WO2006132953A2

WO2006132953A2 - Solar-powered integrated-diagnostic instrument

Info

Publication number: WO2006132953A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/021410
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven R. Reiman; Lin N. Chen
Original assignee: Bayer Healthcare Llc
Priority date: 2005-06-03
Filing date: 2006-06-02
Publication date: 2006-12-14
Also published as: WO2006132953A3; TW200706864A

Abstract

A fluid sample testing device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor comprises a housing, a display, at least one control button, and a solar cell assembly. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The opening is adapted to hold a test sensor. The display is adapted to display information regarding an analyte concentration. The solar cell assembly has a photovoltaic cell and is adapted to provide at least a portion of a power source to the testing device.

Description

SOLAR-POWERED INTEGRATED-DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a diagnostic test instrument that has a solar cell or photovoltaic cell to provide at least a portion of its power and, more particularly, to a diagnostic instrument that is used in determining an analyte (e.g., glucose) in a fluid (e.g., blood) that has a solar cell to provide at least a portion of its power.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The quantitative determination of analytes in body fluids is of great importance in the diagnoses and maintenance of certain physiological abnormalities. For example, lactate, cholesterol and bilirubin should be monitored in certain individuals, hi particular, determining glucose in body fluids is important to diabetic individuals who must frequently check the glucose level in their body fluids to regulate the glucose intake in their diets. The results of such tests can be used to determine what, if any, insulin or other medication needs to be administered. In one type of testing system, sensors are used to test a fluid such as a sample of blood.

[0003] Many individuals perform multiple blood glucose tests in a day and therefore carry a portable blood glucose test device with them. Typical blood glucose test devices are battery powered. After performing a certain number of tests, the batteries in the test device must be replaced. Performing multiple tests a day causes the life span of the batteries to be short, upsetting some users that batteries must be changed frequently. Changing batteries can be particularly inconvenient to the user if the battery fails while the user is not at a location where batteries are readily accessible. Some users are unaware that the battery within the test device is in need of replacement, causing the user to replace the entire testing device, decreasing user satisfaction with the manufacturer of the testing device. Additionally, improperly disposing of batteries can have an adverse effect on the environment. [0004] It would be desirable to have a test device that reduced, or eliminated, the need to change the battery.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a fluid sample testing device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor comprises a housing, a display, and a solar cell assembly. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The opening is adapted to hold a test sensor. The display is adapted to display information regarding an analyte concentration. The solar cell assembly has a photovoltaic cell and is adapted to provide at least a portion of a power source to the testing device.

[0006] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a fluid sample testing device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor comprises a housing, and a display assembly. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The opening is adapted to hold a test sensor. The display assembly is adapted to display information regarding an analyte concentration. The display assembly has an integrated solar cell assembly. The solar cell assembly is adapted to provide at least a portion of a power source to the testing device.

[0007] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a fluid sample testing device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor comprises a first housing, a display, a solar cell assembly, and a second housing. The first housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The opening is adapted to hold a test sensor. The display is adapted to display information regarding an analyte concentration. The solar cell assembly has a photovoltaic cell and is adapted to provide at least a portion of a power source to the testing device. The second housing is hingedly connected to the first housing. The second housing is adapted to contain the solar cell assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a fluid sample testing device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a fluid sample testing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of a display with an embedded solar cell used in connection with the fluid sample testing device of FIG. 2.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a fluid sample testing device according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, a fluid sample testing device 10 is depicted according to one embodiment. The testing device 10 is used to determine concentrations of analytes. Analytes that may be measured include glucose, lipid profiles (e.g., cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL), microalbumin, hemoglobin A_1C, fructose, lactate, or bilirubin. It is contemplated that other analyte concentrations may be determined. The analytes may be in, for example, a whole blood sample, a blood serum sample, a blood plasma sample, other body fluids like ISF (interstitial fluid) and urine, and non-body fluids. As used within this application, the term "concentration" refers to an analyte concentration, activity (e.g., enzymes and electrolytes), titers (e.g., antibodies), or any other measure concentration used to measure the desired analyte.

[0013] The fluid sample testing device 10 has a housing 12 adapted to contain the components of the testing device 10. The housing 12 forms at least one opening 20 therethrough. The opening 20 is adapted to hold a test sensor to be used in conjunction with the testing device 10. The testing device 10 has a display 14, a solar cell assembly 18, and at least one control button 16. The display 14 displays information from tests performed by the testing device 10 on fluid samples, and the display 14 may also display symbols in response to signals input by the at least one control button 16. For example, the at least one control button 16 may be depressed to recall and view the results of prior testing procedures on the display 14. According to one embodiment the display 14 is a liquid crystal display ("LCD"), however, it is contemplated that other types of displays may be used.

