U.S. patent application number 15/680853 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-27 for handheld blood glucose monitoring device with messaging capability.
The applicant listed for this patent is Telcare, LLC. Invention is credited to Chin-Yuang Chu, John R. Dwyer, JR., Jonathan C. Javitt, Benjamin Cheng Yu Shen, Thomas Y.S. Shen.
Application Number | 20180372669 15/680853 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47228050 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20180372669 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Javitt; Jonathan C. ; et
al. |
December 27, 2018 |
HANDHELD BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING DEVICE WITH MESSAGING
CAPABILITY
Abstract
A patient monitoring network pertaining to blood glucose and
other analyte measurements includes wireless blood glucose or other
analyte measuring devices and a networked computer or server. Each
monitoring device is associated with a patient and is configured to
measure the glucose level or other analyte from a given blood
sample via inserted test strips, transmit the measurements to the
networked computer, and display received messages. The blood
glucose monitoring device includes means for substantially reducing
factors that could affect the glucose measurement such as thermal
and RF interference.
Inventors: |
Javitt; Jonathan C.; (Chevy
Chase, MD) ; Dwyer, JR.; John R.; (Potomac, MD)
; Shen; Thomas Y.S.; (Bethesda, MD) ; Shen;
Benjamin Cheng Yu; (Bethesda, MD) ; Chu;
Chin-Yuang; (Bethesda, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Telcare, LLC |
Concord |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47228050 |
Appl. No.: |
15/680853 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14744267 |
Jun 19, 2015 |
9739744 |
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15680853 |
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13621656 |
Sep 17, 2012 |
9064034 |
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14744267 |
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13364130 |
Feb 1, 2012 |
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13621656 |
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13293046 |
Nov 9, 2011 |
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13364130 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2560/0252 20130101;
A61B 5/150022 20130101; G01N 27/3274 20130101; G16H 10/60 20180101;
G16H 50/20 20180101; H04B 1/3833 20130101; A61B 5/7465 20130101;
A61B 2562/182 20130101; A61B 5/7435 20130101; G01N 33/48792
20130101; G16H 10/40 20180101; G16H 40/67 20180101; A61B 5/14532
20130101; A61B 5/150854 20130101; G06F 19/3418 20130101; A61B
2560/0266 20130101; A61B 5/150358 20130101; A61B 5/0022 20130101;
A61B 5/150793 20130101; G01N 27/3273 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 27/327 20060101
G01N027/327; G01N 33/487 20060101 G01N033/487; G16H 10/60 20180101
G16H010/60; G16H 50/20 20180101 G16H050/20; A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00; A61B 5/145 20060101 A61B005/145; G16H 10/40 20180101
G16H010/40 |
Claims
1. A handheld blood glucose monitoring device comprising: a glucose
sensing subsystem configured to measure a blood glucose level in a
blood sample; a temperature sensor configured to provide a
temperature measurement during the measurement of the blood glucose
level; a radio transceiver subsystem electrically isolated from the
glucose sensing subsystem and configured to receive the measured
blood glucose level from the glucose sensing subsystem, and to
transmit the measured blood glucose level over a wireless
communications link; and a display configured to display the
measured blood glucose level, wherein the radio transceiver
subsystem includes a microcontroller configured to monitor and
control the amount of heat produced by one or more components
within the radio transceiver subsystem.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising an RF shielding
structure around at least a portion of the glucose sensing
subsystem.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is further
configured to deactivate RF transmission from the radio transceiver
subsystem when the glucose sensing subsystem is measuring the blood
glucose level.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is
disposed in a thermally segregated portion of the handheld blood
glucose monitoring device.
5. A handheld analyte monitoring device comprising: an analyte
sensing subsystem configured to measure a level of an analyte from
a user; a temperature sensor configured to provide a temperature
measurement during the measurement of the analyte level; a radio
transceiver subsystem electrically isolated from the analyte
sensing subsystem and configured to receive the measured analyte
level from the analyte sensing subsystem, and to transmit the
measured analyte level over a wireless communication link; and a
display configured to display the measured analyte level, wherein
the radio transceiver subsystem includes a microcontroller
configured to monitor and control the amount of heat produced by
one or more components within the radio transceiver subsystem.
6. The device of claim 5, further comprising an RF shielding
structure around at least a portion of the analyte sensing
subsystem.
7. The device of claim 5, wherein the microcontroller is further
configured to deactivate RF transmission from the radio transceiver
subsystem when the analyte sensing subsystem is measuring the
analyte level.
8. The device of claim 5, wherein the temperature sensor is
disposed in a thermally segregated portion of the handheld analyte
monitoring device.
9. The device of claim 5, wherein the analyte is glucose.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation on U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/621,656, filed Sep. 17, 2012, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/364,130, filed
Feb. 1, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/293,046, filed Nov. 9, 2011, each of which
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to wireless medical devices for
collecting information from patients at remote locations and, more
particularly, to handheld glucose monitoring devices for wirelessly
communicating blood glucose and other analyte readings from
patients to a remote server and for communicating related
information from the server back to the patients.
Background
[0003] Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which a person has high
blood sugar either due to the body's inability to produce insulin,
or the cells inability to respond to insulin. The disease can cause
numerous complications, both short-term and long-term, and
ultimately death if not well treated. Diabetes is the seventh
leading cause of death in the United States by disease with nearly
284,000 deaths reported in 2007.
[0004] Medical expenditures on those living with diabetes in the
United States have steadily increased every year. People with
diabetes have medical costs that are nearly 2.5 times higher than
those without the disease. From 1980 through 2007, the number of
Americans with diabetes quadrupled from 5.6 million to 23.6
million, accounting for 8% of the total U.S. population. Based on
these numbers, the U.S. has spent over 174 billion dollars on
caring for those diagnosed with diabetes in 2007 alone, a figure
that makes up nearly 40% of the worldwide cost for treating
diabetes. U.S. spending on diabetes is expected to rise to over 336
billion dollars by the year 2034.
[0005] One of the factors leading to high costs for diabetes
treatment is the issue of patient non-compliance. It is vital that
patients diagnosed with diabetes regularly measure their blood
glucose levels throughout the day and self-administer insulin
injections if necessary. Failure to do so can lead to more
hospitalizations and potentially create further health problems,
all of which increase medical costs. On average, the annual medical
costs per patient are nearly 3000 dollars higher for non-compliant
patients versus those who regularly track their blood glucose
levels. It is therefore an important initiative to improve the
level of patient compliance as it pertains to effective treatment
for diabetes.
