Analyte monitoring system and methods

PRIORITY

0001The present application claims priority to <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US91677607"><text>U.S. provisional application no. 60/916,776 filed May 8, 2007</text></patcit>, entitled "Analyte Monitoring System and Methods", <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US91677307"><text>U.S. provisional application no. 60/916,773 filed May 8, 2007</text></patcit>, entitled "Analyte Monitoring System and Methods", <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US91676107"><text>U.S. provisional application no. 60/916,761 filed May 8, 2007</text></patcit>, entitled "Analyte Monitoring System and Methods", <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US91674407"><text>U.S. provisional application no. 60/916,744 filed May 8, 2007</text></patcit>, entitled "Analyte Monitoring System and Methods", <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="US91672307"><text>U.S. provisional application no. 60/916,723 filed May 8, 2007</text></patcit>, entitled "Analyte Monitoring System and Methods", and <patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="US91667707"><text>U.S. provisional application no. 60/916,677 filed May 8, 2007</text></patcit>, entitled "Analyte Monitoring System and Methods", the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

0002Analyte, e.g., glucose monitoring systems including continuous and discrete monitoring systems generally include a small, lightweight battery powered and microprocessor controlled system which is configured to detect signals proportional to the corresponding measured glucose levels using an electrometer. RF signals may be used to transmit the collected data. One aspect of certain analyte monitoring systems include a transcutaneous or subcutaneous analyte sensor configuration which is, for example, at least partially positioned through the skin layer of a subject whose analyte level is to be monitored. The sensor may use a two or three-electrode (work, reference and counter electrodes) configuration driven by a controlled potential (potentiostat) analog circuit connected through a contact system.

0003An analyte sensor may be configured so that a portion thereof is placed under the skin of the patient so as to contact analyte of the patient, and another portion or segment of the analyte sensor may be in communication with the transmitter unit. The transmitter unit may be configured to transmit the analyte levels detected by the sensor over a wireless communication link such as an RF (radio frequency) communication link to a receiver/monitor unit. The receiver/monitor unit may perform data analysis, among other functions, on the received analyte levels to generate information pertaining to the monitored analyte levels.

0004Transmission of control or command data over wireless communication link is often constrained to occur within a substantially short time duration. In turn, the time constraint in data communication imposes limits on the type and size of data that may be transmitted during the transmission time period.

0005In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus for optimizing the RF communication link between two or more communication devices, for example, in a medical communication system.

SUMMARY

0006Devices and methods for analyte monitoring, e.g., glucose monitoring, are provided. Embodiments include transmitting information from a first location to a second, e.g., using a telemetry system such as RF telemetry. Systems herein include continuous analyte monitoring systems and discrete analyte monitoring system.

0007In one embodiment, a method including positioning a controller unit within a transmission range for close proximity communication, transmitting one or more predefined close proximity commands, and receiving a response packet in response to the transmitted one or more predefined close proximity commands, is disclosed, as well as devices and systems for the same.

0008In one embodiment, a method including detecting an electrical connection with an analyte sensor, and activating a data processing device to receive one or more analyte related signals from the analyte sensor, is disclosed, as well as devices and systems for the same.

0009In one embodiment, a method including receiving a command to initiate communication with an analyte sensor, retrieving an identification information, transmitting the retrieved identification information, and receiving a communication key associated with the transmitted identification information, is disclosed, as well as devices and systems for the same.

0010In one embodiment, a method including detecting a data transmission, incrementing a count associated with the detected data transmission, and storing the count, is disclosed, as well as devices and systems for the same.

0011In one embodiment, a method determining a communication status, receiving a communication related close proximity command, and modifying the communication status based on the received command, is disclosed, as well as devices and systems for the same.

0012In one embodiment, a method including periodically receiving data including a count information related to an analyte sensor associated with the received data, and comparing the count information in each data periodically received, and when it is determined that the count information of the periodically received data is different, generating one or more signals related to the status of the analyte sensor, is disclosed, as well as devices and systems for the same.

0013These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0014<ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a block diagram of a data monitoring and management system for practicing one or more embodiments of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram of the transmitter unit of the data monitoring and management system shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref> is a block diagram of the receiver/monitor unit of the data monitoring and management system shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> is a flowchart illustrating data packet procedure including rolling data for transmission in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> is a flowchart illustrating data processing of the received data packet including the rolling data in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> is a block diagram illustrating the sensor unit and the transmitter unit of the data monitoring and management system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref> is a flowchart illustrating data communication using close proximity commands in the data monitoring and management system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0008">FIG. 8</figref> is a flowchart illustrating sensor insertion detection routine in the data monitoring and management system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref> is a flowchart illustrating sensor removal detection routine in the data monitoring and management system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref> is a flowchart illustrating the pairing or synchronization routine in the data monitoring and management system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0011">FIG. 11</figref> is a flowchart illustrating the pairing or synchronization routine in the data monitoring and management system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0012">FIG. 12</figref> is a flowchart illustrating the power supply determination in the data monitoring and management system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0013">FIG. 13</figref> is a flowchart illustrating close proximity command for RF communication control in the data monitoring and management system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and</li><li><figref idref="f0014">FIG. 14</figref> is a flowchart illustrating analyte sensor identification routine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.</li></ul>

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0015As summarized above and as described in further detail below, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method and system for positioning a controller unit within a transmission range for close proximity communication, transmitting one or more predefined close proximity commands, and receiving a response packet in response to the transmitted one or more predefined close proximity commands.

0016<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a data monitoring and management system such as, for example, analyte (e.g., glucose) monitoring system 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The subject invention is further described primarily with respect to a glucose monitoring system for convenience and such description is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be understood that the analyte monitoring system may be configured to monitor a variety of analytes, e.g., lactate, and the like.

0017Analytes that may be monitored include, for example, acetyl choline, amylase, bilirubin, cholesterol, chorionic gonadotropin, creatine kinase (e.g., CK-MB), creatine, DNA, fructosamine, glucose, glutamine, growth hormones, hormones, ketones, lactate, peroxide, prostate-specific antigen, prothrombin, RNA, thyroid stimulating hormone, and troponin. The concentration of drugs, such as, for example, antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, vancomycin, and the like), digitoxin, digoxin, drugs of abuse, theophylline, and warfarin, may also be monitored. More than one analyte may be monitored by a single system, e.g. a single analyte sensor.

0018The analyte monitoring system 100 includes a sensor unit 101, a transmitter unit 102 coupleable to the sensor unit 101, and a primary receiver unit 104 which is configured to communicate with the transmitter unit 102 via a bi-directional communication link 103. The primary receiver unit 104 may be further configured to transmit data to a data processing terminal 105 for evaluating the data received by the primary receiver unit 104. Moreover, the data processing terminal 105 in one embodiment may be configured to receive data directly from the transmitter unit 102 via a communication link which may optionally be configured for bi-directional communication. Accordingly, transmitter unit 102 and/or receiver unit 104 may include a transceiver.

0019Also shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> is an optional secondary receiver unit 106 which is operatively coupled to the communication link and configured to receive data transmitted from the transmitter unit 102. Moreover, as shown in the Figure, the secondary receiver unit 106 is configured to communicate with the primary receiver unit 104 as well as the data processing terminal 105. Indeed, the secondary receiver unit 106 may be configured for bi-directional wireless communication with each or one of the primary receiver unit 104 and the data processing terminal 105. As discussed in further detail below, in one embodiment of the present invention, the secondary receiver unit 106 may be configured to include a limited number of functions and features as compared with the primary receiver unit 104. As such, the secondary receiver unit 106 may be configured substantially in a smaller compact housing or embodied in a device such as a wrist watch, pager, mobile phone, PDA, for example. Alternatively, the secondary receiver unit 106 may be configured with the same or substantially similar functionality as the primary receiver unit 104. The receiver unit may be configured to be used in conjunction with a docking cradle unit, for example for one or more of the following or other functions: placement by bedside, for re-charging, for data management, for night time monitoring, and/or bi-directional communication device.

