U.S. patent application number 13/028308 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-09 for meter having multi-level user interface.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bayer HealthCare LLC. Invention is credited to Jeffrey A. Culver, Barry D. Power.
Application Number | 20110137571 13/028308 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37116111 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110137571 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Power; Barry D. ; et
al. |
June 9, 2011 |
METER HAVING MULTI-LEVEL USER INTERFACE
Abstract
A meter adapted to determine and store an analyte concentration
reading, in particular a glucose concentration reading, and
including an interface having a plurality of predefined levels of
user features. The predefined levels may be selected by a user
based on the user's preferences, needs and abilities.
Inventors: |
Power; Barry D.; (Elkhart,
IN) ; Culver; Jeffrey A.; (Sylvania, OH) |
Assignee: |
Bayer HealthCare LLC
Tarrytown
NY
|
Family ID: |
37116111 |
Appl. No.: |
13/028308 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11989881 |
Feb 1, 2008 |
7912655 |
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PCT/US2006/030401 |
Aug 3, 2006 |
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13028308 |
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60705958 |
Aug 5, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
702/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/0002 20130101;
A61B 5/14532 20130101; A61B 5/7435 20130101; G01N 33/48785
20130101; A61B 5/7475 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/19 |
International
Class: |
G01N 33/48 20060101
G01N033/48; G06F 19/00 20110101 G06F019/00 |
Claims
1. A meter adapted to determine and store an analyte concentration
reading, the meter comprising: a display adapted to display
information to a user of the meter; an interface that controls the
display for the user, the interface having a plurality of
predefined levels of user features that are selectable by the user,
the plurality of predefined levels including at least a first
predefined level and a second predefined level, the first
predefined level displaying the analyte concentration, and the
second predefined level displaying the analyte concentration and
including at least one second level user feature excluded from the
first predefined level; and at least one user input mechanism
adapted to allow the user to select one of the plurality of
predefined levels of user features.
2. The meter according to claim 1, further comprising a memory
device adapted to store the selected predefined level.
3. The meter according to claim 1, wherein the analyte is
glucose.
4. The meter according to claim 1, wherein the first predefined
level includes a user feature for saving at least twenty
concentration readings.
5. The meter according to claim 1, wherein the second predefined
level includes user features for saving at least 200 concentration
readings, for calculating a 14-day average, for displaying a date
and time, and for downloading the concentration readings via a
computer data interface.
6. The meter according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of
predefined levels also includes at least a third predefined level,
the third predefined level displaying the analyte concentration and
including at least a third user feature excluded from the first and
the second predefined levels.
7. The meter according to claim 6, wherein the third predefined
level includes user features for saving at least 400 concentration
readings, for calculating multi-day averages of concentration
readings, for displaying a date and time for at least two time
zones, for downloading the concentration readings via a computer
data interface, for displaying at least one high concentration
reading and at least one low concentration reading, for providing a
test-time alarm and for marking a concentration reading.
8. A method for using a meter adapted to determine and store an
analyte concentration reading, the meter having a display adapted
to display information to a user, the method comprising: displaying
information on the display via a user interface, the interface
having a plurality of predefined levels of user features, the
plurality of predefined levels is including at least a first
predefined level and a second predefined level, the first
predefined level displaying the analyte concentration, and the
second predefined level displaying the analyte concentration and
including at least one second level user feature excluded from the
first predefined level; selecting one of the plurality of
predefined levels; and displaying the user features associated with
the selected predefined level.
9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising storing the
selected predefined level.
10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the analyte is
glucose.
11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the first predefined
level includes a user feature for saving at least twenty
concentration readings.
12. The method according to claim 8, wherein the second predefined
level includes user features for saving at least 200 concentration
readings, for calculating a 14-day average, for displaying a date
and time and for downloading the concentration readings via a
computer data interface.
13. The method according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of
predefined levels also includes at least a third predefined level,
the third predefined level displaying the analyte concentration and
including at least a third user feature excluded from the first and
the second predefined level.
14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the third predefined
level includes user features for saving at least 400 concentration
readings, for calculating multi-day averages of concentration
readings, for displaying a date and time for at least two time
zones, for downloading the concentration readings via a computer
data interface, for displaying at least one high concentration
reading and at least one low concentration reading, for providing a
test-time alarm and for marking a concentration reading.
