HK1158748B

HK1158748B - Integrated blood glucose measurement device

Info

Publication number: HK1158748B
Application number: HK11112946.7A
Authority: HK
Inventors: Anoop Rao
Original assignee: Agamatrix, Inc.
Priority date: 2008-07-07
Filing date: 2009-07-06
Publication date: 2015-10-30

Description

Integrated blood glucose measuring device

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application serial No.61/078,740, filed on 7/2008, and is a non-provisional application thereof, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Background

The use of web-enabled portable devices (WEPDs) has allowed users of these devices the ability to access the web in many places. These WEPDs include handheld devices (e.g., cellular (cell) phones (e.g., IPHONE, among others)^TMBLACKBERRY (TM) or Palm Trio (TM)), personal data assistants, and web access assistants (e.g., ITOUCH)^TM). These WEPsD allowing a user to go through a wireless local area network and/or through an AT&T cell phone network and tower (tower) (e.g., EDGE)^TMAnd 3G^TMNetwork) is connected to the World Wide Web (WWW) via wireless technology. Users can use these devices to download information and upload information to the WWW.

Users of these WEPDs may have certain physical injuries or illnesses, which may require periodic checks (e.g., once an hour, or several times a day, week, and/or month) to determine whether an individual's physiological characteristics are approaching or have reached a threshold level at which a physical hazard is or has been imminent. An example of such a user is a diabetic who may be required to test the glucose concentration within their blood stream several times a day. The diabetic user typically carries a Glucose Meter (GM) or Blood Glucose Meter (BGM) on their individual lancet (lancet) for the purpose of obtaining a blood sample, as well as disposable diagnostic test strips (strips) that they apply (apply) the blood sample and insert into the blood glucose meter for analysis.

Much work has been done to perform analytical procedures for injured patients that are as easy and painless as possible. It is highly desirable to combine diagnostic testing devices with WEPD, which makes it possible to minimize the number of devices that a patient is required to carry with him. However, due to processing power requirements and other power requirements of the WEPD (such as display power and wireless communication power requirements, among others), when the WEPD is in operation, the charging life of the self-contained battery of the WEPD is typically short in time, and the addition of a separate device (such as BGM) and its associated power requirements are typically not feasible in time. Furthermore, due to the memory and processor requirements of the software provided in the WEPD, the addition of advanced programs and devices is not possible/preferred.

There is a need to integrate WEPD with additional devices (e.g., medical diagnostic devices) and overcome the processing power and data storage requirements of programs that provide complex calculations (e.g., diagnostic tests, such as diagnostic tests for complex tests such as concentration measurements of glucose in blood). The present invention provides these improvements.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a hand-held portable combination of battery-powered devices that solves the above-mentioned problems, comprising a Glucose Meter (GM) and a web-enabled portable device (WEPD), such as an IPHONE^TMOr ITOUCH^TM. The GM has means for calculating a glucose concentration value in a sample applied to a test strip received (received) in a test strip port. The WEPD has a rechargeable WEPD battery and a wireless connection to the internet to transmit data about the test to a data receiving server over the internet. The portable combination of the present invention comprises, among other things, means for managing the battery power of the combined device so that GM operating power is drawn from the individual component batteries in a particular sequence/protocol. In one embodiment, a portable assembly for measuring a glucose concentration value in a sample includes:

(A) a portable Glucose Meter (GM) having a test strip port for receiving a disposable electrochemical test strip, means for calculating a glucose concentration value in a sample applied to a test strip received in the test strip port, and optionally a rechargeable GM battery,

(B) a portable rechargeable auxiliary (SBP) battery pack,

(C) a web-enabled portable device (WEPD) having a rechargeable WEPD battery and a wireless connection to the internet, wherein:

(I) the GM, the SBP, and the WEPD are electrically coupled to allow power transfer between the GM, the SBP, and the WEPD,

(II) the GM and the WEPD are communicatively coupled to allow data transfer between the GM and the WEPD, an

(III) the GM and the SBP are detachable from and reattachable to the WEPD to form a portable combination, an

