Calibration in

Asynchronous
Mode
USER MANUAL

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Code: 1CAL22100
 Calibration in Asynchronous Mode

Before You Begin

Introduction
Imager Calibration is a process that ensures the uniformity of images by
initializing all the pixels on the DDA (Imager) to the same starting point
and aligning their response to light (X-ray). High-quality calibration can
significantly improve image quality and should be executed from time to
time.
The frequency of calibration depends on the quality of the image required
by the end user, changes in working conditions (X-ray source or Isotope
type, energy, distance) and changes in the environment (higher or lower
temperature). For example, for non-destructive testing applications where
fine details are crucial, you may need to perform calibrations more
frequently while for security uses, calibration is infrequently needed –
once every few months, if at all. Calibration is generally required only
when there is a change in the image quality or to increase the level of
image quality.
Field calibration can be performed quickly with no X-ray operation as only
a dark image is taken. This process provides fast and automatic
calibration of good quality.

Vidisco has developed an effective, user-friendly and automatic calibration

sequence that is suitable for field and laboratory operations.

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Vidisco uses the following ranges to classify a pixel:

Image Saturation

Dark 0 – 20%

Imtermediate 40 – 51%

Light 80 – 91%

This guide assumes that you are familiar with XbitPro and
its screens and terms. You may refer to the XbitPro
Manual, if anything is unclear.

This guide also assumes that you understand how to take

images in anynchronous mode with your X-ray source or
Isotope. See Taking an Image with an Asynchronous
Source in the XbitPro Manual for more information.

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The Calibration Process
Introduction
The calibration process is quite simple. You set up your Vidisco system for
imaging in the usual way, make a few selections on your computer using
XbitPro, then you run the calibration.
When you run a calibration, you create a file that stores the calibration set
for a particular type of source (X-ray or Isotope). If you use more than
one kind of asynchronous source, you may create a calibration set for
each type and recall this file again as needed. Every time you change the
source, you merely select the calibration file that was created for that type
of source, and your Vidisco system will automatically use it.
Below is the step-by-step process for calibrating your Vidisco system in
asynchronous mode.

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Calibration Steps
This section explains the calibration process.

1. Setting Up
Setup your Vidisco system in the usual way.

2. Starting Up XbitPro
On your computer, startup the XbitPro software.

3. Selecting the Source’s Definition File

Select the proper definition file that corresponds to the X-ray source or
Isotopee that you are about to use.

Go to Options -> Environment -> Xray Source and choose your source
from the list by clicking on it.
If you do not see your source in the list, you must import
it using File -> Import. If you do not have the definition
file (.vdf format) to import, you must obtain it from
Vidisco. For more information about importing an Imager
See the XbitPro Manual.

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Then click OK.

In the Options menu, select Asynchronous X-ray mode.

Asynchronous X-ray mode should be selected anytime you

are using an Isotope or X-ray source that does not have a
physical connection (cable) between the source and the
DR system.

Make sure that there is a check next to Asynchronous X-ray Mode.

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4. Positioning for Calibration
Position the Isotope or X-ray source in front of the DDA (Imager) and aim
the center of the collimator (Isotope) or laser pointer (X-ray source) at
the center of the DDA without any intervening object.

It is recommended to use a directional collimator on your

Isotope in order to mimize scattering.

The distance between the Isotope and the DDA should be ~0.5m to 1.3m
(~20” to 51”) depending on the activity (Ci) of the source. The lower the
activity, the shorter the distance should be. If you are calibrating an X-ray
source, the distance should be at least 1.3m.

If you are calibrating an X-ray source, for best results, it

is recommended that you place a filter on the source (0.5-
1mm of Copper or Steel).

Make sure to keep a fair distance of at least 1 foot or 33

cm between the DDA and any walls or large objects
(especially behind the Imager) in order to minimize
backscattering which can affect the image quality.

5. Naming Your Calibration Set

Open a new calibration set located under

Process -> Imager Calibration -> Add New Calibration Set

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A new window will open for you to create the name of your new
calibration set. The name should consist of the following info: type of
calibration, type of source, and number of averaging. XbitPro will append
the date automatically.

When you are done entering the data, click OK.

6. Doing the Calibration

The calibration wizard will guide you through the calibration. Start up the
calibration wizard at:

Process -> Imager Calibration

The calibration wizard will open. Click Next, the next screen will give you
an option to set three parameters. First, select the type of calibration you

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would like to perform. Second, make sure that Asynchronous X-Ray Mode
is selected. If it is not selected, click on it. Third, type in the number of
averaging that you intend to apply.

It is recommended that you first perform a “test”

calibration without averaging in order to verify that
everything is setup up correctly for calibration. After this
“test” calibration, you can perform the high quality
calibration with averaging.

Depending on the desired quality and how much time you are willing to
put into the process, input a number from 16 to 100 for averaging and
click Next to continue.

The more averaging the better the image quality will be,
but the longer the calibration will take.

The Calibration will start automatically.

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The first step of the calibration is the “dark images” and this takes a
relatively short time even though it has a major effect on image quality. A
progress screen will show you how the calibration is proceeding.

As the calibration runs, you might notice that the value

for averaging is double the value that you input. This is
normal for dark images.

When the Acquire Dark Images process is complete, a notification will pop
up.

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If you are calibrating an Isotope, you can now reel out the Isotope and
then click Resume. If you are calibrating an X-ray source, turn it on now,
then click Resume.
XbitPro will automatically continue to the next parts of the calibration
sequence: Middle exposure images and High exposure images. You
needn’t do anything but watch the automatic process.
At the end of the calibration process, you will receive a notification that
indicates that the calibration was completed successfully.

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Click Finish.

7. Saving the Calibration Set

To save the calibration set, go to

Process -> Imager Calibration

and select Save Current Calibration Set.

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8. Shutdown
Reel the Isotope back into its cage. If you are using an X-ray source, turn
it off.

You will prolong the life of the DDA Imager if you

minimize the time of radiation.

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Taking High Quaity Images After
Calibration
Reel out the Ir-192, Se-75 or any other Isotope or activate the X-ray
source that you are using.
Input the desired exposure time and grab an image. Review the image
and try to achieve grey level of 70%-90% out of the maximum possible
grey value in the Region of Interest:
• 12000-15000 for RayzorXPro/BlazexPro
• ~45000-60000 for FlashXPro

The figures are

visible in the
Status Bar at
the bottom of
the screen.

Avoid burning (over saturating) the areas near the region

of interest in order to increase the contrast in the image.

After the positioning and grey level have been verified, you can improve
the image quality (if necessary) by going to
Process -> Automatic averaging
and selecting the number of images to average.
Follow the screen requests and click OK.

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 It is recommending to use a number of averaging of 8 up
to the number of averaging you used in your calibration.

The more averaging you specify, the clearer the IQI and image will be.

The clarity/quality of the image depends on many factors,

among them the source-to-detector distance, focal spot of
the source, calibration of the system and number of
averaging taken during inspection.

With averaging, XbitPro will grab the number of images

equal to the number of averaging that you specified.
However, you will see only one final, clean, averaged
image. The number of averaging taken during inspection
will be specified when saving the image to the database.

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