Integrated Glucose Meter with Lifestyle Data Logging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for diabetic individuals to record and manage lifestyle data are cumbersome, inaccurate, and time-consuming, often requiring multiple devices and manual transcription, which can lead to incomplete and retrospective recording of vital health information.

Innovation Solution

An electronic analyte measurement device with a user-friendly interface that allows for intuitive logging and analysis of lifestyle data, including glucose levels, food intake, exercise, and medication, using a single device that can store and transmit data for improved monitoring and treatment planning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a paper logbook is used to record lifestyle data, then the individual can maintain a record of their lifestyle, but the recording process becomes difficult, time-consuming, and inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of lifestyle data recordingVSAvoidtime required for data entry
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines glucose monitoring and lifestyle data recording into a single integrated device. The glucose meter automatically stores both analyte measurement results and lifestyle information (meal flags, exercise flags, medication flags) in one unified memory system, eliminating the need for separate paper logbooks and manual transcription processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device automatically timestamps and stores lifestyle data entries without requiring manual time tracking. The system self-manages data storage, retrieval, and organization, reducing the burden on the user who simply needs to input information when prompted by the device's interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices are carried for glucose monitoring and lifestyle tracking, then comprehensive data collection is possible, but the burden on the individual increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of health data collectionVSAvoidnumber of devices to carry
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The glucose meter is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures analyte levels, stores measurement results, records lifestyle information (meal timing, exercise, medication), and provides analysis capabilities. This multi-functional device replaces the need for separate glucose meters, paper logbooks, and electronic databases, consolidating what would have been multiple devices into one universal tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges previously separate functions (glucose measurement, lifestyle recording, data storage, and analysis) into a single integrated device. The unified system stores both analyte data and lifestyle data in the same memory, eliminating the need to carry and coordinate multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If manual transcription of lifestyle data into a database is performed, then data can be stored for analysis, but the process becomes laborious and encourages inaccurate retrospective entry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of lifestyle dataVSAvoidtime for data transcription
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically timestamps and stores lifestyle data entries in its internal memory without requiring manual transcription. The system self-manages data organization and storage, eliminating the laborious process of copying data from paper logbooks to electronic databases and reducing the incentive for inaccurate retrospective entry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device acts as an intermediary between the user and the data storage system. Instead of requiring the user to manually transcribe data from paper to database, the device's interface and automated systems handle the data capture and storage process, ensuring accuracy and reducing time investment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If a limited selection of lifestyle variables is stored in the meter, then the device remains simple to use, but the functionality for comprehensive diabetes management is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of device interfaceVSAvoidrange of lifestyle data stored
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The glucose meter is designed to store multiple categories of lifestyle information including meal flags (breakfast, lunch, dinner), exercise flags (light, moderate, vigorous activity), and medication flags. This expanded functionality provides comprehensive diabetes management capabilities while maintaining an intuitive interface that guides users through data entry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device organizes lifestyle data into distinct categorical segments (meals, exercise, medication) with specific flags for each category. This segmentation allows the complex data structure to be presented in a simplified, user-friendly manner while maintaining comprehensive tracking capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2154532B1Analyte testing method and system
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 LIFESCAN SCOTLAND
  • EP2154532B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2154532B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2154532B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Described and illustrated herein is an exemplary method of operating an analyte measurement device having a display, user interface, processor, memory, and user interface buttons. Such method can be achieved by measuring an analyte with the analyte measurement device, displaying a value representative of the analyte, querying a user to select a predetermined flag to associate the predetermined flag with the value, and pressing only one of the user interface buttons once to store the predetermined flag with the value in the memory of the analyte measurement device. In one embodiment, the testing device is a glucose meter and the analyte being tested is glucose.