Background
Early versions of iSTAR Pulsar+ saved capture data in an unencrypted format - this consisted of 13 files for each separate capture, including 4 large .MKV files containing the image data:
- XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYY.onctd
- XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYY-calibration.yml
- XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYY-gps.txt
- XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYY-imu.csv
- XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYY-info.txt
- XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYY-sensor-1.mkv
- XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYY-sensor-2.mkv
- XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYY-sensor-3.mkv
- XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYY-sensor-4.mkv
- XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYY-timestamps-1.txt
- XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYY-timestamps-2.txt
- XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYY-timestamps-3.txt
- XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYY-timestamps-4.txt
To improve on data security, NCTech some time ago introduced a new encrypted dataset, each separate capture now consisting of only 3 files:
- XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYY.onctv - the image data associated with the capture
- XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYY.onctd - all other data associated with the capture
- XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYY-info.txt - a simple log file for the capture, which states the device and capture settings used
Almost all iSTAR Pulsar+ users are now using this newer format, however it is believed that there remain some users who have not migrated, and continue to use unencrypted data. NCTech's Immersive Studio application which is used to process iSTAR Pulsar+ data has an expiration date built in for the processing of unencrypted data, and NCTech have periodically updated the software to extend this.
However, as of 1st February 2025, NCTech will no longer do so - the use of unencrypted datasets represents a data security risk, and so from the above data NCTech will support only encrypted data.
Immersive Studio v10.9.1 extends the process of unencrypted data from 1st August 2024 to 1st February 2025, however upon this new expiration date it will no longer be possible for users to process unencrypted data.
What do I need to do?
All users should check whether they are currently using encrypted or unencrypted data. An example encrypted dataset looks like this:
If data captured with one's iSTAR Pulsar+ device looks like this, then users need take no action - processing of encrypted datasets will not be impacted.
If however users' data does not look like this, and consists of 13 files per capture (including 4x .MKV files), then action must be taken to avoid a disruption in service.
Users in this scenario should contact the NCTech Support Team via support@nctechimaging.com and request a new Data Formation License (DFL) which enables encrypted data. Once an updated license has been provided and the user has installed it, they should then test their standard workflow to ensure that it functions as expected with the updated license.
What happens if I don't do this?
Users who continue to use unencrypted data will be unable to process their data in Immersive Studio from 1st February 2024. They will then be required to request an encrypted license, install this, and to recapture any required data that exists in unencrypted format - there will be no way to process unencrypted data once this functionality has expired.
Further questions/support
Users may raise a new support request with the NCTech Support Team via this form, or by emailing support@nctechimaging.com - the NCTech Support Team will be happy to provide further clarity and advice on this matter.