Pregnancy test device and method with positive information display

Abstract

A pregnancy test device having a display configured to display positive-positive information to a user when a negative test result indicating that the user is not pregnant occurs. The positive affirmative information may include information that urges the user to maintain an optimistic emotional state, information that she is not solitary, information that she can succeed, and information that she continues to effort. Furthermore, a pregnancy test method comprising the steps of providing a pregnancy test device having the above-mentioned features, and displaying the positive affirmative information when a negative test result is present indicating that the user is not pregnant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a human pregnancy test, a human pregnancy test method and a pregnancy test display. Background Art

[0002] Family planning has a long tradition and is arguably one of the most meaningful aspects of the human experience. For those who choose to have children, detecting and monitoring pregnancy is crucial. Two common methods for testing women for pregnancy are: first, using a pregnancy test kit to measure the female pregnancy hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)) in blood or urine; and second, ultrasound scanning. Of these methods, pregnancy tests, which can be purchased over the counter, are more common for the simple reasons of being readily available, relatively inexpensive, self-administered, and private.

[0003] When people try to conceive, they often have high hopes and expectations. However, a variety of barriers, such as delayed conception, partner separation or absence, infertility, and other health issues, can challenge these hopes and expectations. It is well known that these barriers can lead to social consequences, personal distress, adverse psychological effects, and emotional consequences, such as anger, depression, anxiety, marital problems, and feelings of worthlessness.

[0004] In the process of making these efforts and facing these obstacles and challenges, people often take multiple pregnancy tests. The standard and expected indication and / or display of a positive pregnancy test may include: "double bars" or a numerical display of "Pregnant." In contrast, a negative pregnancy test may display: "single bar" or simply "Not Pregnant." To those who face obstacles and challenges in their pregnancy journey, this standard indication of a negative pregnancy test can appear cold, indifferent, and uncaring. Therefore, there is a great need to provide support and motivation for those who are trying to conceive but encounter obstacles and challenges along the way.

[0005] There is a need for a new pregnancy testing device and method that provides motivational and positive affirmation messages associated with negative or disappointing results. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In light of the foregoing, the present invention includes a pregnancy testing device having a display configured to share positive information with any negative test results, and methods associated therewith. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] To further illustrate the above and other aspects of the present invention, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and, therefore, should not be considered as limiting the scope thereof. The drawings may not be drawn to scale. The present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a plan view of a pregnancy test device in one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a pregnancy test device according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 is a plan view of various affirmative information in one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method of using a pregnancy test device in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The present invention, in its various embodiments, some of which are shown in the drawings herein, is a pregnancy test device and method with a positive information display. The embodiments shown are for illustrative purposes only.

[0013] Now refer to Figures 1 to 2 , an exemplary pregnancy test device is shown. For ease of illustration, the pregnancy test device 100 is described as an over-the-counter urine pregnancy test kit with a digital display that detects the female pregnancy hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG]). However, other types of pregnancy test devices may be used without departing from the purpose and scope of the present invention. The pregnancy test device 100 may include a plastic body 101 with a display 104 and a sample testing portion or test strip 102 with a cover or lid 103. The display 104 may be configured to display an indication (e.g., X / Y) 105 of the status and test results. The plastic body 101 may form a housing for other components of the pregnancy test device 100 (with or without other plastic elements, such as 203). Other components may include a circuit board 201 with memory and a processor for various operating modes, including generating modes and indications on the display 104; a battery 202 to power the circuit board; and an HCG test strip 204 connected to the absorbent tip of the testing portion 102.

[0014] Now refer to Figure 3, the display 104 is configured to display two types of test results with test result indications and other status and function indications: (1) a first type 301, which indicates that the test result is positive and / or the user is pregnant; (2) a second type 302, which indicates that the test result is negative and / or the user is not pregnant. The indication of the first type or the second type can be an icon, an emoticon, a symbol, text, a phrase or multiple phrases. In a preferred embodiment, the first type of indication displayed on the display 104 in association with a positive test result can be various standard types of congratulatory words and / or phrases, including "Congratulations! You are pregnant" 303 and the like (X1, 304).

[0015] The second category 302 of instructions may also be various types of positive affirmation words and / or phrases, including one or more words of positive affirmation information displayed on the display 104 in association with a negative test result, including: "Don't give up! Keep trying!" 305; "You are not alone! Keep trying!" 306; "You can do it! Keep trying!" 307; "Be patient! It will work!" 308; "Don't lose hope! Keep trying!" 309; "Stay optimistic! Keep trying!" 310; and similar expressions (Y1, 311). In a preferred embodiment, the positive affirmation information may be specifically generated or displayed on the display 104 at one or more times before, simultaneously with, and / or after the occurrence of a negative test result. In some embodiments, the display 104 is configured to display the positive affirmation information only at one or more times before, simultaneously with, and after the occurrence of a negative test result.