[0006] Current treatment protocols and methods rely entirely on the
self-motivation of the patient to measure and record the results of
their blood glucose levels which requires a high level of
individual attention.
[0007] What is needed is a treatment protocol that improves patient
compliance and improves treatment by facilitating real-time
communication to and from the patient.
SUMMARY
[0008] In an embodiment, a handheld blood glucose monitoring device
is described. The device includes a glucose sensing subsystem, a
radio transceiver subsystem, and a display. The glucose sensing
subsystem is configured to measure a blood glucose level in a blood
sample. The radio transceiver subsystem is configured to receive
blood glucose measurements from the glucose sensing subsystem, to
transmit the blood glucose measurements over a wireless
communications link, and to receive over the wireless
communications link a message returned to the handheld device in
response to the transmitted blood glucose measurement. The display
is configured to display blood glucose measurements from the
glucose sensing subsystem and to display the message received from
the radio transceiver subsystem. The device further includes means
for substantially reducing RF interference caused by the radio
transceiver subsystem, and means for mitigating the effects of heat
generated by the device on a temperature sensor coupled to the
device.
[0009] In an alternate embodiment, the handheld monitoring device
can be used to monitor other analytes. For, example, the blood
glucose sensor may be replaced with a sensor to monitor
interstitial fluid glucose, blood coagulation factors, cardiac
enzymes, catecholamines, and other biomarkers. Such alternate
sensors may operate, for example, using electrochemical or
colorimetric sensing techniques as would be apparent to a person
skilled in the relevant art.
[0010] In this alternate embodiment, similar to the blood glucose
monitoring device, the handheld analyte monitoring device includes
an analyte sensing subsystem configured to measure an analyte from
a patient, and a radio transceiver subsystem configured to receive
analyte measurements from the analyte sensing subsystem and to
transmit the analyte measurements over a wireless communications
link. Similar to the blood glucose monitoring system, the handheld
analyte monitoring device further includes means for substantially
reducing RF interference caused by the radio transceiver subsystem,
and means for mitigating the effects of heat generated by the
device on a temperature sensor coupled to the device.
[0011] Another embodiment of the invention includes a test strip
for receiving a liquid sample, which may be used in either the
glucose monitoring device or the analyte monitoring device. The
test strip includes a reservoir channel for receiving the liquid
sample, one or more measurement electrodes disposed within the
reservoir channel, one or more contact electrodes, and a
temperature sensor disposed substantially at or near the one or
more measurement electrodes. The test strip further includes means
for electrically coupling the measurement electrodes to the contact
electrodes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES
[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the
present invention and, together with the description, further serve
to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person
skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a patient monitoring network, according
to an embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a blood glucose
monitoring device.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a subsystem diagram of a blood glucose
monitoring device, according to an embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a state transition diagram of a blood
glucose monitoring device, according to an embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a screenshot of a glucose data summary,
according to an embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a screenshot of a clinical profile,
according to an embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a screenshot of a data summary on a
plurality of patients, according to an embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a screenshot of a script editor,
according to an embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method performed by a
blood glucose monitoring device, according to an embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method performed by a
networked computer, according to an embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a method performed by a
blood glucose monitoring device, according to an embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 12 is an example computer system in which the
embodiments, or portions thereof, can be implemented as
computer-readable code.
[0025] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a test strip, according to an
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Although specific configurations and arrangements are
discussed, it should be understood that this is done for
illustrative purposes only. A person skilled in the pertinent art
will recognize that other configurations and arrangements can be
used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the pertinent
art that this invention can also be employed in a variety of other
applications beyond diabetes care.
[0027] It is noted that references in the specification to "one
embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc.,
indicate that the embodiments described may include a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not
necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or
characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not neccessarily refer to
the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure
or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it
would be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect
such feature, structure or characteristic in connection with other
embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary patient monitoring system or
network 100 according to an embodiment. Patient monitoring network
100 includes a plurality of n blood glucose monitoring devices
104-1 to 104-n, each associated with a respective patient 102-1 to
102-n. Patient monitoring network 100 further includes a networked
computer 112 and a remote computer 114. In an embodiment, each
blood glucose monitoring device 104-1 to 104-n communicates
wirelessly to a cellular telephone tower 108 ("cell tower 108") via
a respective wireless communications link 106-1 to 106-n. In an
embodiment, cell tower 108 communicates with networked computer 112
via communications link 110, and remote computer 114 communicates
with networked computer 112 via communications link 116.
Communication links 110 and 116 can include any network or
combination of networks including, for example, the global
Internet, a wide area network (WAN), metropolitan area network
(MAN), wireless network, telephone network, or local area network
(LAN).
[0029] Networked computer 112 may include, for example, one or more
standalone computers, a server, a virtual server, a server farm, or
a cloud-computing server. In an embodiment, wireless communications
link 106 may use any transmission means, or combination thereof,
known to a person skilled in the art which include, for example,
WiFi, Bluetooth, satellite, 2G cellular, 3G cellular, 4G cellular,
etc. In one preferred embodiment, communications link 106 includes
3G cellular communications.
[0030] A patient using a blood glucose monitoring device 104 within
patient monitoring network 100 may use device 104 to take a reading
(i.e., a measurement) of their blood glucose level from a blood
sample. The measurement can be transmitted to networked computer
112, where the measurement is stored in a record of a database.
Each stored record is associated with a particular patient.
[0031] In an embodiment, the blood glucose monitoring device 104
can also receive one or more messages transmitted from the
networked computer 112. In an embodiment, blood glucose monitoring
device 104 receives a message as a result of transmitting a glucose
reading to networked computer 112. The received one or more
messages may contain information relating to the most recent blood
glucose measurement, information relating to past blood glucose
measurements, and/or one or more personalized messages for the
particular patient associated with the blood glucose monitoring
device. In another example, networked computer 112 tracks the
number of glucose test strips used by the patient (based on, for
example, the number of blood-glucose measurements uploaded from
device 104 to networked computer 112), and, when the number of test
strips remaining is low (e.g., determined, for example, by
comparing the number of measurements to a threshold value),
transmits a low-supply message to blood glucose monitoring device
104, thereby alerting the patient to order more test strips. In
addition, the patient may use blood glucose monitoring device 104
to transmit a response to that one or more messages back to
networked computer 112. The response may includes, for example, an
order for more test strips. Test strip usage tracking and
replacement strip ordering is discussed in more detail below.
