1. What TLA software is currently available?
At the moment the TLA Generator that creates
3D models from CT or MRI scan data and the TLA
Viewer program that allows passive viewing of
the created model are available. There is a
free 30-day demo version of each program available
for download or ordering, and the full version
can be purchased. Details are available from
the distributors RuBaMAS (www.rubamas.com).
The full version requires registration and an
authorisation code to work after an initial
10 day installation period.
2. How do TLA Generator and TLA Viewer work?
TLA Generator and TLA Viewer work together to
create and then view three-dimensional models
created from two-dimensional scan slice data.
The TLA Generator is the program that creates
the three dimensional models from the 2D slice
data. It imports the slice data obtained from
the CT scan and creates a three dimensional
model which can be saved to a file. This file
(.tla) can be viewed within the viewer. The
TLA Generator creates the models and can then
segment, hide and delete components of that
model. That model can then be saved as a 3D
file to be viewed in the TLA viewer. The TLA
Viewer is unable to further modify the models
but can hide and recolor the components of the
model as they have been created within the TLA
Generator.
3. Can I get the program that will move the
object independently and do the virtual surgery?
At this time the program to allow independent
manipulation of the individual components of
a scanned region, as well as virtual surgery
and arthroplasty templating is still under development.
The programs that are currently available are
the TLA Generator that created the model from
the CT scan data, and the TLA Viewer which allows
passive viewing of the model created in the
TLA Generator program. Details of availability
will appear on the website for the distributors
- www.rubamas.com and in update information.
There are links to record your interest and
add your details to the mailing list to receive
regular update on progress.
4. How do I install TLA Generator or TLA Viewer?
Software can be installed using the installation
wizard on the CD or from downloadable files.
The installation wizard should take through
the install process and you can exit the process
at any stage.
5. How do I register TLA Generator or TLA Viewer?
You do not need to register the demo versions,
as they will work after installation for 30
day before being disabled on the computer on
which they were installed. If you install the
full version, as part of the installation process
an information file (info.dat) will be created
which identifies the computer in which the program
has been installed. This is generally stored
within the "program files" with a particular
software program such as TLA viewer or TLA generator.
All details are in the "Install Wizard". Based
on the data file that you send us, we will provide
an authorisation code by a downloadable file
or email attachment that you will need to run
on your computer to provide ongoing access to
the program on that computer. You do not need
to register the program to start using it as
the program will continue to run for 10 days
after installation after which time you will
need to run the authorisation code to continue
to use the program. You can activate the registration
process at anytime through the programs section
of the start menu.
6. Do I need to register both the TLA Viewer
and TLA Generator?
The Demo versions of the software do not need
to be registered, but will only work for 30
days on any computer. It can not be reinstalled
on that machine. The full versions require registration
and an authorisation code (that we supply after
you send us the registration code that created
during the install process) to allow ongoing
access. Each full version of the TLA Generator
and TLA Viewer software is regarded as a separate
program and you will need to go through a separate
registration process for each.
7. How do I get a permanent licence?
During the installation process a registration
code is created that needs to be forwarded to
the specified address and once payment details
have been confirmed, an authorising code will
be forwarded. After you have installed the full
version it will work for a further 10 days after
which time you will need to run the authorisation
code to achieve ongoing access. More details
can be obtained at the website www.rubamas.com
or by telephoning within Australia 1300 558
659 or internationally +61 8 8239 8126.
8. How do I purchase TLA Generator or TLA Viewer?
Details on the purchase price and payment means
are available on line at www.rubamas.com or
by calling our hotline within Australia 1300
558 659 or internationally +61 8 8239 8126.
Payment can be made by credit card, bank check
or electronic funds transfer.
9. How do I move TLA Generator or TLA Viewer
from one PC to another?
Because each program is installed on a specific
computer you are unable to easily move the program
to another PC. You can install the Demo program
on another machine and it will then work as
a demo for 30 days. Although you can install
the full version on another computer, it will
only work for the 10 day grace period until
a new license is purchased for the new computer.
In particular situations where you need to uninstall
a program on a computer and move it to another
computer you should contact technical help desk
who should be able to provide a program to allow
you to uninstall and then reinstall the program.
