Analyte test instrument having improved calibration and communication processes
First Claim
1. A method for calibrating an analyte test instrument having a test port adapted to receive any one of a plurality of data storage strips, a processor electrically connected to the test port, and a memory storing a protocol for communication with each data storage strip, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) receiving into said test port a data storage strip;
(b) polling said test port to identify said data storage strip; and
(c) establishing communications with said data storage strip using a protocol corresponding to said data storage strip.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An analyte test instrument having improved calibration and communication processes. The instrument employs a calibration method that allows it to communicate with any one of a plurality of data storage strips. A data storage strip including a memory device is inserted into the test port of the instrument. The data storage strip is identified, and the instrument establishes communications with the data storage strip using a protocol corresponding to the data storage strip. Second, the instrument employs a method for ensuring that the instrument is operated using valid calibration strips and test strips. The instrument determines whether one or more of test parameters stored in the instrument is invalid for a test strip inserted into the test port of the instrument. If a test parameter is invalid, an indication of the invalid strip parameter is displayed on the display. Finally, the instrument utilizes a method for determining the actual date and time of events that occurred before the instrument was provided with current date and time.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for calibrating an analyte test instrument having a test port adapted to receive any one of a plurality of data storage strips, a processor electrically connected to the test port, and a memory storing a protocol for communication with each data storage strip, said method comprising the steps of:
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(a) receiving into said test port a data storage strip;
(b) polling said test port to identify said data storage strip; and
(c) establishing communications with said data storage strip using a protocol corresponding to said data storage strip. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for operating an analyte test instrument having a test port adapted to receive a test strip or a calibration strip, a processor electrically connected to said test port, and a display for displaying information, said method comprising the steps of:
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(a) receiving a test strip into said test port;
(b) accessing test parameters stored in a memory;
(c) determining whether one or more of said test parameters is invalid for said test strip; and
(d) displaying an indication of the invalid strip parameter on said display. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25)
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18. A method for determining the actual date and time of events in an analyte test instrument, said method comprising the steps of:
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(a) storing events generated by operation of said analyte test instrument in memory;
(b) assigning a time-relative value to each event when such event is stored in memory;
(c) providing a reference date and time to said analyte test instrument; and
(d) assigning a reference value to said reference date and time; and
(e) computing said actual date and time of each event by adjusting the value assigned to each event using said reference value.
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23. A method for controlling the operation of an analyte test instrument having a test port adapted to receive any one of a plurality of data storage strips, a processor electrically connected to the test port, and a memory storing a protocol for communication with each data storage strip, said method comprising the steps of:
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(a) receiving into said test port a data storage strip;
(b) polling said test port to identify said data storage strip; and
(c) establishing communications with said data storage strip using a protocol corresponding to said data storage strip;
(d) downloading data from said data storage strip into said analyte test instrument;
(e) storing said downloaded data in said memory; and
(f) removing said data storage device from said test port.
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Specification