Method and system for exchanging device performance data

By converting the performance data of the communication isolation device into scanned codes and transmitting them to a remote server for decoding and verification, the remote monitoring and evaluation of the communication isolation device is solved, and safe and reliable performance data transmission and evaluation are achieved.

CN119690730BActive Publication Date: 2025-08-12ENDRA LIFE SCIENCES INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411891521.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-02-24
Filing Date
2022-10-14
Publication Date
2025-08-12
Estimated Expiration
2042-10-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Remote monitoring and performance evaluation of communication isolation devices face challenges, especially when devices cannot connect directly to external networks.

Method used

Convert the performance data of the communication isolation device into a scanable code (such as a QR code), capture and decode through the communication enable device, establish a connection to a remote server, transmit performance data, and perform verification and analysis.

Benefits of technology

It realizes safe and reliable performance data transmission and evaluation of communication isolation equipment, reduces the need for on-site access, and ensures data integrity and security.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present application relates to a method and system for exchanging device performance data. The method for exchanging device performance data includes the following steps: obtaining performance data of a communication isolation device; converting the performance data into a scannable code; capturing an image of the scannable code; decoding the scannable code using a communication-enabled device to extract an address string encoded in the scannable code, the address string including an address of a remote server and performance data; and initiating a communication link with the remote server using the address string by the communication-enabled device, thereby providing the performance data to the remote server.
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Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with the application date of October 14, 2022, application number 202280069755.X, and invention name “Method and system for exchanging device performance data”. field

[0002] The subject disclosure generally relates to methods and systems for exchanging equipment performance data. background

[0003] In today's world, it's common for devices to be able to communicate freely with other devices via wireless and / or wired networks. However, in many cases, enabling devices to communicate freely in this way is impossible or undesirable. For various reasons, these devices may be communicationally isolated. For example, many legacy devices manufactured without such communication capabilities still exist and are in use. In some environments, device connectivity is restricted to reduce the risk of third-party hacking attempts, unwanted access to sensitive information, or other reasons. This may be the result of firewalls and / or other security measures, or simply the choice of the device owner. In some environments, device connectivity is restricted due to geographic location.

[0004] As will be appreciated, remotely monitoring performance and operating analytics can present challenges when equipment is communication isolated. Not surprisingly, the monitoring and assessment of communication isolated equipment needs improvement.

[0005] Therefore, it is an object to provide new methods and systems for exchanging device performance data.

[0006] This background is only used to set the scene to allow those skilled in the art to better understand the following brief and detailed description.The above discussion should not be regarded as an admission that the discussion is part of the prior art or is common general knowledge. Brief Description

[0007] It should be understood that this summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] Therefore, in one aspect, a method is provided, comprising: obtaining performance data of a communication isolation device; converting the performance data into a scannable code; capturing an image of the scannable code; decoding the scannable code using a communication-enabled device to extract an address string encoded in the scannable code, the address string comprising an address of a remote server and the performance data; and initiating, by the communication-enabled device, a communication link with the remote server using the address string, thereby providing the performance data to the remote server.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes performing, by the remote server, analysis of the performance data.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises at least one of: sending historical device performance data and / or analysis results to a remote computing device; and sending a link to the historical device performance data and / or analysis results to the remote computing device. In one form, the communication-enabled device and the remote computing device may be the same device or different devices.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the communication isolated device is a medical imaging device, and wherein obtaining the performance data includes scanning a phantom using the medical imaging device and / or acquiring medical imaging device sensor data and generating a system status report identifying one or more operating parameters of the medical imaging device.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the communications isolated device is packaging equipment, and wherein obtaining the performance data includes scanning the calibration unit using the packaging equipment and generating a system status report identifying one or more operating parameters of the packaging equipment.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the communication isolated device is a packaging apparatus, and wherein obtaining the performance data includes running a packaging phantom through the packaging apparatus, scanning the packaging phantom using the calibration unit, and generating a system status report identifying one or more operating parameters of the packaging apparatus using the calibration unit.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the method includes encoding the performance data prior to converting. In one form, encoding includes serializing the performance data and transforming the serialized performance data to tamper-proof the performance data. In one form, transforming the serialized performance data includes subjecting the serialized performance data to one of a checksum function or an encryption procedure. In one form, subjecting includes subjecting the serialized performance data to a checksum function to generate a digital signature that is appended to the serialized performance data. In one form, encoding also includes sanitizing the transformed serialized performance data into an address string format and prepending the address of the remote server to the sanitized performance data to form the address string.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the scannable code is a matrix code. In one form, the matrix code is a Quick Response (QR) code.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes presenting the scannable code on a display console of the communications isolation device and / or printing the scannable code on a physical medium after the converting.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the method includes capturing an image of a scannable code with a communication-enabled device.

