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Medical Patent Abstract
According to one embodiment, the present technique provides a medical
device component having an RF tag that is configured to provide
information regarding the medical device component. Particularly,
the RF tag may contain and provide information regarding maintenance,
installation, and manufacture of the medical device component. Indeed,
the exemplary embodiment of the present technique may facilitate
the development of an "as built" or hardware configuration
of the medical device through the use of RF tags. Advantageously,
the medical device may be surveyed by activating the RF tags, which
contain and transmit information regarding the various components
in the medical device.
Medical Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus, comprising: a field replaceable unit configured
for operation with a medical device; a radio frequency (RF) transmission
device coupleable to the field replaceable unit and configured to
transmit information regarding the field replaceable unit, wherein
the field replaceable unit is configured to provide power to the
RF transmission device; and a plurality of components, including
the field replaceable unit, configured to cooperate with one another
as part of the medical device, wherein each of the components comprises
a RF transmission device.
2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the radio frequency
transmission device is configured to transmit the information regarding
the field replaceable unit in response to a command from the medical
device.
3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, comprising a RF interrogator,
wherein the RF transmission device transmits information about the
field replaceable unit in response to a signal from the RF interrogator.
4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the RF transmission
device comprises a power source.
5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the RF transmission
device is configured to transmit the information regarding the field
replaceable unit in response to a signal from an RF interrogator.
6. An imaging device system, comprising: an imaging device; a component
located in the imaging device and configured for operation with
the imaging device; and a radio frequency (RF) transmitter configured
to broadcast information regarding at least one of manufacture,
maintenance, and installation of the component, wherein the RF transmitter
is further configured to not broadcast during operation of the imaging
device.
7. The imaging device system as recited in claim 6, wherein the
imaging device comprises a magnetic resonance imaging device.
8. The imaging device system as recited in claim 6, wherein the
imaging device comprises a computed tomography device.
9. The imaging device system as recited in claim 6, comprising
an RF reader configured to receive the information regarding the
component from the RF transmitter.
10. The imaging device system as recited in claim 6, comprising
an RF interrogator, wherein the RF transmitter is configured to
transmit the information regarding the component in response to
a signal from the RF interrogator.
11. The imaging device system as recited in claim 6, wherein the
RF transmitter is located in the imaging device.
12. The imaging device system as recited in claim 6, wherein the
RF transmitter is coupled to the component.
13. A system for maintaining a medical device, comprising: a medical
device component for use within a medical device; a radio frequency
(RF) transmitter coupled to the medical device component and maintaining
information related to the medical device component; and a RF receiver
configured to receive the information related to the medical device
component from the RF transmitter, wherein the medical device, the
medical device component, or a combination thereof is configured
to communicate with the RF transmitter, wherein the RF transmitter
is configured to not broadcast during operation of the medical device.
14. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein the RF transmitter
maintains information related to installation of the medical device
component in the medical device.
15. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein the RF transmitter
maintains information related to the manufacture of the medical
device component.
16. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein the RF transmitter
maintains information related to the maintenance of the medical
device component.
17. A method for maintaining a medical device, comprising: storing
information regarding a component of the medical device in a radio
frequency (RF) device coupled to the component; activating the radio
frequency (RF) device; communicating between the component of the
medical device and the radio frequency (RF) device; receiving the
information regarding the component via a transmission from the
RF device; determining a component list of the medical device via
the information received from the RF device; and remotely communicating
with the RF device over a network.
18. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein activating comprises
providing power to the RF device.
19. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein activating comprises
interrogating the RF device via an RF interrogator.
20. The method as recited in claim 17, comprising determining whether
service is warranted on the component of the medical device based
upon the information received from the RF device.
21. The method as recited in claim 17, comprising servicing the
component of the medical device in response to the information received
from the RF device.
22. The method as recited in claim 17, comprising scheduling maintenance
for the component of the medical device based upon the information
received from the RF device.
23. A method, comprising: activating an active radio frequency
(RF) device having information regarding at least one of maintenance,
installation, and manufacture of a field replaceable unit of a medical
imaging device, wherein activating comprises powering the active
RF device from the field replaceable unit of the medical imaging
device; and receiving the information regarding the field replaceable
unit via a transmission from the RF device, wherein the medical
imaging device comprises a plurality of components, including the
field replaceable unit, configured to cooperate with one another
as part of the medical imaging device, wherein each of the components
comprises a RF device.
