The UP-DF500 Digital Film Imager is a compact and high-speed FILMSTATION™, designed for use with MRI and CT diagnostic systems.
The UP-DF500 enables photo-quality prints to be reproduced with a high resolution of approximately 320 dpi. The FILM STATION™ offers support for 354 x 430 mm (14 x 17 inch) Sony Blue Thermal Film, making it suitable for a variety of large-format printing applications. A newly developed thermal printing head combined with an improved PQC (Picture Quality Control) allow a clear and accurately reproduction of images.
The Sony UPT-517BL Blue Thermal Film has been especially designed for use with the FILM STATION™ to provide high-contrast and high-density images with higher durability. Reproducing precise and stable images, medical examiners can make accurate medical assessments. Additionally, the films can be handled in daylight so that all procedures can be easily performed in any hospital environment. A printed image maintains its integrity and quality, even after exposure in high-temperature and high-humidity conditions.
To prevent dust particles and other foreign matter drawn through cooling fans from accumulating onto the film, the FILM STATION™ has been designed with two completely separate sections, an electronic section and a mechanical section. In addition, to further prevent foreign matter from damaging the prints, the film remains inside the FILM STATION™ until the printing process is completed.
An innovative printing mechanism ensures that each sheet of film remains flat when passing the thermal printing head so that the printing surface is clear and smooth. Additionally the FILM STATION™ employs a unique print-feed mechanism in which each sheet of film being fed is firmly held between multiple belts during the printing process.
The FILM STATION™ reproduces diagnosis images at a rate of up to 70 sheets of film per hour on 354 x 430 mm. (14 x 17 inch) thermal film, providing precise images with high productivity.
Approximately 2 minutes are required from the time the FILM STATION™ is powered-on until the unit is ready for printing.
Sony has designed the FILM STATION™ in a compact package with approximate dimensions of 600 (W) x 251 (H) x 688 (D) mm and a weight of 55 kg. In addition, the FILM STATION™ has a vertical installation capability so that you can easily integrate it into the CT or MRI control centre. The FILM STATION™ has one of the smallest footprints in its class at 688 x 251 mm.
The FILM STATION™ is equipped with specially designed levers located in the paper-receiving tray. This feature ensures that the sheets of film that are output from the imager are in a correct order and ensures that the film remains flat even if the unit is installed vertically.
DICOM network settings for each FILM STATION™ can be easily made from a PC running a standard Internet browser. Five factory pre-set, gamma curve settings are provided, and another five pre-set, gamma curves can be created as needed. The film feeder tray is equipped with a tray stop for a very easy refill. To refill the imager, simply slide the tray out, open a part of the cover, and place up to 125 sheets of film in the tray.
A variety of data, such as gamma curve (and sharpness) settings, can be stored in a removable flash memory card for backup purposes. Self-diagnosis data can be automatically sent to a designated e-mail address when an error is detected. An optional cart with rollers is available for easy maintenance when the unit is installed vertically.
The FILM STATION™ is based on Sony dry-processing technology, which does not use liquid chemicals or heavy metals such as silver on thermal film. This frees you from the hassle of disposing of chemical or industrial waste. In addition, Sony thermal film is highly environmentally friendly because it does not use chemicals.
The FILM STATION™ is capable of printing edge-to-edge, which is comparable to the capabilities of conventional silver-halide imager. Two capstans are located on both before the platen (capstan A) and behind the Platen (capstan B). Film printing is started when a top of film is transported to a platen. Then the printed film is transported to a position of capstan B using capstan A.