[0018] According to another aspect, a method is provided, comprising: receiving, by a server, a network connection request from a communication-enabled device, the network connection request comprising an address string extracted from an image of a scannable code, the address string comprising an address of the server and performance data of the communication isolation device; extracting, by the server, performance data from the network connection request; and verifying, by the server, the performance data.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, verification includes: subjecting the extracted performance data to a checksum function to generate a signature; and comparing the generated signature to a signature in the address string to determine whether the signature and the generated signature match.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes compiling, by the server, the performance data with previous performance data in a database to create historical performance data.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes running analytics on the performance data.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises at least one of: transmitting the historical performance data and / or the results of the analysis to a remote computing device; and transmitting a link to the historical performance data and / or the results of the analysis to the remote computing device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for exchanging performance data of a medical imaging device;

[0025] Figure 2 is Figure 1 A flowchart of a method for exchanging medical imaging device performance data performed by a system;

[0026] Figure 3 is a system status report and a matrix code, the system status report including performance parameters of the medical imaging device, the matrix code including the system status report presented on a display console of the medical imaging device;

[0027] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a flow chart of the performance data processing performed during the method;

[0028] Figure 5 is Figure 2 another flow chart of the performance data processing performed during the method;

[0029] Figure 6 is Figure 1 Exemplary historical data generated by the system; and

[0030] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a system for exchanging packaging unit performance data. Detailed description

[0031] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain examples, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, features, structures, elements, components, etc. introduced in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not necessarily excluding plural forms of features, structures, elements, components, etc. Furthermore, reference to "one example" or "one embodiment" is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples or embodiments that also incorporate the described features, structures, elements, components, etc.

[0032] Unless explicitly stated to the contrary, examples or embodiments that “comprising,” “having,” or “including” a feature, structure, element, component, etc., or a plurality of features, structures, elements, components, etc., having a particular property may include additional features, structures, elements, components, etc. that do not have that property. Furthermore, it will be understood that the terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” mean “including but not limited to,” and that the terms “including,” “having,” and “including” have equivalent meanings.

[0033] As used herein, the term "and / or" may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed features, structures, elements, components, or other subject matter.

[0034] Reference herein to an "example" means that one or more features, structures, elements, components, characteristics, and / or operational steps described in conjunction with that example are included in at least one embodiment and / or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, throughout this disclosure, the phrases "an example," "another example," and similar language may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Furthermore, subject matter representing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include subject matter representing any other example.

[0035] References herein to "configured," "operable," and "adapted" refer to actual states that fundamentally link a feature, structure, element, component, or other subject matter to the physical properties of the feature, structure, element, component, or other subject matter preceding the phrases "configured," "operable," and "adapted." Thus, "configured," "operable," and "adapted" mean that the feature, structure, element, component, or other subject matter is designed and / or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms "configured," "operable," and "adapted" should not be interpreted to mean that a given feature, structure, element, component, or other subject matter is merely "capable of" performing a given function, but rather that the feature, structure, element, component, and / or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, and / or designed to perform that function.

[0036] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "first," "second," etc. are used herein merely as labels and are not intended to impose any order, position, or hierarchy requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Furthermore, reference to a "second" item does not require or preclude the presence of lower-numbered items (e.g., a "first" item) and / or higher-numbered items (e.g., a "third" item).

[0037] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," "substantially," "generally," and the like represent an amount or condition that is close to the stated amount or condition, which results in performing a desired function or achieving a desired result. For example, the terms "substantially," "approximately," "substantially," "generally," and the like may refer to an amount or condition that is within an engineering tolerance range of the exact value or condition, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0038] Generally speaking, this document describes methods and systems for exchanging device performance data. These methods and systems are particularly suitable for monitoring and evaluating the operation of communication-isolated devices. In this manner, communication-isolated devices can be repaired and their operation calibrated, if necessary, despite the lack of a direct or unimpeded connection to the device manufacturer / supplier or maintenance / service provider.