It is therefore important that before buying
the licence (and providing the registration
data file) for a particular computer that the
computer is appropriate to the task as uninstalling
it and reinstalling is not an easy process.
A statutatory declaration from a head of clinical
department and of the relevant IT service
will serve as evidence that you are not attempting
to obtain another license without the licence
fee. You should simply then reinstall the program
as the registry will have been cleared. It is
not possible to extend the life, or reinstall
a triual version.
10. How do I get the current version?
The most current versions will be available
on line at www.rubamas.com . You also have the
option of a yearly service contract you will
be automatically provided with the update version
and the news on the current version plus some
on the older version will be available on line.
11. How would I get help for TLA Generator or
TLA Viewer?
Help is available for True Life Anatomy Software
on line at www.rubamas.com or via our hotline
on (within Australia) 1300 558 659 or internationally
+61 8 8239 8126 at anytime you can email the
technical support team on support@truelifeanatomy.com
. A tutorial and help files are available in
the help folder in the programme.
12. Does TLA Generator support MRI scan images?
TLA generator does support MRI scans if the
data is supplied in as standard DICOM format
and the slice data is uncompressed. CT scans
are generally scanned at between .5 and 1mm
intervals. Majority of current MRI scans however,
scan at approximately 4mm intervals. The result
in the surface rendered model is therefore much
less smooth with an MRI scan compared to the
CT scan and also the specific surfaces are often
less distinct. Bone for example is shown very
clearly on a CT scan but less distinctly on
a MRI scan. The TLA viewer and TLA generator
therefore does read in MRI scan data, but the
images created are often of poor quality due
to the slice spacing and indistinct surfaces.
It is possible however, to import an MRI scan
and then manually identify particularly feature
required within the generator on the 2D slice
modifying tools at the current time the CT scan
data particularly when you are looking at bone
is much more accurately assessed within the
TLA software where there is ongoing development
within the software.
13. Does it support MAC and UNIX?
At the moment True Life Anatomy software does
not support MAC or UNIX.
Definitions:
1. What is a DICOM file?
The DICOM protocol is an arrangement created
by the North American Radiological Association
that provides a system to allow sharing of digital
data between imaging equipment and workstations
from the various different manufacturers. This
means that the imaging data created by a CT
scan from one manufacturer will be able to be
read by the workstation of another manufacturer.
Part 10 of the protocol relates to how the actual
2D slice data is represented. Each slice is
represented as a separate DICOM file (.DCM)
and this file contains a header within the file
which contains the unique data of that slice
in terms of the name of the patient, the time
and details of the scan as well as this position
of this slice being relative to the other slices
plus a standard image file such as JPEG, TIFF
or BITMAP. The scan from a patient may contain
100 or more of these separate DICOM files. The
process of reading these files into a program
into a TLA generator or a TLA viewer is aided
if there is an attached DICOM DIR file which
is a summary of the files within the patient
data set. TLA software can create its own DICOM
directory but many CT scan workstations will
create this directory as a routine. More details
on the DICOM protocol are available on the links
page at www.rubamas.com
2. What is DICOM Dir?
The scan Data is saved as a DICOM file. The
entire scan series can involve many hundreds
of DICOM files which represent each CT or MRI
slice. To load these (slice) files, the computer
program must look at each file and from the
data contained in the header load the data in
the correct order. To facilitate the loading
of the scan data however, most scanner workstations
can create a DICOM Dir or scan data directory.
In fact TLA software requires a DICOM Dir to
load the data. If the scanning workstation does
not create this Dir file TLA software can create
this as part of the loading sequence. The best
way to see how to do this is work through the
tutorial in the help file on the programme.
3. What is volume rendering?
Volume rendering is a technique where all the
data points within a scan area are loaded into
the computer workspace and those points are
given a variable transparency and colour. This
provides a type of hologram of the image required
but it cannot be saved as a three dimensional
model. All the data points are kept within the
workspace and those tissues that do not wish
to be imaged are made transparent but are retained.
