Permutative Grey Scale Calibration Pattern for Test Strip

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional test strips require manual entry of calibration codes, which is time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies due to variability between strips, leading to potential errors in analyte determination.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a permutative grey scale calibration pattern on the reverse surface of test strips, which is detected by a meter using a grey scale photodetector to automatically determine the calibration code, eliminating the need for manual input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual entry of calibration codes is used, then users can input calibration information, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of calibration code inputVSAvoidtime for calibration code entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The test strip automatically provides its own calibration code through the printed pattern on the label, eliminating the need for user manual entry. The meter reads the calibration code directly from the test strip label, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 printed pattern on the test strip label, substituting human manual operation with automated optical detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual entry of calibration codes is required, then calibration information can be input, but user inconvenience and errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of calibration code inputVSAvoidconvenience of calibration code input

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The test strip automatically provides its own calibration code through the printed pattern on the label, eliminating the need for user manual entry. The meter reads the calibration code directly from the test strip label, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 printed pattern on the test strip label, substituting human manual operation with automated optical detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If calibration codes vary by package, then manufacturing variability can be compensated, but users must manually select correct codes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompensation for manufacturing variationVSAvoidtime to select calibration code

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The test strip automatically provides its own calibration code through the printed pattern on the label, eliminating the need for user manual entry. The meter reads the calibration code directly from the test strip label, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration code is pre-encoded in the printed pattern on the test strip label during manufacturing. This preliminary encoding allows the meter to automatically retrieve the correct calibration code without requiring user selection, and the system is prepared in advance with the necessary calibration information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Automatically determines the calibration code with reduced optical registration tolerance requirements, simplifying printing and meter construction, and reducing user inconvenience and errors in analyte measurement.

Implementation Method 1

The term 'grey scale,' as employed herein, refers to an optical characteristic of a surface measured via reflection at a single wavelength with the intensity of reflection (i.e., reflection intensity) corresponding to a grey scale level.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS7589828B2System for analyte determination that includes a permutative grey scale calibration pattern

Publication Date: 2009.09.15 LIFESCAN ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

A system for measuring an analyte in a body fluid sample includes a meter, with a grey scale photodetector module, and a memory module. The system also includes a test strip. The test strip has 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 grey scale photodetector module is configured to detect the permutative grey scale calibration pattern of the test strip when the test strip is inserted into the meter. The memory module has stored therein a grey scale permutation matrix with a plurality of calibration codes, each of the calibration codes uniquely corresponding to a grey scale permutation of the permutative grey scale calibration pattern.