(D) Means for managing battery operations of the combination effective to cause the GM to draw operating power first from the SBP, second from the WEPD battery, and again from the GM battery (if present).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a portable assembly for measuring a glucose concentration value in a sample, comprising:

(B) a web-enabled portable device (WEPD) having a rechargeable WEPD battery and a wireless connection to the internet, wherein:

(I) the GM and the WEPD are electrically coupled to allow power transfer between the GM and the WEPD,

(III) the GM is detachable from and reattachable to the WEPD to form the portable combination,

(D) means for managing battery operations of the combination effective to cause the GM to draw operating power first from the WEPD battery and second from the GM battery (if present), and when the combination is connected to an external recharging power source effective to cause the GM battery (if present) to be recharged first, followed by the WEPD battery, and

(E) a calculated glucose value editing (composition) device sufficient to: storing the calculated glucose concentration value and a previously calculated glucose concentration value; analyzing the calculated glucose concentration value; and generating and communicating feedback and advice (recommination) to a user regarding the analysis of the calculated glucose concentration value.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a portable combination for measuring a glucose concentration value in a sample, the combination comprising:

(B) a portable rechargeable auxiliary battery pack for a vehicle,

(I) the GM and the SBP are electrically coupled to allow power transfer between the GM and the SBP,

(D) Means for managing battery operation of the combination effective to cause the GM to draw operating power first from the SBP and then from the GM battery (if present), and when the combination is connected to an external recharge power source, effective to cause the GM battery (if present) to be recharged first, followed by the SBP.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a top view of a WEPD connected to an SBP, which in turn is connected to a GM.

FIG. 2A is a top view of a WEPD connected to a combined SBP/GM integrally formed in the same (same) housing.

FIG. 2B is an IPHONE connected to a combined SBP/GM integrally formed in the same housing^TMTop view of (a).

FIG. 2C is an IPHONE to be connected to a combined SBP/GM integrally formed in the same housing^TMAn exploded top view.

Fig. 3A is a top view of a WEPD connected to a GM.

FIG. 3B is IPHONE linked to GM^TMTop view of (a).

FIG. 4 is an IPHONE connected to a combined SBP/GM integrally formed in the same housing^TMTop view of (a).

Detailed Description

Providing rechargeable battery-powered WEPDs (e.g., web-enabled cellular phones (e.g., BlackBerry ™, IPHONE @)^TMAnd/or Palm Trio) or a web-enabled portable device (e.g., ITOUCH) in combination with a rechargeable battery-powered diagnostic measurement device (e.g., Glucose Meter (GM) (e.g., Blood Glucose Meter (BGM)))^TM) The use of (1). Throughout the remaining text, the diagnostic measurement device will be described in the context of an exemplary embodiment, where the diagnostic measurement device is an analyte measurement device that measures the concentration of glucose within a sample (e.g., the diagnostic measurement device will be described in the context of a GM, more specifically a Blood Glucose Meter (BGM)). However, in the following description, the diagnostic device is not limited to a GM unless the context is so limited, as other diagnostic devices are contemplated (e.g., blood pressure, body temperature, and other physical characteristic monitoringAnd/or) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The power consumption of GM and WEPD with high computing power and/or large display (rich display) allows for fast battery drain of these devices. To address this problem, it has been found that an auxiliary battery/power Supply (SBP) is used. These battery power supplies (BSPs) are useful for blocking (retard) the battery drain of these devices, thereby extending (extending) the in-between charging life. For example, it has been found that the auxiliary power supply provided by Mophie corporation (www.mophie.com), obtained by mStation corporation (www.mstation.com) approximately on 4.9.2007), is a WEPD (e.g., IPHONE) produced by Apple inc^TMAnd ITOUCH^TM) Is preferred.

The embodiments described herein allow the GM to have a smaller size than other devices that require large attached power supplies capable of storing enough energy to perform many diagnostic tests, powering large complex displays, and storing large amounts of data. The GM/WEPD combinations provided herein are portable and can operate independently of each other.

