The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 12, 2001
Filed:
Apr. 23, 1998
Gregory C. Stratton, Wauwatosa, WI (US);
Charles Cameron Brackett, Waukesha, WI (US);
Chandler A. Johnson, Oconomowoc, WI (US);
General Electric Company, Milwaukee, WI (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for configuring an ultrasound imaging system at a remote location by obtaining an encrypted feature key from a central location (e.g., via telephone) and then inputting that feature key into the ultrasound imaging system using an operator interface (e.g., a keyboard). To validate the feature key, the ultrasound imaging system decrypts the encrypted data and then compares the decrypted data to validation data pre-stored in the system. If the decrypted data matches the validation data, then the optional feature identified by the feature key will be enabled each time the system is booted or initialized. Optionally, an expiration date can be associated with the activated option, after which date the feature will be disabled when the system is initialized. Similarly, an activated optional feature can be disabled at a remote location by the input of an encrypted key obtained from a central location.