15. A meter adapted to determine and store an analyte concentration
reading, the meter comprising: a display adapted to display
information to a user of the meter; an interface that controls the
display for the user, the interface having at least three
predefined levels of user features that are adapted to be selected
by the user, the at least three predefined levels including a
beginner level, an intermediate level, and an advanced level, the
beginner level including a first user feature adapted to store a
set of information of a first size, the intermediate level
including a second user feature adapted to store a set of
information of a second size greater than the first size, and the
advanced level including a third user feature adapted to store a
set of information of a third size greater than the second size;
and at least one user input mechanism adapted to allow the user to
select one of the at least three predefined levels of user
features.
16. A method for using a meter adapted to determine and store an
analyte concentration reading, the meter having a display adapted
to display information to a user, the method comprising the acts
of: displaying information on the display via a user interface, the
interface having at least three predefined levels of user features,
the at least three predefined levels including a beginner level, an
intermediate level, and an advanced level, the beginner level
including a first user feature adapted to store a set of
information of a first size, the intermediate level including a
second user feature adapted to store a set of information of a
second size greater than the first size, and the advanced level
including a third user feature adapted to store a set of
information of a third size greater than the second size; selecting
one of the at least three predefined levels; and displaying the
user features associated with the selected predefined level.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/989,881, filed on Feb. 1, 2008, which is a national
phase filing of International Application No. PCT/US2006/030401,
filed on Aug. 3, 2006, both of which claim priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/705,958, filed on Aug. 5, 2005. All
of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference
in their respective entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to meters and
methods of using the same, and more particularly, to a meter having
a multi-level user interface that allows a user to select one of a
plurality of predefined levels of user features.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The quantitative determination of analytes in body fluids is
of great importance in the diagnoses and maintenance of certain
physiological abnormalities. For example, lactate, cholesterol,
bilirubin and glucose should be monitored in certain individuals.
In particular, determining glucose in body fluids is important to
diabetic individuals who must frequently check the glucose
concentration in their body fluids to regulate the glucose intake
in their diets.
[0004] Diabetic individuals often test their blood glucose levels
via a blood glucose meter. Some existing glucose meters are adapted
to allow users to program certain features of the glucose meter.
With these types of glucose meters, the user must have some
knowledge of how to program the meter or must be able to read and
understand often complex user instructions. Alternatively, some
glucose meters are not adapted to receive user input and instead
have pre-programmed features that do not allow a user to customize
the glucose meter. It would be desirable to allow a user to easily
customize the glucose meter.
SUMMARY
[0005] A meter adapted to determine and store an analyte
concentration reading is disclosed according to one embodiment of
the present disclosure. The glucose meter includes a display
adapted to display information to a user of the meter and an
interface that controls the display for the user. The interface has
a plurality of predefined levels of user features that are adapted
to be selected by the user. The glucose meter further includes at
least one user input mechanism adapted to allow the user to select
one of the plurality of predefined levels of user features.
[0006] A method for using a meter is disclosed according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. The meter is adapted to
determine and store an analyte concentration reading. The meter
includes a display adapted to display information to a user. The
method comprises the steps of displaying information on the display
via a user interface having a plurality of predefined levels of
user features. The method further comprises selecting one of the
plurality of predefined levels and displaying the user features
associated with the selected predefined level.
[0007] A meter adapted to determine and store an analyte
concentration reading includes a display adapted to display
information to a user of the meter and an interface that controls
the display for the user. The interface has at least three
predefined levels of user features that are adapted to be selected
by the user. The meter further includes at least one user input
mechanism adapted to allow the user to select one of the at least
three predefined levels of user features.
[0008] A method for using a meter adapted to determine and store an
analyte concentration reading, in which the meter has a display
adapted to display information to a user, includes the acts of
displaying information on the display via a user interface having
at least three predefined levels of user features, selecting one of
the at least three predefined levels, and displaying the user
features associated with the selected predefined level.
[0009] The above summary of the present disclosure is not intended
to represent each embodiment, or every aspect, of the present
invention. Additional features and benefits of the present
disclosure are apparent from the detailed description, and figures
set forth below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIGS. 1a and 1b are front views of a meter having a first
predefined level of user features, according to one embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0011] FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c are front views of a meter having a
second predefined level of user features, according to another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d are front views of a meter having a
third predefined level of user features, according to a further
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of a meter having a computer data
interface.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] The present disclosure is directed to a meter that is
adapted to determine and store an analyte concentration in a body
fluid sample which is collected with a lancing device. Examples of
the types of analytes which may be collected include glucose, lipid
profiles (e.g., cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL),
microalbumin, hemoglobin A1C, fructose, lactate, or bilirubin. It
is contemplated that other analyte concentrations may also be
determined. The analytes may be in, for example, a whole blood
sample, a blood serum sample, a blood plasma sample, other body
fluids like ISF (interstitial fluid) and urine, and non-body
fluids. As used within this application, the term "concentration"
refers to an analyte concentration, activity (e.g., enzymes and
electrolytes), titers (e.g., antibodies), or any other measure
concentration used to measure the desired analyte.