Definition of

Reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment," "another embodiment," "an embodiment," "certain embodiments," and so forth, means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, characteristic, and/or characteristic) described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment described herein, and may or may not be present in other embodiments. Further, it is to be understood that the element(s) described in the various embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner.

Numerical values in the specification and claims of this application reflect average values of the composition (composition). Furthermore, unless indicated to the contrary, numerical values should be understood to include numerical values which are the same when reduced to the same number of significant figures (figure) and numerical values which differ from the stated value by less than the experimental error of conventional measurement techniques of the type described in the present application to determine the value.

The first embodiment:

in a first embodiment of the invention, as shown in fig. 1, a portable combination 100 for measuring a glucose concentration value in a sample is provided. The portable combination includes a portable GM 101 (which optionally has a rechargeable GM battery) connected to a portable rechargeable SBP 103, which portable rechargeable SBP 103 in turn is connected to a portable WEPD 105, which portable WEPD 105 has a rechargeable WEPD battery and a wireless connection to the internet. The GM 101, SBP 103, and WEPD 105 are electrically coupled to allow power transfer between the GM 101, SBP 103, and WEPD 105 so that the GM may draw operating power from either or both of the SBP 103 and WEPD 105. The electrical connection may be a wireless electrical transmission connection or more preferably a conventional wired electrical connection 115 (e.g., via IPHONE)^TMOr ITOUCH^TM30 pin connector). The GM 101 and WEPD 105 are communicatively coupled to allow data transfer between the GM 101 and WEPD 105. The communicative coupling is a wireless data connection (e.g., Bluetooth, 802.11 wireless data transfer protocol, infrared, or some other wireless connection) and/or a wired connection (e.g., through IPHONE) from a data port on GM 101 to a data port on WEPD (105)^TMOr ITOUCH^TMEither or both of the data pin or the audio pin of the 30-pin connector) (e.g., optionally through sgp. 103). GM 101 and SBP 103 are detachable from and reattachable to the WEPD to form portable combination 101. FIG. 1 illustrates the use of a connector 115 (e.g., adapted to mate (fit) IPHONE)^TMOr ITOUCH^TM30 pin serial port) between SBP 103 (and thus GM 101) to WEPD 105. Here, the GM 101 and SBP 103 are detachable from the WEPD 105 and detachable from each other. Fig. 1 also depicts GM 101 and WEPD 105 having optional displays 111, 113 disposed thereon, which optional displays 111, 113 allow a user to see the results of a particular calculation and/or receive feedback and/or suggestions based on the calculation or a stored calculation (e.g., a value of 120).

A strip port 107 located on GM 101 allows a diagnostic test strip (e.g., a disposable electrochemical test strip) to be inserted into GM 101. The GM 101 contains means for calculating a glucose concentration value in a sample applied to a test strip 109 received in the test strip port 101. In fig. 1, the calculation means comprise software contained in a GM specifically designed for measuring and calculating said values.

The combination 101 also includes means for managing battery operations of the combination effective to cause the GM 101 (I) to draw operating power first from the SBP 103, second from the WEPD 105 battery, and again from the GM 101 battery (if present). This ensures that power is drained first from the SBP 103, then from the WEPD 105 and finally from the GM (if it contains a battery). This ensures that power draw is minimized and provides the most operating power remaining in the WEPD battery and, ultimately and most preferably, in the GM battery (if present) to give the user the ability to perform diagnostic tests when the other power source has been depleted. The means for managing battery operation of the combination is preferably operative so that when the combination is connected to an external recharging power source (e.g., to a wall socket, cigarette lighter, or wireless recharging power station), the GM battery (if present) is recharged first, followed by the WEPD battery, and then the SBP. Furthermore, it is preferred that the combined device 100 is fully operable when connected to a recharging power source. In one embodiment, the combination 100 allows a user to override (override) the setting of the battery charge dissipation protocol and enter a particular charge dissipation protocol for a predetermined test number (e.g., 1, 3, 5, or 10) before restoring the battery charge dissipation protocol in accordance therewith. The user is allowed to temporarily customize (customize) the battery charge dissipation protocol for a predetermined time or test amount before it is reset to the original programmed configuration as described above.