This means that the entire data set needs to
be loaded every time the image needs to be viewed
and therefore is very heavy on resources. It
is not possible to truly separate the various
bony components and as the model cannot be saved
as a specific three-dimensional model it is
not possible to interact with them using various
cutting or manipulation tools. Most current
proprietary CT workstations use Volume rendering
technology as the main image creation technique.
This means you can only get 2D screen shots
from your radiologist. This is the critical
point of difference between the current Radiology
image access and TLA technology. Using the TLA
Generator, a surface rendered model is created
that can be exported to the clinician as a truly
interactive 3D object, which therefore allows
for a wider range of options to manipulate the
image and select the view required. Later software
development will allow virtual surgery and arthroplasty
templating.
4. What is surface rendering?
Surface rendering identifies points on the surface
of a 3D object that is to be imaged and creates
small facets or polygons that join up like points.
This creates a single layer surface over the
object that needs to be visualised then discards
all other data points. Within the surface rendered
model it is only that surface that we are particularly
interested in that is kept which means that
the images themselves are quite small, they
can be saved and as it is a discrete three dimensional
virtual object there is potential to interact
with this object in a graphics environment for
surgical planning, object manipulation and templating
surface modelling is a number of significant
advantages.
5. What is PACS?
PACS stands for Picture Archiving and Communication
System. It refers to a computer network that
is set up to share image data. There is typically
has a larger central computer, which is networked
to other computers that can access a central
data base. The issues of who has access to the
network, file back up and prevention of inappropriate
use means network requires careful monitoring
and control. There are many systems available
and most provide a range of software that resides
on the central server and that the networked
computers can utilise to enhance the functionality.
Most large hospitals will has a PACS system,
and may be possible, with the permission of
your system administrator, to access scan data
directly off the PACS network. At the moment
you will need some third part software such
as Conquest, but in the future TLA software
will allow this.
6. What is a memory error?
Like a number of other 3D graphics programs
information stored within the RAM during the
creation of some models it is not entirely cleared
when that image file is closed. Some residual
memory may remain in the RAM, which may reduce
the resources available for the next image creation.
If the program is running unexpectedly slow
it may help to close the program and then reopen
it. This will clear the memory and allow you
to use the entire capacity of your RAM for creating
the new model. Sometimes if there is a very
large model which is likely to get to the limits
of your computer resources it is often worthwhile
loading the CT data onto the desktop temporarily
which avoids having to reload the entire data
set should you close the program and wish to
reload the original data set. It may be quite
helpful to open the Program Manager in Windows
XP that can tell you the amount of CPU and Memory
use by the various loaded programs, and if there
is significant retained memory when you "close"
a model.
Scan Data obtaining / Loading:
1. How do I get the image data from my Radiology
supplier?
The scan data either CT or MRI can be exported
from the radiology workstation as DICOM
files. This can be either via a network or on
a CD. The data needs to be saved in a particular
format and at the moment the files should be
in uncompressed BITMAP form and a request form
specifying the form of image saving is available
on
line. Alternatively a request form is available
in the docs section on the installation CD.
2. Can I get the data from my CT scanner on
our hospital network?
At the moment, the best way to get the CT or
MR scan data is on a CD. There are some third
party programmes such as Conquest the will allow
you to in import the data from a network, but
this will need to be set up by your systems
administrator and requires knowledge of your
particular network arrangements. In the near
future the TLA software will have a programme
that can import data off the network, but at
the moment, data burnt to a CD by the scanning
workstation is the best way. There is a request
form on line and on the software installation
CD that you can attach to a standard Scan
request form that will tell the Radiology
Department how the data needs to be saved.
3. Does the Scan data need to be saved in any
special way?
The data need to be DICOM
3 compatible, and needs to be saved in an uncompressed
form. Many workstations and Scan reading software
will by default save the data to a CD in a compressed
form to save disc space. This compression may
degrade the data and compromise the quality
of the image that can be created. At the present
time the TLA software will only read data that
is uncompressed. If the programme crashes or
will not load when you try to open a CT scan
data file, check that each or the slices is
about 512KB in size. To get the best definition
between bone and other tissues, the scan data
should also be created using a "soft tissue
window". The Radiology technician will understand
what this refers to. There is a scan
data requeston-line and on the installation
CD that specifies there details. Send us an
email
if this is not clear.
