Upgrading medical imaging system

Abstract

As part of sustainable product development and lifecycle design, a medical imaging device needs to be upgraded. Since medical imaging devices are complex, upgraded embodiments propose challenges. Accordingly, an upgrade component configured to be installed in a medical imaging system is provided. The upgrade component includes: a system circuit configured to upgrade a system function of the medical imaging system; and a maintenance circuit configured to upgrade a maintenance function of the medical imaging system. In this manner, installation of a new upgrade component in the medical imaging system not only triggers an upgrade to the system functionality, but also triggers an upgrade to the maintenance functionality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to systems and methods for upgrading medical imaging systems. Background Technology

[0002] Medical imaging equipment, as part of sustainable product development and lifecycle design, requires upgrades. Upgrades typically involve software updates to hardware to ensure compatibility with upcoming software improvements, or in some cases, hardware modifications. Given the complexity of medical imaging equipment, implementing such upgrades presents challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To better address one or more of these problems, a first aspect of the invention provides an upgrade component configured for installation in a medical imaging system, wherein the upgrade component includes:

[0004] System circuitry configured to upgrade the system functionality of the medical imaging system; and

[0005] A maintenance circuit is configured to upgrade the maintenance functions of the medical imaging system.

[0006] In this way, installing new or upgraded components in a medical imaging system not only triggers upgrades to system functionality but also upgrades to maintenance capabilities.

[0007] Specifically, the maintenance circuitry is configured to upgrade the maintenance functionality of the medical imaging system by providing upgraded maintenance functions that are (specifically) adapted to the upgraded system functions.

[0008] The maintenance circuitry is configured to upgrade the maintenance functions of the medical imaging system by providing both hardware and software upgrades. For example, hardware upgrades may include at least one additional sensor and / or additional processing circuitry. Software upgrades may include analysis software.

[0009] Medical imaging systems can be magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, positron emission tomography (PET) systems, image-guided hyperthermia (IGHT) systems, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems, computed tomography (CT) systems, ultrasound (US) imaging systems, digital fluorescence fluoroscopy systems, digital X-ray (DXR) systems, computed tomography medical imaging systems, or radiological medical imaging systems. In other examples, medical devices may include multiple imaging modalities. It should also be understood that the systems and methods disclosed herein are not limited to medical imaging systems, but are equally applicable to non-medical systems.

[0010] Upgrade components can be any new component to be installed in a medical imaging system. In one example, the upgrade component is an imaging chain component. An imaging chain component can be a data measurement component used to measure or record scan data (e.g., k-space data). For example, a data measurement component can be a magnetic resonance imaging coil or an X-ray detector. For example, an X-ray detector can be a computed tomography detector, a digital X-ray detector, or a flat-panel X-ray detector. In other examples, the imaging chain component is an X-ray source, an X-ray tube, an X-ray tube power supply, a high-voltage generator, or a controllable collimator. Alternatively, the upgrade component can be, for example, a sensor module, support module (such as a cooling module), or temperature simulation tool for an X-ray tube used in a medical imaging (e.g., CT or DXR) system.

[0011] The upgrade component can be configured to perform an upgrade process after it is connected to the medical imaging system, wherein instructions are sent from the maintenance circuitry of the upgrade component to the medical imaging system. The instructions can instruct the medical imaging system how to adapt its system functions and / or maintenance functions to accommodate the upgrade component. For example, the instructions can cause the medical imaging system to update its own maintenance circuitry using information about how to maintain the upgrade component. The instructions can cause the medical imaging system to update its log files to record information from the upgrade component. The instructions can instruct whether the maintenance functions of the medical imaging system should be adapted to the operation of the upgrade component. The instructions can instruct whether the upgrade component will increase the operational requirements of one or more components of the medical imaging system. Further examples of system functions and / or maintenance functions that can be adapted according to the instructions may include any one or more of the following: switching modes; warm-up procedures; shutdown procedures; switching sequences; parameter settings; data paths; transmission technologies, including methods of reading and processing data; sampling technologies; temperature ranges; and cooling.

[0012] The upgrade process may also include a transfer from the medical imaging system to the newly installed upgrade component. For example, the upgrade process may include medical imaging transmission—and upgrade component reception—an acknowledgment that the instruction has been successfully executed. The upgrade process may also include medical imaging transmission—and upgrade component reception—a conflict indication, wherein the conflict indication instructs the maintenance circuitry of the upgrade component to adapt its operation, for example, by performing one or more tasks previously performed by the medical imaging system.