In one embodiment, a charging power source may be connected to the combination described herein. The charging power supply may be connected to any or all of the individual units in a flow-through (flow through) manner using a through power (flow power) connection. For example, in the case where the GM 101 is located remotely from the WEPD 105, and where an external power source is connected between the GM 101 and WEPD 105, the charging power source may be connected to the GM 101 so that power flows through the GM 101 according to the above charging arrangement (e.g., where the GM 101 battery is charged first, the WEPD 105 is charged second, and the SBP 103 is charged again). The following is a similar assembly scheme where an external power supply is provided between GM 101 and WEPD 105, and a charging power supply can be attached to WEPD 105 or SBP 103, following the same charging scheme as described for charging. In another embodiment, GM 101 is disposed between SBP 103 and WEPD 105. In another embodiment, GM 101 is communicatively connected to WEPD 105 through a direct wired connection (e.g., to an audio port), while it is electrically connected to WEPD 105 through SBP 103.

In a preferred embodiment, SBP 103 supplies more than 50% of the power required by GM 101, more preferably more than 75% of the power required by GM 101, and most preferably 100% of the power required by GM 101, before drawing power from the WEPD 105 battery and optional batteries contained within GM 101. In another preferred embodiment, the means for managing battery operation of the combination is effective to discharge (discharge) more than 50% of the available power stored in the SBP 103 (e.g., more than 75% of the available power stored in the SBP 103, and most preferably 100% of the available power stored in the SBP 103) before drawing power from the WEPD 105 battery.

In a preferred embodiment, where GM 101 further comprises a GM 101 battery, the means for managing battery operations of the combination is effective to: more than 50% of the available power stored in the SBP 103 (e.g., more than 75% of the available power stored in the SBP 103, and most preferably 100% of the available power stored in the SBP 103) is discharged prior to drawing power from the WEPD 105 battery. Where the WEPD 105 battery is tapped (tap) for GM 101 operating power, it is preferred that the means for managing battery power effectively discharge more than 50% of the available power stored in the WEPD (e.g., more than 75% of the available power stored in the WEPD, and most preferably 100% of the available power stored in the WEPD) before drawing power from the GM battery (e.g., after the SBP is depleted by 50%, the WEPD battery is depleted by 50%, and then allowed to draw power from the GM battery, other combinations are contemplated, such as drawing 75% SBP, 75% WEPD and then the GM battery, or drawing 100% SBP, 100% WEPD and then the GM battery). This allows the GM 101 battery to be the power source on which power is ultimately drawn, and thus has the advantages of: the GM battery is allowed to hold a charge (and thus is used to calculate the glucose concentration in the sample) when other devices have lost power or are about to lose power.

When the user performs the test, they will insert a diagnostic test strip 109 (e.g., an electrochemical diagnostic test strip having electrodes) into the test strip port 107 of GM 101. A sample is then introduced to the diagnostic test strip 109 and the GM 101 will perform the necessary calculations to determine the glucose concentration within the sample. The test results may then be transmitted to the WEPD 105 of the combination device automatically or in response to a predetermined stimulus (e.g., a press of a button on WEPD 101, GM 101, or SBP 103, or in response to a triggered condition (e.g., a time parameter or glucose level alert condition, among others.) the WEPD 105 may then communicate the results to a data receiving server via a cellular telephone network or via an http protocol using a wireless local area network, or by some other means of communication to another network, either automatically or in response to the predetermined stimulus.

In a preferred embodiment, the combination further comprises a calculated glucose value editing means. The calculated glucose value editing means is effective to: storing the calculated glucose concentration value and a previously calculated glucose concentration value; analyzing the calculated glucose concentration value; and generating and communicating feedback and advice beyond the user regarding the analysis of the calculated glucose concentration value, without particular limitation. In one embodiment, these means are computer programs stored in GM 101, WEPD 105 or a combination thereof. In the most preferred embodiment, in the event of a power failure (or lack of WEPD 105 electrical/communication connectivity), the device allows test data to be stored in/on disk space contained in GM 101.

In another preferred embodiment, the WEPD 105 is communicatively coupled to a remote data receiving server through its wireless connection to the internet to transmit the calculated glucose concentration value from the WEPD 105 to the remote data receiving server and to transmit data from the receiving server to the WEPD 105. In this embodiment, the remote data receiving server includes a calculated glucose value editing means operative to store calculated glucose concentration values and previously calculated glucose concentration values, analyze the calculated glucose concentration values, and generate and display recommendations to a user regarding the analysis of the glucose concentration values calculated on the WEPD 105 or GM 101.

In the most preferred embodiment, the calculated glucose value editing means may edit the test results received from GM 101 and edit the results to generate feedback and/or recommendations to the user regarding the user's previous test results, trends, averages (e.g., 1 day average, 7 day average, 30 day average, among others), and action recommendations (e.g., test recommendations, insulin dosage recommendations, physician visit recommendations, among others). The calculation of the independent result is present in GM 101 and the editing means may reside (reside) in GM 101, WEPD 105 or the data receiving server. The feedback and/or suggestions may be provided to the user in text, images, audio, and/or video form in addition to other forms of visual, audible, and/or tactile feedback generated or delivered to WEPD 105, GM 101, and/or SBP 103 (GM 101 and WEPD 105 are preferred). Feedback situations include, among others: (A) the user's test and bad test results are returned, the WEPD or GM plays a video warning the user of high glucose complications (compliance); (B) after testing, the editing device provides an indication of the next convenient time or location for the test (e.g., test at 6 pm, however, at 6 pm, the meter senses that the user is accelerating and modifies the test schedule to a point in time when the meter will not sense acceleration) (e.g., test at 6 pm, however, recognizing from the synchronized calendar on WEPD that, among other things, the user is busy in a meeting (or in an airplane), when the user is next available (available), the editing device provides modified test recommendations); and/or (C) remind the user to test at a particular time and suggest that the user carry an "extra bar" to last the length of the upcoming business trip (pull by synchronizing with calendar), or recalculate the test schedule based on the number of bars available/used.

In other preferred embodiments, input from various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, accelerometers, altimeters, among others) may be incorporated into the combined apparatus 100 to interpret and/or provide zone corrections for the electrochemical tests performed by the GM 101. As is known, GM 101 results may be affected by several environmental parameters (e.g., temperature, altitude, pressure, humidity, etc.). These sensors may be incorporated in GM 101, SBP 103, WEPD 105, or any combination thereof (most preferably in WEPD 105). In the most preferred embodiment, WEPD 105 will have global positioning capability using satellite positioning devices and/or cellular tower triangulation (triangulation) which pinpoints (pinpoint) the location of the combination (e.g., by longitude and latitude), and query database(s) (e.g., a location-dependent weather database that provides information about temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure, among others, and/or a terrain database that provides information about elevation (elevation), among others). The received query results may be used to alter the calculation results (e.g., in GM 101, WEPD 105, or in the data receiving server), or the query results may be used by GM 101 as a correction factor in the calculation.

Further, a global positioning device may be used to determine the location of the combination and the user, and set the "unit" of measurement as the convention (customer) of the country in which the combination and the user are located. For example, a global positioning device may be used to determine that the combination and user are located in the United states, where the units of measurement are typically based on the United states convention system (pounds, feet, and degrees F.). This determination can then be used to program the combination to provide the units of measure of these units of measure. Another example is: a global positioning device may be used to determine that the combination 100 and user are in europe, where the unit of measurement is typically based on the Metric (Metric) system (grams, meters, and degrees c). This determination can then be used to program the combination 100 to provide units of measure in the metric.

