KR20160134715A - Glucometer and method for use - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a blood glucose meter comprising a reader configured to analyze a blood sample, a transmitter encrypted in an audio signal, configured to transmit data wirelessly, and a controller configured to facilitate encryption, in connection with a result of the analysis.

Description

[0001] GLUCOMETER AND METHOD FOR USE [0002]

The present disclosure relates to the collection and management of medical data of diabetic patients. In particular, this disclosure relates to the transmission of collected blood glucose level information from a blood glucose meter to a remote computing device, such as a mobile phone. This further includes methods and systems for monitoring the supply of test media and facilitating ordering of replacement test media, methods and systems for transmitting information between components of the system, ≪ / RTI >

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, also called glucose, resulting from the destruction of the production of insulin, the hormone that is central to the regulation of carbohydrates and fat metabolism, or the lack of proper response to it. This can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and limb amputation. This complication can be avoided through an effective and efficient balance of glucose levels. Blood glucose meters (also called glucose meters) are a tool for reaching and maintaining the optimal balance of blood sugar.

Many blood glucose meters use electrochemical methods based on test media, such as test strips. A test strip is a consumable component that contains a chemical that reacts with glucose in the drop of blood used in each measurement. Test media are typically single-use components that are sold in packages that must be replaced when they are all used. In addition, insulin pumps are a tool used to maintain an optimal balance of blood glucose by controlling the level of insulin in the user.

Typically, the user will measure his blood glucose using, for example, a blood glucose meter. Based on the measured blood glucose, he uses an insulin pump to administer the appropriate dose of insulin.

Transmission of medical data to a remote management provider may be facilitated by a wired or wireless Internet connection at home using, for example, a USB cable connection. However, collecting and transmitting glucose figure data becomes more complicated when the user is outside the home. For example, the user may be an elementary school student or a traveling student. If the user does not have access to a wired or wireless Internet connection, the blood glucose meter will not be able to send the recorded glucose figure results to his physician or management provider.

Moreover, a remote computing device, such as a user's cell phone, which the user may have in his hands can not cooperate with the blood glucose meter, especially when the remote computing device is configured as a USB slave, and the blood glucose meter requires cooperation with a computer configured as a USB master .

The present disclosure relates to the collection and management of medical data associated with diabetic patients. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the transfer of collected blood glucose data to an audio-based channel, e.g., a wireless channel, which may be useful for medical evaluation and management of individuals suffering from diabetes.

This is an advantage of the present disclosure which improves monitoring of blood glucose levels and allows the user to monitor the user ' s diabetes and continue to transmit results to his physician, his parent or other care provider. Moreover, the system described herein can provide a more reliable system for logging diabetes-related medical data.

Aspects of the present disclosure suggest a system for collecting blood glucose level information and transmitting collected data for wireless audio based channels for further analysis and storage. The blood glucose meter measures the user's glucose level using the test medium and the media reader component of the blood glucose meter, and structures the measurement into a record by the data processing unit of the device. The glucose meter transmits measurements via a transmitter unit to a remote computing device, e.g., a cellular phone, for example, a wireless audio based channel. The pre-installed application may present the results, historical data and additional medical evaluation, and transmit the measured data to the remote repository for a list of beneficiaries, such as doctors, parents, or other management providers, for further storage,

Optionally, the blood glucose meter and the remote computing device may be implemented using protocols such as, for example, audio signal delivery, ultrasound signaling, infrared communication, Bluetooth (i. E., An ISM of 2400-2480 MHz in accordance with standards defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group) One or more wireless technologies for exchanging distances for short distances using short wavelength radio transmissions in the band), NEAR FIELD communications (i.e., those defined by ISO / IES 18092 and the NFC Forum, ), WI-FI (i.e., one or more technologies for smart phones and similar devices for touching smart phones and similar devices together or establishing radio communication with one another by locating them very closely), WI-FI One or more wireless local nets based on 802.11 standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electonic Engineers Size products), ZIGBEE (i.e., one or more of a suite of high level communication protocols used to create a private network that is built from a small, low power digital radios based on the 802.15 standard of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) may communicate with the like.

In some wireless audio-based systems, glucose-related medical records can be communicated at various audio frequency levels, where one combination of audio frequencies can represent a '1' bit, and another combination of audio frequencies has a '0' bit . Thus, the synchronization string combination may be attached before the recording data, while a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) data block may be attached to the recording data for error detection of the transmission. The system includes at least one blood glucose meter for use in the measurement of at least one subject; At least one media reader unit for obtaining at least a first glucose level medical record from at least one test medium; At least one transmitter unit for transmitting a measured glucose reading; At least one remote computing device for receiving at least one glucose reading using a wireless audio based channel; And a display mechanism in a remote computing device where glucose level recording can be accessed.

In general, a blood glucose meter may not have a display and may not be able to display measured data. According to some variants, the blood glucose meter may have means for directly connecting to an external output unit, such as a computer, monitor, telephone, tablet, e-reader device, or portable display device.

According to various embodiments, the blood glucose meter may comprise at least one data processor unit, at least one media reader unit, at least one transmitter unit and at least one power source unit.

Optionally, the blood glucose meter monitor may further include at least one memory unit, at least one mini / micro USB port, and a rechargeable battery as a power source.

Additionally or alternatively, the mini / micro USB port may be used as an output mechanism operable to recharge the rechargeable battery and / or optionally upload the measured glucose medical record stored locally in the central store.

It will be noted that to perform the method or system of the present disclosure, the various tasks may be performed or completed manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, depending on the method and apparatus of choice and the equipment and equipment selected for the particular embodiment of the system, some tasks may be executed by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof using an operating system. For example, the hardware may be implemented as a chip or circuit, such as an ASIC, an integrated circuit, or the like. As software, a selected task in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may be executed as a plurality of software instructions executed by a computing device using any suitable operating system.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more tasks described herein may be performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform or a distributed computing system, for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes or approaches a volatile memory for storing instructions, data, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the data processor may access non-volatile storage, e.g., a magnetic hard disk, flash drive, removable medium, etc., for storing instructions and / or data. Optionally, a network connection may be additionally or alternatively provided. A user interface device, such as a visual display, an audio output device, a tactile output, etc., may be provided. Furthermore, a user input device such as a keyboard, a camera, a microphone, an accelerometer, a movement detector or a pointing device such as a mouse, a roller ball, a touch pad, a touch sensitive screen, etc. may be provided as required.

According to one aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter,

A reader configured to analyze a blood sample;

In connection with the results of the analysis, a transmitter, encrypted in the audio signal, configured to transmit data wirelessly; And

A blood glucose meter comprising a controller configured to facilitate encryption is provided.

It will be appreciated that the audio signal is a mechanical wave, such as a sound wave, which includes, for example, vibrations of a pressure transmitted through a physical medium such as air, water or solid metal. As used herein, the term " audio signal " is not limited to sound within the range of human hearing, but includes an ultrasonic, ultra-sonic, or the like that produces an effect in a medium that is detectable at a certain distance by a suitable sensor, can do. As described herein, an audio signal may be used to convey data communication.

The audio signal may be outside the range of human audio frequencies, or this may be within this.

The audio signal may be transmitted at a frequency that is detectable by at least one microphone associated with the remote computing device. The at least one microphone may be selected from at least one of the group consisting of an electromagnetic induction microphone, a dynamic microphone, a capacitance change microphone, a piezoelectric production microphone, a light modulation microphone, a MEMS microphone, and combinations thereof.

The transmitter may be configured to transmit sounds of different frequencies representing different values of the encrypted data, e.g., for each of the values of the encrypted data, the audio signal comprises at least one of a set of frequencies. Each member of the set may correspond to an associated value of the encrypted data.

The value may be encrypted as binary data, e.g., based on the frequency of sound, or non-binary data, e.g., decimal, octal, or hexadecimal.

The transmitter may be configured to transmit the synchronization string before transmitting the data.

The transmitter may be configured to transmit one or more of an error detection code (e.g., cyclic redundancy check) and an error correction code by data.

The transmitter may be configured to retransmit the data until a predetermined event occurs. A predefined event may be the removal of the test medium from the blood glucose meter, the activation of a button or similar switch in the blood glucose meter, and / or the expiration of a timer or counter.

The reader may be configured to analyze glucose levels as the blood sample is placed on the test medium.

The transmitter may be further configured to transmit data relating to one or more aspects of the blood glucose meter, e.g., battery status.

The reader may be configured to analyze a blood sample when placed on a test medium and the data relating to the status of the one or more aspects of the blood glucose meter may include information relating to the test medium such as calibration information, And the like.

The controller may be further configured to direct the operation of the reader and transmitter.

According to yet another aspect of the presently disclosed subject, there is provided a method of measuring glucose levels in a blood sample,

Providing a blood glucose meter comprising a reader configured to analyze a blood sample and a transmitter configured to transmit data, encrypted in the audio signal, in connection with a result of the analysis;

Analyzing the blood sample by the reader; And

And transmitting data relating to the result of the analysis as a wireless audio signal by the transmitter.

The method

Receiving and decoding an audio signal by a remote computing device; And

And displaying the data by the remote computing device.

The method may further comprise calculating the glucose level by the remote computing device and based on the data. In this case, the data may include raw data that is the result of the analysis.

The method may further comprise calculating a glucose level by a blood glucose meter, and the data include glucose levels.

According to a further aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter,

A reader configured to analyze a blood sample;

A transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit data related to the results of the analysis; And

There is provided a blood glucose meter comprising a controller configured to facilitate manipulation of a blood glucose meter;

The blood glucose meter has no visual data display means configured to present data to the user.

All components of the blood glucose meter can be contained within the casing.

The controller may be configured to direct the operation of the reader and the transmitter.

The blood glucose meter may not have time data display means configured to present data using alphanumeric characteristics.

The blood glucose meter may not have a visual data display means configured to graph data.

The blood glucose meter may not have a visual data display means configured to indicate that the value of glucose in the blood sample is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

The blood glucose meter may not have a visual data display means configured to indicate that the value of glucose in the blood sample is below a predetermined value.

According to a still further aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter,

A reader configured to analyze a blood sample;

A transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit data relating to the results of the analysis to a remote computing device; And

There is provided a blood glucose meter comprising a controller configured to facilitate manipulation of a blood glucose meter;

The blood glucose meter has no means configured to receive input from the computing device.

The transmission may be performed as defined by the communication protocol, and the blood glucose meter has no means configured to receive the input as defined by the communication protocol.

All components of the blood glucose meter can be contained within the casing.

The controller may be configured to direct the operation of the reader and the transmitter.

The transmitter may be configured to transmit data wirelessly.

The communication protocol may define encrypted data within the wireless audio signal.

The transmitter may be selected from the group comprising a radio transmitter, an optical transmitter, an infrared transmitter, a transmitter configured to operate in accordance with IEEE 802.11, a Bluetooth transmitter, a short range transmitter, and combinations thereof.

According to a still further aspect of the presently disclosed subject, there is provided a method of analyzing a blood sample,

Providing a system configured to perform an analysis of glucose levels of a blood sample placed on a test medium, wherein the test medium is one of an amount of the test medium in the user's stock;

Monitoring the number of reservoir test media used to perform the analysis by the system;

Determining if the threshold value of the test medium is reached by the system (the threshold value is less than the amount); And

And performing an ordering procedure when the threshold value is reached by the system.

The system may include a blood glucose meter configured to perform the analysis and transmit the data, and a remote computing device configured to receive the transmission from the blood glucose meter.

The remote computing device may be configured to communicate with an external network. For example, this may be selected from the group comprising mobile phones and tablet computers (e.g., built on a mobile operating system).