[0016] Now refer to Figure 4 , a method 400 is shown in connection with a pregnancy test device 100. First, a test kit 401 having the general features and / or configuration described above is provided, particularly with one or more positive indications on a display accompanying any negative result. A person wishing to perform a pregnancy test then applies urine to a test portion 402 in a standard manner. An HCG (or other applicable) test is then performed on the test kit 403. Upon completion of the HCG (or other applicable) test, the test kit converts the test result to a display and / or indicates the result (pregnancy or not) 404.

[0017] If the test indicates a positive result 405, appropriate positive result confirmation information is displayed on the display 406. Conversely, if the test indicates a negative result 406, a negative result with confirmation information (e.g., 305-311) is displayed on the display 408. The steps of the method can be stopped 409 and / or repeated as needed 410. As described above, the positive confirmation information can be displayed at one or more times before, at the same time, and / or after the negative test result occurs.

[0018] According to the above structure, the pregnancy test device and method with a positive information display provide many functional advantages and improvements. First and foremost, the pregnancy test device and method provide motivational information when a negative test result occurs, providing support and motivation for users who are trying to conceive but encounter obstacles and challenges in the process.

[0019] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. For example, the display may be analog or any other type rather than digital. Furthermore, the exact type of pregnancy test device, including the substrate tested or the test performed, may vary. Furthermore, any number of different and / or specific affirmative messages, positive messages, words, or symbols may be incorporated. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A pregnancy testing device having a display configured to display a positive affirmative message to a user at one or more of before, simultaneously with, and after a negative test result indicating that the user is not pregnant.

2. The pregnancy test device according to claim 1, wherein The positive affirmation information includes one or more of an icon, an emoticon, a symbol, text, a phrase, and multiple phrases.

3. The pregnancy test device according to claim 1, wherein The positive affirmation message includes one or more words.

4. The pregnancy test device according to claim 3, wherein: The positive affirmation message is one or more text messages that convey the following to the user: keep trying to get pregnant; the user is not alone in trying to get pregnant; maintain an optimistic emotional state; and the user can successfully get pregnant.

5. The pregnancy test device according to claim 3, wherein: The positive affirmation messages are typically one or more of the following phrases: don't give up, keep trying, you are not alone, you can do it, be patient, don't lose hope, and stay optimistic.

6. The pregnancy test device according to claim 5, wherein: The display is configured to only display the positive affirmative information at one or more of: before, simultaneously with, and after a negative test result indicating that the user is not pregnant.

7. The pregnancy test device according to claim 1, wherein: The positive affirmation messages are generally one or more of the following phrases: don't give up, keep trying, you are not alone, you can do it, be patient, you will succeed, don't lose hope, and stay optimistic.

8. The pregnancy test device according to claim 1, wherein The positive affirmation message consists of one or more of the following phrases: Don't give up!, Keep trying!, You are not alone!, You can do it!, Be patient!, It will work out!, Don't lose hope!, and Stay optimistic!.

9. The pregnancy test device according to claim 8, wherein: The display is configured to only display the positive affirmative information at one or more of: before, simultaneously with, and after a negative test result indicating that the user is not pregnant.

10. A pregnancy test method comprising the following steps: A pregnancy test device is provided, the pregnancy test device having a display configured to: display a positive affirmative message to a user at one or more times before, simultaneously with, and after a negative test result indicating that the user is not pregnant; as well as The positive confirmation is displayed to the user on the pregnancy testing device at one or more of before, simultaneously with, and after the negative test result indicating that the user is not pregnant.

11. The pregnancy test method according to claim 10, wherein: The positive affirmation information includes one or more of an icon, an emoticon, a symbol, text, a phrase, and multiple phrases.

12. The pregnancy test method according to claim 11, wherein: The positive affirmation message includes one or more words.

13. The pregnancy test method according to claim 12, wherein: The positive affirmation message is one or more text messages that convey the following to the user: keep trying to get pregnant; the user is not alone in trying to get pregnant; maintain an optimistic emotional state; and the user can successfully get pregnant.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The positive affirmation messages are typically one or more of the following phrases: don't give up, keep trying, you are not alone, you can do it, be patient, don't lose hope, and stay optimistic.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The positive affirmation message consists of one or more of the following phrases: Don't give up!, Keep trying!, You are not alone!, You can do it!, Be patient!, It will work out!, Don't lose hope!, and Stay optimistic!.

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