[0039] In the context of this application, communication isolation refers to a device whose communication capabilities related to performance or other selected data are intentionally or unintentionally prohibited, restricted or constrained. For example, a communication isolation device can be a traditional device that lacks communication capabilities. The communication isolation device can be located in a remote geographical location where it is difficult or impossible to establish a communication link. The communication isolation device can be located in an environment where firewalls and / or other security measures inhibit or limit the ability of the communication isolation device to establish a communication link with external devices. The communication capabilities of the communication isolation device can be constrained to prohibit the display or presentation of certain data, or to prevent field personnel from having to download certain data directly from the communication isolation device.

[0040] In one form, the method includes obtaining performance data of a communication isolation device and converting the performance data into a scannable code. An image of the scannable code is captured and the scannable code is decoded using a communication-enabled device to extract an address string encoded in the scannable code. The address string includes the address of a remote server and the performance data. The communication-enabled device initiates a communication link with the remote server using the address string, thereby providing the performance data to the remote server. The remote server extracts the performance data from the address string and verifies the performance data. Once verified, the performance data is compiled with historical performance data and / or an analysis is run on the performance data to evaluate the operation of the communication isolation device. Feedback can then be provided to the owner / operator of the communication isolation device by transmitting the historical performance data and / or the results of the analysis to the owner / operator of the device, or by transmitting a link to the historical performance data and / or the results of the analysis to the owner / operator of the communication isolation device. Further details regarding the method and system will now be described.

[0041] Now go to Figure 1 , a system for exchanging device performance data is shown, and the system is generally identified by reference character 100. In this embodiment, the device is a communication-isolated medical imaging device 102. The medical imaging device 102 can be a standalone device with its own display and processing capabilities. Alternatively, the medical imaging device 102 can include an imaging unit that communicates with one or more computing devices via a local area network or a wide area network, and the computing devices provide display and processing capabilities through wired and / or wireless communication links. For example, the medical imaging device 102 can be a thermoacoustic (TA) imaging system, an ultrasound (US) imaging system, a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system, or a computed tomography (CT) imaging system. Of course, the medical imaging device 102 may take other forms (such as a therapeutic device).

[0042] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the medical imaging device 102 acquires sensitive patient data and therefore is typically located in an environment where connections to external computing devices (eg, computing devices outside its network) are prohibited or restricted.

[0043] A remote server 104 (such as a network server) associated with the manufacturer of the medical imaging device 102 or an affiliate or subsidiary of the medical imaging device manufacturer is configured to receive performance data of the medical imaging device 102 from the communication-enabled device 106 and process the received performance data to allow monitoring and evaluation of the performance of the medical imaging device 102. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the remote server 104 includes, for example, one or more processors, system memory (volatile and / or non-volatile memory), other non-removable or removable memory (e.g., hard drive, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, DVD, flash memory, etc.), and a system bus that couples various computer components to the one or more processors.

[0044] In this embodiment, communication-enabled device 106 is a smart mobile or cellular phone, tablet or tablet computing device, or other portable computing device with image capture and internet communication capabilities. Devices of this nature are well known to those skilled in the art, and therefore, the details of communication-enabled device 106 will not be described herein. Communication-enabled device 106 is operable to capture images of encoded performance data generated by medical imaging device 102 and transmit the encoded performance data to remote server 104 via a communication link (such as internet connection 108, which will be described later).

[0045] In the subject embodiment, to allow monitoring and evaluation of the operation of the medical imaging device 102, the medical imaging device 102 has a diagnostic application installed therein. The diagnostic application may be executed in response to operator input or automatically at programmed intervals. Typically, when the diagnostic application is launched, the following operations are performed: Figure 2The performance data exchange method, generally designated by reference numeral 200, is shown. Specifically, when a diagnostic application is launched, a report is generated that includes performance data of the medical imaging device 102 (step 202). The reported performance data is then processed to encode and protect the performance data (step 204) and the processed performance data is appended to a uniform resource locator (URL) (i.e., a network address) of the remote server 104 (step 206). The URL including the performance data is then converted into a scannable matrix code, such as a Quick Response (QR) code, and presented by displaying the URL on a display console, screen, monitor, etc., of the medical imaging device 102 and / or by printing the URL on physical media (step 208). The presented matrix code can then be imaged by the communication-enabled device 106 (step 210).