0020In one aspect sensor unit 101 may include two or more sensors, each configured to communicate with transmitter unit 102. Furthermore, while only one, transmitter unit 102, communication link 103, and data processing terminal 105 are shown in the embodiment of the analyte monitoring system 100 illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. However, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the analyte monitoring system 100 may include one or more sensors, multiple transmitter units 102, communication links 103, and data processing terminals 105. Moreover, within the scope of the present invention, the analyte monitoring system 100 may be a continuous monitoring system, or semi-continuous, or a discrete monitoring system. In a multi-component environment, each device is configured to be uniquely identified by each of the other devices in the system so that communication conflict is readily resolved between the various components within the analyte monitoring system 100.

0021In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor unit 101 is physically positioned in or on the body of a user whose analyte level is being monitored. The sensor unit 101 may be configured to continuously sample the analyte level of the user and convert the sampled analyte level into a corresponding data signal for transmission by the transmitter unit 102. In certain embodiments, the transmitter unit 102 may be physically coupled to the sensor unit 101 so that both devices are integrated in a single housing and positioned on the user's body. The transmitter unit 102 may perform data processing such as filtering and encoding on data signals and/or other functions, each of which corresponds to a sampled analyte level of the user, and in any event transmitter unit 102 transmits analyte information to the primary receiver unit 104 via the communication link 1 03.

0022In one embodiment, the analyte monitoring system 100 is configured as a one-way RF communication path from the transmitter unit 102 to the primary receiver unit 104. In such embodiment, the transmitter unit 102 transmits the sampled data signals received from the sensor unit 101 without acknowledgement from the primary receiver unit 104 that the transmitted sampled data signals have been received. For example, the transmitter unit 102 may be configured to transmit the encoded sampled data signals at a fixed rate (e.g., at one minute intervals) after the completion of the initial power on procedure. Likewise, the primary receiver unit 104 may be configured to detect such transmitted encoded sampled data signals at predetermined time intervals. Alternatively, the analyte monitoring system 100 may be configured with a bi-directional RF (or otherwise) communication between the transmitter unit 102 and the primary receiver unit 104.

0023Additionally, in one aspect, the primary receiver unit 104 may include two sections. The first section is an analog interface section that is configured to communicate with the transmitter unit 102 via the communication link 103. In one embodiment, the analog interface section may include an RF receiver and an antenna for receiving and amplifying the data signals from the transmitter unit 102, which are thereafter, demodulated with a local oscillator and filtered through a band-pass filter. The second section of the primary receiver unit 104 is a data processing section which is configured to process the data signals received from the transmitter unit 102 such as by performing data decoding, error detection and correction, data clock generation, and data bit recovery.

0024In operation, upon completing the power-on procedure, the primary receiver unit 104 is configured to detect the presence of the transmitter unit 102 within its range based on, for example, the strength of the detected data signals received from the transmitter unit 102 and/or a predetermined transmitter identification information. Upon successful synchronization with the corresponding transmitter unit 102, the primary receiver unit 104 is configured to begin receiving from the transmitter unit 102 data signals corresponding to the user's detected analyte level. More specifically, the primary receiver unit 104 in one embodiment is configured to perform synchronized time hopping with the corresponding synchronized transmitter unit 102 via the communication link 103 to obtain the user's detected analyte level.

0025Referring again to <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, the data processing terminal 105 may include a personal computer, a portable computer such as a laptop or a handheld device (e.g., personal digital assistants (PDAs)), and the like, each of which may be configured for data communication with the receiver via a wired or a wireless connection. Additionally, the data processing terminal 105 may further be connected to a data network (not shown) for storing, retrieving and updating data corresponding to the detected analyte level of the user.

0026Within the scope of the present invention, the data processing terminal 105 may include an infusion device such as an insulin infusion pump (external or implantable) or the like, which may be configured to administer insulin to patients, and which may be configured to communicate with the receiver unit 104 for receiving, among others, the measured analyte level. Alternatively, the receiver unit 104 may be configured to integrate or otherwise couple to an infusion device therein so that the receiver unit 104 is configured to administer insulin therapy to patients, for example, for administering and modifying basal profiles, as well as for determining appropriate boluses for administration based on, among others, the detected analyte levels received from the transmitter unit 102.

0027Additionally, the transmitter unit 102, the primary receiver unit 104 and the data processing terminal 105 may each be configured for bi-directional wireless communication such that each of the transmitter unit 102, the primary receiver unit 104 and the data processing terminal 105 may be configured to communicate (that is, transmit data to and receive data from) with each other via the wireless communication link 103. More specifically, the data processing terminal 105 may in one embodiment be configured to receive data directly from the transmitter unit 102 via the communication link 106, where the communication link 106, as described above, may be configured for bi-directional communication.

0028In this embodiment, the data processing terminal 105 which may include an insulin pump, may be configured to receive the analyte signals from the transmitter unit 102, and thus, incorporate the functions of the receiver 103 including data processing for managing the patient's insulin therapy and analyte monitoring. In one embodiment, the communication link 103 may include one or more of an RF communication protocol, an infrared communication protocol, a Bluetooth enabled communication protocol, an 802.11x wireless communication protocol, or an equivalent wireless communication protocol which would allow secure, wireless communication of several units (for example, per HIPPA requirements) while avoiding potential data collision and interference.

0029<figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram of the transmitter of the data monitoring and detection system shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the Figure, the transmitter unit 102 in one embodiment includes an analog interface 201 configured to communicate with the sensor unit 101 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>), a user input 202, and a temperature detection section 203, each of which is operatively coupled to a transmitter processor 204 such as a central processing unit (CPU). As can be seen from <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>, there are provided four contacts, three of which are electrodes - work electrode (W) 210, guard contact (G) 211, reference electrode (R) 212, and counter electrode (C) 213, each operatively coupled to the analog interface 201 of the transmitter unit 102 for connection to the sensor unit 101 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>). In one embodiment, each of the work electrode (W) 210, guard contact (G) 211, reference electrode (R) 212, and counter electrode (C) 213 may be made using a conductive material that is either printed or etched or ablated, for example, such as carbon which may be printed, or a metal such as a metal foil (e.g., gold) or the like, which may be etched or ablated or otherwise processed to provide one or more electrodes. Fewer or greater electrodes and/or contact may be provided in certain embodiments.

0030Further shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> are a transmitter serial communication section 205 and an RF transmitter 206, each of which is also operatively coupled to the transmitter processor 204. Moreover, a power supply 207 such as a battery is also provided in the transmitter unit 102 to provide the necessary power for the transmitter unit 102. Additionally, as can be seen from the Figure, clock 208 is provided to, among others, supply real time information to the transmitter processor 204.

0031In one embodiment, a unidirectional input path is established from the sensor unit 101 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>) and/or manufacturing and testing equipment to the analog interface 201 of the transmitter unit 102, while a unidirectional output is established from the output of the RF transmitter 206 of the transmitter unit 102 for transmission to the primary receiver unit 104. In this manner, a data path is shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> between the aforementioned unidirectional input and output via a dedicated link 209 from the analog interface 201 to serial communication section 205, thereafter to the processor 204, and then to the RF transmitter 206. As such, in one embodiment, via the data path described above, the transmitter unit 102 is configured to transmit to the primary receiver unit 104 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>), via the communication link 103 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>), processed and encoded data signals received from the sensor unit 101 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>). Additionally, the unidirectional communication data path between the analog interface 201 and the RF transmitter 206 discussed above allows for the configuration of the transmitter unit 102 for operation upon completion of the manufacturing process as well as for direct communication for diagnostic and testing purposes.

