Methods of monitoring a user's analyte level, analyte monitoring systems

Abstract

This disclosure relates to methods and systems for monitoring analyte levels for users. An improved graphical user interface for the analyte monitoring system is provided herein. Specifically, various implementations of a time-based interface and an analyte level / trend alert interface are disclosed herein.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 202180015865.3 filed on March 11, 2021, entitled "Graphical User Interface for Analyte Monitoring System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The topics described in this article generally relate to graphical user interfaces for analyte monitoring systems, as well as the methods and devices associated with them. Background Technology

[0003] Detecting and / or monitoring analyte levels, such as blood glucose, ketones, lactate, oxygen, and hemoglobin A1C, is crucial for the health of people with diabetes. Diabetic patients can experience complications including loss of consciousness, cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy. Monitoring blood glucose levels is essential for people with diabetes to ensure they are maintained within clinically safe ranges and to determine whether and / or when insulin is needed to lower blood glucose levels, or when additional glucose is needed to raise them.

[0004] A growing body of clinical data demonstrates a strong correlation between the frequency of blood glucose monitoring and blood glucose control. Despite this correlation, many people diagnosed with diabetes do not monitor their blood glucose levels as frequently as they should due to a combination of factors, including convenience, testing caution, pain and cost associated with blood glucose testing.

[0005] To increase patient adherence to routine blood glucose monitoring programs, in vivo analyte monitoring systems can be used, wherein a sensor control device can be worn on the body of an individual requiring analyte monitoring. To enhance personal comfort and convenience, the sensor control device can have a small shape factor and can be applied by the individual using a sensor applicator. The application process involves inserting at least a portion of a sensor that senses the user's analyte level into bodily fluids located in a layer of the body using an applicator or insertion mechanism, thereby bringing the sensor into contact with the bodily fluids. The sensor control device can also be configured to transmit analyte data to another device from which the individual or her healthcare provider (“HCP”) can review the data and make treatment decisions.

[0006] However, despite the advantages of analyte monitoring systems, some people are reluctant to use them for various reasons, including the complexity and volume of the data presented, the learning curve associated with the software and user interface of the analyte monitoring system, and the overall lack of actionable information presented.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for graphical user interfaces for analyte monitoring systems, as well as related methods and equipment, which should be robust, user-friendly, and provide timely and actionable responses. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This document provides example implementations of a graphical user interface (“GUI”) for an in vivo analyte monitoring system. According to some implementations, a Time-in-Ranges (TIR) ​​GUI for the analyte monitoring system is provided, wherein the TIR GUI includes multiple bars or bar segments, each bar or bar segment indicating the amount of time a user's analyte level spends within a predefined analyte range associated with the bar or bar segment. In some implementations, for example, the amount of time may be expressed as a percentage of total time. According to another implementation, an analyte level / trend alert GUI for the analyte monitoring system is provided, wherein the analyte level / trend alert GUI includes visual notifications (e.g., alerts, warnings, pop-ups, banner notifications, etc.), wherein the visual notifications include a warning status, an analyte level measurement associated with the warning status, and a trend indicator associated with the warning status. In some implementations, for example, the trend indicator includes a directional trend arrow.

[0009] The embodiments described herein are improved GUIs or GUI features for analyte monitoring systems that are highly intuitive, user-friendly, and provide rapid access to the user's physiological information. More specifically, these embodiments allow users to easily manipulate and switch between different user interfaces that can quickly indicate various physiological conditions and / or actionable responses to the user, without requiring the user (or HCP) to go through the process of examining large amounts of analyte data. Other improvements and advantages are also provided. Various configurations of these devices are described in detail through embodiments that are merely examples.

[0010] Other systems, apparatuses, methods, features, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be or will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, apparatuses, methods, features, and advantages be included in this description, within the scope of the described subject matter, and protected by the appended claims. Features of exemplary embodiments not expressly referred to in the claims should not be construed as limiting the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0011] By studying the accompanying drawings, the structural and operational details of the subject matter described herein can be clearly understood. In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same parts. The parts in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, but rather to emphasize the principles of the subject matter. Furthermore, all illustrations are intended to convey concepts, and relative dimensions, shapes, and other detailed properties may be schematic rather than literal or precise.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a system overview of sensor applicators, reader devices, monitoring systems, networks, and remote systems.

[0013] Figure 2A This is a block diagram depicting an example implementation of a reader device.

[0014] Figure 2B and Figure 2C This is a block diagram depicting an example implementation of a sensor control device.