[0013] The upgrade process may also include performing checks on one or more of the following: electromagnetic compatibility; hardware and / or software compatibility; calibration; optimization; and patient safety. These checks can be performed by the imaging system, by the new upgrade component, or by a combination of both. In a non-limiting example, the upgrade component operates in different modes, such as at different temperatures associated with a new monitoring mode and temperature log files. Checks can be performed to determine whether the new upgrade component affects image acquisition by the medical imaging equipment, such as whether there is additional noise affecting the imaging process and therefore whether there are visible changes in the image. Such EMC checks on the impact on image quality can be triggered after the new component is installed for all potential operating modes.

[0014] In one example, system circuitry is configured to upgrade the system functionality of a medical imaging system by upgrading an analog data transmission path to a digital data transmission path, wherein maintenance circuitry is configured to upgrade the analog signal quality monitoring circuitry of the medical imaging system to a digital signal quality monitoring circuitry. For example, system circuitry can be configured to upgrade the system functionality of a medical imaging system by upgrading an analog data transmission path to a digital data transmission path. In this case, maintenance circuitry can be configured to determine digital data loss caused by the upgrade. Maintenance circuitry can also be configured to determine the appropriate use of error correction codes (e.g., CRC checksums) based on digital data loss. Before the upgrade, analog monitoring circuitry can use peak detection to check for noise levels, signal-to-noise ratio, and the presence of interference signals. After the upgrade, maintenance functionality includes adapted digital monitoring circuitry. Errors may be visible in data loss, which becomes more visible at higher error rates measurable in CRC. Therefore, the system's maintenance functionality is upgraded to identify and / or reduce losses in digital data transmission. In this regard, log files, log file processing, and / or error messages can be upgraded based on CRC rate analysis.

[0015] This disclosure also envisions a modular implementation in which maintenance circuitry for the upgrade components and maintenance functions for the medical imaging system are included in the respective maintenance modules.

[0016] According to a second aspect, a medical imaging system is provided that includes the upgraded components according to any of the preceding claims.

[0017] According to a third aspect, a method for upgrading a medical imaging system is provided, the method comprising installing an upgrade component in the medical imaging system, wherein the upgrade component includes a system circuit configured to upgrade the system functions of the medical imaging system and a maintenance circuit configured to upgrade the maintenance functions of the medical imaging system.

[0018] According to the fourth aspect, a computing system configured to perform the upgrade process as described herein is provided.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect, a computer program (product) including instructions is provided that, when executed by a computing system, enable or cause the computing system to perform the upgrade process described herein.

[0020] According to a sixth aspect, a computer-readable (storage) medium is provided that includes instructions, which, when executed by a computing system, enable or cause the computing system to perform the upgrade process described herein. The computer-readable medium may be transient or non-transient, volatile or non-volatile.

[0021] As used herein, the term "circuit" can refer to hardware, firmware, and / or software configured to perform any of the operations or algorithms described herein. Hardware can include, individually or in any combination, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry (such as a computer processor including one or more individual instruction processing cores), or state machine circuitry. Firmware can be embodied as code, instructions, and / or data stored or hard-coded in a memory device (e.g., a non-volatile memory device). Software can be embodied as software packages, code, instructions, and / or data recorded on at least one transient or non-transient computer-readable storage medium.

[0022] As used herein, the term “acquire” can include, for example, receiving from another system, device, or process; receiving via interaction with a user; loading or retrieving from a storage device or memory; or measuring or capturing using a sensor or other data acquisition device.

[0023] As used herein, the term "determine" encompasses a wide variety of actions and may include, for example, calculation, operation, processing, deduction, investigation, lookup (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertainment, etc. Furthermore, "determine" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), etc. Moreover, "determine" may include parsing, selecting, picking, building, etc.

[0024] The words “one” or “one” do not exclude multiple. Furthermore, as used herein, the words “one” and “one” should generally be interpreted as meaning “one or more” unless otherwise specified or clearly indicated from the context to be in the singular form.

[0025] Unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, the phrases “one or more of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, and / or C” as used herein are intended to refer to all possible permutations of one or more of the listed items. That is, the phrase “A and / or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B), while the phrase “A, B, and / or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0026] The term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," etc., are used interchangeably herein.

[0027] This invention may include one or more aspects, examples, or features, either in isolation or in combination, whether specifically disclosed in the combination or in isolation. Any optional feature or sub-aspect of one of the foregoing aspects may be applied to any of the other aspects as appropriate.