[0014] The at least one control button 16 is depressed to operate the electronics of the testing device 10. The testing device 10 typically includes a microprocessor or the like for processing and/or storing data generated during the testing procedure. It is contemplated that the more than one button may be included on testing device 10. The at least one control button 16 may also be used to set and display date and time information, and to activate alarms that remind the user to conduct, for example, a blood glucose test according to a predetermined schedule. The at least one control button 16 may also be used to activate certain calibration procedures for the instrument 10.

[0015] Some of the information that may be shown on the display 14 includes the following: a numerical display, an indication of the number of sensors remaining, an indication to load a cartridge or test sensor into the instrument, an apply blood indication, a temperature indication, results of prior testing procedures, or various combinations thereof. [0016] To operate the electronics of the testing device 10, a power source is required. According to one embodiment, the power source is a solar cell assembly 18. The solar cell assembly 18 contains a photovoltaic cell that is capable of converting light energy into electrical power. The electrical power produced by the solar cell assembly 18 is then used to power the electronics of the testing device 10 to analyze the analyte level and to display the results on the display 14.

[0017] To operate the testing device 10 according to one method, it is contemplated that the user moves the testing device 10 to an area with adequate ambient lighting. The user then activates the testing device by depressing the at least one control button 16, or by inserting a test sensor into the testing device 10 through the opening 20. Once a test sensor containing a fluid sample has been inserted into the testing device 10, the electronics measure the level of the analyte within the fluid sample. This analyte level is displayed on the display 14 to alert the user of the test result. The test sensor is then removed from the testing device 10 and the testing device 10 is powered off.

[0018] To keep a record of a time at which the test was performed by the testing device 10, an optional battery 22 is needed. The optional battery 22 provides sufficient power so that the electronics may have a time keeping function that allows the testing device 10 to keep a record of the time when a test occurs.

[0019] According to one alternate embodiment, a solar cell assembly will provide power to recharge a battery. Using a rechargeable battery that obtains power from the solar cell assembly for recharging greatly reduces the frequency with which the user will have to replace the battery. Also, the user would not have to worry about taking any special steps to recharge the battery.

[0020] Turning to FIG. 2, a fluid sample testing device 100 is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. The testing device 100 has a housing 102 adapted to contain the components of the testing device 100. The housing 102 forms at least one opening 116 therethrough. The opening 116 is adapted to hold a test sensor to be used in conjunction with the testing device 10. The testing device 100 has a display assembly 104 and at least one control button 106. The display assembly 104 has an integrated solar cell assembly 112 (FIG. 3). The display assembly 104 is adapted to display information from tests performed by the testing device 100 on fluid samples. Additionally, the display assembly 104 may also display symbols in response to signals input by the at least one control button 106.

[0021] The display assembly 104 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3. The display assembly 104 is a modified liquid crystal display, in that it contains components common to liquid crystal display, as well as a solar cell. The display assembly 104 has a first glass layer 108, a second glass layer 110, a solar cell assembly 112, and a reflective layer 114. Light enters through the first glass layer 108, and continues through the second glass layer 110 and into the solar cell 112. The solar cell 112 absorbs a portion of the light, and is adapted to transform the light energy into electrical energy needed to power the testing device 100. The reflective layer 114 is located on an opposite side of the solar cell 112 as the second glass layer 110 and is adapted to reflect light that passes through the solar cell back towards the solar cell 112 to further illuminate the liquid crystal display.

[0022] To operate the testing device 100, it is contemplated that the user moves the testing device 100 to an area with adequate ambient lighting. The user then activates the testing device by depressing the at least one control button 106, or by inserting a test sensor into the testing device 100. Once a test sensor containing a fluid sample has been inserted into the testing device 100, the electronics measure the level of the analyte within the fluid sample. This analyte level is displayed on the display assembly 104 to alert the user of the test result. The test sensor is then removed from the testing device 100 and the testing device 100 is powered off.

[0023] To keep a record of a time at which the test was performed by the testing device 100, an optional battery 120 is needed. The optional battery 120 provides sufficient power to the testing device 100 so that the electronics my have a time keeping function that allows the testing device 100 to keep a record of the time when a test occurs.

[0024] According to an alternate embodiment, a solar cell assembly will provide power to recharge a battery. Using a rechargeable battery that obtains power from the solar cell assembly for recharging greatly reduces the frequency with which the user will have to replace the battery. Also, the user would not have to worry about taking any special steps in order to recharge the battery.