[0032] One or more of the records (e.g., an authorized subset of
records) stored on the detabase of networked computer 112 may be
accessed via remote computer 114. Remote computer 114 may be any
device capable of accessing and displaying the records stored on
the database of networked computer 112 including, but not limited
to, a smartphone, a computer (e.g., a personal computer or PC), a
tablet PC, etc. In an embodiment, a patient may use remote computer
112 to access their own record. The record may contain summaries of
all of the patient's past blood glucose readings in various
graphical formats and can allow customization by the patient as is
explained in more detail below. In an embodiment, a caregiver may
use remote computer 112 to access the records of all the patients
under supervision of the caregiver. The caregiver may have access
to graphical summaries and data lists of blood glucose readings for
all of their patients. In an embodiment, the caregiver accesses a
script editor to allow for customization of messages to be
transmitted to each blood glucose monitoring device 104 and when
each message is to be transmitted. The utility of the script editor
is explained in more detail below.
[0033] FIG. 2 depicts left-side, front-side and right-side views of
an embodiment of a blood glucose monitoring device 104. Blood
glucose monitoring device 104 includes a display 202, a connection
port 204, a test strip port 206, a power button 208, and a SIM card
door 216. In an embodiment, blood glucose monitoring device 104
also includes a user interface (e.g., to receive user input) which
comprises buttons along the side of blood glucose monitoring device
104. The buttons may include an up bottom 210, an enter (or select)
button 212 and a down button 214. In another embodiment, display
202 may be a touch-screen display (i.e., a touch-sensitive display)
to act as the user interface in lieu of or in addition to buttons
210-214.
[0034] Display 202 may utilize any technology known to those
skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, LCD, OLED, TFT
LCD, etc. In an embodiment, display 202 is configured to show the
most recent blood glucose reading taken by blood glucose monitoring
device 104. Display 202 may also show a graphical indication of a
comparison between the most recent blood glucose reading taken and
a target blood glucose level. In an embodiment, display 202 shows
any messages received from networked computer 112.
[0035] Test strip port 206 allows for the insertion of a blood
glucose test strip. Blood glucose test strips are disposable strips
used to collect a small blood sample from a patient as is known by
those skilled in the art. The test strip may contain chemicals
which react with the glucose present in the blood and produce a
calibrated current response curve to an applied voltage. The
calibration curve is generated by calibrating each manufactured
test strip lot against known blood standards using a laboratory
reference instrument, such as a Yellow Springs Instrument (YSI)
glucose analyzer. This calibration curve is converted to a
calibration code that is imprinted on the glucose test strip using
conductive ink in order to enable blood glucose monitoring device
104 to identify the correct calibration curve to apply to the
signal generated by the test strip, according to an embodiment, A
total of seven (7) calibration curves are stored inside the
firmware of blood glucose monitoring device 104, according to an
embodiment. In one example, identification of code and selection of
calibration curve is performed automatically upon placing the test
strip into test strip port 206, and no code number is displayed to
the patient. Power button 208 may be any suitable switch to turn
the power on and off to the device including, but not limited to, a
slider, a toggle switch, a push button, etc. It should be
understood that although power button 208 is illustrated in FIG. 2
to be located on the side of blood glucose monitoring device 104,
power button 208 may be located anywhere on blood glucose
monitoring device 104.
[0036] SIM card door 216 may be used to protect a subscriber
identity module (SIM) card placed therein. The use of SIM cards is
well known to a person skilled in the art. In an embodiment, the
SIM card within blood glucose monitoring device 104 allows unique
indentification of blood glucose monitoring device 104 within
patient monitoring network 100.
[0037] Each button associated with the user interface of blood
glucose monitoring device 104 allows the patient to provide input.
For example, up button 210 and down button 214 may be used to
scroll through menu options displayed on display 202, while enter
button 212 allows for the selection of a particular menu option. In
another example, up button 210 and down button 214 may be used to
scroll through answer options for a message received from networked
computer 112 and displayed on display 202, while enter button 212
may be used to choose an answer option and execute the transmission
of the chosen answer option to networked computer 112. In another
example, the user interface may be utilized by the patient to
facilitate the ordering of more test strips upon receiving a
message alerting the patient to order more. It should be understood
that although up button 210, enter button 212, and down button 214
are illustrated in FIG. 2 to be located on the side of blood
glucose monitoring device 104, each button may be located anywhere
on blood glucose monitoring device 104. Further, these three
buttons may be implemented as features of a touch-sensitive
display.
[0038] The calibrated current response, produced from the reaction
of glucose within a blood sample with the chemicals on the test
strips, may be sensitive to ambient environmental conditions. For
example, the chemicals on the test strip may contain enzymes which
react with the glucose in a blood sample. These enzymes have a
reaction rate which is dependent upon the temperature. Thus,
successful calibration may also require knowledge of the
temperature during the reaction. For this reason, a temperature
sensor may be utilized in conjunction with the blood glucose
measurements.
[0039] However, there are challenges with the incorporation of a
temperature sensor in the embodied blood glucose monitoring device.
Components of the blood glucose monitoring device, such as
batteries, active circuit components, and the display, will
generate heat that can raise the temperature readings of any
temperature sensor placed in the same enclosure. The test strip,
however, may not be affected by the same heat, since the test strip
will typically be located right at the interface between the
monitoring device's housing and the exterior environment (i.e.,
ambient temperature). This may result in the temperature sensor
indicating a temperature that is different from what the reaction
on the test strip (i.e., at the electrochemical reaction site) is
actually experiencing.
[0040] One solution to this challenge is to locate the temperature
sensor remotely from the device's various sources of thermal
energy. For example, the temperature sensor may be disposed within
the housing of the device 104 but may be thermally segregated from
the components primarily responsible for generating the heat that
causes the thermal interference. This may be accomplished by
subdividing the housing into different compartments and by
providing ventilation openings in the outer walls to allow
convection cooling of each compartment. In an embodiment shown in
FIG. 2, a stalk 201 may be added to blood glucose monitoring device
104 to provide an external probe away from the main body of the
device. A temperature sensor 203 may be disposed at the end of
stalk 201, allowing for measurement of the ambient air temperature
while minimizing thermal interference from the components of blood
glucose monitoring device 104.
