WO2001063886A2

WO2001063886A2 - Modem capable of uploading data from a meter

Info

Publication number: WO2001063886A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/005494
Authority: WO
Inventors: G. Thomas Roth; David Chamberlin; Brent Modzelewski; Gene Mcnamara; Dan Popovich
Original assignee: Home Diagnostics, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-02-25
Filing date: 2001-02-22
Publication date: 2001-08-30
Also published as: AU2001238583A1; WO2001063886A3

Abstract

A system is disclosed for transferring logged results of a hand held meter to remote destinations through various communications modes such as Internet email, modem to modem direct dial-in, facsimile, etc. The meter connects to a modem to allow the data or information logged with the meter to be copied, transferred or otherwise uploaded by and to the modem. In the preferred embodiment, the hand-held meter is a glucose meter. Once the log is uploaded from the meter to the modem, the meter can be removed from its connection with the modem. The modem accumulates the new results received from the meter and, preferably at its next scheduled transmission time, electronically sends, via e-mail, modem, facsimile, etc, the logged results to the appropriate remote destination without any additional user intervention or assistance. The final remote destination is not limited to any one type of destination and preferably includes medical supplies distributors, physician's offices, managed care facilities, or anywhere else the data may be needed or requested.

Description

MODEM CAPABLE OF UPLOADING DATA FROM A METER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to modems and particularly to a modem capable of uploading data from a meter, such as blood glucose meter or other medical diagnostic device, and sending the uploaded data to one or more remote locations.

2. Description of the Prior Art The use of hand-held glucose meters for self testing by patients at home is well known. Often these meters work in conjunction with inserted test strips having the patient's blood or other type of sample disposed thereon. Though the meters have been useful to allow patients to stay on top of their specific medical condition, such as diabetes, the test results displayed by the meters are only known by the patients. Furthermore, as disposable parts, such as test strips, are used with the meters, eventually more test strips, as well as other items, are required to be purchased or ordered.

Thus, what is needed in the art is a system for communicating the test results from the meters and other information to remote locations, such as physician offices, managed care facilities, medical supplies distributors, etc., while requiring minimum patient or user assistance for the communication. It is therefore, to the effective resolution of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings that the present invention is directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a system for transferring logged results of a meter, such as a hand held meter, to remote destinations through various communications modes such as Internet email, modem to modem direct dial-in, facsimile, etc. The meter connects to a modem to allow the data or information logged with the meter to be copied, transferred or otherwise uploaded by and to the modem. In the preferred embodiment, the meter is a glucose meter such as the Prestige IQ meter manufactured and sold by Home Diagnostics, Inc. ("HDI") . Preferably, the meter connects to the modem by placing the meter into a cradle-like depression on the top of the modem case and sliding the meter to the left until a mating connector of the modem 10 connects with the meter's communications port .

To initiate a transfer, copy or upload of the log contained within the meter, the meter is initially turned on. During the transfer, a modem display preferably displays "Retrieving meter log" or similar language on its text display, to inform the user of its current operation. Once the log is uploaded from the meter to the modem, the meter can be removed from its connection with the modem.

The modem accumulates the new results received from the meter and, preferably at its next scheduled transmission time, electronically sends, via e-mail, modem, facsimile, etc, the logged results to the appropriate destination without any additional user intervention or assistance. In transmitting, the modem checks to see if a designated telephone line is available, and if so, uploads the log to the final destination, via e-mail, modem-to-modem communication, facsimile etc. All foreseeable error conditions common with telephone communication (i.e. busy signal, no dial tone, etc.) can be handled appropriately by the modem, such as by timed interval redial programmed software associated with a processor of the modem. The final destination is not limited to any one type of destination and preferably includes medical supplies distributors, physician's offices, managed care facilities, or anywhere else the data may be needed or requested. The modem can always appear to be in an "ON" state, to allow the text showing in the display to always be visible. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a system which transfers logged results of a meter, such as a hand held meter, to remote destinations through various communications modes such a Internet email, modem to modem direct dial-in, facsimile, etc.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system which will transfer glucose meter results to a remote physician's office with minimum user assistance.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system which can place orders for supplies, such as medical supplies, with minimum user assistance. It is still another object of the present invention to provide for a modem which is capable of uploading logged results contained within a meter, such as a hand-held meter.

