MobileDaRt Evolution EFX Version Mobile X-Ray System
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RAD MobileDaRt Evolution EFX Version Mobile X-Ray System Medical Systems Division, Shimadzu Corporation Tadahiko Nakahara 1. Introduction As X-ray systems progressively switch to digital technology, mobile X-ray systems are increasingly being equipped with flat panel detectors (FPDs). Key advantages of FPD-equipped systems are the immediacy of being able to view images immediately after they are obtained and the improved workflow achieved due to the ability to continue obtaining images without having to change cassettes. In addition, mobile X-ray systems equipped with an internal battery allow the mobile system to be used for multiple purposes other than for ward rounds, such as for emergency care, operating rooms, neonatal intensive-care units, or for disaster relief. Therefore, Shimadzu released the MobileDaRt in 2005, which was Shimadzu's first mobile X-ray system equipped with a 14 × 17-inch portable FPD. Since then, Shimadzu has continued to release new models with improved performance, including the MobileDaRt Evolution, an improved version released in 2008, and a model equipped with a wireless cassette-sized FPD in 2011. As a result, over 2300 units from this series have been delivered to customers throughout the world. In response to requests from customers using MobileDaRt Evolution mobile X-ray systems, Shimadzu has now released the EFX version, which features a variety of functionality improvements. This MEDICAL NOW article describes this new EFX version (Fig. 1). Fig. 1 MobileDaRt Evolution EFX Version memory. Unlike previous hard disk drive (HDD) units, SSD units contain no driving parts, which makes them more resistant to vibration and further improves the reliability of mobile systems. Moreover, we use industrial grade high-reliability SSDs, which eliminates any problems with sudden slow-downs that can occur with consumer-grade SSDs. Nevertheless, the SSD still provides plenty of recording capacity, which allows you to save the same number of images (over 3500) as before. (2) Higher Image Quality for Touch Panel 2. Enhanced Basic Functionality (1) Significantly Shorter DR System Startup Time The DR system startup time is now less than 1 minute, compared to over 3 minutes for previous models. A faster startup time allows you to respond more quickly to emergency radiography requests. This increased speed is achieved by including an internal solid state drive (SSD) as the DR system Reference Monitor A high image quality monitor provides high contrast, high brightness, and more natural shades of grade. When viewed at an angle, images were sometimes difficult to view on previous monitors, due to gradation inversion that caused low contrast or color inversion. Therefore, the new version includes an IPS type LCD monitor with a wide viewing angle that provides almost the same image quality regardless of the viewing angle. MEDICAL NOW No.77 (2015.2)

Furthermore, LEDs are used as the light source for the backlight. LED backlighting not only provides longer monitor life, but also consumes far less energy (about half of the previous monitor) and contributes significantly to extending the system battery run time. The touch panel is based on the same surface acoustic wave technology as before. This technology is especially well suited for medical applications, because it allows you to operate the panel with gloves on and is highly durable. (3) Improved Visibility and Longer Life of Collimator Lamp Previously, a halogen lamp was used as the...

• All three sizes are as thin as about 15 mm cassettes, which makes them lighter weight than previous FPD models and easier to handle. • Multi-grid compatibility provides compatibility with a wider range of grid densities, due to improved processing technology for eliminating grid lines. The 52 lines were previously supported, but 34, 40, and 60 lines are now supported. • The IPX4 level water resistance is achieved (waterproof to incidental water exposure, only available on the 17 × 17-inch size). This prevents any blood or water droplets that get on the FPD during use from getting inside...