초록 ▼

A probe (20) for insertion into the body of a subject, the probe (20) having distal (22) and proximal ends, and including an electronic microcircuit (90), which stores information relating to calibration of the probe (20). Preferably, the microcircuit (90) stores a calibration code, which is encrypt

A probe (20) for insertion into the body of a subject, the probe (20) having distal (22) and proximal ends, and including an electronic microcircuit (90), which stores information relating to calibration of the probe (20). Preferably, the microcircuit (90) stores a calibration code, which is encrypted. Alternatively or additionally, the microcircuit (90) stores a usage code, which controls availability of the probe (20) to a user thereof. Preferably, the probe (20) includes access control circuitry (90) that allows the usage code to be changed so as to reduce the availability of the probe (20), but not to increase the availability thereof.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of calibrating a probe for insertion into the body of a subject, comprising:providing a probe having a programmable microcircuit and a distal end, the distal end including a functional portion adjacent to a distal tip of the distal end for performing diagnostic

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of calibrating a probe for insertion into the body of a subject, comprising:providing a probe having a programmable microcircuit and a distal end, the distal end including a functional portion adjacent to a distal tip of the distal end for performing diagnostic and/or therapeutic functions, the distal end also including a position signal generating device for generating signals used to determine the position of the probe within the subject's body;determining calibration data for the position signal generating device with respect to the distal tip of the probe; andprogramming the microcircuit so as to record the calibration data in the microcircuit.