Monitoring may include receiving an indication of the amount of user supply of the test medium. The indication may be based, at least in part, on information relating to the previous ordering procedure.

Monitoring may include one (or both) of the following:

Reducing the value corresponding to the number of test media remaining in the user's stock when more than one test medium is used; And

Increasing the value corresponding to the number of test media used from the user's stock when more than one test medium is used.

The expected daily use of the test medium may be based, at least in part, on at least one or more of the following:

Expected daily use of test media from user stockpiles;

The use of its history; And

Expected transportation period of new supply of test media.

The ordering procedure may include at least one or more of the following:

A system for automatically ordering test media;

User alert system for ordering; And

An information presentation system necessary for ordering a test medium to a user, wherein the method may further comprise a system for ordering a test medium based on information presented upon approval by a user.

The user's supply may include a single package of test media. This may include more than one package of the test medium.

According to a still further aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a system configured to perform an analysis of the glucose level of a blood sample placed in a test medium, wherein the test medium is one of a quantity of the test medium at the user's stock,

A blood glucose meter configured to perform an analysis and transmit data; And

A remote computing device configured to receive transmissions from the blood glucose meter and communicate with an external network;

The system

Monitoring the number of reservoir test media used to perform the assay;

It is determined that the limit value of the test medium has reached (the limit value is below the limit); And

When the threshold value is reached, it is further configured to perform the ordering procedure.

Monitoring may include receiving an indication of a quantity of a user's stockpile of the test medium.

The monitoring may include one of the following:

Reducing the value corresponding to the number of test media remaining in the user's stock when more than one test medium is used; And

Increasing the value corresponding to the number of test media used from the user's stock when more than one test medium is used.

The ordering procedure may include one or more selected from the group consisting of automatically ordering the test media, alerting the user to order, and raising the information necessary to order the test media to the user.

According to a still further aspect of the presently disclosed subject, there is provided a method of analyzing a blood sample,

Providing a separate remote computing device from a blood glucose meter and a blood glucose meter configured to analyze a blood sample;

Analyzing the blood sample by the blood glucose meter;

Presenting a machine-readable, visually encrypted representation of one or more results of the analysis by the blood glucose meter;

Imaging the display by a remote computing device; And

Decrypting the indication by the remote computing device and retrieving at least one of the results.

The visually encrypted representation may include a pattern. The pattern may be selected from the group comprising one-dimensional and two-dimensional bar codes. The pattern may include alphanumeric characteristics.

The visually encrypted representation may include a sequence of visual components. The blood glucose meter may include one or more LEDs, and the visual component is one or more flashes of the LED. The LEDs may be multi-colors, and the different colors of each LED represent different values of the encrypted data.

The method may further include presenting an encrypted indication at least one of the error correction and error detection information at a machine readable time.

According to a still further aspect of the presently disclosed subject, there is provided a method of analyzing a blood sample,

Providing a blood glucose meter configured to analyze a blood sample and including a capacitive profile output mechanism;

Providing a remote computing device that is separate from the blood glucose meter and that includes a capacitive sensing input mechanism;

Analyzing the blood sample by the blood glucose meter;

Encoding one or more results of the analysis as a capacity profile by the blood glucose meter;

Generating a capacitance profile by a capacitance profile output mechanism;

Reading a capacitance profile by a capacitance sensing input mechanism; And

Decrypting the capacitance profile by the remote computing device and retrieving at least one of the results.

The capacitance profile may include a sequence of capacitance states that varies over a period of time.

The capacitive profile may include a plurality of zones, each of which represents a capacitive state.

Each zone may represent a sequence of capacitive states that varies over a period of time.

The capacitance profile may further include at least one of error correction and error detection information.

According to a still further aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter,

A reader configured to analyze a blood sample;

A processor configured to encrypt the results of the analysis; And

There is provided a blood glucose meter comprising a capacitance output mechanism configured to display an encrypted result.

The capacitive output mechanism may be configured to indicate a sequence of capacitive states that varies over a period of time.

The capacitive output mechanism may include a plurality of zones, each of which is configured to exhibit an independent capacitive state in another zone. The glucose meter may be configured to indicate the order of the capacitive states in each zone that varies over a period of time.

According to a still further aspect of the presently disclosed subject, a method of administering insulin to a user is provided. The method includes providing a system comprising a blood glucose meter configured to analyze a blood sample, a separate remote computing device and a remote computing device from the blood glucose meter, and a separate insulin pump from the blood glucose meter; Analyzing a blood sample from a user by a blood glucose meter and communicating the result to a remote computing device; Determining an amount of insulin administered by the remote computing device and based on the result; Communicating an instruction to the insulin pump to administer a dose of insulin based on a dosage determined by the remote computing device; And administering the dose by an insulin pump.

The crystals may include calculating the dosage to be administered.

The determination may include retrieving dose information from one or more tables preloaded in the remote computing device.

The remote computing device may be configured to automatically communicate commands.

The remote computing device may be configured to communicate an instruction upon confirmation by a user.

The communication may further comprise transmitting at least one of error detection and error correction information.

The method may further comprise a system for verifying that the intended command is received by the insulin pump.

The method may further comprise the step of user activating the device for the insulin pump prior to administration.

According to a still further aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a system configured to administer a insulin to a user, the system comprising a blood glucose meter configured to analyze a blood sample, a separate remote computing device and a remote computing device from the blood glucose meter, Wherein the remote computing device receives communications from the blood glucose meter in connection with the results of the blood analysis, determines the amount of insulin dose administered based on the result, and administers the dose of insulin based on the determined dose And the insulin pump is configured to administer the dose.

The remote computing device may be configured to determine insulin capacity by calculation of dosage administered.

The remote computing device may be configured to determine insulin capacity by retrieving dose information from one or more tables previously loaded in the remote computing device.

The remote computing device may be configured to automatically communicate commands.

The remote computing device may be configured to communicate an instruction upon confirmation by a user.

The remote computing device may be further configured to send one or more of the error detection and error correction information to the insulin pump.

The system may be configured to verify that the intended command is received by the insulin pump.

The insulin pump may be configured to administer a dose upon activation of the device.

According to a still further aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided an apparatus configured to administer insulin dose to a user, the apparatus comprising a pump configured for administration, a communication interface configured to receive a command from a remote computing device, and a processor Configured to receive at least one command via an interface and to manipulate the pump to administer insulin dose based on the command).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the embodiments and to show how this may be carried out effectively, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and are for purposes of example discussion only of selected embodiments and which are believed to be the most useful and easily understood explanations of the principles and conceptions It is emphasized that it is presented in the reason of. In this regard, no attempt is made to elaborate structural details in more detail than is necessary for fundamental understanding; The drawings and the claims taken here will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which several selected embodiments may be practiced. In the accompanying drawings,
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating selected components of an example system for collecting glucose figure data using a plurality of devices;
2A shows a blood glucose meter incorporating selected components operable to transmit blood glucose values of an object over a wireless audio based channel;
Figure 2B shows a blood glucose meter configured to communicate with a remote computing device that transmits blood glucose values of an object over a wireless audio based channel;
3 schematically illustrates a possible component for generating a record for audio based transmission from a blood glucose meter by sample transmission;
FIG. 4A schematically illustrates a possible record structure of glucose numeric data transmitted between a blood glucose meter and a remote computing device; FIG.
FIG. 4B schematically illustrates a glucose recording sample transmitted between a blood glucose meter and a remote computing device; FIG.
5 is an illustration of a data integration check (CRC-based) of the received record between the glucose meter and the remote computing device;
6A-6D show a simple flow diagram of a method for using a blood glucose meter to collect and transmit glucose figure data for a wireless audio based channel;
7A shows a simplified flow diagram of a method of a remote computing device application for receiving glucose metric data for a wireless audio based channel;
7B shows a simple flow diagram of a method of remote computing device application for receiving glucose and battery level data for a wireless audio based channel;
Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of another example of a system according to the presently disclosed subject;
Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a blood glucose meter of the system illustrated in Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a remote computing system of the system illustrated in Figure 8;
FIG. 11 illustrates a method for ordering a test medium using the system illustrated in FIG. 8, for example, according to the presently disclosed subject matter;
Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of a further example of a system according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;
Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a blood glucose meter of the system illustrated in Figure 12;
14A illustrates an example of encrypted information as an alphanumeric property;
FIGS. 14B and 14C illustrate examples of one-dimensional and two-dimensional bar codes, respectively;
Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of a remote computing device of the system illustrated in Figure 12;
FIG. 16 illustrates a method of transmitting the results of the analysis performed by the blood glucose meter illustrated in FIG. 13 to the remote computing device illustrated in FIG. 14;
Figure 17 is a schematic illustration of a system according to a still further example of the presently disclosed subject matter;
Figure 18 is a schematic illustration of a blood glucose meter of the system illustrated in Figure 17;
19A and 19B are a schematic plan view and a side view, respectively, of the surface of the capacitance output mechanism of the blood glucose meter illustrated in FIG. 18;
Figure 20 is a schematic illustration of a remote computing device of the system illustrated in Figure 17;
FIG. 21 illustrates a method of transmitting the results of an analysis performed by the blood glucose meter illustrated in FIG. 17 to a remote computing device illustrated in FIG. 20;
Figure 22 is a schematic illustration of a system according to the presently disclosed subject;
Figure 23 is a schematic illustration of a blood glucose meter of the system illustrated in Figure 22;
Figure 24 is a schematic illustration of an insulin pump of the system illustrated in Figure 22;
Figure 25 is a schematic illustration of a remote computing device of the system illustrated in Figure 22; And
Figure 26 illustrates how the system illustrated in Figure 22 administers the dose of insulin.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to communicating measured glucose-based medical data for a diabetic patient to an audio-based channel to determine an approximate concentration of glucose in the blood using a medical measurement device. It is an additional element of the present disclosure to automatically transmit data to the remote computing device for the audio channel (which may eventually be capable of delivering data to a predetermined audience list, such as a professional care provider, parent, etc.) Or home blood glucose monitoring by people with hypoglycemia. Moreover, the relevant aspect includes a medical measurement device without a display and a medical measurement device configured with one-way communication, i.e. it is designed to transmit a message using a data protocol, but any means configured to receive such or similar message Not provided.

Note that the system and method of the present disclosure in this disclosure may not be limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components or methods described herein or illustrated in the drawings and embodiments. The systems and methods of the present disclosure may be of different embodiments, or may be performed or performed in various ways.

Alternate methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure. Nevertheless, the specific methods and materials are described herein for illustrative purposes only. Materials, methods, and examples are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which shows a block diagram diagrammatically representing selected components incorporated in a distributed system 100 for the collection and remote management of glucose figure data using a plurality of devices.

The distributed system 100 may include a plurality of devices, such as a medical measurement device 140, which may be, for example, a blood glucose meter, and a remote computing device 150 (e.g., a smart phone or any other suitable device, May be a communication device, and may constitute an output device). The medical measurement device 140 and the remote computing device 150 may communicate over a wireless audio based channel and provide the list of beneficiaries to a remote device such as a central storage device (e.g., 80). ≪ / RTI > For example, medical measurement device 140 may transmit medical data via remote computing device 150. The data may then be communicated to a remote management provider 90, for example, via a computer or handheld device, e.g., a smart phone.

It is to be understood that the present disclosure is applicable to any medical device where the medical measurement device 140 is a blood glucose meter, whereby the medical data measured are glucose levels, and any device configured to measure medical data, It will be understood that it is primarily concerned with the example, which may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the medical measurement device 140 may be a thermometer, a balance (measuring any one or more of weight, body fat, bone density and body mass index), a pulmonary edema monitor and / or a blood oxygen level / The heart rate, blood pressure, physical activity (e. G., Glance) and / or calorie consumption.