0032As discussed above, the transmitter processor 204 is configured to transmit control signals to the various sections of the transmitter unit 102 during the operation of the transmitter unit 102. In one embodiment, the transmitter processor 204 also includes a memory (not shown) for storing data such as the identification information for the transmitter unit 102, as well as the data signals received from the sensor unit 101. The stored information may be retrieved and processed for transmission to the primary receiver unit 104 under the control of the transmitter processor 204. Furthermore, the power supply 207 may include a commercially available battery, which may be a rechargeable battery.

0033In certain embodiments, the transmitter unit 102 is also configured such that the power supply section 207 is capable of providing power to the transmitter for a minimum of about three months of continuous operation, e.g., after having been stored for about eighteen months such as stored in a low-power (non-operating) mode. In one embodiment, this may be achieved by the transmitter processor 204 operating in low power modes in the non-operating state, for example, drawing no more than approximately 1 µA of current. Indeed, in one embodiment, a step during the manufacturing process of the transmitter unit 102 may place the transmitter unit 102 in the lower power, non-operating state (i.e., post-manufacture sleep mode). In this manner, the shelf life of the transmitter unit 102 may be significantly improved. Moreover, as shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>, while the power supply unit 207 is shown as coupled to the processor 204, and as such, the processor 204 is configured to provide control of the power supply unit 207, it should be noted that within the scope of the present invention, the power supply unit 207 is configured to provide the necessary power to each of the components of the transmitter unit 102 shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>.

0034Referring back to <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>, the power supply section 207 of the transmitter unit 102 in one embodiment may include a rechargeable battery unit that may be recharged by a separate power supply recharging unit (for example, provided in the receiver unit 104) so that the transmitter unit 102 may be powered for a longer period of usage time. Moreover, in one embodiment, the transmitter unit 102 may be configured without a battery in the power supply section 207, in which case the transmitter unit 102 may be configured to receive power from an external power supply source (for example, a battery) as discussed in further detail below.

0035Referring yet again to <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>, the temperature detection section 203 of the transmitter unit 102 is configured to monitor the temperature of the skin near the sensor insertion site. The temperature reading is used to adjust the analyte readings obtained from the analog interface 201. In certain embodiments, the RF transmitter 206 of the transmitter unit 102 may be configured for operation in the frequency band of approximately 315 MHz to approximately 322 MHz, for example, in the United States. In certain embodiments, the RF transmitter 206 of the transmitter unit 102 may be configured for operation in the frequency band of approximately 400MHz to approximately 470.MHz. Further, in one embodiment, the RF transmitter 206 is configured to modulate the carrier frequency by performing Frequency Shift Keying and Manchester encoding. In one embodiment, the data transmission rate is about 19,200 symbols per second, with a minimum transmission range for communication with the primary receiver unit 104.

0036Referring yet again to <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>, also shown is a leak detection circuit 214 coupled to the guard electrode (G) 211 and the processor 204 in the transmitter unit 102 of the data monitoring and management system 100. The leak detection circuit 214 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to detect leakage current in the sensor unit 101 to determine whether the measured sensor data are corrupt or whether the measured data from the sensor 101 is accurate.

0037Describe sensor, calibration (single point), etc. Exemplary analyte systems that may be employed are described in, for example, <patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="US6134461A"><text>U.S. Patent Nos. 6,134,461</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0008" dnum="US6175752B"><text>6,175,752</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0009" dnum="US6121611A"><text>6,121,611</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0010" dnum="US6560471B"><text>6,560,471</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0011" dnum="US6746582B"><text>6,746,582</text></patcit>, and elsewhere, the disclosure of each of which are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

0038<figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref> is a block diagram of the receiver/monitor unit of the data monitoring and management system shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, the primary receiver unit 104 includes an analyte test strip, e.g., blood glucose test strip, interface 301, an RF receiver 302, an input 303, a temperature detection section 304, and a clock 305, each of which is operatively coupled to a receiver processor 307. As can be further seen from the Figure, the primary receiver unit 104 also includes a power supply 306 operatively coupled to a power conversion and monitoring section 308. Further, the power conversion and monitoring section 308 is also coupled to the receiver processor 307. Moreover, also shown are a receiver serial communication section 309, and an output 310, each operatively coupled to the receiver processor 307.

0039In one embodiment, the test strip interface 301 includes a glucose level testing portion to receive a manual insertion of a glucose test strip, and thereby determine and display the glucose level of the test strip on the output 310 of the primary receiver unit 104. This manual testing of glucose may be used to calibrate the sensor unit 101 or otherwise. The RF receiver 302 is configured to communicate, via the communication link 103 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>) with the RF transmitter 206 of the transmitter unit 102, to receive encoded data signals from the transmitter unit 102 for, among others, signal mixing, demodulation, and other data processing. The input 303 of the primary receiver unit 104 is configured to allow the user to enter information into the primary receiver unit 104 as needed. In one aspect, the input 303 may include one or more keys of a keypad, a touch-sensitive screen, or a voice-activated input command unit. The temperature detection section 304 is configured to provide temperature information of the primary receiver unit 104 to the receiver processor 307, while the clock 305 provides, among others, real time information to the receiver processor 307.

0040Each of the various components of the primary receiver unit 104 shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref> is powered by the power supply 306 which, in one embodiment, includes a battery. Furthermore, the power conversion and monitoring section 308 is configured to monitor the power usage by the various components in the primary receiver unit 104 for effective power management and to alert the user, for example, in the event of power usage which renders the primary receiver unit 104 in sub-optimal operating conditions. An example of such sub-optimal operating condition may include, for example, operating the vibration output mode (as discussed below) for a period of time thus substantially draining the power supply 306 while the processor 307 (thus, the primary receiver unit 104) is turned on. Moreover, the power conversion and monitoring section 308 may additionally be configured to include a reverse polarity protection circuit such as a field effect transistor (FET) configured as a battery activated switch.

0041The serial communication section 309 in the primary receiver unit 104 is configured to provide a bi-directional communication path from the testing and/or manufacturing equipment for, among others, initialization, testing, and configuration of the primary receiver unit 104. Serial communication section 104 can also be used to upload data to a computer, such as time-stamped blood glucose data. The communication link with an external device (not shown) can be made, for example, by cable, infrared (IR) or RF link. The output 310 of the primary receiver unit 104 is configured to provide, among others, a graphical user interface (GUI) such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying information. Additionally, the output 310 may also include an integrated speaker for outputting audible signals as well as to provide vibration output as commonly found in handheld electronic devices, such as mobile telephones presently available. In a further embodiment, the primary receiver unit 104 also includes an electro-luminescent lamp configured to provide backlighting to the output 310 for output visual display in dark ambient surroundings.

0042Referring back to <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, the primary receiver unit 104 in one embodiment may also include a storage section such as a programmable, non-volatile memory device as part of the processor 307, or provided separately in the primary receiver unit 104, operatively coupled to the processor 307. The processor 307 may be configured to synchronize with a transmitter, e.g., using Manchester decoding or the like, as well as error detection and correction upon the encoded data signals received from the transmitter unit 102 via the communication link 103.

0043Additional description of the RF communication between the transmitter 102 and the primary receiver 104 (or with the secondary receiver 106) that may be employed in embodiments of the subject invention is disclosed in pending application no. <patcit id="pcit0012" dnum="US11060365B"><text>11/060,365 filed February 16, 2005</text></patcit> entitled "Method and System for Providing Data Communication in Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Management System" the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

0044Referring to the Figures, in one embodiment, the transmitter 102 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>) may be configured to generate data packets for periodic transmission to one ore more of the receiver units 104, 106, where each data packet includes in one embodiment two categories of data - urgent data and non-urgent data. For example, urgent data such as for example glucose data from the sensor and/or temperature data associated with the sensor may be packed in each data packet in addition to non-urgent data, where the non-urgent data is rolled or varied with each data packet transmission.

