Manual and automatic probe calibration

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure include an optical probe capable of communicating identification information to a patient monitor in addition to signals indicative of intensities of light after attenuation by body tissue. The identification information may indicate operating wavelengths of light sources, indicate a type of probe, such as, for example, that the probe is an adult probe, a pediatric probe, a neonatal probe, a disposable probe, a reusable probe, or the like. The information could also be utilized for security purposes, such as, for example, to ensure that the probe is configured properly for the oximeter, to indicate that the probe is from an authorized supplier, or the like.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . In a pulse oximetry system which uses interchangeable sensors having a plurality of light emitting devices, a method of identifying information about the sensor, the method comprising:
 determining operating characteristics of a sensor;   coding the operating characteristics on a semiconductor device housed in the sensor; and   reading the coded operating characteristics from the sensor onto a patient monitoring device.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , where in the operating characteristics indicates a type of sensor. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein operating characteristics comprises calibration data. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein operating characteristics comprises security information. 
     
     
         5 . A disposable optical sensor configured to be used in a physiological monitoring system, the sensor comprising:
 a first light emitting device;   a second light emitting device;   a detector configured to detect light produced by the first and second light emitting devices after attenuation by patient tissue;   a semiconductor device housing predetermined unique operating characteristics of the first and second light emitting devices; and   a connector configured to connect to a patient monitoring device and allow the patient monitoring device to read information from the semiconductor device.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , where in the operating characteristics indicates a type of sensor. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein operating characteristics comprises calibration data. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein operating characteristics comprises security information.