In another preferred embodiment, combination 100 further comprises means sufficient to detect the insertion of a strip into the test strip port of GM 101. The detection of the strip insertion may be done by a strip insertion closing the circuit or by causing a change in the resistance of the already closed circuit to short-circuit two contacts (contacts). Insertion detection is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,627,445, 4,714,874, 4,999,582, 5,108,564, 5,266,179, 5282,950, 5,320,732, 5,352,351, 5,438,271, 5,526,120, and 5,593,390, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

Upon detecting strip insertion, GM 101 preferably then queries whether GM 101 is electrically connected to WEPD 105 or WEPD 105 and SBP 103. The received query results are then communicated to a means for managing battery operation to control the assembly 100 battery usage. For example, if the GM 101 and SBP 103 are connected to the WEPD 105, the power required by the GM 101 for performing diagnostic tests is drawn first from an external battery source and then second from the WEPD 105 battery. If GM 101 and SBP 103 are not electrically connected to the WEPD, the GM 101 test is implemented by power drawn first from the SBP 103 and second from a battery optionally contained within the GM 101 itself. Preferred (reference) for the supply of GM are: first draining the external battery, then second the WEPD, followed by the optional battery contained within the GM itself. This approach is preferred because it ensures that the GM 101 battery is discharged after the SBP 103 and WEPD 105 batteries. In the case where GM 101 includes a self-contained battery, GM 101 may perform diagnostic tests/calculations independent of the batteries of SBP 103 or WEPD 105. The results may be displayed on GM 101, SBP 103, WEPD 105, or a combination thereof (e.g., on GM 101 and WEPD 105).

In the most preferred embodiment, the combined device 100 is sized and weighted to be easily carried by a user with one hand. Further, it is preferable that the SBP 103 and GM 101 are formed to perform a substantially natural expansion of the WEPD 105. The weight of the combination 100 is expected to be between 2 and 30 ounces, and more preferably between 4 and 20 ounces (e.g., between 8 and 15 ounces).

Second embodiment:

in the first preferred embodiment shown in fig. 1, the GM 101, SBP 103 and WEPD 105 are formed in a plurality of separate housings that are detachable independently of each other. As shown in fig. 2A, a second preferred embodiment of the combination 200 of the present invention combines GM 201 and SBP 203 into the same housing (e.g., they are integrally formed in the same housing). In this embodiment, SBP 203, GM 201, and WEPD 205 preferably operate as described above with respect to fig. 1, provided (proviso) that GM 201 and SBP 203 form an integrated and detachable unit that is separable from WEPD 205. In this embodiment, the GM may also include a GM battery again, or may not include a GM battery.

Fig. 2B and 2C show a combination 200 in which WEPD 205 is IPHONE^TM205, and wherein the SBP 203 and GM 201 are integrally formed in a GM/SBP docking sled (docking sled) 217 (with a strap port 207) for attachment to the IPHONE^TM205. As shown in these figures, GM/SBP docking sled 217 forms a substantially natural extension of WEPD 205 when it is attached to WEPD 205 to allow a user to easily carry the combination 200 in a pocket or purse with the hand. In one embodiment, the apparatus 200 is combined.

Fig. 2C shows an exploded view of the assembly 200 to be formed. Here, the docking sled 217 includes a connector 215 that plugs into the IPHONE^TM205, 30 pin connector/serial port.

The third embodiment:

in a third embodiment, the combination is as shown in fig. 3A, GM 301 communicates directly with a serial port or some other port on WEPD 305 through wired connection 315, or GM 301 communicates wirelessly with WEPD 305, as described above. In this embodiment, there is no SBP and GM 301 draws its operating power needed for operation directly from the WEPD 305 battery first and then from the battery optionally contained within GM 301 second. FIG. 3B shows combination 300 where WEPD 305 is IPHONE^TM305, and wherein the GM 301 is formed as a GM docking sled 317 (with bar port 307) for attachment to an IPHONE^TM305. As shown in these figures, the GM docking sled 317 forms a substantially natural expansion of the WEPD 305 when it is attached to the WEPD 305 to allow a user to easily carry the combination 300 in a pocket or bag by hand. .

The operation of combined device 300 is as described with respect to the other embodiments described above, except that no SBP is present. Thus, the means for managing battery operation of the device 300 of this embodiment differs from the embodiments described above. In one embodiment, the GM 301 comprises a GM 301 battery and the means for managing battery operation of the combination is sufficient to discharge more than 50% of the available power stored in the WEPD battery (e.g., more than 75% (e.g., 100%) of the available power stored in the WEPD battery) before drawing power from the GM battery.