In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be better understood by reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram for the Internet Communications Mode of the present invention system;

Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram for the Direct Dial-Up Communications Mode of the present invention system;

Figure 3 illustrates a system block diagram for the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a side elevational view of the present invention modem with connected meter;

Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the present invention modem with connected meter; and Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the present invention modem with connected meter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As seen in the drawings, a system for transferring logged results of a meter, such as a hand held meter 50, to remote destinations through various communications modes such as Internet email, modem to modem direct dial-in, facsimile, etc. is illustrated. The system includes a modem 10 includes an outer case 12 which houses the circuitry, components and software used for operating modem 10. A display, such as a conventional LCD display 14 , is also provided and associated with outer case 12.

When properly connected to its power supply, modem 10 is preferably always "on". In this embodiment, modem 10 can appear to turn itself "off" automatically after a predetermined time period or when a user presses a power button. However, only its display is blanked and the display's backlight is turned "off". Modem 10 appears to turn itself on (by reactivating the display) preferably under one of the following three conditions: (1) the user presses the power button, (2) the user inserts a meter 50 into the cradle portion of modem 10 and turns meter 50 "on", or (3) modem 10 performs a scheduled dial-in. Alternatively, modem 10 can always appear to be in an "ON" state, to allow the text display showing in display 14 to always be visible .

Additionally, one or more operating buttons are provided with modem 10. Preferably a pair of buttons 16 and 18, such as action buttons, are provided and located near or adjacent display 14 so that the functions of buttons 16 and 18 can be dynamically relabeled and shown on display 14.

In this button embodiment, buttons 16 and 18 can be termed "soft buttons". Thus, when modem 10 is in an "idle" state, screen 14 could display "Ready", and buttons 16 and 18 could be labeled "Order Supplies" and "Call For Support" by display 14. If the user presses the "Order Supplies" button, screen 14 could display "Order Supplies?" and buttons 16 and 18 could be relabeled "Yes" and "No" on display 14. This illustration is only one possible scenario for the use of "soft" buttons and other uses could be used for relabelling buttons 16 and 18 and all are considered within the scope of the invention. Another "reset" button can be located discretely on modem 10, such as at the rear of modem 10. Modem 10 connects to a user's telephone lines similar to an answering machine or facsimile machine. Two conventional RJ-11 connectors 20 and 22 are preferably provided at the back of modem 10, though other locations on modem 10 can also be used and^' are considered within the scope of the invention. Connector 20, through a conventional telephone cord (not shown) , plugs into or connects with a wall connector (not shown) , while connector 22, also through a convention telephone cord (not shown), plugs into or connects to the user's telephone. The connection through connectors 20 and 22, links modem 10 with a conventional public switched telephone network 30.

Power to modem 10 is preferably received through a conventional "wall pack" transformer that is plugged into a conventional wall outlet. Preferably, all memory in modem 10 is "non-volatile", and is thus not lost when and if power is interrupted to modem 10.

At least three modes of communication are provided for transferring the log from modem 10 to one or more remote locations. These three modes are (1) Internet

(All Internet Protocols including e-mail and/or ftp) ; (2)

Direct Dial-up; and (3) Facsimile. In all modes of communication the log from a meter 50 is copied or transferred to modem 10, which is discussed in detail below. Once the log has been uploaded by modem 10 from meter 50, it is ready for transmission by one or more of the above-identified modes of communication, which will now be described in further detail .