0045That is, the non-urgent data is transmitted at a timed interval so as to maintain the integrity of the analyte monitoring system without being transmitted over the RF communication link with each data transmission packet from the transmitter 102. In this manner, the non-urgent data, for example that are not time sensitive, may be periodically transmitted (and not with each data packet transmission) or broken up into predetermined number of segments and sent or transmitted over multiple packets, while the urgent data is transmitted substantially in its entirety with each data transmission.

0046Referring again to the Figures, upon receiving the data packets from the transmitter 102, the one or more receiver units 104, 106 may be configured to parse the received the data packet to separate the urgent data from the non-urgent data, and also, may be configured to store the urgent data and the non-urgent data, e.g., in a hierarchical manner. In accordance with the particular configuration of the data packet or the data transmission protocol, more or less data may be transmitted as part of the urgent data, or the non-urgent rolling data. That is, within the scope of the present disclosure, the specific data packet implementation such as the number of bits per packet, and the like, may vary based on, among others, the communication protocol, data transmission time window, and so on.

0047In an exemplary embodiment, different types of data packets may be identified accordingly. For example, identification in certain exemplary embodiments may include - (1) single sensor, one minute of data, (2) two or multiple sensors, (3) dual sensor, alternate one minute data, and (4) response packet. For single sensor one minute data packet, in one embodiment, the transmitter 102 may be configured to generate the data packet in the manner, or similar to the manner, shown in Table 1 below. <tables id="tabl0001" num="0001"><table frame="all"><title>Table 1. Single sensor, one minute of data</title><tgroup cols="2"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="30mm" align="center" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="35mm" /><thead valign="top"><row><entry><b>Number of Bits</b></entry><entry align="center"><b>Data Field</b></entry></row></thead><tbody><row><entry>8</entry><entry>Transmit Time</entry></row><row><entry>14</entry><entry>Sensor1 Current Data</entry></row><row><entry>14</entry><entry>Sensor1 Historic Data</entry></row><row><entry>8</entry><entry>Transmit Status</entry></row><row><entry>12</entry><entry>AUX Counter</entry></row><row><entry>12</entry><entry>AUX Thermistor 1</entry></row><row><entry>12</entry><entry>AUX Thermistor 2</entry></row><row><entry>8</entry><entry>Rolling-Data-1</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0048As shown in Table 1 above, the transmitter data packet in one embodiment may include 8 bits of transmit time data, 14 bits of current sensor data, 14 bits of preceding sensor data, 8 bits of transmitter status data, 12 bits of auxiliary counter data, 12 bits of auxiliary thermistor 1 data, 12 bits of auxiliary thermistor 1 data and 8 bits of rolling data. In one embodiment of the present invention, the data packet generated by the transmitter for transmission over the RF communication link may include all or some of the data shown above in Table 1.

0049Referring back, the 14 bits of the current sensor data provides the real time or current sensor data associated with the detected analyte level, while the 14 bits of the sensor historic or preceding sensor data includes the sensor data associated with the detected analyte level one minute ago. In this manner, in the case where the receiver unit 104, 106 drops or fails to successfully receive the data packet from the transmitter 102 in the minute by minute transmission, the receiver unit 104, 106 may be able to capture the sensor data of a prior minute transmission from a subsequent minute transmission.

0050Referring again to Table 1, the Auxiliary data in one embodiment may include one or more of the patient's skin temperature data, a temperature gradient data, reference data, and counter electrode voltage. The transmitter status field may include status data that is configured to indicate corrupt data for the current transmission (for example, if shown as BAD status (as opposed to GOOD status which indicates that the data in the current transmission is not corrupt)). Furthermore, the rolling data field is configured to include the non-urgent data, and in one embodiment, may be associated with the time-hop sequence number. In addition, the Transmitter Time field in one embodiment includes a protocol value that is configured to start at zero and is incremented by one with each data packet. In one aspect, the transmitter time data may be used to synchronize the data transmission window with the receiver unit 104, 106, and also, provide an index for the Rolling data field.

0051In a further embodiment, the transmitter data packet may be configured to provide or transmit analyte sensor data from two or more independent analyte sensors. The sensors may relate to the same or different analyte or property. In such a case, the data packet from the transmitter 102 may be configured to include 14 bits of the current sensor data from both sensors in the embodiment in which 2 sensors are employed. In this case, the data packet does not include the immediately preceding sensor data in the current data packet transmission. Instead, a second analyte sensor data is transmitted with a first analyte sensor data. <tables id="tabl0002" num="0002"><table frame="all"><title>Table 2. Dual sensor data</title><tgroup cols="2"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="27mm" align="center" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="36mm" /><thead valign="top"><row><entry><b>Number of Bits</b></entry><entry align="center"><b>Data Field</b></entry></row></thead><tbody><row><entry>8</entry><entry>Transmit Time</entry></row><row><entry>14</entry><entry>Sensor1 Current Data</entry></row><row><entry>14</entry><entry>Sensor2 Current Data</entry></row><row><entry>8</entry><entry>Transmit Status</entry></row><row><entry>12</entry><entry>AUX Counter</entry></row><row><entry>12</entry><entry>AUX Thermistor 1</entry></row><row><entry>12</entry><entry>AUX Thermistor 2</entry></row><row><entry>8</entry><entry>Rolling-Data-1</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0052In a further embodiment, the transmitter data packet may be alternated with each transmission between two analyte sensors, for example, alternating between the data packet shown in Table 3 and Table 4 below. <tables id="tabl0003" num="0003"><table frame="all"><title>Table 3. Sensor Data Packet Alternate 1</title><tgroup cols="2"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="28mm" align="center" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="36mm" /><thead valign="top"><row><entry><b>Number of Bits</b></entry><entry align="center"><b>Data Field</b></entry></row></thead><tbody><row><entry>8</entry><entry>Transmitter Time</entry></row><row><entry>14</entry><entry>Sensor1 Current Data</entry></row><row><entry>14</entry><entry>Sensor1 Historic Data</entry></row><row><entry>8</entry><entry>Transmit Status</entry></row><row><entry>12</entry><entry>AUX Counter</entry></row><row><entry>12</entry><entry>AUX Thermistor 1</entry></row><row><entry>12</entry><entry>AUX Thermistor 2</entry></row><row><entry>8</entry><entry>Rolling-Data-1</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables><tables id="tabl0004" num="0004"><table frame="all"><title>Table 4. Sensor Data Packet Alternate 2</title><tgroup cols="2"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="28mm" align="center" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="36mm" /><thead valign="top"><row><entry><b>Number of Bits</b></entry><entry align="center"><b>Data Field</b></entry></row></thead><tbody><row><entry>8</entry><entry>Transmitter Time</entry></row><row><entry>14</entry><entry>Sensor1 Current Data</entry></row><row><entry>14</entry><entry>Sensor2 Current Data</entry></row><row><entry>8</entry><entry>Transmit Status</entry></row><row><entry>12</entry><entry>AUX Counter</entry></row><row><entry>12</entry><entry>AUX Thermistor 1</entry></row><row><entry>12</entry><entry>AUX Thermistor 2</entry></row><row><entry>8</entry><entry>Rolling-Data-1</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0053As shown above in reference to Tables 3 and 4, the minute by minute data packet transmission from the transmitter 102 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>) in one embodiment may alternate between the data packet shown in Table 3 and the data packet shown in Table 4. More specifically, the transmitter 102 may be configured in one embodiment transmit the current sensor data of the first sensor and the preceding sensor data of the first sensor (Table 3), as well as the rolling data, and further, at the subsequent transmission, the transmitter 102 may be configured to transmit the current sensor data of the first and the second sensor in addition to the rolling data.

