METRONewsSeptember 2012
METRONews
Greetings!

Message from Metron Support Services    

 

Metron 6.11 Cool

Cool new "Multi-view Features in 6.11!    

Hitting our stride so to speak - we keep adding and improving Metron.  While you all are just now trying out the new, better, faster features of our Metron version 6.11, we are already busy working on the "What's-next-for-Metron" with a feature preview due out in a couple of months. 

 

Improved image viewing in "Full Screen" and "Multi-view". 

Win Level Pan Zoom

From the many great improvement ideas coming from all of you in "Metron Nation", we now have more cool new Full Screen and Multi-view features.  The Window Level, Pan, and Zoom are now bound to the three mouse buttons and fully dynamic.    

 

Zoom is now "click point focused" and you can Pan and Zoom all images simultaneously.

 

New side-by-side viewing templates - new 3-image and 8-image templates are now available.

 

Still not using the Metron 6.11 update? To receive these new features, you need your computers connected to the internet and you need to say "OK" to Metron Update Available.  Click here to view simple instructions available on the website to guide you through the process..

We distribute Metron software updates automatically through the internet.   If you have not yet seen your Metron 6.11 update,  just give us a call at 1-877-638-3868 to complete the update.  
 
Click here to review all of the latest Metron features. This document is always available on your support site. 

 

Support Services Highlight
Producing the "Diagnostic" Image

  

When all of the variables are aligned, your computer screen will display a very diagnostic 

X-Ray image.  The trick is to understand the variables involved that influence the production 

of the diagnostic X-Ray image and then make the appropriate adjustments needed for the X-Ray shots being taken. 

 

Common to both CR & DR X-Ray image acquisition, the influential variables include:

  • X-Ray technique (kVp & MAS)
  • X-Ray generator and plate positioning
  • X-Ray generator distance from object
  • X-Ray generator specifications
  • Metron image processing 

Raw Hardware Image The X-Ray acquisition hardware produces "raw" image data and passes that image data to Metron.   The uniquely designed Metron processing algorithms convert the raw image data into an image that is diagnostically valuable.  The image quality is influenced by the other variables noted above.

 

X-Ray technique seems simple but often misunderstood.  kVp represents penetrating power.  Too much or too little and you will not see the detail you are looking for.   As the object you are exposing grows in thickness, so will the kVp setting need to grow.    MAS is the second technique variable.  This variable is important for image detail - the more MAS used, the better the detail.  But as with everything in life, there's trade-offs.  The "S" in MAS represents "time".  The more time used in the shot, the greater the chance of capturing motion in the image.   Also with higher MAS values, comes staff exposure which we are all concerned about limiting.  Less MAS is good but so is getting the shot right the first time and avoiding shot retakes.   

 

X-Ray Generator Position X-Ray generator and plate positioning is another simple concept but often difficult to master.  Equine X-Ray and small animal dental X-Ray offer the biggest challenges with positioning.   Even a small adjustment in a positioning angle can also change the technique required for the shot.

 

X-Ray generator distance from object is the distance between the X-Ray generator tube head and the object of interest.  It has as big an impact on the image exposure as does the technique.   In small animal skeletal X-Ray, the shot distance is normally fixed.  But with other shot types, the operator controls the shot distance.   The "Inverse Square Law" quantifies the relationship between distance and X-Ray intensity - just 25% too far away and your image will be under-exposed and display less detail.  Conversely - use distance to your advantage - getting closer can help with those tough, thick shots.

 

X-Ray generator specifications. It is good to know your generator, understanding how to set the right technique for the shot you need.  With portable X-Ray generators, there's typically a kVp setting with a variable "time" or "MAS" setting.  Also with portables, the MA value is fixed at 15, 20, 30 etc. 

 

Metron Filter Tools Metron image processingMetron produces an excellent diagnostic image from the raw image data utilizing image processing algorithms now in their 10th year of development.  In addition, Metron hosts an original image and an image copy.   Be brave - make changes to the look of the picture using Metron's one-click filtering tools.   Just click on a filter button (1-4) and Metron regenerates the image copy from the original - erasing the changes you made. Click to view "Advanced Image Processing in Metron" online training session for all the details!

 

Each piece of the X-Ray imaging puzzle is pretty easy to master.  The trick is to pay attention to all of the puzzle pieces so you get that highly diagnostic image every time you shoot an X-Ray.

 

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In This Issue
Producing the "Diagnostic" Image
Are You Ready to Tailgate?
Metron is Around the World!
Your Support Website
Image Deletion and Retrieval

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Are you ready 
to tailgate?
Football favorite

College and NFL football games are beginning and these seasons can lead to even more outdoor gathering of friends, family and fans. Click here to view new and old fan favorites you may want to try!

______________________ 

 
Did you know?

Metron Around the World  

Metron is around the world!  We are installed in 23 countries including 6 of the 6 Australia states, 9 of the 10 Canadian provinces and 47 of the 50 United States.

______________________ 

 

Support Services Site

Metron Support Services logo
Be sure you and your staff visit
the support site for
past newsletters, 
how-to documents and 
online training sessions. 

______________________ 

 
Support Services
Support Services Tips

  

Trash Contents Have you ever accidentally deleted an image?  Have no fear, you can retrieve the deleted file from the Trash Can. Click on the picture of the Trash Can in the lower right corner of the Database Browser panel. 

 

When viewing the listing, you have the option to "Un-Delete" the file that was accidentally deleted.  Just highlight the image needed and click the "Un-Delete" button.  The image will be added back to the original location shown in the columns below (Owner, Animal and Date).

 

Undelete Trash
  

You can also permanently delete the images from the Trash Can.  Highlight the images that you would like to permanently delete and click the "Permanent Delete" button.  You will be asked if you are sure you want to delete the images.

 

Trash Can Delete

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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