• Verify Proper System Setup
• Position Patient and Focus Camera
• Record Images and Verify Their Quality
• Upload Images For Interpretation and Reporting.

The complexity of performing each task is minimized with push-button operation of an appliance paradigm. Three windows comprise the computer interface for image acquisition tasks. They are A) Image/Camera Control Window; B) Files Window, and C) the TAS System Window.

New users should press 'Continue,' below, to become familiar with the software. To set up the camera for this session, press 'Camera Setup.' If the camera is already setup for this session, skip ahead to the'Examination.'

• Assure that patient preparation conforms to the TAS Examination Protocol.
• Assure that examining room conditions are consistent with the ACT Examination Protocol.
• It is important to instruct patient that the patient's breasts and axillary regions must not be touched from the start of patient preparation (cooling) to the conclusion of the image recording procedure.
• Follow the examination criteria, avoid the temptation to use shortcuts, and take care to acquire the most suitable thermograms for evaluation,
• Assure that the camera is operating and setup properly in preparation for the examination.

Note that the camera setup procedure is required once only for each camera session. If the camera has already been setup for this session, you may skip over the Camera Setup and jump ahead to the Examination Procedure page.

1. Assure that the camera is properly mounted, plugged into the computer, and power applied.
2. If the 'Startup' dialog box is not displayed, from the Camera Control Menu Bar, choose 'Camera,' then 'Select.'
3. After a brief interval, when the camera information has become bold, click it (A). A live image will appear in the Image/Camera Control Window.

4. If the camera is unidentified or doesn't connect, click on 'Search Again' (B).

• All 'Pretrigger' and 'Record Conditions' boxes should be unchecked.
• The 'Record To' field should point to 'c\new_images.' If not, use the file-browse box '...' to navigate to that location.
• Under 'File Naming,' the Snapshots tab must be selected.
• Prefix and Timestamp boxes should be unchecked. Text and Count boxes should be checked. The Count and step fieldS should be set to 1.
• Place cursor in the 'Text' field, enter the patient's name.
• Review and if everything is correctly set and entered, Press 'OK,' then 'Continue.'

Typically, three images of the patient are required. They are the frontal view, right oblique view, and left oblique view.

Some patients may require additional image recordings of lateral (side) views to assure that all areas of the breasts are recorded. This is necessary when both axillary areas are obscured or hidden in the right and left oblique views.

  Check box if recordings of the lateral views are needed.

• Position patient directly facing camera, with toes aligned to a line on the floor. The patient should be 3- to 4-feet from the camera.

2. Patient's hands should be placed on top of the head, or just above the hips with arms held away from the body. It is important that patient's arms not touch the body throughout the process of capturing all images for the examination.
3. Instruct patient to move arms back so the elbows are in line with patient's torso.
4. Press here to quick focus, and then adjust the camera so the breasts are centered in the image.

1. Use auto-focus by pressing here:  to automatically focus the camera.
2. If fine-focusing is not necessary, press 'Continue,' below. If fine-focusing is necessary, press here:  .
3. Click the 'Focus' button on the Camera Controller to launch the focus control box.
4. Check to ensure patient's hair is pulled back so all areas of the face including the forehead and auricular regions are uncovered.

6. Using short single clicks, click the + and - buttons in the Focus Control Box to fine tune image focus, if necessary. Focusing should be adjusted so the entire image is in focus.
7. When finished focusing, click the 'x' to close the focus control box.

1. Confirm the patient is in position for the Frontal View
2. Instruct patient to move arms back so elbows are in line with patient's torso.

3. Instruct patient to inhale and hold breath.
4. Press to record the image.
5. Instruct patient to breathe normally, maintain position, keep hands on head or hips, and relax without allowing the arms to touch the body.
6. Confirm in the Files Window that the new file was created and named as expected, e.g. Patient-000001.img.

8. Click and drag the recorded image file from the Files Window to the Camera Control Software window. Assure that the image is properly focused, and clearly displayed.
9. If the image is judged satisfactory, click 'Continue.' If not, click the 'Retake' button and when the live image reappears, delete the image file (in the File window) and then retake the image.

1. From the Frontal Position, instruct patient to shift weight to the right foot, and pivoting over the left heel, rotate the left foot counterclockwise 90° so it remains in line with the inside heel of the right foot.

2. Instruct patient to point right nipple directly at the camera keeping the feet in place and slightly rotating the upper torso to fine adjust the rotational position.

3. Adjust the camera so the breasts are centered in the image.
4. Assure image is focused. To refocus:   
5. Press to record the image.
6. Confirm in the Files window that the new file was created. If not, press 'Record' again.
7. Instruct patient to breathe normally, maintain position, keep hands on head or hips, and relax without allowing the arms to touch the body.
8. Click and drag the recorded image file from the Files Window to the Camera Control Software window. Assure that the image is properly focused, and clearly displayed.
9. If the image is satisfactory, click 'Continue.' If not, click the 'Retake' button and when the live image reappears delete the image file and then retake the image.

1. From the Frontal Position, instruct patient to shift weight to the left foot, and pivoting over the right heel, rotate the right foot clockwise 90° so it remains in line with the inside heel of the left foot.

2. Instruct patient to point the left nipple directly at the camera by keeping the feet in place and slightly rotating the upper torso to fine adjust the rotational position.
3. Adjust the camera so the breasts are centered in the image.

4. Assure image is focused. To refocus:   
5. Press to record the image.
6. Confirm in the Files window that the new file was created. If not, press 'Record' again.
7. Instruct patient to breathe normally, maintain position, keep hands on head or hips, and relax without allowing the arms to touch the body.
8. Click and drag the recorded image file from the Files Window to the Camera Control Software window. Assure that the image is properly focused, and clearly displayed.
9. If the image is satisfactory, click 'Continue.' If not, click the 'Retake' button and when the live image reappears delete the image file and then retake the image.