[0046] Once imaging is complete, the communication-enabled device 106 can be configured to process and decode the matrix code to extract a URL, which is then used to establish an internet connection with the remote server 104 (step 212). In response to the established internet connection, the remote server 104 processes the URL to extract performance data for the medical imaging device 102 (step 214). The performance data is then stored and evaluated in an internal database by the remote server 104, thereby allowing for monitoring and evaluation of the operation of the medical imaging device 102 (step 216). Feedback regarding the operation of the medical imaging device 102 can then be provided to the owner / operator of the medical imaging device 102, thereby allowing for recalibration of the medical imaging device if necessary (step 218).

[0047] In this embodiment, when the diagnostic application is started at step 202, the medical imaging device 102 is adjusted to scan or image a known performance target (such as the phantom 110) and / or acquire data from the onboard sensors of the medical imaging device 102. Once the known performance target has been scanned or imaged and / or the onboard sensor data has been acquired, the medical imaging device 102 automatically generates the performance data in the form of a system status report and presents it on the display console of the medical imaging device 102, such as Figure 3As shown in FIG. In this example, the system status report identifies multiple performance parameters 300 of the medical imaging device 102, such as the average voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), average forward power, average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), SNR standard deviation, and SNR of the medical imaging device 102. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the system status report may identify fewer or more performance parameters of the medical imaging device 102. As described above, after the system status report is generated, it is then processed in step 204 and converted into a URL in step 206. The URL is then converted into a matrix code 302 and displayed on the display console of the medical imaging device 102 and / or printed onto physical media. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the system status report need not be displayed on the display console of the medical imaging device 102. Once generated, the system status report may be directly converted into a URL and then into a matrix code 302 so that only the matrix code is displayed on the display console of the medical imaging device 102.

[0048] Now go to Figure 4 , showing that in Figure 2 The steps performed during step 204 of processing the performance data are shown. As can be seen, the performance data is initially serialized to convert the performance data into a binary byte string (step 402). In this embodiment, Google Protocol Buffers are used to convert the performance data into a binary byte string. Once serialized, the binary byte string of the performance data is transformed to protect the binary byte string, thereby preventing the performance data from being tampered with (step 404). This ensures the integrity of the performance data. In this embodiment, the serialized binary byte string of the performance data is digitally signed by subjecting the binary byte string to a checksum function such as the SHA1 hash function, thereby generating a symmetric hash-based authentication code (HMAC) of typically 160 bits in length. The HMAC is then appended to the front of the binary byte string as a header. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative methods of transforming the serialized binary byte string of the performance data may be employed. For example, the serialized binary byte string of the performance data may be transformed using x509 public key encryption, Very Good Privacy (PGP) encryption, saltpack, and the like.

[0049] After the serialized binary byte string of the performance data is digitally signed, the binary byte stream including the HMAC header and the digital signature of the serialized binary byte string is sanitized for transmission over the Internet connection 108 (step 406). In this embodiment, during sanitization, the digitally signed binary byte stream is converted into a URL-safe base64 representation.

[0050] At step 206, a URL identifying the remote server 104 and one or more server routing paths is prepended to the base64 representation to generate an address string. In this embodiment, the resulting address string is an HTTP / 1 GET-style URL in the form of, for example, https: / / webservername / webserverroutepath(s) / base64-encoded-byte-string. Then, at step 208, the URL is converted into a QR code 302 using a standard QR code library, and the QR code is displayed on the display console of the medical imaging device 102 and / or printed on physical media.

[0051] Once presented on the display console of the medical imaging device 102 and / or printed on physical media, an image of the QR code 302 can be captured via the communication-enabled device 106. When the communication-enabled device 106 captures the image of the QR code, the communication-enabled device 106 decodes the QR code, resulting in an HTTP / 1 GET-style URL being displayed within a web browser on a display screen on the communication-enabled device 106. When a user of the communication-enabled device 106 selects the displayed HTTP / 1 GET-style URL, the communication-enabled device 106 transmits an HTTP GET request, which is delivered via the Internet connection 108 to the remote server 104 identified in the URL.

