CCD based systems: foXrayII, foXrayIIe, foX Trekker and a wide range of accessories
Amorphous Silicon (a-Si) flat panel based systems: foX-Rayzor, Flat foX-17 and a wide range of accessories

Note: All of Vidisco systems are real time systems (image upon request)

Q: What are the advantages of real time video imaging X-ray systems compared to film when handling an EOD or IED?

When using Film or Film Replacements:	When using Real Time Systems:
Repeated approaches to the suspect item are required, which may explode at any time! The item must be approached a minimum of two times.	Only one initial approach to the suspect item – optimal safety for user
No real time images No immediate results Any over/under exposure requires another image – translated as repeated approach down range Long process time per image, meaning anywhere between 5-10 minutes per shot.	The benefit of real time images: Immediate results Indefinite images can be shot from a safe distance No over/under exposures that result in additional, dangerous approaches
Additional cost per image	Indefinite number of images can be shot at no extra cost
No remote control of X-ray – manual X-ray shooting	Remote control of X-ray exposure from afar (exact pulse setting can be chosen from laptop)
An Image on Tradional Film:	Digital Image on Laptop:
No documentation No enhancing tools No information sharing	Immediate documentation in a real database (X-ray & external image plus associated info: user name, date, place etc.) Use of existing intelligence from database in the field for threat evaluation and comparison Information sharing capabilities
No use of wireless devices from a distance for added safety	Option of using wireless for added convenience and safety
Very difficult, if not impossible use on robots for imaging	Option of using robot for safe positioning of the X-ray & VCU imager on IED/EOD target
No zoom can be used to look at small areas	Software can be used to enhance image and perform tasks that could never be performed with a film type X-ray, such as "summing" an image at one pulse in order to get a usable X-ray shot
No side by side comparison of images is realistically possible

Q: Who are the typical users of the Vidisco real time X-ray systems: foXrayII, foXrayIIe, foX Trekker, foX-Rayzor or Flat foX-17?

due to the numerous advantages digital radiology offers over traditional film X-ray, the portable digital X-ray inspection systems from Vidisco used for various applications including homeland security.

Air Port Security: Suspected IED bombs in suitcases, in cargo of planes, search for smuggled goods
Customs: Searches for drug/contraband smuggling in cars and vehicles at border checkpoints, securing checkpoints
VIP Security: Securing high officials at VIP houses, offices, hotels rooms, conference halls, searching for bombs & listening devices in walls, furniture, gifts, etc.
Forensics: Fire analysis, murder investigations, crime scenes
NDT (non-destructive testing): By aerospace industry for QC/QA, airplane maintenance inspections (wings, rudders, for water & foreign objects), steel reinforcements in conveyer belts, Kevlar & ceramics, food inspections

Q: How quickly can a foXrayII or any of the Vidisco real time systems be set-up and how many operators are required?

The foXrayII (and any of the Vidisco family of portable X-ray systems) can be set up in as little as a few minutes: all you need is to connect 2 cables or wireless devices, locate the systems around the X-rayed item and log into the software and you are ready to take live real time X-ray shots from a safe distance. A single operator can handle the entire deployment.

Q: I am a bomb technician operating on a highly suspected volatile IED in a crowded public place, how can I achieve even safer operation and avoid even the one single approach that is required when operating the real time foXrayII?

You can use the foXrayII with a robot for the initial repositioning, by doing so you are avoiding the need to go down range to a volatile IED. Once the robot is positioned you can benefit from the possibility of taking infinite real time images from a safe distance making corrections and repositioning in real time.

Q: When operating the foXrayII system with a robot, do I need an additional RF wireless system? And will I be able to operate such RF wireless in parallel to the robot wireless?

Due to the fact that robots tend to use high powered transceivers, in many cases the robot wireless system may jam other RF wireless device in the area. When using a Robot Ready foXrayII there is no need for a second wireless accessory since the foXrayII can be fully integrated with the robot operation. The foXrayII is the only system in the world that can integrate into the robot transmission channel, either wireless, fiber optic or other wired channels and the robot control station – this enables the usage of the robot's lines of communication to send commands for shooting the X-ray and also receiving the X-ray image back to the CDU (laptop) at the robot command station. In this way, the operator can benefit from an integrated system that makes use of the robot long range data communication.

Q: I am a foXrayIIe owner with a standard VCU-10 imager. What additional VCU imagers of different sizes can I add to my system? And do I need to send my system to the local service department?

Your foXrayIIe has 3 unique VCU imager sizes available - all with the thinnest depth possible and triple edge ground imaging (no dead space on sides or bottom):

Standard VCU-10 only 14 cm thick (38 x 26 x 14cm)
Imaging Area: 19x25.4cm (approx. 8x10 inch)
Larger VCU-16 only 21cm thick (56 x 41 x 21)
Imaging Area: 30.5x40 cm (approx. 12x16 inch)
Super sized VCU-22 only 21cm thick (66 x 56 x 21cm)
Imaging Area: 42x56 cm (approx.16.5x22 inch)

No you do not need to ship your foXrayIIe at all, as all of the VCU’s are fully interchangeable, simply "plug and play", and use the same cable connections.

Q: What are my other foXrayII upgrade options?

You can upgrade your foXrayII to be used with:

External video camera
DWV - Digital Wireless Video
WLX - Wireless X-ray devices
It is also possible to upgrade your foXrayII to operate a foX-Rayzor or Flat foX-17 flat panel system.

For more information contact your local agent or us directly here at Vidisco.

Q: What is an example of the thinnest wire the Vidisco portable X-ray systems can detect?

With the CCD based foXrayII and foX Trekker – Over 1.3 lp /mm resolution for sharp images. With amorphous Silicon flat panel based systems Flat foX-17 & foX-Rayzor – up to 4 lp /mm resolution, can be distinguished (this is 10 times higher resolution compared to the CCD based technology) without using geometric magnification. We have seen up to 20 lp /mm when using a mircofocus source and geometric magnification.

Q: How many hours can my foXrayII operate on internal batteries?

All Vidisco VCU’s provide over two weeks of battery operation when fully charged. This is due to the very unique power saving mode that we use to operate our imagers (i.e. only for a very short period time when the actual X-ray is being shot). Because of this feature, our VCU’s can operate longer than any other competing VCU. This means that the operator never has to approach the VCU when on target no matter how long the inspection may take for the purpose of replacing batteries due to "low battery". Moreover, Vidisco is the only manufacturer that can power its imagers through the VCU data line, meaning that even if a battery was severely neglected and not recharged, the operator would still not have to go down range, as he would simply have to plug the system into any AC or automobile inverter, and the VCU would automatically switch over to external power mode.

Q: Do I need to take out the batteries of foXrayIIe VCU imager in order to charge them?

No, all 3 Vidisco VCU's have built-in batteries & fast chargers inside the VCU itself. The batteries have a long life time.

Q: Can I use my foXrayII for an unlimited time in the field when operating from an EOD van?

Yes, by using a DC/AC vehicle inverter accessory that powers the entire system, any vehicle can power the entire system almost indefinitely (i.e. powering the CDU laptop and VCU).

Q: What are the benefits of the Vidisco "operating platform concept"?

All Vidisco portable real time systems are designed to be operated from a fixed operating platform or base station: for faster setup, greater ease and more rugged protection. The case serves not only as the logical place to carry all of the equipment, but also as the platform from which to operate the system. Great planning has gone into this platform which never requires the removal of the computer and allows for only one simple cable connecting between the VCU and computer. Even the built-in reel allows for the operator to use the case as a convenient base to reel in or out the line. The computer sits on top of a hinged shelf where it is protected, while all other accessories (including the XR200 or even the larger XRS-3 X-ray source) are in located in protected cushions underneath.

With this unique Vidisco design of an operating platform there is no need to remove the laptop, or even worse, place the laptop on your lap or unprotected on the floor/ground attempting to work in an awkward position out in the field. This platform concept enables the operator to work in any environment of dirt, mud, snow, etc. with a high degree of protection of system parts, and enables the most convenient and fast set-up times possible.

Q: During an IED assignment we identified a suspected "dirty bomb" with a suspected chemical container. While waiting for the ABC squad, is there any way we can monitor the IED from a safe distance and monitor any changes taking place?

Using the Vidisco external video camera option, a video preview option allows you to monitor the suspect item for any smoke, changes in color, etc with the live video option. This monitoring is done on the CDU (laptop) screen from a safe distance, and an external image can be automatically stored in the data base with the X-ray image taken as one "record" for future reference. Even in the worst of cases, if the device explodes, the item would still be documented for further intelligence use.

Q: What is the appropriate field operational connection for the "external video camera" accessory?

The external video camera simply needs to be connected to the VCU imager in front of the suspect IED bomb down range using the existing system 50m/100m cable to transmit the live video signal back to the CDU that is positioned at a distance in a safe place.

The external video camera draws its power directly from the VCU battery, hence no external power sources are required. The camera can even be mounted onto the X-ray source for convenience if desired.

Q: What is the flat panel technology advantage over CCD technology in terms of dynamic range, resolution, etc.?

The amorphous Silicon (a-Si) flat panel technology is considered a quantum leap in image resolution: we can see up to 4 lp/mm with the flat panels based systems, meaning that it offers about 10 times the resolution of a CCD based system (foXrayII, RTR system etc) the pixel size for these units is 10 times smaller. As for the dynamic range, these are 14 Bit systems, meaning that we have 16,384 gray levels instead of the 8 Bit (256 gray levels) in a standard CCD based system - that is 64 times greater dynamic range, meaning we have 64 times the ability to delineate items.

Q: What is the difference between using the "Save As" function vs. using the "Add Image to Data Base" function in the software?

Whenever an X-ray image is taken, the operator should ALWAYS use the "Add Image to Data Base" function to correctly add the image to the data base library. In this way, the file is much more than just a simple X-ray image file, rather it becomes a record in the data base allowing for it to be archived with data base information, viewed in the visual image library, to have external files attached to it, to be annotated, etc. This is the only way a file becomes an integral part of the data base. The "Save As" function should only be used when the operator wants to save an X-ray file to some external media without all the attached information. If the operator wants to transfer one or more images out of the program, the easy-to-use export function is the best way to export the image record and all associated information attached to this "file". The export can be done in coded or un-coded (.exe) formats.

Q: Can I achieve Dual Energy: Organic / Inorganic identification with battery operated portable X-ray systems?

Yes, the Vidisco line of flat panel portable systems is currently the only line of portable X-ray systems that can offer this technology.

Learn more about our innovative XR-DE Dual Energy Module for pulsed X-ray sources

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