Abstract: A system and method to remotely enable software based options for a trial period in remote equipment is disclosed. The invention includes receiving and authenticating a user, and receiving an option-enabling request from the user specifying the particular option requested to be enabled in a particular piece of equipment at a remote location. A system I.D. is validated, and the system ensures that the option has not already been enabled at least once before, and if it has not, a software enabling key is generated and sent to activate the option in the remote equipment.

Abstract: A system for granting indefinite use of inactivated software options pre-installed on a device is provided. The system includes receiving, at a remote processing facility, a recurrent use request from a user requesting access to an inactivated software option resident on the device. The system is further configured to validate the request and generate an activation key. The activation key is transmitted from the processing facility to the device automatically activating the option and granting recurrent access. The activation key or code is generated at the processing facility using data from at least one of a user identifier, a system identifier, a recurrent use identifier, and the selected option. A method to permit recurrent use of resident, yet, inactivated software of a device is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for requesting remotely enabled access to inactive software options resident on a device. A graphical user interface (GUI) is electronically linked to a centralized facility remotely located from the device. Option identifying parameters, such as a user ID, host ID, system ID, modality selection, and option selection are entered using the GUI and transmitted via an electronic request to the centralized facility. In response to the received request, the centralized facility generates a software key and transmits same to the device for activation of the option if approved by the centralized facility.

Abstract: Data representative of operation of biomedical equipment in a medical facility is collected and stored in a centralized database. The information may be collected manually during the life of the equipment, or automatically by connection to the equipment. The data references equipment types, manufacturer, departments, locations, and other relevant information for the equipment. Based upon the collected and stored information, parameters representative of possible training needs is analyzed and reported. The parameters may include error, breakdowns, and the like. Detailed reports delivered to the medical institution may thus provide a basis for planning training to enhance performance and utilization of the equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for remote servicing of an in-field product at a customer site. The remote servicing system includes a portable service interface, typically a laptop computer, which is utilized to connect a remote servicing on-line center with the in-field produce, such as a medical image scanner. The portable service interface includes software not resident with the in-field product to permit such servicing functions as diagnostic evaluations of the in-field product, as well as downloading configuration files, original source files, protocols and other software from the on-line center through the portable service interface at the customer site. The field engineer or other operator is able to provide service functions to in-field products that are not networked or are not readily networked with the on-line center and that do not have the on-line center connecting software resident on the portable service interface.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that remotely grants limited access and permits use of resident software options in accordance with terms consistent with an access grant. The invention includes receiving an access request from a user to access a software option resident in memory of a device, determining whether to grant access in response to the request, and generating an electronic enabler in response to the access request that is transmitted from a centralized facility to a user of the remote device. The electronic enabler is configured to be input into the device whereupon activation of the option is achieved in accordance with terms of the access grant.

Abstract: A technique is provided for the alignment of an H/D puller for use in a cyclotron. One aspect of the technique comprises magnetically attaching a pair of feeler gages to an alignment tool for use in aligning the H/D puller. The magnetic retention of the feeler gages allows a field engineer to make the desired adjustments to align the H/D puller. Another aspect of the present technique provides for the H/D puller to include a replaceable tip such that the tip may be replaced without removing the H/D puller. Because the H/D puller is not removed and replaced, the alignment of the H/D puller to the ion source is maintained.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling universal remote access and display of diagnostic images acquired by diagnostic imaging equipment, independent of the identity of the vendor that manufactured the equipment. One system includes a local area network; a scanner capable of sending objects formatted in accordance with a communications protocol, each object incorporating at least one image frame; and a data capture device connected to the local area network and programmed with data capture software to capture an object originating from the scanner in response to that scanner being specified as an object of diagnosis. This system further includes a communications channel, e.g., a virtual private network, for connecting the data capture device to a central service facility. The preferred communications protocol is DICOM. In response to an instruction from the service center, the data capture device on the LAN captures image files from a malfunctioning scanner and forwards them to the service center for diagnosis.

Abstract: A system for granting indefinite use of inactivated software options pre-installed on a device is provided. The system includes receiving, at a remote processing facility, a recurrent use request from a user requesting access to an inactivated software option resident on the device. The system is further configured to validate the request and generate an activation key. The activation key is transmitted from the processing facility to the device automatically activating the option and granting recurrent access. The activation key or code is generated at the processing facility using data from at least one of a user identifier, a system identifier, a recurrent use identifier, and the selected option. A method to permit recurrent use of resident, yet, inactivated software of a device is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that remotely grants limited access and permits use of resident software options in accordance with terms consistent with an access grant. The invention includes receiving an access request from a user to access a software option resident in memory of a device, determining whether to grant access in response to the request, and generating an access grant in response to a qualified access request that is transmitted from a centralized facility to a remote device to automatically enable access to the option.

