Smart recognition apparatus and method

摘要

A qualifying connection for an instrument attaches to a source of electrosurgery energy to and the instrument and has first and second parts coupled to the instrument and the source, respectively. Optical couplings on the connection transmit invisible energy to identify the instrument and are proximate on the first and second parts. A light modifier on the first part is proximal to the second part for modification of radiation in the infrared wavelengths so infrared transmitters encode signals and non contact coded proximity detectors on the second part are coupled detectors. Non contact coded proximity detectors respond to modified infrared light establishing an Nth bit identification code. An infrared light supply in the source from the transmitters across the communicating couplings for encoding signals by modification of the infrared light with a light modifier. Mechanical attachments include conjugating male and female portions physically extending between the parts for mating engagement. The attachments juxtaposition the parts when the attachments geometrically conjugate to geographically positioning the coupling proximate for communicating. The attachments have one or more conductors for delivery of high frequency energy from the source to the instrument. A cable fits between the first part of the connection and the instrument and has electrical conductors for carrying energy passing through the part of the connection from the source of the instrument. An identifying circuit couples to the second part and responds to invisible light optically communicated across the couplings for verifying the type of instrument connected by the cable to the source. The identifying circuit signals the source. Memory within the identifying circuit receives and compares signals to predetermined instrument identification. A switch in the source connects the memory controlling the flow of energy. A method of using the connection has steps including juxtaposing and conjugating the parts with attachments and couplings for transmitting invisible optical energy to identify the instrument. The method has the step of modifying the invisible optical energy with geographically disposed proximate couplings of the parts when the attachments engage and the couplings are proximate. Passing and assessing signals of the modified energy through the connection and to an identifying circuit in the source is a method step.