| abstract |
A wireless ultrasound probe has a probe case enclosing a transducer array, an acquisition circuit, a transceiver and a battery. The probe also includes a loudspeaker which produces audible sounds during use of the probe. The loudspeaker, which may be a piezoelectric loudspeaker, issues an alert when battery power is low or signal strength of the wireless transmission is poor or nonexistent. The loudspeaker can provide user feedback to the actuation of a button or control on the probe. The loudspeaker can provide haptic feedback during use of the probe, and can be used to produce audio Doppler tones or heart sounds during probe use. |