0054In one embodiment, the rolling data transmitted with each data packet may include a sequence of various predetermined types of data that are considered not-urgent or not time sensitive. That is, in one embodiment, the following list of data shown in Table 5 may be sequentially included in the 8 bits of transmitter data packet, and not transmitted with each data packet transmission of the transmitter (for example, with each 60 second data transmission from the transmitter 102). <tables id="tabl0005" num="0005"><table frame="all"><title>Table 5. Rolling Data</title><tgroup cols="3"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="20mm" align="center" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="12mm" align="center" /><colspec colnum="3" colname="col3" colwidth="37mm" align="center" /><thead valign="top"><row><entry><b>Time Slot</b></entry><entry><b>Bits</b></entry><entry><b>Rolling-Data</b></entry></row></thead><tbody><row><entry>0</entry><entry>8</entry><entry>Mode</entry></row><row><entry>1</entry><entry>8</entry><entry>Glucose1 Slope</entry></row><row><entry>2</entry><entry>8</entry><entry>Glucose2 Slope</entry></row><row><entry>3</entry><entry>8</entry><entry>Ref-R</entry></row><row><entry>4</entry><entry>8</entry><entry>Hobbs Counter, Ref-R</entry></row><row><entry>5</entry><entry>8</entry><entry>Hobbs Counter</entry></row><row><entry>6</entry><entry>8</entry><entry>Hobbs Counter</entry></row><row><entry>7</entry><entry>8</entry><entry>Sensor Count</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0055As can be seen from Table 5 above, in one embodiment, a sequence of rolling data are appended or added to the transmitter data packet with each data transmission time slot. In one embodiment, there may be 256 time slots for data transmission by the transmitter 102 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>), and where, each time slot is separately by approximately 60 second interval. For example, referring to the Table 5 above, the data packet in transmission time slot 0 (zero) may include operational mode data (Mode) as the rolling data that is appended to the transmitted data packet. At the subsequent data transmission time slot (for example, approximately 60 seconds after the initial time slot (0), the transmitted data packet may include the analyte sensor 1 calibration factor information (Glucose1 slope) as the rolling data. In this manner, with each data transmission, the rolling data may be updated over the 256 time slot cycle.

0056Referring again to Table 5, each rolling data field is described in further detail for various embodiments. For example, the Mode data may include information related to the different operating modes such as, but not limited to, the data packet type, the type of battery used, diagnostic routines, single sensor or multiple sensor input, type of data transmission (rf communication link or other data link such as serial connection). Further, the Glucose 1-slope data may include an 8-bit scaling factor or calibration data for first sensor (scaling factor for sensor 1 data) , while Glucose2-slope data may include an 8-bit scaling factor or calibration data for the second analyte sensor (in the embodiment including more than one analyte sensors).

0057In addition, the Ref-R data may include 12 bits of on-board reference resistor used to calibrate our temperature measurement in the thermistor circuit (where 8 bits are transmitted in time slot 3, and the remaining 4 bits are transmitted in time slot 4), and the 20-bit Hobbs counter data may be separately transmitted in three time slots (for example, in time slot 4, time slot 5 and time slot 6) to add up to 20 bits. In one embodiment, the Hobbs counter may be configured to count each occurrence of the data transmission (for example, a packet transmission at approximately 60 second intervals) and may be incremented by a count of one (1).

0058In one aspect, the Hobbs counter is stored in a nonvolatile memory of the transmitter unit 102 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>) and may be used to ascertain the power supply status information such as, for example, the estimated battery life remaining in the transmitter unit 102. That is, with each sensor replacement, the Hobbs counter is not reset, but rather, continues the count with each replacement of the sensor unit 101 to establish contact with the transmitter unit 102 such that, over an extended usage time period of the transmitter unit 102, it may be possible to determine, based on the Hobbs count information, the amount of consumed battery life in the transmitter unit 102, and also, an estimated remaining life of the battery in the transmitter unit 102.

0059That is, in one embodiment, the 20 bit Hobbs counter is incremented by one each time the transmitter unit 102 transmits a data packet (for example, approximately each 60 seconds), and based on the count information in the Hobbs counter, in one aspect, the battery life of the transmitter unit 102 may be estimated. In this manner, in configurations of the transmitter unit 620 (sec <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>) where the power supply is not a replaceable component but rather, embedded within the housing the transmitter unit 620, it is possible to estimate the remaining life of the embedded battery within the transmitter unit 620. Moreover, the Hobbs counter is configured to remain persistent in the memory device of the transmitter unit 620 such that, even when the transmitter unit power is turned off or powered down (for example, during the periodic sensor unit replacement, RF transmission turned off period and the like), the Hobbs counter information is retained.

0060Referring to Table 5 above, the transmitted rolling data may also include 8 bits of sensor count information (for example, transmitted in time slot 7). The 8 bit sensor counter is incremented by one each time a new sensor unit is connected to the transmitter unit. The ASIC configuration of the transmitter unit (or a microprocessor based transmitter configuration or with discrete components) may be configured to store in a nonvolatile memory unit the sensor count information and transmit it to the primary receiver unit 104 (for example). In turn, the primary receiver unit 104 (and/or the secondary receiver unit 106) may be configured to determine whether it is receiving data from the transmitter unit that is associated with the same sensor unit (based on the sensor count information), or from a new or replaced sensor unit (which will have a sensor count incremented by one from the prior sensor count). In this manner, in one aspect, the receiver unit (primary or secondary) may be configured to prevent reuse of the same sensor unit by the user based on verifying the sensor count information associated with the data transmission received from the transmitter unit 102. In addition, in a further aspect, user notification may be associated with one or more of these parameters. Further, the receiver unit (primary or secondary) may be configured to detect when a new sensor has been inserted, and thus prevent erroneous application of one or more calibration parameters determined in conjunction with a prior sensor, that may potentially result in false or inaccurate analyte level determination based on the sensor data.

0061<figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> is a flowchart illustrating a data packet procedure including rolling data for transmission in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>, in one embodiment, a counter is initialized (for example, to T = 0) (410). Thereafter the associated rolling data is retrieved from memory device, for example (420), and also, the time sensitive or urgent data is retrieved (430). In one embodiment, the retrieval of the rolling data (420) and the retrieval of the time sensitive data (430) may be retrieved at substantially the same time.

0062Referring back to <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref>, with the rolling data and the time sensitive data, for example, the data packet for transmission is generated (440), an upon transmission, the counter is incremented by one and the routine returns to retrieval of the rolling data (420). In this manner, in one embodiment, the urgent time sensitive data as well as the non-urgent data may be incorporated in the same data packet and transmitted by the transmitter 102 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>) to a remote device such as one or more of the receivers 104, 106. Furthermore, as discussed above, the rolling data may be updated at a predetermined time interval which is longer than the time interval for each data packet transmission from the transmitter 102 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>).

0063<figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> is a flowchart illustrating data processing of the received data packet including the rolling data in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>, when the data packet is received (510) (for example, by one or more of the receivers 104, 106, in one embodiment, the received data packet is parsed so that the urgent data may be separated from the not-urgent data (stored in, for example, the rolling data field in the data packet). Thereafter the parsed data is suitably stored in an appropriate memory or storage device (530).

0064In the manner described above, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided method and apparatus for separating non-urgent type data (for example, data associated with calibration) from urgent type data (for example, monitored analyte related data) to be transmitted over the communication link to minimize the potential burden or constraint on the available transmission time. More specifically, in one embodiment, non-urgent data may be separated from data that is required by the communication system to be transmitted immediately, and transmitted over the communication link together while maintaining a minimum transmission time window. In one embodiment, the non-urgent data may be parsed or broken up in to a number of data segments, and transmitted over multiple data packets. The time sensitive immediate data (for example, the analyte sensor data, temperature data etc), may be transmitted over the communication link substantially in its entirety with each data packet or transmission.