[0015] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a meter 10 as
shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b. The meter 10 has a display 12 that is
adapted to display information to a user of the meter 10. The meter
10 also has an interface 14 that controls the display 12 for the
user. In some embodiments, the interface 14 has a plurality of
predefined levels of user features that are adapted to be selected
by the user. The meter 10 also has at least one user input
mechanism 15 that is adapted to allow the user to select one of the
plurality of predefined levels of user features. The user input
mechanism 15 may include, for example, buttons, scroll bars, touch
screens, or any combination of such items. The meter 10 may also
have a memory device (not shown) that is adapted to store the
selected predefined level. While the remainder of the disclosure
herein will be directed towards a multi-level user interface for
use in glucose meters, it is to be understood that it may be
implemented in meters used for determining other analytes.
[0016] FIGS. 1a and 1b show meters having some user features that
may be associated with one of the plurality of predefined levels.
In one embodiment, one of the plurality of predefined levels may
include user features that are relatively simple and easy to
understand. This level may be selected by a user who has not
previously used the meter 10 or by a user who does not require more
sophisticated features, i.e., a "beginner" or "novice" mode. For
example, the meter 10 in FIG. 1a includes a feature that displays a
blood glucose concentration reading 20. The reading 20 includes a
value associated with the blood glucose level as well as the units
associated with that reading 20. In addition to the concentration
reading 20, the meter 10 in FIG. 1b also displays a feature that
allows a player to store a certain number of concentration readings
22. For example, in FIG. 1b at least twenty concentration readings
22 can be stored while a user is in this "beginner" mode. The
concentration readings 22 may be stored in a memory device so that
the user can retrieve the concentration readings 22 at a later
time. This may be desirable so that a user can monitor his or her
blood glucose readings over a period of several days. This feature,
and other features, may be selected using the input mechanism 15.
For example, the user may use the input mechanism 15 to display a
list of features that are associated with one of the plurality of
predefined levels. The user is able to scroll through the list of
features and select a particular feature from the list.
[0017] It is contemplated that other user features may be available
in a "beginner" mode in addition to the features listed herein. In
certain embodiments, some of these features may be "standard"
features that are also available in other modes, i.e., intermediate
and advanced modes. For example, one such feature, shown in FIGS.
1a and 1b, notifies a user of a low battery and is identified on
the display 12 with a low battery icon 24. Another feature may
notify the user that the temperature of the meter 10 is out of the
required range for operating the meter 10. This feature may be
indicated by a thermometer icon 25.
[0018] Other features that may be available in the "beginner" mode,
as well as in other modes, may notify the user to apply a sample to
a test strip. This feature may be indicated by a sample and test
strip icon 26. Additionally, a user may need to use a test strip to
determine that the meter 10 is in proper working condition. The
reading from the test strip can then be marked using a check mark
icon 27. Alternatively or additionally, the check mark icon 27 may
be automatically applied to the test strip concentration reading by
the meter 10. In yet other embodiments, the meter 10 may include a
buzzer or alarm that can be set by a user as a reminder to take a
concentration reading 22. A buzzer icon 28 indicates that the
buzzer or alarm has been set.
[0019] In addition to storing a certain number of concentration
readings, additional user features may be available. For instance,
in another embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the
plurality of predefined levels is adapted to display user features
that are somewhat more sophisticated than the "beginner" level and
includes features that are designed for more
technically-knowledgeable users. As shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c,
one such predefined level, which may be referred to as an
"intermediate" level, may include features that offer more user
options for storing and displaying concentration readings. For
example, user features associated with an "intermediate" level may
include, in addition to the blood glucose reading 20, a date and
time indicator 30. Additionally, an "intermediate" level may also
include a feature that allows a user to store a greater number of
concentration readings 32. In some embodiments, at least 200
concentration readings 32 may be stored. For example, as shown in
the embodiment in FIG. 2b, 240 readings may be stored. Other user
features may allow a user to calculate a multi-day average 34 of
concentration readings 32. For example, a 14-day average may be
calculated as indicated in FIG. 2c. To indicate that the averaging
feature is in use, an averaging icon 26, such as an "A", may be
displayed on the meter 10. Furthermore, all of this information may
be downloaded via a computer data interface 60 (see FIG. 4). These
user features provide more ways of storing, displaying and
calculating information that may be important to a user of the
meter 10. In addition, doctors or other medical professionals may
desire to have this information available to them as a way of
monitoring the blood glucose levels of their patients.
