Abstract: A technique for exchanging data between networked medical diagnostic systems of a medical institution is provided. The diagnostic systems may include imaging systems, data management systems, monitors, and so forth, connected to an internal network of the institution. A data communications control system is connected to the internal network and receives data from the systems, transmits data to a remote service provider via an external network, and routes data received through the external network back to the diagnostic systems.

Abstract: A system is provided for remotely servicing medical diagnostic systems. The diagnostic systems may include a range of modalities and system types. A remote service facility may be contacted by the diagnostic systems, or may contact the diagnostic systems via a network link. Service requests, messages, protocols, data and log files, and so forth, may be transmitted between the diagnostic systems and the service facility. The service requests are handled by the service facility interactively with the medical diagnostic systems. The diagnostic systems are thereby apprised of the status of service requests, service reports, and so forth. A uniform interface and platform are provided for facilitating interactive communications of service requests and data between the diagnostic systems and the service facility.

Abstract: A technique is provided for servicing a plurality of medical diagnostic systems remotely. The systems are coupled to an internal network of a medical institution or facility. A data communications control system serves to link the institution to a remote service provider via an external network. Service requests and data are generated at the systems or at the control system. The requests are then transmitted to the remote service provider via the control system, and responses to the requests are received by the control system for distribution to the diagnostic systems. The technique permits systems to be remotely serviced which may not be equipped for separate communication via external networks, reduces infrastructure and costs, and facilitates the coordination of service needs of the institution.

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: 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 managing replacement of x-ray tubes, such as in medical diagnostic systems, includes circuitry for monitoring operating parameters of the x-ray tubes, and circuitry for analyzing the monitored parameters and scheduling for tube replacement based upon predicted failure. The scheduling circuitry may be located in a remote service center and is linked to the diagnostic systems via a network connection. A failure prediction circuit may be located at the remote service center or local to the diagnostic system. Upon identifying a predicted tube failure, replacement of the tube is scheduled and shipment of a replacement tube is ordered. Service personnel may be notified automatically to coordinate tube replacement. Electronic messages may be transmitted to the service personnel and to personnel in the facility where the x-ray tube is installed to notify all parties of the scheduled tube replacement.