0065<figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> is a block diagram illustrating the sensor unit and the transmitter unit of the data monitoring and management system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>, in one aspect, a transmitter unit 620 is provided in a substantially water tight and sealed housing. The transmitter unit 620 includes respective contacts (wrk, Ref, Cntr, and gnd) for respectively establishing electrical contact with one or more of the working electrode, the reference electrode, the counter electrode and the ground terminal (or guard trace) of the sensor unit 610. Also shown in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> is a conductivity bar/trace 611 provided on the sensor unit 610. For example, in one embodiment, the conductivity bar/trace 611 may comprise a carbon trace on a substrate layer of the sensor unit 610. In this manner, in one embodiment, when the sensor unit 610 is coupled to the transmitter unit 610, electrical contact is established, for example, via the conductivity bar/trace 611 between the contact pads or points of the transmitter unit 620 (for example, at the counter electrode contact (cntr) and the ground terminal contact (gnd) such that the transmitter unit 620 may be powered for data communication.

0066That is, during manufacturing of the transmitter unit 620, in one aspect, the transmitter unit 620 is configured to include a power supply such as battery 621. Further, during the initial non-use period (e.g., post manufacturing sleep mode), the transmitter unit 620 is configured such that it is not used and thus drained by the components of the transmitter unit 620. During the sleep mode, and prior to establishing electrical contact with the sensor unit 610 via the conductivity bar/trace 611, the transmitter unit 620 is provided with a low power signal from, for example, a low power voltage comparator 622, via an electronic switch 623 to maintain the low power state of, for example, the transmitter unit 620 components. Thereafter, upon connection with the sensor unit 610, and establishing electrical contact via the conductivity bar/trace 611, the embedded power supply 621 of the transmitter unit 620 is activated or powered up so that some of all of the components of the transmitter unit 620 are configured to receive the necessary power signals for operations related to, for example, data communication, processing and/or storage.

0067In one aspect, since the transmitter unit 620 is configured to a sealed housing without a separate replaceable battery compartment, in this manner, the power supply of the battery 621 is preserved during the post manufacturing sleep mode prior to use.

0068In a further aspect, the transmitter unit 620 may be disposed or positioned on a separate on-body mounting unit that may include, for example, an adhesive layer (on its bottom surface) to firmly retain the mounting unit on the skin of the user, and which is configured to receive or firmly position the transmitter unit 620 on the mounting unit during use. In one aspect, the mounting unit may be configured to at least partially retain the position of the sensor unit 610 in a transcutaneous manner so that at least a portion of the sensor unit is in fluid contact with the analyte of the user. Example embodiments of the mounting or base unit and its cooperation or coupling with the transmitter unit are provided, for example, in <patcit id="pcit0013" dnum="US6175752B"><text>US Patent No. 6,175,752</text></patcit>, incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

0069In such a configuration, the power supply for the transmitter unit 620 may be provided within the housing of the mounting unit such that, the transmitter unit 620 may be configured to be powered on or activated upon placement of the transmitter unit 620 on the mounting unit and in electrical contact with the sensor unit 610. For example, the sensor unit 610 may be provided pre-configured or integrated with the mounting unit and the insertion device such that, the user may position the sensor unit 610 on the skin layer of the user using the insertion device coupled to the mounting unit. Thereafter, upon transcutaneous positioning of the sensor unit 610, the insertion device may be discarded or removed from the mounting unit, leaving behind the transcutaneously positioned sensor unit 610 and the mounting unit on the skin surface of the user.

0070Thereafter, when the transmitter unit 620 is positioned on, over or within the mounting unit, the battery or power supply provided within the mounting unit is configured to electrically couple to the transmitter unit 620 and/or the sensor unit 610. Given that the sensor unit 610 and the mounting unit are provided as replaceable components for replacement every 3, 5, 7 days or other predetermined time periods, the user is conveniently not burdened with verifying the status of the power supply providing power to the transmitter unit 620 during use. That is, with the power supply or battery replaced with each replacement of the sensor unit 610, a new power supply or battery will be provided with the new mounting unit for use with the transmitter unit 620.

0071Referring to <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> again, in one aspect, when the sensor unit 610 is removed from the transmitter unit 620 (or vice versa), the electrical contact is broken and the conductivity bar/trace 611 returns to an open circuit. In this case, the transmitter unit 620 may be configured, to detect such condition and generate a last gasp transmission sent to the primary receiver unit 104 (and/or the secondary receiver unit 106) indicating that the sensor unit 610 is disconnected from the transmitter unit 620, and that the transmitter unit 620 is entering a powered down (or low power off) state. And the transmitter unit 620 is powered down into the sleep mode since the connection to the power supply (that is embedded within the transmitter unit 620 housing) is broken.

0072In this manner, in one aspect, the processor 624 of the transmitter unit 620 may be configured to generate the appropriate one or more data or signals associated with the detection of sensor unit 610 disconnection for transmission to the receiver unit 104 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>), and also, to initiate the power down procedure of the transmitter unit 620. In one aspect, the components of the transmitter unit 620 may be configured to include application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design with one or more state machines and one or more nonvolatile and/or volatile memory units such as, for example, EEPROMs and the like.

0073Referring again to <figref idref="f0001">FIGS. 1</figref> and <figref idref="f0006">6</figref>, in one embodiment, the communication between the transmitter unit 620 (or 102 of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>) and the primary receiver unit 104 (and/or the secondary receiver unit 106) may be based on close proximity communication where bi-directional (or uni-directional) wireless communication is established when the devices are physically located in close proximity to each other. That is, in one embodiment, the transmitter unit 620 may be configured to receive very short range commands from the primary receiver unit 104 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>) and perform one or more specific operations based on the received commands from the receiver unit 104).

0074In one embodiment, to maintain secure communication between the transmitter unit and the data receiver unit, the transmitter unit ASIC may be configured to generate a unique close proximity key at power on or initialization. In one aspect, the 4 or 8 bit key may be generated based on, for example, the transmitter unit identification information, and which may be used to prevent undesirable or unintended communication. In a further aspect, the close proximity key may be generated by the receiver unit based on, for example, the transmitter identification information received by the transmitter unit during the initial synchronization or pairing procedure of the transmitter and the receiver units.

0075Referring again to <figref idref="f0001">FIGS. 1</figref> and <figref idref="f0006">6</figref>, in one embodiment, the transmitter unit ASIC configuration may include a 32KHz oscillator and a counter which may be configured to drive the state machine in the transmitter unit ASIC. The transmitter ASIC configuration may include a plurality of close proximity communication commands including, for example, new sensor initiation, pairing with the receiver unit, and RF communication control, among others. For example, when a new sensor unit is positioned and coupled to the transmitter unit so that the transmitter unit is powered on, the transmitter unit is configured to detect or receive a command from the receiver unit positioned in close proximity to the transmitter unit. For example, the receiver unit may be positioned within a couple of inches from the on-body position of the transmitter unit, and when the user activates or initiates a command associated with the new sensor initiation from the receiver unit, the transmitter unit is configured to receive the command from the receiver and, in its response data packet, transmit, among others, its identification information back to the receiver unit.

0076In one embodiment, the initial sensor unit initiation command does not require the use of the close proximity key. However, other predefined or preconfigured close-proximity commands may be configured to require the use of the 8 bit key (or a key of a different number of bits). For example, in one embodiment, the receiver unit may be configured to transmit a RF on/off command to turn on/off the RF communication module or unit in the transmitter unit 1 02. Such RF on/off command in one embodiment includes the close proximity key as part of the transmitted command for reception by the transmitter unit.

