U.S. patent application number 15/256087 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-22 for automated analyte sensor ordering methods and apparauts.
The applicant listed for this patent is ASCENSIA DIABETES CARE HOLDINGS AG. Invention is credited to John Farrell, Mirza Kokic.
Application Number | 20160371640 15/256087 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50881149 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160371640 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kokic; Mirza ; et
al. |
December 22, 2016 |
AUTOMATED ANALYTE SENSOR ORDERING METHODS AND APPARAUTS
Abstract
Methods, systems, and apparatus adapted to automate ordering of
test strips for use in an analyte meter device are disclosed. The
method, system and apparatus includes inputting information from an
indicia on a package of test strips indicative of a quantity of
test strips in the package; tracking a quantity of test strips used
in the analyte meter device; and generating an automatic order for
additional test strips based on a signal indicating that a reorder
threshold has been reached. Numerous additional features and
aspects are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Kokic; Mirza; (New York,
NY) ; Farrell; John; (Wyomissing, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ASCENSIA DIABETES CARE HOLDINGS AG |
Basel |
|
CH |
|
|
Family ID: |
50881149 |
Appl. No.: |
15/256087 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13707112 |
Dec 6, 2012 |
9436924 |
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15256087 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 33/4875 20130101;
G06Q 50/22 20130101; G01N 27/3272 20130101; G01N 33/49 20130101;
G06K 7/10861 20130101; G16H 40/20 20180101; G06Q 10/087
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08; G01N 33/487 20060101 G01N033/487; G01N 33/49 20060101
G01N033/49; G06K 7/10 20060101 G06K007/10 |
Claims
1. A method of ordering test strips for use in an analyte meter
device, comprising: inputting an indicia on a package of test
strips indicative of a quantity of test strips in the package;
tracking a quantity of test strips used in the analyte meter
device; and generating an automatic order for additional test
strips based on a signal indicating that a reorder threshold has
been reached.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the inputting comprises scanning
the indicia.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the inputting an indicia includes:
using a personal communications device to capture an image of the
indicia on the package; decoding the indicia; and communicating
information decoded from the indicia to the analyte meter
device.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein tracking a quantity of test strips
used in the analyte meter device includes: storing a counter
representative of the quantity of test strips initially in the
package; and decrementing the counter each time a test strip is
used.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein generating an automatic order
includes: determining that the reorder threshold has been reached;
and directing a personal communications device to transmit an order
for test strips to an ordering server.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the determining that the reorder
threshold has been reached includes predicting a time when the test
strips will all be used and determining a period of time, before
the predicted time, sufficient to allow additional test strips to
be delivered before all the test strips have been used.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein the determining that the reorder
threshold has been reached includes determining that a predefined
number of test strips have been used and wherein the predefined
number is determined based upon a number of test strips in an
original supply.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein a personal communications device
is used to track the number of test strips used in the analyte
meter device.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the personal communications device
is used to input the indicia by scanning the indicia via capturing
an image of the indicia from the package and decoding the
indicia.
10. An analyte meter device, comprising: a test strip port adapted
to receive test strips for testing an analyte characteristic of a
fluid; a processor for executing an operating program adapted to
control the analyte meter device; and a communications facility
adapted to allow the analyte meter device to communicate with a
personal communications device to receive information input from a
test strip package and to transmit test strip usage
information.
11. The analyte meter device of claim 10 wherein the test strip
usage information includes an indication that a reorder threshold
has been reached.
12. The analyte meter device of claim 10 wherein the test strip
usage information includes an indication that a test strip has been
used.
13. A personal communications device application, comprising:
processor instructions adapted to be executed on a personal
communications device, the executable instructions being further
adapted to control the personal communications device to: input
information from an indicia on a package of test strips indicative
of a quantity of test strips in the package; track a number of test
strips used in an analyte meter device; and generate an automatic
order for additional test strips based on a determination that a
reorder threshold has been reached.