As seen in Figure 1, the internet communications mode for transferring the log to a remote location is illustrated. After the log from the meter has been uploaded to modem 10, modem 10 sends the log to its destination using conventional Internet e-mail technology. For example, the e-mail address set up by a medical supply distributor for receiving logs could be designated meterlogs@medical-supplier.com or the patient's physician could have an e-mail address of drsmith@aol.com. Thus the log is emailed to meterlogs@medical-supplier.com and/or drsmith@aol.com, which does not require the institution or individual using the data from the log to build any special infrastructure to handle incoming calls. The remote location can serve a single modem 10 or a plurality of modems 10.

An Internet service provider 40 can be used for maintaining the numerous phone lines and modems 10 coming from telephone network 40 which are used to service the population of modems 10. Once the institution or individual receives the log or other information (i.e. orders, queries, etc.) from originating from modem 10, it only needs to process messages in its mailbox, i.e. "meterlogs" for the medical supply company or "drsmith" for the physician.

As seen in Figure 2, the direct dial-up communications mode for transferring the log to a remote location is illustrated. After the log from the meter has been uploaded to modem 10, modem 10 sends the log to its destination using conventional modem technology (communicates with a modem located at the remote location) . In this mode, modem 10 dial's the institution or individuals modem number and then transfers the meter's log to the remote institution or individual's system directly connecting to their modems . One advantage of this mode or method is the added level of security in communications, as compared to transferring the log over the Internet . One disadvantage of this mode is the remote institution or individual must maintain enough phone lines and modems to support the number of modems 10 that are in use. This type of installation is referred to as a "modem farm" and often is quite costly to construct and maintain.

In the facsimile mode, the meter's log is sent to the remote location by having modem 10 dial the facsimile number of the remote location and sending the log directly to the facsimile machine through conventional technology. This third mode could be used where the remote location is not equipped with access to the Internet, and thus cannot use the email mode described above .

A voice support help line 60 can be provided by configuring modem 10 to dial line 60 upon a certain condition, such as the pressing of a specific button 16 or 18 located on modem 10. When such button is pressed, modem dials the designated phone number, and when the support line's phone begins ringing, the user is prompted either by text display or audio, to pick up his telephone handset . The user can then talk to an operator for support in using the system. Alternatively, the user could be connected with a computerized help system or menu.

An internet service provider can be contracted or set up to handle Internet Access. Preferably, an Internet address (i.e. hdi_modems.com) is established to handle information regarding modem 10 and/or meter 50. Preferably, each modem 10 and/or meter 50 manufactured and/or sold will have its own designated emailbox. An additional emailbox (i.e. tracking@hdi_modems.com) can be provided for tracking usage of the Internet Service.

Additionally, a database 92 can be created and maintained containing information regarding each modem 10 and/or meter 50 that has been sold. Each time a modem 10 or meter 50 is sold, a record can be entered in database 92 for such modem 10 or meter 50. The database is primarily created and maintained to keep track of who controls each modem 10 or meter 50 purchased. By way of example only, using a medical supply company as the purchaser of modem 10 or meter 50, the record in database 92 for each modem 10 or meter 50 sold can contain the following information, though such is not limiting: Modem Record

Serial Number

Controlling institution (medical_supplier Corp.)

Firmware version

End-user's postal zip code Local dial-in telephone number number of new (billable) transactions username and password

Meter Record

Serial Number Controlling Institution (medical_supplier Corp.)

Primary Destination (medical_supplier.com) Schedule for Primary Destination Communications mode for Primary Destination Secondary Destination (i.e. drsmith@aol.com Schedule for Secondary Destination

Communications mode for Secondary Destination Additionally, a web page 90 (i.e. www.metersetup.com) can be created and maintained and can be used by the controlling institution to modify the setup parameters of modem 10 and/or meter 50 that are under the user's control. Thus, the form of web page 90 can update database 92.

Preferably, each modem 10 is manufactured with certain setup parameters, which, though not limiting, can include:

Parameter Description electronic serial number used to derive modem 10 's email address

(i.e.