[0041] In another embodiment, the temperature sensor may be
disposed directly on the test strip. FIG. 13 illustrates a test
strip 1300 for use in a monitoring device such as, for example,
blood glucose monitoring device 104. Test strip 1300 includes a
temperature sensor 1304 disposed on a body portion 1301 (e.g., a
plastic substrate such as is commonly used for test strips),
according to an embodiment. Test strip 1300 may further include a
reservoir channel 1302, measurement electrodes 1306, electrical
leads 1308, and contact electrodes 1310, each disposed on body
portion 1301. A liquid sample, for example, blood, is placed on
reservoir channel 1302 where it comes into contact with measurement
electrodes 1306. Then, when a voltage is applied across measurement
electrodes 1306 by, for example, blood glucose monitoring device
104, an electrochemical reaction is produced at the measurement
electrodes, generating a current based on the concentration of an
analyte, for example, glucose, within the liquid sample. The
current is measured via contact electrodes 1310 by a monitoring
device such as, for example, blood glucose monitoring device
104.
[0042] Temperature sensor 1304 may be placed substantially near to
measurement electrodes 1306, providing an accurate temperature
reading at the site of the electrochemical reaction. Temperature
sensor 1304 may be any sensor known in those skilled in the art
including, but not limited to, a thermocouple, a resistive sensor,
etc. The resistive sensor may include, for example, a metallic
material with a resistance that varies with temperature, or a
semiconductor material with a resistance that varies with
temperature. It should be understood that temperature sensor 1304
may also be disposed at any location on test strip 1300.
[0043] The various electrodes illustrated in FIG. 13 are only an
example of possible electrode arrangement on test strip 1300 and
are not meant to be limiting. Contact electrodes 1310 may provide
electrical coupling to both measurement electrodes 1306 and
temperature sensor 1304. Additionally, contact electrodes 1301 and
measurement electrodes 1306 are electrically coupled via conductive
leads 1308, according to an embodiment. Conductive leads 1308 may
be hidden from the view of a user by disposing them within plastic
body 1301, according to an embodiment. Conductive leads 1308 may
also be used to provide electrical coupling between contact
electrodes 1310 and temperature sensor 1304.
[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates a subsystem-level block diagram 300 of
blood glucose monitoring device 104. Subsystem diagram 300
includes, at a high level, a glucose sensing subsystem 302 and a
radio transceiver subsystem 304. In an embodiment, the components
of glucose sensing subsystem 302 are configured to measure a blood
glucose level from a blood sample on a test strip placed into test
strip port 206. In an embodiment, the components of radio
transceiver subsystem 304 are configured to receive blood glucose
measurements from glucose sensing subsystem 302, and transmit the
blood glucose measurements to networked computer 112 over a
wireless communications link. In an embodiment, radio transceiver
subsystem 304 is further configured to receive over the wireless
communications link a message in response to the transmitted blood
glucose measurement. Radio transceiver subsystem 304 may include a
cellular radio, either CDMA or GSM, using GPRS data transmission
protocols for communicating over the wireless communications
link.
[0045] In an embodiment, a temperature sensor 306 is included
within glucose sensing subsystem 302. In one embodiment,
temperature sensor 306 is implemented within the same housing or
enclosure with glucose sensing subsystem 302. In another
embodiment, temperature sensor 306 is implemented as temperature
sensor 203 disposed at the end of stalk 201. In yet another
embodiment, temperature sensor 306 is implemented as temperature
sensor 1304 on test strip 1300.
[0046] In an embodiment, a strip detector unit 308 is also included
to determine the type of test strip inserted and to measure the
current response from the test strip. In one example, strip
detector unit 308 includes calibration data for seven (7) different
test strip codes. In an embodiment, a voltage reference 310 is
applied to the test strip electrodes during the measurement. In one
example, voltage reference 310 has a value of 415 mV. A
microprocessor 312 controls operation of glucose sensing subsystem
302.
[0047] A microcontroller 320 within radio transceiver subsystem 304
controls radio transceiver subsystem 304. In one preferred
embodiment, microcontroller 320 controls all of the components
within both radio transceiver subsystem 304 and glucose sensing
subsystem 302. In an embodiment, level translator 414 in included
to translate the voltage level between microprocessor 312 and
microcontroller 320. In an embodiment, microcontroller 320
interfaces with numerous components such as a SIM card 322, a
speaker 334, an antenna 338, a user interface 336, and a display
module 342. In an embodiment, a power switch 330 is used to control
power provided from a battery 328 to the components of device 104
including a voltage detector 332 and a voltage regulator bank 340.
Voltage regulator bank 340 may comprise one or more low drop out
(LDO) voltage regulators, the use of which is well known to those
skilled in the art. Voltage regulator bank 340 provides stable low
voltage levels to microcontroller 320, microprocessor 312 and
display module 342. Voltage regulator bank 340 also provides stable
low voltage levels to display module 342 via a DC to DC converter
344. In an example, voltage regulator bank 340 provides voltage
outputs of 3 V, 2.8 V or 1.8 V.
[0048] In an embodiment, microcontroller 320 can control the
operation of various components within transceiver subsystem to
mitigate the effects of heat produced by the components. For
example, the heat generated from a battery charger 326 may be
controlled to prevent a rise in the temperature above a certain
threshold. In an example embodiment, the temperature substantially
near battery 328 may be controlled to not rise more than two
degrees Fahrenheit above ambient conditions. Controlling the
operation of battery charger 326 may involve, for example, the use
of pulse-width modulation or changing the charging voltage.
Alternatively, the thermal output substantially near
microcontroller 320 may be controlled to prevent a rise in the
temperature above a certain threshold. In an example embodiment,
the temperature substantially near microcontroller 320 may be
controlled to not rise more than two degrees Fahrenheit above
ambient conditions. Controlling this temperature may involve active
cooling systems or changing the clock speed of microcontroller
320.
[0049] Antenna 338 may be any antenna suitable for use within a
standard mobile communications device such as a 2G cellular
telephone. Examples of antennas include, but are not limited to,
patch antennas, strip antennas, ceramic antennas, dipole antennas,
whip antennas, etc.
[0050] The RF radiation generated from antenna 338 may interfere
with the electrochemical measurements performed by glucose sensing
subsystem 302. In an embodiment, glucose sensing subsystem 302 and
radio transceiver subsystem 304 are substantially isolated within
blood glucose monitoring device 104 in order to minimize the RF
interference between the two subsystems. The isolation may be
realized by providing each subsystem on its own separate printed
circuit board (PCB).
[0051] In another embodiment, RF interference may be further
reduced by disposing a shielding structure 301 around at least a
portion of glucose sensing subsystem 302. In an example, shielding
structure 301 surrounds temperature sensor 306, strip connector 308
and voltage reference 310. Shielding structure may alternatively be
disposed around all the components of glucose sensing subsystem
302. Shielding structure 301 may be a Faraday cage which
substantially attenuates external RF signals. The Faraday cage may
be formed, for example, using a metallic foil.
