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 modular service system is provided for a variety of diagnostic system modalities, manufacturers, and types. The system includes a uniform service platform which incorporates components for interfacing with different system types. The interface components include configuration libraries or files identifying the system type, as well as file names, content, locations, and so forth. One or more connectivity modules are provided for accessing and transferring data files from a modality system. The modular service system may be configured to cooperate with one or more such modality systems in a network arrangement. File translators are provided for converting individual files from modality, type or manufacturer-specific formats to more standard formats needed by the service platform.

Abstract: A uniform service platform is provided for medical diagnostic systems. The platform includes modality interface modules which may be adapted for various system modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging modalities, computed tomography modalities, x-ray modalities, and so forth. A server coordinates the exchange of operational parameter data between the systems and external circuitry, such as a remote service facility. A browser displays user-viewable pages for viewing, requesting and receiving service information. A communications module permits the exchange of service data between a system on which the platform is installed and remote circuitry. The platform may further include a subscription module for verifying subscription and access rights, such as for security purposes. Certain portions of the platform, including the user-viewable pages and modality interface components may be specifically tailored or adapted to the modality of a system on which the platform 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.

Abstract: A technique is provided for evaluation of an operative state of a medical diagnostic system. The technique is particularly adapted to evaluating image data from a variety of imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging systems, computed tomography imaging systems, x-ray imaging systems, and so forth. A user interface permits a service request to be formulated at the diagnostic system. Data files, such as image files, log files, error files, and so forth, are identified and stored corresponding to the service request. The service request is then transmitted to a remote service facility for evaluation. The necessary data files may be transmitted with the request or subsequent thereto. The request is acknowledged by the remote service facility in an electronic message. The request uniquely identifies the diagnostic system, as well as the modality of the system.

Abstract: A user interface is disclosed for interactively exchanging service data between medical diagnostic systems and remote field service facilities. The interface provides a series of user-viewable pages for the display and input of service requests, service reports, messages, protocols, and so forth. The user interface may further include on-screen input devices, such as graphical buttons, for executing service requests, accessing service messages and reports, and so forth. The user interface is uniform over a variety of system modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging systems, computed tomography systems, x-ray systems, and so forth, facilitating the exchange of service data despite differences in the modality system configurations.