Note that a user interface for using the remote computing device 150, such as a touch screen, may act as both its input and output devices. The use of a touch screen can make the screen larger, without compromising the size of a separate input device, e.g., a keypad. Moreover, touch screen input devices may be easier to use than untrained users, since interpreting icons rather than complex text based commands may be easier to use.

Outbound communication channel 170A (the terms "outbound" and "inbound ", when used herein with reference to communication between medical measurement device 140 and remote computing device 150, From a medical measurement device perspective) may be provided for communication from the medical measurement device 140 to the remote computing device 150, which may be directly connected to the network. In accordance with some optional and non-limiting variants, the inbound communication channel 170B may be provided for communication from the remote computing device 150 to the medical device 140 such that the device may be operable to synchronize data with each other have.

The outbound communication channel 170A may be, for example, an audio based communication channel. Thus, the medical measurement device 140 may include a transmitter 142 configured to transmit audio signal encryption data related to measured medical data (e.g., blood glucose values in the case of a blood glucose meter) for storage, display, or other purposes, Speakers. The remote computing device 150 thus includes a receiver 152 configured to receive a signal transmitted by the transmitter 142 such as a microphone (e.g., an electromagnetic induction microphone, a dynamic microphone, a capacitive change microphone, A modulated microphone, a MEMS microphone, or a combination of the above).

Optionally, the remote computing device 150 may be configured to transmit the stored measured medical data to the professional management provider 90 or upload it to the central repository 80 via the computer network 50. Optionally, the device may use a protocol such as Bluetooth (i.e., one or more wireless technologies for exchanging distances for short distances using short wavelength radio transmissions in the ISM band of 2400-2480 MHz according to criteria defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group) Touch smart phones and similar devices together based on criteria that include NEAR FIELD communications (i.e., for example, but not limited to those defined by ISO / IES 18092 and the NFC Forum) (E.g., one or more technologies for smart phones and similar devices for establishing radio communications with each other by establishing wireless communication with one another), WI-FI (i.e., one or more wireless local network products based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.11 standard) To communicate with each other.

The remote computing device 150 may be preloaded by an application 160 that facilitates locating and viewing / analyzing data measured by the medical measurement device 140 in particular.

The application 160 may be configured to transmit information relating to the measured medical data to a predetermined beneficiary list. Such lists may include medical professionals, management providers, parents, and the like. This can store the data by time stamp so that the measurement data can be provided within the hysteresis situation. For example, it may be configured to graphically present a plurality of results showing how measured data varies over time based on time stamped data.

Note that the specific configuration and function as described below means, by way of example, a one-way communication protocol between the medical measurement device 140 and the remote computing device 150 via the outbound communication channel 170A. By using only the outbound communication channel 170A, the medical measurement device can be provided without a receiver, thereby reducing its cost.

Optionally, it is assumed that transmissions from the medical measurement device 140 using the one-way communication protocol can be repeated until a predetermined event occurs. This event may be detected, for example, by a test medium being removed from the medical measurement device 140, an activation of a button or similar switch in the medical measurement device (in this case, the application 160 has successfully May be configured to indicate to the user when having received data and / or to instruct the user to activate the button / switch) and / or the expiration of a timer or counter.

Moreover, the medical measurement device monitor 140 and remote computing device 150 may be mutually complementary interdependent modules, each of which relies on another to perform the necessary operations that do not themselves perform. For example, medical measurement device 140 itself may not have a display unit, and may only measure and transmit medical data. This can be done via a radio signal. Additionally or alternatively, the medical measurement device 140 may be connected to the remote computing device 150 via a cable by a mini / micro USB plug.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2A, in which a medical measurement device 140 is shown. In this example, the medical measurement device 140 is operable to measure and store information relating to the glucose level of the subject. It is also configured to transmit data relating to information via the outbound communication channel 170A. In accordance with some non-limiting variations, this may be configured to transmit information as data using a wireless audio-based communication protocol. The glucose levels and related collected information may be sent to a remote remote device (not shown), for example, used by a management provider, a parent, or the like, stored remotely from a central repository. The transmission may be configured to occur automatically, for example, with a predetermined set of devices, and / or may be initiated manually.

The medical measurement device 140 includes a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown) that constitutes a controller, a media reader 222 (e.g., a test strip reader), a power source 224, a transmitter 142 and a media slot 232 220). Optionally, various other internal components, such as memory 228 and micro USB port 230, may be added.

As mentioned, the medical measurement device 140 may have a primary function of measuring the blood glucose level of the subject. Thus, the user can introduce the test medium 234 into the media slot 232 for reading by the media reader 222. The various test media 234 may be used with the medical measurement device 140 as is known in the art. For example, the test medium may be a glucose sensitive chemical, such as a plastic or paper strip impregnated with glucose oxidase. The strip itself can have various shapes as needed. As is known in the art, a subject typically applies a drop of blood to a test medium 234 before introducing the test medium 234 into the medical measurement device 140. The introduction of the test medium 234 into the medical measurement device 140 may include reading the medium, calculating the glucose figure, and transmitting the glucose figure to the remote computing device 150 via the outbound communication channel 170A And starts the process of including it.

In accordance with some variations, the medical measurement device 140 also transmits via outbound communication channel 170A information in relation to itself and / or one or more aspects of the test medium. This information may include, but is not limited to, the battery level of the medical measurement device 140, calibration data, and / or information about the details of the test medium (e.g., model).

The CPU 220 of the medical measurement device 140 is configured to encrypt the information before it is transmitted. The encryption may be, for example, binary data having two different tones (or ranges of tones), each representing a different binary digit, or binary data having multiple tones (or, for example, Ton range) can be used. For example, hexadecimal encryption can be used by 16 different tones (or ranges of tones) used, representing digits between 0 _hex and F _hex , respectively. Also, data compression may be used, and the tone may contain more than one bit or data. Alternatively, the information may be transmitted as an analog signal, for example, by "talking" information, that is, by generating sound depicting a human speech. According to any of the above, the audio signal may be within or outside the range of the human audio frequency.

The CPU 220 is further configured to direct the operation of various components of the medical measurement device 140, e.g., the media reader 222 and the transmitter 142.

While CPU 220 is described herein as a single component with reference to the accompanying drawings and accompanying drawings, it will be understood that it may include several components that work together to perform its functions. In addition, some of its functions may be performed by other components described herein (e.g., encryption may be performed by the same component acting as transmitter 142). In such a case, the CPU 220 is considered to include only the necessary parts and components that perform the functions of the CPU, despite the fact that it is physically located with other components.

According to some examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, the transmitter 142 includes an audio-based communicator, e.g., a speaker, operable to transmit an audio signal. The application 160 executed on the remote computing device 150 is operable to detect an audio signal transmitted, for example, via its receiver 152. The software application may be further configured to decode the information conveyed by the audio signal and to display the measured glucose figure on the display of the remote computing device. Optionally, the application 160 may be further configured to enable automatic external communication of measured glucose values to a predefined list of beneficiaries, or to manually communicate measured data to a desired communicator.

Thus, in accordance with some examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, the medical measurement device 140 may be of the type < RTI ID = 0.0 > of a sealed "black box" type Device.

Optionally, the medical measurement device 140 may include an internal memory 228 for storing recorded data that may be evaluated at a later time. The medical measurement device may include a micro USB port 230 that may be connected to another device via a mini / micro USB cable. If the power source is a connection structure to the rechargeable battery and the processor 220 for downloading the measured information, the micro USB port may provide a dual function of charging the power source 224.

Note that various graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for analyzing measured glucose information may be used as needed through the application 160 of the remote computing device 150.

In accordance with some variations of the presently disclosed subject matter, the display is provided to the medical measurement device 140. Thus, the display can be entered via a virtual keypad (not shown), which can be manipulated to receive user input to configure transmission parameters for transmitting measured glucose values for the communication channel, or adjusted using an adjustment arrow (not shown) Using a number or text, where appropriate, for example a touch screen.

Optionally, the medical measurement device may comprise a basic structure with a minimal display function of a button for the user to input data relating to automatic or manual configuration of the transmission, such as the time interval for transmission retransmission.

Using the outbound communication channel 170A described above with respect to Figure 1, in which the remote computing device 150 is provided with an application 160 for analyzing the received glucose data, Reference is now made to Fig. 2B, which shows the representation of the communication system 200 '. The glucose levels and related collection information are stored as records as described below in connection with FIG. 4, and are stored for management and review, and optionally for further transmission to a management provider, a parent, etc., or remotely stored To the remote computing device 150 in order to be able to communicate with the remote computing device 150.

The medical measurement device 140 may be configured to automatically transmit a record upon, for example, the introduction of a test medium. Alternatively, or in addition, the transmission may be initiated manually by the user, for example, via an activation button (not shown) in the device. The transmitted signal may be repeated at regular time intervals, for example, at a pre-configured rate every 4 seconds. Thus, in accordance with some variations of the presently disclosed subject matter, the medical measurement device may be provided without components facilitating its reception from the remote computing device. This simplification can serve to lower / lower the cost of the medical measurement device 140 or to increase its battery life.

The communication system display 200 'includes a remote computing device 150 that comprises a transmitter 142, a remote output device, such as a smart phone, in which a suitable software application 160 for analyzing glucose figure data is installed, And a medical measurement device 140 including a record 206.

It is further noted that the medical measurement device 140 may be preconfigured to transmit a data signal, for example a medical content signal or a power level notification, at regular time intervals, for example every 4 seconds. Such data may be received by the associated software application 160 running on the remote computing device 150.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which schematically illustrates a possible component for generating a recording structure for transmission from a medical measurement device using a wireless audio based communication protocol. It will be appreciated that the protocol is presented for illustrative purposes only, and that other protocols may occur to those skilled in the art and may alternatively or additionally be used.

The communication transmission component includes a synchronization sequence 310, a bit 320 of a '1' indication and a bit 330 of a '0' indication. This basic component enables transmission of a sample level value of 5 ('101' binary sequence), for example as shown in the 340 designation, for example.

The communication protocol may be based on transmitting a sequence of '0' (s) and '1' (s) bits for each measurement of the transmitted information, 'AB' As an indication for 1 ',' FGH 'is used as an indication for' 0 ', for example the following frequency levels can be used:

A = 4000 Hz; B = 4200 Hz; (Can be used for synchronization)

C = 4400 Hz; D = 4600 Hz; E = 4800 Hz; (May be used to configure bit '1'),

F = 5000 Hz; G = 5200 Hz; H = 5400 Hz; (May be used to configure bit '0'),

For each tone, 'A' may take, for example, 20 milliseconds of transmission. Thus, the transmission of the signal of 'AB' may take 40 milliseconds of transmission and the synchronization signal of 'AB' + 'AB' may take 80 milliseconds followed by the actual encrypted information.

For example, reference is now made to FIG. 4A, which illustrates a possible audio communication transmission 400 of glucose metering information from a medical measurement device to a remote computing device, e.g., a mobile device. Transmission is initiated by the synchronization signal 411 and is terminated by a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) 414, which is an error detection code for detecting errors in the transmitted data.

According to some examples, it can be noted that the transmission is a one-way communication. Since the acknowledge signal can not be transmitted when the one-way communication is used, this may be useful, for example, to transmit a data signal repeatedly for example every four seconds, including for example glucose-related information. In accordance with some variations, the recording and audio communication protocols may utilize functions and instructions to recognize successful receipt of a recording by a receiver, configure a recording timeout, and request a recording retransmission or the like.