MD123456@hdi_modems . com ) tracking address used by modem 10 to report its usage

(i.e. tracking@hdi_modems . com) default dial-in the default telephone number used by modem 10 to the Internet Service Provider

(i.e. 800-number) time and date the time and date kept by modem 10 which can be set to Eastern Standard Time, though such is not limiting default transmission schedule the default schedule for transmitting logs (i.e. once per week) username and password required to gain access to the Internet Service Provider . Each modem 10 preferably has its own username and password (rather than all modems 10s sharing a single username and password) . Thus, if the security of the overall system is comprised by a specific modem 10 account, only that specific modem 10 can be denied access without shutting down the entire system. Preferably each meter 50 initially contains at least the following setup parameter:

Parameter Description

electronic serial number used to derive meter

50 's email address

(i.e. meterl2345@hdi_meters . c om) For security reasons, a more cryptic relationship between the serial number and email address can be employed.

When creating and entering a record in database 92 for a particular modem 10 or meter 50, an emailbox for modem 10 or meter 50 can be automatically created as part of initial setup and enables modem 10 or meter 50 's username and password. For meters 50, a message is sent that can contain the following: Parameters Description primary destination used by modem 10 as the default location to send meter logs for the particular meter 50, which will be an email address (i.e. meterlogs@medical_suppl ier.com) for email communication (Figure 1) or a telephone number for Direct Dial- up or Facsimile communication primary communications mode the mode of communication used to send logs to the primary destination (i.e. email, Direct Dial-up, Facsimile, etc. ) Once a modem 10 is installed and properly connected to a meter 50, modem 10 uploads any logs from meter 50 and then dials the Default Dial-in. Modem 10 then checks the emailbox of the specific meter 50. A message sent during initial setup should already be in the mailbox. If no message is found, the call is terminated and modem 10 can be programmed to retry the next day. Where the message is found in meter 50 ' s emailbox, it is downloaded and the primary destination and primary communications mode are retrieved. The logs are then sent by modem 10 to the primary destination (i.e. meterlogs@medical_supplier.com) using at least the Primary Communications Mode indicated.

The controlling institutions of modems 10 or meters 50, such as a medical supply company, may alter certain setup parameters for a particular modem 10 or meter 50. To alter certain parameters, the end user could logon to web page 90 (i.e. www.metersetup.com). The new parameters may be entered manually by the end user, or the data may be automatically altered ("stuffed") by a program maintained by the end user. The end user enters the altered parameters into form provided on web page 90, which is used to update database 92. Once database 92 is updated, an email message can be sent to meter 50 and/or modem 10 containing the new setup parameters. The next time modem 10 dials in to check its mail, it will retrieve the new setup message and reconfigure itself accordingly.

Some of the setup parameters which may be change, include, but are not limited to, the following:

Parameter Description Local Dial-in The local dial-in number for the Internet Service Provider (i.e. a telephone number that will be a local call for modem 10 when it is installed at an end user's location) can be changed because the default 800 -number calls are more expensive than local number calls. Entering the end user's postal zip code into the form found on web page 90 changes this parameter. Database 92 looks up what the local dial-in number should be for the entered zip code and enters the number into the Local Dial-in field. The original 800-number can be retained as a backup in case the local dial-in number fails for any reason (i.e. the user moves) . This parameter is only for modem 10 and changing this parameter will generate an email message to modem 10, not meter 50.

Primary Destination This change may occur if the remote destination's email address or direct dial telephone number must be changed or if the end user wishes to change suppliers or physician Schedule for Primary Destination Each meter 50 's transmission schedule can be changed independently. Drop down schedule option can be provided on web page 90.