[0020] It is contemplated that other user features may be available
in an "intermediate" mode in addition to the features listed
herein, such as one or more of the features described herein with
respect to the "beginner" mode.
[0021] In addition to the "beginner" and "intermediate" levels
described above, additional user features may be included in a
third predefined level. This level, as depicted in FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c
and 3d, may be associated with user features that are more advanced
than other levels. For example, a meter 10 may include a feature
that displays a date and time indicator 40 that can display a date
and time associated with either a home time zone or a local time
zone, as shown in FIG. 3a. Additionally, an "advanced" level may
include a feature that allows a user to store an even greater
number of concentration readings 42. In some embodiments, at least
400 concentration readings 42 may be stored. For example, as shown
in the embodiment in FIG. 3c, 480 readings may be stored. Other
user features may allow a user to calculate multiple multi-day
averages 44 of concentration readings, such as 7-day, 14-day, and
30-day averages, as shown in FIG. 3b. As in the "intermediate"
mode, to indicate that the averaging feature is in use, an
averaging icon 26, such as an "A", may be displayed on the meter
10. Other features may allow a user to calculate morning, afternoon
and evening averages (not shown). Similar to the "intermediate"
level user features, all of the readings and averages may be
downloaded via the computer data interface 60 (see FIG. 4).
[0022] Other user features that may be included in an "advanced"
level may include testing alarms 52 for indicating when it is
necessary for a user to take a blood glucose reading. The testing
alarm 52 times may be preprogrammed via the user interface or may
be inputted by a user. In addition to a testing alarm 52, some
embodiments of the present disclosure may include various markers
which may be activated to associate certain events with certain
concentration readings. These markers allow a user to compare the
marked concentration reading with other readings taken under the
same or similar conditions. Some examples of markers are shown in
FIG. 3d. A pre-meal marker 46 and a post-meal marker 48 can be used
to label those concentration readings that are taken before and
after a meal., respectively. Some other examples include a logbook
marker 50 that allows a user to mark a concentration reading 22 and
associate the concentration reading 22 with notes and/or comments
related to that particular concentration reading 22. These notes
may relate to some condition or event that occurred before the
concentration reading 22 was taken that may be helpful to a doctor
who is monitoring a user's glucose levels. Some other markers may
include exercise markers, medication markers, fasting-time markers,
and illness markers. It is contemplated that many other markers may
be used with the present disclosure. All of these markers may be
used to label concentration readings so that a user or doctor can
associate concentration readings with certain activities that may
occur during a day and that may influence the concentration
readings.
[0023] It is contemplated that other user features may be available
in an "advanced" mode in addition to the features listed herein.
Such "advanced" features may allow users to calculate readings
associated with other analytes, such as hematocrit readings. Other
features may include notifying a user when high or low readings are
taken. With this feature, the meter 10 may display a set of high
readings and a set of low readings such that the user is able to
view the range of readings and can adjust his or her diet,
activities, etc. accordingly. Moreover, the high and low readings
can be saved in the memory device for later retrieval by the user's
doctor for further evaluation. It is contemplated that other user
features may be available in an "advanced" mode, such as one or
more of the features described herein with respect to the
"beginner" and "intermediate" modes.
[0024] In some embodiments, the glucose meter may be initially
configured at a "beginner" level so that even the most technically
challenged user will have a simple, straightforward glucose meter
that is ready to use. The more advanced levels may be selected
using a setup mode that can be activated using the user input
mechanism 15. Once activated, a user can use the user input
mechanism 15 to set the time, date and other user-configurable
settings. In other embodiments, the glucose meter may be initially
configured at an "intermediate" or "advanced" level. In yet other
embodiments, the user may initially scroll through the predefined
levels and select the one that most closely meets his or her
needs.
[0025] Some commercially available meters, such as those that are
manufactured and/or sold by Bayer Healthcare LLC of Tarrytown,
N.Y., may be redesigned to incorporate the present disclosure, such
as the Ascensia.RTM. CONTOUR.RTM. Blood Glucose Monitoring System
and the Ascensia.RTM. BREEZE.RTM. Blood Glucose Monitoring System.