The fourth embodiment:

in the fourth embodiment, GM401 is electrically connected to SBP403, but not to WEPD405, to form assembly 400. In this figure, while the GM401 and SBP403 may be formed in multiple separate housings, they are shown as being integrated into the same housing. GM401 and WEPD405 are communicatively coupled by a wireless connection, by a serial port data port (e.g., data or audio pins), or some other port (e.g., audio port), or a combination thereof, to transfer data between the devices. The device 400 operates in a similar manner to the embodiments described in either one or both of the above embodiments, provided that no electrical transmission occurs between the WEPD405 and the GM 401. Thus, the means for managing the battery operation of the device are then different from these embodiments. Here, the GM is allowed to draw power first from the SBP and then second from the GM battery (if present). The means for managing battery operation of the combined device 400 is sufficient to allow the GM401 to draw more than 50% of the available power stored in the SBP405 (e.g., more than 75% (e.g., 100%) of the available power stored in the SBP 405) before drawing power from the GM battery (if present).

Claims

1. A portable combination for measuring a glucose concentration value in a sample, the combination comprising:

(A) a portable glucose meter GM having a test strip port for receiving a disposable electrochemical test strip, means for calculating a glucose concentration value in a sample applied to a test strip received in the test strip port, and optionally a rechargeable GM battery,

(B) the portable rechargeable auxiliary battery pack SBP,

(C) a web-enabled portable device WEPD having a rechargeable WEPD battery and a wireless connection to the internet, wherein:

(D) Means for managing battery operations of the combination effective to cause the GM to draw operating power first from the SBP, second from the WEPD battery, and again from the GM battery if present,

wherein the means for managing battery operation of the combination is effective to cause the GM to draw greater than 50% of its operating power from the SBP before drawing power from the WEPD battery.

2. A portable combination for measuring a glucose concentration value in a sample, the combination comprising:

(B) the portable rechargeable auxiliary battery pack SBP,

wherein the means for managing battery operation of the combination is effective to cause the GM to draw greater than 75% of its operating power from the SBP before drawing power from the WEPD battery.

3. A portable combination for measuring a glucose concentration value in a sample, the combination comprising:

(B) the portable rechargeable auxiliary battery pack SBP,

wherein the means for managing battery operation of the combination is effective to cause the GM to draw 100% of its operating power from the SBP before drawing power from the WEPD battery.

4. A combination according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, further comprising calculated glucose value editing means effective to: storing the calculated glucose concentration value and a previously calculated glucose concentration value; analyzing the calculated glucose concentration value; and generating and communicating feedback and advice to a user regarding the analysis of the calculated glucose concentration value.

5. The combination of claim 4, wherein the calculated glucose concentration value is stored within the GM.

6. The combination of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the WEPD is communicatively coupled to a remote data receiving server through its wireless connection to the Internet to transmit the calculated glucose concentration value from the WEPD to the remote data receiving server.

7. The combination of claim 6, wherein the remote data receiving server includes a calculated glucose value editing device effective to: storing the calculated glucose concentration value and a previously calculated glucose concentration value, analyzing the calculated glucose concentration value, and generating and displaying a recommendation to a user regarding the analysis of the glucose concentration value calculated on the WEPD or the GM.

8. The combination of claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein the GM, SBP, and WEPD are formed in a plurality of separate housings that are detachable from one another and reattachable to one another to form the combination.

9. The combination of claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein the GM and SBP are formed in the same housing, wherein the WEPD is formed in separate housings, and wherein the combined GM and SBP housing is detachable from and reattachable to the WEPD to form the combination.

10. The combination of claim 9, wherein the GM has no GM battery.

11. The combination of claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein the (D) means for managing battery operation of the combination is further effective such that, when the combination is connected to an external recharging power source, the GM battery, if present, is recharged first, followed by the WEPD battery, and then the SBP.

12. The combination of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the (D) means for managing battery operation of the combination is effective to discharge greater than 50% of the available power stored in the SBP before drawing power from the WEPD battery.