Primary Communications Mode; either can be changed, if

Secondary Communications Mode necessary

Secondary Destination Secondary destinations can be added or changed at any time . The end user may request this by contacting the primary remote destination (i.e. possibly by using Voice Support Help Line 60) or the primary destination may have its own secondary destination (s) that they want added or deleted

Schedule for Secondary Destination Secondary Communication Mode Voice Support Help Line 60 by entering a telephone number in this field, the feature will be enabled in modem 10, and the number entered will be dialed when the end user presses the "dial tech support" soft button on modem 10

The owner or manager of database 92 and web page

90, such as a manufacturer of modem 10 or meter 50, can send messages to any modem 10 or meter 50 regardless of which primary destination is controlling it. This feature allows the following parameters to be altered: Parameter Description modem 10 's email address the domain name for a modem 10 (i.e. hdi_modems . com) might need to be changed meter 50 ' s email address the domain name for a meter 50 (i.e. hdi_meters . com) might need to be changed

modem 10 ' s and meter 50 's the tracking email address tracking address (i.e. tracking@hdi_modems . com) might need to be changed default 800 or 88-number dial-in default number may need to be for Internet Service Provider changed, especially if changing Internet Service Provider

Firmware running in modem 10 the actual software that is running in modem 10 can be updated, especially to enhance the functionality of the modem 10, or to add new features Once modem 10 is setup and has uploaded a log from meter 50, a typical log transmission sequence proceeds as follows :

(a) modem 10 waits until its next scheduled or programmed call-in time;

(b) modem 10 monitors the telephone line until it is available;

(c) modem 10 dials Internet Service Provider 40, using the local dial-in number if available, and if not, using the default 800 number;

(d) modem 10 sends a "tracking message" to the operator of database 92 and web page 90 (i.e. tracking@hdi_modems . com) , to allow the operator to monitor the usage of the system. The operator can use the tracking message to bill the recipient of the meter logs on a per message basis. Payments received from billing, can be used to offset charges incurred from the Internet Service Provider, as well as for other uses;

(e) modem 10 checks its email and responds accordingly. Certain messages and modem 10 's responses can include :

Messacre Type Modem 10 Response

Client Setup/Update retrieve the message and reconfigure itself accordingly (i.e. local dial-in number change) System Operator Update retrieve the message and reconfigure itself accordingly, (i.e. modem 10 email address change, tracking address change, default 800 number change , etc.)

Firmware Update retrieve the message which can contain an Internet location (i.e. common email address such as firmware_v20@hdi_modems . com or an ftp location such as ftp . hdi_modems . com) . Modem 10 downloads the new version of firmware from the Internet location (f) modem 10 checks for email for any meter 50 that has ever been connected to it and responds accordingly;

Message Type Modem 10 Response Client Setup/Update retrieve the message and reconfigure the way meter 50 is handled accordingly (i.e. destination changes, schedule changes , communication mode changes, change to the Voice Support Help Line number, etc.) System Operator Update retrieve the message and reconfigure the way meter is handled accordingly (i.e. meter 50 email address change)

Log Pointer retrieve the message and use the contents of the message to determine the last log entry that was sent . This allows only new log entries to be transmitted. Text Messages retrieve the message and display the preferably pre- formatted on LCD display 14 of modem 10 the next time meter 50 is inserted into modem 10

Queries retrieve the message and display the preferably pre- formatted query on LCD display 14 of modem 10 the next time meter 50 is inserted into modem 10. Store the user's response to the query for transmission later,

(g) once modem 10 has responded to all of the email, the log entries, after comparing the entry referenced in Log Pointer message, are transmitted to the appropriate primary and/or secondary destinations; (h) modem 10 then sends itself a new Log Pointer message that updates the information concerning the last log entry transmitted and/or sends the new Log Pointer message to those meters 50 whose logs have preferably just been transmitted that indicates the last log entry transmitted; and

(i) modem 10 terminates the call.

Other features of the system can includes, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) re-ordering of supplies - one of the buttons on modem 10 can be labeled "Re-Order Supplies". When this button is pressed, a message is sent to the supply company, such as medical supplier, that more supplies, such as diabetic supplies should be shipped to the user.

A method of confirming the order can also be implemented into the system.

