Auto-Calibration via Sensor Container Label Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating analyte concentration in diagnostic systems, such as blood-glucose testing, rely on user input or calibration chips, which can lead to errors due to incorrect or missing data, and are prone to loss or misplacement, limiting flexibility in packaging and increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A test system that includes a sensor container with a calibration label featuring electrical contacts encoding calibration information, which is automatically read by an external auto-calibration feature on the testing device, eliminating the need for user input and separate calibration chips, and allowing flexible packaging of sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user input or calibration chips are used for calibration, then calibration information can be provided to the instrument, but errors occur due to incorrect or missing data entry and the calibration chips can be lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic calibration by reading calibration information directly from the sensor container label using an optical reader, eliminating the need for user input or separate calibration chips. The instrument autonomously retrieves calibration data when the container is placed on it, ensuring accuracy without user intervention errors.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical reader serves as an intermediary between the calibration information stored on the container label and the instrument's processing system. This intermediary automatically captures and transfers calibration data, replacing manual entry methods and calibration chips while ensuring accurate data transmission.
2Stability of the object's composition
If automated cartridge systems with environmental protection are used, then long-term stability of stored sensors is improved, but the complexity and cost of automated access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration information and environmental protection functions are extracted from a complex automated cartridge system and placed directly on the sensor container itself through a printed label. This allows sensors to be stored in simple, flexible containers while maintaining stability and providing automatic calibration without requiring specialized cartridge mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor container label serves multiple functions: it provides environmental protection information, identifies the sensor batch, and stores calibration data. This multi-functional label eliminates the need for separate calibration chips and complex cartridge systems, simplifying the overall device while maintaining sensor stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are packaged in simple containers without specialized cartridges, then flexibility in packaging and number of sensors is improved, but automated access and environmental seal become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical system of specialized cartridges with automated sealing mechanisms is replaced by a simple printed label on the container. The label provides both environmental information and calibration data, allowing sensors to be packaged in flexible, simple containers while maintaining necessary protection and calibration capabilities without complex mechanical systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A test system comprises a sensor container and a testing device. The sensor container has a base and a lid. The container encloses a plurality of test sensors therein. The container includes a calibration label attached thereto. The label includes electrical contacts located thereon that encode calibration information onto the calibration label. The testing device has a sensor-container opening formed thereon. The sensor-container opening has an auto-calibration feature located therein. The auto-calibration feature is external to the testing device. The auto-calibration feature includes calibration elements to communicate with the electrical contacts on the calibration label. The testing device determines the calibration information encoded on the calibration label in response to the calibration elements engaging the electrical contacts. A portion of the sensor container remains external to the meter while the encoded calibration information is being determined.