0077During the period that the RF communication module or unit is turned off based on the received close proximity command, the transmitter unit does not transmit any data, including any glucose related data. In one embodiment, the glucose related data from the sensor unit which are not transmitted by the transmitter unit during the time period when the RF communication module or unit of the transmitter unit is turned off may be stored in a memory or storage unit of the transmitter unit for subsequent transmission to the receiver unit when the transmitter unit RF communication module or unit is turned back on based on the RF-on command from the receiver unit. In this manner, in one embodiment, the transmitter unit may be powered down (temporarily, for example, during air travel) without removing the transmitter unit from the on-body position.

0078<figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref> is a flowchart illustrating data communication using close proximity commands in the data monitoring and management system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref>, the primary receiver unit 104 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>) in one aspect may be configured to retrieve or generate a close proximity command (710) for transmission to the transmitter unit 102. To establish the transmission range (720), the primary receiver unit 104 may be positioned physically close to (that is, within a predetermined distance from) the transmitter unit 102. For example, the transmission range for the close proximity communication may be established at approximately one foot distance or less between the transmitter unit 102 and the primary receiver unit 104. When the transmitter unit 102 and the primary receiver unit 104 are within the transmission range, the close proximity command, upon initiation from the receiver unit 104 may be transmitted to the transmitter unit 102 (730).

0079Referring back to <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref>, in response to the transmitted close proximity command, a response data packet or other responsive communication may be received (740). In one aspect, the response data packet or other responsive communication may include identification information of the transmitter unit 102 transmitting the response data packer or other response communication to the receiver unit 104. In one aspect, the receiver unit 104 may be configured to generate a key (for example, an 8 bit key or a key of a predetermined length) based on the transmitter identification information (750), and which maybe used in subsequent close proximity communication between the transmitter unit 102 and the receiver unit 104.

0080In one aspect, the data communication including the generated key may allow the recipient of the data communication to recognize the sender of the data communication and confirm that the sender of the data communication is the intended data sending device, and thus, including data which is desired or anticipated by the recipient of the data communication. In this manner, in one embodiment, one or more close proximity commands may be configured to include the generated key as part of the transmitted data packet. Moreover, the generated key may be based on the transmitter ID or other suitable unique information so that the receiver unit 104 may use such information for purposes of generating the unique key for the bi-directional communication between the devices.

0081While the description above includes generating the key based on the transmitter unit 102 identification information, within the scope of the present disclosure, the key may be generated based on one or more other information associated with the transmitter unit 102, and/or the receiver unit combination. In a further embodiment, the key may be encrypted and stored in a memory unit or storage device in the transmitter unit 102 for transmission to the receiver unit 104.

0082<figref idref="f0008">FIG. 8</figref> is a flowchart illustrating sensor insertion detection routine in the data monitoring and management system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 8</figref>, connection to an analyte sensor is detected (810, based on for example, a power up procedure where the sensor conduction trace 611 (<figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>) is configured to establish electrical contact with a predetermined one or more contact points on the transmitter unit 102. That is, when the sensor unit 101 (for example, the electrodes of the sensor) is correspondingly connected to the contact points on the transmitter unit 102, the transmitter unit 102 is configured to close the circuit connecting its power supply (for example, the battery 621 (<figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>)) to the components of the transmitter unit 102 and thereby exiting the power down or low power state into active or power up state.

0083In this manner, as discussed above, in one aspect, the transmitter unit 102 may be configured to include a power supply such as a battery 621 integrally provided within the sealed housing of the transmitter unit 102. When the transmitter unit 102 is connected or coupled to the respective electrodes of the analyte sensor that is positioned in a transcutaneous manner under the skin layer of the patient, the transmitter unit 102 is configured to wake up from its low power or sleep state (820), and power up the various components of the transmitter unit 102. In the active state, the transmitter unit 102 may be further configured to receive and process sensor signals received from the analyte sensor (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>) (830), and thereafter, transmit the processed sensor signals (840) to, for example, the receiver unit 104 (<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>).

0084Accordingly, in one aspect, the sensor unit 610 (<figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>) may be provided with a conduction trace 611 which may be used to wake up or exit the transmitter unit from its post manufacturing sleep mode into an active state, by for example, establishing a closed circuit with the power supply provided within the transmitter unit 102.

0085<figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref> is a flowchart illustrating sensor removal detection routine in the data monitoring and management system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref>, when the sensor removal is detected (910) for example, based on detaching or removing the transmitter unit 102 that was in contact with the sensor unit 101, one or more status signal is generated (920), that includes, for example, an indication that the sensor removal state has been detected, and/or an indication that the transmitter unit 102 will enter a sleep mode or a powered down status. Thereafter, the generated status signal in one aspect is transmitted, for example, to the receiver unit 104 (930), and the transmitter unit 102 is configured to enter the power down mode or low power sleep mode (940).

0086In this manner, in one aspect, when the transmitter unit 102 is disconnected with an active sensor unit 101, the transmitter unit 102 is configured to notify the receiver unit 104 that the sensor unit 101 has been disconnected or otherwise, signals from the sensor unit 101 is no longer received by the transmitter unit 102. After transmitting the one or more signals to notify the receiver unit 104, the transmitter unit 102 in one embodiment is configured to enter sleep mode or low power state during which no data related to the monitored analyte level is transmitted to the receiver unit 104.

0087<figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref> is a flowchart illustrating the pairing or synchronization routine in the data monitoring and management system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref>, in one embodiment, the transmitter unit 102 may be configured to receive a sensor initiate close proximity command (1010) from the receiver unit 104 positioned within the close transmission range. Based on the received sensor initiate command, the transmitter unit identification information may be retrieved (for example, from a nonvolatile memory) and transmitted (1020) to the receiver unit 104 or the sender of the sensor initiate command.

0088Referring back to <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref>, a communication key (1030) optionally encrypted is received in one embodiment, and thereafter, sensor related data is transmitted with the communication key on a periodic basis such as, every 60 seconds, five minutes, or any suitable predetermined time intervals.

0089Referring now to <figref idref="f0011">FIG. 11</figref>, a flowchart illustrating the pairing or synchronization routine in the data monitoring and management system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown. That is, in one aspect, <figref idref="f0011">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates the pairing or synchronization routine from the receiver unit 104. Referring back to <figref idref="f0011">FIG. 11</figref>, the sensor initiate command is transmitted to the transmitter unit 102 (1110) when the receiver unit 104 is positioned within a close transmission range. Thereafter, in one aspect, the transmitter identification information is received (1120) for example, from the transmitter unit that received the sensor initiate command. Thereafter, a communication key (optionally encrypted) may be generated and transmitted (1 130) to the transmitter unit.

0090In the manner described above, in one embodiment, a simplified pairing or synchronization between the transmitter unit 102 and the receiver unit 104 may be established using, for example, close proximity commands between the devices. As described above, in one aspect, upon pairing or synchronization, the transmitter unit 102 may be configured to periodically transmit analyte level information to the receiver unit for further processing.

0091<figref idref="f0012">FIG. 12</figref> is a flowchart illustrating the power supply determination in the data monitoring and management system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. That is, in one embodiment, using a counter, the receiver unit 104 may be configured to determine the power supply level of the transmitter unit 102 battery so as to determine a suitable time for replacement of the power supply or the transmitter unit 102 itself. Referring to <figref idref="f0012">FIG. 12</figref>, periodic data transmission is detected (1210), and a corresponding count in the counter is incremented for example, by one with each detected data transmission (1220). In particular, a Hobbs counter may be used in the rolling data configuration described above to provide a count that is associated with the transmitter unit data transmission occurrence.

