Professional Documents
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DIFRA
VISIOSTAR
Visual stimulator
Technical manual*
Instrumentation DIFRA SA
Rue de l’Eglise n°84
B-4840 Welkenraedt
BELGIUM
Tel./fax +32 (0)87 89 80 80 / +32 (0)87 89 80 89
Email : info@difra.be
Web site : http://www.difra.be
(*) The specifications herein are subject to change without notice version 1.0
VISIOSTAR Technical manual 11. Dec. 2007
Contents
Contents...................................................................................................3
Chapter I..................................................................................................4
General information.......................................................................4
Introduction...........................................................................4
Chapter II.................................................................................................5
Unpacking instructions...................................................................5
Examination of the packing..................................................5
Standard contents of the packing..........................................5
Examination of the device....................................................5
Complain in case of damages...............................................5
Chapter III................................................................................................6
General description........................................................................6
Display device.......................................................................6
NAC bus...............................................................................6
Disoft software......................................................................6
Summary of the different versions........................................7
Accessible parts on the front panel.......................................7
Accessible parts on the rear panel.........................................7
Chapter IV...............................................................................................8
Hardware installation.....................................................................8
Electric connection...............................................................8
Interface NAC.......................................................................8
Video connection..................................................................9
Software Configuration................................................................10
DISOFT technical settings..................................................10
DISOFT technical autorisations..........................................13
DISOFT configuration........................................................14
Chapter V...............................................................................................16
Operation mode............................................................................16
VISIOSTAR loader......................................................................16
Description..........................................................................16
Firmware replacement........................................................17
Image exchange..................................................................19
Maintenance........................................................................21
Chapter VI.............................................................................................22
Fault location and correction........................................................22
Image is in black and white................................................22
No picture on the screen.....................................................22
Power led is OFF................................................................22
DISOFT shows the message “VISIOSTAR not found”.....22
Chapter VII............................................................................................23
Guarantee and service..................................................................23
Chapter VIII...........................................................................................24
Accessories...................................................................................24
Chapter IX.............................................................................................26
Appendix......................................................................................26
Technical specifications......................................................26
Registration.........................................................................27
Table of illustrations...........................................................28
Chapter I
General information
Introduction
This manual is the technical manual of the VISIOSTAR, visual stimulator manufactured
by Instrumentation DIFRA in Belgium.
The VISIOSTAR allows to stimulate visually the patient for the diagnosis of its vestibular
system. With the help of your ENG/VNG system, it performs the calibration of the system and
allows you to study nystagmus occurring during the following tests: random saccades, smooth
pursuit and optokinetic.
Important note: at every person who will use or maintain the VISIOSTAR, it is highly
recommended to read this manual and to master this device, before using it.
I General information
II Unpacking instructions
III General description of the device
IV Installation procedure
V Operation mode
VI Fault location and correction
VII Guarantee and service
VIII Accessories
IX Appendix
Chapter II
Unpacking instructions
Examination of the packing
Before opening the package, please inspect the packing against all noticeable damage. In
that case, immediately advise the carrier of the damages and keep the carton as proof.
1 VISIOSTAR DI 1605
1 Coaxial CINCH cable X200 CINCH 10M
1 Power cord IEC 10 Amperes (only for 230V device) X200 ALIM10A
1 RJ45 blue cable X200 RJ45 BL
1 NAC bus ending resistor X502 CANTERMIN
1 Operating manual DI160500/UM
Neither the device nor its accessories must present any default of appearance at its
reception. Carefully inspect the box in case the carton has been damaged while transportation!
In case of problems, contact the carrier and Instrumentation DIFRA.
Chapter III
General description
VISIOSTAR uses micro-controller and digital signal processor to offer you the best of
digital technology. The device is fully controlled by computer via the NAC bus.
VISIOSTAR requires a NAC connection with a computer, the software DISOFT and a
display device like a video projector or a television.
Display device
Two types of display device can be used with the VISIOSTAR : a video projector or a
television.