14. The personal communications device application of claim 13
further comprising executable instructions adapted to control the
personal communications device to display information regarding a
test strip order placed by the application.
15. The personal communications device application of claim 13
further comprising executable instructions adapted to control the
personal communications device to display information regarding a
predicted date when a test strip supply will be depleted.
16. The personal communications device application of claim 13
wherein the executable instructions adapted to input information
include instructions to scan the indicia.
17. The personal communications device application of claim 13
wherein the executable instructions adapted to input information
include instructions to capture an image of the indicia on the
package using a camera in the personal communications device;
decode the indicia; and communicate information decoded from the
indicia to the analyte meter device.
18. The personal communications device application of claim 13
wherein the executable instructions adapted to track a number of
test strips used includes instructions to store a counter
representative of the quantity of test strips initially in the
package; and decrement the counter each time a test strip is
used.
19. The personal communications device application of claim 18
wherein the executable instructions adapted to generate an
automatic order includes instructions to determine that the reorder
threshold has been reached; and direct the personal communications
device to transmit an order for test strips to an ordering
server.
20. The personal communications device application of claim 19
wherein the executable instructions adapted to generate an
automatic order further includes instructions to predict a time
when the test strips will all be used and determine a period of
time, before the predicted time, sufficient to allow additional
test strips to be delivered before all the test strips have been
used.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/707,112, filed Dec. 6, 2012, and titled "AUTOMATED
ANALYTE SENSOR ORDERING METHODS AND APPARATUS" (Attorney Docket No.
BHDD/030/US), which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety for all purposes.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to automated methods and
apparatus for ordering analyte sensors that are used to detect an
analyte characteristic in a fluid sample.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The monitoring of analyte concentration levels or other
properties in a biological fluid can be used for health
diagnostics. For example, an analyte sensor (more generally known a
"test strip") can be employed to monitor a patient's blood glucose
level as part of diabetes treatment and care. Furthermore, test
strips can be used to detect or measure concentrations of other
analytes, such as lactate, keytones, total cholesterol, uric acid,
lipids, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density
lipoprotein (LDL), hemoglobin A1c, etc.
[0004] A disposable single-use test strip is used to detect an
analyte concentration level in a biological fluid sample such as
from a single sample of blood or other interstitial fluid. For
example, the biological fluid can be obtained from the patient via
a lancet (e.g., by a pinprick or needle). Typically, after a
biological fluid sample has been obtained from the patient, such as
by the use of a lancet, the biological fluid sample is then
transferred to the test strip for measurement of the biological
fluid sample's analyte concentration level using, for example, a
blood glucose meter (BGM) or other analyte meter device (AMD).
Application of the biological fluid to the test strip initiates a
reaction that consumes the reactants (e.g., catalytic agents or
reagents such as oxidase enzymes) on the strip and the strip cannot
be used again. Thus, once the analyte concentration has been
measured, the test strip is disposed. Therefore, each use of a BGM
requires the consumption of a test strip. Typically, test strips
are purchased in a package of fifty (50) and the lot is labeled
with an assigned identifier and an expiration date. Once the user
begins to run low on their test strip supply, the user typically
must remember to order, or go to a store to purchase, additional
strips. If the user fails to get additional strips in time, the
user will not be able to use the BGM or other analyte meter device.
Because the strips expire, maintaining a large supply of strips
results in waste if not used before expiration.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for timely automated test strip
ordering methods and apparatus that ensure users of BGMs, or other
analyte meter devices, have an adequate supply of test strips that
will not expire before the strips are needed and used.
SUMMARY
[0006] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method
of ordering test strips for an analyte meter device. The method
includes inputting information from an indicia on a package of test
strips indicative of a quantity of test strips in the package;
tracking a number of test strips used in the analyte meter device;
and generating an automatic order for additional test strips based
on a signal indicating that a reorder threshold has been
reached.
[0007] In some other embodiments, the present invention provides an
automated analyte meter test strip ordering system. The system
includes an analyte meter device adapted to use test strips to
measure a characteristic of an analyte; and a personal
communications device adapted to input information from an indicia
on a package of test strips, adapted to communicate with the
analyte meter device, and adapted to order test strips based on
information received from the analyte meter device.
