Permutative Grey Scale Calibration Pattern for Test Strip Code Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional test strips for determining analytes in body fluids require manual entry of calibration codes, which is time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies due to variability between strip lots, leading to potential imprecision in analyte measurement.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a permutative grey scale calibration pattern on the test strip's reverse surface, which is detected by a meter's optical sensor to automatically determine the calibration code, eliminating the need for manual input and accounting for manufacturing variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual entry of calibration codes is required, then users can select from multiple calibration codes, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration code selectionVSAvoidcode entry time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The test strip automatically provides its own calibration code through machine-readable encoding on the strip itself. The meter reads the calibration code directly from the test strip without requiring user manual entry, making the system self-servicing for calibration code transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of reading and entering calibration codes is replaced by an automated optical or electromagnetic reading system. The meter's reader automatically detects the machine-readable code on the test strip, substituting the manual user action with an automated sensing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual entry of calibration codes is required, then users can ensure correct code selection, but inaccuracies occur due to user error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidanalyte determination precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The test strip automatically provides its own calibration code through machine-readable encoding on the strip itself. The meter reads the calibration code directly from the test strip without requiring user manual entry, making the system self-servicing for calibration code transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop where the meter reads the calibration code from the test strip, automatically applies it to the measurement process, and ensures the correct code is used for analyte determination. This automated feedback eliminates user error in code selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If calibration codes vary between test strip packages, then manufacturing variability can be compensated, but users must manually track and enter the correct code

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest strip calibrationVSAvoidcode entry convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The test strip automatically provides its own calibration code through machine-readable encoding on the strip itself. The meter reads the calibration code directly from the test strip without requiring user manual entry, making the system self-servicing for calibration code transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The test strip serves multiple functions: it performs the analyte measurement and simultaneously carries its own calibration code identification. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate calibration code tracking and entry processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Automated calibration code detection enhances precision and convenience by reducing user intervention and variability, ensuring accurate analyte determination without manual code entry.

Implementation Method 1

detected by a meter's optical sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS7474391B2Method for determining a test strip calibration code using a calibration strip

Publication Date: 2009.01.06 LIFESCAN IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A method for determining a test strip calibration code for use in a meter includes inserting a calibration strip into the meter, with the calibration strip having a substrate and a permutative grey scale calibration pattern disposed on the substrate. In addition, the permutative grey scale calibration pattern includes more than one grey scale region that define a grey scale permutation uniquely corresponding to a calibration code of test strips in a package associated with the calibration strip. The method also includes: (i) detecting the permutative grey scale calibration pattern with a grey scale photodetector module of the meter, and (ii) determining a calibration code that uniquely corresponds to a grey scale permutation defined by the permutative grey scale calibration pattern based on a permutation matrix stored in the meter.