We recommend you to use a video projector that can provide you a bigger image. We
test and approve display devices with the VISIOSTAR. Contact Instrumentation DIFRA to get
up to date references of such displays (video projector or television).
A television can be used in local where there is not enough space to use a video projector.
NAC bus
The NAC bus is designed by Instrumentation DIFRA in order to connect all devices to the
computer with only one cable. The NAC bus offers a simple, reliable and electrically safe way
to connect devices to the computer and the software DISOFT.
Disoft software
DISOFT is the software that controls all DIFRA devices. It records all data and analyze
signals from exams.
Ref. Description
DI 160500 VISIOSTAR 230V
DI 160501 VISIOSTAR 230 V with a 70cm television
DI 160502 VISIOSTAR 230V with a video projector
DI 160510 VISIOSTAR 115V
DI 160512 VISIOSTAR 115V with a video projector
Power led
● I Main switch
● F Fuses
● P1 Power supply socket with earth
● C1&C2 NAC Bus connectors
● S Selector for mode selection
○ Two buttons up: Download mode;
○ Two buttons down; Classic mode, position for normal use.
● V Video output
● L Label with informations: Device type, video output, fuse rating, ...
C2
I
S
C1 V P1 F L
Illustration 3: VISIOSTAR rear panel
Chapter IV
Hardware installation
The VISIOSTAR shall not be used in rooms where are explosive risks.
Electric connection
The VISIOSTAR requires a “P” power source with ground, by means of the “C” power
cord (See Illustration 26), which is delivered together with the device.
Prior to connecting the VISIOSTAR to the mains, the wall plug, fuse rating and the
mains wall outlet should be checked.
Interface NAC
VISIOSTAR has an interface designated to the connection on the NAC bus. The
integrated profile is based on the standard CAN2.0A till 500kbit/s. The communication
protocol is designed and specific to DIFRA products.
The two connectors NAC (RJ45-8) are parallel cabled. This allows you to chain
different devices that have an NAC interface (only Instrumentation DIFRA manufactured
devices). Devices have to be connected following a bus topology “in a line”. Avoid the bus
topologies of “star” or “ring” type.
For devices that have only one NAC connector (Like Personal computer, IDEASIII and
LEDBAR), use T-connector and dead-end feeder (shorter than 0.5m) (available as accessory).
If the device constitutes the last element of the NAC bus, an ending resistance has to be
connected on the free NAC connector. Two ending resistances have to be connected on your
line bus. In conformity with the ISO 11898 norm, it’s highly recommended to use a bus cable
with a particular impedance of 120Ω. To connect your device to your NAC Bus, do only use
cables that are delivered by Instrumentation DIFRA.
Video connection
You can also use a television or whatever display with a video composite input. But in
most cases, the screen width will be smaller than with a video projector.
Connect one side of the furnished CINCH cable at the video output of the VISIOSTAR
and the other side on composite video input of the video display. Follow the display user
manual in order to set the correct input.
When the VISIOSTAR is connected to the video display and powered on, it displays a
black screen even without NAC connection.
Software Configuration
DISOFT technical settings
The usual distance between the video projector and the center of the screen is
close to 3m.
If you are not able to use classic settings. Please choose another configuration in one of
the following selection chart. If your configuration does not fit inside the chart contact
Instrumentation DIFRA. We will calculate the best solution for your configuration.
For Pal device, with distance between patient and screen fixed:
Patient-screen 0,7 0,8 0,9 1 1,1 1,2 1,3 1,4 1,5 1,6 1,7 1,8 1,9 2
Screen width 0,79 0,9 1,01 1,13 1,24 1,35 1,47 1,58 1,69 1,8 1,92 2,03 2,14 2,26
Or with screen width fixed
Screen width 0,75 1 1,25 1,5 1,75 2 2,25 2,5 2,75 3
Patient-screen 0,67 0,89 1,11 1,33 1,55 1,77 2 2,22 2,44 2,66
Maximum field view of 59° for Pal display device.
