Patent ID: 6823277
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
A method for controlling the calibration of an instrument, comprising:determining instrument calibration status, wherein the determination is made automatically by the instrument examining calibration history data stored by the instrument; and when instrument calibration is past due: activating a restriction inhibiting the instrument from making a measurement, wherein the restriction is automatically activated by the instrument; notifying a user that the calibration is past due, wherein the notification is initiated automatically by the instrument; and when the user decides to make the measurement with the out-of-calibration instrument, manually overriding the restriction; and making the measurement; otherwise: removing the instrument from measurement service; calibrating the instrument; updating the calibration history stored by the instrument to reflect a new time that a new calibration is due; removing the restriction inhibiting the instrument from making a measurement; and returning the instrument to measurement service; otherwise: maintaining the instrument in measurement service.