Patent ID: 8461978

Claim:
A wireless ultrasound probe which transmits image data wirelessly to a host system comprising: an array transducer; an acquisition circuit coupled to the array transducer; a transceiver coupled to the acquisition circuit which acts to wirelessly exchange r.f. image data signals with the host system; a battery which operates to provide energizing potential to the array transducer, the acquisition circuit, and the transceiver; a probe case housing the array transducer, acquisition circuit, transceiver and battery; a range indicator based on r.f. signal reception; and a loudspeaker responsive to indicated signal strength which acts to issue an audible tone in response to reception of signals of an undesired signal strength, wherein the r.f. signal strength is a function of the range between the wireless probe and the host system, and wherein the range comprises: a near field range in which the loudspeaker is not sounded due to the range; an intermediate field range in which the loudspeaker is sounded due to the range; and a far field range in which the wireless probe and the host system are unable to effectively communicate with each other.