[0052] In yet another embodiment, microcontroller 320 may
deactivate RF emission from antenna 338 during a measurement time
period when the electrochemical reaction is taking place on the
test strip. Once glucose sensing subsystem 302 has successfully
performed the measurement from the sample, microcontroller 320 may
reactivate the RF transmission circuitry coupled to antenna
338.
[0053] Components which exist external to the blood glucose
monitoring device include an AC adapter 316 for providing useable
current from a common electrical outlet, and a connector 318 for
connecting AC adapter 316 to connection port 204 of device 104.
Connector 318 may be any suitable connector that can exist between
two electronic or electrical sources including, but not limited to,
USB, micro USB, IEEE 1394 (Firewire), etc. In an embodiment,
connector 318 may be used to link connection port 204 to a
computer. Connection port 204 is configured to allow current to
flow to either a battery charger 326 or a voltage regulator
324.
[0054] FIG. 4 illustrates a state transition diagram 400
illustrating an example mode of operation of blood glucose
monitoring device 104 according to an embodiment. The blood glucose
monitoring device begins in the power off state 402. Starting state
404 is transitioned to when the power button on the blood glucose
monitoring device is pressed (B_P) and further transitions to an
initial state 406. Initial state 406 transitions to a waiting for
strip state 408 without any input from the patient.
[0055] At state 408, a message is shown on the display of blood
glucose monitoring device 104, prompting the patients to insert a
test strip into the test strip port. In an example, pressing any
button (B_any) associated with the user interface of device 104
transitions from state 408 to a menu state 412. In another example,
state 408 transitions to an idle state 410 if no action is taken
within a threshold time period. The threshold time period is, for
example, 30 seconds. Inserting a test strip (Strip_I) causes device
104 to transition from state 408 to sample state 414.
[0056] At state 412, menu options are shown on the display of the
blood glucose monitoring device. State 412 transitions to state 410
if no action is taken within a threshold time period. As mentioned
above, the threshold time period is, for example, 30 seconds. A
patient may use the user interface on the blood glucose monitoring
device to prompt the device to wait for a test strip (B_E) which
causes a transition from state 412 to state 408. Inserting a test
strip (Strip_I) will also transition device 104 from state 412 to
sample state 414.
[0057] At state 410, device 104 enters an idle mode and shuts the
power off to the display in order to conserve energy. Pressing any
button (B_any) associated with the user interface transitions
device 104 from state 410 to state 406. Inserting a test strip
(Strip_I) causes device 104 to transition from state 410 to sample
state 414.
[0058] At state 414, device 104 waits to receive a blood sample on
the test strip which has been placed into the test strip port.
Removing the test strip (Strip_O) before a sample has been placed
on the test strip causes a transition from state 414 to state 408.
State 414 transitions to state 410 if no action is taken within a
threshold time period. Again, the threshold time period is, for
example, 30 seconds. State 414 transitions to sample execution
state 416 once a blood sample has been placed on the test strip
(Apply_S).
[0059] At state 416, the blood glucose level is measured from the
sample. If the test strip is removed prior to the completion of the
sample analysis, then state 416 transitions to a strip error state
418. If the measurement of the blood glucose level from the sample
is completed, state 416 transitions to transmission state 420.
[0060] At strip error state 418, a message is shown on the display
of device 104 alerting the patient that a measurement error
occurred. State 418 transitions to state 408 to wait for a test
strip to be placed back into the test strip port.
[0061] At state 420, the glucose measurement is transmitted to a
networked computer in order to be stored in a patient's record
within a database. The glucose measurement is shown on the display
of device 104. State 420 transitions to ending state 422 when the
test strip is removed (Strip_O).
[0062] The state transitions of device 104, illustrated in the
exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, are controlled by a computer
program (e.g., software and/or firmware) residing in microprocessor
312 or, alternatively, in a memory (not shown) associated with
microprocessor 312.
[0063] Referring back to FIG. 1, blood-glucose measurements from a
plurality of monitored patients are stored in a database in
networked computer 112. The database can then be accessed by remote
computer 114 for analysis of the blood-glucose measurements. For
example, in connection with analysis and/or display of the
blood-glucose measurements on remote computer 114, FIGS. 5-8 shows
exemplary screenshots that may be shown on a display associated
with remote computer 114. It should be understood that any text or
graphics shown are examples of possible text or graphics. A person
skilled in the art would be capable of altering presentation of the
blood-glucose data to achieve the same goals described herein
without departing from the spirit or scope of the present
invention.
[0064] The exemplary screenshots displayed in FIGS. 5-8 are
associated with a computer program executed by a processor within
remote computer 114.
[0065] FIG. 5 illustrates a patient data summary screen 500
displaying glucose readings for a particular patient. The top
portion of patient data summary screen 500 displays a patient name
502 associated with the record being shown, a date 504, a patient
menu bar 506, a settings button 505 and an upgrade button 507. The
middle portion of patient data summary screen 500 displays an
average readings section 508, a latest readings table 510, a
reading summary 512, a reading history 514, and an average readings
graph 516. The bottom portion of patient data summary screen 500
displays a latest messages section 518 and a print report section
520.
[0066] Data 504 may be associated with the date that the patient
activated their account within patient monitoring network 100.
Alternatively, date 504 may be associated with the last time the
record has been accessed by the patient. Any other dates of
interest for the patient may be displayed as date 504.
[0067] Patient menu bar 506 may display icons allowing the user to
navigate to other pages. For example, one icon returns the user to
patient data summary screen 500 when selected. Another icon, when
selected, may navigate a user to a friend's page allowing the user
to select email addresses of others who would be allowed to view
their record. Another icon, when selected, may navigate a user to a
profile page, which allows the user to change basic profile
information associated with the record such as the patient's name,
patient's address, etc. Another icon, when selected, may navigate a
user to a support page which allows the user to contact a technical
support group for the software. Another icon, when selected, may
allow the user to log out of the software program. Patient menu bar
506 may continue to exist at the top of the page regardless of the
content shown on the rest of the page.
[0068] Settings button 505 may be selected to display a drop-down
menu providing various menu options. For example, menu options such
as messaging, clinical profile, or an HCP (health care provider)
log may be displayed. The HCP log may include a list of all the
dates and times that a licensed healthcare professional has
accessed the current record.
[0069] In an embodiment, selecting the messaging menu option
navigates the user to a page allowing the user to choose which
default messages are sent to the blood glucose monitoring device
associated with the record. In an embodiment, default messages are
sent to the blood glucose monitoring device in response to a blood
glucose measurement being transmitted by the device. Default
messages may contain information relating the most recent blood
glucose measurement to past measurements taken by the blood glucose
monitoring device or information relating to a completion
percentage of prescribed blood glucose measurements for the
day.
[0070] In an embodiment, selecting the clinical profile menu option
navigates the user to a patient clinical profile screen 600
exemplary illustrated in FIG. 6 and described in more detail
below.
[0071] In an embodiment, selecting the HCP log menu option displays
a listing of dates and times that the record has been accessed by a
licensed healthcare professional associated with the patient.
[0072] In an embodiment, upgrade button 507 searches the internet
or any network for a software upgrade to the currently running
program. If a software upgrade is found, the program may
automatically install the upgrade.
[0073] Average readings section 508 may display information
regarding the stored history of blood glucose measurements taken
with the blood glucose monitoring device associated with the
record. For example, information displayed may include an average
blood glucose level, an average number of tests performed each day,
or a compliance percentage.
[0074] Latest readings table 510 may display a list of blood
glucose readings in chronological order taken with the blood
glucose monitoring device associated with the record. In an
embodiment, the most recent reading is shown at the top. In an
embodiment, a side slider bar is used to scroll through the list of
readings.
[0075] Reading summary 512 may display values of particular
interest to the user. For example, reading summary 512 may display
the highest and lowest blood glucose readings taken. In another
example, reading summary 512 may display percentages relating to
how many blood glucose readings have had levels which were low,
normal, high, or very high.
[0076] Reading history 514 may display average blood glucose
readings during a variety of events. Example of events may include
before and after meals, before and after exercising, before and
after having a snack, etc. Reading history 514 may display averages
taken over a customizable time period. In an embodiment, reading
history 514 may display averages taken over 7 days, 30 days, or 90
days. In an embodiment, reading history 514 displays blood glucose
readings for a specific day.
[0077] Average reading graph 516 displays average blood glucose
readings taken over a customizable time period in any graphical
format. Examples of graphical formats include, but are not limited
to, line graphs, scatterplots, bar graphs, etc.
[0078] Received messages section 518 may display a list of the most
recent messages received by the blood glucose monitoring device
associated with the record. The messages may include any type of
message including default messages, personalized messages,
triggered messages, or messages alerting the patient to order more
test strips. In an embodiment, the time that the message was
received is also included with each message displayed.
[0079] Print report section 520 allows the user to create a
printout of the record. The record may be transferred into any
suitable file format to be printed including, but not limited to,
ADOBE PDF file, .txt file, .doc file, etc. The printed record may
be chosen to include glucose reading data over a certain time
period. For example, the printed record may include glucose reading
data over the past 7 days, past 30 days, or past 90 days.
[0080] FIG. 6 displays an embodiment of patient clinical profile
screen 600 which may include patient name 602 and date 604 as
previously described. Patient clinical profile screen 600 may also
include a normal range input 606, a max high value input 608, a
time period 610, and a graphical slider bar 612. As illustrated in
FIG. 6, patient clinical profile screen 600 may include a plurality
of the noted elements for different time periods. The various
elements associated with each time period may each be changed by
the user separately between the different time periods. Patient
clinical profile screen 600 may also include an update button
614.
[0081] The patient clinical profile allows the user to select which
blood glucose reading ranges should be considered to be low,
normal, high, or very high at various time periods throughout the
day. This level of customization is important since normal blood
sugar levels may vary from user to user depending on numerous
factors such as genetics, daily habits, etc. Examples of time
periods include before or after a meal, before or after exercising,
and at night before going to sleep.
[0082] Normal range input 606 may include two text fields allowing
the user to input the range of blood glucose levels that should be
considered "normal" for the given time period. Max high value input
608 may include a single text field allowing the user to input the
maximum blood glucose level that is considered to be in the "high"
range. Once all inputs have been entered, during the associated
time period, any blood glucose measurement below the inputted
normal range will register as a "low" reading, any measurement
between the normal range will register as a "normal" reading, any
measurement higher than the normal range but lower than the max
high value will register as a "high" reading, and any measurement
higher than the max high value will register as a "very high"
reading.
[0083] Graphical slider bar 612 may be shown to graphically display
the various glucose range settings for each time period 610,
wherein each range is separated by widgets 613a-c. In an
embodiment, graphical slider bar 612 may be used to input the
glucose ranges for each time period by sliding widgets 613a-c along
graphical slider bar 612.
[0084] Update button 614 is used to submit the changes made to the
clinical profile. The program returns to patient data summary
screen 500 after the user selects update button 614.
[0085] FIG. 7 displays an embodiment of a caregiver data summary
screen 700 which includes a graphical summary section 702, a
caregiver menu bar 708, and a patient list 710. Graphical summary
section 702 may further include one or more of a patient summary
graph 704 along with a corresponding graph legend 706.
[0086] Caregiver data summary screen 700 is provided to assist
caregivers in monitoring a plurality of their patients, each with
an associated blood glucose monitoring device. At the top of
caregiver data summary screen 700, caregiver menu bar 708 may be
provided to display icons which allow the user to either navigate
to other pages or to access drop down menus. For example, one icon
may produce a dropdown menu containing menu options for the data to
be displayed in graphical summary section 702. In another example,
one icon may navigate the user to a page listing all of the
patients that have received a referral by the logged-in caregiver.
In another example, one icon may navigate the user to an
administration page, which allows the user to change their basic
profile information, set which default messages should be sent out
to all patients, and access a script editor as will be discussed in
more detail below. Another icon, when selected, may allow the user
to log out of the software program. In an embodiment, caregiver
menu bar 708 may continue to exist at the top of the page
regardless of the content shown on the rest of the page.
[0087] Graphical summary section 702 may contain one or more graphs
displaying data relating to all of the patients under supervision
of the logged-in caregiver. Examples of graphs include, but are not
limited to, pie graphs, line graphs, bar graphs, scatterplots, etc.
Examples of patient data to display include age, type of diabetes,
gender, state of residence, average blood glucose level, and
compliance. In the illustrated example of FIG. 7, patient summary
graph 704 is a pie chart with corresponding graph legend 706.
[0088] Patient list 710 includes a listing of each patient
associated with the logged-in caregiver. Patient list 710 may
provide various information about each patient including, but not
limited to, phone number, type of diabetes, activation date,
average blood glucose level, prescribed number of daily tests,
compliance percentage, most recent blood glucose reading, etc.
[0089] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a script editor 800.