The communication transmission 400 includes a synchronization signal 411 and optionally a blood glucose level data measurement 412 by the battery level data 413 and is terminated by an encrypted CRC error detection sequence 414.

The synchronization signal 411 is 4T (tone), and may include transmitting an 'AB' signal twice in sequence using two bits. The blood glucose level measurement 412 may be in the range of 1 to 512 mg / dl of 27T (ton) using 9 bits. Any battery level information 413 may take a value of 0 to 15 volts of 12T (tone) using 4 bits. This can be accomplished by CRC error detection using 9 bits. Thus, the entire transmission may require a total of 24 bits. The transmission may also be repeated, for example, every 4 seconds, and may continue as long as the test medium is inserted into its slot in the medical measurement device.

Transmission of each tone can take 20 milliseconds.

As illustrated in FIG. 4B, in one example, the synchronization signal may be followed by a glucose value, a battery level value, and an error detection signal. A sample transmission of an average glucose reading ('01001000') of 72 mg / dl by a battery level ('110') of 6 can take the following format:

'FGH', 'CDE' + 'CDE' + 'FGH' + 'FGH' + 'FGH' + 'FGH' + 'FGH' + ' ', CRC

Here, the leading strings 'AB' and 'AB' indicate synchronization signals and the end value CRC indicates error detection.

The value of the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) for encrypting the record by adding a fixed length check value can be used for error detection and data integrity verification. This can be based on the remainder of the polynomial partitioning, or it can take a simple format, such as sending a sum of two values for a single value record, e. G., Repeating a value for a blood glucose value, or for a record containing a blood glucose value and a battery level, In the example of values greater than 78, the sum of 72 and 6 may serve as an error detection value.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5 which illustrates selected data integration indicating how to encrypt and decrypt the record. The recording is configured in the medical measurement device 140 by its CPU 220 after reading the glucose level information from the test medium and verified by the method in the application installed in the remote computing device 150. [

Depending on the method flow, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) block may be attached at the end of glucose information recording. The recording may be configured using the CPU 220 of the medical measurement device 140 to generate a record having a length of k bits (step 502). This record may include a synchronization signal followed by blood glucose values measured by the media reader 222 of the medical measurement device 140. Optionally, a battery level can be added to the record. After assembly of the record for transmission, a short block of identification data, possibly having 9 bits, may be attached at the end of the configured recording (step 504). The recording is repeated from the medical measurement device transmitter 226 and speaker 142 of the medical measurement device 140 to the remote computing device 150 for the wireless audio based channel every pre-configured time interval, e.g. every 4 seconds Lt; / RTI > Recording may be received by the communicator 160 receiver component 506 to enable decryption of the data block attached by the application 160 for error detection and correction purposes. For example, a cyclic redundancy check may be used for error detection and an error correction code (e.g., by equivalence data) may be used for error correction. If received, the information is decrypted (step 508) using the attached CRC string to verify the recorded content 510 by the possible output of the record having a length of k bits, if the record is properly received.

If the type of cyclic redundancy check (CRC) is customized to verify the integrity of the data integration, such as the attachment of the actual transmitted value when only the blood glucose value is transferred, or both values are transferred, the sum of the measured glucose levels and the battery level can be applied Can be noted.

6A, the selected action is a method for transmitting blood glucose level measured data and related information from the medical measurement device 140 to a remote computing device 150, e.g., a mobile device with a pre-installed application 160 Is displayed. Transmission of glucose measured level data may be communicated to a wireless audio channel based system as described above. Alternatively, or in addition, the outbound communication channel 170A between the medical measurement device 140 and the remote computing device 150 may be used for wireless communication systems, NEAR FIELD communication NEAR FIELD communications (i.e., for example, ISO / IES 18092 And smart phones and similar devices for establishing radio communication with each other by touching smart phones and similar devices together or by placing them in close proximity based on criteria including, but not limited to, those defined by the NFC Forum One or more technologies for the device) system.

Wireless, NEAR FIELD communications (i.e., for example, ISO / IES 18092 and NFC Forum) based on any network based configuration, e.g., audio, WI-FI (i.e. one or more wireless local network products based on the IEEE 802.11 standards of the Electrical and Electronics Engineers Association) For smart phones and similar devices for establishing radio communication with each other by touching smart phones and similar devices together or by placing them in close proximity based on criteria including, but not limited to, those defined by < RTI ID = 0.0 & One or more techniques), etc., it can be noted that the recording stream may have the same or similar recording structure in response to a predetermined communication protocol definition as described above.

It is further noted that the assembly of the record may be performed on the medical measurement device to add a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) indication to confirm record integration upon arrival of the record at the remote computing device.

Alternatively or additionally, the form of the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) may be adapted to customize verification of the data integrity for decoding at the receiving end, e. G., Repeating the measured glucose values.

Depending on the method, the subject will typically apply a drop of blood to the test medium (step 602A) before introducing the test medium into the appropriate medical measurement device slot, as is known in the art. Thereafter, the medical measurement device will measure using the media reader 222 to define blood glucose levels (step 604A) and optionally store locally measured blood glucose levels by appropriate time stamps.

The measured value of the blood glucose level can be configured as a record as described above in the communication protocol details, so that the CRC value is attached for data integration and error detection (step 606A). The configured record may then be transmitted for an available wireless audio channel (step 608A). Note that the remote computing device may receive the subsequently transmitted signal.

If the test medium is still inserted in its slot of the medical measurement device (step 610A), the transmitter of the medical measurement device may continue to retransmit the current record at a predefined time interval, e.g., every 4 seconds (Step 612A). When the test medium is pulled, the transmitter of the medical measurement device can move to the holding state until the next test medium is installed and measured (step 614A).

6B, the selected action is similar to the method described above in FIG. 6A, but with the addition of the relevant battery level information measured in the medical measurement device 140 for transmission to the remote computing device 150, A method for transmitting the measured data is displayed. The transmission of blood glucose measured level data and battery level information may be performed by a remote computing device 150, e.g., a mobile device, to which the application 160 is preinstalled, for wireless audio channel based systems such as those described above in FIGS. 3, 4, Lt; / RTI >

Similarly, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) may be additionally applied to verify the data integrity of the received record. The type of cyclic redundancy check (CRC) provides customized verification of data integration, for example, to attach a sum of measured glucose values and battery levels for decoding at the receiving end. Alternatively, or in addition, the outbound communication channel 170A between the medical measurement device 140 and the remote computing device 150 may be used for wireless communication systems, NEAR FIELD communication NEAR FIELD communications (i.e., for example, ISO / IES 18092 And smart phones and similar devices for establishing radio communication with each other by touching smart phones and similar devices together or by placing them in close proximity based on criteria including, but not limited to, those defined by the NFC Forum One or more technologies for the device) system.

Depending on the method, the subject will typically apply a drop of blood to the test medium (step 602B) before introducing the test medium into the appropriate medical measurement device slot, as is known in the art. Thereafter, the medical measurement device measures using the media reader 222 to limit the blood glucose level (step 604B), further measures the current battery level of the device itself (step 606B), and optionally by appropriate timestamp It will store locally measured blood glucose levels.

The measured value of the blood glucose level combined with the battery level value may be configured as a recording as described above in the communication protocol details, so that the CRC value is attached for data integration and error detection (step 608B). The configured record may then be transmitted to the remote computing device for available wireless audio channels (step 610B). If the test medium is still inserted in its slot of the medical measurement device (step 612B), then the transmitter of the medical measurement device will continue to retransmit the current record every predetermined time interval, e.g. every 4 seconds (step 614B ).

When the test medium is pulled, the transmitter of the medical measurement device can move to the holding state until the next test medium is installed and measured (step 616B).

6C, the selected action is similar to the method described above in FIG. 6A, but is performed by a remote computing device, noting that the user is aware that the remote computing device is receiving information transmitted by the medical measurement device 140 A method of transmitting blood glucose level measured data having an alternative is displayed. For example, if the medical measurement device 140 is provided without means for establishing an inbound communication channel 170B, the method described above with reference to Figures 6A-6C may be useful.

6D, the selected action is similar to the method described above in FIG. 6A, but without any specific determination regarding the retransmission of data, and with the data presented by the remote computing device 150, A method of transmitting data is displayed. It will be appreciated that this method may be combined with other methods and may include, for example, a determination step that may require retransmission of data to the remote computing device 150. It will further be appreciated that this approach facilitates the provision of the medical measurement device 140 without the means for displaying data.

Referring to the flow diagram of FIG. 7A, the selected action is displayed in an output device, e.g., a computing device, executing a method of application of the associated software of the remote computing device, for receiving signals, e.g., blood glucose level data. Transmission of glucose measured level data from a medical measurement device may be received for a wireless audio channel using an instruction component as described above. Alternatively, or in addition, the outbound communication channel 170A between the medical measurement device 140 and the remote computing device 150 may be used for wireless communication systems, NEAR FIELD communication NEAR FIELD communications (i.e., for example, ISO / IES 18092 And smart phones and similar devices for establishing radio communication with each other by touching smart phones and similar devices together or by placing them in close proximity based on criteria including, but not limited to, those defined by the NFC Forum One or more technologies for the device) system.

Based on criteria including, but not limited to, any network-based configuration, audio, wireless, NEAR FIELD communication (e.g., defined by ISO / IES 18092 and the NFC Forum) Such as smartphones and similar devices for establishing radio communication with each other by touching the devices together or by placing them in close proximity), etc., the recording stream may be pre-recorded as described above with possible adjustments needed for a particular network configuration May have the same or similar recording structure in response to the determined communication protocol definition.

It can further be noted that the de-assertion of the received record may contain a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) to verify the integrity of the data integration verification mechanism, e. G., Recording integration by a suitably designed application of the remote computing device.

Alternatively or additionally, the form of cyclic redundancy check (CRC) may include customized verification of data integration, for example, to repeat the value of the blood glucose value to perform error detection analysis at the receiving end.

Depending on the method, the initial step is to receive the assembled record in the communicator application (step 702A). The component of the record is unassembled (step 704A) to fetch the blood glucose value, and then the CRC mechanism for error detection can be used to verify data integration of the fetched value (step 706A). If an error is not detected in the received record data (step 708A), the blood glucose level is compared with the previously received value (within a certain time using the timestamp as an indicator) and the subsequent analysis, And may be stored for other pre-configured activities (step 710A). Thereafter, the recording may fall into the wait for additional recording (step 712A).

It is noted that it is a particular feature of the designed application that glucose measurement can be stored in the internal memory of the measurement device or in a remote computing device. Glucose measurement can be time stamped when stored so that the measurement provides a hysteresis situation and can provide the ability to graph multiple results as to how the glucose levels change over time.

With reference to the flow chart of Figure 7b, the selected action is indicated by a properly designed application method of a remote computing device, e.g., a mobile device, for receiving blood glucose level measured data and related information from a medical measurement device. This method is similar to the method described in Figure 7A, but has a record that contains the relevant battery level information measured in the medical measurement device.

The transmission of glucose related measured data may be received for a wireless audio channel based system using an instruction component as described. Alternatively, or in addition, the outbound communication channel 170A between the medical measurement device 140 and the remote computing device 150 may be used for wireless communication systems, NEAR FIELD communication NEAR FIELD communications (i.e., for example, ISO / IES 18092 And smart phones and similar devices for establishing radio communication with each other by touching smart phones and similar devices together or by placing them in close proximity based on criteria including, but not limited to, those defined by the NFC Forum One or more technologies for the device) system.