[0028] The foregoing aspects will become apparent from the detailed description provided below and will be explained with reference to the detailed description provided below. Attached Figure Description

[0029] A detailed description will now be given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of example only:

[0030] Figure 1 The illustration schematically depicts a medical imaging system in which new components are to be installed to upgrade the system's functionality and maintenance capabilities.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the upgrade process performed after connecting a new component to a medical imaging system; and

[0032] Figure 3 Showing more details Figure 1 Medical imaging systems. Detailed Implementation

[0033] This disclosure proposes an upgrade component for installation in a medical imaging system, which, in addition to new system functions, also implements new maintenance functions adapted to the new system functions.

[0034] like Figure 1The illustrated medical imaging system 100 implements system functions for acquiring medical imaging data. The medical imaging system 100 includes: a maintenance module 102 that implements maintenance functions for the medical imaging system 100; and a system log file 104 for recording system-related measurement data and system data. The maintenance module 102 includes hardware components (such as sensors) and software components (such as analysis software) to assist in the maintenance, testing, and / or repair of the medical imaging system 100.

[0035] Figure 1 The diagram also illustrates a new component 150 to be installed in the medical imaging system 100. The new component 150 includes system circuitry configured to upgrade the system functionality of the medical imaging system 100. The new component 150 is also provided with its own maintenance module 152, which similarly includes hardware and software components. The maintenance module 152 includes maintenance circuitry configured to upgrade the maintenance functions of the medical imaging system 100.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the upgrade process 200 performed after the new component 150 is connected to the existing medical imaging system 100.

[0037] In step 202, instructions are sent from the maintenance module 152 of the new component 150 to the medical imaging system 100. These instructions may cause the medical imaging system 100 to perform one or more of the following operations: update the maintenance module 102 with details on how to maintain, test, and / or repair the new component 150; update the log file 104 to record new information from the new component 150 (e.g., information about new sensors associated with the new component); or indicate whether the existing maintenance functions of the medical imaging system 100 need to be adapted due to the operation of the new component 150, for example, whether the operation of the new component imposes additional requirements on the operation of other components of the medical imaging system 100.

[0038] In step 204, instructions are optionally sent from the medical imaging system 100 (e.g., from its maintenance module 102) to the new component 150 in order to: confirm that the instructions received from the new component 150 have been successfully executed; or indicate where there are problems or conflicts that require the maintenance module 152 of the new component 150 to adapt to its operation, for example by taking over one or more of the tasks previously initially performed by the medical imaging system 100.

[0039] In step 206, the upgrade process concludes with a verification step, during which the medical imaging system 100 collaborates with the newly installed component 150 to perform one or more checks, such as: checking the electromagnetic compatibility of the new component 150 regarding image quality and / or interoperability with existing components (such as sensors and processing devices); comparing new data (e.g., raw data, log files) with data from the existing configuration and analyzing parameters used for calibration or optimization of the device's dynamic drive to achieve optimal image performance; and checking the new component 150 regarding patient safety. In one such example, the new component 150 includes a dedicated maintenance tool that performs calibration using adapted phantom and / or sensor measurements (dB / dt, radiation dosimeters, etc.) to ensure patient safety and prevent damage to existing or new components.

[0040] Figure 3 The medical imaging system 100 is shown in more detail to illustrate examples of individual components that can be upgraded. In this non-limiting example, the medical imaging system 100 includes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system 502.

[0041] The medical imaging system 100 is controlled by a system controller 106, which is shown to be implemented using a processor 530 connected to a network interface 532, a user interface 534, and a computer memory 536.

[0042] The magnetic resonance imaging system 502 includes a magnet 504. The magnet 504 is a superconducting cylindrical magnet having a bore 506 passing through it. An imaging region 508 is located within the bore 506, wherein the magnetic field is sufficiently strong and uniform to perform magnetic resonance imaging. A field of view 509 is shown within the imaging region 508, in which k-space data is acquired. An object 518 is shown supported by an object support 520, such that at least a portion of the object 518 is within the imaging region 508 and the field of view 509. A set of magnetic field gradient coils 510 for acquiring k-space data within the imaging region 508 is also present within the bore 506 of the magnet. The magnetic field gradient coils 510 are connected to a magnetic field gradient coil power supply 512. The power supplied to the magnetic field gradient coils 510 is controlled as a function of time by a controller 106 and can be ramped or pulsed. Adjacent to the imaging region 508 is a radio frequency coil 514, which is used to manipulate the orientation of the magnetic spins within the imaging region 508 and to receive radio transmissions from spins also located within the imaging region 508. The radio frequency coil 514 is connected to a radio frequency transceiver 516, which is in turn connected to a hardware interface 532. During image acquisition operations, the processor 530 sends a pulse sequence command that causes the magnetic resonance imaging system 502 to acquire measurement data, i.e., k-space data.