[0052] After receiving the HTTP GET request, the remote server 104 routes the HTTP GET request according to the server routing path identified in the URL, and then processes the URL in step 214. Figure 5 The steps performed during the processing of the URL at step 214 are shown. Specifically, during step 214, the remote server 104 extracts the trailer of the URL (i.e., the base64 representation of the digitally signed binary byte string) and interprets it as a base64-encoded payload (step 502). The remote server 104 then converts the base64-encoded payload back into a digitally signed binary byte string (step 504). The remote server 104 then separates the digitally signed binary byte string into an HMAC header and a trailer payload (step 506). The remote server 104 then subjects the trailer payload to the same SHA1 hash function to generate another HMAC signature (step 508) and compares the HMAC signature of the trailer payload with the HMAC header (step 510). If the HMAC signature of the trailer payload matches the HMAC header, the remote server 104 determines that the trailer payload contains valid performance data. If the HMAC signature of the trailer payload does not match the HMAC header, the remote server 104 ignores the trailer payload and generates an error message indicating an error in the performance data.

[0053] If the trailer payload is determined to include valid performance data, remote server 104 deserializes the trailer payload, for example using Google Protocol Buffers, to reconstruct the performance report (step 512). Remote server 104 then performs a check to determine whether the performance report already exists in the internal database. If the performance report already exists in the internal database, remote server 104 ignores the performance report and generates an error message indicating that the performance report is a duplicate.

[0054] According to step 216 above, if the performance report does not already exist in the internal database, the remote server 104 adds the performance report to the internal database and generates an acceptance message. Once the performance report is added to the internal database, analysis can be run on the performance data, such as comparing the performance report to past performance reports, operating standards / specifications, etc., to determine the operational health of the medical imaging device 102. The results of the analysis can then be used to update a dashboard. The dashboard, or a link to the dashboard, can then be transmitted to the owner / operator of the medical imaging device 102 via the internet connection 108 (step 218), thereby providing feedback to the owner / operator of the medical imaging device 102. During this step, the dashboard or link transmitted to the owner / operator of the medical imaging device 102 may include calibration data to be input into the medical imaging device 102 for recalibration. This calibration data can be provided in a form that facilitates input into the medical imaging device 102 and may take the form of a scannable code.

[0055] For example, Figure 6 1 shows exemplary historical data of a medical imaging device 102 that may be accessed by an owner / operator of the medical imaging device. Specifically, Figure 6 Shows the system signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) results, derived from measurements taken on a quality assurance phantom over a nine-month period. For normal operation, the specified SNR for medical imaging devices is 20 or higher. The last measurement, in April 2018, indicated that the medical imaging device was not within specification and should be repaired.

[0056] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, including the performance data of the medical imaging device 102 in a scannable code can be advantageous. For example, during maintenance, presenting performance data in this manner prevents sensitive performance data from being displayed, thereby keeping the diagnostic output of the medical imaging device 102 opaque to the customer. Furthermore, due to the sensitive nature of the data collected by the medical imaging device, service personnel may not be permitted to connect devices such as laptops or jump drives to the medical imaging device 102 to access performance data. In such cases, including the performance data in a scannable code provides service personnel with access to the performance data and avoids the need for the service personnel to manually record the displayed diagnostic output, a series of images, or a video. Furthermore, including the performance data in a scannable code allows access to the performance data while circumventing the network and security policies of the environment in which the medical imaging device 102 is located. Furthermore, including the performance data in a scannable code allows the performance data to be easily transmitted for analysis, thereby reducing the need for on-site preventative maintenance visits.

