. Wide solid black (3% gray or blacker) bars stretching across the entire
image in any direction should be avoided.
Else: If composite video is not being used, the stripes may mimic composite
sync information. IDEA Auto-SYNC is very resistant to this type of mistake but
not completely immune to it. Images will appear scrambled.
5. Include many edges (as with text, fine stripes or a checker pattern).
In addition to the criteria listed above, future enhancements to IDEA
Auto-SYNC may be able to take advantage of other image characteristics. If you are
developing a standard test pattern for IDEA Auto-SYNC for long-term use, the
pattern should include sharp pixel transitions from light to dark and dark to light. A
pixel transition is considered "sharp" if the change in gray-scale from one pixel to
the next (to the left or right) exceeds 50% of the full black to white range.
Including test or vertical or near-vertical fine grill patterns in the image would suit
the purpose.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 41

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

To start up IDEA Auto-SYNC, select IDEA Auto-SYNC icon from the Start menu.

The application opens and is ready to begin the IDEA Auto-SYNC process. You must
open or create a configuration (CHP) file before you may use many of the IDEA
Auto-SYNC options (i.e. Capture an image).

IDEA Auto-SYNC opening screen.

42 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

The following is a brief description of each toolbar icon:

Create a Open CHP Save CHP Open Open Refresh Continuously

new CHP file file video Auto-SYNC images capture
file settings Wizard (full-size view)

Multi-view Full Previous Next Show Automatic White Reset

window window window window combined phase balance board
RGB
view

The following toolbar icons are used for combined RGB views:

Edit Red, Link RGB Reset RGB Reset

Green, CHP HTotal and RGB
Blue changes porch image
channel settings size

The following table lists the hot keys available while using IDEA Auto-SYNC:

Hot Key Description

<Alt> + <F10> Continuous capture in full-size view

<Ctrl> + <A> Open video settings

<Ctrl> + <N> New CHP file

<Ctrl> + <O> Open CHP file

<Ctrl> + <S> Save CHP file

<Ctrl> + <W> Open Auto-SYNC Wizard

<F4> Automated image refresh

<F5> Refresh images now

<F7> Always verify video settings

<F8> Step

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 43

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Hot Key Description

<F9> Multi-view window

<F10> New full-size image window

CTRL+HOME Show upper left corner of Auto-SYNC

CTRL+END Show lower left corner of Auto-SYNC

CTRL+PGUP Show upper right corner of Auto-SYNC

CTRL+PGDOWN Show lower right corner of Auto-SYNC

SHIFT+Left Arrow Show left edge of Auto-SYNC

SHIFT+Right Arrow Show right edge of Auto-SYNC

SHIFT+Up Arrow Show top edge of Auto-SYNC

SHIFT+Down Arrow Show bottom edge of Auto-SYNC

CTRL+Left Arrow Move Auto-SYNC window left (small)

SHIFT+Left Arrow Move Auto-SYNC window left (large)

CTRL+Right Arrow Move Auto-SYNC window right (small)

SHIFT+Right Arrow Move Auto-SYNC window right (large)

CTRL+Up Arrow Move Auto-SYNC window up (small)

SHIFT+Up Arrow Move Auto-SYNC window up (large)

CTRL+Down Arrow Move Auto-SYNC window down (small)

SHIFT+Down Arrow Move Auto-SYNC window down (large)

CTRL+HOME Show upper left corner of Auto-SYNC

CTRL+END Show lower left corner of Auto-SYNC

CTRL+PGUP Show upper right corner of Auto-SYNC

CTRL+PGDOWN Show lower right corner of Auto-SYNC

44 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Creating CHP Files

IDEA Auto-SYNC allows users to create new Common Hardware Profile (CHP) files or
tailor existing CHP files for your computer system. For I-Color boards, existing CHP
files are used as the basis for a configuration. For I-Series, I-RGB, AccuStream, and
HI*DEF boards, Auto-SYNC generates a new CHP file based on the particular signal
characteristics.
Click Advanced to set the following options:
Log Report Level of Detail: of reported information
Log Report File: Sets filename for output Sets the amount log
Open Combined RGB Output View: If three monochrome video channels are
detected, Auto-SYNC will attempt to open them as a combined RGB image.
No Stray Syncs Allowed: Auto-SYNC allows a small number of stray syncs to be
processed without causing an error, but the presence of any stray sync pulses
can be rejected by enabling this feature.
IDEA Auto-SYNC provides two methods for creating a new CHP file: Automatic
(Express) and Interactive (OK). Both methods create an initial CHP with video
settings appropriate for your computer system. Once this initial file is created, you
then have the option to make additional changes or exit the program. The
“Interactive” method allows additional editing of the video settings during the
creation of the initial CHP file.
Note: If you are interested in specific information concerning the IDEA Auto-SYNC
settings, please refer to the appropriate CHP settings in Chapter 5,
Understanding the CHP File.

Automatic
Click Express. This automatically adjusts all of the settings for you. You
can make modifications once the initial settings are defined.