24. A system for maintenance of a medical device, the system, comprising:
one or more tangible media comprising a computer program encoded
thereon, wherein the computer program comprises: code for activating
a radio frequency (RF) device having information regarding at least
one of maintenance, installation, and manufacture of a component
of the medical device; code for receiving the information regarding
the component via a transmission from the RF device; code for remotely
communicating with the RF device over a network; and code for preventing
the RF device from transmitting during operation of the medical
device.
25. The system as recited in claim 24, comprising code for scheduling
maintenance of the medical device based upon the information regarding
the component received from the RF device.
26. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein activating comprises
powering the radio frequency (RF) device from the component of the
medical device.
27. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein communicating comprises
instructing the radio frequency (RF) device not to broadcast during
operation of the medical device.
28. A method, comprising: storing information regarding a field
replaceable unit of an imaging device in a radio frequency (RF)
device coupled to the field replaceable unit, wherein the imaging
device comprises a plurality of components, including the field
replaceable unit, configured to cooperate with one another as part
of the imaging device, wherein each of the components comprises
a respective RF device; and powering the radio frequency (RF) device
from the field replaceable unit of the imaging device.
29. The method as recited in claim 28, comprising communicating
between the field replaceable unit of the imaging device and the
radio frequency (RF) device.
30. The method as recited in claim 29, comprising remotely communicating
with the RF device over a network.
31. A method for maintaining a medical device, comprising: storing
information regarding a component of the medical device in a radio
frequency (RF) device coupled to the component, wherein the medical
device comprises a plurality of components, including the component,
configured to cooperate with one another as part of the medical
device, wherein each of the components comprises a respective RF
device; and instructing the radio frequency (RF) device not to broadcast
during operation of the medical device.
32. The method as recited in claim 31, comprising communicating
between the component of the medical device and the radio frequency
(RF) device.
33. The method as recited in claim 32, comprising: activating the
radio frequency (RF) device; and receiving the information regarding
the component via a transmission from the RF device.
34. The method as recited in claim 33, comprising remotely communicating
with the RF device over a network.
35. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein the medical device,
the medical device component, or a combination thereof, is configured
to power the RF transmitter.
36. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the field replaceable
unit comprises a part of a medical imaging device.
37. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the RF transmission
device is configured to not broadcast during operation of the medical
device.
38. The method as recited in claim 23, wherein the active RF device
is configured to not broadcast during operation of the medical imaging
device.
39. The method as recited in claim 28, wherein the RF device is
configured to not broadcast during operation of the imaging device.
40. An apparatus, comprising: a field replaceable unit configured
for operation with a medical device; and a radio frequency (RF)
transmission device coupleable to the field replaceable unit and
configured to transmit information regarding the field replaceable
unit, wherein the field replaceable unit is configured to provide
power to the RF transmission device, and the field replaceable unit
comprises a part of a medical imaging device.
Medical Patent Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present technique relates to methods and apparatus for servicing
and maintaining medical equipment. More particularly, the present
technique relates to servicing and maintaining medical equipment
via radio frequency tags.
Medical practitioners, such as physicians, may employ various types
of medical devices to diagnose and treat patients. As one example,
imaging devices, such as magnet resonance imaging (MRI) devices,
positron emission tomography (PET) devices, computed tomography
(CT), or X-ray systems, may produce detailed images of internal
tissues and organs of a patient, thereby mitigating the need for
invasive exploratory procedures and providing valuable tools for
identifying and diagnosing disease and for verifying wellness.
Such medical devices may include any number of components and sub-systems
for operation. However, from time to time, the various components
and sub-subsystems require maintenance and/or replacement. For example,
the performance of the components may degrade over time, thereby
reducing the efficacy of the medical device. To restore the medical
device to its full potential, a technician may adjust or service
the various components. In certain instances, the technician may
replace the component in question with a new component all-together.
Typically, records related to the maintenance of the medical device
are entered manually. For example, the technician may create a record
of the service event manually by entering information regarding
the service event into a logbook. However, a follow-up technician
(i.e., subsequent technician) may not have access to the previously
created record. Accordingly, the follow-up technician may not have
access to information regarding the components in the medical device.
