Interactive reward devices and methods

• US 20030050537A1
• Filed: 04/03/2002
• Published: 03/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/22/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AG (PHC Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Guidance Interactive Technologies Incorporated
• Inventors: Wessel, Paul
• Granted Patent: US 6,699,188 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/300
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0443 Modular apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0475 Special features of memory means, e.g. removable memory cards
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/335 using integrated circuit memory devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/339 Displays specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6887 mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6896 Toys
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/40 for data related to laboratory analysis, e.g. patient specimen analysis
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/10 relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16Z 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other main groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/92 Computer assisted medical diagnostics

Abstract

A patient is rewarded for performing a medical test or for maintaining medical test results within desired levels. Medical test data is generated and transferred for use by reward firmware in a cartridge, for example. Reward information is provided to the patient to motivate or encourage the patient to conduct medical tests and/or to maintain medical test results within certain levels. The cartridge can be inserted into an electronic controller, e.g. a handheld video-game controller, cellular telephone, or other device. Transmission of data and/or encouragement to and from a remote location provides additional advantages.

Claims

1. A glucose meter, comprising:

an input device adapted to receive physiological input from a patient;

a processor operatively coupled with the input device, the processor being adapted to produce a blood glucose value based on the physiological input received by the input device, the processor also being adapted to generate an electrical signal related to the blood glucose value;

an output device operatively coupled with the processor, the output device being adapted to communicate the blood glucose value directly to a user of the glucose meter;

a connector for connecting the glucose meter to an electronic controller distinct from the glucose meter, the connector being adapted for communicating to the electronic controller an electrical signal related to the electrical signal generated by the processor; and

a modular housing, at least the processor and the output device being supported by the modular housing, the modular housing being for insertion into or other physical connection with the electronic controller such that the connector automatically can align with and connect to the electronic controller for communication of the connector electrical signal to the electronic controller to motivate or reward the patient.

2. The glucose meter of claim 1, wherein the output device comprises a display visible to the user of the glucose meter.

3. The glucose meter of claim 2, wherein the output device is constructed to be visible to the user of the glucose meter while the glucose meter is inserted into or otherwise physically connected to the electronic controller.

4. The glucose meter of claim 1, wherein the housing is constructed in the form of a plug-in cartridge or adapter.

5. The glucose meter of claim 1, further comprising a memory operatively coupled with the connector, the memory being adapted to store a video-game application and to communicate the video-game application to the electronic controller via the connector.

6. The glucose meter of claim 1, further comprising a memory operatively coupled with the connector, the memory being adapted to store motivational software, or reward-generation software, to motivate a user of the glucose meter to use the glucose meter, the memory further being adapted to communicate data related to the motivational software or reward-generation software to the electronic controller via the connector.

7. The glucose meter of claim 1, wherein the input device comprises a glucose test-strip receptor adapted to receive a glucose test strip, the receptor being operatively coupled with the processor.

8. The glucose meter of claim 1, wherein the input device comprises structure, operatively coupled with the processor, adapted to receive a blood sample.

9. The glucose meter of claim 1, wherein the input device comprises one or more EKG or EEG sensors operatively coupled with the processor.

10. The glucose meter of claim 1, wherein the input device comprises an optical sensor operatively coupled with the processor.

11. The glucose meter of claim 1, wherein the processor is a first processor, the glucose meter further comprising a second processor or electronics supported by the housing for communicating motivational or reward information with the electronic controller.

12. The glucose meter of claim 11, further comprising a power supply supported by the housing for powering the first processor but not the second processor or electronics, the second processor or electronics being adapted for powering by the electronic controller.

13. The glucose meter of claim 1 in combination with the electronic controller, the electronic controller comprising a handheld video game controller.

14. The glucose meter of claim 1 in combination with the electronic controller, the electronic controller comprising a cellular telephone.

15. Apparatus for encouraging compliance with medical monitoring or treatment, the apparatus comprising:

medical circuitry for generating one or more medical monitoring or treatment parameters;

a power supply for powering the medical circuitry; and

motivation circuitry for rewarding and/or motivating a patient, the motivation circuitry being operatively coupled with the medical circuitry and being adapted for communication with an external device for communicating reward and/or motivation information to a user of the apparatus based on the medical monitoring or treatment parameters, the motivation circuitry being powered by the external device and not by the power supply.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 in combination with the external device, the power supply being a first power supply, the external device including a second power supply for powering the external device and for powering the motivation circuitry.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the medical circuitry, the first power supply and the motivation circuitry are together supported within a plug-in cartridge, the external device being adapted to receive the plug-in cartridge.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the external device is adapted to communicate with the medical circuitry and with the motivation circuitry to reward or motivate the user of the apparatus.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the external device is further adapted to receive other plug-in cartridges for entertaining the user of the apparatus.