(b) software updates - the actual software running modem 10 can be updated, to enhance the functionality of modem 10 or to add or delete new features (i.e. modem 10 could be initially manufactured without faxing capability, the software can be updated later to provide this feature) . (c) interchangeability - modem 10 can manage a relatively large number of meters 50. In addition, meter

50 's logcan be sent from any installed modem 10 without the inconvenience of sending duplicate log entries to a client . (d) text messaging - short, preferably preformatted, text messages may be sent to any modem 10 's email address. These messages can be viewed on modem display 14. The messages could be used to prompt the user to call the Help

Line or other number, to distribute product information, or for other types of advertising. The messages could also be used to alert the user that it is time to re-order supplies .

(e) queries - these are messages that request a reply (i.e. query = "Are you satisfied with the modem 10 system" could be sent to user. Display 14 will then re-label buttons 16 and 18 "yes" and "no". The user's response to this query, if any, is then returned to the sender) .

(f) send immediate - when meter 50 is placed in modem 10 and meter 50 's power is turned on, soft button 16 or 18 is labeled "Send Immediate". If the user presses this button, the log is sent as soon as it is uploaded from meter 50 without waiting for the next scheduled transmission time.

(g) broadcasting - messages (text messages/queries as well as setup messages) can be sent simultaneously to all modems 10 and/or meters 50 that are under a primary destination' s control. This feature can be accessible from web page 90.

(h) languages - all messages may be sent in any language, preferably if the standard character set supports any special characters. Additionally, the set of internal prompts and messages displayed by modem 10 can be changed all at once (using the update procedure) to change the native language of modem 10.

(i) standard interface - modem 10 uses a standard communication interface for communicating with devices, such as medical devices. Other devices, including medical devices, that comply with this standard may be used with modem 10. Modem 10 can be designed and built in two pieces: a "bottom" piece and a "top" piece. The bottom piece can contain all of the electronics for modem 10 including display 14 and buttons 16 and 18. The top piece can be customized for different devices, including medical devices. Thus, in one embodiment, modem 10 can be fitted with a top that provides a cradle for receiving and connecting a meter 50 thereto. A "Flat Top" can also be used with other devices, including standard medical devices. These devices can connect to modem 10 using a special cable. "Cradle Tops" for future meters, as well as for other devices, including medical devices, can also be used and will preferably require only designing the physical top case of modem 10.

Summarizing, meter 50 connects to modem 10 to allow the data or information contained by meter 50 to be copied or transferred to modem 10. In the preferred embodiment, meter 50 is a glucose meter such as the

Prestige IQ meter manufactured and sold by HDI, however, such is not limiting and other meters or equivalent devices can be used for the present invention. Preferably, meter 50 connects to modem 10 by placing meter 50 into a cradle-like depression on the top of modem case 12 and sliding meter 50 to the left until a mating connector of modem 10 connects with the meter 50 's communications port.

To initiate a transfer or copy of the log contained within meter 50, meter 50 is initially turned on. During the transfer, modem display 14 preferably displays "Retrieving meter log" or similar language on its text display, to inform the user of its current operation. Once the log is uploaded from meter 50 to modem 10, meter 50 can be removed from its connection with modem 10. Modem 10 accumulates the new results received from meter 50 and, preferably at its next scheduled transmission time, electronically sends, via e-mail, modem, facsimile, etc, the log to the appropriate destination without any additional user intervention or assistance. Modem 10 checks to see if the designated telephone line is available, and if so, uploads the log to the final destination, via e-mail, modem-to-modem communication, facsimile etc. All foreseeable error conditions common with telephone communication (i.e. busy signal, no dial tone, etc.) can be handled appropriately by modem 10, such as by common timed interval redial software programmed within the processor of modem 10.

The final destination is not limited to any one type of destination and preferably includes medical supplies distributors, physician's offices, managed care facilities, or anywhere else the data may be needed or requested.

In an alternative embodiment, meter 50 sends logs to a "holding" server, which could be owned and operated by a third party and/or the manufacturer of modem

10 and/or meter 50. The holding server subsequently forwards the logs to their intended final destinations. Some advantages of this alternative embodiment include: (1) elimination of the log pointer, thus, providing a securer system; (2) the system is easier to maintained as modem 10 is unburdened with much of the routing processes, and the routing maintenance can be managed at the server level preferably with relatively powerful hardware and software tools; (3) faxing capability can be accomplished at the server level as opposed to being built into every modem 10; and (4) value added services could be offered by the owner of the "holding server" if the logs are maintained in the owner's database.