[0015] Figures 3A to 3F This is an example implementation of a GUI that includes a time interface within a range.

[0016] Figures 4A to 4O This is an example implementation of a GUI that includes an analysis level and trend alert interface. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Before describing this subject matter in detail, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described, and therefore, changes are of course possible. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting, as the scope of this disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0018] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0019] The publications discussed herein are intended to be disclosed prior to the date of this application. Nothing herein should be construed as an admission that this disclosure is not authorized to be earlier than a previous disclosure. Furthermore, the publication date provided may differ from the actual publication date, which may require independent verification.

[0020] Typically, embodiments of this disclosure include a GUI for an analyte monitoring system, and associated methods and apparatus. Therefore, many embodiments include an in vivo analyte sensor structurally configured such that at least a portion of the sensor is located in, or can be located in, a user's body to obtain information about at least one analyte in the body. However, it should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein can be used in in vivo analyte monitoring systems incorporating in vitro capabilities, as well as purely in vitro or ex vivo analyte monitoring systems, including completely non-invasive systems.

[0021] Furthermore, for each embodiment of the methods disclosed herein, the scope of this disclosure covers systems and devices capable of performing each of these embodiments. For example, embodiments of sensor control devices, reader devices, local computer systems, and trusted computer systems are disclosed, and these devices and systems may have one or more sensors, analyte monitoring circuitry (e.g., analog circuitry), memory (e.g., for storing instructions), power supply, communication circuitry, transmitter, receiver, processor, and / or controller (e.g., for executing instructions), which can perform any and all method steps or facilitate the execution of any and all method steps.

[0022] As previously described, many embodiments described herein provide improved GUIs for analyte monitoring systems, where the GUI is highly intuitive, user-friendly, and provides rapid access to the user's physiological information. According to some embodiments, a range-time GUI for an analyte monitoring system is provided, wherein the range-time GUI includes multiple bars or bar segments, each bar or bar segment indicating the amount of time a user's analyte level is within a predefined analyte range associated with the bar or bar segment. According to another embodiment, an analyte level / trend alert GUI for an analyte monitoring system is provided, wherein the analyte level / trend alert GUI includes visual notifications (e.g., alerts, warnings, pop-ups, banner notifications, etc.), and wherein the visual notifications include a warning status, an analyte level measurement associated with the warning status, and a trend indicator associated with the warning status. In summary, these embodiments provide robust, user-friendly interfaces that can increase user engagement in the analyte monitoring system and provide timely and actionable responses to the user; these advantages are merely illustrative.

[0023] However, before describing these aspects of the implementation in detail, it is desirable to first describe examples of devices that may exist, such as in vivo analyte monitoring systems, and examples of their operation, all of which can be used in the implementations described herein.

[0024] Various types of in vivo analyte monitoring systems exist. For example, a "continuous analyte monitoring" system (or "continuous blood glucose monitoring" system) can continuously (e.g., automatically according to a schedule) transmit data from a sensor control device to a reader device without prompting. As another example, a "flash analyte monitoring" system (or "flash blood glucose monitoring" system, or simply "flash system") can transmit data from a sensor control device in response to a scan or data request from a reader device, for example, using near field communication (NFC) or radio frequency identification (RFID) protocols. In vivo analyte monitoring systems can also operate without requiring manual finger-prick calibration.

[0025] In vivo analyte monitoring systems can be distinguished from "in vitro" systems, which involve contact with biological samples outside the body (or "extracorporeal") and typically include a metrology device with a port for receiving an analyte test strip carrying the user's bodily fluids. The analyte test strip can be analyzed to determine the user's blood sugar level.

[0026] An in vivo monitoring system may include sensors that, when positioned inside the body, come into contact with the user's bodily fluids and sense the levels of analytes contained therein. The sensors may be part of a sensor control device that resides on the user's body and includes electronics and a power source for enabling and controlling analyte sensing. Sensor control devices and variations thereof may also be referred to as "sensor control units," "personal electronics" devices or units, "personal" devices or units, or "sensor data communication" devices or units, for example only.

[0027] In vivo monitoring systems may also include devices that receive sensed analyte data from sensor control devices, process and / or display the sensed analyte data to a user in any quantity or form. Such devices and variations thereof may be referred to as “handheld reader devices,” “reader devices” (or simply “readers”), “handheld electronic devices” (or simply “handheld”), “portable data processing” devices or units, “data receivers,” “receiver” devices or units (or simply “receivers”), or “remote” devices or units, etc. Other devices, such as personal computers, have also been used in conjunction with or integrated with in vivo and in vitro monitoring systems.