Interactive
Click OK. As IDEA Auto-SYNC checks or verifies some of the settings, you
are given the option to examine and possibly modify the settings.
When you click OK, IDEA Auto-SYNC begins the process of creating the CHP
file. The box on the right side displays the Log Data. You may toggle
between viewing the Channels Report (Channels) and the Log Data (Log).
You may also verify or modify the settings by clicking on the channel(s)
(i.e. CA1) above the Operator Instructions box.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 45

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Using the interactive mode to create a CHP file

Selecting the I-RGB Cable

When performing an Auto-SYNC process with an I-RGB or AccuStream
framegrabber board, the user must indicate what type of cabling is being used.
Select the cable type from the list and click ‘OK’.

I-RGB cable selection dialog

VESA Mode Scanning

If the detected video and sync signals meet certain criteria, Auto-SYNC will
prompt you to choose between a "VESA Scan" or "Normal Scan". VESA scanning
involves comparing the video characteristics against standard video formats
(e.g., VGA, XGA, etc.). Select this type of scan if you know that your input
video is a VESA format; it will generate a CHP file based on the standard video
specification. Otherwise, select Normal Scan to generate a CHP file by
measuring all of the video characteristics.

46 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

VESA mode selection dialog

Selecting the Phase Determination

When performing the interactive method, of particular interest is the option
that allows you to select different methods for determining the phase delay for
the video signal. The default phase detection method (Coarse) provides general
coverage for a wide variety of signals, but other phase detection methods may
be appropriate in certain situations.
This option is available when the Operator Instructions box displays the
message “Verify/Correct width determination then press OK”.

Operator Instructions dialog

Click on the channel (i.e. CA1) for various options including the Phase
Determination method options.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 47

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Selecting the Phase Determination option

The phase detection methods differ in the number of "candidate" phase values that
are surveyed; the manner in which each phase value is tested (i.e. generating
summary data or using complete image information); and the algorithms used to
optimize phase.
If an I-RGB 165 or I-RGB 200 is being used, phase detection always uses the
Coarse determination method and determines both the phase delay and fine
phase adjustment values.
The following phase determination methods are supported:
Coarse (default):
Performs a fast measurement survey, generating summary
information for about 1/6th of the candidate phase values.
Attempts to locate the candidate with the lowest pixel value
standard deviation.
Runs quickly and provides reasonable results with a wide
variety of image/format combinations.
Refined:
Performs a thorough measurement survey, generating summary
information for all of the candidate phase values.
Typically slower than the other methods, but is more precise and
reliable for most image/format combinations.
48 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide
 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Thorough:
Performs a thorough measurement survey, generating detailed
image information for all of the candidate phase values.
Uses the image data to precisely measure the image stability at
each candidate value and selects the most stable.
This is the slowest method (often slower than manual calibration),
but the results are the most resilient to changes in
temperature and image content. The results are superior to
those produced by the unaided eye.
Custom A (StDev best):
Performs a thorough measurement survey, generating summary
information for all candidate phase values.
Is a variation of the Coarse and Refined methods.
Attempts to locate the candidate with the lowest pixel value
standard deviation.
Custom B (Sharp hunt):
Performs a fast measurement survey and generates summary
information for about 1/6th of the candidate phase values.
Attempts to locate the candidate value with the sharpest
histogram peaks.
This method produces best results with images that are almost
entirely an alternating white-pixel/black-pixel pattern.
Examples of such patterns include the checkerboard "resolve"
pattern and the vertical striped "grill" pattern (with one-pixel
stripes).
Custom C (Sharp max):
Similar to Custom B except that it performs a more thorough
testing of candidate phase values.

Running the Auto-SYNC Wizard

Once the IDEA Auto-SYNC process has completed, the Auto-SYNC Wizard is
automatically started to facilitate fine tuning of the video settings. The
Auto-SYNC Wizard can be started manually at any time.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 49

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

IDEA Auto-SYNC Wizard introductory screen once the CHP file is created

The upper window on the right side is called the “Multi-view window”. The
Multi-view window displays multiple monochrome views of the image (zoom,
histogram, etc.) and also displays the board type (and its serial number) that is
being used. When using an I-Color board, the Multi-view window displays a Y-
only (luma) grayscale image. When using an I-RGB board, the Multi-view
window can display either Y-only (luma) grayscale or one of the three RGB
color planes. The figure also shows a full-size window that displays the entire
image (with scroll bars, if needed). Both windows are useful when running the
Auto-SYNC Wizard.
The three page introduction provides basic information about image calibration
and introduces the standard image types that are most useful when using the
Auto-SYNC Wizard:
Grill: A high contrast, black and white vertical bar pattern; provides sharp
dark-to-light transitions.
Linearity: Another high contrast white-on-black image that
includes curves and diagonal lines; useful for
calibrating aspect ratio, phase, and field polarity.
SMPTE: A standard video calibration image with a variety of gray levels, shapes
and lines, and a full-screen background; useful for
calibrating HTotal and framing.

50 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Text: A high contrast white-text-on-black-background image; provides sharp

dark-to-light transitions.