[0057] In the above-described systems and methods, the communication-enabled device 106 is described as capturing an image of the matrix code, decoding the matrix code to extract the URL of the remote server 104, and then establishing an Internet connection with the remote server. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these steps can be performed near the medical imaging device 102 and in real time after the image of the matrix code is acquired. Alternatively, if an Internet connection 108 is not readily available at the time of image capture, the communication-enabled device can be adjusted to establish an Internet connection with the remote server 104 long after the image of the matrix code is captured, as may be desired.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is not necessary for the communication-enabled device 106 to capture an image of the matrix code. Instead, an imaging device 106 (such as a conventional camera) can be used to capture an image of the matrix code. The captured image can then be re-imaged or scanned off-site by the communication-enabled device 106 and processed as described above to allow the performance data to be uploaded to the remote server 104.

[0059] Although specific reference is made to a medical imaging device, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the device may take other forms.The present method is applicable to essentially any communications isolated device whose performance needs to be monitored and assessed.

[0060] For example, now go to Figure 7 , a system for exchanging packaging device performance data is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral 600. System 600 is similar to Figure 1The illustrated system 100 includes a communication-isolating packaging device 602 and a calibration unit 612. Similar to the previous embodiment, the system 600 also includes a remote server 104 associated with the manufacturer of the packaging device 602 or an affiliate or subsidiary of the packaging device manufacturer, the remote server 104 being configured to receive performance data of the packaging device 602 from the communication-enabled device 106, process the received performance data to allow monitoring and evaluation of the performance of the packaging device 602, and return calibration data to the owner / operator of the packaging device 602, thereby allowing recalibration of the packaging device.

[0061] In this embodiment, when it is determined that the packaging device 602 is out of calibration or any desired interval, a packaging phantom 610 is provided by the packaging device manufacturer to the owner / operator of the packaging device 602. The packaging phantom 610 in this embodiment is the package that is to be run through the packaging device 602 to allow the packaging device 602 to perform its filling and sealing operations. The packaging phantom 610 has markings printed or otherwise provided thereon, which are scanned by the calibration unit 612 after the packaging operation is performed on the packaging phantom 610. The calibration unit 612 then generates an engineering code representing the calibration status of the packaging device 602 and converts the engineering code into a matrix code, such as a QR code, which can be scanned by the communication-enabled device 106 and processed in a manner similar to the previous embodiment, thereby allowing the calibration status of the packaging device 602 to be assessed and, if necessary, recalibration data to be provided back to the owner / operator of the packaging device 602.

[0062] In one embodiment, the calibration unit 612 and the packaging device 602 are combined into the same subsystem, with or without the same housing.

[0063] As will be appreciated, the present system and method allows performance data of a communication-isolated device to be securely uploaded to a remote server without requiring user authentication via image capture of a matrix code, thereby allowing monitoring and analysis of the device's performance. The device's historical performance and / or analysis results are available to the device's owner / operator, allowing the owner / operator to recalibrate the device if necessary.

[0064] Although embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for exchanging device performance data, comprising: Obtain performance data of communication isolation equipment; converting the performance data into a scannable code; capturing an image of the scannable code; decoding the scannable code using a communication-enabled device to extract an address string encoded in the scannable code, the address string including an address of a remote server and the performance data; initiating, by the communication-enabled device, a communication link with the remote server using the address string, thereby providing the performance data to the remote server; performing, by the remote server, analysis of the performance data; as well as Sending historical device performance data and / or analysis results to a remote computing device and / or sending a link to the historical device performance data and / or analysis results to the remote computing device; Wherein the communication isolation device is a packaging device, and wherein obtaining the performance data comprises: running a packaging phantom through the packaging device; scanning the packaging phantom using a calibration unit; and A system status report identifying one or more operating parameters of the packaging device is generated using the calibration unit. 2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising encoding the performance data prior to the converting.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The encoding includes serializing the performance data and transforming the serialized performance data to prevent tampering of the performance data.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: Transforming the serialized performance data includes subjecting the serialized performance data to one of a checksum function or an encryption procedure.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The subjecting includes subjecting the serialized performance data to the checksum function to generate a digital signature appended to the serialized performance data.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The encoding further includes purifying the transformed serialized performance data into an address string format, and adding the address of the remote server to the front of the purified performance data, thereby forming the address string.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein The scannable code is a matrix code.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The matrix code is a Quick Response (QR) code.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising, after the converting, presenting the scannable code on a display console of the communication isolation device and / or printing the scannable code on a physical medium.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising capturing an image of the scannable code with the communication-enabled device.

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