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.