Every page of the Auto-SYNC Wizard includes a pair of Back/Next buttons for
navigation; steps in the Auto-SYNC Wizard can be repeated as needed.
Convenience buttons to bring up the histogram (in the multi-view window) or
the full-size view window on the CHP file are available.
After viewing the Auto-SYNC Wizard introduction, the tuning process begins.
There is a large button on the first introduction page that skips to the first
tuning step. On the last introduction page is a checkbox that hides the
introduction pages the next time the Wizard is used; the user can also
enable/disable the introduction from Auto-SYNC’s Preferences menu.
The Auto-SYNC Wizard process varies slightly for different board types. The
steps for monochrome and I-RGB boards are described in the following section,
followed by the steps for the I-Color board

AccuStream Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 1: Adjust HTotal

The first step is to adjust the Horizontal Total (HTotal). The HTotal is the
number of pixels per scan line in the video signal; some of these pixels are not
part of the active video (e.g., porches) so HTotal represents the active plus the
inactive video signal measured as pixels. Increasing the HTotal widens the
image, increasing the aspect ratio.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 51

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 1 (Monochrome/I-RGB/AccuStream)

HTotal adjustments require a video image that highlights errors in aspect ratio.
An image with circles or squares or a text pattern is recommended.
If your video is interlaced, look at the image to see if text or diagonal/curved
lines appear ragged. If they do, try adjusting the Field Polarity to change the
ordering of fields/frames. Depending on the video pattern, changes to the field
ordering may have invalidated the results of the Auto-SYNC session. You may
want to rerun Auto-SYNC to generate a new CHP file.
The HTotal is adjusted by typing a new value into the edit box or using the
up/down buttons; the arrow and Page Up/Down keys also work. Changes to the
HTotal are reflected in any open views of the CHP file (multi-view, full-size
view). Focus on getting the aspect ratio correct; the image framing will be
adjusted in a later step.

AccuStream Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 2: Adjust Phase Delay

The next step is to adjust the phase delay. The phase delay determines how
the pixels in the video signal are sampled and acts as an offset to the pixel
clock. When the phase is set correctly, the pixels are sampled at their peak
values providing the best image quality. Sampling the pixels with the wrong
phase offset can lead to poor results.

52 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 2 (Monochrome/I-RGB/AccuStream)

Phase delay adjustments require a video image that has maximum horizontal
contrast. An image with a grill pattern or high contrast text is recommended.
The Phase Delay is adjusted in the standard way by typing a new value, using
the up/down buttons, or using the arrow/Page Up/Page Down keys. The
histogram window in the multi-view window can be especially helpful to see
the effects of minor changes.
The I-RGB 165 and I-RGB 200 boards support Fine Phase adjustment. There are
32 discrete phase values that allow fine tuning of the phase and should be used
instead of the Phase Delay when it is available.
Auto-SYNC will attempt to recalculate the optimal phase delay setting if you
click the "Auto..." button. Auto-SYNC prompts for a selection of the phase
determination algorithm; the algorithms are described earlier in this section.
The phase determination algorithms vary in time to complete and thoroughness
of testing and it is recommended that the faster algorithms be used unless the
results are not satisfactory.

AccuStream Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 3: Adjust Left/Right Framing

The next step is to adjust the left/right framing of the image. The left edge is
set first and then the image width. The left edge is set by the value of the
TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 53
Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Horizontal Back Sync (HBS), which represents the period between a horizontal
sync pulse and the start of active video. The image width is set as the number
of pixels per line.

Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 3 (Monochrome/I-RGB/AccuStream)

Framing adjustments require an image that has a non-black background that

extends across the entire image. The SMPTE pattern is recommended.
The Horizontal Back Sync is adjusted in the standard way. Increasing the HBS
moves the image to the left. Set the HBS so that the image’s background
extends fully to the left of the viewing window.
Once the HBS is set, the image width can be adjusted in the standard way until
the full width of the image appears in the viewing window. Now that the full
image width is visible, it is possible that the aspect ratio was incorrectly set in
Step 1; click the HTotal button to go back and fix it.

AccuStream Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 4: Adjust Top/Bottom Framing

The next step is to adjust the top/bottom framing of the image. The top edge
is set first and then the image height. The top edge is set by the value of the
Vertical Back Porch (VBP), which represents the number of vertical blanking

54 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

lines in the video signal from the trailing edge of the vertical sync to the start
of active video. The image height is set as the number of lines in the image.

Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 4 (Monochrome/I-RGB/AccuStream)

Framing adjustments require an image that has a non-black background that

extends across the entire image. The SMPTE pattern is recommended.
The Vertical Back Porch is adjusted in the standard way. Increasing the VBP
moves the image upward. Set the VBP so that the image’s background extends
fully to the top of the viewing window.
Once the VBP is set, the image width can be adjusted in the standard way until
the full height of the image appears in the viewing window.