Difficulties in servicing the medical device may arise if the technician
lacks information regarding the components presently in the medical
device, i.e., a current hardware configuration. For example, if
a manufacturer issues a recall on a certain component, the technician
may find it difficult to locate the particular medical devices in
need of recall service. Similarly, with no record or inaccurate
records of service events, hardware or software configurations,
service technicians may be required to spend valuable time to determine
the existing equipment and programming present in the system before
being able properly to perform servicing. Difficulties in obtaining
information regarding the components of a medical device may lead
to increased costs and delays.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved technique for maintaining
and servicing medical devices. Particularly, there is a need for
a technique that provides information regarding components of a
medical device to reduce costs, delays, and difficulties in servicing
and maintaining medical devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides techniques for addressing such needs.
According to one embodiment, the present technique provides an assembly
for use with medical device. The assembly includes a component configured
for operation with the medical device, such as a programmable logic
unit (PLU) in a heart monitor, an X-ray detector, a cryogenic cold
head, medical device control circuitry, to name but a few examples.
The assembly also includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter configured
to transmit information about the component. By way of example,
a technician may survey the medical device to determine its present
configuration via an RF reader, which receives the RF transmissions
from the various RF transmitters located throughout the medical
device, particularly on the components.
According to another embodiment, the present technique provides
an imaging device system. The system includes an imaging device,
which may be one of any number of imaging devices. The system also
includes a component that is operable with the imaging device and
that is located in the imaging device. Furthermore, the system includes
an RF transmitter configured to broadcast information about the
component.
Additionally, the present technique provides an exemplary method
for maintaining a medical device. The method includes activating
an RF device having information regarding at least one of maintenance,
installation, and manufacture of a component of the medical device.
The method also includes receiving the information regarding the
component via a transmission from the RF device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical illustration of an exemplary imaging
network in accordance with aspects of the present technique;
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical illustration of an exemplary imaging
device component in accordance with aspects of the present technique;
FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary process in accordance with
aspects of the present technique; and
FIG. 4 is a flow chart of another exemplary process in accordance
with aspects of the present technique.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary imaging
device system 10. Although reference is made to imaging devices
throughout the following discussion, this is not to be viewed as
limiting the present technique to imaging devices. Medical devices,
such as heart and other monitors, surgical instruments, devices
for administration or regulation of medicament or other flows, endoscopic
devices, to name but a few types of medical devices, may benefit
from the present technique. Indeed, the present technique is applicable
to any number of medical devices, and imaging devices are just but
one example. The exemplary system includes an imaging device 12,
such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, a computed tomography
(CT) scanner, an X-ray device, a mammography device, to name but
a few kinds of imaging devices. When installed at a medical facility,
the imaging device 12 provides image data and reconstructed images
of a patient. The imaging device 12 may include any number of components,
many of which may be field replaceable units or FRUs 14. Examples
of such FRUs include sensors 16. Certain, or all FRUs 14 may include,
in accordance with the present technique, RF tags 18, as discussed
in further detail below.
To produce image data and reconstructed images from the raw data
regarding the patient (e.g., resulting from attenuation of a beam
of X-ray radiation by internal anatomies of a patient, the imaging
device 12 may transmit this raw data to image processing circuitry
19. By way of example, the image processing circuitry 19 may include
a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that receives analog signals
and converts them to digital signals via digital signal processing
(DSP) circuits.
One or more system controllers 20 may direct and control operation
of the imaging device 12. By way of example, the system controllers
20 may comprise processor-based devices or programmable logic units
(PLUs), both of which may analyze data from the sensors 16 located
throughout the imaging device 12 and may provide commands or instructions
for operation of the device. For automated control of the imaging
device 12, computer programs typically provide instructions to the
various system controllers 20. The computer programs also may interpret
data from the various sensors 16 and provide appropriate instructions
in response.
Both the image processing circuitry 19 and the system controllers
20 may communicate with a user interface 22. By way of example,
the user interface 22 may include a display for presenting the produced
image to a medical professional for diagnostic purposes. Moreover,
the user interface 22 may receive inputs from the user and may communicate
such inputs to the imaging device 12 or system controller, for example.