20. A handheld video game system for use by a patient, the system comprising:

a video-game controller for receiving game cartridges, the video-game controller comprising a first display for entertaining the patient; and

a medical diagnostic cartridge constructed for receipt by the video-game controller, the medical diagnostic cartridge comprising a second display, separate from the first display, for displaying medical information to the patient;

wherein the controller is adapted to receive data from the medical diagnostic cartridge and to display additional information based on the data to the patient on the first display.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the first and second displays are disposed to face the same direction when the cartridge is received by the controller.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the additional information is reward information.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the reward information is chosen to motivate the patient to perform a medical diagnostic procedure.

24. The system of claim 20, wherein the controller or the cartridge is adapted for communication with a communication network, for uploading and/or downloading medical data, entertainment/motivational data, and/or alarm settings.

25. The system of claim 20, wherein the additional information includes a random reward code.

26. The system of claim 20, wherein the cartridge is also adapted for operative connection with a cellular telephone.

27. The system of claim 20, wherein the cartridge is adapted for wireless communication of medical information.

28. A method of rewarding a patient for a medical test, the method comprising:

generating medical test data based on a medical test;

transferring the medical test data for use by reward firmware; and

providing reward information to the patient, the reward information being for rewarding the patient for conducting the medical test or for rewarding the patient for maintaining results of the medical test within specified parameters, as represented in the medical test data.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the generating and providing occur using a handheld device containing the firmware.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising inserting the handheld device into a handheld controller.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the handheld controller is selected from the group consisting of:

a video game controller, a personal digital assistant, and a palm-sized or smaller computing device.

32. The method of claim 30, further comprising displaying reward information to the patient using one or both of the handheld device and the handheld controller.

33. The method of claim 28, wherein said providing includes displaying a reward code to the patient.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein the reward code is a random reward code, the method further comprising using the random reward code to determine if the patient has won a reward.

35. The method of claim 28, wherein said providing includes adding digital incentives into a pre-existing software game.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the digital incentives are selected from the group consisting of:

extra time, extra points, extra ammunition or other asset, and promotion to a higher skill level or other level of play.

37. The method of claim 35, further comprising changing the pre-existing software game to alleviate boredom of the patient.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein said changing includes downloading a new software game.

39. The method of claim 28, wherein said providing includes providing greater reward value when results of the medical test are maintained within certain thresholds or are close to an optimum level.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein said providing includes providing a maximum reward when the patient conducts the medical test with a predetermined frequency or according to a predetermined schedule.

41. The method of claim 28, further comprising communicating the medical test data over a communications network.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the communications network is selected from the group consisting of the Internet, a cellular telephone network, a television network, a radio-frequency communication network, and a body LAN.

43. The method of claim 41, further comprising using the communications network to encourage competition between the patient and others patients communicating with the communications network.

44. The method of claim 41, further comprising using the communications network to communicate motivational information to the patient from an external source, the external source being selected from the group consisting of:

a medical service provider, telephone service provider, telephone service carrier, cable provider, Internet service provider, satellite service provider, insurance carrier, and health care professional.

45. The method of claim 41, further comprising using the communications network to download a preset medical testing schedule established by a health care provider or qualified individual.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising downloading a preset medical testing schedule into one of a cellular telephone, handheld computer, programmable exercise device and television set top box appliance.

47. The method of claim 45, further comprising comparing the actual time a medical test is conducted by the patient with the preset medical testing schedule.

48. The method of claim 28, further comprising changing the type of reward information provided to the patient.

49. The method of claim 28, further comprising reconfiguring the reward information provided to the patient.

50. The method of claim 28, wherein the medical test is a blood-glucose test.

51. The method of claim 28, wherein the medical test is selected from the group consisting of:

an HbAlc test, blood-pressure test, a lipids test, a cholesterol test, a peak-flow test, an oxygen saturation test, a spirometer test, an exercise-based test, a heart-rate test, a body-fat test, a prescription-adherence test, a medical-laboratory test, a body-weight test, a chemotherapy-based test, a temperature-based test, a kidney-dialysis test, and a neuropathy test.