[0008] In yet other embodiments, the present invention provides an
analyte meter device. The device includes a test strip port adapted
to receive test strips for testing an analyte characteristic of a
fluid; a processor for executing an operating program adapted to
control the analyte meter device; and a communications facility
adapted to allow the analyte meter device to communicate with a
personal communications device to receive information input from a
test strip package and to transmit test strip usage
information.
[0009] In still yet other embodiments, the present invention
provides a personal communications device application. The
application includes processor instructions adapted to be executed
on a personal communications device. The executable instructions
are further adapted to control the personal communications device
to input information from an indicia on a package of test strips
indicative of a quantity of test strips in the package; track a
number of test strips used in an analyte meter device; and generate
an automatic order for additional test strips based on a
determination that a reorder threshold has been reached.
[0010] These and other features of the present teachings are set
forth herein. Other features and aspects of the present invention
will become more fully apparent from the following detailed
description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.
DRAWINGS
[0011] The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings,
described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings
are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any
way.
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of an
example automated test strip ordering system according to
embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a partially cross-sectioned top view of
an embodiment of an example analyte meter device (AMD) with a test
strip inserted according to embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of an example
personal communication device (PCD) with a screen display according
to embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a table representation of an example
database useful for storing test strip data according to
embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting an example method
of automating the re-ordering of test strips according to
embodiments.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0017] According to some aspects of the present invention,
automated ordering of analyte sensors (i.e., test strips) is
achieved using a personal communications device (PCD) such as, for
example, a smart phone, a tablet, or a phablet executing an
application adapted to communicate with an analyte meter device
(AMD) such as, for example, a blood glucose meter (BGM). In some
embodiments, when a user receives an initial supply of test strips,
the PCD is used to input information from an indicia (e.g., by
scanning a barcode, QR code, etc.) on the packaging of the test
strips into the PCD application. The indicia indicate the type,
quantity, and other information about the test strips. The PCD
communicates (e.g., wirelessly) the type, quantity, and other
information to the AMD. As the user tests analyte properties and
consumes test strips over time, the AMD tracks use of the test
strips and, at an appropriate time, automatically communicates to
the PCD application that additional test strips are going to be
needed, or in some embodiments, should be ordered. The PCD
application automatically orders the correct type and quantity of
strips from a preselected or suggested supplier.
[0018] In some embodiments, a preselected remaining quantity can be
used trigger the ordering of additional test strips. In some
embodiments, the trigger for ordering can be based upon a predicted
date that the user will need more strips or need to order more
strips. The predicted date can be determined based upon available
quantity, rate of use, supplier, shipping time, etc. Once the new
test strips arrive, the user is directed to input information from
the indicia on the packaging with the PCD (either manually or by
scanning) and the process repeats.
[0019] In some embodiments, the AMD includes some of the
functionality of the PCD and can be operative to be used to scan
the indicia and automatically order additional test strips in
addition to the above-described functions. In some embodiments, the
AMD reports each use of a test strip to the PCD. In such
embodiments, the PCD tracks the user's inventory of test strips and
determines when to order additional test strips. These and other
embodiments of automated test strip ordering systems, apparatus and
methods are described below with reference to FIGS. 1 through
5.
[0020] Turning to FIG. 1, an example embodiment of an automated
test strip ordering system 100 is pictured. The system 100 includes
a networked ordering server 102 that is adapted to receive orders
from users and to dispatch delivery instructions to a networked
order fulfillment server 104. In some embodiments, the ordering
server 102 and the order fulfillment server 104 can be the same
machine, can be on the same local network, and/or be operated by
the same entity (e.g., a test strip manufacturer, a test strip
supplier/distributer, etc.). The servers 102, 104 are coupled to,
and communicate via, the Internet 106 or any other suitable,
practicable network or communications system. The system 100 also
includes a personal communications device (PCD) 108 such as, for
example, a smart phone, a tablet, or a phablet. Examples of smart
phones include the Apple.RTM. iPhone.RTM., Motorola.RTM.