[0028] Example implementation of an in vivo analyte monitoring system

[0029] Figure 1This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example embodiment of an analyte monitoring system 100, which includes a sensor applicator 150, a sensor control device 102, and a reader device 120. Here, the sensor applicator 150 can be used to deliver the sensor control device 102 to a monitoring location on a user's skin, where a sensor 104 is held in place for a period of time by an adhesive patch 105. Figure 2B and Figure 2C Further described below, and communication with reader device 120 can be achieved using wired or wireless technologies via communication path 140. Example wireless protocols include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE, BTLE, Bluetooth SMART, etc.), Near Field Communication (NFC), and others. Users can view and use applications stored in memory on reader device 120 using display 122 (which may include a touchscreen in many embodiments) and input 121. The device battery of reader device 120 can be charged using power port 123. Although only one reader device 120 is shown, sensor control device 102 can communicate with multiple reader devices 120. Each reader device 120 can communicate with and share data with each other. See below for reference. Figure 2A Further details regarding reader device 120 are provided. Reader device 120 can communicate with local computer system 170 via communication path 141 using wired or wireless communication protocols. Local computer system 170 may include one or more of a laptop, desktop computer, tablet computer, phablet, smartphone, set-top box, video game console, or other computing device. Wireless communication may include any of a number of applicable wireless network protocols, including Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), Wi-Fi, or others. Local computer system 170 can communicate with network 190 via communication path 143, similar to how reader device 120 can communicate with network 190 via communication path 142, using the wired or wireless communication protocols described above. Network 190 can be any of many networks, such as private and public networks, local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs), etc. Trusted computer system 180 may include a server and may provide authentication services and secure data storage, and can communicate with network 190 via communication path 144 using wired or wireless technologies.

[0030] Example implementation of reader device

[0031] Figure 2AThis is a block diagram depicting an example embodiment of a reader device 120, which in some embodiments may include a smartphone. Here, the reader device 120 may include a display 122, an input unit 121, and a processing core 206, which includes a communication processor 222 coupled to a memory 223 and an application processor 224 coupled to a memory 225. It may also include a separate memory 230, an RF transceiver 228 with an antenna 229, and a power supply 226 with a power management module 238. Furthermore, the reader device 120 may also include a multi-function transceiver 232 that can communicate with the antenna 234 via Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, BTLE, and GPS. As those skilled in the art will understand, these components are electrically and communicatively coupled to form a functional device.

[0032] Example implementation of sensor control device

[0033] Figure 2B and Figure 2C This is a block diagram depicting an example embodiment of a sensor control device 102, which includes an analyte sensor 104 and sensor electronics 160 (including analyte monitoring circuitry), and may have most of the processing capabilities for rendering final result data suitable for display to a user. Figure 2B The image depicts a single semiconductor chip 161, which may be a custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Within the ASIC 161 are shown certain advanced functional units, including an analog front-end (AFE) 162, power management (or control) circuitry 164, a processor 166, and communication circuitry 168 (which may be implemented as a transmitter, receiver, transceiver, passive circuitry, or other means according to a communication protocol). In this embodiment, both the AFE 162 and the processor 166 serve as analyte monitoring circuitry; however, in other embodiments, either circuitry may perform analyte monitoring functions. The processor 166 may include one or more processors, microprocessors, controllers, and / or microcontrollers, each of which may be a discrete chip or distributed among multiple different chips (and portions thereof).

[0034] Memory 163 is also included within ASIC 161 and can be shared by various functional units present in ASIC 161, or distributed among two or more of them. Memory 163 can also be a separate chip. Memory 163 can be volatile and / or non-volatile memory. In this embodiment, ASIC 161 is coupled to power supply 170, which can be a coin cell battery, etc. AFE 162 interfaces with in vivo analyte sensor 104 and receives measurement data from it, outputting the data in digital form to processor 166, which then processes the data to obtain final results such as discrete and trend values ​​of blood glucose. For example, this data can then be provided to communication circuitry 168 for transmission via antenna 171 to reader device 120 (not shown), where a resident software application requires minimal further processing to display the data.