Based on criteria including, but not limited to, any network-based configuration, audio, wireless, NEAR FIELD communication (e.g., defined by ISO / IES 18092 and the NFC Forum) Such as smartphones and similar devices for establishing radio communication with each other by touching the devices together or by placing them in close proximity), etc., the recording stream may be pre-recorded as described above with possible adjustments needed for a particular network configuration May have the same or similar recording structure in response to the determined communication protocol definition.

It can further be noted that the de-assertion of the received record may contain a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) for verifying record integration by a data integration verification mechanism, for example a designed application of a remote computing device. Alternatively or additionally, the type of cyclic redundancy check (CRC) may include customized verification of data integration, for example, to transmit the sum of the blood glucose level and battery level of the medical measurement device to perform error detection analysis.

Depending on the method, the initial step is to receive the assembled record in the communicator application (step 702B). The component of the record is unassembled to allow withdrawal of blood glucose levels (step 704B) and battery level information (step 706B), and then a CRC mechanism for error detection can be used to verify data integration of the fetched value (Step 708B). If an error is not detected in the received record data (step 710B), the blood glucose value and the withdrawn value of the battery level are compared with the previously received value (within a certain time using the timestamp as an indicator) (Step 712B), and then the recording may fall into the wait for the next recording (step 714B).

It is noted that it is a particular feature of the designed application that glucose measurement can be stored in the internal memory of the measurement device or in a remote computing device. Glucose measurement can be time stamped when stored so that the measurement provides a hysteresis situation and can provide the ability to graph multiple results as to how the glucose levels change over time.

Although specific embodiments have been described below for illustrative purposes, it is not so limited and described purely by way of example. The medical measurement device 140 having an internal power source, such as an electrochemical cell, measures the blood glucose level using the test medium 234 and transmits the measured glucose level and / or power level to the audio based outbound communication channel 170A, To a remote computing device 150, such as a mobile phone. Medical data may be received by remote computing device 150 by dedicated application 160 to provide the ability to present results, historical data and additional medical evaluation and may further be provided to the beneficiary, such as a physician, a parent, And transmits the measured data to the list to a remote storage for storage or the like. Optionally, in some embodiments, the medical measurement device may be a "black box" device that does not have an output mechanism except for an audio output configured to communicate with a remote computing device that performs a dedicated software application.

In accordance with some variations of the presently disclosed subject matter, the medical measurement device 140 presents information relating to the measured medical data desired to be used, for example, using a graph (using charts, graphs, and the like) and / For example, without an integrated display. Further, the medical measurement device may also be configured to measure, for example, whether it is above or below a predetermined threshold and / or whether it is within a predetermined range of previous measurements (or a collection of previous series of measurements, e.g., (E. G., Display light, LED, etc.) configured to present relevant information about the measured medical data. Failure to provide such a display may serve to lower / lower the unit's cost or increase its battery life. The remote computing device 150 is configured to receive information relating to the measured data via the outbound communication channel 170A and present it on its display.

According to another example, a system generally designated 810 is provided for measuring the glucose level of a user, as illustrated in FIG. The system 810 includes a blood glucose meter 812 and a remote computing device 814.

9, the blood glucose meter 812 may include a processor 816, one or more memory modules 818 (which may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory), a media reader 820, A power source 822 and a power source 824. It may also optionally include other components (not shown) such as an external memory reader, a visual display such as an LCD or LED screen or LED, one or more ports configured for connection to a data cable, and the like.

The media reader 820 is configured to facilitate analyzing a blood sample placed in a test medium (not shown), such as a test strip, disc, drum, cartridge, or any other suitable medium. This can be designed to facilitate detection of glucose levels in a blood sample using any suitable method. For example, in an electrochemical method, a blood sample reacts with one or more chemicals impregnated in a test medium. The amount of product of the reaction is proportional to the glucose level in the blood and can be measured electrically by the media reader 820. Alternatively, the media reader 820 may be manipulated using a full-range or current measurement method as is known in the art.

In addition, the media reader 820 may include information relating to calibration information, information regarding the manufacture and / or model of the test medium, and the manufacture of the test medium (e.g., batch number, date of manufacture, But is not limited to, a < / RTI >

Typically, the medium is provided in a package having a known number of discrete media therein.

The transmitter 822 is configured to transmit information relating to the results of the analysis to the remote computing device 814. For example, the blood glucose meter 812 may be configured to transmit information for a one-way communication channel, e.g., an audio-based channel, using for example and / or a visual display as described above. In accordance with another example, the blood glucose meter 812 may be a Bluetooth (i. E., A Bluetooth < / RTI > Wireless technologies), NEAR FIELD communications (i.e., smart phones and similar devices may be touched together based on criteria including, but not limited to, those defined by ISO / IES 18092 and the NFC Forum) (I. E., One or more wireless local area network products based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ' s 802.11 standard), ZIGBEE (one or more wireless local area network products based on IEEE 802.11 standards) (I.e., create a private network built from a small, low-power digital radio based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.15 standard It may be configured to transmit information about the two-way communication channel comprising a high-level one suite) and / or other suitable protocols of the communication protocol (but not limited to) used to group.

According to any of the above examples, the transmitter 822 includes the necessary hardware to facilitate transmission. For example, if the blood glucose meter 812 is configured to transmit information for an audio-based channel, the transmitter 822 includes a suitable speaker. The blood glucose meter 812 may optionally include a visual display, e.g., an LCD, LED, or other suitable screen or display, for example, configured to transmit information using a visual display.

The transmitter 822 may be configured to transmit information about the wired and / or wireless display channel, modifying only the required portion.

Processor 816 is configured to direct operation of components of blood glucose meter 812. Therefore, this can be configured for facilitating analysis of the blood sample, encrypting the information to be transmitted by the transmitter 822, directing the operation of the transmitter, and the like. In performing this task, it may use one or more memory modules 818 for short-term storage of information.

The remote computing device 814 may receive information transmitted by the transmitter 822 of the blood glucose meter 812, execute the program, display information to the user, and receive any arbitrary instructions from the user, to be. It may also be configured to communicate with an external network, such as a public network, such as the Internet, a POTS network, an ISDN network, a cellular telephone system and / or a VoIP system. Thus, this may be any computing device, for example a mobile phone (also referred to as a "smart phone") built into a mobile operating system, a tablet computer, or any other suitable device. In particular, the remote computing device 814 is configured for installation of third party software on it.

10, remote computing device 814 may include a processor 826, one or more memory modules 828 (which may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory), a receiver 830, a user An input interface 832, a user-output interface 834, and a power source 836. The user input interface 832 and the user-output interface 834 may be part of the same component, for example, the touch screen may constitute both.

In addition, the remote computing device 814 may include a transceiver 838 configured to communicate with an external network, such as a modem and / or a wireless network adapter. It will be appreciated that the receiver 830 may constitute a portion of the transceiver 838.

The processor 826 is configured to direct the operation of the remote computing device 814. In particular, it is configured to execute the software stored in the memory module 828. The processor 826 may also be configured to facilitate updating software stored in the memory module 828, for example, by downloading updated software from a remote server over the Internet.

When configuring a portion of the system 810, the remote computing device 814 is loaded with a software application configured to interact with the blood glucose meter 812. For example, the information transmitted by blood glucose meter 812 may contain raw data obtained by media reader 820, where the software application is configured to interpret and provide useful values based thereon. This can be further provided to track glucose levels over time and to communicate with one or more external servers,

The system 810 may be configured to monitor and / or track the use of the test medium by the blood glucose meter 812 as described above. Software configured to perform tracking may be installed in the memory of the blood glucose meter 812 or the remote computing device 814. [ Alternatively, the blood glucose meter 812 and the remote computing device 814 may be loaded with complementary software, each of which performs this task together.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the system 810 may be configured to run the method generally indicated 900, for example by executing appropriate software (installed as complementary software in one of its components, or both) do. The method 900 may be practiced with a blood glucose meter that analyzes the test medium.

In step 910, the user uses a blood glucose meter 812 to perform a blood analysis using the test medium, and the system 810 determines whether the medium used for analysis is the first medium used from the package. According to some examples, the system 810 may be configured to prompt the user via the user-input interface 832, e.g., by prompting the user via the user-output interface 834 of the remote computing device 814, and / This determination is made by receiving an indication as it is, which can or may not be taken (e.g., in response to a prompt).

According to another example, the system 810 automatically makes this determination. For example, it may determine this based on previous analysis performed on the final test medium in its package. Alternatively, it may determine this based on the encrypted information (e. G., Batch number) in a test medium different from that of the medium used in the previous analysis. According to any of the above examples, the system 810 may require that the automatic determination made thereby be verified by the user.

It will be appreciated that system 810 is configured to make a decision in one of several ways. For example, it can be configured to use one or more automatic methods to make decisions, but it can also be configured to receive an indication taken from a user.

If the system 810 determines in step 910 that the test medium used for analysis is the first medium used from its package, then it proceeds to step 920 of the method, which initializes the counter, Track the number of remaining test media: C = N - 1, where C is the value of the counter and N is the number of test media initially in the package. According to some examples, the value of N may be determined by prompting the user via the user-output interface 834 for the number of test media in the package. According to another example, the system 810 may scan a barcode printed on a package, e.g., a one- or two-dimensional (sometimes "matrix") barcode, through a remote computing device 814, And may be configured to associate with the encrypted information internally by the amount of the test medium.

After step 920, the method ends until the next analysis of the test medium is performed.

If the system 810 determines in step 910 that the test medium used in the analysis is not the first medium used from its package, then it proceeds to step 930 of the method 900, , I.e. C = C - 1. If more than one test medium is used in the analysis, or if some analysis is performed before the system reduces the counter, then the counter decreases accordingly. For example, if n test media are used in the analysis, the counter will decrease as follows: C = C - n .

After decrementing the counter in step 930, the system 810 determines in step 940 whether the predetermined threshold value T is passed or not, i.e., the counter is less than the threshold ( C < T ). The threshold value indicates the amount of remaining test medium that is expected to be ordered for the new package. The value may be based, for example, on the expected daily use of the test medium, which may be provided by the user based on the usage history or determined by the system 810. [ In addition, the system 810 may take a period of time considered when determining the threshold value and may include a stability factor, e. G., To ensure that the order is made to ensure that the user receives an ordered package several days before the current &lt; And determining a threshold value based on the threshold value. Alternatively, the system 810 may allow the user to manually set the threshold value.

If the system 810 determines in step 940 that the threshold value is acceptable, then it proceeds to step 950 of the method, where it initiates the ordering procedure. The ordering procedure may be any procedure designed to facilitate or otherwise directly contribute to the package of media being ordered.

According to some examples, the ordering process includes a remote computing device 814 that orders one or more new packages of media from the Internet-based store over the Internet. Which may be performed automatically by the remote computing device 814. [ Thus, the remote computing device 814 and / or the Internet-based store stores relevant information, such as a shipping address, a product to be ordered, and the like. In some variations, the remote computing device 814 and / or the Internet-based store may further store billing data, such as credit card information, billing origin, and the like. The remote computing device 814 may be configured to examine multiple ordering options for the best value. For example, it can identify several Internet-based stores for the best value for a particular product, which identifies the best unit price (ie cost per test medium) among several equivalent products in a single or several Internet-based stores, You can order from providing a value. It can also be configured to take a preselected action if it identifies an unusually good value as presented by the user, for example. The preselected operation may be, but is not limited to, ordering an increased amount of the package and warning the user that this confirms the price. The user can preliminarily determine that he thinks that he is at a premium price, for example less than a predetermined percentage per test medium, than the past purchase. Past purchases may be, for example, an average or absolute best price of a predetermined number of last purchases, or an average or absolute best price of purchases made over a preselected time.