It is contemplated that other meters, in addition to the ones
listed above, may incorporate the present disclosure as described
herein.
[0026] The present disclosure thus allows a user to select certain
predefined levels of user features according to his or her
preferences, needs and abilities. Less sophisticated users may
choose a level having fewer, simpler features, i.e., the "beginner"
or "intermediate" levels, while more sophisticated users may choose
a level offering additional features having more complex functions
and capabilities. A meter having the predefined levels as described
herein can appeal to multiple user types and a single user can
select other levels as his or her needs and/or understanding of the
features increases.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT A
[0027] A meter adapted to determine and store an analyte
concentration reading, the meter comprising:
[0028] a display adapted to display information to a user of the
meter;
[0029] an interface that controls the display for the user, the
interface having a plurality of predefined levels of user features
that are adapted to be selected by the user; and
[0030] at least one user input mechanism adapted to allow the user
to select one of the plurality of predefined levels of user
features.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT B
[0031] The meter according to Alternative Embodiment A, further
comprising a memory device adapted to store the selected predefined
level.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT C
[0032] The meter according to Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the
analyte is glucose.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT D
[0033] The meter according to Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the
plurality of predefined levels includes at least three predefined
levels.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT E
[0034] The meter according to Alternative Embodiment D, wherein a
first predefined level is adapted to include a user feature for
saving at least twenty concentration readings.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT F
[0035] The meter according to Alternative Embodiment D, wherein a
second predefined level is adapted to include user features for
saving at least 200 concentration readings, for calculating a
14-day average, for displaying a date and time and for downloading
the concentration readings via a computer data interface.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT G
[0036] The meter according to embodiment D, wherein a third
predefined level is adapted to include user features for saving at
least 400 concentration readings, for calculating multi-day
averages of concentration readings, for displaying a date and time
for at least two time zones, for downloading the concentration
readings via a computer data interface, for displaying at least one
high concentration reading and at least one low concentration
reading, for providing a test-time alarm and for marking a
concentration reading.
ALTERNATIVE PROCESS H
[0037] A method for using a meter adapted to determine and store an
analyte concentration reading, the meter having a display adapted
to display information to a user, the method comprising the acts
of:
[0038] displaying information on the display via a user interface,
the interface having a plurality of predefined levels of user
features;
[0039] selecting one of the plurality of predefined levels; and
[0040] displaying the user features associated with the selected
predefined level.
ALTERNATIVE PROCESS I
[0041] The method according to Alternative Process H, further
comprising storing the selected predefined level.
ALTERNATIVE PROCESS J
[0042] The method according to Alternative Process H, wherein the
analyte is glucose.
ALTERNATIVE PROCESS K
[0043] The method according to Alternative Process H, wherein the
plurality of predefined levels includes at least three predefined
levels.
ALTERNATIVE PROCESS L
[0044] The method according to Alternative Process K, wherein a
first predefined level is adapted to include a user feature for
saving at least twenty concentration readings.
ALTERNATIVE PROCESS M
[0045] The method according to Alternative Process K, wherein a
second predefined level is adapted to include user features for
saving at least 200 concentration readings, for calculating a
14-day average, for displaying a date and time and for downloading
the concentration readings via a computer data interface.
ALTERNATIVE PROCESS N
[0046] The method according to Alternative Process K, wherein a
third predefined level is adapted to include user features for
saving at least 400 concentration readings, for calculating
multi-day averages of concentration readings, for displaying a date
and time for at least two time zones, for downloading the
concentration readings via a computer data interface, for
displaying at least one high concentration reading and at least one
low concentration reading, for providing a test-time alarm and for
marking a concentration reading.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT O
[0047] A meter adapted to determine and store an analyte
concentration reading, the meter comprising:
[0048] a display adapted to display information to a user of the
meter;
[0049] an interface that controls the display for the user, the
interface having at least three predefined levels of user features
that are adapted to be selected by the user; and
[0050] at least one user input mechanism adapted to allow the user
to select one of the at least three predefined levels of user
features.
ALTERNATIVE PROCESS P
[0051] A method for using a meter adapted to determine and store an
analyte concentration reading, the meter having a display adapted
to display information to a user, the method comprising the acts
of:
[0052] displaying information on the display via a user interface,
the interface having at least three predefined levels of user
features;
[0053] selecting one of the at least three predefined levels;
and
[0054] displaying the user features associated with the selected
predefined level.
[0055] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments and methods thereof
have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described
in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that it is not
intended to limit the invention to the particular forms or methods
disclosed, but, to the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *