초록 ▼

A method of managing data for a plurality of analyte test instruments connected to a data communication network. The method comprises the steps of: detecting via a host computer the connection of each instrument to the data communication network; uploading data received from each instrument to the h

A method of managing data for a plurality of analyte test instruments connected to a data communication network. The method comprises the steps of: detecting via a host computer the connection of each instrument to the data communication network; uploading data received from each instrument to the host computer; processing the uploaded data on the host computer for operator review; and downloading configuration data from the host computer to each test instrument, the downloaded data comprising instrument-specific setup and control data. The invention further involves a hand-held analyte test instrument and a docking station for the test instrument.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A hand-held analyte test instrument comprising: a housing; a barcode reader disposed in the housing for scanning a barcode associated with a test strip configured to receive an analyte; a user interface for activating said barcode reader, said user interface further comprisi

What is claimed is: 1. A hand-held analyte test instrument comprising: a housing; a barcode reader disposed in the housing for scanning a barcode associated with a test strip configured to receive an analyte; a user interface for activating said barcode reader, said user interface further comprising a numeric keypad and function buttons, said numeric keypad and function buttons for carrying out the functions of activating/deactivating power, selecting test or menu modes, editing entries, terminating entries, and activating said barcode reader as a substitute for manual numeric entry; a port disposed in the housing for receiving the test strip; electronic circuitry in electrical communication with the port for processing an analyte signal received from the test strip and generating analyte data therefrom; a display in electrical communication with the circuitry for displaying certain analyte data; and a connector in electrical communication with the circuitry and electrically connectable to a host computer via a data communications network, wherein the circuitry automatically uploads the analyte data to the host computer upon connection thereto. 2. The instrument of claim 1, wherein said user interface is further allowing an operator to enter data. 3. A hand-held analyte test instrument comprising: a housing; a port disposed in the housing for receiving a test strip configured to receive an analyte; a barcode reader disposed in the housing for scanning a barcode associated with a test strip configured to receive an analyte; a user interface for allowing an operator to enter data, said user interface comprising a numeric keypad and function buttons, said numeric keypad and function buttons for carrying out the functions of activating/deactivating power, selecting test or menu modes, editing entries, terminating entries, and activating a barcode reader as a substitute for manual numeric entry; electronic circuitry in electrical communication with the port for processing an analyte signal received from the test strip and generating analyte data therefrom; a display in electrical communication with the circuitry for displaying certain analyte data; a connector in electrical communication with the circuitry and electrically connectable to a power source; a battery compartment formed in the housing and comprising a pair of electrical contacts for providing power from a battery to the electronic circuitry and a pair of recharge contacts; and a rechargeable battery pack disposed in the battery compartment and comprising (1) a rechargeable battery and (2) a battery holder in which the rechargeable battery is disposed, a bus bar disposed on the battery holder and in electrical communication with the pair of recharge contacts for recharging the battery when the instrument is connected to the power source. 4. The instrument of claim 3, wherein said barcode reader is activated by said user interface. 5. A docking station for receiving a hand-held analyte test instrument, the docking station comprising: a connector electrically connectable to the instrument for receiving analyte data therefrom; a switch in electrical communication with the connector; a first data port in electrical communication with the switch and being electrically connectable to a computer; a second data port in electrical communication with the switch and being electrically connectable to a peripheral device; and a control mechanism for controlling the switch to selectively pass the analyte data to the computer via the first data port or to the peripheral device via the second data port; said docking station being configured to pass data between said analyte test instrument and said first data port when said docking station is in a default condition, and circuitry to prevent overcharging.