Removable Chip Reconfigures Analyte Meter Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic testing devices are not easily configurable to detect different analytes, leading to potential user errors and limitations in post-sale adaptability for various testing protocols.
Innovation Solution
A meter system that includes a removable chip with a processor and memory, which executes algorithms and protocols specific to the test strip, allowing for easy reconfiguration and calibration, and communicates with the meter to control analysis, display, and input devices, ensuring accurate analyte detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a meter is designed to perform testing for various analytes with different protocols, then the adaptability of the meter is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration data is segmented into separate removable chips, each containing protocol-specific information for different analytes. This allows the meter to be divided into a base unit and interchangeable protocol modules, enabling flexibility without increasing the complexity of the base meter design.
Solution Approach 2:
The meter is designed with universal interfaces and communication protocols that can work with multiple types of removable chips. This multi-functionality allows a single meter device to perform various analyte testing protocols by simply changing the removable chip, avoiding the need for multiple specialized meters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a meter is made configurable after distribution, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability decreases due to potential user error
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to easily reconfigure the meter themselves by simply inserting the appropriate removable chip without requiring technical expertise or complex setup procedures. The chip automatically provides all necessary configuration data, making the system self-configuring and reducing reliance on user knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
All configuration data, protocols, and calibration information are pre-loaded onto the removable chips during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to perform complex configuration tasks, reducing the risk of user error while maintaining post-sale adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a removable chip with processor is added to the meter, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing and configuration functions are extracted from the main meter and placed onto separate removable chips. This extraction allows the complex protocol execution logic to be isolated in interchangeable modules, keeping the base meter relatively simple while providing advanced functionality through the removable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable chip acts as an intermediary between the user's testing needs and the meter's analysis capabilities. It translates user requirements into specific protocol executions and communicates results back to the meter, simplifying the interaction while enabling sophisticated testing procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system for a configurable meter for analyte testing includes a meter, the meter configured to respond to commands in a first protocol and thereby control an analysis system for detecting an analyte level of an analyte, a display, and an input device. The system further includes a removable chip insertable into the meter, the removable chip configured to execute a protocol when mated with the meter and send the commands in the first protocol to control the meter, the removable chip further configured to calculate the analyte level as part of the protocol.