Service Mode

SERVICE MODE

VARIAN
ONCOLOGY
SYSTEMS
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Service Mode functions

1. monitor, record and view information handled by the

control system

2. configure, tune, calibrate and service the TrueBeam

system

3. diagnose and troubleshoot the TrueBeam system.

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Service Mode functions

• The True Beam is a FULLY DIGITAL machine. All aspects,

including formerly analogue components are now
controlled by software in service mode.

• Some configuration elements are controlled by Varian and

can only be changed by Varian personnel

• The screens may contain editable as well as read-only

information depending on the user rights. Screen content,
available controls and menu options may vary depending
on user rights

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 Service Mode

User Rights for Service Mode v 2.0

** Different effect in different versions **
OSP right Description
Service External Only allows basic tasks such as delivering the beam, plan, template plan,
Beam Basic initializing the machine axes, acknowledging interlocks, rebooting some control
system nodes.

Service External Allows additional tasks such as absolute dose calibration, overriding interlocks /
Beam Intermediate faults, some beam tuning tasks

Service External The most permissive user right (exception: does not allow absolute dose
Beam Advanced calibration), allows mechanical axes calibrations and additional beam tuning tasks

Service External User right intended for personnel remotely connected to machine using Smart
Beam Remote Connect, allows less than Advanced

The OSP user can have more than one level of

user rights. Correspondingly, user can
select the level required for this session.

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User Rights for Service Mode

** OSP default **
Group\Right Service External Service External Service External Service External
Beam Basic Beam Intermediate Beam Advanced Beam Remote

AdvTherapist Yes Yes No No

ChargesAdmin No No No No

Nurse No No No No

Oncologist No No No No

Physicist Yes Yes Yes No

Secretary No No No No

Service Yes Yes Yes No

SysAdmin No No No No

Therapist Yes No No No

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System state verification

Note: The Service Startup – System Status Summary – dialog remains open for 5 minutes. If
Continue is not pressed within this period of time, the service mode closes and system
returns to Select Major Mode screen
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 Service Mode

Service Major Mode

• Service mode includes 3 applications running concurrently on

TrueBeam workstation: Service Manager Console (SMC), XI
Service Image Viewer and PVA Calibration. SMC uses the monitor
on left hand side

• XI Service Image Viewer and PVA Calibration use the monitor on

right hand side, one of them at a time. PVA Calibration can be made
active (brought to front) by clicking PVA Calibration tab in SMC,
selecting XI tab activates XI Service Image Viewer

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Service Manager Console

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Interlocks
Faults and Routine Interlocks section allows clearing,
overriding un-overriding fault interlocks and routine interlocks.
It also includes controls to see interlock details

• A fault interlock – is triggered whenever the machine is

not operating correctly together with a message that
identifies the issue. Fault interlock must be cleared, before
the machine will function. Interlock can be cleared when the
issue has been resolved and the fault condition does not
exist. Acknowledging the interlock clears the interlock, if the
interlock is not active

• A routine interlock – is designed to be triggered when

machine is not ready to operate because a particular
precondition required to perform a certain function has not
been met; for instance beam cannot be initiated while door
is open

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 Service Mode

Fault Groups Color Coding

Fault interlocks generated by the machine fall, depending on the interlock severity,
into one of the following three categories:
• Warning – condition does not require immediate attention, motions, beam delivery and
power are not affected
• Minor – may not cause the system to stop operating, motions or beam delivery may be
impacted
• Major – fault puts the system to Standby state, beam delivery not possible, machine motion
or power may be affected

Fault Group Description / Meaning

button example
Cyan button color, white text – there are no active interlocks, no overridden interlocks

Cyan button color, black text – there are no active interlocks, at least one overridden interlock

Orange button color, white text – there are active fault warnings, no overridden faults

Orange button color, black text – there are active fault warnings, at least one overridden fault

Red button color, white flashing text – there are active minor and/or major faults, no overridden
faults

Red button color, black text – there are active minor and/or major faults, at least one overridden
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fault.

Fault group interlocks detailed view

Fault Group button opens Fault Interlock Details window for that particular
group

Caution: Some interlocks require a signoff before they

can be overridden. Proceed with caution and override
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only if consulted with a qualified service representative:

Machine Controls

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 Service Mode

Axis or Accessories selected

Note: Couch ISO checkbox determines whether couch is moved up/down

(isocenter compensation is used) to keep the couch top in the treatment
area at isocenter, when applying roll/pitch. Affects roll/pitch only.