[0035] Figure 2C Similar to Figure 2B The system comprises two discrete semiconductor chips, 162 and 174, which may be packaged together or separately. Here, AFE 162 resides on ASIC 161. Processor 166 is integrated on chip 174 with power management circuitry 164 and communication circuitry 168. AFE 162 includes memory 163, and chip 174 includes memory 165, which may be isolated or distributed therein. In one example embodiment, AFE 162, power management circuitry 164, and processor 166 are combined on a single chip, while communication circuitry 168 is on a separate chip. In another example embodiment, AFE 162 and communication circuitry 168 are both on a single chip, while processor 166 and power management circuitry 164 are on another chip. It should be noted that other chip combinations are also possible, including three or more chips, each responsible for the individual described functions, or sharing one or more functions to achieve fail-safe redundancy.

[0036] Example implementation of the user interface of the analyte monitoring system

[0037] This document describes an example implementation of a GUI for an analyte monitoring system. First, those skilled in the art will understand that the GUI described herein includes instructions stored in the memory of reader device 120, local computer system 170, trusted computer system 180, and / or any other device or system that is part of or communicates with analyte monitoring system 100. When one or more processors of reader device 120, local computer system 170, trusted computer system 180, or other devices or systems of analyte monitoring system 100 execute these instructions, the one or more processors cause the steps of the methods described herein to be performed and / or the GUI to be output. Those skilled in the art will further recognize that the GUI described herein may be stored as instructions in the memory of a single centralized device, or, alternatively, may be distributed across multiple geographically dispersed devices.

[0038] Figures 3A to 3F An example implementation of a GUI for an analyte monitoring system is described. Specifically, Figures 3A to 3F A time-in-range (also known as time-in-range and / or time-in-target) GUI is described, each GUI comprising multiple bars or bar segments, wherein each bar or bar segment indicates the amount of time the user's analyte level is within a predefined analyte range associated with the bar or bar segment. In some implementations, for example, the amount of time may be expressed as a percentage of a predefined amount of time.

[0039] Turning Figure 3A and Figure 3B An example implementation of a range-time GUI 305 is shown, wherein the range-time GUI 305 includes a “custom” range-time view 305A and a “standard” range-time view 305B, having a toggle, switch, or sliding element 310 that allows a user to select between the two views. According to one aspect of the implementation, the range-time views 305A and 305B may each include a plurality of bars, wherein each bar indicates the amount of time a user’s analyte level is within a predefined analyte range associated with that bar. In some implementations, the range-time views 305A and 305B also include a date range indicator 308 indicating the relevant date associated with the displayed analyte data, and a data availability indicator 314 indicating the time period during which the analyte data is available for the displayed analyte data (e.g., “7 out of 7 days data available”).

[0040] refer to Figure 3AThe "custom" range time view 305A includes six bars, including (from top to bottom): the first bar indicates that the user's blood glucose range is above 250 mg / dL for up to 10% of the predefined time; the second bar indicates that the user's blood glucose range is between 141 mg / dL and 250 mg / dL for up to 24% of the predefined time; the third bar 316 indicates that the user's blood glucose range is between 100 mg / dL and 140 mg / dL for up to 54% of the predefined time; the fourth bar indicates that the user's blood glucose range is between 70 mg / dL and 99 mg / dL for up to 9% of the predefined time; the fifth bar indicates that the user's blood glucose range is between 54 mg / dL and 69 mg / dL for up to 2% of the predefined time; and the sixth bar indicates that the user's blood glucose range is less than 54 mg / dL for up to 1% of the predefined time. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the blood glucose range and time percentage associated with each bar can vary depending on the user-defined range and the user's available analyte data. Furthermore, although... Figure 3A and Figure 3B A predefined time amount 314 equal to seven days is shown, but those skilled in the art will understand that other predefined time amounts (e.g., one day, three days, fourteen days, thirty days, ninety days, etc.) can be used, and are fully within the scope of this disclosure.

[0041] According to another aspect of the embodiment, the "custom" range time view 305A also includes a user-definable custom target range 312, which includes an actionable "edit" link that allows the user to define and / or change the custom target range. As shown in the "custom" range time view 305A, the custom target range 312 is defined as a blood glucose range between 100 mg / dL and 140 mg / dL, and corresponds to the third column 316 among a plurality of columns.