Script editor 800 may be accessed via an administration page as
previously described. In an embodiment, script editor 800 includes
a personal message field 801, reading threshold 802, an iteration
threshold 804, a message field 806, an enable checkbox 808, a
delete button 810, and a save button 812. It should be noted that
script editor 800 may be used to create one or more different
scripts to be executed.
[0090] Script editor 800 allows the user to make changes to scripts
executed by a rules engine on networked computer 112. The scripts
are executed in response to received blood glucose readings from a
blood glucose monitoring device and may return a triggered message
if certain criteria is met. The criteria as well as the content of
the triggered message may be changed using script editor 800.
Regardless of whether the criteria is met or not, the executed
scripts will return any enabled default messages or personalized
messages to the blood glucose monitoring device in response to a
received blood glucose reading.
[0091] Reading threshold 802 may display a dropdown menu when
selected. The associated dropdown menu may allow the user to choose
between various blood glucose reading identifiers such as, for
example, "Low", "Normal", "High", etc. Similarly, iteration
threshold 804 may include a dropdown menu when selected to choose a
number of consecutive readings that fit the identifier chosen in
reading threshold 802. When the criteria comprising reading
threshold 802 and iteration threshold 804 are met upon receiving a
blood glucose measurement, a triggered message comprising text
entered into message field 806 is sent to the blood glucose
monitoring device.
[0092] In an embodiment, script editor 800 is used to edit the
scripts for all patients under supervision of the logged-in
caregiver. In another embodiment, script editor 800 is used to edit
different scripts for each patient under supervision of the
logged-in caregiver.
[0093] As an example, a script for a particular patient includes
reading threshold 802 set text, "You have tested very high 5
straight times. Please call me!" In this example, if the particular
patient transmits a "Very High" blood glucose measurement five
straight times using a particular blood glucose monitoring device,
than the script will produce the triggered message entered into
message field 806 and transmit the triggered message to the
particular blood glucose monitoring device.
[0094] Enable checkbox 808 may be used to either enable or disable
the associated script. If disabled, the triggered message will not
be sent to the blood glucose monitoring device even if the criteria
had been met. The script may be re-enabled at any time. Delete
button 810 may be used to delete the associated script.
[0095] Script editor 800 also allows a user to enter a personalized
message into personal message field 801. A personalized message may
be associated with only a particular patient. In one embodiment,
the personalized message will be transmitted to the blood glucose
monitoring device associated with the patient upon receiving the
next blood glucose measurement from the blood glucose monitoring
device. In another embodiment, the personalized message is
transmitted to the blood glucose monitoring device immediately
after selecting a submit button (not shown) displayed within script
editor 800.
[0096] Save button 812 may be selected by the user to save the
changes made in script editor 800. Selecting save button 812
returns the user to caregiver data summary screen 700.
[0097] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary measurement method 900
performed by blood glucose monitoring device 104 after taking a
blood glucose measurement. If should be understood that measurement
method 900 can be one many methods performed by device 104 either
in parallel or sequentially.
[0098] At block 902, a measurement is performed via the glucose
sensing subsystem within the blood glucose monitoring device
according to an embodiment. The glucose sensing subsystem applies a
reference voltage to the blood sample and measures a current
response produced from an electrochemical reaction on the test
strip. The measured current is compared to a calibration curve and
is translated into a voltage, the magnitude of which corresponds to
the glucose level in the sample.
[0099] At block 904, the voltage calculated at block 902 is sent to
the radio transceiver subsystem within the blood glucose monitoring
device. The radio transceiver subsystem generates a signal which is
modulated by the voltage.
[0100] At block 906, the signal which has been modulated by the
voltage is wirelessly transmitted to a networked computer. The
signal may be encrypted by the radio transceiver subsystem prior to
transmission. Any encryption technique known to those skilled in
the art may be utilized including, but not limited to, two-factor
authentication, 128-bit encryption, etc. The signal received by the
networked computer may be decrypted by the networked computer, and
the data relating to the blood glucose measurement may be stored in
a record within a database on the networked computer.
[0101] At block 908, one or more messages returned from the
networked computer are received by the radio transceiver subsystem
in response to the measurement transmission at block 906. the one
or more messages may include any of the message types previously
described including default messages, triggered messages,
personalized messages, or a low-supply message alerting the user to
purchase more test strips. The low-supply alert may include an
offer to purchase strips. Further, a user/patient may place an
order by responding to the low-supply message via device 104.
Networked computer may be configured to receive the order and to
initiate a business process that will result in fulfillment of the
order, including shipping the ordered test strips to the
user/patient associated with the particular device 104 from which
the order was placed. In addition to ordering test strips, the
networked computer may send a message to device 104 that includes
an offer to order related supplies for use with the particular
device. Still further, the user may be prompted or provided with an
offer to order other merchandise related to his/her needs but not
neccessarily related to any medical condition.
[0102] FIG. 10 describes an exemplary server method 1000 performed
by a networked computer upon receiving a glucose measurement from a
blood glucose monitoring device. It should be understood that
server method 1000 can be one of many methods performed by a
networked computer either in parallel or sequentially.
[0103] At block 1002, a blood glucose measurement sent from the
blood glucose monitoring device is received by the networked
computer. The received signal is demodulated/decoded to retrieve
for analysis the data relating to the measured blood glucose
level.
[0104] At block 1004, the retrieved blood glucose level is stored
in a record of a database. Each record corresponds to a unique
blood glucose monitoring device. The records may be accessed by a
remote computer and graphically displayed through a software
program executed by a processor on either the networked computer or
the remote computer.
[0105] At block 1006, at least one script is executed to produce
one or more messages to be returned to the blood glucose monitoring
device. In an example, a script may be executed to compare past
measurements and determine whether a triggered message should be
sent. In another example, a script may be executed to produce a
personalized message. In another example, a script may be executed
to track the number of test strips remaining associated with the
blood glucose monitoring device. If the number of test strips is
below a certain threshold, a low supply message is produced
alerting the patient associated with the blood glucose monitoring
device that they are running low on supplies. As discussed above,
the networked computer may transmit an offer to order more test
strips (or other merchandise), if the number of test strips is
below a certain threshold. It should be understood that after all
scripts have been executed, a message may not neccessarily by
produced and returned to the transmitting device 104.
[0106] At block 1008, the networked computer determines whether the
criteria have been met to send a triggered message.
[0107] At block 1010, the criteria associated with one or more
triggered messages has been met. The one or more triggered messages
along with any default messages, personalized messages, or low
supply messages are transmitted to the blood glucose monitoring
device.
[0108] At block 1012, the criteria associated with any triggered
message has not been met. Any default messages, personalized
messages, or low supply messages are transmitted to the blood
glucose monitoring device.