According to another example, the order may be a manual process, wherein the ordering procedure includes alerting the user that the system 810 determines that it should order a replacement package of the test media. Remote computing device 814 may arbitrarily present information and / or instructions that facilitate ordering by a user. For example, it may present one or more links in its user-output interface 834, each redirecting the user to an Internet-based store that sells one or more packages of suitable test media.

According to a further example, some parts of the order may be automatic as described above by one or more manual steps. In accordance with some variations, the ordering process may include a remote computing device 814 that automatically retrieves a web site from which a user may purchase a package of test media. According to another variant, the ordering procedure retrieves all the information needed to place an order, for example a product, a price, a store, a forecast of a shipping period, a shipping address, a billing address, billing information, And may thereby include a remote computing device 814 for presenting to the user for approval of the user upon order.

The system 810 may use the information on the ordering procedure at step 910, which may assume that the next package to be used is ordered and accordingly initiate the counter C. Optionally, the system 810 may prompt the user to confirm the number of test media in the package the next time the counter C is initialized.

After step 950, the method ends until the next analysis of the test medium is performed.

If the system 810 is not determined in step 940 where the threshold value has passed, the method 900 ends until the next analysis of the test medium is performed.

It will be appreciated that the above represents a basic method 900 configured to follow to allow system 810 to facilitate ordering of replacement test media by system 810 based on use of test media by a blood glucose meter. The method 900 may be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed subject matter by modifying only the essential parts.

For example, the above-described method may be used to describe to a user ordering more than one package of a test medium, when it is concerned with monitoring the supply of a user of the test medium, And can be modified. It will be appreciated that if the user keeps a stock of one package, then the amount of test medium in a single package is equivalent to the stock of the user. Thus, the method 900 can be modified to add a second counter that monitors the number of complete packages of test media used in addition to the number of test media remaining in the current package. For example, the counter C may be initialized to be the total number of test media user purchases (e.g., if the user orders three packages (each containing 850 test media), the value at step 910 of N is 150). Alternatively, the method 900 may include an additional counter for monitoring the number of packages in the test media. Alternatively, the counter C may initially be set up with the full supply of the test medium by, for example, prompting the user for relevant information about its supply.

Alternatively or alternatively, if the counter is greater than the limit, i.e., the C <T threshold is passed in step 940, the counter C may start with 0 or 1, and an increment. Furthermore, the number manipulations presented herein can be shifted (e.g., at step 940, the system can determine that the limit is reached, i.e., C = T ; at step 920, the counter is set to C = N Initialized and so on).

According to a further example, a system generally designated 1010 is provided for measuring a user's glucose level, as illustrated graphically in FIG. System 1010 includes a blood glucose meter 1012 and a remote computing device 1014.

13, the blood glucose meter 1012 may include a processor 1016, one or more memory modules 1018 (which may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory), a media reader 1020, Display 1022 and a power source 1024. It may also optionally include other components (not shown), such as an external memory reader, a transmitter, one or more ports configured for connection to a data cable, and the like.

The media reader 1020 is configured to facilitate analyzing blood samples placed on a test medium (not shown), e.g., a test strip, disc, drum, cartridge, or any other suitable medium. This can be designed to facilitate detection of glucose levels in a blood sample using any suitable method. For example, in an electrochemical method, a blood sample reacts with one or more chemicals impregnated in a test medium. The amount of product of the reaction is proportional to the glucose level in the blood and can be measured electrically by the media reader 1020. Alternatively, the media reader 1020 may be operated using a full-volume or current measurement method as is known in the art.

In addition, the media reader 1020 may also store information relating to the calibration information, the manufacture of the test media and / or the model, and the manufacture of the test media (e.g., batch number, date of manufacture, (Not shown) in the test medium.

Processor 1016 is configured to direct operation of components of blood glucose meter 1012. Thus, this can be configured for facilitating the analysis of the blood sample, encrypting the information measured by the media reader 1020 for display by the visual display 1022, directing its operation, and the like. In performing this task, it may use one or more memory modules 1018 for short-term storage of information.

The visual display 1022 includes one or more components configured to visually present the encrypted data. This may be achieved, for example, by the use of one or more LEDs (e.g., a multi-color LED, i.e. configured to selectively generate light of a different color), a screen such as an LCD, LED, OLED, plasma display, ELD, Or any other suitable display component. It may also include a combination of two or more different display technologies.

As mentioned, the processor 1016 is configured to facilitate display of the encrypted information regarding the results of the analysis by the time display 1022. [ Encryption may be performed by any suitable method. The display method of the encrypted result depends on the type of visual display 1022. [

The result can be encrypted as a sequence of visual components. For example, according to a variant in which the visual display 1022 includes one or more LEDs, the information can be encrypted and displayed as a time sequence of LED on / off states. Also, different colors can be used to encrypt the value of the data. (For example, a multi-color LED can encrypt two bits of binary data in its single flash, each of the four different colors representing one of 00, 01, 10, and 11) Different durations may represent different values. The above combination can be used, and the value transmitted by the LED depends on both the color and duration of its flash. In accordance with some variations, the visual display 1022 includes several LEDs, and the processor 1016 may use all of the LEDs together, either as a single data channel or a combination thereof, separately transmitting data through each LED simultaneously .

The result can be encrypted with a pattern. For example, according to a variant in which the visual display 1022 includes a screen, the processor 1016 encrypts the information and causes the visual display 1022 to present it as an alphanumeric property, for example as illustrated in FIG. 14A . According to another variant, the processor 1016 encrypts the information and the time display 1022 can be used as a barcode, for example as a one-dimensional barcode (an example of which is illustrated in Figure 14B) or as a two-dimensional barcode 14c). &Lt; / RTI &gt; If the visual display 1022 is a color display, it will be appreciated that the information can be encrypted using different colors representing different values of the encrypted data.

In addition to information about the results of the analysis, the time display 1022 may provide error detection and / or error correction information, for example, as is well known in the art.

The remote computing device 1014 may be any suitable computing device that is configured to receive information transmitted by the time display 1022 of the blood glucose meter 1012, to execute a program, to display information to a user, Device. It may also be configured to communicate with an external network, such as a public network, such as the Internet, a POTS network, an ISDN network, a cellular telephone system and / or a VoIP system. Therefore, this may be any computing device, for example a mobile phone (also referred to as a "smart phone") built on a mobile operating system, a tablet computer, a desktop or laptop computer, or any other suitable device. In particular, the remote computing device 1014 is configured for installation of third party software on it.

15, remote computing device 1014 may include a processor 1026, one or more memory modules 1028 (which may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory), a user input interface 1030, A user-output interface 1032, a power source 1034, and an imaging device 1036. The user input interface 1030 and the user-output interface 1032 may be part of the same component, for example, the touch screen may comprise both.

In addition, the remote computing device 1014 may include a transceiver 1038 configured to communicate with an external network, such as a modem and / or a wireless network adapter.

The processor 1026 is configured to direct the operation of the remote computing device 1014. In particular, it is configured to execute the software stored in the memory module 1028. In addition, the processor 1026 may be configured to facilitate updating software stored in the memory module 1028, for example, by downloading updated software from a remote server over the Internet.

The imaging device 1036 may be any suitable device for capturing images digitally, such as a digital camera integrated with a smartphone or tablet computer, or a digital still or video camera communicating with a desktop or laptop computer (e.g., a webcam) Lt; / RTI &gt; The processor 1026 may be configured to analyze the captured image by the imaging device 1036. [ In particular, it is configured to establish whether it contains encrypted data and analyze the image to decrypt the data. Remote computing device 1014 may be loaded with a software application configured to facilitate decryption. For example, the information transmitted by blood glucose meter 1012 may contain raw data obtained by media reader 1020, where the software application is configured to interpret and provide useful values based thereon. This can be further provided to track glucose levels over time and to communicate with one or more external servers,

The system 1010 may be configured to monitor and / or track the use of the test medium by the blood glucose meter 1012 as described above. The software configured to perform the tracking may be installed in the memory of the blood glucose meter 1012 or the remote computing device 1014. [ Alternatively, the blood glucose meter 1012 and the remote computing device 1014 may each be loaded with complementary software that performs this task together.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the system 1010 may receive data from the blood glucose meter 1012 via a remote computing device (not shown) by executing appropriate software, for example (installed as complementary software in one of its components or both) Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; 1050 &lt; / RTI &gt;

In step 1052, the user uses a blood glucose meter 1012 to perform blood analysis. This can be done according to any suitable method known in the art.

In step 1054, the processor 1016 encrypts the results of the analysis as a visual pattern, for example, as described above, in conjunction with FIGS. 13-14C, and displays the encrypted result .

In step 1056, the remote computing device 1014 is used to image the encrypted result presented by the time display 1022 in step 1054, for example, using the imaging device 1036. [ According to some variants, the remote computing device 1014 receives an image of the encrypted result presented by the time display 1022 via the third party device, and the user of the blood glucose meter 1012, for example, 1022 and electronically transmit it to the remote computing device 1014. [

At step 1058, the processor 1026 of the remote computing device 1014 analyzes the captured image. If this determines that the video contains encrypted data, it decrypts the information. The remote computing device 1014 may be any device that is capable of presenting decrypted information via any suitable predetermined behavior, e.g., user-output interface 1032, storing it, performing calculations based thereon, (E.g., via transceiver 1038) to a third party, such as a medical professional or an Internet-based storage system, for example.

According to yet another example, a system generally designated 1110 is provided for measuring a user's glucose level, as illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. The system 1110 includes a blood glucose meter 1112 and a remote computing device 1114.

18, the blood glucose meter 1112 may include a processor 1116, one or more memory modules 1118 (which may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory), a media reader 1120, A capacity output mechanism 1122 and a power source 1124. [ It may also optionally include other components (not shown), such as an external memory reader, a visual display, a transmitter, one or more ports configured for connection to a data cable, and the like.

The media reader 1120 is configured to facilitate analyzing a blood sample placed on a test medium (not shown), such as a test strip, disc, drum, cartridge, or any other suitable medium. This can be designed to facilitate measuring glucose levels in a blood sample using any suitable method. For example, in an electrochemical method, a blood sample reacts with one or more chemicals impregnated in a test medium. The amount of product of the reaction is proportional to the glucose level in the blood and can be measured electrically by the media reader 1120. Alternatively, the media reader 1120 may be manipulated using a full-range or current measurement method as is known in the art.

In addition, the media reader 1120 may also store information relating to the calibration information, the manufacture and / or model of the test medium, and the manufacture of the test medium (e.g., batch number, date of manufacture, (Not shown) in the test medium.

Processor 1116 is configured to direct operation of components of blood glucose meter 1112. Therefore, this can be configured for facilitating the analysis of the blood sample, encrypting the information measured by the media reader 1120 for display through the capacitive output mechanism 1122, directing its manipulation, and the like have. In performing this task, it may use one or more memory modules 1118 for short-term storage of information.

Capacitive output mechanism 1122 is configured to generate a capacitance profile, i. E., A pattern of capacitive states. The capacitance profile may be time based, and the capacitance output mechanism 1122 may be configured such that it does not exhibit a sequence of various capacitance states (i.e., levels of electrical charge storage capacitance) over a period of time, Represents the exchange of non-zero values of electrical charge storage capacity. Alternatively, as described below, the capacitance profile may be position based. The capacitance profile may also be a combination of position and time based. According to any example, the capacitance profile may include error detection and / or error correction information, for example, as is well known in the art.

