Systems and methods for meter reconfiguration, control, and operation via an insertable chip with microprocessor
Inventors
Broadwell, Jonathan A. • Miller, James
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12130279-B2
Publication Date
2024-10-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
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.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a reconfigurable analyte meter system in which a removable chip interfaces with a meter microprocessor to execute an algorithm stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium on the removable chip and to control operations of the meter. The removable chip communicates with the meter using a communication protocol and provides commands that the meter executes to use the analysis system to analyze an insertable test strip and provide an analyte level in a sample.
The removable chip carries calibration information and information that identifies a production lot and includes shelf life data, so that the removable chip and the test strip are used together for analyte level calculation using the chip-executed algorithm. The chip and the meter communicate via a communication protocol, and the removable chip is programmed to request a firmware version from the meter microprocessor to determine compatibility.
The document describes an example optical photometer hardware architecture in which the analysis system includes an LED(s) and a light detector(s) and measures reflectance/photometric data, with endpoint detection and results display driven by the removable chip commands. The invention is also described as supporting electrochemical test configurations by integrating electrodes/ports within the PRoMEM or meter, while still using the removable chip to control operations and calculate the analyte level.
Claims Coverage
Two independent claims are identified, each centered on a removable chip executing stored logic/protocol to control a meter for analyte testing and/or configuring meter operation based on chip-to-meter communication and compatibility checking. Across the independent claims, the main inventive features include chip-controlled meter analysis, chip-executed algorithm/protocol for analyte level calculation, chip-meter communication protocol usage, and firmware compatibility querying by the chip.
Removable chip executes algorithm to control meter operations
A meter including an analysis system, a display, and an input device, and a removable chip interfacing with the meter microprocessor, the removable chip including a processor that executes an algorithm stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium on the removable chip and controls the operations of the meter.
Chip commands control analysis of an inserted test strip to provide an analyte level
A test strip insertable into the meter configured to receive a sample when inserted, where the meter is configured, via the commands of the removable chip, to use the analysis system to analyze the test strip and provide an analyte level in the sample.
Chip and meter communicate using a communication protocol
The removable chip and the meter communicate using a communication protocol.
Meter responds to commands in a first protocol from the removable chip
A meter configured to respond to commands in a first protocol and thereby control an analysis system for detecting an analyte level of an analyte, the meter including a meter microprocessor.
Removable chip executes stored protocol and sends commands to the meter
A removable chip insertable into the meter, the removable chip and the meter communicating using a communication protocol, where the meter queries what type of removable chip has been inserted into the meter, the removable chip configured to execute a protocol stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium when mated with the meter and send the commands in the first protocol to control the meter.
Chip calculates analyte level and requests firmware version for compatibility
The removable chip further configured to calculate the analyte level as part of the protocol, and the removable chip programmed to request a firmware version from the meter microprocessor to determine compatibility.
The independent claims collectively require a removable chip that executes stored algorithm/protocol on a non-transitory computer readable medium, uses chip commands communicated via a communication protocol to control meter analysis of an inserted test strip, performs analyte level calculation on the chip, and includes mechanisms for chip-meter compatibility determination by requesting a firmware version.
Stated Advantages
Reduces user misconfiguration via physical matching of removable chip and test strip types.
Enables post-sale assay/protocol updates without changing analyzer firmware.
Documented Applications
Bodily fluid analyte detection using a meter with a removable chip and an insertable test strip, including example optical photometric analyte detection for blood analytes.
Meter configuration for analyte testing in which the removable chip queries the type of chip inserted and requests firmware version to determine compatibility.
Adaptation to electrochemical test configurations by integrating electrodes/ports within the removable chip or meter while using chip-controlled analyte level calculation.
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