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. In one preferred embodiment, coding resistors could be provided across the light sources to allow additional information about the probe to be coded without added leads. However, any device could be used without it being used in parallel.
PRIORITY CLAIM
This application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 to and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/757,279, filed on Jan. 13, 2004, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/005,711, filed on Nov. 8, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,678,543, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/451,151, filed on Nov. 30, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,091, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/016,924, filed on Feb. 2, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,986, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/478,493, filed on Jun. 7, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,644. The present application incorporates the foregoing disclosures herein by reference.