4. The program crashes or does not recognise
the data on the CD when I try to load it.
There are several possible reasons for this.
The most common is that the CT scan data has
been either save in a compressed form, or a
DICOM Dir was not created. A quick check is
to "Open"' or "Explore" the data on the CD and
see both how big the files are, and whether
there id a DICOM Dir. The slice size should
be about 512KB. Any variation from this may
mean the data is save in a compressed form and
may therefore may potentially create a degraded
3D model. At the moment TLA software will only
read uncompressed slice data of approximately
512KB in size. If a DICOM Dir file was not created
the software can do this as part of the loading
sequence. See the relevant FAQ or Help file
in the programme for details.
5. The CT slices load but although I can see
the CT slice in the 2D window, nothing appears
in the 3D window.
Try clicking "3D refresh" as the image may be
off to one side, or be quite small. However
in some situations, when you create a DICOM
Dir from the raw CT slice data all the attributes
may not have been read by the program.
Each CT slice is a separate DICOM file, and
there is a header on each file that records
the characteristics of the slice position, scan
details and pixel spacing etc. Within the DICOM
protocol there is some variation in how this
data is recorded, and at times when you create
the DICOM dir within the program some versions
may not read the pixel spacing or slice spacing.
To check if this is the problem, look in the
Slice spacing and Pixel spacing boxes in the
Preview window. If these say 0 then the program
has not been able to read this information on
the DICOM header of the CT slice file. To address
this contact tla@rubamas.com and we will be
able to send a patch or updated applcation file
to address this problem.
To correct this temporarily, click "customise"
in the preview window slicespacing / pixel size
window and manually insert the slice spacing
(usually between 0.5 and 2) and pixel spacing
(more variable but try 0.3 to 1). This can take
a little trial and error, but this information
is usually available from the CT technician.
6. Why will the TLA Software only read uncompressed
CT data?
In the process of compressing the CT data there
is generally some loss of information. While
this reduces the amount of data for storage
and transfer, there may be a compromise with
respect to image quality. With increasing capacity
of PACS systems, a number of CT vendors are
now offering uncompressed storage as the default
with the option to compress the data, which
is the reverse of what was offered previously.
This recognises the importance of optimal data
for image creation, but as the network protocols
evolve and lossless compression is more available,
later versions will have the option to uncompress
the data, and is part of the TLA Network
Reader that is currently under development.
Image Creation problems:
1. Where can I find how to use the program?
In the help folder in the TLA Viewer and TLA
Generator programs, there is a tutorial in PowerPoint
as well as standard help files. There are also
samples TLA files (both TLA Viewer and TLA Generator)
as well of raw CT data, both with and without
a DICOM Dir file (TLA Generator) on the installation
CD.
2. When I try to load the CT data the file keeps
crashing?
Some CT data sets can be very large. In a large
scan series (for example more than 400 slices),
loading all the slices may exceed the capacity
of your computer resources. Try loading only
a selection of the slices: e.g. every 2nd or
3rd slice or a segment of slices. You should
also close other applications. It is possible
the scan data is not stored in the correct format
and the program may therefore not recognise
the files. See FAQ 23.
3. A message appears that the file is too large
when I try to generate (or save) the model.
In complex images with multiple boundaries or
skins due to a lot of medullar or soft tissue
surfaces, the model size may exceed the computer
resources, particularly if trying to generate
a high-resolution model. Try using medium or
low resolution, reloading fewer slices, adjusting
the thresholds or using the "Fill" function
in the "Slice" window to reduce the internal
surfaces. The best surface models are created
when the internal surfaces are removed and the
model is generated on high, and then decimated
to achieve the desired surface appearance and
file size.
4. Can I undo the model changes?
You can undo the (one) most recent 3D model
change. To allow the undo function for the 3D
image generation the previous model needs to
be stored in RAM. This can be very resource
demanding, and slow the processes. For this
reason you can only undo the most recent change.
The program opens in the default "Undo enabled"
option, but this can be changed in the settings
file. As distinct from the 3D model creation,
multiple undo does work for the 2D slice modifications
(draw, fill etc.).
5. The creation of 3D models is taking a longer
time than expected.
There are a number of causes for slow image
creation. Because each of the each of the scanned
slices is generally 500 kilobytes or so the
amount of data imported if creating a model
out of multiple slices can be quite substantial.
300 slices for example will load almost 200
megabytes of data into the ram and may challenge
the resources of your computer. This can be
made worse by having other programs open. As
with a number of other 3D graphics programs
if you create a 3D-image file and then close
the actual image but leave the program open
the memory from the previous model is not entirely
cleared from the RAM. If you are working with
large models and close such a model to attempt
to recreate a new image it may be beneficial
to close the entire TLA generator program and
then reopen it. This will therefore clear the
RAM and avoid any residual memory affects. A
further problem can be the number of surfaces
that you have selected on the model. A threshold
which selects multiple surfaces may exceed the
capacity of the computer resources and therefore
you may need to select either fewer slices,
modify the threshold to select less boundaries
or alternatively use the fill program within
the 2D slice drawing tools to remove much of
the internal medullar and bony structures if
these are not needed.
6. The program will not recognise the CT data.
The current program needs the data in a fairly
specific format to load. Each of the slices
needs to be uncompressed and about 512KB in
size. Also the data should contain a
DICOM Dir file to tell the program the slice
relationship and extent. The program can create
its own Dir file in the opening screen (see
"Help" demo) but if the slices vary from the
approximately 512KB size they cannot be read
at this time. Also, some scanners and workstations
save the data in slightly different ways. It
could be that your data is in a specific save
style that is not typical. If the problem persists,
send us a copy of the data, as the program may
need to be updated to recognise the alternate
format.
7. The model contains lots of extraneous surfaces
when I create a model of a joint replacement.
The artefact created by metal prostheses and
plates in the raw CT scan data is currently
a difficult and unresolved problem. This can
however be addressed by using the "draw" function
in the "Slices" window to adjust and edit each
slice. This is a very tedious but effective
way of achieving the desired outcome. Cysts,
bone defects, muscles and other less distinct
structures can also be defined in this way.
Later versions of the software will have pattern
recognition and artefact reduction tools to
address this problem of artefact from plates
and prostheses.
Sales follow up
1. I have ordered the software and have not
heard anything?
If you faxed through your order you should have
received a fax acknowledgement. If you did not
there may have been a problem with the fax.
If you send your details to the sales
department or contact support@rubamas.com
.
2. I have installed the program, but the program
says it has not been registered or has expired.
After you install the full version it will only
work for 10 days if you do not run the authorisation
code. We will supply this authorisation code
once you send us the registration code that
is create in the install process. The demo versions
will work fro 30-days but can not be reinstalled
on the same computer.
3. Who can I contact to see where my order is?
If you a problem with the supply of the software
email the Sales
department with the relevant details and
they will contact you.
4. Is there a local supplier in my country?
At this stage all sales are via the web or by
telephone / fax order. There are demo
versions that are downloadable or ordered via
the website that will work for a month.
You can place your order via the website www.rubamas.com
. Unless you can provide a formal Purchase Order
from your institution, the software must by
paid for before it is supplied.
5. My program has expired. Can I get an extension
on the time?
If you have paid for the software, you should
have received an authorisation code. Once you
run the authorisation code, the program will
turn on permanently. The opening page will continue
to say that you are using a trial version until
the (10 day) trial period expires, after which
time the main page will open directly. The demo
versions will only work for 30 days and can
not be extended - but can installed on another
computer. Unless there has been a problem with
the install process, neither the authorisation
code nor an extension in time will be provided
until the software payment has been cleared.
Overseas checks can take some time to clear.
Payment by credit card or direct deposit is
the most expedient.
6. My Computer has crashed and I need to reinstall
my operating systems, or I want to transfer
the licence to another machine. Can I Get another
licence or a renewal.?
If you have a full licence then at times you
may need to reinstall the program onto the same
or transfer the licence to a different computer.
A statutatory declaration from a head of clinical
department and of the relevant IT service
will serve as evidence that you are not attempting
to obtain another license without the licence
fee. You should simply then reinstall the program
as the registry will have been cleared. It is
not possible to extend the life, or reinstall
a triual version.