[0109] FIG. 11 describes an exemplary received message method 1100
performed by blood glucose monitoring device 104. It should be
understood that received message method 1100 can be one of many
methods performed by the blood glucose monitoring device either in
parallel or sequentially.
[0110] At block 1102, one or more messages are received by the
radio transceiver subsystem within blood glucose monitoring device
104.
[0111] At block 1104, the one or more messages are sent to the
display of blood glucose monitoring device 104. The messages may be
displayed in any suitable format, such as one at time, allowing the
user to scroll through them, or concatenated together into one
message, etc.
[0112] In an alternate embodiment, the monitoring system of the
invention can be used to monitor other analytes. For, example, the
blood glucose sensor may be replaced with a sensor to monitor
interstitial fluid glucose, blood coagulation factors, cardiac
enzymes, catecholamines, and other biomarkers. Such alternate
sensors may operate, for example, using electrochemical or
colorimetric sensing techniques as would be apparent to a person
skilled in the relevant art.
[0113] In this alternate embodiment, the analyte monitoring system
comprising a handheld analyte monitoring device and a networked
computer. Similar to the blood glucose monitoring device, the
analyte monitoring device includes an analyte sensing subsystem
configured to measure an analyte from a patient, and a radio
transceiver subsystem configured to receive analyte measurements
from the analyte sensing subsystem and to transmit the analyte
measurements over a wireless communications link. Similar to the
blood glucose monitoring system, the networked computer is
configured to receive the transmitted analyte measurements. A rules
engine running on the networked computer is configured to execute
at least one script in response to a received analyte measurement
and to produce a message to be sent back to the handheld analyte
monitoring device.
[0114] In this alternate embodiment, the networked computer
includes a database containing records corresponding to each one of
a plurality of handheld analyte monitoring devices. Each database
record identifies a plurality of messages personalized to a user
associated with a particular handheld analyte monitoring device.
Message sent back to the handheld analyte monitoring device is
selected from the plurality of messages using the script executed
by the rules engine.
[0115] In yet another alternate embodiment, the monitoring system
of the invention can be used to monitor other medical information
including, for example, physiologic parameters such as heart rate,
blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, respiration rate, blood
pressure, electrocardiographic (ECG) information including ECG
morphology using a sensor in communication with an implantable
cardioverter defibrillator, body temperature, and the like. Sensors
for such physiologic parameters are known in the art and are
commercially available.
[0116] Various aspects of the present invention can be implemented
by software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. FIG. 12
illustrates an example computer system 1200 in which the
embodiments, or portions thereof, can be implemented as
computer-readable code. For example, networked computer 112
carrying out method 1000 of FIG. 10 can be implemented in system
1200. Various embodiments of the invention are described in terms
of this example computer system 1200. As another example, remote
computer 114 can be implemented in a computer system such as system
1200.
[0117] Computer system 1200 includes one or more processors, such
as processor 1204. Processor can be a special purpose or a general
purpose processor. Processor 1204 is connected to a communication
infrastructure 1206 (for example, a bus or network).
[0118] Computer system 1200 also includes a main memory 1208,
preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also include a
secondary memory 1210. Secondary memory 1210 may include, for
example, a hard disk drive and/or a removable storage drive.
Removable storage drive 1214 may include a floppy disk drive, a
magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash memory, or the
like. The removable storage drive 1214 reads from and/or writes to
removable storage unit 1218 in a well-known manner. Removable
storage unit 1218 may include a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical
disk, etc. which is read by and written to by removable storage
drive 1214. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the
relevant art(s), removable storage unit 1218 includes a computer
usable storage medium having stored therein computer software
and/or data.
[0119] In alternative implementations, secondary memory 1210 may
include other means for allowing computer programs or other
instructions to be loaded into computer system 1200. Such means may
include, for example, a removable storage unit 1222 and an
interface 1220. Examples of such means may include a program
cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game
devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM, or PROM) and
associated socket, and other removable storage units 1222 and
interfaces 1220 which allow software and data to be transferred
from the removable storage unit 1222 to computer system 1200.
[0120] Computer system 1200 also includes a communications
interface 1224. Communications interface 1224 allows software and
data to be transferred between computer system 1200 and external
devices. Communications interface 1224 may include a modem, a
network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications
port, a PCMCIA slot and card, or the like. Software and data
transferred via communications interface 1224 are in the form of
signals which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other
signals capable of being received by communications interface 1224.
These signals are provided to communications interface 1224 via a
communications path 1226. Communications path 1226 carries signals
and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone
line, a cellular phone link, an RF link or other communications
channels. For example, communications path 1226 may correspond to
communications link 110 and/or communications link 116. In this
example, links 110 and 116 may be networks connected to the global
Internet, and communications interface 1224 may be a network card
configured to receive TCP/IP-based communications from such
networks.
[0121] In this document, the term "computer readable storage
medium" is used to generally refer to media such as removable
storage unit 1218, removable storage unit 1222, and a hard disk
installed in hard disk drive 1212. Computer readable storage medium
can also refer to one or more memories, such as main memory 1208
and secondary memory 1210, which can be memory semiconductors
(e.g., DRAMs, etc.). These computer program products are means for
providing software to computer system 1200.
[0122] Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are
stored in main memory 1208 and/or secondary memory 1210. Computer
programs may also be received via communications interface 1224.
Such computer programs, when executed, enable computer system 1200
to implement the embodiments as discussed herein. In particular,
the computer programs, when executed, enable processor 1204 to
implement the processes of embodiments of the present invention,
such as the steps in the methods discussed above. Accordingly, such
computer programs represent controllers of the computer system
1200. Where embodiments are implemented using software, the
software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded
into computer system 1200 using removable storage drive 1214,
interface 1220, or hard drive 1212.
[0123] Embodiments may be directed to computer products comprising
software stored on any computer usable medium. Such software, when
executed in one or more data processing device, causes a data
processing device(s) to operate as described herein.
[0124] Embodiments may be implemented in hardware, software,
firmware, or a combination thereof. Embodiments may be implemented
via a set of programs running in parallel on multiple machines.
[0125] It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description
section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to
be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections
may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the
present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are
not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims
in any way.
[0126] The present invention has been described above with the aid
of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of
specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of
these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined
herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries
can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships
thereof are appropriately performed.
[0127] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will
so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others
can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily
modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific
embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from
the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such
adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning
and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the
teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that
the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of
description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or
phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by
the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.
[0128] The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be
limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but
should be defined only on accordance with the following claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *