Abstract: The present disclosure relates approaches that may be used to analyze data from hospital records to identify deficiencies in the operation of the hospital. In certain implementations, features of the data may be evaluated in conjunction with performance indicators to identify root causes associated with the deficiencies. In further implementations, identification of root causes of deficiencies identified in the historical data may be used to generate recommendations for changes to the operation of the hospital. In further implementations, events may be predicted based on the identification of a features or features within the current data that is indicative of a pending problem or event.

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 method and device for monitoring failures are disclosed herein. The monitoring device comprises an environmental event generator and a status-monitor. The environmental event generator generates an environmental trigger based on changes in an environmental factor, and the status-monitor monitors failure-status of plurality of elements in a system. The status-monitor is configured to change its operational profile based on the environmental trigger. The device further comprises a decision mechanism configured to link the changes in an environmental factor and associated failure modes to different service industries.

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: 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 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 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.