[0025] FIG. 4 depicts a fluid sample testing device 200 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The testing device 200 has a lower housing 202 and an upper housing 204 adapted to contain the components of the testing device 100. The testing device 200 has a display 206 and at least one control button 210 located within the lower housing 202. The lower housing 202 forms at least one opening 214 therethrough. The opening 214 is adapted to hold a test sensor to be used in conjunction with the testing device 200. The display 206 displays information from tests performed by the testing device 200 on fluid samples, and the display 206 may also display symbols in response to signals input by the at least one control button 16. For example, the at least one control button 210 may be depressed to recall and view the results of prior testing procedures on the display 206. One example of a display 206 that may be used in the testing device 200 is a liquid-crystal display. The display 206 typically shows information from the testing procedure and/or in response to signals input by the at least one control button 210 on the testing device 200. [0026] The at least one control button 210 is depressed to operate the electronics of the testing device 200. The testing device 200 typically includes a microprocessor or the like for processing and/or storing data generated during the testing procedure. It is contemplated that the more than one button 210 may be included on testing device 200. The at least one control button 210 may also be used to set and display date and time information, and to activate alarms that remind the user to conduct, for example, a blood glucose test according to a predetermined schedule. The at least one control button 210 may also be used to activate certain calibration procedures for the instrument 200.

[0027] The upper housing 204 is adapted to contain a solar cell assembly 208. A hinge 212 hingedly connects the upper housing 204 and the lower housing 202 such that the upper housing 204 may be closed to cover the lower housing 202. The solar cell assembly 208 contains a photovoltaic cell that is capable of converting light energy into electrical power. The electrical power produced by the solar cell assembly 208 is then used to power the electronics of the testing device 200 to analyze the analyte level and to display the results on the display 206.

[0028] To operate the testing device 200, it is contemplated that the user moves the testing device 200 to an area with adequate ambient lighting. The user rotates the upper housing 204 about the hinge 212 to expose the solar cell assembly 208 and the display 206. The testing device is activated by depressing the at least one control button 210, or by inserting a test sensor through the opening 214 of the lower housing 202 of the testing device 200. Once a test sensor containing a fluid sample has been inserted into the testing device 200, the electronics measure the level of the analyte within the fluid sample. This analyte level is displayed on the display 206 to alert the user of the test result. The test sensor is then removed from the testing device 200, and the testing device 200 is powered off. [0029] In order to keep a record of a time at which the test was performed by the testing device 200, an optional battery 220 is needed. The optional battery 220 provides sufficient power so that the electronics may have a time keeping function that allows the electronics of the testing device 200 to keep a record of the time when a test occurs.

[0030] According to one alternate embodiment, a solar cell assembly will provide power to recharge a battery. Using a rechargeable battery that obtains power from the solar cell assembly for recharging greatly reduces the frequency with which the user will have to replace the battery. Also, the user would not have to worry about taking any special steps in order to recharge the battery.

[0031] Alternative Embodiment A

A fluid sample testing device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor, the testing device comprising: a housing forming at least one opening therethrough, the opening being adapted to hold a test sensor; a display adapted to display information regarding an analyte concentration; and a solar cell assembly having a photovoltaic cell, the solar cell assembly being adapted to provide at least a portion of a power source to the testing device. [0032] Alternative Embodiment B

The fluid sample testing device of alternative embodiment A wherein the solar cell assembly is adapted to provide all of the power source to the testing device. [0033] Alternative Embodiment C

The fluid sample testing device of alternative embodiment A further comprising a rechargeable battery adapted provide at least a portion of a power source to the testing device. [0034] Alternative Embodiment D

The fluid sample testing device of alternative embodiment C wherein the solar cell assembly is adapted to provide power to recharge the rechargeable battery. [0035] Alternative Embodiment E

The fluid sample testing device of alternative embodiment A wherein the display is a liquid crystal display. [0036] Alternative Embodiment F

The fluid sample testing device of alternative embodiment A further comprising at least one control button. [0037] Alternative Embodiment G

A fluid sample testing device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor, the testing device comprising: a housing forming at least one opening therethrough, the opening being adapted to hold a test sensor; and a display assembly adapted to display information regarding an analyte concentration, the display assembly having an integrated solar cell assembly, the solar cell assembly being adapted to provide at least a portion of a power source to the testing device. [0038] Alternative Embodiment H

