Abstract: A technique is provided for selecting among a plurality of service models for addressing serviceable events and faults in a complex machine system. Indicators established for each of the models serve as the basis for comparison to input data acquired from the complex system or from manual or semi-automated data acquisition methods. Based upon the comparisons, and upon flexible selection criteria, one or more of the service models is selected to most efficiently address the most likely root cause of the serviceable event or fault.

Abstract: A technique is provided for designing and evaluating service models for components, functions, subsystems and field replaceable units in a complex machine system. At a component or item level, each model identifies various items, failure modes, and so forth which may be the root cause of anticipated serviceable events or faults. The design tools permit numerous interfaces to be used in the design of service models, and in the evaluation of the degree to which the models address detectability and isolation capabilities for the root causes of serviceable events and faults.

Abstract: A method for predicting a time to failure of a component in a system is presented. The method comprises obtaining a set of data measurements related to the component. The set of data measurements are representative of a plurality of parameters including a plurality of leading parameters. The method comprises generating a prediction model based upon the leading parameters considered in combination. The prediction model is then used to predict the time to failure of the component based on a set of real-time measurements, wherein the plurality of parameters are processed to predict the time to failure for the component. Finally, a confidence level for the predicted time to failure is determined based upon the plurality of parameters.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for enabling training of field service personnel such as field engineers and field service of machines such as medical diagnostic machines, e.g., CT, MRI, and x-ray machines. The system (100) is desirably implemented over the Internet in which field service personnel using handheld computers are able to selectively search cataloged items relating to reference materials such as portions of product installation manuals, service manuals, field modification information or updates, training manuals, safety information, design diagrams, parts lists, etc., and retrieve copies of the relevant portions of the reference materials. The reference materials are cataloged and searchable using, for example, data relating to a product type and model, a skill level, a service task, and an authorization level.

Abstract: A technique is provided for improving and correcting serviceability models for complex machine systems. A model is developed and implemented and several or a large number of such models may be developed and implemented for individual field replaceable units, components, functions, and subsystems of a complex system. The models, once implemented, result in serviceable events and service being rendered to the system. Based upon feedback from such service actions analysis is performed which correlates correct and incorrect assumptions or other aspects of the models such that improvement of the models can be made, improvements in the identification of which model should best be selected for addressing a serviceable event can be made, and the system can be improved so as to facilitate the use and performance of models.

Abstract: A technique is provided for selecting among a plurality of service models for addressing serviceable events and faults in a complex machine system. Indicators established for each of the models serve as the basis for comparison to input data acquired from the complex system or from manual or semi-automated data acquisition methods. Based upon the comparisons, and upon flexible selection criteria, one or more of the service models is selected to most efficiently address the most likely root cause of the serviceable event or fault.

Abstract: A serviceability strategy is established that permits the definition of a plurality of service models for components, functions, subsystems and field replaceable units in a complex machine system, as well as the implementation of the models for rendering service as serviceable events and faults occur, and for improvement of the models over time. The models may be dedicated in such a manner as to be selectable for addressing detectable and isolatable root causes of serviceable events as they occur, and the proper models are selected as such events occur based upon predefined indicators. As service events arise over time and are addressed by recommendations made by each model, data is gathered and serves as the basis for evolving the models so as to more appropriately address root causes of serviceable events and faults, and to improve the selection of the models most apply suited to addressing serviceable events and faults.

Abstract: A technique is provided for designing and evaluating service models for components, functions, subsystems and field replaceable units in a complex machine system. At a component or item level, each model identifies various items, failure modes, and so forth which may be the root cause of anticipated serviceable events or faults. The design tools permit numerous interfaces to be used in the design of service models, and in the evaluation of the degree to which the models address detectability and isolation capabilities for the root causes of serviceable events and faults.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for generating software cards that summarize and index information. A documentation storage unit stores a variety of documentation. A software card generator generates each of the software cards for a predetermined card category. Each software card points to blocks of information stored in the documentation storage unit that relate to the predetermined card category. A software card database stores the generated plurality of software cards. A user can search the software cards in order to quickly and easily access documentation and materials specific to their specific area of interest.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for enabling training of field service personnel such as field engineers and field service of machines such as medical diagnostic machines, e.g., CT, MRI, and x-ray machines. The system (100) is desirably implemented over the Internet in which field service personnel using handheld computers are able to selectively search cataloged items relating to reference materials such as portions of product installation manuals, service manuals, field modification information or updates, training manuals, safety information, design diagrams, parts lists, etc., and retrieve copies of the relevant portions of the reference materials. The reference materials are cataloged and searchable using, for example, data relating to a product type and model, a skill level, a service task, and an authorization level.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing and validating a machine with waveform data generated therefrom. Historical waveform data are obtained from machines having known faults along with corresponding actions for repairing the machines and are used to develop fault classification rules. The fault classification rules are stored in a diagnostic knowledge database. The database of classification rules are used to diagnose new waveform data from a machine having an unknown fault.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing and validating a machine over a network using waveform data. Historical waveform data are obtained via the network from machines having known faults along with corresponding actions for repairing the machines and are used to develop fault classification rules. The fault classification rules are stored in a diagnostic knowledge database. The database of classification rules are used to diagnose new waveform data from a machine having an unknown fault, via the network.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for processing records to extract relevant, reusable diagnostic information and make the information available in a form capable of being used by field engineers to speed the diagnosis and repair or adjustment of equipment.

Abstract: A system for performing image-based diagnosis of a machine includes a database containing a plurality of historical images taken from a plurality of machines, a diagnostic unit configured to diagnose a new artifact image from the machine and to communicate historical and non-historical images or data associated with the system to a remote facility. The plurality of historical images include a plurality of ideal images generated from the plurality of machines using all possible machine settings and a plurality of artifact images generated from the plurality of machines, each of the artifact images having known faults associated therewith and a corresponding corrective action for repairing the faults. The diagnostic unit includes a diagnostic image processor and a diagnostic fault isolator.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for integrating a plurality of diagnostic information from a multiple of sources. In this invention, there is a site specific database which contains site specific information for a machine. A plurality of diagnostic related information is obtained from the machine. A diagnostic router collects the site specific information for the machine and the plurality of diagnostic related information and generates a current incident record therefrom. An approved incident record database contains a plurality of approved incident records obtained from a plurality of machines. An integrator finds approved incident records from the approved incident record database that most closely match the current incident record.

Abstract: A diagnostic system is provided for identifying faults in a machine (e.g., CT scanner, MRI system, x-ray apparatus) by analyzing a data file generated thereby. The diagnostic system includes a trained database containing a plurality of trained data, each trained data associated with one of plurality of known fault types. Each trained data is represented by a trained set of feature values and corresponding weight values. Once a data file is generated by the machine, a current set of feature values are extracted from the data file by performing various analyses (e.g., time domain analysis, frequency domain analysis, wavelet analysis). The current set of feature values extracted is analyzed by a fault detector which produces a candidate set of faults based on the trained set of feature values and corresponding weight values for each of the fault types. The candidate set of faults produced by the fault detector is presented to a user along with a recommend repair procedure.

Abstract: A system is provided for identifying faults in a non-OEM computed tomography system having components in connection with the detectors to reconstruct an image. Then, correlation values are derived from baseline reference data files and current data files collected after a fault is suspected in the CT system. The correlation values are compared against a threshold to identify suspect detectors and a pattern recognition algorithm is applied to determine if the suspect detectors are faulty or if one of the components processing the output signals has failed. If baseline files are unavailable, the identification of faulty components is accomplished by performing correlation between the current data files and average profile values.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for performing image-based diagnosis. In this invention, historical artifact images and corresponding actions for repairing the artifacts are acquired and stored in a database. The database of historical artifact images and corresponding actions is used to diagnose an incoming artifact image having an unknown fault.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for diagnosing and validating a machine with waveform data generated therefrom. In this invention, historical waveform data are obtained from machines having known faults along with corresponding actions for repairing the machines and are used to develop fault classification rules. The fault classification rules are stored in a diagnostic knowledge database. The database of classification rules are used to diagnose new waveform data from a machine having an unknown fault.