Abstract: A switching circuit configured to substantially linearly conduct current between a source and a load includes a switching device and a steering circuit. The switching device has a conductive state in which a first portion of the current flows between the source and the load, the conductive state being dependent on the magnitude of the current. The steering circuit has a conductive state in which a second portion of the current flows, such that substantially the entire current is conducted between the source and the load. The switching circuit is particularly suited for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system to conduct gradient current between the gradient amplifiers and the gradient coils.

Abstract: A wireless communication system to obtain data from a medical asset, such as mobile equipment. The system utilizes a transmitter coupled to a programmable interface. The programmable interface is, in turn, coupled to a device associated with the asset. The device or application communicates data about the asset to the interface. The interface is programmed by a user to communicate with the device and couple the data to the transmitter in a configuration selected by the system user. The transmitter is operable to transmit the information to one or more antennas of the wireless communication system. The information from the antennas is coupled to a cell controller and to an information system.

Abstract: Remote monitoring of superconducting magnet systems of various types, manufacturers, vintages, and so forth, via a magnet selector interface providing for configuring the monitoring system to the particular magnet system of interest. The technique provides for scalable analogue to digital conversion with integrated excitation circuitry for the input and output of magnet system sensors. Devices, such as remote terminal units and other data-logging technology may be adapted to remotely monitor primary indicators and secondary indicators of magnet system performance and related boil-off of helium. The technique provides earlier warning of impending failures in the magnet system, and thus facilitates predictive maintenance, reduces maintenance costs, reduces MRI downtime, reduces helium loss, and the like.

Abstract: A central service facility is connected via a network and a uniform service interactive platform to a multiplicity of remotely located diagnostic systems. The diagnostic system is programmed to provide the equipment user with the ability to create an electronic list of non-urgent service tasks to be performed by a field engineer. The task list is transmitted from the diagnostic system to the service center via the network. The service center subsequently transmits the task list to the assigned field engineer via the same network or via any other available communications channel, e.g., a facsimile or wireless communication. Preferably, the task list is provided to the field engineer prior to an on-site visit based upon a call schedule.

Abstract: A system for managing the generation of licensed end-user software applications based on contracting information which is automatically fed from one or more business contract systems. A license manager communicates with a license database, a license generator and one or more business contract systems. The license manager receives an automated feed of contract and subscription information from each business contract system, interprets which of the bundled features require a license, filters or strips out the licensing information needed to generate the required license, and then logs that licensing information in the license database. If the license manager determines that a license file needs to be generated, the license manager outputs the licensing information to the license generator with a request that the latter generate a tamper-proof encrypted license file.

Abstract: A technique is provided for accessing data stored in separate databases. A communication system having a first and second computer system is used to retrieve data from a primary or a secondary database. The primary and secondary databases are coupled to the first computer system. A data access controller is used in the system to automatically shift the first computer system from retrieving data from the primary database to retrieving data from the secondary database. The data access controller shifts when a communication error between the primary database and the first computer system is detected by the system.

Abstract: Biomedical equipment data records for a medical institution are stored in a database and integrated with other information sources within and external to the institution. The equipment data may include identification of equipment components, departmental assignments, site locations, performance data, service data, and so forth. Additional information resources may include hospital information systems, departmental information systems, financial records, external reference materials, and reference data for similarly profiled institutions. The additional resources provide a basis for more detailed analysis, planning, and reporting of equipment inventory management, performance, and servicing.

Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring the regular collection of operational data from a multiplicity of remotely located medical imaging systems by a central service facility, and starting a corrective action process if the collection of operational data deviates from a historical norm based on the frequency of reception and the volume of the data received from the data source. The system automatically determines, on a per scanner basis, when either the amount of data in the most recent reception or the time between the two most recent data receptions has changed in a way that requires remedial action. In particular, corrective action is taken if the data volume or the time between receptions deviates from a historical mean by a predetermined percentage.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for providing image artifact to medical diagnostic institutions and systems. The information and images is created and stored on machine readable media. A user may enter a problem query at a user interface at the diagnostic institution or system and search a database of information located at a centralized service facility. A list of solutions and images having characteristic artifacts is displayed at the diagnostic institution. The user may then select and display a desired image or solution from the user interface. The particular solution may include textual and exemplary images descriptions of the solution. Moreover, additional links may be provided to access other related sources of information. The information stored on the machine readable media may be easily solutions to existing case problems.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for communications connectivity failure diagnosis that includes receiving a connectivity failure notice at an on-line center indicative of a communications failure between the on-line center and an in-field product, such as a medical diagnostic device. A software-based non-connect test is manually initiated to confirm a communications failure between the on-line center and the in-field product. Once the communications failure is confirmed, the communications failure is diagnosed by isolating the communications failure through use of the non-connect test and identifying a failure type which indicates what portion of the system failed. The method includes reporting the communications failure for repair, and once repaired, the system conducts a series of tests to confirm proper connectivity and logs the results therefrom.