In many instances, the imaging device 12 may communicate with remote
locations and devices via a network 24, such as a Local Area Network
(LAN), a Server Area Network (SAN), a Metropolitan Area Network
(MAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Virtual Private Network (VPN),
the Internet, or any other suitable kind of network. Communications
over the network 24 may be conducted via any number of communications
schemes and protocols, such as Global Standard for Mobile (GSM),
Time Division for Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple
Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), or any
other suitable communications techniques. By way of example, the
imaging system 10 may communicate with one or more remote monitoring
centers 26, which may receive operation data and imaging data from
the imaging device 12 via the network 24. Advantageously, the remote
monitoring centers 26, communicating via the network 24, may improve
the image data quality as well as remotely monitor and adjust the
operating parameters of the imaging device 12. The network 24 may
also facilitate access to remote databases 28. Advantageously, the
remote databases 28 may store large volumes of data and data from
a wide variety of sources coupled to the network 24. That is, data
from multiple imaging devices 12 may be stored at a central location.
Indeed, such data may be accessed by user interfaces 22 at locations
remote from the imaging device 12 that produced the data.
In certain instances, a field technician may wish to access data
or alter operating parameters related to the imaging device 12.
Accordingly, a field unit 30, such as a laptop computer or hand-held
device, may communicate with the system controllers 20. Advantageously,
the field technician, via the field unit 30, may monitor operations
of the imaging device 12 and provide system adjustments in response,
to improve the quality of the images produced or otherwise to service
operation of the system. Furthermore, the field technician may remotely
access data regarding the operations of the imaging device 12 for
purposes of testing and calibration, for example. Moreover, the
field unit 30 also may communicate with the imaging device 12, the
databases 28, and remote monitoring centers 26 via the network 24.
As discussed above, the imaging device 12 may include a number
of components configured for operation with the imaging device 12.
In many instances, the components may be field replaceable units
or FRUs 14. That is, the component may be serviceable and replaceable
while the imaging device 12 is at its operating location, such as
a medical facility. By way of example, the FRU 14 may include a
compressor, a cold head, a gantry component, a printed circuit board,
to name but a few categories or types of FRUs 14. Moreover, it is
worth noting again that components of medical devices unrelated
to imaging devices also may fall within the scope of the present
application. As stated above, imaging devices are just but one exemplary
type of medical device. Each or certain of the FRUs 14 may include
an RF tag 18. As discussed further below, the RF tag 18 may contain
information regarding the FRU 14, more particularly, information
regarding maintenance, manufacture, and installation of the FRU
14.
To receive the information from the RF tags 18, the system 10 may
include an RF transceiver 32. For example, the RF transceiver 32
may accept and interpret RF transmissions from the RF tags 18. In
certain instances, the RF transceiver 32 may include an interrogator.
Advantageously, the interrogator may activate the RF tag 18, thereby
allowing the RF transceiver 32 to receive the transmissions from
the RF tag 18, as discussed further below. The RF transceiver 32
may communicate with remote locations, such as the database 28 and
the remote monitoring centers 26, via the network 24. Moreover,
the RF transceiver 32 may communicate with local devices, such as
the field unit 30 or the user interface 22, which is typically local
to the transceiver. The workings of the RF tag 18 and the RF transceiver
32 are discussed in further detail below.
Prior to installation, however, the FRUs 14 may be stocked at a
storage facility, such as a warehouse 34, or at a mobile location,
such as in the possession of a mobile service provider 36. Accordingly,
as discussed further below, RF transceivers 32 and interrogators
may survey the FRUs 14 located at these locations for desirable
information. For example, the FRUs may be surveyed to determine
how many FRUs of a certain lot number are still within inventory.
Advantageously, this information may be communicated to other locations
via the network 24.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary FRU 14. The FRU 14 may
receive power from a local power source, such as a battery, or from
a distributed power source, such as the power source of the imaging
device 12. To distribute this power, the FRU 14 may include power
distribution circuitry 38. Advantageously, the power distribution
circuitry 38 of the FRU may include signal-conditioning circuitry,
which may condition the received power to appropriate levels for
the various devices within the FRU 14. For example, the power distribution
circuitry may rectify ac power to dc power, as required. The FRU
14 also may include control circuitry 40 that provides commands
to the various devices within the FRU 14. For example, the FRU control
circuitry 40 may provide commands to and receive data from the RF
transceiver 32. Advantageously, the FRU control circuitry 40 may
communicate with the system controllers 20 (see FIG. 1) of the imaging
device 12. Accordingly, the system controllers 20, through the FRU
control circuitry 40, may command the various devices of the FRU
14. For example, the system controllers 20 may provide commands
to a RF transceiver 32 located in the FRU 14.