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Moving Axis to Target Position

The values in Program columns represent target values for the beam delivery. If the axes target
values differ from actual axes positions and/or selected accessories do not match currently
inserted accessories, the beam will be interlocked with routine interlock(s). Target values can be
left blank (or cleared if loaded from plan), if the beam is to be delivered at current machine
position.

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Caution: If user is logged in with Service External Beam Advanced privilege

there are three additional controls in upper right of Machine Parameters
area.
An axis can be selected from the drop down and the slider bar can be used
to move the selected axis dynamically during the beam delivery in desired
direction and at desired speed. Reset button sets the slider to 0.
Carefully watch the motions if using this option.

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 Service Mode

Utilities

Event Log – captures system state that is saved on local disk in form of several files
of different format. Can be used by experienced technician to troubleshoot the
system.

Axes Information – displays extended information about positions of all mechanical

axes.

Enable/Disable Motion Axes – allows the operator to disable motions for selected
axes. The affected axes cannot be moved using any motion controller (console,
hand pendant, etc.)
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Utilities (cont.)
Cycle Axes – can be used to instruct the system to move selected axis between
specified positions. The number of cycles can be defined.

Cycle MLC – can be used to instruct the system to move the MLC through its
planned positions in a set of MLC plans. MLC plans are defined in form of xml files.
Number of cycles can be defined. This option can be used to set an MLC shape for
a beam.

Dry Run – allows Dry Run for dynamic MLC plan, just like in Treatment mode.

Radiation Safe Mode – enables technician to beam on without any beam being
generated.

Encoder display – provides raw counts of primary and secondary encoders.

Raw Scale Move – enables axis control without sensor feedback to allow moving an
axis with a malfunctioning sensor or when it is not initialized. The axis has to be
moved from hand pendant
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Service Manager Console (SMC)

Tabs – provide controls that enable the operator to perform beam, imaging and
mechanical axes calibrations, mechanical axes initializations, backup,
maintenance, monitoring, diagnostics and configuration tools
Note: On some tab screens it is necessary to click padlock icon next to a button to
enable the button and allow the task it controls
Network

Caution: Rebooting / power-cycling a node may require further steps, such as mechanical axes
initialization.
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 Service Mode

Network – Other tabs

• Conn Status – provides controls for rebooting, power-cycling the nodes and
verify SPV and XI connection status. This tab also allows synchronizing node
configuration file(s) after making changes to machine configuration in WOX file.
• Comm Statistics – can be used to retrieve selected node communication
statistics.
• Comp Simulation – shows component simulation status, if a particular
machine components is simulated by a software.
• HSSB – enables the operator to see states of high-speed-serial-bus (HSSB)
links. The HSSB connects node carrier boards to their respective controller
boards in the machine.
• Node Config – enables the operator to review node configuration in xml format.
Provides the same information as Tools → Node Config in System
Administration

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Beam Tuning
• Contains controls that allow beam tuning, calibrations and beam performance
monitoring. Dose Cal is the sub-tab of primary physicist interest – it allows absolute
dose calibration for the available photon and electron energies

Important Note: Controls on the Dose Cal sub-tab are available if and only if user is logged in the
SMC with Service External Beam Intermediate right.

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MLC
• Enables the operator to see position data for leaves and carriages, motors currents
and pulse with (driving force) to the leaves. Allows MLC initialization, calibration and
diagnostics / testing

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 Service Mode

MLC
Initialization – opens Initialization and Calibration interface

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MLC
Diagnostics menu :
1. MLC difference test – enables the operator to test Primary vs Secondary or
Expected vs Actual position differences for the MLC. MLC records are capture
between selected user defined events
2. MLC PWM Test – moves the carriage to its retracted position and then moves the
leaves to sample the minimum driving force needed to move each leaf 1mm/sec
3. MLC Velocity Test – moves the carriage to its retracted position, then moves the
leaves at a constant force (pulse width) and samples the speed of each MLC leaf
4. Leaf Difference Test – provides same test options as MLC Difference Test; mainly
for use with template MLC plans

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General

• Allows retrieving node records with detailed motion, beam, cooling

and power data. For Varian service personnel mainly

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 Service Mode

Power

• Shows status of power supplies in gantry, stand and the modulator auxiliary
components
• Useful for information when investigating faults
• Service personnel can also use this area to override power components of the
system
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Cooling

• Provides readings regarding cooling system low water level, pump

– water temperature, flow, pump speed and not running
water level.
• Also displays SF6 gas pressure

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Carrousel
• Provides status of foils and filters, allows carousel axes manual motions,
calibrations and initializations, provides access to field light options
• Provides carrousel axes Diagnostics tools

Important Note: Possibility to initialise these axes – not recommended as 1st line approach

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 Service Mode

Carrousel – Field Light sub-tab

• Display status of the Field Light bulbs, turn the specific light bulb on and
choose behavior of carrousel when using Field Light

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Mimic Treatment Room Field Light

• If enabled, the Field Light in service mode will mimic the way it operates in
Treatment mode. When treatment door is open – automatically switch to energy
mode (move the mirror away from the beam path) when beam is loaded
Important Note: With Mimic Treatment Room Field Light disabled, it may be necessary to change the
carrousel mode manually (e.g. to energy mode after having used the field light in the treatment
room). It can be done by selecting or leaving the Field Light tab, and choosing appropriate button on
the displayed message box

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Safety Loops

• Displays the state of the selected Safety Enable Loop

• Note it is possible to select which loop is being inspected
• Safety loops are covered in a separate presentation

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 Service Mode

Axis

Calibration is an automated process that establishes a relationship between position sensor

readouts (which are relative) and positions which are permanently affixed to a system structure –
end-of-travel switches, hard stops, collision sensors.

Initialization is a process of verifying an axis travel range. An axis is driven to its home position (a
verifiable reference point for the axis); results are compared to calibration results for the home
position.
Initialization from this tab is not recommended as 1st line approach for customers
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Accessories
• Used to view status and information on the accessories in available
machine slots

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Input Devices
• Used to enable / disable hand pendants and to test controls on the input devices
• Bypass button enables test mode – no action results from pressing the button
as signal is prevented from reaching the SPV
• Also useful for screenshots for local documentation!

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 Service Mode

Versions
• The single definitive place to find which version your TrueBeam actually is
• Contains information about installed components – HW, SW, PCB, firmware
• Compatibility Matrix allows viewing of compatible hardware and firmware
combinations, matrix is displayed by node

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Settings – system status

• Allows additional system configuration. Some settings can be

modified by Varian service personnel only

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Settings – Imager Deactivation

• Used to deactivate a malfunctioning imaging component in an effort to allow
treatment beam delivery without using the problematic component. Making
changes on the screen may not be enough; changes to cabling may be
necessary

Caution: Always contact Varian service before making changes to the imaging system

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 Service Mode

Settings – Zone Rules

• Used to view and change zone rules. The zone rules define a patient
protection zone – the minimum distance that must be maintained between the
couch and the gantry so that the patient is never in danger

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Settings – LaserGuard II
Displays zone and status information
• If Mimic Clinical Behavior is active the Laser Guard II operates as it were in
treatment mode – it is active when the door is closed and in Dry Run mode with door
open, otherwise it is inactive (Collision Reset button flashes when intrusion detected
but motions are not stopped) when door is opened and when accessories are
mounted
• If Mimic Clinical Behavior is disabled, the Laser Guard II can be manually activated
or deactivated with additional activate controls – if active, then the system operates
even when door is opened (motions stop when intrusion is detected)

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Settings – General Settings

Used to start, stop or restart the Axeda Desktop Server service. When started,
this allows the remote service engineer to see and control your Service mode

Axeda Desktop Server is a remote desktop sharing application; if running, machine desktop can be
accessed remotely. The service can also be started / stopped in System Administration. However, the
Axeda Desktop Server service is by default automatically stopped, as Service mode is launching, to
disable remote access. If remote assistance is desired / necessary while in Service mode, the service
can be started with Start button on this tab.

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 Service Mode

Settings – Audio Settings

• Allows setting the volume of speakers and sensitivity of microphones and volume
of the various sound inputs available on the control console. Sounds coming from
treatment room to control area can be muted for the active service session –the
audio will be automatically unmuted when Service application is closed
• Reset button sets the default values for the tab controls

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CBCT Reconstructor

Used to adjust settings for the CBCT Reconstructor workstation. This tab is
equivalent to CBCT Reconstructor tab in System Administration

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XI
Provides service and maintenance interface for the XI system

• Acquisition sub-tab can be used to acquire kV or MV images for quick analysis, research
and test purposes. Images acquired in the XI tab are automatically stored on the TrueBeam
workstation local disk and they can be accessed through XI Service Image Viewer
application (next slide). The acquired images can also be exported out in various file
formats, including DICOM.

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 Service Mode

XI

• The Tasks sub-tab allows performing MV, kV and generic tasks such as
configuration files backup for service purposes, configuration files review
(Retrieve XI calibration images - brings selected calibration files into gallery
window for a review).
• The Readouts sub-tab can be used to display XI node performance information
such as CPU and Memory utilization charts and others
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PVA Calibration

• This tab has no content on the service screen

• It activates the imager calibration options on the other
screen
• The use of this tab is covered in a separate presentation

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IPS

• This tab provides access to images acquired in Treatment mode (PVA

application). Images do not contain any patient information and can be
exported out of the TrueBeam system in DICOM or XIM formats. Refresh
button has to be pressed first, to see the list of the available images

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 Service Mode

IPS

• Image Processing Service – windows service typically running on CBCT

Reconstructor. It enables multi-scan, and provides support for Varian motion
management, pre-treatment fluoroscopy and on-demand imaging. It also
enables Auto Beam Hold. Stop button can be used to stop and then start the
service
• Apply – can be used to set the amount of disk space (the Disk Space
Quota) on CBCT Reconstructor reserved for acquired and saved images
• Export – allows exporting the images in DICOM or XI format in the specified
location. Exported images are compressed and saved as a zip file
• Delete – Images can be deleted manually, if necessary

Note: Image Processing Service checkbox in System Administration, PVA → Gating

and Motion Management has to be enabled, in order to have images acquired in
PVA saved. The images acquired for CBCT are not available through this tab. They
are available in CBCT Reconstructor tab instead. Reconstructed CBCT are also not
available in IPS tab.

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External interfaces
• Shows the status of DIP switches for kVBEL, BEL and MEL, allows
their configuration

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Positioning Unit
• Displays information about positioning units (imaging arms) and
kV source collimator and their calibration status

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 Service Mode

Positioning Unit
• Allows calibrations and initializations
• Calibration is normally performed by service
• Initialisation in this MM is not recommended as customer 1st line approach

Important Note: Image acquisition in Treatment mode is not possible without valid IsoCal.

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Plans - Files

• Allows plans (DICOM, mlc, xml) to be loaded in service mode and treated (using
buttons on console)
• Allows template plans to be loaded and treated
• Template plans are hard coded and cannot be edited

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Plans – Standard Templates

This is where we find

EDW in service

• EDW plan will enable a wedge angle and direction option in the axis positions
area
• Must set jaws between fields! Use MLC detached display to see real
positions

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 Service Mode

Running the Beam in Service Mode

Notes on movements in service mode:

• Once you enter a program position, the machine treats
this as if it were a plan parameter. Therefore you can
have IPSN interlocks if you do not go to that position
• It is possible to clear the program box and click “go to” to
fix this

• Also note the template plans have “non-optimal” gantry

and collimator settings so you may like to type these in
manually after you load the template
• It is not possible to edit the template plans…

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Questions

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Disclaimer
Notice
• This information is an educational aid only and is intended solely as a
supplemental document. This provides information concerning the use of the
TrueBeam. For complete information concerning components, safety
instructions, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, etc., refer to the
applicable Varian product documentation. This information does not replace the
Varian product documentation.
• Carefully read all instructions prior to use. Observe all contraindications,
warnings and precautions noted in these instructions. Failure to do so may result
in patient and/or user complications.
• This information is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Varian. Varian is not liable for errors contained in this
information or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with
furnishing or use of this material. This contains proprietary information protected
by copyright. No part of this may be reproduced, translated, or transmitted
without the express written permission of Varian Medical Systems, Inc.

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 Service Mode

Service Mode in Different Versions: 1.5 vs1.6

1.5 1.6

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Service Mode in Different Versions: 1.5 vs1.6

1.5 1.6

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Running the Beam in Service Mode

1. Press and immediately release MV Beam on

• Holding this button creates a beam hold
2. Observe MU

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 Service Mode

Running the Beam in Service Mode

1. Once all routine interlocks are clear, machine makes a sound

2. Press and hold MV ready (for approximately for 2 second) until MV
beam on is lit

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Running the Beam in Service Mode

1. Observe routine interlocks flashing

• These are transient and expected
• Click on Routine interlocks to view

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Running the Beam in Service Mode

1. Select axis to move (in this case gantry). Note the buttons do not
light up in service mode. The user must know what to press
2. Hold motion enable buttons on console keyboard

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 Service Mode

Running the Beam in Service Mode

1. Set energy and MU required

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Running the Beam in Service Mode

1. Press Prepare – sends beam to supervisor

2. Use Clear all to address transient faults

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