[0043] Various components of the medical imaging system 100 can be upgraded by replacing or supplementing them with new (upgraded) parts.

[0044] In one embodiment, the new component 150 is an RF coil 514 (shown as a body coil, but could also be a head coil), which is upgraded using a sensor module that includes an additional temperature sensor to enhance monitoring of environmental conditions, with particular emphasis on overload or critical conditions. The additional temperature sensor enables more accurate temperature monitoring, indicating non-uniformity and situations where ambient temperatures could cause excessively high temperatures at coil 514, potentially impacting not only the performance of the medical imaging system 100 but also its aging risks. Not only does the new component 150 upgrade the medical imaging system 100 to include adapted protocols for controlling its system functions, but the maintenance module 152 also upgrades the maintenance functionality of the medical imaging system 100 to include checks on the use of the new sensor as part of a sensor-guided maintenance routine to monitor areas where excessively high temperatures have been measured.

[0045] In another embodiment, a new component 150 replaces the gradient coil 510 (and / or its gradient amplifier) ​​of the MRI system 502 to enhance system functionality. The new gradient coil needs to be compatible with existing components such as the RF coil 514. All incompatible components need to be removed and replaced. The new component may use mechanical and / or electrical keying to ensure compatibility with existing components. Additionally or alternatively, the upgrade process 200 described herein may include checks in this embodiment to determine that the new and old components have not been improperly mixed, which could potentially damage the system 100. The upgrade process can ensure compatibility by performing the exchange of individual components in a systematic and controlled manner, which may be particularly useful for less experienced service personnel.

[0046] In another embodiment, the new component 150 provides an upgrade from an analog data transmission path to a digital data transmission path. For example, the RF body coil 514, which includes an analog data transmission cable, can be upgraded to include a digital interface with fiber optic connections. In addition to this upgrade to system functionality, the maintenance module 152 also upgrades the maintenance functions of system 100 to include routines for connector cleaning and functional checks, adapts the monitoring software to new failure modes, and measures changes in digital data loss, for example, by increasing the use of error correction codes (in CRC checks).

[0047] In another embodiment, the new component 150 provides an upgrade to the user interface 534, for example, from an upgrade to a force feedback and force-velocity sensing interface that allows for more flexible and precise positioning, such as a switch that enables motor-controlled movement of the object support 520 (or, in the case of a DXR system, a positioning system for the X-ray tube and / or detector). Similarly, in addition to this upgrade to system functionality, the maintenance module 152 upgrades maintenance functions to include new maintenance routines as different checks become necessary. Furthermore, the new interface provides additional data regarding the use of system 100, and this allows for a better understanding of whether system 100 is being used in a “system-friendly” manner, or whether operation is being performed near critical loads and uses close to the stress and force limits of the components, which is analyzed using the upgraded maintenance functions.

[0048] In another embodiment, the new component 150 provides an upgrade to the temperature simulation tool 540 of the medical imaging system 100. This may be more useful in cases where the medical imaging system includes an X-ray system (e.g., CT or DXR). More accurate temperature simulation based on an improved physical model allows for more precise prediction of temperatures at all components based on the operating environment. Additional sensors can be provided to validate simulation results and / or calibrate settings to a more precise level. The upgrade enables improved usability of the system 100, reduces patient wait times (due to reduced cooling times), and also allows for more balanced operation with lower stress on components. This upgraded system functionality is complemented by an upgraded maintenance process that includes monitoring parameters including temperature profiles and permissible temperature ranges. Furthermore, the physical model can be upgraded to enable fault prediction based on temperature and operation. In any of the embodiments described herein, an authentication and documentation module 542 can be provided to obtain the necessary documentation and authentication related to the upgraded system 100, particularly in cases where the system includes a diagnostic system. This may include obtaining pre-existing certificates (e.g., when the new component is a certified component) or generating the necessary documentation to expedite the authentication process. The authentication and documentation module 542 can receive data as input related to local regulations, new and / or legacy configurations, verification and / or security testing.

