Sidexis Software Bridge Setup Guide

This guide describes the installation and setup of the Sidexis software bridge for use with Dentrix Ascend Imaging.

Overview

Dentrix Ascend Imaging supports the acquisition of intraoral, extraoral, and CBCT images from the Sidexis software on a computer running the Windows operating system. The Sidexis software must be installed on each computer that the software bridge will be used.

Notes:

  • It is recommended that all acquisition devices are configured in the Sidexis software on each computer that will acquire images using the Sidexis software bridge.

  • Prior to the installation of any imaging devices or setting up the Sidexis software, the acquisition agent application must be installed on each computer that will acquire images using the software bridge. Refer to Setting up the acquisition agent for instructions on downloading and installing the acquisition agent.

Recommended Version

  • Sidexis v4.3.x or later

Minimum Version

  • Sidexis v4.2.x or later

Sidexis Configuration (4.2.x or Later)

To configure Sdexis 4.2.x or later, do the following:

  1. Open the Sidexis 4 application, and click the Settings icon (cog).

  2. Under General settings, select Multistation.

  3. Select the Orders can be accepted here checkbox and then the Accept single order directly and Automatic acceptance of orders after registering a patient checkboxes.

  4. Under General settings, select Communication partner.

  5. Click the Add button.

  6. In the Name box, enter AcquisitionAgent. Set the path of the Mailbox file (SLIDA).

    Note: To properly set up the Mailbox file, a folder named "Acquisition Agent" must be created within the "ProgramData" folder. The "ProgramData" folder is a hidden folder; to navigate to it, in a File Explorer window, type C:\ProgramData into the address bar, and then add the necessary folder in there.

  7. Select the Image exchange checkbox (the Patient database checkbox is selected automatically), and select the Receives copies of new exposures automatically and Automatic 16 bit checkboxes.

  8. Under SLIDA 3D, select the Partner can receive 3D volumes option, and then select the *.dcm option.

  9. Open the acquisition agent preferences. On the DICOM tab, if applicable for your needs, select the Compress DICOM Volumes and Cache DICOM Volumes checkboxes. Specify the Cache folder to be a shared folder with plenty of storage space so each computer can use the same cache for efficiency.

  10. On the Software Bridge tab, under SIDEXIS, make sure that the Application Path, SLIDA Mailbox Path, Agent Mailbox Path, SLIDA Mailbox File, and Agent Mailbox File are correct.

    Note: The Application Path should match the running directory for Sidexis. The SLIDA Mailbox Path and SLIDA Mailbox File should match the path and file name for the Mailbox File (SLIDA) in step 3 above. The Agent Mailbox Path and Agent Mailbox File should match the path and file name for the Mailbox File (SLIDA) in step 6 above.

  11. Click Done.

Testing

The Sidexis software bridge is now functional in Dentrix Ascend Imaging. To acquire a test intraoral image, do the following:

  1. In the Imaging Procedures list, select Bitewing Single Image.

  2. Select any teeth for the test.

  3. On the Acquisition Method for this imaging exam menu, select Sidexis Software.

    Note: If you are acquiring for a 3D exam, the Acquire volume snapshot only checkbox must be selected so a 2D image of the volume instead of the full volume will be transferred. The 2D image is linked to the full volume in the Sidexis software.

  4. Click Proceed with Acquisition.

  5. Acquire an image in the Sidexis software. The captured image appears in Dentrix Ascend Imaging automatically.

    Note: Images that are acquired using integrated hardware with Sidexis will be automatically sent to Imaging, but images imported into Sidexis using a file import will need to be sent using the Send image to communication partner button. This button is also helpful for sending images that have not already been bridged with Dentrix Ascend Imaging. It may be necessary to click the Send image to communication partner button when you are acquiring 3D Volumes.

     

Troubleshooting

If you attempt to acquire an image by clicking Proceed with Acquisition and receive an error message, refer to the "Romexis Configuration" section. Also, if errors occur, make sure that the paths and file names in the Acquisition Agent.ini file are correct.