Ultrasound transducer probe identification for security and other purposes

Abstract

Transducer probe identification is provided. A wireless identification is provided. For example, a radiofrequency identification tag is positioned within a transducer probe. A receiver is positioned within the imaging device. Using the wireless information, the imaging device may generate a list of available transducers regardless of whether they are connected with the imaging device. As an alternative or addition, information specific to a transducer is provided to the imaging device. Using either wireless transmission or a wired connection, the information distinguishes a given transducer from other transducers of a same type and manufacturer or from all other transducers. The specific identifier is then used with security information to prevent theft. For example, a code from the transducer probe is compared with a security code in a list on the imaging device, entered in response to a request generated once the transducer probe is connected to the imaging device, communicated from an adapter that connects with the transducer probe and the imaging device or other sources of security information. If the security information does not match the transducer code, the imaging device, the transducer probe or both may be disabled. Alternatively, a warning is displayed, such as “This transducer probe is the property of Hospital.”

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.