Droid.RTM., HTC.RTM. Evo.RTM., Asus.RTM. PadFone.RTM., ZTE.RTM.
Score.RTM., LG.RTM. Viper.RTM., Nokia.RTM. Lumia.RTM., Pantech.RTM.
Burst.RTM., T-Mobile.RTM. MyTouch.RTM., Huawei.RTM. Ascend.RTM.,
Sony.RTM. Ericson.RTM., BlackBerry.RTM. Torch.RTM., and the like.
Examples of tablets include the Apple.RTM. iPad.RTM.,
BlackBerry.RTM. PlayBook.RTM., Amazon.RTM. Kindle.RTM., Sony.RTM.
Tablet.TM., and the like. Examples of phablets include the
Samsung.RTM. Galaxy.RTM. Note.RTM., LG.RTM. Optimus Vu.RTM.,
HTC.RTM. One X.RTM., and the like.
[0021] In addition to PCDs 108, in some embodiments other devices
can be used. For example, in some embodiments, a personal computer
(PC) 114, a laptop computer, a cell phone, a wireless phone, a
gaming device, a set top box, and/or other electronics devices can
be used.
[0022] In any case, the PCD 108 or other device is operative to
execute an application that facilitates communications (e.g.,
wireless) with the ordering server 102 and with an analyte meter
device (AMD) 110 so as to enable automated tracking and ordering of
test strips 112 when needed. The AMD 110 is operative to perform
all of the functions of a conventional analyte meter device (e.g.,
such as the Contour.RTM. USB meter manufactured by Bayer Healthcare
LLC), and, in addition, to track test strip usage, to track test
data, and to communicate (e.g., wireless) with the PCD 108. The AMD
110 includes a port that is adapted to couple to a test strip 112
and measure the analyte characteristic of interest of the fluid
sample applied to the test strip 112. As mentioned above, in some
embodiments, the system 100 can also optionally include a personal
computer (PC) 114 that can connect to the Internet 106 and is
operative to communicate with the PCD 108 and/or the AMD 110. The
PC 114 can be used to display and communicate information related
to the test strip usage and other information such as test data
results, status information, special offers, or the like.
[0023] In some embodiments, the system 100 can include an optional
insurance and/or a healthcare provider server 116 (shown in
phantom). This server 116 can be adapted to communicate with the
PCD 108, the AMD 110, and/or the other servers 102, 104 to receive
information about the user's use of, and test results from, the AMD
110. In some embodiments, regular and consistent use of the AMD 110
can qualify the user for discounts or other promotions from the
health insurance company operating the server 116. In this manner,
users can be encouraged to take better care of themselves by more
carefully monitoring their blood glucose levels, for example. In
some embodiments, healthcare providers can use the system 100 to
more closely monitor the health of the user. In some embodiments,
the healthcare provider can issue a request for test strip usage
and results information via the server 116 to the PCD 108 and/or
the AMD 110. In some embodiments, this information can be reported
to the healthcare provider and/or the health insurance company
automatically via the insurance and/or a healthcare provider server
116. As with the other servers 102, 104, the insurance and/or a
healthcare provider server 116 can communicate via the Internet 106
or any other practicable network.
[0024] Turning to FIG. 2, a front partial cut-away view of an
example embodiment of an AMD 110 and an attached test strip 112 is
provided. The AMD 110 in the depicted embodiment includes a port
that is adapted to receive and configured to couple with the test
strip 112. The body 202 of the AMD 110 includes a display 204 and
operating controls 206 (e.g., push buttons, switches, and the
like). The AMD 110 in the pictured embodiment uses an
electrochemical analyte sensor (i.e., test strip 112). However, it
would be understood that the invention is equally applicable to
other types of test strips 112 such as those that function based
upon a color change, e.g., optical analyte sensors.
[0025] The AMD 110 also includes a wireless communication facility
(WCF) 208 such as, for example, a Zigbee.RTM. chipset, a
Bluetooth.RTM. chipset, a Wi-Fi chipset, or the like. The AMD 110
is controlled by a processor (PRC) 210 which includes memory and an
AMD operating program. The processor 210 is operatively coupled to
each of the display 204, the operating controls 206, the WCF 208,
and the coupling to the test strip 112. The AMD 110 also includes
numerous additional practicable features not shown that would be
understood to be included in such a device such as a battery/power
system.
[0026] The AMD operating program stored in the processor memory is
adapted to execute on the processor 210 to perform the various
methods of the present invention. The AMD operating program
includes a number of modules adapted to perform various functions
including communicating data to the PCD 108 via the WCF 208,
storing test strip tracking information (e.g., usage counts,
quantities, test strip lot IDs, usage rates, and the like),
determining if a reorder threshold has been reached, testing an
analyte on the test strip 112, displaying information on the
display 204, receiving control signals from the operating controls
206, and the like. More generally, the AMD operating program is
adapted to execute various methods of the invention as described
below with reference to FIG. 5.
[0027] Turning now to FIG. 3, an example of a PCD 108 is depicted
displaying an example PCD application screen display 302 according
to embodiments of the present invention. The PCD 108 can include a
camera which together with the PCD application can be used to input
information via scanning a code or other indicia from a package of
test strips. The number of strips in the package may also be
manually input in some embodiments. The PCD application can be
provided as a downloadable program via an applications store
accessible via a built-in application included by the PCD
manufacturer as part of the PCD 108. For example, the Apple.RTM.
iPhone.RTM. provides a built-in "App Store" application for finding
and downloading applications distributed via the Apple.RTM. App
Store. The PCD application can include a number of modules adapted
to perform various functions including communicating data to the
AMD 110, storing test strip tracking information (e.g., usage
counts, quantities, test strip lot IDs, usage rates, and the like),
determining if a reorder threshold has been reached, displaying
information on the display 302, and the like. More generally, the
PCD application is adapted to execute various methods of the
invention as described below with reference to FIG. 5.
[0028] The particular example screen display 302 depicted in FIG. 3
includes a reporting message 304 indicating to the user that that
the PCD application has determined additional test strips 112 will
soon be needed and that these additional test strips 112 have been
automatically ordered. The example screen display 302 also includes
a graph 306 indicating the actual (black bars) and predicted (white
bars) inventory of test strips 112 over time. Thus, the user can
easily see that within a few days, the number of strips would be
zero if more strips were not ordered. Numerous additional and
alternative screen displays 302 can be used with the present
invention and the image shown in FIG. 3 is merely representative of
an example screen display 302.
[0029] FIG. 4 depicts a representation of an example of a
simplified database 400 that can be used in some embodiments of the
present invention. In some embodiments, this example database 400
can be stored on the PCD 108 and managed (e.g., populated,
accessed, updated, etc.) by the PCD application. In some
embodiments, the database 400 can be stored on the AMD 110 and
managed by the AMD operating program. In some embodiments, part or
a version of the database 400 can be stored on the PCD 108 and part
or a version can be stored on the AMD 110. In some embodiments, the
database 400 can be stored on and managed by an online server
(e.g., 102, 104, 116) or a personal computer 114.
[0030] The example database 400 is presented in a table format for
illustrative purposes. However, those of ordinary skill would
readily understand that many different alternative formats can be
used. The example database 400 shown is useful for storing test and
test strip data. The database 400 is adapted to include several
fields 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414 (vertical columns) for
each database record or entry 416, 418, 420, 422, 424 (horizontal
row).