For NTSC device, with distance between patient and screen fixed:
Patient-screen 0,7 0,8 0,9 1 1,1 1,2 1,3 1,4 1,5 1,6 1,7 1,8 1,9 2
Screen width 0,66 0,75 0,85 0,94 1,03 1,13 1,22 1,32 1,41 1,5 1,6 1,69 1,79 1,88
Or with screen width fixed
Screen width 0,75 1 1,25 1,5 1,75 2 2,25 2,5 2,75 3
Patient-screen 0,8 1,06 1,33 1,6 1,86 2,13 2,39 2,66 2,93 3,19
Maximum field view of 50° for NTSC display device.
All distances are given in meter. As reminder 1 meter = 3.28 feet.
Distance between the patient and the screen is measured from the patient eye to the
center dot of the screen displayed by the “Distance” button in the DifraTechnical screen.
All these configurations enable to use the VISIOSTAR with the classic speed of 20,40
and 60°/s but allow also to use all multiples of 10 : 10,20,30,40,50°/s,...
Example:
1. The maximum size of the screen is only 1.5m due to the size of the examination
room and the position of the video projector. You are then unable to use the
previous classic distances. With a PAL configuration, you get the distance
between the two horizontal dots, so screen width = 1.5m. You go inside the
second chart. For 1.5m, you get as Patient-screen distance 1.33m. So you have
to set the patient seat as the correct distance in order to get its eyes at 1.33m from
the center dot of the screen.
2. The minimum distance between patient eyes and the screen is 1m, so patient-
screen = 1m. With a NTSC configuration, you need to go inside the third chart,
and for patient-screen = 1m you get the screen width of 0.94m. You will have to
set the width of the screen at 0.94m. You can adjust it by modifying the distance
between the video projector and the screen or with zoom possibilities of the
video projector.
Speed is a discrete value with the VISIOSTAR. Depending on the configuration of your
system perhaps you will not reach the speed asked but the closest speed available. Results
given by DISOFT will use the real stimulation speed and not the asked speed.
For example, with a specific configuration and speeds asked 15,30,45°/s, it is possible
that you get as speed step only a multiple of 7°/s. Only speeds multiple of 7 will be reachable
and for a speed asked of 15°/s you will get a real speed of 14°/s, for 30°/s you get 28°/s and for
45°/s only 42°/s. So even if you had asked for 15, 30 and 45°/s and speeds indicated in
DISOFT are 15, 30 and 45°/s, returned speed from the VISIOSTAR will only be 14, 28 and
42°/s. Results will be calculated from these speeds and not from the asked speeds.
In the page “DIFRA TECHNICAL > AUTORISATIONS”, put your password to activate
exams links to the VISIOSTAR:
● Calibration 1: calibration saccades exam;
● Calibration 2: calibration pursuit exam;
● Spontaneous: spontaneous exam;
● Optokinetic; optokinetic exam;
● Random sac.: random saccade exam;
● Smooth pursuit; smooth pursuit exam.
DISOFT configuration
In the recording screen of the software, there are settings for each exams. These settings
can be modified by entering the options screen. The options screen is available for each exam.
To enter in this screen, select the exam in the available tests column. Click on “Options”. You
get one of the following screen depending of the available test.
Illustration 12:
Illustration 11: Spontaneous settings Random saccades settings
These settings configure DISOFT for the use of the VISIOSTAR. To save all these
settings, exit DISOFT with “Configuration saveguard” marked (See Illustration 15).
For all other configurations and settings see DISOFT User Manual.
DI1605/TM/01-E Page 15 of 28 S.A. Instrumentation DIFRA
VISIOSTAR Technical manual 11. Dec. 2007
Chapter V
Operation mode
See DISOFT User Manual for configuring and utilizing exams.
VISIOSTAR loader
Description
VISIOSTAR loader is a software that enables you to update or modify some parameters
of the device memory. These parameters are :
● Firmware;
● Panorama for the horizontal optokinetic;
● Image for dot replacement.
These modifications are possible with the NAC bus between the computer and the
VISIOSTAR. Modifications will be stored in the memory of the VISIOSTAR.
Launch the software “VISIOSTAR loader”.
A B C D E
Function description:
● A: Read ID button: not used.
● B: Mickey button: replace the image that can replace the dot as stimulus.
● C: Panorama button: replace the panorama view in the horizontal optokinetic exam.
● D: Program button: replace the firmware of the VISIOSTAR
● E: Counter: in image exchange, allow to follow progresses of the process.
Firmware replacement
Firmware of the VISIOSTAR can be updated in order to get the last device improvement
or bug correction.
The update requires the software “VISIOSTAR loader” and a “RWStimu.ldr”file. The
“RWStimu.ldr” file contains the new firmware for the device.
7. Process will first erase the memory and the previous firmware from the device.
8. The counter (“E” on Illustration 16) will show you the progression of the upload
process.
9. Firmware exchange will process until you get the “Transfer finished” window.
10. Click on “OK” of the pop up window will automatically close the software.
11. Replace the selector of the mode selection down and wait until the power led (see
Illustration 2) is always ON.
12. The firmware of the VISIOSTAR is now updated and you can use it as usual.
Image exchange
Two images can be changed: the panorama used for the horizontal optokinetic and the
image that can replace the dot. The process is similar, so the two changes will be explained in
the same time.
1. First thing to do is to create new images. The VISIOSTAR requests to have images in a
specific format.
• Images have to be in a “*.bmp” file. This format can be obtained with the software
“PAINT” in a Windows operating system.
• The BMP file has to be in a 256 colors, also called 8 bits. This can be done with the
function “Save as” of Paint and by a correct selection of the file format.
2. With your new images, we will upload them in the memory of the VISIOSTAR.
3. Start you VISIOSTAR.
4. Launch the software “VISIOSTAR loader” (see Illustration 16).
5. Click on the “Mickey” button (Button “B” on Illustration 16) if you want to change this
image or on the “Panorama” button (Button “C” on Illustration 16) if you want to
change the panorama.
6. A pop-up window appears (see Illustration 23) and ask to change the position of the
“Mode selection” button on the backside of the VISIOSTAR (see Illustration 3). Push
upside the selector. Device is now in download mode.
Maintenance
An annual checking of your VISIOSTAR will guarantee a precise and reliable operation.
The cleaning of the apparatus must be only carried out by means of a wet linen.
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Guarantee and service
The VISIOSTAR is warranted by Difra to be free of defects in materials and
workmanship at the time of purchase for a period of one year.
The warranty covers both piece parts and labor. The warranty is only applicable if the
original invoice mentioning model, serial number and purchase date is presented. Costs and
risks of transport as well as removal and installation of VISIOSTAR, and any other costs
directly or indirectly related to the actual repair of the VISIOSTAR, are not covered by this
warranty.
Chapter VIII
Accessories
Cable CINCH 10m
Order n°: X200 CINCH10M
NAC cable 3m
Order n°: X200 RJ45BL
Chapter IX
Appendix
Technical specifications1
Power supply
DI 16050...........................................................................230 VAC 50Hz
DI 16051...........................................................................115 VAC 60Hz
Connection..................................................................................................NAC
Weight..........................................................................................................3 kg
Dimension
Width............................................................................................310 mm
Depth............................................................................................280 mm
Height.............................................................................................80 mm
Classification IEC601-1...........................................................................Class I
The technical manual can be obtained on written request by the biotechnical service
1
These specifications are given for information only and are subject to change without notice.
DI1605/TM/01-E Page 26 of 28 S.A. Instrumentation DIFRA
VISIOSTAR Technical manual 11. Dec. 2007
m b A G E
ediocre ad verage ood xcellent
Evaluation of the services delays
• Quotations
• Deliveries
• Interventions
Evaluation of the service quality
• Quotations (legibility, explanation,…)
• Deliveries
• Interventions
Suggestions :
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Table of illustrations