[0049] Therefore, this disclosure relates to an upgrade component 150 designed to enhance both the system functionality and maintenance capabilities of a medical imaging system 100. More specifically, it relates to components integrated into the medical imaging system 100 to improve the performance of the imaging chain and adapt maintenance protocols to the changed operating environment of the upgraded system. The upgrade component 150 is seamlessly integrated into the medical imaging system 100, thereby interfacing with the system's existing hardware and software architecture to upgrade system functionality. It can enhance the imaging chain, which may include improvements to imaging sensors, data processing units, and display systems, resulting in better image quality, faster processing times, and / or other enhanced capabilities. The upgraded system functionality may introduce new algorithms and / or hardware optimizations that improve the resolution and sharpness of the resulting images; accelerate data acquisition and processing speeds; introduce advanced imaging modalities and diagnostic tools; and / or optimize the interaction and coordination between different components of the imaging chain.

[0050] However, simultaneously, considering the new system configuration or new component combination, the upgrade of system functionality alters the operating environment of the system's components. Specifically, the changed operating environment may lead to changes in the demand for one or more components, such as an increase. The aging effects of one or more components may change. The priority of one or more tasks (e.g., maintenance tasks) may change. The time frame of one or more maintenance tasks may change, i.e., when and what occurs. The performance degradation of one or more components of imaging system 100 or the entire imaging system 100 may change, e.g., the rate of image quality degradation over time. The probability of one or more defects occurring may change. The type of one or more defects expected to occur may change. A new arrangement of components can change the expected performance of the imaging system, resulting in a new mixture of time-related effects. The usage pattern of the upgraded imaging system may change. The consequences of failure may change. The question of which component is most affected by wear may change. Increased processing speed may generate more heat, or enhanced imaging capabilities may require higher precision from mechanical components.

[0051] Maintenance functions, including maintenance, testing, and / or repair, are adapted to changing operating environments to ensure the continued reliable performance and lifespan of the imaging system 100. Existing upgrade solutions primarily focus on system functionality and often neglect necessary adjustments to maintenance protocols. A dual enhancement is achieved by providing an upgrade component 150 that not only enhances the system functionality of the medical imaging system 100 but also dynamically adapts maintenance functions to new operating conditions. This dual enhancement ensures that the imaging system 100 operates at peak performance while maintaining its reliability and lifespan through optimized maintenance protocols.

[0052] For predictive maintenance, monitoring of the upgraded imaging system 100 can be performed based on signals from one or more sensors. The adaptive maintenance module 152 can monitor new operating conditions and adjust the maintenance protocol accordingly.

[0053] Maintenance module 152 can use real-time data from upgrade system 100 to perform predictive maintenance, thereby predicting potential failures or performance degradations before they occur. Maintenance module 152 can analyze factors such as increased thermal load, higher operating frequency, and changed task priorities.

[0054] The maintenance module 152 can execute dynamic test procedures, in which it dynamically adjusts test routines to focus on components most affected by the upgraded system functionality. For example, it can increase the frequency of thermal checks on the processor or increase precision alignment tests for the imaging sensor.

[0055] Maintenance module 152 can perform performance monitoring. Continuous monitoring of component performance ensures the rapid resolution of any deviations from expected behavior. Maintenance module 152 can utilize advanced analytics to compare current performance with historical data to identify trends indicating wear or the need for calibration.

[0056] Maintenance module 152 can provide automated maintenance alerts. Based on monitored data, the maintenance module can generate automated alerts and maintenance recommendations. This proactive approach ensures timely intervention, reduces downtime, and extends the lifespan of system components.

[0057] The maintenance module 152 can perform scheduling to adapt maintenance schedules and protocols to the specific environment in which the upgraded imaging system 100 operates. This can include adjusting factors such as ambient temperature, humidity, and usage patterns to ensure that maintenance is tailored to the real-world conditions of the system 100.

[0058] The maintenance module 152 can be combined with the operation of the maintenance module 102 of the medical imaging system 100 to perform any of these tasks.

[0059] Therefore, in addition to the system function enhancement module that improves the performance of the imaging chain, the upgrade component 150 includes an adaptive maintenance module 152 that adjusts the maintenance protocol in response to the operating environment of the upgraded system.

[0060] The various functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored on or transmitted via a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or code. Computer-readable media include computer-readable storage media. A computer-readable storage medium can be any available storage medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media can include FLASH storage media, RAM, ROM, EPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage devices, disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. As used herein, disks and optical discs include compact optical discs (CDs), laser optical discs, optical discs, digital versatile optical discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs (BDs), wherein disks typically reproduce data magnetically and optical discs typically reproduce data optically using lasers. Furthermore, transmitted signals can be included within the scope of computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media also include communication media, which includes any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. For example, a connection can be a communication medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of communication media. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, the functions described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, but not limitingly, illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), etc.