AccuStream Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 5: Adjust Brightness and Contrast

The next step is to adjust the brightness and contrast of the image. It is normal
for the pixels to range from 0 to 255. Since the goal is for the image to be
visually acceptable, other ranges may be desirable.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 55

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 5 (Monochrome/I-RGB/AccuStream)

Brightness and contrast adjustments require a video image that has the full
black-to-white range. Images with a text pattern are recommended. The
histogram is very useful for this step so the multi-view window is
recommended.
Position the mouse over the blackest part of the image. Adjust the Black Level
value in the standard way. Shifting the Black Level changes the pixel values;
these changes are visible either in the pixel value reader (in the lower right of
Auto-SYNC’s status bar) or in the histogram. The goal is to have the black pixels
correspond to pixel values near 0.
Once the Black Level is set, move the mouse to the whitest part of the image.
Adjust the Gain value until the white pixels correspond to values near 255.
Changing the Gain may affect the results of the Black Level adjustment, so this
process must be repeated iteratively until the desired brightness and contrast
are achieved. Watch the histogram to be sure that the range of pixel values
extends from 0 to 255 and that not too many pixels are being mapped to these
extremes (i.e., near-black is mapped to total black).

56 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

AccuStream Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 6: Adjust Miscellaneous Settings

The final step of the Auto-SYNC Wizard attempts to correct some basic
problems that can occur with some video signals.

Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 6 (Monochrome/I-RGB/AccuStream)

A full-size view on an image that has content along the top edge and contains
some diagonal lines or text is recommended; the SMPTE or linearity patterns
are ideal.
If diagonal lines appear unusually ragged or text in the image appears broken
(“shaken”), change the Field Polarity value. This adjusts the order in which the
fields of the image are assembled and reverses the ordering of adjacent scan
lines in the video.
If there appears to be some twisting at the top edge of the image, the Vertical
Sync Type may need to be adjusted from “Normal” to “Block” or “Extended
Block”.
If an I-RGB board is being used, the user can run the White Balance procedure.
This adjusts the red, green, and blue channel gain and offset compensation
values for the particular source to assure that pure white and pure black are
properly calibrated. White balancing should be performed when the video
source changes.
TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 57
Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Click the Finish button to complete the Auto-SYNC Wizard process. You can
restart the Auto-SYNC Wizard at anytime by selecting a CHP file and clicking
the Auto-SYNC Wizard toolbar icon or by selecting the View > Auto-SYNC Wizard
menu item.

I-Color Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 1: Adjust Field Polarity

The first step is to adjust the Field Polarity. If diagonal lines appear unusually
ragged or text in the image appears broken (“shaken”), change the Field
Polarity value. This adjusts the order in which the fields of the image are
assembled and reverses the ordering of adjacent scan lines in the video.

Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 1 (I-Color)

I-Color Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 2: Adjust Left/Right Framing

The next step is to adjust the left/right framing of the image. The left edge is
set first and then the image width. The left edge is set by the value of the
Horizontal Position (HPOS). The image width is set as the number of pixels per
line.

58 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 2 (I-Color)

Framing adjustments require an image that has a non-black background that

extends across the entire image. The SMPTE pattern is recommended.
The Horizontal Position is adjusted in the standard way. Increasing the HPOS
moves the image to the left. Set the HPOS so that the image’s background
extends fully to the left of the viewing window.
Once the HPOS is set, the image width can be adjusted in the standard way
until the full width of the image appears in the viewing window.

I-Color Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 3: Adjust Top/Bottom Framing

The next step is to adjust the top/bottom framing of the image. The top edge
is set first and then the image height. The top edge is set by the value of the
Vertical Back Porch (VBP), which represents the number of vertical blanking
lines in the video signal from the trailing edge of the vertical sync to the start
of active video. The image height is set as the number of lines in the image.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 59

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 3 (I-Color)

Framing adjustments require an image that has a non-black background that

extends across the entire image. The SMPTE pattern is recommended.
The Vertical Back Porch is adjusted in the standard way. Increasing the VBP
moves the image upward. Set the VBP so that the image’s background extends
fully to the top of the viewing window.
Once the VBP is set, the image width can be adjusted in the standard way until
the full height of the image appears in the viewing window.

I-Color Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 4: Adjust Brightness and Contrast

The next step is to adjust the brightness and contrast of the image. It is normal
for the pixels to range from 0 to 255. Since the goal is for the image to be
visually acceptable, other ranges may be desirable.

60 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 4 (I-Color)

Brightness and contrast adjustments require a video image that has the full
black-to-white range. Images with a text pattern are recommended. The
histogram is very useful for this step so the multi-view window is
recommended.
Position the mouse over the blackest part of the image. Adjust the Black Level
value in the standard way. Shifting the Black Level changes the pixel values;
these changes are visible either in the pixel value reader (in the lower right of
Auto-SYNC’s status bar) or in the histogram. The goal is to have the black pixels
correspond to pixel values near 0.
Once the Black Level is set, move the mouse to the whitest part of the image.
Adjust the Gain value until the white pixels correspond to values near 255.
Changing the Gain may affect the results of the Black Level adjustment, so this
process must be repeated iteratively until the desired brightness and contrast
are achieved. Watch the histogram to be sure that the range of pixel values
extends from 0 to 255 and that not too many pixels are being mapped to these
extremes (i.e., near-black is mapped to total black).

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 61

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

I-Color Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 5: Miscellaneous Adjustments

The final step of the I-Color Auto-SYNC Wizard attempts to correct some basic
problems that can occur with some color video signals by adjusting the I-Color’s
filters.

Auto-SYNC Wizard Step 5 (I-Color)

The low pass filter should be enabled when the input video signal is noisy. Click
Adjust Noise Filter to see the results of enabling or disabling the filter. The
process involves the following steps:

62 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Auto-SYNC Image Comparison Adjust Noise Filter (I-Color)

Set AOI: The user left drags a red rectangle in the Image
Comparison window to set an Area of Interest (AOI) to
be used for image comparison.
Compare Images: The user is then provided with a side-by-side
comparison view of the images. One image has the low
pass filter on and one has the low pas filter off. Choose
the best one by selecting “Pick Left Image” or “Pick
Right Image.”

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 63

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Setting the Luma/Chroma Filters (I-Color Wizard)

The luma comb filter reduces high frequency chroma signal leakage into the
luminance path. The chroma comb filter provides additional color separation
from the composite video input signal. Click the Adjust Luma/Chroma Filters
button to set the filter values. The process involves the following steps:
Set AOI: The user left drags a red rectangle in the Luma/Chroma
Filter Setting window to set an Area of Interest (AOI) to
be used for image comparison.
Review Images: The user is provided with 8 “image sets” which are
collections of 8 images each. The image sets are
basically images snapped with the same luma filter
value and different chroma filter values. The user can
switch among the sets by using the tabs at the top of
the window or the scroll bar or page up/page
down/arrow keys. The listbox scrolls a page at a time
and all of the information is synchronized. The user can
pan around the full image using the “Click to set AOI”
control. The user can snap all new images by clicking
“Snap.” The Auto-Zoom window captures the image
beneath the mouse cursor. Mouse over any of the
images in an image set, to see the different images.
Leave the mouse in one place and page up/page down
among the image sets to see different images in the
Auto-Zoom window. The title bar of the Auto-Zoom
window shows the specific image number. When the
64 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide
 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

user finds one or more images that look good, he can

double click in the image window and it selects that
image set. The user is immediately directed to a
comparison dialog with the 8 possible filter settings
that are implied by the image set.

Marking Images as Bad when setting the Luma/Chroma Filters (I-Color Wizard)

Above shows an image set that has been marked bad. Marking an image bad is
simply a user convenience to make it easier to distinguish obviously bad images
while looking at the other candidates in the list. Image set 2 has been marked
bad by right clicking on the tab at the top, the text label has changed and all
of the images are overdrawn by red X marks. When an image set is marked bad,
none of its images will appear in the Auto-Zoom window. To unmark an image
set marked as bad, simply right click on the tab. Marking an image set does not
delete the images or alter them in any way (except for display purposes).

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 65

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Side by side image comparison of images when setting Luma/Chroma filters

Compare Images: The user is provided with a side-by-side comparison

view of the images. One image is marked “best” and
the other images are “candidates”. If the Auto-Zoom
feature is enabled, moving the cursor arrow over either
image displays zoomed versions of both images in the
companion windows. The user can replace the best
image with the current candidate, reject the
candidate, or switch to the next candidate. When only
one image remains, the user can click Done and update
the video settings.

66 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Side-by-Side Image Comparison for Adjust Sharpness (I-Color Wizard)

During the review and comparison process, the user can move the Area of
Interest and/or resnap images at any time. A user should try a combination of
color and monochrome samples as a basis for comparison. The user can also
start over, restoring any discarded/rejected images. The user can cancel the
review/comparison without changing the current video settings; the user may
be prompted to retain the current image list for reuse later. This allows the
user to keep a small list of similar video settings before selecting a final one.
Sharpness or edge enhancement on the I-Color is handled by the board’s luma
horizontal peaking setting. Click the Adjust Sharpness button in the Step 5:
Miscellaneous Adjustments window to increase or reduce edge enhancement.
The process involves comparing images snapped on the four possible values.
Select the image that appears best and the corresponding filter setting is
applied to the video settings. The process is similar to the other Image
Comparison windows described earlier.
After adjusting the filters and sharpness, click the Finish button to complete
the Auto-SYNC Wizard process. You can restart the Auto-SYNC Wizard at
anytime by selecting a CHP file and clicking the Auto-SYNC Wizard toolbar icon
or by selecting the View > Auto-SYNC Wizard menu item.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 67

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

After the Auto-SYNC Wizard is Finished

Once the user finishes running the IDEA Auto-SYNC Wizard, the Video Setting
controls are displayed and the screen shown on page 71 displays.

IDEA Auto-SYNC screen after completing Auto-SYNC Wizard.

The window on the right side is the same “Multi-view window” used by the Auto-
SYNC Wizard. To open a new full-size window, click the “Full-size image window”
icon from the toolbar or by clicking View > Full-size image window (<F10>). The
Full-size image window will be RGB color for I-Color and I-RGB boards and
monochrome for I-Series and HI*DEF boards.
If Auto-SYNC has opened CHP files for the same non-I-Color board using signals
from analog channels CA1 through CA3, it will allow a “Combined RGB window”
to be opened by clicking View > Merged RGB Image Window. The combined
RGB window displays the results of assembling the image data from the three
analog channels (CA1 becomes the red plane, CA2 the green plane, and CA3 the
blue plane) into a 24-bit RGB image. This window displays the results of using a
monochrome board to perform successive grabs to produce RGB output. The
combined RGB view allows simultaneous changes to all three CHP files (e.g.,
forcing them to have the same image size, same HTotal, etc.).
Once you get to this point, you may now either make changes to your Video
settings or exit IDEA Auto-SYNC and use a sample Example program.

68 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Changing Gain/Contrast Setting

Click on the Gain/Contrast tab to view the options.

Gain/Contrast video setting.

The following table shows the affect of making changes to each of these options.

Option Default Value Description

Black Level 0.0000 mV As Black Level increases, the image becomes lighter, but
mid-range contrast is not affected.

Gain 0.6000 mV As Gain increases, picture becomes darker and has less
contrast.

Black Reference 0.0000 % As the Black Reference level increases, the image becomes
Level darker and has more contrast.

White Reference 1.0000 % As the White Reference Level decreases, the image becomes
Level lighter and has more contrast.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 69

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Changing Connection Settings

The options in the Connection tab concern the physical connection of the
Foresight Imaging board, as well as its channel and sync source. If there are
multiple Foresight Imaging boards installed in the current system or if you are
setting up multiple channels, you should also have multiple CHP files. Please refer
to Using Multiple Foresight Imaging Boards and/or Channels earlier in this
chapter.

Connection video settings

The Connection tab is used to select boards when using an I-Color board, but is
not used to select the video source; those selections are grayed out. Instead, an
I-Color Format tab provides controls for setting the input video source as well as
the video input and output formats.

Changing Pixel Adjustments Settings

In order to change the Pixel Adjustments settings, see the options available under
the Pixel Adjustments tab.

70 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Pixel Adjustment video settings

The "Auto..." button attempts to automatically recalculate the optimal phase

delay setting (and, in the case of I-RGB 165 and I-RGB 200 boards, fine phase
adjustment) to improve video quality. Auto-SYNC prompts the user to select a
phase determination algorithm and begins to scan. The algorithms vary in time
to complete and thoroughness of testing and it is recommended that the faster
algorithms be used unless the results are not satisfactory. This feature is also
available from the Auto-SYNC toolbar.
The following table defines some of the terms available under the Pixel
Adjustments tab.

Option Default Value Description

Horizontal Total 26 pixels Total number of pixels in one video scan-line.
Horizontal Frequency 15725 Hz Number of scan lines transmitted per second in the
video signal.
Phase Delay 0.0 nSec Phase of the sampling clock.
Fine Phase 0..31 Sets fine phase adjustment value for I-RGB 165 and I-
RGB 200 boards.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 71

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Changing Frame Video Settings

This option allows you to modify options that affect the video frame.

Frame Video Settings

The following table defines some of the terms available under the Frame tab.

72 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Option Default Value Description

Height 1 Number of lines in the image.
Horizontal 4 pixels Accounts and adjusts for board delays (due to electronics) on
Back Sync non-I-Color boards.
Horizontal 0 pixels Adjusts the horizontal position of the image for I-Color
Position boards.
Vertical Back 0.0 scan lines Number of vertical blanking lines in the video signal that
Porch does not include any vertical sync information.
Vertical Total 0 scan lines Total number of vertical lines in the video signal.
Width 4 Number of pixels in a line in the image.

Changing Miscellaneous Settings

This option allows you to modify a set of miscellaneous video settings.

Miscellaneous video settings

The following table defines some of the terms available under the Miscellaneous
tab.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 73

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Option Default Value Description

Vertical Sync Type Normal Specifies type of vertical sync attributes.
External Clock None Specifies whether an external TTL pixel clock is being
supplied and whether or not it is inverted.
Field Polarity Normal Specifies order of the signal fields.
Zoom Down 0 Specifies scaling of the video data.
Pitch Not Absolute width reserved for one line of video in frame
appropriate grabber memory.

Changing Info Settings

The Info options provide information concerning the application that created the
current CHP file, the I-Color/I-Series/HI*DEF board type and the
I-Color/I-Series/HI*DEF serial number. Click Update for IDEA Auto-SYNC to verify
and/or modify this information.

Info video settings

74 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Changing Comments Settings

When you create a CHP file, you have the option to add your own personal
comments to the file. The Comments option allows you to add additional comments
at any time.

Video setting comments

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 75

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Changing I-Color Format Settings

When an I-Color board is used by a CHP file, Auto-SYNC displays an I-Color Format
tab that allows you to edit the following video settings:
Video Source: Sets the input video channel for the I-Color board;
overrides the analog channel and sync source video
settings.
Video Format: Sets the input video format for the I-Color board.
Output Format: Sets the output video format for the I-Color board.

I-Color format video settings

By clicking on the “Advanced” button, you can adjust these video settings directly
as shown in the next figure.

76 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

I-Color advanced format video settings

The Luma/Chroma Filter adjustment button displays the video resulting from all
possible combinations of luma and chroma comb filters and allows the user to
choose the best-looking result. See page 64 and the surrounding text for a
description of how to use the comb filter setup dialogs.
Luma Comb Filter: Enables or disables the luma comb filter; the
filter reduces high frequency chroma leakage into
the luminance path.
Chroma Comb Filter: Enables or disables the chroma comb filter; the
filter provides additional color separation from
the composite video input.
The following adjustment buttons display the video resulting from each of the
possible value settings and allows the user to choose the best-looking result.
See page 66 and the surrounding text for a description of how to use the side-
by-side image comparison dialog.
Y/C Output Range: Sets the range of video output values that can be
produced by the board.
Y Code Range: Sets the range of Y luminance values that can be
produced by the input to the board.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 77

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Luma Peaking: Adjusts the behavior of the horizontal luminance

filter.
The following checkboxes directly affect the output display.
Low Pass Filter: Enables or disables the low pass filter bypass in
the chroma demodulator.
Notch Filter: Enables or disables the notch filter (chroma trap);
typically used for composite video input.
Luma Decimation: Enables or disables the luma decimation filter.
Luma Pedestal: Enables or disables the luma pedestal adjustment.

Changing Other I-Color Settings

When an I-Color board is used by a CHP file, Auto-SYNC displays an I-Color Settings
tab that allows you to edit the following video settings:
Brightness: Sets the brightness adjustment for luma signal processing.
Contrast: Sets the contrast adjustment for luma signal processing.
Hue: Sets the phase offset for the chroma demodulator.
Saturation: Sets the gain multiplier for the chroma demodulator.
It is easiest to adjust these video settings when continuous capture is active.
Updating the values in single snap mode can be very slow.
An I-Color Miscellaneous tab is also displayed that allows you to edit the
following video setting:
Field Polarity: Specifies the order of the signal fields.

78 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Other I-Color video settings

Changing I-RGB Settings

When an I-RGB board is used by a CHP file, Auto-SYNC displays an I-RGB Misc tab
that allows you to edit the following video settings:
Gain: Sets the I-RGB gain adjustments for the individual red, green, and blue
channels. I-RGB gain affects the image contrast.
Offset: Sets the I-RGB offset adjustments for the individual red, green, and blue
channels. I-RGB offset affects the image brightness.
The White Balance button starts a process that automatically determines red,
green, and blue channel gain and offset values for the current video source. I-RGB
boards are factory-calibrated by Foresight Imaging, but you may desire to
recalibrate the CHP file based on your imaging source. White balancing should be
performed when the video source changes.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 79

Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

I-RGB video settings

Adjust Combined RGB Settings

When the video from multiple channels is combined into an RGB color image, Auto-
SYNC provides special video setting controls. When a combined RGB window is
selected, changes to most video settings are copied to all three CHP files. This
linkage of CHP files can be enabled or disabled by clicking on a toolbar icon. By
clicking on the color plane toolbar icon (which toggles between Red, Green, and
Blue), the user can display a specific color plane’s video settings.
Two toolbar icons are provided to quickly coordinate the values of important
CHP settings; the user selects a color plane and clicks the toolbar icon to
update all three CHP files. The RGB image size button forces the CHP files to
have the same image height and width; Auto-SYNC cannot properly assemble
the RGB image unless the image size is identical in the three files. The RGB
HTotal/porch button forces the CHP files to have the same HTotal and porch
values; this typically fixes problems with colors being offset/shifted.

Saving and Undoing Changes to your Video Settings

If you make any changes to any of the settings, be sure to select File > Save or
File > Save As to save these changes. Saving a combined RGB window saves all
three of the component CHP files to disk.
80 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide
 Using IDEA Auto-SYNC

Saving a bitmap file

If you want to undo any pending changes to your settings, you can restore the video
settings by selecting File > Reload from Disk.

Saving an Image
Once you have an active CHP file, you may save a captured image as a bitmap
(BMP) file. This BMP may be viewed with any graphics program. To perform this
save, select File > Save Image As.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 81

Restoring a TIMS Database

Restoring a TIMS Database

This allows you to rebuild the TIMS database based on a directory of studies.
This is helpful when you need to reload an old studies directory or to restore a
TIMS database that is corrupted.
You must close the DICOM Send Service (DSS) BEFORE you restore the TIMS
database.
¾ To close the DSS:
1. Right-click on the DSS icon in the system tray and select Close.

2. Click Yes to close the DSS when you receive the warning dialog.

¾ To restore a TIMS database:

1. Locate the TIMS install directory. The default location is C:\Program
Files\Foresight\TIMS.

2. Create a backup copy of your Database\TIMS.mdb file.

3. Create a backup copy of your Studies directory.

4. Replace the Database\TIMS.mdb file with a copy of the

Database\Empty_TIMS.mdb file.

5. Delete the files and directories under the Studies directory. Make sure
you have completed step 3 first!!

6. Start TIMS and select File > Open Study. Verify that there are no
studies in the list.

7. Close the study list.

82 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Restoring a TIMS Database

8. Select File > Restore TIMS Database.

9. Select the top-level directory where you put the backup copy of your
Studies directory.

10. When you receive the prompt to proceed with restoring the database,
press the OK button.

It will take a few minutes to reload the database.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 83

Restoring a TIMS Database

84 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Appendix A:
Hazardous Substance Statement

Appendix A:
Hazardous Substance Statement
The following table lists toxic or hazardous elements by product:
O: Indicates that this toxic or hazardous substance is contained in all of the
homogeneous materials for this part is below the limit requirement.
X: Indicates that this toxic or hazardous substance is contained in at least one
of the homogenous materials for this part is above the limit requirement.

TOXIC OR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND ELEMENTS

PRODUCT HEXAVALENT POLYBROMINATED POLYBROMINATED

LEAD MERCURY CADMIUM CHROMIUM BIPHENYLS DIPHENYL ETHERS

(Pb) (Hg) (Cd) (Cr(VI)) (PBB) (PBDE)

AccuStream
170 O O O O O O
I-COLOR X O O O O O
AccuStream
205a O O O O O O

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 85

 Appendix B: Licensing Information

Appendix B: Licensing Information

If a license code has not been factory-installed or entered by you or a system
administrator, TIMS displays a software license dialog box for entering the TIMS
software KeyCode.

¾ To enter the license KeyCode you have been provided.

ƒ Click Yes.
You then have the option of loading the KeyCode from a file or entering it
yourself:

ƒ Click Yes if the you have the TIMS Generated License (LIC) file
available.
or
ƒ Click No to enter the KeyCode (provided by TIMS Support) yourself:

86 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Appendix B: Licensing Information

Evaluation Use
If you have not purchased your license yet and would like to evaluate a TIMS
system, TIMS can be run as a fully functional demo for 45 days.

Reviewing and Changing Your Licensing Information

¾ To review or change your licensing information:
ƒ Select the About command from the TIMS menu bar.
In the About box, your system’s serial number and your unique KeyCode is
shown. (If this is an evaluation license, a temporary KeyCode is shown.)

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 87

 Appendix B: Licensing Information

¾ To enter a new KeyCode:

ƒ Click New Keycode and follow the previous instructions, Entering the
License Code.
¾ To obtain more information about the existing license, including its duration
and the functions that are enabled by the license:
ƒ Click License Info.

88 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

 Appendix B: Licensing Information

Request a License
If you are evaluating TIMS and are ready to obtain a license, follow this
procedure:
1. Click the License Request File.
A message box explains the purpose of the request file:

2. If you click Yes, you next enter the date on which you would like activation
to occur.

3. Click OK to create the License Request (TLR) file.

4. Save the file and mail it to support@tims.com.

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 89

 Appendix C: Modalities Without an Auxiliary Video Output

Appendix C: Modalities Without an

Auxiliary Video Output
500
When an imaging device does not have auxiliary video, two options are
1000
available for the TIMS connection.
2000

Using a Video Splitter

Foresight Imaging’s Active Video Splitter can be connected to the Video Out of
the device with one cable going to TIMS and the other to the monitor of the
device.

Modality
Monitor Video
Out 1

TIMS Video
Video Splitter
Out 2

Video
Out
Modality – no
auxiliary

90 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide

Index
AccuStream 205a, 6, 9 Modality Connections, 6
AccuStream Auto-SYNCWizard, 51 Modules and Elements tree, 31
AccuStream Trigger, 9, 10 Monochrome Connections, 9
Administrator Password, 14 Motion Elimination, 27
Auto-SYNC Wizard, 49 Network Setup, 11
Board, 25 Non-NTSC/PAL, 6
Buffers, 26 NTSC/PAL, 6
Channel Configuration Factory Settings, 18 PC Connections, 3
Channel, Adding, 18, 20, 21 Rear View (Backplane), 3
Channel, Deleting, 20 Required Tags, 32
Channels, 17 Restoring a TIMS Database, 82
CHP Files, 45 RGB Connections, 9
Common Hardware Profile (CHP) Path, 26 Scanner Acquisition, 29
Composite Color Video Connections, 10 Security, 13
Configuring Channels, 17 Selecting Channels, 18
Configuring Security, 13 Site Survey, 1
Connection Settings, 70 S-Video (Y/C) Connections, 10
Custom Hardware Profil, 40 TIMS 1000 DICOM System, xiii
Default Channel, 29 TIMS 2000 DICOM System, xiii
DICOM Class, 30 TIMS DICOM Gateway, xiv
DICOM Class List Triggers, 27
Default Values, 32 Typical System Unit, 2
DICOM Class Settings, Selecting, 30 Video Capture Configuration, 24
DICOM File Compression Settings, 37 Video Channel, 25
DICOM File Load Options, 33 Video Splitter, 90
DICOM File Save Options, 34 Video Streaming Save Settings, 26
Evaluation Use, 87
Feature Password, 15
Frame Decimation, 26
Frame Video Settings, 72
Front View, 3
Gain/Contrast Setting, 69
I-Color Auto-SYNC Wizard, 58
I-Color Format Settings, 76
IDEA Auto-SYNC, 42
Image Acquisition Settings, 23
Image Source for Video Capture, 24
JPEG Lossless Settings, 37
JPEG Lossy Settings, 38
Live Video Preview, 29
Lossless JPEG Compression Settings, 38
MJPEG Settings, 39

TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide 91

92 TIMS Setup and Configuration Guide
Three easy ways to get support:
ƒ WebEx conference
ƒ Email
ƒ Phone/Fax

Foresight Imaging
Tel: (001) 978-458-4624
Fax: (001) 978-458-5488

Email:
tims_support@tims.com

Web:
www.tims.com

WebEx:
tims.webex.com