Examples of the surface 1170 of the capacitive output mechanism 1122 configured to generate the position based capacitance profile are illustrated in Figures 19A and 19B. Surface 1170 is defined by nine zones 1172 (only one of which is shown in the profile in Figure 19b), each of which has an electrical charge conduction source 1176 that provides an electrical connection between the connected and unconnected states And is electrically connected at its back surface to a switch 1174 configured to selectively toggle each zone. Source 1176 may be electronic device based. Alternatively, it may be the surface of the blood glucose meter 1112 placed in contact with the user's hand in use, taking advantage of the user's neutral electrical charge conductivity. Processor 1116 is configured to control each switch 1174 such that each zone 1172 thereof displays an appropriate capacitance state (i.e., electrical charge storage capacitance) at an appropriate time, for example.

As mentioned, the processor 1116 is configured to facilitate display of the encrypted information associated with the results of the analysis via the capacitance output mechanism 1122. [ This indication is achieved by controlling the capacitance profile.

Depending on the variation in which the capacitance profile is time-based, the period of time in which the capacitance output mechanism exhibits a non-zero value of, for example, electrical charge storage capacitance may represent a predetermined value. For example, a predetermined interval of the non-zero electrical charge storage capacity may represent a binary digit of 1, while an equal interval of the non-electrical charge storage capacity may represent a binary digit of zero.

Depending on the variation in which the capacitance profile is position based, each zone 1172 may represent a predetermined bit in a binary string. One or more zones 1172 may be used to indicate the orientation of surface 1170, for example, by rapidly toggling its capacitive state in a predetermined manner.

Depending on the variation in which the capacitance profile is a combination of position and time based, each zone 1172 can generate a time-based capacitance profile that is independent of the other zones. In this manner, a plurality of time-based capacitive profiles can be generated at the same time, thereby increasing the rate at which the encrypted information appears through the capacitive output mechanism 1122. One or more zones 1172 may be used to indicate the orientation of surface 1170, for example, by rapidly toggling its capacitive state in a predetermined manner.

20, remote computing device 1114 may include a processor 1126, one or more memory modules 1128 (which may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory), a capacitive sensing user input interface A user-output interface 1132, and a power source 1134. Capacitive user input interface 1130 and user-output interface 1132 may be part of the same component, for example the touch screen may constitute both. In accordance with some variations, the capacitive user input interface 1130 can utilize a multi-touch technology, i.e., it is configured to simultaneously detect capacitive inputs at several locations.

In addition, the remote computing device 1114 may include a transceiver 1136 configured to communicate with an external network, such as a modem and / or a wireless network adapter.

The processor 1126 is configured to direct the operation of the remote computing device 1114. In particular, it is configured to execute the software stored in the memory module 1128. The processor 1126 may also be configured to facilitate updating software stored in the memory module 1128, for example, by downloading updated software from a remote server over the Internet.

In particular, the processor 1126 is configured to analyze the captured capacity profile by the capacitive user input interface 1130. It is configured to establish whether it contains encrypted data and to analyze the image to decrypt the data. The remote computing device 1114 may be loaded with a software application configured to facilitate decryption. For example, the information transmitted by blood glucose meter 1112 may contain raw data obtained by media reader 1120, where the software application is configured to interpret and provide useful values based thereon. This can be further provided to track glucose levels over time and to communicate with one or more external servers,

The system 1110 may be configured to monitor and / or track the use of the test medium by the blood glucose meter 1112 as described above. The software configured to perform the tracking may be installed in the memory of the blood glucose meter 1112 or the remote computing device 1114. Alternatively, the blood glucose meter 1112 and the remote computing device 1114 may be loaded with complementary software, each of which performs this task together.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the system 1110 may receive information from the blood glucose meter 1112 by executing appropriate software, for example (installed as complementary software in one of its components or both) 0.0 &gt; 1150 &lt; / RTI &gt;

At step 1152, the user uses a blood glucose meter 1112 to perform blood analysis. This can be done according to any suitable method known in the art.

In step 1154, the processor 1116 encrypts the results of the analysis as a capacitance profile, for example, in conjunction with Figs. 19A and 19B as described above, and transmits the results of the analysis via the capacitance output mechanism 1122 of the blood glucose meter 1112 Encrypted results are presented.

At step 1156, the capacitive sensing user-interface 1130 of the remote computing device 1114 reads the capacitance profile. This is accomplished by bringing the surface 1170 into contact with the capacitive sensing user input interface 1130 of the capacitive output mechanism 1122 of the blood glucose meter 1112. The processor 1126 detects the presented encrypted result through the capacitive output mechanism 1122 and receives the capacitive profile. In receiving the capacitance profile, the processor 1126 may anticipate a predetermined orientation of the surface 1170 of the capacitive output mechanism 1122. For example, Alternatively, the capacitance profile may include, for example, information indicative of its orientation as described above. Processor 1126 can be configured to present a message associated with the contact via user-output interface 1132 such that, for example, the orientation is ineffective, the contact is incomplete, the capacitance profile is correctly received, and so on.

At step 1158, the processor 1126 of the remote computing device 1114 analyzes the detected capacity profile. If this determines that the video contains encrypted data, it decrypts the information. The remote computing device 1114 may be capable of presenting decrypted information via any suitable predetermined behavior, e.g., user-output interface 1134, storing it, performing calculations based thereon, (E.g., via transceiver 1136) to a third party, such as a medical professional or an Internet-based storage system, for example.

According to a further example, a system generally designated 1210 is provided for measuring a user's glucose level, as illustrated in FIG. System 1210 includes a blood glucose meter 1212, an insulin pump 1214, and a remote computing device 1216.

23, the glucose meter 1212 may include a processor 1215, one or more memory modules 1218 (which may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory), a media reader 1220, a transmitter A power source 1222 and a power source 1224. It may also optionally include other components (not shown) such as an external memory reader, a visual display such as an LCD or LED screen or LED, one or more ports configured for connection to a data cable, and the like.

The media reader 1220 is configured to facilitate analyzing blood samples placed on, for example, a test medium (not shown), such as a test strip, disc, drum, cartridge, or any other suitable medium. This can be designed to facilitate detection of glucose levels in a blood sample using any suitable method. For example, in an electrochemical method, a blood sample reacts with one or more chemicals impregnated in a test medium. The amount of product of the reaction is proportional to the glucose level in the blood and can be measured electrically by the media reader 1220. Alternatively, the media reader 1220 may be operated using a full-range or current measurement method as is known in the art.

In addition, the media reader 1220 may also store information relating to the calibration information, the manufacture of the test media and / or the model, and the manufacture of the test media (e.g., batch number, date of manufacture, (Not shown) in the test medium.

Typically, the medium is provided in a package having a known number of discrete media therein.

The transmitter 1222 is configured to transmit information relating to the results of the analysis to the remote computing device 1216. For example, blood glucose meter 1212 may be configured to transmit information for a one-way communication channel, e.g., an audio-based channel, for example, using the visual display and / or as described above. In accordance with another example, the blood glucose meter 1212 may be configured to transmit one or more (e.g., one or more) blood glucose meters 1212 for exchanging data over short distances using shortwave radio transmissions in the ISM band of 2400-2480MHz, according to the criteria defined by the Bluetooth special interest group Wireless technologies), NEAR FIELD communications (i.e., smart phones and similar devices may be touched together based on criteria including, but not limited to, those defined by ISO / IES 18092 and the NFC Forum) (I. E., One or more wireless local area network products based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers &apos; s 802.11 standard), ZIGBEE (one or more wireless local area network products based on IEEE 802.11 standards) (I.e., create a private network built from a small, low-power digital radio based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.15 standard It may be configured to transmit information about the two-way communication channel comprising a high-level one suite) and / or other suitable protocols of the communication protocol (but not limited to) used to group.

According to any of the above examples, transmitter 1222 includes the necessary hardware to facilitate transmission. For example, if the blood glucose meter 1212 is configured to transmit information for an audio-based channel, the transmitter 1222 includes a suitable speaker. The blood glucose meter 1212 may optionally include a visual display, e.g., an LCD, LED, or other suitable screen or display, e.g., configured to transmit information using a visual display.

The transmitter 1222 may be configured to modify only the required portion and transmit information about the wired and / or wireless display channel.

Processor 1216 is configured to direct operation of components of blood glucose meter 1212. Therefore, this can be configured for facilitating the analysis of the blood sample, encrypting the information to be transmitted by the transmitter 1222, directing the operation of the transmitter, and the like. In performing this task, it may use one or more memory modules 1218 for short-term storage of information.

Insulin pump 1214 is any device configured to administer a dose of insulin to a user. As illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 24, this may include a processor 1226, one or more memory modules 1228 (which may include volatile and / or nonvolatile memory), a storage 1230 configured to contain insulin, An infusion set interface 1232 configured for attachment of the infusion set thereto, a pump 1234 configured to transfer insulin from the reservoir to the infusion set interface by mechanical means, a transceiver 1236, and a power source 1238 .

As described above, the reservoir 1230 is configured to contain insulin internally. This can recharge the insulin reservoir permanently mounted internally or removable from the insulin pump 1214 / attachable thereto. Alternatively, it can be configured for disposal by the user at a single time, for example, by the manufacturer to accommodate the insulin, and when the insulin supply inside is exhausted. The processor 1226 may be configured to determine the amount of insulin remaining in the store 1230 and to facilitate transmission of information regarding the remaining amount through the transceiver 1236. [

Transceiver 1236 is configured to transmit and receive electronic communications. For example, the insulin pump 1214 may be a Bluetooth (i. E., One or more wireless devices for exchanging data over short distances using shortwave radio transmissions in ISM bands 2400-2480MHz in accordance with criteria defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group) Technology), NEAR FIELD communication (i.e., touching smart phones and similar devices together based on criteria including, but not limited to, those defined by ISO / IES 18092 and the NFC Forum, (I. E., One or more wireless local area network products based on the IEEE 802.11 standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), ZIGBEE (one or more wireless local area network products based on IEEE 802.11 standards) That is, to create a private network built from a small, low-power digital radio based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.15 standard Way communication channel that includes, but is not limited to, one or more suites of a high-level communication protocol used for wireless communication, and / or other suitable protocols.

According to any of the above examples, the transceiver 1236 includes the necessary hardware to facilitate transmission and reception.

The remote computing device 1216 receives information transmitted by the transmitter 1222 of the blood glucose meter 1212 and transmits and receives information about the transceiver 1236 of the insulin pump 1214, Is any suitable device configured to display information to the user and receive instructions from the user. It may also be configured to communicate with an external network, such as a public network, such as the Internet, a POTS network, an ISDN network, a cellular telephone system and / or a VoIP system. Thus, this may be any computing device, for example a mobile phone (also referred to as a "smart phone") built into a mobile operating system, a tablet computer, or any other suitable device. In particular, the remote computing device 1216 is configured for installation of third party software on it.

25, remote computing device 1216 may include a processor 1240, one or more memory modules 1242 (which may include volatile and / or nonvolatile memory), one or more transceivers 1244, A user input interface 1246, a user-output interface 1248, and a power source 1250. The user input interface 1246 and the user-output interface 1248 may be part of the same component, for example, the touch screen may constitute both.

Processor 1240 is configured to direct the operation of remote computing device 1216. In particular, it is configured to execute the software stored in the memory module 1242. The processor 1226 may also be configured to facilitate updating software stored in the memory module 1228, for example, by downloading updated software from a remote server over the Internet.