The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art .

Claims

CLAIMSWhat Is Claimed Is:

1. A system for transferring data from a meter to at least one remote destination, the system comprising: a modem adapted for removable connection to a meter in order to upload data stored within the meter; at least one remote destination in communication with said modem; and means for transferring the data from said modem to said at least one remote destination.

2. The system for transferring data of claim 1 wherein said meter is a hand held meter and said modem adapted for connection to the hand held meter.

3. The system for transferring data of claim 2 wherein said meter includes a communication port and said modem includes a connector, wherein the communication port of the meter mates with the connector of said modem when removable attaching the hand held meter to said modem.

4. The system for transferring data of claim 1 wherein said modem includes a display and at least one

"soft" button.

5. The system for transferring data of claim 1 wherein said remote destination is at least one email box located within a remote computer; wherein said means for transferring is a public switched telephone network and Internet communication; wherein data is transferred from said modem to said email box by said public switched telephone network and said internet communication.

6. The system for transferring data of claim 1 wherein said remote destination is at least one remote modem; wherein said means for transferring is a public switched telephone network; wherein data is transferred from said modem to said remote modem by said public switched telephone network.

7. The system for transferring data of claim 1 wherein said remote destination is at least one remote facsimile machine; wherein said means for transferring is a public switched telephone network; wherein data is transferred from said modem to said remote facsimile machine by said public switched telephone network.

8. The system for transferring data of claim 1 further including a database in communication with said modem, said database maintaining information regarding the transferring of data from said modem to said at least one remote destination.

9. The system for transferring data of claim 1 wherein data is transferred to said at least one remote destination at timed intervals.

10. The system for transferring data of claim 1 further including an Internet web page in communication with said modem, wherein setup parameters for said modem can be originated at said web page for transmission to said modem.

11. The system for transferring data of claim 1 further including a support/help line in communication with said modem through a public switched telephone network .

12. A system for transferring data from a meter to at least one remote destination, the system comprising: a modem adapted for removable connection to a meter in order to upload data stored within the meter, said modem including a display and at least one "soft" button; at least one remote destination in communication with said modem; and means for transferring the data from said modem to said at least one remote destination, said means for transferring including a public switched telephone network .

13. The system for transferring data of claim 12 wherein said remote destination is an email box located within a remote computer; wherein said means for transferring further including an Internet communication; wherein data is transferred from said modem to said email box by said public switched telephone network and said internet communication.

14. The system for transferring data of claim 12 wherein said remote destination is a remote modem; wherein data is transferred from said modem to said remote modem by said public switched telephone network.

15. The system for transferring data of claim 12 wherein said remote destination is a remote facsimile machine; wherein data is transferred from said modem to said remote facsimile machine by said public switched telephone network.

16. The system for transferring data of claim 1 wherein data is transferred to said at least one remote destination at timed intervals.

17. A system for transferring data from a meter to at least one remote destination, the system comprising: a modem adapted for removable connection to a meter in order to upload data stored within the meter, said modem including a display and at least one "soft" button; at least one remote destination in communication with said modem; and means for transferring the data from said modem to said at least one remote destination, said means for transferring including a public switched telephone network and an Internet connection; wherein data is transferred to said at least one remote destination at timed intervals.

18. The system for transferring data of claim 17 wherein a first remote destination is an email box located within a remote computer; wherein data is transferred from said modem to said email box by said public switched telephone network and said internet connection.

19. The system for transferring data of claim 18 wherein a second remote destination is a remote modem; wherein data is transferred from said modem to said remote modem by said public switched telephone network.

20. The system for transferring data of claim 19 wherein a third remote destination is a remote facsimile machine; wherein data is transferred from said modem to said remote facsimile machine by said public switched telephone network.