[0042] refer to Figure 3BThe "Standard" range time view 305B includes five bars (from top to bottom): a first bar indicating that the user's blood glucose range is above 250 mg / dL for up to 10% of a predefined time period; a second bar indicating that the user's blood glucose range is between 181 mg / dL and 250 mg / dL for up to 24% of a predefined time period; a third bar indicating that the user's blood glucose range is between 70 mg / dL and 180 mg / dL for up to 54% of a predefined time period; a fourth bar indicating that the user's blood glucose range is between 54 mg / dL and 69 mg / dL for up to 10% of a predefined time period; and a fifth bar indicating that the user's blood glucose range is below 54 mg / dL for up to 2% of a predefined time period. Similar to the "Custom" range time view 305A, those skilled in the art will recognize that the percentage of time associated with each bar can vary depending on the user's available analyte data. However, unlike the "Custom" range time view 305A, the blood glucose range shown in the "Standard" view 305B cannot be adjusted by the user.

[0043] Figure 3C and Figure 3D Another example implementation of a time-range GUI 320 with multiple views 320A and 320B is depicted, which are respectively similar to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The view shown. According to some embodiments, the time-range GUI 320 may also include one or more selectable icons 322 (e.g., radio buttons, checkboxes, sliders, switches, etc.) that allow the user to select a predefined time amount, at which the user's analytics data will be displayed in the time-range GUI 320 for that predefined time amount. For example, as... Figure 3C and Figure 3D As shown, selectable icon 322 can be used to select a predefined time period of seven days, fourteen days, thirty days, or ninety days. Those skilled in the art will understand that other predefined time periods can be used, and are fully within the scope of this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 3EAn example implementation of a target-time GUI 330 is depicted, which can be visually output to the display of a reader device (e.g., a dedicated reader device, a metering device, etc.). According to one aspect of the implementation, the target-time GUI 330 includes three bars, including (from top to bottom): a first bar indicating that the user's blood glucose range is above a predefined target range for up to 34% of a predefined time; a second bar indicating that the user's blood glucose range is within the predefined target range for up to 54% of a predefined time; and a third bar indicating that the user's blood glucose range is below the predefined target range for up to 12% of a predefined time. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the percentage of time associated with each bar can vary depending on the user's available analyte data. Furthermore, although... Figure 3E The predefined time amount 332 shown is equal to the most recent 7 days and the predefined target range 334 is 80 mg / dL to 140 mg / dL, but those skilled in the art will understand that other predefined time amounts (e.g., 1 day, 3 days, 14 days, 30 days, 90 days, etc.) and / or predefined target ranges (e.g., 70 mg / dL to 180 mg / dL) can be used, and are well within the scope of this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 3F Another example implementation of the range-time GUI 340 is depicted, comprising a single bar consisting of five bar sections (from top to bottom): a first bar section indicating that the user's blood glucose range is "very high" or exceeds 250 mg / dL for 1% (14 minutes) of a predefined time; a second bar section indicating that the user's blood glucose range is "high" or between 180 mg / dL and 250 mg / dL for 18% (4 hours and 19 minutes) of a predefined time; a third bar section indicating that the user's blood glucose range is within the "target range" or between 70 mg / dL and 180 mg / dL for 78% (18 hours and 43 minutes) of a predefined time; a fourth bar section indicating that the user's blood glucose range is "low" or between 54 mg / dL and 69 mg / dL for 3% (43 minutes) of a predefined time; and a fifth bar section indicating that the user's blood glucose range is "very low" or less than 54 mg / dL for 0% (0 minutes) of a predefined time.

[0046] according to Figure 3FIn one aspect of the illustrated implementation, each bar segment of the time range GUI 340 may include a different color. In some implementations, the bar segments may be separated by dashed or dotted lines 342 and / or marked with numerical markers 344 to indicate the range reflected by adjacent bar segments. In some implementations, the time range reflected by the bar segments may be further expressed as a percentage, an actual amount of time (e.g., 4 hours and 19 minutes), or as... Figure 3F The representation shown is both a percentage and an actual amount of time. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the percentage of time associated with each bar segment can vary depending on the user's analyte data. In some embodiments of the Time Range GUI 340, the target range can be configured by the user. In other embodiments, the target range of the Time Range GUI 340 cannot be modified by the user.

[0047] Figures 4A to 4O An example implementation of an analyte level / trend alert GUI for an analyte monitoring system is described. According to one aspect of the implementation, the analyte level / trend alert GUI includes visual notifications (e.g., alerts, warnings, pop-ups, banner notifications, etc.), wherein the visual notifications include a warning state, an analyte level measurement associated with the warning state, and a trend indicator associated with the warning state.