Transceiver 1244 is configured to transmit and receive electronic communications, respectively. For example, the transceiver 1244 can be a Bluetooth (i. E., One or more wireless technologies for exchanging data over short distances using shortwave radio transmissions in the ISM band of 2400-2480MHz in accordance with criteria defined by the Bluetooth special &lt; ), Touch smart phones and similar devices together based on criteria including NEAR FIELD communications (ie, for example, but not limited to, those defined by ISO / IES 18092 and the NFC Forum) (E.g., one or more technologies for smartphones and similar devices for establishing radio communications with one another by placing the wireless device in a wireless network), WI-FI (i.e., one or more wireless local network products based on the IEEE 802.11 standards of the Electrical and Electronics Engineers Association), ZIGBEE , To create a private network built from a small, low-power digital radio based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.15 standard And a modem and / or device configured to transmit information for a two-way communication channel that includes (but is not limited to) one or more of: one or more suites of a high-level communication protocol used .

According to any of the above examples, transceiver 1244 includes the necessary hardware to facilitate transmission and reception.

When configuring a portion of the system 1210, the remote computing device 1216 is loaded with a software application configured to interact with the blood glucose meter 1212. For example, the information transmitted by blood glucose meter 1212 may contain raw data obtained by media reader 1220, where the software application is configured to interpret and provide useful values based thereon. This can be further provided to track glucose levels over time and to communicate with one or more external servers,

In addition, the remote computing device 1216 is loaded with a software application configured to direct the operation of the insulin pump 1214 when configuring a portion of the system 1210. To safely instruct the operation of the insulin pump 1214, it will be appreciated that the software application is configured to receive information from the same while issuing commands to the insulin pump.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, the system 1210 can perform the operation of the insulin pump 1214 by, for example, executing appropriate software (installed as software complementary to one of its components or two or more of its components) And is configured to execute a method generally designated 1300 for facilitating remote computing device 1216 to point to.

At step 1310, the user uses the blood glucose meter 1212 to perform a blood analysis to measure his glucose level. This may be performed according to any suitable method known in the art, for example, as described above with reference to FIG.

In step 1312, the blood glucose meter 1212 sends information to the remote computing device 1216 about the results of the blood analysis performed in step 1310.

In step 1314, the remote computing device 1216 determines the amount of insulin administered to the user based on the information transmitted thereto by the blood glucose meter 1212 in step 1312. In making the determination, the remote computing device 1216 may perform calculations based on the relevant factors. Alternatively, the remote computing device 1216 can be configured to retrieve dose information from one or more tables preloaded with precomputed insulin doses based on one or more relevant factors.

In step 1316, the remote computing device 1216 sends an instruction to the insulin pump 1214 to administer the dose of insulin to the user based on the dosage determined in step 1314. [ The instructions for administering the dose of insulin may be transmitted to the transceiver 1236 of the insulin pump 1214 via one of the transceivers 1244 of the remote computing device 1216. [ According to some examples, the remote computing device 1216 is configured to automatically send an instruction when determining that it is necessary to administer a determined dosage. According to another example, the remote computing device 1216 is configured to prompt the user to confirm this command sent by the insulin pump 1214, and to send only the command at the user's confirmation. According to the example above, the remote computing device 1216 is configured to alert the user that the insulin pump 1214 is ready to administer the dose of insulin, e.g., that it is powered, properly connected, etc. . In accordance with some variations, the remote computing device 1216 is configured to transmit error detection and / or error correction information to the insulin pump 1214, e.g., by instructions, as is known in the art.

In step 1318, the insulin pump 1214 receives the instruction transmitted by the remote computing device 1216. [ This step may additionally include verification of the instruction by the insulin pump 1214.

According to some examples, the system 1210 is configured to verify that the intended command is received by the insulin pump. Upon receipt of the instruction, the insulin pump 1214 sends a message to the remote computing device 1216 containing the relevant information from the instruction it received. The remote computing device 1216 verifies that the information in the message it received from the insulin pump 1214 matches the relevant information in the instruction it received. Upon verification of the match, the remote computing device 1216 sends a acknowledgment message to the insulin pump 1214 to verify that the command received by the insulin pump 1214 contains the appropriate information.

In step 1320, the insulin pump 1214 administers a dose of insulin to the user based on the instruction issued thereto by the remote computing device 1216. According to some examples, this step requires that the user activate the mechanism of the insulin pump 1214, e.g., a button, a handle, a switch, etc., before initiation of insulin administration. This step may further include an insulin pump 1214 that communicates with the remote computing device 1216 that the dose is successfully administered.

System 1210 may be configured to determine the amount of insulin remaining in reservoir 1230 and to initiate an ordering procedure if the insulin level is reached or below a predetermined threshold. In determining the threshold, the system 1210 may consider not only the amount of insulin contained in the reservoir 1230, but also the total reservoir of the user of insulin.

If the system 1210 determines that the threshold value is acceptable, it initiates the ordering procedure. The ordering procedure may be any procedure designed to facilitate or otherwise directly contribute to the ordered additional insulin.

According to some examples, the ordering process includes a remote computing device 1216 that orders a new supply of insulin from the Internet-based store via the Internet. Which may be performed automatically by the remote computing device 1216. [ Accordingly, the remote computing device 1216 and / or the Internet-based store stores relevant information, such as shipping addresses, products to be ordered, and the like. In some variations, the remote computing device 1216 and / or the Internet-based store may additionally store billing data, such as credit card information, billing origin, and the like. The remote computing device 1216 may be configured to examine multiple ordering options for the best value. For example, this can identify several Internet-based stores for the best value for a particular product, which can be ordered from one of several equivalent products, such as a single or several Internet-based stores, have. It can also be configured to take a preselected action if it identifies an unusually good value as presented by the user, for example. The preselected action may be, but is not limited to, ordering an increased amount of insulin and / or alerting the user that this confirms the price. The user can preliminarily determine that it thinks that it is lower at a superior price, for example, above a predetermined percentage per unit unit of insulin, than past purchases. Past purchases may be, for example, an average or absolute best price of a predetermined number of previous purchases, an average or absolute best price of purchases made over a preselected time, and the like.

According to another example, the order may be a manual process, wherein the ordering procedure includes alerting the user that system 1210 determines that it should order additional insulin. Remote computing device 1216 may optionally present information and / or instructions that facilitate ordering by a user. For example, it may present one or more links in its user-output interface 1248, each redirecting the user to an Internet-based store that sells one or more packages of the appropriate insulin.

According to a further example, some parts of the order may be automatic as described above by one or more manual steps. In accordance with some variations, the ordering process may include a remote computing device 1216 that automatically retrieves a website from which a user may purchase a package of insulin. According to another variant, the ordering procedure retrieves all the information needed to place an order, for example a product, a price, a store, a forecast of a shipping period, a shipping address, a billing address, billing information, And may thus include a remote computing device 1216 for presenting to the user for approval of the user upon order.

According to any of the above examples, the system 1210 may be configured to perform an ordering procedure in accordance with a prescription issued by a user's physician.

Those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs will readily understand that various changes, changes, and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention,

The technical and scientific terms used herein should have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Nonetheless, it is anticipated that many related systems and methods will be developed during the term of the expired patent from this disclosure. Thus, the scope of the term, such as computing unit, network, display, memory, server, etc., is intended to include all such new techniques a priori.

As used herein, the term " about "means at least +/- 10%.

The terms "comprising," " including, "" including," "containing," " having ", and & But not the exclusion. These terms include "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of ".

The phrase " consisting essentially of "means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and / or steps (but only if the additional ingredients and / or steps do not substantially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the composition or method) .

As used herein, the singular forms "a "," a ", and "an " may include a plurality of references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term " compound "or" at least one compound "may include a plurality of compounds including mixtures thereof.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration. &Quot; Any embodiment described as "exemplary " is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments, or to exclude the inclusion of features from another embodiment.

The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments ". Any particular embodiment of the disclosure may include a plurality of "any", as long as such features do not conflict.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is intended to include any recited number (fraction or integer) within the indicated range. Ranges / ranges "and " ranges from first display number" to "second display number ", respectively, of the phrase first display number and second display number are used interchangeably herein, A second representation number, and all fractions and integers between them. Thus, it is to be understood that the present specification in scope format is merely for convenience and simplicity, and should not be construed as imposing limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the specification of the scope should be construed to include all possible sub-ranges specifically disclosed, as well as individual numerical values within the range. For example, a description of a range, such as 1 to 6, may be used to specifically describe the subranges disclosed, such as 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 2-4, 2-6, 3-6, Number, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and a non-internal median value. This applies irrespective of the width of the range.

It is to be understood that certain features of the present disclosure, which are set forth in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the present disclosure, which are briefly described in the context of a single embodiment, may be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or suitably in any other described embodiments of the present disclosure. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not considered to be essential components of this embodiment unless the embodiment is not void without this element.

While this disclosure has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the disclosure.

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein. Are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference herein is not to be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to this disclosure. To the extent that the heading is used, this should not necessarily be construed as a limitation.

Claims (20)

As a blood glucose meter,
A reader configured to analyze a blood sample;
In connection with the result of the analysis, a transmitter, encrypted in the audio signal, configured to transmit data wirelessly; And
And a controller configured to facilitate the encryption. The blood glucose meter according to claim 1, wherein the audio signal is outside the range of a human audio frequency. The blood glucose meter according to claim 1, wherein the audio signal is within a range of a human audio frequency. 2. The blood glucose meter of claim 1, wherein the audio signal is transmitted at a frequency detectable by at least one microphone associated with a remote computing device. 5. The blood glucose meter of claim 4, wherein the at least one microphone is selected from at least one of the group consisting of an electromagnetic induction microphone, a dynamic microphone, a capacitance change microphone, a piezoelectric production microphone, a light modulation microphone, a MEMS microphone, . 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit sounds of different frequencies representing different values of the encrypted data and for each of the encrypted data values the audio signal comprises at least one of a set of frequencies , Blood glucose meter. 7. The blood glucose meter of claim 6, wherein each member of the set corresponds to an associated value of the encrypted data. 7. The blood glucose meter according to claim 6, wherein the value is encrypted as at least one of binary data and non-binary data. 2. The blood glucose meter of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit a synchronization string prior to transmitting the data. The blood glucose meter according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit at least one of an error detection code and an error correction code by the data. 2. The blood glucose meter of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is configured to retransmit the data until a predetermined event occurs. 12. The blood glucose meter of claim 11, wherein the reader is configured to analyze the glucose level when the blood sample is placed on a test medium, and wherein the predetermined event is a removal of the test medium from the blood glucose meter. The blood glucose meter according to claim 1, wherein the reader is configured to analyze the glucose level when the blood sample is placed on a test medium. 2. The blood glucose meter of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is further configured to transmit data relating to a state of one or more aspects of the blood glucose meter. 15. The blood glucose meter of claim 14, wherein the reader is configured to analyze the blood sample when placed on a test medium, and wherein the data relating to the status of one or more aspects of the blood glucose meter comprises information relating to the test medium, . The blood glucose meter according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to instruct operation of the reader and the transmitter. A method for measuring glucose levels in a blood sample,
Providing a blood glucose meter comprising a reader configured to analyze a blood sample, and a transmitter configured to transmit data, encrypted in the audio signal, in connection with a result of the analysis;
Analyzing the blood sample by the reader; And
And transmitting data as a wireless audio signal by the transmitter in connection with a result of the analysis. 18. The method of claim 17,
Receiving and decoding the audio signal by a remote computing device; And
Further comprising displaying the data by the remote computing device. &Lt; Desc / Clms Page number 20 &gt; 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising calculating the glucose figure by the remote computing device and based on the data. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising calculating the glucose level by the blood glucose meter, wherein the data includes the glucose level.

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