Abstract: Method and apparatus inputting information identifying and classifying an article in an asset management database. A graphical user interface has a first screen showing a search field and a display window. A reference database has records, each record containing manufacturer, model and article type information for a respective class of articles. In response to the input of a manufacturer query in the search field, a list of entries is displayed in the display window. Each entry includes the same manufacturer identifier, a different model number, and one of multiple article types derived from the reference database. In response to selection of one of the list entries, a second screen appears having an empty data field for entry of an article identifier identifying an article made by a manufacturer identified by the manufacturer identifier and having the model number for the selected entry, and filled data fields containing the manufacturer identifier, model number and article type for said selected entry.

Abstract: A technique is provided for characterizing and correcting for instabilities or variations in a magnet system of an MRI scanner. The technique makes use of a navigator pulse to read out navigator echo data in the absence of phase encode, or with phase encode effects rewound. The navigator data is used to characterize several potential effects of magnet system instabilities or variations, such as zeroth order phase shifts, first order (linear) phase shifts, bulk position shifts, and amplitude effects. The effects of the instabilities can be used, then, to correct image data acquired during an examination.

Abstract: A method and a system for delivery of protected software applications to remote systems from a central service facility wherein delivery is managed on the basis of the community membership of the remote system user. Business rules are utilized to determine whether a particular authenticated user seeking access to a protected software application from a particular remote site should be authorized. A multiplicity of web servers are programmed to allow selective access to one or more resident software applications by remote system users via a network. Access is managed by a central policy server based on user and system information and community definitions stored in a database. The policy server communicates with each web server via an agency module incorporated in the web server. The agency module intercepts requests for access from remote system users and then interfaces with the policy server.

Abstract: A method and a system for automatically activating and deactivating a data logging function on a remotely located medical imaging device from a central service facility in response to acquisition of updated service contract information. Customer profiling and service contract data are automatically processed at a central facility to detect that a medical imaging device is now under contract to receive regular scanner utilization reports. The scanner data logging function is then automatically turned on from the central facility. The central facility then monitors the receipt of scanner data log files to ensure that the first data log file has been successfully transmitted from activated medical imaging device, for processing and subsequent utilization report delivery. In the case of an expired service contract, the data logging feature on the medical imaging device is automatically deactivated from the central facility.

Abstract: A method and a system for providing remote access to scanner utilization or diagnostic imaging reports generated by a computer system having access to a database of collected scanner operational data. Preferably, the reports are delivered over a wide-area network, e.g. the Internet, in response to requests for access from customers. In particular, the system includes a graphical user interface which allows the user to specify all of the report content parameters and display the report on a single screen. The report content parameters section of the screen allows the user to identify the facility, organization area (i.e., department), equipment, time dimension, time frame, metrics and data slices that the user wants included in the report. The report produced will contain the information currently in the database, which information is updated daily.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for providing problem and solution information, such as that relating to a particular application or protocol, to medical diagnostic institutions and systems. The information 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 to the query is displayed at the diagnostic institution. The user may then select and display a desired solution from the user interface. The particular solution may include textual and exemplary image 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 updated by adding new case problems and associated solutions as well as new solutions to existing case problems.

Abstract: A technique is provided for verifying network connectivity between a medical diagnostic system and a remote service facility. The remote service facility is contactable at will by the subscribing system to request service, information, technical assistance, and so forth, while the service facility may also contact the subscribing system for acquisition of data, transmission of service messages, protocols, and so forth. In the connectivity verification sequence, a subscribing system is selected by the service facility and a network connection is established. A message is transmitted to the system provoking software at the system to re-establish the network connection from the system side. Two-way connectivity is thereby verified. Mobile systems may be configured to contact the service facility at their own initiation, and exchange data for permitting the service facility to re-contact the mobile system.

Abstract: A technique is described for detecting defects such as short circuits in a device such as a discrete pixel detector used in a digital x-ray system. The technique employs test circuits associated with each row driver of the detector. The test circuits are enabled by a test enable input signal, and the row driver sequentially enables the rows of the detector, along with the individual test circuits. In a test sequence, output signals from the row test circuits are monitored to identify whether a defect, such as a short circuit, is likely to exist in the row or row driver. The test circuitry adds only minimal area and complexity to the row driver function, providing a high degree of test coverage at a low cost, with minimal likelihood of test circuitry-induced failures.

Abstract: Possible failure of x-ray tubes is predicted by monitoring and analysis of operating parameters considered leading indicators of failure. Historical data for a tube population is analyzed by discriminant analysis to develop a failure prediction algorithm. The algorithm is used to correlate operating parameters, or values derived from the operating parameters with a potential for tube failure. The operating parameters may include anode overcurrent events and spits, or spit rate exceeded errors for a diagnostic system in which the x-ray tube is installed.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for providing remote service to medical diagnostic systems via a centralized service facility. The service facility is configured to receive service requests from diagnostic systems of different modalities, type, location, and so forth. The service requests are handled by one or more servers, and are directed to work stations or technicians for addressing the service requests. The work stations or technicians are selected in accordance with the modality of the diagnostic system as identified by the service request. A subscription status check may be performed for verifying the service arrangements between the requesting diagnostic systems and the centralized service facility. Reply messages are transmitted from the service facility to the requesting diagnostic systems in response to the service requests, providing interactive service exchange between the facility and the diagnostic systems.