Permutative Grey Scale Calibration Pattern for Test Strip Code Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test strips for analyte determination 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, allowing for automatic calibration code detection by a meter using a grey scale photodetector, eliminating the need for manual code entry and accounting for manufacturing variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual entry of calibration codes is required, then the meter can accommodate test strips from different manufacturing lots, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip automatically provides its calibration code to the meter through machine-readable patterns (barcodes, data matrices, or grey scale regions) printed on the strip. The meter's photodetector automatically reads this information, eliminating the need for manual user entry while maintaining the ability to accommodate strips from different manufacturing lots with different calibration codes
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of reading and entering the calibration code is replaced by an optical detection system. The meter uses a photodetector to optically read the machine-readable pattern on the test strip and automatically convert it to the corresponding calibration code, substituting human manual operation with an automated optical-mechanical system
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual entry of calibration codes is required, then users can select from different test strip lots, but accuracy decreases due to user error in code entry
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip self-identifies its calibration code through machine-readable patterns, eliminating reliance on user accuracy. The meter automatically reads the pattern and retrieves the corresponding calibration code, ensuring that the correct code is always used for the specific test strip lot, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving lot adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic feedback loops where the meter reads the machine-readable pattern on the test strip, automatically selects the corresponding calibration code, and uses it for analyte determination. This closed-loop system eliminates manual intervention errors and ensures that the calibration code always matches the specific test strip lot being used
3Measurement precision
If calibration codes are printed on test strip packages, then accurate code identification is possible, but the process requires user intervention and is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The manual process of visually reading and manually entering the calibration code from the package label is replaced by an automated optical detection system. The meter's photodetector automatically reads the machine-readable pattern printed directly on the test strip, automatically converts it to the calibration code, and uses it without requiring any user intervention, thereby maintaining accuracy while dramatically improving ease of operation
4Extent of automation
If machine-readable calibration patterns are printed on test strips, then automatic code detection is enabled, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses variations in grey scale (shades of grey) rather than complex multi-color systems. The machine-readable calibration pattern consists of regions with different grey scale values that can be detected by a photodetector. This approach enables automatic code detection while using simple, cost-effective printing technology that integrates easily into existing test strip manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of encoding complex information directly into the test strip structure, the patent uses a simplified machine-readable pattern (barcodes, data matrices, or grey scale regions) that serves as a copy or representation of the calibration code. This pattern is easily printed using conventional techniques and can be reliably read by the meter's photodetector, enabling automatic detection without significantly complicating manufacturing
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
Enables precise and accurate analyte determination by automatically identifying the calibration code associated with each test strip, reducing user intervention and minimizing errors caused by incorrect code entry.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the permutative grey scale calibration pattern with a photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a test strip calibration code for use in a meter includes inserting a test strip into the meter. The inserted test strip having a substrate with a working surface for receiving the body fluid sample and a reverse surface that is in opposition to the working surface. The test strip also includes a permutative grey scale calibration pattern disposed on either of the working and reverse surfaces, with the permutative grey scale calibration pattern including more than one grey scale region. Moreover, the scale regions of the test strip define a grey scale permutation that uniquely corresponds to a calibration code of the test strip. The method also includes detecting the permutative grey scale calibration pattern with a grey scale photodetector module of the meter and determining a calibration code that uniquely corresponds to a grey scale permutation defined by the permutative grey scale calibration pattern based on permutation matrix stored in the meter.