[0031] In some embodiments, the fields can include: a test
identification field 402 useful for storing a unique index for
referencing each test or test strip used; a test date field 404
useful for storing an indicia representative of the date the test
associated with the given entry was performed or the date the test
strip associated with the given entry was used; a test time field
406 useful for storing an indicia representative of the time the
test associated with the given entry was performed or the time the
test strip associated with the given entry was used; a test result
field 408 useful for storing an indicia representative of the
outcome of the test associated with the given entry; a remaining
strip count field 410 useful for storing an indicia representative
of the number of test strips the user has in his supply after the
test associated with the given entry has been completed; a
consumption rate field 412 useful for storing an indicia
representative of a running average of the number of test strips
per day that the user consumes; an anticipated reorder date field
414 useful for storing an indicia representative of a predicted
date upon which the next lot of test strips should be reordered to
avoid the user running out of test strips; and the like. Many
additional or alternative fields can be included. For example, a
test strip lot identification field, a user identification field
(where users share a single AMD 110), a test strip cost information
field, and the like could also be included in the database 400.
[0032] Each entry (horizontal row) 416, 418, 420, 422, 424 of the
example database 400 stores information about a unique test and
corresponding test strip used. The example database 400 includes
many entries however only five representative entries 416, 418,
420, 422, 424 are shown.
[0033] The example data shown populating the example database 400
is merely illustrative and is only intended to demonstrate the type
and form of information that can be stored. An example scenario is
now described to further illustrate the operation of the invention.
Entry 416 indicates that the user tested his blood glucose level on
May 1, 2012 at 4:09 PM. The level was 93 mg/dl and he had 17 test
strips remaining afterward. The remaining strip count field 410 is
decremented after each test strip is used. To date, the user had
averaged about 4.1 tests per day and based on that rate of testing
and the remaining number of strips, the PCD 108 has determined that
on May 2, 2012, additional test strips should be ordered.
[0034] The next morning, which is May 2, 2012, the PCD 108 has
ordered additional test strips as indicated by the new value in the
anticipated reorder date field 414 in entry 420. A screen display
302 such as the one depicted in FIG. 3 can be presented to the
user. Two days later, at sometime between 7:02 AM and 11:11 AM, a
new package of 50 test strips arrived and was scanned by the user
with the PCD 108. This is indicated by the updated value in the
remaining strip count field 410 in entry 424. Note that in this
example, the anticipated reorder date field 414 is updated once the
new test strips are ordered. The remaining strip count field 410 is
updated once the new test strips actually arrive and have been
scanned. In some embodiments, the values in the various fields can
be updated at different points in time.
[0035] Turning now to FIG. 5, a flowchart depicting an example
method 500 of embodiments of the invention is provided. In step
502, an initial lot of test strips 112 is received. The initial lot
can be included with the AMD 110 when the AMD 110 was initially
acquired by the user. In some embodiments, the initial lot of test
strips 112 can be purchased at a store or via mail order or
received from a healthcare provider. Regardless, the user scans a
code or other indicia on the package of the test strip lot using
the PCD 108 in step 504. The PCD application running on the PCD 108
is adapted to decode the scanned code and determine the number and
type of test strips 112 in the package. The number and type of test
strips 112 along with other information such as manufacturing date,
expiration date, manufacturer identifier, lot number, and the like,
can be communicated to the AMD 110 in step 506.
[0036] In step 508, the AMD 110 can update a database (e.g., the
database 400 depicted in FIG. 4) or another data structure with
some or all of the information decoded by the PCD 108 from the test
strip package. In some embodiments, some or all of the information
can be stored in both or either the PCD 108 and the AMD 110. In
step 510, the AMD 110 tracks the use of the test strips 112 and can
update the database 400 or other data structure accordingly. In
some embodiments, the AMD 110 can communicate the test strip usage
(and test result) information to the PCD 108 whenever the two
devices are within communication range, able to establish
communications, or immediately via the Internet. In some
embodiments, a PC 114 can function as a server to keep the
information synchronized between the AMD 110 and the PCD 108. In
some embodiments, a third-party server 102, 104, 116 can function
as a synchronization server to distribute information to the AMD
110 or the PCD 108.