[0048] Turning Figures 4A to 4C Example implementations of hyperglycemia warning 410, hypoglycemia warning 420, and severe hypoglycemia warning 430 (sometimes also referred to as "emergency hypoglycemia warning") are depicted, wherein each warning includes a pop-up window 402 containing warning status text 404 (e.g., "Hypoglycemia Warning"), an analyte level measurement 406 associated with the warning status (e.g., 67 mg / dL), and a trend indicator 408 associated with the warning status (e.g., a trend arrow). In some implementations, a warning icon 412 may be adjacent to the warning status text 404.

[0049] Next reference Figures 4D to 4G Additional example implementations of hypoglycemia warning 440, hypoglycemia warning 445, severe hypoglycemia warning 450, and hyperglycemia warning 455 are described respectively. Figure 4D As shown, the hypoglycemia warning 440 is similar to Figure 4B The system includes a low blood sugar warning (e.g., a pop-up containing warning status text, an analyte level measurement associated with the warning status, and a trend indicator associated with the warning status), but also a critical warning icon 442 to indicate that the warning has been configured as a critical alert (e.g., it will be displayed, play a sound, and vibrate even if the device is locked or if the device's "Do Not Disturb" setting is enabled). About Figure 4EThe hypoglycemia warning 445 is similar. Figure 4B The low blood sugar warning, but without a trend arrow, instead includes a text trend indicator 447 in the log blood sugar warning 445. According to one aspect of some implementations, the text trend indicator 447 can be enabled through the device's accessibility settings, such that the device will "read" the text trend indicator 447 to the user via the device's text-to-speech function (e.g., VoiCeover on iOS or Select-to-Speak on Android).

[0050] The following is for reference. Figure 4F Low blood sugar warning 450 is similar to Figure 4D The hypoglycemia warning (including a severe warning icon) does not display the analyte level measurement associated with the warning state or the trend indicator associated with the warning state. Instead, the hypoglycemia warning 450 displays an out-of-range indicator 452 to indicate that the current blood glucose level is above or below a predetermined reportable analyte level range (e.g., "(High) HI" or "(Low) LO"). About Figure 4G High blood sugar warning 455 is similar to Figure 4A The system includes a high blood sugar warning (e.g., a pop-up window containing warning status text, an analyte level measurement associated with the warning status, and a trend indicator associated with the warning status), but also includes an instruction 457 for the user. In some implementations, this instruction may, for example, be a prompt to the user to “check blood sugar.” Those skilled in the art will understand that other instructions or prompts (e.g., taking a corrective dose, eating, etc.) can be implemented.

[0051] Furthermore, despite Figures 4A to 4G An example implementation of an analyte level / trend alert GUI displayed on a smartphone with the iOS operating system is described, but those skilled in the art will also understand that the analyte level / trend alert GUI can be implemented on other devices, including, for example, smartphones with other operating systems, smartwatches, wearable devices, reader devices, tablet computing devices, blood glucose meters, laptops, desktops, and workstations. For example, Figures 4H to 4J Example implementations of hyperglycemia warnings, hypoglycemia warnings, and severe hypoglycemia warnings for smartphones running the Android operating system are described. Similarly, Figure 4K to Figure 4O Example implementations of severe hypoglycemia warnings, hypoglycemia warnings, hyperglycemia warnings, severe hypoglycemia warnings (with a blood glucose check icon), and hyperglycemia warnings (with an out-of-range indicator) for reader devices are described respectively. As mentioned above, severe hypoglycemia warnings are sometimes also referred to as emergency hypoglycemia warnings, and the text "emergency hypoglycemia warning" can be displayed instead of "severe hypoglycemia warning".