52. A medical testing and reward apparatus, comprising:

a medical testing device;

a reward-based incentive device operably coupled with the medical testing device; and

means for correlating (1) how well a patient follows a testing regimen or achieves a certain medical test result using the medical testing device with (2) a reward level provided to the patient by the reward-based incentive device.

53. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the medical testing device provides medical test results;

further wherein the means for correlating uses the medical test results as a determinant for progression within, regression within, completion of, or elimination from motivational stimuli provided by the reward-based incentive device.

54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the motivational stimuli comprise a reward code and a video game.

55. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the means for correlating uses historical test results as the determinant.

56. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the medical testing device is a blood-glucose testing device.

57. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the medical testing device comprises a stand-alone medical testing device adapted for insertion into a handheld controller.

58. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the medical testing device defines a connection feature for connection to a second controller independent of the handheld controller.

59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the connection feature comprises a USB port.

60. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the medical testing device is adapted to directly provide audio, visual or text encouragement feedback originating at a remote location to encourage the patient to use the medical testing device.

61. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the medical testing device is adapted to allow a user to input multiple medical parameters to be monitored or tested.

62. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the medical testing device is adapted to correlate the reward level with how well the patient follows a testing regimen, or achieves a certain medical test result, with respect to blood glucose levels, blood pressure levels, and cholesterol levels.

63. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the medical testing device is adapted to quiz the patient as to what a desirable medical test result is or what a proper testing regimen is.

64. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the medical testing and reward apparatus is adapted to provide an alarm indicating the need to conduct a medical test or indicating the need to improve the medical test result.

65. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the medical testing device and the reward-based incentive device are connected by hardwiring or by optical coupling.

66. The apparatus of claim 52, further comprising a memory operably coupled with the medical testing device, the memory being adapted to receive and store medical test results for later communication with an external computing device.

67. The apparatus of claim 52, further comprising a security device operably coupled with the medical testing device, the security device being selected from the group consisting of:

a user-specific access code, an identification code, a password, a DNA sampling device, a fingerprint reader, and a retinal scanner.

68. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the medical testing device provides medical test results;

further wherein the reward-based incentive device generates a reward code based on the medical test results, the medical test results being encrypted within the reward code.

69. A glucose monitoring apparatus, comprising:

a glucose monitoring device adapted to receive a blood sample, the glucose monitoring device being in the form of a cartridge, the glucose monitoring device being adapted to accommodate insertion of a blood glucose test strip directly into the cartridge for generation of glucose values;

interactive and motivational software incorporated into the cartridge;

a storing device for storing the glucose values; and

a handheld controller for receiving the cartridge, the handheld controller using the stored values and the interactive and motivational software to interact with and motivate a user of the apparatus.

70. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the glucose-monitoring device defines a slot to accommodate the insertion of the blood glucose test strip.

71. The apparatus of claim 69, further comprising a transmission device operably coupled with the handheld controller to transmit the stored values to a remote location.

72. A method of medical data transmission, the method comprising:

using a medical monitoring device in the form of a cartridge to generate medical data;

connecting the cartridge to a cellular telephone;

transmitting the medical data via a pre-existing cellular telephone network to a remote location; and

transmitting a message from the remote location to the cellular telephone to provide direct feedback regarding the medical data.

73. The method of claim 72, further comprising charging a fee for each medical data transmission.

74. The method of claim 72, wherein the message is an SMS message or other text message.

75. The method of claim 72, wherein the medical data is blood-glucose data and the medical monitoring device is a blood-glucose monitoring device.

76. A method of motivating a patient, the method comprising:

receiving medical data from the patient;

generating a reward code based on the medical data, wherein the medical data, or a parameter based on the medical data, is encrypted within the reward code; and

using the reward code to motivate the patient to manage a medical condition related to the medical data.

77. The method of claim 76, further comprising deciphering the reward code to determine the medical data or to determine the parameter based on the medical data.

78. The method of claim 76, further comprising:

communicating the reward code to an electronic controller;

using the electronic controller to motivate the patient to manage the medical condition; and

precluding use of the electronic controller as a medical device.

79. The method of claim 76, wherein the medical data comprises frequency-of-use data.

80. The method of claim 79, further comprising communicating the reward code or the frequency-of-use data to a remote entity to promote replenishment of a consumable used by the patient.

81. The method of claim 80, wherein the communication of the reward code occurs automatically.

82. The method of claim 80, wherein the consumable is a blood glucose test strip.