[0037] In step 512, a determination is made whether a reorder
threshold has been reached. The determination can be made by the
AMD 110 based on the number of test strips consumed and the number
of test strips at step 506. For example, the AMD 110 can determine
that the reorder threshold has been reached if only 16 or fewer
test strip remain in the user's supply. In some embodiments, the
AMD 110 can consider the rate at which the test strips are used
and, for example, determine that the reorder threshold is reached 4
days before the user is expected to run out of test strips.
[0038] If the reorder threshold has not been reached, the method
500 returns to step 510 where testing continues. If the reorder
threshold has been reached, the method 500 proceeds to step 514
where the AMD 110 instructs the PCD 108 to reorder test strips 112.
In some embodiments where the PCD 108 is tracking the use of the
test strips, the PCD 108 can reorder test strips 112 on its own
without an instruction from the AMD 110. Upon receipt of the
reordered test strips 112, flow returns to step 504 and the method
500 continues.
[0039] The above method 500 is merely illustrative and many
alternative and additional steps are possible. In some embodiments,
additional information can be tracked along with the number of test
strips. For example, the user's diet, exercise, blood glucose
level, and the like can be tracked and stored by the PCD 108 and/or
AMD 110. An interface can be provided to enter such additional
information and/or the additional information can come from a
third-party online application (e.g., Fitday.RTM.
(http://www.fitday.com/) or the like) or a PC 114 based journaling
application. Based on this additional information, recommendations
regarding health management can be made. For example, if the AMD
110 determines that the user is following a treatment plan very
closely (e.g., adhering to a predefined diet and exercise plan),
the AMD 110 can determine that the user only needs to test his
blood glucose level three times a day instead of four. The AMD 110
can then suggest the user test his blood less frequently. In some
embodiments, the AMD 110 can also adjust the reorder threshold
accordingly.
[0040] Likewise, if tracking of the additional information
indicates that the user's health would benefit from more frequent
testing, the AMD 110 can suggest the user test his blood glucose
level more frequently and adjust the reorder threshold accordingly.
In some embodiments, where the information being tracked indicates
a significant change in the user's treatment plan is warranted, the
AMD 110 and/or the PCD 108 can contact the user's healthcare
provider (e.g., via the healthcare server 116) to alert the
healthcare provider of the situation.
[0041] In some embodiments, the PCD 108 can track all of the
information and the AMD 110 merely reports test strip information
(e.g., usage, results, timing, and the like) to the PCD 108.
Likewise, in some embodiments, the AMD 110 can track all of the
information and the PCD 108 is merely used to scan and order new
packages of test strips. In some embodiments, both the PCD 108 and
the AMD 110 track the information and in some embodiments, the
tracking of the information is done in part by the PCD 108 and part
by the AMD 110.
[0042] In any case however, the PCD 108 and the AMD 110 include the
ability to communicate and provide data updates to each other. The
data updates can be triggered by several different methods or a
combination of different methods. In some embodiments, a time-based
reminder can be used to inform the user that a data transfer is
pending and the user should take steps to facilitate the transfer.
For example, the display of either or both the PCD 108 and the AMD
110 can present a message to the user to bring the devices within
transmission range of each other, to connect either or both to the
Internet or to a local area network, to pair them together (e.g.,
via Bluetooth.RTM.), to couple them via a cable (e.g., a USB
cable), or the like.
[0043] In some embodiments, the PCD 108 and the AMD 110 can be
adapted to automatically communicate and perform data transfers
whenever the devices are within a certain predefined proximity of
each other. In some embodiments, the devices can function in an
opportunistic manner and communicate whenever they are able.
[0044] In some embodiments, the PCD 108 and the AMD 110 can be
triggered to communicate and perform data transfers whenever a
healthcare provider and/or and insurance provider issue a request
(e.g., via the insurance and/or a healthcare provider server 116)
for information. In such embodiments, the user can receive a
message via email or text on the PCD 108 instructing him to couple
the PCD 108 and the AMD 110.