13. The combination of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the (D) means for managing battery operation of the combination is effective to discharge greater than 75% of the available power stored in the SBP before drawing power from the WEPD battery.

14. The combination of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the (D) means for managing battery operations of the combination is effective to discharge 100% of the available power stored in the SBP before drawing power from the WEPD battery.

15. The combination of claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein the GM is a blood glucose meter.

16. The combination of claim 1 or 2 or 3, further comprising means effective to detect strip insertion into a test strip port of the GM, query whether the GM is electrically connected to the WEPD or the WEPD and the SBP when strip insertion is detected, and communicate the query result to the (D) means for managing battery operation to control combination battery usage.

17. The combination of claim 1 or 2 or 3, further comprising environmental sensor means for sensing and providing zone correction for electrochemical tests performed by the GM.

18. The combination of claim 17, wherein the WEPD comprises the environmental sensor device.

19. A combination as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the combination is sized and weighted to be easily carried in a user's hand.

20. The combination of claim 19, wherein the GM and SBP are designed to form a substantial extension of the WEPD.

21. A portable combination for measuring a glucose concentration value in a sample, the combination comprising:

(B) a web-enabled portable device WEPD having a rechargeable WEPD battery and a wireless connection to the internet, wherein:

(III) the GM is detachable from and reattachable to the WEPD to form a portable combination,

(D) means for managing battery operations of the combination effective to cause the GM to draw operating power first from the WEPD battery and second from the GM battery if present, and when the combination is connected to an external recharging power source, to cause the GM battery to be recharged first if present, followed by the WEPD battery, and

(E) a calculated glucose value editing device effective to: storing the calculated glucose concentration value and a previously calculated glucose concentration value; analyzing the calculated glucose concentration value; and generating and communicating feedback and advice to a user regarding the analysis of the calculated glucose concentration value,

wherein the means for managing battery operation of the combination is effective to cause the GM to draw greater than 50% of its operating power from portable rechargeable auxiliary battery pack SBP before drawing power from the WEPD battery.

22. A portable combination for measuring a glucose concentration value in a sample, the combination comprising:

wherein the means for managing battery operation of the combination is effective to cause the GM to draw greater than 75% of its operating power from portable rechargeable auxiliary battery pack SBP before drawing power from the WEPD battery.

23. A portable combination for measuring a glucose concentration value in a sample, the combination comprising:

wherein the means for managing battery operation of the combination is effective to cause the GM to draw 100% of its operating power from portable rechargeable auxiliary battery pack SBP before drawing power from the WEPD battery.

24. The combination of claim 21 or 22 or 23, wherein the GM is a blood glucose meter, wherein the WEPD further comprises environmental sensor means for sensing and providing regional correction for electrochemical tests performed by the GM.

25. The combination of claim 21 or 22 or 23, further comprising means effective to detect strip insertion into a test strip port of the GM, query whether the GM is electrically connected to the WEPD or the WEPD and the SBP when strip insertion is detected, and communicate the query result to the (D) means for managing battery operation to control combination battery usage.

26. A portable combination for measuring a glucose concentration value in a sample, the combination comprising:

(B) the portable rechargeable auxiliary battery pack SBP,

(D) Means for managing battery operations of the combination effective to cause the GM to draw operating power first from the SBP and then from the GM battery if present, and when the combination is connected to an external recharging power source effective to cause the GM battery if present to be recharged first, followed by the SBP,

wherein the means for managing battery operation of the combination is effective to cause the GM to draw more than 50% of its operating power from the SBP.

27. A portable combination for measuring a glucose concentration value in a sample, the combination comprising:

(B) the portable rechargeable auxiliary battery pack SBP,

wherein the means for managing battery operation of the combination is effective to cause the GM to draw more than 75% of its operating power from the SBP.

28. A portable combination for measuring a glucose concentration value in a sample, the combination comprising:

(B) the portable rechargeable auxiliary battery pack SBP,

wherein the means for managing battery operation of the combination is effective to cause the GM to draw 100% of its operating power from the SBP.

29. The combination of any one of claims 1-3, 21-23, 26-28, wherein the GM has a display for displaying information.