As discussed above, the exemplary FRU 14 includes RF tags 18. If
so desired, the RF tags 18 may be integrated with the respect to
the FRU 14 or may be coupled to the FRU 14 externally. The RF tag
18 will typically include communications circuitry 42 coupled to
an antenna 44. The communications circuitry 42 may store information
related to the component and may transmit this information, via
the antenna 44, to an appropriate reading device, such as the RF
transceiver 32. Indeed, the communications circuitry 42 may be an
integrated circuit that is relatively small in size.
As one example, the RF tag 18 may be an active tag. That is, the
RF tag 18 may receive a steady source of power from a power supply,
such as the FRU power distribution circuitry 38 or an independent
RF power supply 46, such as a battery. The RF tag 18 may include
RF control circuitry 48, which may control operations of the RF
tag 18, e.g., control transmissions from the RF tag 18. Indeed,
constant transmission of an RF signal by the RF tag 18 may interfere
with operations of the imaging device 12 (see FIG. 1). Accordingly,
the RF control circuitry 48 may activate and deactivate the communications
circuitry 42 to prevent interference with operations of the imaging
device 12. Advantageously, the RF control circuitry 48 may communicate
with the FRU control circuitry 40, which, in turn, communicate with
the systems controllers 20. Accordingly, the command to activate
or deactivate the RF tag 18 may come from any number of locations,
e.g., the remote control centers 26, the user interface 22, and
so forth.
Alternatively, the RF tag 18 may be a passive tag. That is, a low-level
radio frequency electromagnetic field generated by the RF transceiver
32 (more specifically, an interrogator of the RF transceiver) may
power the RF tag 18. Accordingly, when the RF transceiver 32 generates
the appropriate field, the RF tag 18 may begin to broadcast the
information stored therein. Because the RF tag 18 does not broadcast
when unpowered by the appropriate field, it remains dormant (i.e.,
not broadcasting) during operation of the imaging device 12 (see
FIG. 1). Thus, the RF tag 18 does not interfere with operation of
the imaging device 12.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary process for providing information
regarding the FRU 14. The exemplary process includes inputting manufacture
information into the RF tag 18. For example, the manufacturer may
enter the FRU 14 lot number, manufacture date, serial number, component
type, component specifications, to name but a few types of manufacture
information. Block 50 represents this step in the exemplary process.
The exemplary process also includes maintaining and transporting
the FRU 14, as represented by block 52. For example, the FRU 14
may be maintained at the warehouse 34 for initial installation.
Alternatively, the FRU 14 may be in the possession of the mobile
service technician 36 for installation at the operating location,
e.g., at the medical facility. Advantageously, by reading the transmissions
from the RF tags 18, a current inventory of the FRUs at the exemplary
locations may be determined.
In either event, the FRU 14 may be installed into the imaging device
12, as represented by block 54. Once installed, information related
to installation of the component may be entered into the RF tag
18. For example, a technician may enter an installation date, installation
location, installation technician, to name but a few types of installation
information, into the RF tag 18. Block 56 represents this step in
the exemplary process. Moreover, if maintenance has been conducted
on the component, this information may also be entered into the
RF tag 18. For example, if the technician has recalibrated or restored
the FRU 14 to operating status, the technician may enter this maintenance
information into the RF tag 18.
When appropriate, the maintenance, installation and/or manufacture
information related to the FRU 14 stored in the RF tag 18 may be
retrieved. To accomplish this, a technician may activate the RF
tags 18 for reading, as represented by block 58. This task may vary
depending upon the type of RF tag 18 employed, i.e., passive or
active. For example, to activate an active RF tag 18, the technician
may provide power to the communication circuitry via a power source,
such as a battery in the RF tag itself or from power distribution
circuitry within the FRU. Block 60 represents these steps in the
exemplary process.
The activated RF tags 18, i.e., the RF tags 18 receiving power,
may broadcast the information stored in the RF tag 18. The RF transceiver
32 may receive this information and provide it to the appropriate
location. For example, the RF transceiver 32 may provide the information
to the system controllers 20, the field unit 30 or to remote locations
connected to the network 24. Block 62 represents this step in the
exemplary process. To prevent the RF transmissions from the RF tag
18 from interfering with operations of the imaging device 12, power
may be removed, thereby deactivating the RF tags 18, as represented
by block 64. That is, upon removal of the power from the RF tag
18, the RF tag may deactivate and may cease broadcasting any RF
transmissions. Accordingly, the RF tags 18 may be activated when
the imaging device is not in use, such as during startup or just
prior to servicing.
Alternatively, the RF tags 18 may be passive RF tags 18. Accordingly,
providing a low-level radio frequency electromagnetic field generated
by the interrogator device of the RF transceiver 32, for example,
may activate the RF tags 18. Block 66 represents this step in the
exemplary process. Once activated, the RF transceiver 32 may receive
the RF transmissions that may contain maintenance, installation,
and manufacture information form the RF tags 18, as represented
by block 68. Because the RF tags 18 are passive, removing the electrical
field generated by the interrogator deactivates the passive RF tags
18.
In either case, the obtained information may be stored in databases,
such as the remote databases 28. Accordingly, the stored information
may be accessed by technicians for any number of purposes, examples
of which are discussed further below. Blocks 70 and 72 represent
these steps in the exemplary process. Advantageously, a component
list of the imaging device 12 may be developed without considerable
expense and the tedium of paperwork. For example, if a technician
wished to obtain an "as built" configuration (i.e., current
hardware configuration) of an imaging device 12 at a certain medical
facility, he could activate the RF tags 18 and receive the transmitted
information, because each RF tag 18 holds information regarding
its respective components, e.g., FRUs 14. Indeed, various components
may be interchanged and replaced by any number of technicians, and
an "as built" list may be obtained by activating the RF
tags and reading the information stored therein. Moreover, by way
of example, the integrated relationship between the RF tag 18 and
the FRU 14 may provide easily accessible information regarding the
FRUs 14 in the imaging device 12 even without an affirmative action
by the technician.
Advantageously, because of the interconnectivity of the network,
the system controllers, the FRU control circuitry, and the RF control
circuitry, the foregoing steps may be performed remotely. For example,
a technician located at the remote monitoring center 26 may activate
the RF tags 18 to obtain the information stored in the RF tags 18.
Furthermore, a computer program, remotely or locally located, may
command the various devices of the imaging device system 10 to conduct
the exemplary steps discussed above.
FIG. 4 represents steps in an exemplary process for maintaining
and/or servicing an imaging device 12. As one step, the technician
may poll or survey the FRUs 14 in the imaging device 12. For example,
the technician may carry a hand-held RF transceiver 32 into proximity
with the imaging device 12. Once there, he may activate the RF tags
18 and receive the information broadcast by the RF tags 18. Of course,
because of the connectivity of the imaging device system 10, the
technician may conduct this step from a remote location. Block 74
represents this step in the exemplary process.
With the FRU information obtained from the RF tags 18, the technician
may determine whether service or maintenance of the imaging device
12 or FRU 14 is warranted, as represented by block 76. For example,
if a certain type of FRU 14 has been recalled, it may be difficult
to determine at what locations such FRUs 14 are installed. However,
by surveying imaging devices 12 at various locations via the RF
tags 18 coupled to the appropriate FRUs 14, an "as built"
list may be quickly determined. With the "as built" information,
the technician may determine if the FRUs 14 at the imaging device
he is presently servicing require replacing. As another example,
the FRU 14 may require servicing a various intervals. However, various
FRUs 14 may have been installed into the imaging device 12 at different
times by different technicians. Accordingly, by surveying the imaging
device 12 via the RF tags 18, the installation information may indicate
when the particular FRU was installed, from which the time until
probable lapse of the maintenance interval may be determined. As
yet another example, a modernization program to replace FRUs in
need of frequent repair may employ the RF tags 18. Because the RF
tag 18 may contain information regarding maintenance of the FRU
14, a technician may simply survey the RF tags 18 and determine
when the various FRUs have been serviced and what service was conducted.
In any event, the technician may repair or replace the FRU 14,
as represented by block 78. Once the FRU 14 has been replaced or
repaired, if desired, the technician may enter new information into
the RF tag 18 of the replaced or repaired FRU 14. Alternatively,
the information may be inserted into the RF tag from a remote location
via the network, for example. That is, the information may be "pushed"
onto the RF tag 18 from a remote location. Block 80 represents these
steps in the exemplary process. The exemplary process also may include
reading the RF tags 18 that contain information regarding the FRU
14 to determine the changes made by the technician and for storage
of the FRU information into the databases 28, as represented by
blocks 82 and 84.
While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way
of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein.
However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended
to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention
is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following
appended claims. Indeed, the present technique may benefit any number
of medical devices, of which imaging devices are but one exemplary
kind. |