[0045] In some embodiments, the PCD 108 and the AMD 110 can be
triggered to communicate and perform data transfers based on
certain predefined events. For example, each time a test strip is
used, the AMD 110 can attempt to communicate the associated data to
the PCD 108. In some embodiments, the AMD 110 may only attempt to
communicate the data after, for example, every fifth test. In some
embodiments, the PCD 108 can communicate with the AMD 110 whenever
a package is scanned or a reorder has been made.
[0046] In some embodiments, the PCD 108 and the AMD 110 can be
separate devices as discussed above and in some embodiments, the
PCD 108 and the AMD 110 can be integrated to different degrees. In
some embodiments, the AMD 110 can be implemented as a plug-in
module adapted to couple directly to a PCD 108. In such an
embodiment, the AMD 110 would only include a hardware interface to
the PCD 108 and a port for receiving and activating a test strip.
All the remaining functionality including the display, power,
controls, etc. can be implemented in the PCD 108. In some
embodiments, an AMD 110 can include the communication and camera
facilities of a Smartphone or tablet and a separate PCD 108 would
not be needed.
[0047] In embodiments where the PCD 108 and the AMD 110 are
separate devices, the devices can include a wireless or wired
channel that is dedicated to communication between the two devices.
For example, in some embodiments, the PCD 108 and the AMD 110 can
be paired together via a persistent connection (e.g.,
Bluetooth.RTM. or the like). In some embodiments, the PCD 108 and
the AMD 110 may not communicate directly at all. In such
embodiments, an intermediary computer (e.g., a PC 114) can serve to
communicate with each of the PCD 108 and the AMD 110 and make the
relevant information available to the respective devices. In some
embodiments, the user can manually provide information to the PCD
108 and/or the AMD 110 from information displayed on the AMD 110
and/or the PCD 108. For example, after the PCD 108 is used to scan
the test strip package, the PCD 108 can provide the user with
instructions directing him to enter information manually into the
AMD 110. Likewise, in another example, after the AMD 110 determines
the reorder threshold has been reached, the AMD 110 can provide the
user with instructions directing him to manually enter information
into the PCD 108 which will cause the PCD 108 to reorder test
strips. Thus, even when the PCD 108 and the AMD 110 are unable to
communicate directly, the system 100 can still be operative to
timely reorder test strips.
[0048] In some embodiments, the AMD 110 can include additional
functionality to facilitate authentication of the test results. For
example, the information output by the AMD 110 can be encrypted and
include timestamp information, user identification information
(e.g., generated based upon blood characteristics, a biometric
sensor included within the AMD 110, or the like), test strip
identification information (e.g., test strip lot number ID, test
strip ID serial number, or the like), test result information,
and/or the like. In some embodiments, information transmitted
originating from the AMD 110 can include a unique serial number
identifying the AMD 110 and other information that can be verified
upon receipt of the transmitted information. In this manner, the
authenticity of the information can be verified.
[0049] In some embodiments, the AMD 110 can include a facility for
saving a sample of the fluid being tested. The AMD 110 can include
a compartment that is adapted to cut-off and store the portion of
the test strip 112 that includes the fluid sample. The AMD 110 can
instruct the user to insert the relevant portion of the test strip
into the compartment and the strip can be automatically cut. Thus,
in some embodiments, the actual sample that generated a particular
result can be retained and associated with the respective test
results. A healthcare provider can be alerted to the presence of
the stored sample and if desired, the AMD 110 with the sample can
be sent to the provider.
[0050] The section headings used herein are for organizational
purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject
matter described in any way. While the present teachings are
described in conjunction with various embodiments, it is not
intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments.
On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be
appreciated by those of skill in the art.
[0051] The foregoing description discloses only example embodiments
of test strips, AMDs, PCDs, PCD applications, other apparatus,
systems including the same, and methods of the invention.
Modifications of the above-disclosed embodiments, which fall within
the scope of the invention, will be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, while the present invention
has been disclosed in connection with example embodiments thereof,
it should be understood that other embodiments may fall within the
scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *
References