[0052] It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combined and substituted with features, elements, components, functions, and steps from any other embodiment. If a feature, element, component, function, or step is described with respect to only one embodiment, it should be understood that, unless expressly stated otherwise, that feature, element, component, function, or step may be used with another embodiment described herein. Therefore, this paragraph serves at all times as a prior basis and written support for the introduction of claims that combine features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments, or substitute features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with features, elements, components, functions, and steps from another embodiment, even if the following description does not expressly state in specific instances that such combinations or substitutions are possible. It is expressly acknowledged that it would be cumbersome to explicitly describe every possible combination and substitution, especially considering that the permissibility of each such combination and substitution will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0053] While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternatives, specific examples have been shown in the accompanying drawings and are described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are not limited to the specific forms disclosed; rather, they will cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, any feature, function, step, or element of the embodiments may be recited or added to the claims, and the scope of the invention may be limited by features, functions, steps, or elements not covered by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring a user's analyte levels, the method comprising: The transceiver of the reader device receives data from the personal unit indicating the user's analyte level, the personal unit including an analyte sensor and sensor electronics; A first plurality of bars are output to the display of the reader device via one or more processors of the reader device, wherein each bar indicates the amount of time the user's analyte level is within a predefined analyte range associated with each bar during a predefined time period, wherein the first plurality of bars are based on data indicating the analyte level, and wherein the first plurality of bars can be customized by the user. A second view is output to the display via one or more processors of the reader device. The second view includes a second plurality of bars, each of which indicates the amount of time the user's analyte level falls within a predefined analyte range associated with each bar over the same predefined time period. The second plurality of bars are based on data indicating the analyte level, and the second plurality of bars cannot be customized by the user. A switching element is output to the display via one or more processors of the reader device, the switching element being configured to: when the switching element is in a first position, the display outputs a first plurality of bars; and when the switching element is in a second position, the display outputs a second plurality of bars.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The time amount includes a percentage of a predefined time period.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Data indicating the levels of the analyte include data indicating blood glucose levels in body fluids.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A sliding element is output to the display via one or more processors of the reader device, the sliding element being configured to allow the user to select whether to display the first plurality of bars or the second plurality of bars on the display.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The reader device outputs to the display a date range indicator that includes a date range associated with the first plurality of bars and data indicating the level of the analyte via one or more processors.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more processors of the reader device output a data availability indicator, including a time period, to the display, indicating that data at the analyte level is available during the time period.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, At least one predefined analyte range associated with the first plurality of columns can be adjusted by the user.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The predefined analyte range associated with the second plurality of columns cannot be adjusted by the user.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A plurality of selectable icons are output to the display via one or more processors of the reader device. The plurality of selectable icons are configured to allow a user to select a predefined amount of time associated with data indicating the level of the analyte.

10. A method for monitoring a user's analyte levels, the method comprising: The transceiver of the reader device receives data from the personal unit indicating the user's analyte level, the personal unit including an analyte sensor and sensor electronics; A first bar chart is output to the display of the reader device via one or more processors of the reader device. The first bar chart includes a first plurality of bar segments, wherein each of the first plurality of bar segments indicates the amount of time the user's analyte level is within a predefined analyte range associated with each bar segment during a predefined time period, and the first plurality of bar segments are based on data indicating the analyte level. A second bar chart is output to the display via one or more processors of the reader device. The second bar chart includes a second plurality of bar segments, each of which indicates the amount of time the user's analyte level falls within a predefined analyte range associated with each bar segment over the same predefined time period. The second plurality of bar segments are based on data indicating the analyte level, and the second plurality of bar segments cannot be customized by the user. A switching element is output to the display via one or more processors of the reader device. The switching element is configured such that when the switching element is in a first position, the display outputs the first bar; and when the switching element is in a second position, the display outputs the second bar.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The time amount includes a percentage of a predefined time period and the actual time amount.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Data indicating the levels of the analyte include data indicating blood glucose levels in body fluids.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The one or more processors include one or more processors of a cloud-based platform.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein, Each of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion includes a different color.

15. A method for monitoring a user's analyte levels, the method comprising: The transceiver of the reader device receives data from the personal unit indicating the user's analyte level, the personal unit including an analyte sensor and sensor electronics; A first view is output to the display of the reader device via one or more processors of the reader device. The first view includes a first group of graphical elements, wherein each graphical element of the first group represents the amount of time the user's analyte level is within a predefined analyte range associated with the corresponding graphical element of the first group, and wherein at least one analyte range associated with the first group can be customized by the user. A second view is output to the display via one or more processors of the reader device. The second view includes a second set of graphical elements, wherein each graphical element in the second set represents the amount of time the user's analyte level is within a predefined analyte range associated with the corresponding graphical element in the second set, and wherein the analyte range associated with the second set cannot be customized by the user; and A switching element is output to the display via one or more processors of the reader device. The switching element is configured such that when the switching element is in a first position, the display outputs the first view; and when the switching element is in a second position, the display outputs the second view.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The switching element includes a toggle switch.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The switching element includes a sliding element.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein, At least one graphical element of the first group, which can be customized by the user, includes a customizable range of target analytes.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein, Each graphic element in the first group includes a color that is different from the other graphic elements in the first group.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein, Each graphic element in the second group includes a color that is different from the other graphic elements in the second group.

21. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The total number of graphic elements in the first group is equal to the total number of graphic elements in the second group.

22. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The total number of graphic elements in the first group is not equal to the total number of graphic elements in the second group.

23. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The reader device includes a smartphone.

24. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The reader device includes a smartwatch.

25. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The user's analyte level over a period of time within the predefined analyte range includes a percentage of the predefined time period.

26. The method according to claim 15, wherein, Data indicating the level of the analyte includes data indicating the blood glucose level in the user's bodily fluids.

27. The method of claim 15, further comprising: A date range indicator, including date ranges associated with the first group of graphic elements and the second group of graphic elements, is output to the display via one or more processors of the reader device.

28. The method of claim 15, further comprising: One or more processors of the reader device output a data availability indicator, including a time period, to the display, indicating that data at the analyte level is available during the time period.

29. The method of claim 15, further comprising: A plurality of selectable icons are output to the display via one or more processors of the reader device. The plurality of selectable icons are configured to allow a user to select a predefined amount of time associated with data indicating the level of the analyte.

30. The method of claim 18, further comprising: The reader device outputs a link to the display via one or more processors, pointing to an interface configured to allow the user to edit a customizable range of target analytes.

31. An analyte monitoring system, comprising: A sensor control device, including an analyte sensor and sensor electronics, wherein the sensor control device is configured to transmit data indicating analyte levels; and A reader device includes a display, a transceiver configured to receive data indicating the analyte level, and a memory coupled to one or more processors, wherein the memory is configured to store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to output a plurality of bars to the display, wherein each bar indicates the amount of time a user's analyte level is within a predefined analyte range associated with each bar, wherein the plurality of bars are based on data indicating the analyte level, wherein: The plurality of bars are a first plurality of bars, wherein, when the instruction is executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors also cause the one or more processors to output a second plurality of bars to the display. Each of the second plurality of bars represents the amount of time a user's analyte level is within a predefined analyte range associated with each bar, wherein the second plurality of bars are based on data indicating the analyte level. Furthermore, the first plurality of columns can be customized by the user, while the second plurality of columns cannot be customized by the user.

32. The analyte monitoring system according to claim 31, wherein, The time amount includes a percentage of a predefined time period.

33. The analyte monitoring system according to claim 31, wherein, Data indicating the levels of the analyte include data indicating blood glucose levels in body fluids.

34. The analyte monitoring system according to claim 31, wherein, When the instruction is executed by the one or more processors, it also causes the one or more processors to output a sliding element to the display, the sliding element being configured to allow the user to select whether to display the first plurality of bars or the second plurality of bars on the display.

35. The analyte monitoring system according to claim 31, wherein, When the instructions are executed by one or more of the processors, the processors also cause the display to output a date range indicator that includes a date range associated with the plurality of bars and data indicating the level of the analyte.

36. The analyte monitoring system according to claim 31, wherein, When the instruction is executed by one or more of the processors, it also causes the one or more processors to output a data availability indicator to the display, including a time period, indicating that data at the level of the analyte is available during the time period.

37. The analyte monitoring system according to claim 31, wherein, At least one predefined analyte range associated with the plurality of columns can be adjusted by the user.

38. The analyte monitoring system according to claim 31, wherein, The predefined analyte range associated with the second plurality of columns cannot be adjusted by the user.

39. The analyte monitoring system according to claim 31, wherein, When the instruction is executed by the one or more processors, it also causes the one or more processors to output a plurality of selectable icons to the display, the plurality of selectable icons being configured to allow a user to select a predefined amount of time associated with data indicating the level of the analyte.

40. An analyte monitoring system, comprising: monitor; as well as One or more processors, coupled to a memory configured to store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to output a bar chart comprising multiple bar portions to the display. Each of the plurality of bar segments represents the amount of time a user's analyte level is within a predefined analyte range associated with each bar segment, and the plurality of bar segments are based on data indicating the analyte level.

41. The analyte monitoring system according to claim 40, wherein, The time amount includes a percentage of a predefined time period and the actual time amount.

42. The analyte monitoring system according to claim 40, wherein, Data indicating the levels of the analyte include data indicating blood glucose levels in body fluids.

43. The analyte monitoring system according to claim 40, wherein, The one or more processors include one or more processors of a cloud-based platform.

44. The analyte monitoring system according to claim 40, wherein, Each column section includes a different color.

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