Patent ID: 6212256
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: H05G

Abstract:
A method for management of replacement of x-ray tubes, the method comprising the steps of:monitoring a plurality of operating parameters of a system at a service facility remote from the system the system including an x-ray tube;transmitting data representative of the plurality of parameters from the system to the remote service facility via a computer network the data representative of the plurality of parameters being transmitted to the remote service facility during periodic data sweeps of the system by the remote service facility;analyzing the monitored parameters at the remote service facility in accordance with a predetermined failure prediction routine by comparing values derived from the monitored parameters to reference values derived from similar parameters of a known population of x-ray tubes; andautomatically scheduling replacement of the x-ray tube based upon the analysis of the monitored parameters and transmitting a message coordinating replacement of the x-ray tube from a known tube stock.