Diagnostic Test Strip Coding for Calibration Error Rejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glucose testing systems face inaccuracies due to user errors in calibrating test strips and potential instrument read errors, which can lead to unreliable glucose level measurements in diabetic patients.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic test strip system with embedded calibration information and an error detection routine in the meter minimizes bit errors by using a logical arrangement of codes and error correction methods, such as checksums and redundant codes, to ensure accurate glucose readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input or memory device connection is used for lot calibration, then user can input calibration data, but user error risk increases leading to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip automatically provides calibration information through embedded conductive patterns that the meter reads automatically. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for user intervention in calibration data input, thereby removing the source of user error while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input methods (typing, button pressing) with an automated electrical reading system. The conductive pattern on the strip is read electrically by the meter, substituting the mechanical user input process with an automated electrical measurement process that eliminates user error.
2Loss of information
If bar-code readable information is incorporated on individual strips, then calibration data can be obtained, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical bar-code reading with electrical reading through conductive patterns. This substitution eliminates the need for complex optical bar-code reader hardware in the meter, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to transmit calibration information from the strip.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex bar-code structures, the patent uses simplified conductive patterns that replicate the information transmission function. The conductive pattern is a simpler copy of the information carrier that achieves the same purpose with reduced manufacturing complexity and lower cost.
3Loss of information
If conventional coding schemes are used on test strips, then calibration information can be embedded, but read errors occur due to production variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates error detection and rejection algorithms directly into the coding scheme during the manufacturing process. By preparing the code structure in advance with built-in error detection capabilities, the system can identify and reject erroneous readings before they affect measurement accuracy, compensating for production variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The error detection and rejection mechanism provides feedback to the system about reading accuracy. When production variations cause read errors, the feedback mechanism identifies these errors and triggers rejection of the affected readings, allowing the system to maintain accuracy despite manufacturing imprecision.
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
This system reduces user calibration errors and instrument read errors, providing reliable and accurate glucose level measurements by embedding strip lot calibration information directly on the test strips and employing advanced error detection and correction algorithms.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive pattern embedded thereon, the conductive pattern being representative of at least first data and second data
Implementation Method 2
the reagents react with the glucose, and the meter applies a voltage to the electrodes to cause a redox reaction. The meter measures the resulting current
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring a property of a sample is provided. The system comprises a diagnostic measuring device having a memory and a diagnostic test strip for collecting the sample. The strip has embedded thereon a pattern representative of at least first data and second data, the first data being data representing at least one of parameters related to measuring the property, codes usable for calibration of the diagnostic measuring device, or parameters indicating proper connection between the measuring device and the test strip and the second data usable for detecting and rejecting potential errors affecting the proper measurement of the property.