The fluid sample testing device of alternative embodiment G wherein the display assembly has an integrated solar cell assembly comprises a first glass layer, a second glass layer, a photocell assembly, and a reflective layer. [0039] Alternative Embodiment I

The fluid sample testing device of alternative embodiment G wherein the solar cell assembly is adapted to provide all of the power source to the testing device. [0040] Alternative Embodiment J

The fluid sample testing device of alternative embodiment G further comprising a rechargeable battery adapted provide at least a portion of a power source to the testing device. [0041] Alternative Embodiment K

The fluid sample testing device of alternative embodiment J wherein the solar cell assembly is adapted to provide power to recharge the rechargeable battery. [0042] Alternative Embodiment L

The fluid sample testing device of alternative embodiment G wherein the display is a liquid crystal display. [0043] Alternative Embodiment M

The fluid sample testing device of alternative embodiment G further comprising at least one control button. [0044] Alternative Embodiment N

A fluid sample testing device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor, the testing device comprising: a first housing forming at least one opening therethrough, the opening being adapted to hold a test sensor; a display adapted to display information regarding an analyte concentration; a solar cell assembly having a photovoltaic cell, the solar cell assembly being adapted to provide at least a portion of a power source to the testing device; and a second housing hingedly connected to the first housing, the second housing being adapted to contain the solar cell assembly. [0045] Alternative Embodiment O

The fluid sample testing device of alternative embodiment N wherein the solar cell assembly is adapted to provide all of the power source to the testing device. [0046] Alternative Embodiment P

The fluid sample testing device of alternative embodiment N further comprising a rechargeable battery adapted provide at least a portion of a power source to the testing device. [0047] Alternative Embodiment O

The fluid sample testing device of alternative embodiment P wherein the solar cell assembly is adapted to provide power to recharge the rechargeable battery. [0048] Alternative Embodiment R

The fluid sample testing device of alternative embodiment N further comprising at least one control button.

[0049] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments and methods thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fluid sample testing device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor, the testing device comprising: a housing forming at least one opening therethrough, the opening being adapted to hold a test sensor; a display adapted to display information regarding an analyte concentration; and a solar cell assembly having a photovoltaic cell, the solar cell assembly being adapted to provide at least a portion of a power source to the testing device.

2. The fluid sample testing device of claim 1, wherein the solar cell assembly is adapted to provide all of the power source to the testing device.

3. The fluid sample testing device of claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable battery adapted provide at least a portion of a power source to the testing device.

4. The fluid sample testing device of claim 3, wherein the solar cell assembly is adapted to provide power to recharge the rechargeable battery.

5. The fluid sample testing device of claim 1, wherein the display is a liquid crystal display.

6. The fluid sample testing device of claim 1, further comprising at least one control button.

7. A fluid sample testing device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor, the testing device comprising: a housing forming at least one opening therethrough, the opening being adapted to hold a test sensor; and a display assembly adapted to display information regarding an analyte concentration, the display assembly having an integrated solar cell assembly, the solar cell assembly being adapted to provide at least a portion of a power source to the testing device.

8. The fluid sample testing device of claim 7, wherein the display assembly has an integrated solar cell assembly comprises a first glass layer, a second glass layer, a photocell assembly, and a reflective layer.

9. The fluid sample testing device of claim 7, wherein the solar cell assembly is adapted to provide all of the power source to the testing device.

10. The fluid sample testing device of claim 7, further comprising a rechargeable battery adapted provide at least a portion of a power source to the testing device.

11. The fluid sample testing device of claim 10, wherein the solar cell assembly is adapted to provide power to recharge the rechargeable battery.

12. The fluid sample testing device of claim 7, wherein the display is a liquid crystal display.

13. The fluid sample testing device of claim 7, further comprising at least one control button.

14. A fluid sample testing device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor, the testing device comprising: a first housing forming at least one opening therethrough, the opening being adapted to hold a test sensor; a display adapted to display information regarding an analyte concentration; a solar cell assembly having a photovoltaic cell, the solar cell assembly being adapted to provide at least a portion of a power source to the testing device; and a second housing hingedly connected to the first housing, the second housing being adapted to contain the solar cell assembly.

15. The fluid sample testing device of claim 14, wherein the solar cell assembly is adapted to provide all of the power source to the testing device.

16. The fluid sample testing device of claim 14, further comprising a rechargeable battery adapted provide at least a portion of a power source to the testing device.

17. The fluid sample testing device of claim 16, wherein the solar cell assembly is adapted to provide power to recharge the rechargeable battery.

18. The fluid sample testing device of claim 14, further comprising at least one control button.