Method and apparatus for remotely configuring and servicing a field replaceable unit in a medical diagnostic system

An apparatus which provides for remotely configuring and servicing a field replaceable unit associated with a medical diagnostic system, the apparatus comprising:

• a memory unit configured to store identification and configuration indicia associated with the field replaceable unit;
• a microprocessor configured to communicate with an operating system of the medical diagnostic system, whereby the microprocessor reads and writes to the memory unit based on commands from the operating system;
• and
• a communication interface configured to communicate identification information to a remote facility via a network, the communication interface further being configured to receive configuration information from the remote facility to the operating system via the network, the configuration information being used for remote configuration of the medical diagnostic system.

A system for remotely configuring and servicing a field replaceable unit associated with a medical diagnostic system, the system comprising:

• means for establishing a communication connection between the medical diagnostic system and a remote facility;
• means for communicating identification information from an electronic device coupled to the field replaceable unit to the remote facility;
• means for communicating configuration information from the remote facility to an operating system of the medical diagnostic system;
• and
• means for remotely configuring the medical diagnostic system in accordance with the configuration information from the remote facility.