[0062] The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein, as well as any combination of two or more such features, provided that such features or combinations can be performed based on the entire specification in accordance with common general knowledge of those skilled in the art, regardless of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problem disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the invention may consist of any such individual features or combinations of features.

[0063] It should be noted that embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to different categories. In particular, some examples are described with reference to methods, while other examples are described with reference to apparatus. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate from the description that, unless otherwise stated, any combination of features associated with different categories, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one category, is also considered to be disclosed in this application. However, all features can be combined to provide more synergistic effects than a simple sum of features.

[0064] Although the invention has been described and illustrated in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such description and illustration should be considered exemplary rather than restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments will be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art through study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0065] Although specific measures are described in different dependent claims, this does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0066] Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An upgrade component configured for integration into a medical imaging system, wherein, The upgraded components include: System circuitry configured to upgrade the system functionality of the medical imaging system; and A maintenance circuit configured to upgrade the maintenance functions of the medical imaging system, wherein the maintenance circuit is configured to upgrade the maintenance functions of the medical imaging system by providing upgraded maintenance functions adapted to the upgraded system functions, and wherein the maintenance functions of the medical imaging system are implemented by a maintenance module including hardware components and software components configured to assist in the maintenance, testing and / or repair of the medical imaging system.

2. The upgrade component according to claim 1, wherein, The maintenance circuit is configured to upgrade the maintenance function of the medical imaging system by providing hardware and software upgrades.

3. The upgrade component according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The upgrade component is configured to perform an upgrade process after it is connected to the medical imaging system, wherein instructions are sent from the maintenance circuitry of the upgrade component to the medical imaging system.

4. The upgrade component according to claim 3, wherein, The instructions cause the medical imaging system to update its own maintenance circuitry using information about how to maintain the upgraded components.

5. The upgrade component according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The instruction causes the medical imaging system to update its log file to record information from the upgraded component.

6. The upgrade component according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein, The instruction indicates whether the maintenance function of the medical imaging system should be adapted to the operation of the upgraded component.

7. The upgrade component according to any one of claims 3-6, wherein, The instruction indicates whether the upgrade will increase the need for operation of one or more components of the medical imaging system.

8. The upgrade component according to any one of claims 3-7, wherein, The upgrade process includes: the upgrade component receiving confirmation from the medical imaging system that the instruction has been successfully executed.

9. The upgrade component according to any one of claims 3-8, wherein, The upgrade process includes: the upgrade component receiving a conflict indication from the medical imaging system, wherein the conflict indication indicates that the maintenance circuit of the upgrade component should be adapted to the operation of the upgrade component.

10. The upgrade component according to claim 9, wherein, The upgrade component is configured to adapt its operation by performing one or more tasks previously performed by the medical imaging system.

11. The upgrade component according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The system circuit is configured to upgrade the system function of the medical imaging system by upgrading the analog data transmission path to a digital data transmission path, and wherein the maintenance circuit is configured to upgrade the analog signal quality monitoring circuit of the medical imaging system to a digital signal quality monitoring circuit.

12. The upgrade component according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The maintenance module is configured to perform one or more of the following: Predictive maintenance that anticipates potential component failures; A dynamic testing process tailored to the operational requirements of the upgraded medical imaging system; Continuous performance monitoring used to detect deviations from expected behavior; Automatic maintenance alarms based on real-time data analysis; Scheduled for adapting maintenance schedules and protocols to the changed operating environment of the upgraded imaging system.

13. A medical imaging system comprising the upgraded component according to any of the preceding claims.

14. A method for upgrading a medical imaging system, the method comprising: An upgrade component is integrated into a medical imaging system, wherein the upgrade component includes system circuitry and maintenance circuitry. The system circuitry is configured to upgrade the system functions of the medical imaging system, and the maintenance circuitry is configured to upgrade the maintenance functions of the medical imaging system. The maintenance circuitry is configured to upgrade the maintenance functions of the medical imaging system by providing upgraded maintenance functions adapted to the upgraded system functions. The maintenance functions of the medical imaging system are implemented by a maintenance module, which includes hardware components and software components configured to assist in the maintenance, testing, and / or repair of the medical imaging system.

15. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to perform an upgrade process according to any one of claims 4-11.

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