0092Referring to <figref idref="f0012">FIG. 12</figref>, the updated or incremented count stored in the Hobbs counter is periodically transmitted in the data packet from the transmitter unit 102 to the receiver unit 104. Moreover, the incremented or updated count may be stored (1240) in a persistent nonvolatile memory unit of the transmitter unit 102. Accordingly, based on the number of data transmission occurrences, the battery power supply level may be estimated, and in turn, which may provide an indication as to when the battery (and thus the transmitter unit in the embodiment where the power supply is manufactured to be embedded within the transmitter unit housing) needs to be replaced.

0093Moreover, in one aspect, the incremented count in the Hobbs counter is stored in a persistent nonvolatile memory such that, the counter is not reset or otherwise restarted with each sensor unit replacement.

0094<figref idref="f0013">FIG. 13</figref> is a flowchart illustrating close proximity command for RF communication control in the data monitoring and management system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <figref idref="f0013">FIG. 13</figref>, a close proximity command associated with communication status, for example is received (1310). In one aspect, the command associated with the communication status may include, for example, a communication module turn on or turn off command for, for example, turning on or turning off the associated RF communication device of the transmitter unit 102. Referring to <figref idref="f0013">FIG. 13</figref>, the communication status is determined (1320), and thereafter, modified based on the received command (1330).

0095That is, in one aspect, using one or more close proximity commands, the receiver unit 104 may be configured to control the RF communication of the transmitter unit 102 to, for example, disable or turn off the RF communication functionality for a predetermined time period. This may be particularly useful when used in air travel or other locations such as hospital settings, where RF communication devices need to be disabled. In one aspect, the close proximity command may be used to either turn on or turn off the RF communication module of the transmitter unit 102, such that, when the receiver unit 104 is positioned in close proximity to the transmitter unit 102, and the RF command is transmitted, the transmitter unit 102 is configured, in one embodiment, to either turn off or turn on the RF communication capability of the transmitter unit 102.

0096<figref idref="f0014">FIG. 14</figref> is a flowchart illustrating analyte sensor identification routine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <figref idref="f0014">FIG. 14</figref>, periodically, sensor counter information is received (1410), for example included as rolling data discussed above. The received sensor counter information may be stored in one or more storage units such as a memory unit. When the sensor counter information is received, a stored sensor counter information is retrieved (1420), and the retrieved sensor counter information is compared with the received sensor counter information (1430). Based on the comparison between the retrieved sensor counter information and the received sensor counter information, one or more signal is generated and output (1440).

0097That is, in one aspect, the sensor counter in the transmitter unit 1 02 may be configured to increment by one with each new sensor replacement. Thus, in one aspect, the sensor counter information may be associated with a particular sensor from which monitored analyte level information is generated and transmitted to the receiver unit 104. Accordingly, in one embodiment, based on the sensor counter information, the receiver unit 104 may be configured to ensure that the analyte related data is generated and received from the correct analyte sensor transmitted from the transmitter unit 102.

0098An analyte monitoring system in one aspect includes a data processing unit, and a control unit in wireless communication with the data processing unit, the control unit configured to transmit one or more predefined close proximity commands to the data processing unit, where the data processing unit is configured to perform one or more predefined functions in response to the received one or more predefined close proximity commands.

0099The data processing unit may include a close proximity receiver coupled to an antenna for receiving the one or more predefined close proximity commands from the control unit.

0100In one aspect, the data processing unit may be configured to transmit one or more signals related to a monitored analyte level in response to the received one or more predefined close proximity commands.

0101Further, the communication of the one or more predefined close proximity commands may be performed when the data processing unit and the control unit are within a predetermined distance from each other, where the predetermined distance may include a distance of less than one foot.

0102Also, there may be provided a memory unit, which may include an EEPROM or any other suitable type of nonvolatile or volatile memory, or combinations thereof.

0103In one embodiment, the control unit may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) configuration.

0104The analyte sensor may be coupled to the data processing unit, where the data processing unit may receive one or more signals from the analyte sensor, and where the control unit and the data processing unit may be in wireless communication using RF communication protocol.

0105A method in accordance with one embodiment includes positioning a controller unit within a transmission range for close proximity communication, transmitting one or more predefined close proximity commands, and receiving a response packet in response to the transmitted one or more predefined close proximity commands.

0106The method may include generating a communication key associated with the response packet, where the communication key may be generated based on at least in part, a transmitter unit identification information, and further, where the transmitter unit identification information may be included in the response packet.

0107The transmission range in one embodiment may include a distance of less than one foot.

0108The method may also include storing one or more of the predefined close proximity commands or the response packet, where storing may include storing the commands or the response packet in a nonvolatile memory device.

0109The method may include receiving one or more signals from the analyte sensor, and further, where the transmitting and receiving include RF communication protocol.

0110An analyte sensor in one embodiment includes a substrate, a plurality of electrodes provided on the substrate, at least a portion of one of the plurality of electrodes positioned in fluid contact with an analyte of a user, and a conductive trace provided on the substrate and coupled to one of the plurality of electrodes.

0111The conductive trace may comprise carbon.

0112In one aspect, the conductive trace is connected to a ground terminal.

0113The plurality of electrodes may include one or more of a working electrode, a reference electrode and/or a counter electrode, and where the conductive trace may be connected to the counter electrode.

0114In one embodiment, the plurality of electrodes may be positioned in a stacked configuration.

0115The conductive trace in one aspect may be configured to establish electrical contact with a power supply to provide electrical signal to one or more of the plurality of electrodes.

0116Additionally, the conductive trace may be connected to a ground terminal, or alternatively, the conductive trace may be connected to a guard trace.

0117A system for powering a data processing device in accordance with another embodiment includes an analyte sensor, including a substrate, a plurality of electrodes provided on the substrate, at least a portion of one of the plurality of electrodes positioned in fluid contact with an analyte of a user, and a conductive trace provided on the substrate and coupled to one of the plurality of electrodes, a data processing device including a contact point for electrically connecting to one of the plurality of electrodes, the data processing device further including a power supply where when the contact point is in electrical connection with the one of the plurality of electrodes, the power supply is configured to transition the data processing device from a low power state to an active power state.

0118The power supply in one aspect includes a battery.

0119The one of the plurality of electrodes may include a counter electrode of the analyte sensor.

0120The conductive trace and the data processing device may be coupled to a ground terminal.

0121The sensor may include a guard trace disposed on the substrate, and further, where the data processing device may include a guard contact point for electrically coupling to the guard trace.

0122The data processing device may include a data communication unit to transmit one or more signals related to the monitored analyte level received from the analyte sensor, and further, where the data communication unit may include a close proximity receiver for receiving one or more close proximity commands.

0123The analyte sensor may include a glucose sensor.

0124Additionally, the analyte sensor may be transcutaneously positioned such that at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of electrodes is in fluid contact with an analyte of a user.

0125A method in accordance with still another embodiment includes detecting an electrical connection with an analyte sensor, and activating a data processing device to receive one or more analyte related signals from the analyte sensor.

0126The method may also include processing the one or more analyte related signals for wireless transmission.

0127An analyte monitoring device in one embodiment includes a data transmission section, a data receiving section, and a data processing section coupled to the data receiving section, where the data receiving section is configured to receive a predefined command, and further, where the data processing section is configured to control the data transmission section to transmit one or more data in response to the received predefined command.

0128The data receiving section may include a close proximity receiver.

0129The data transmission section may include an RF transmitter.

0130The device may include an antenna coupled to the data transmission section and the data receiving section for wireless data communication.

0131The data processing section may include a state machine.

0132The transmitted one or more data in one embodiment may include a device identification information.

0133In one aspect, the transmitted one or more data may include a response data packet, where the response data packet may include one or more of a communication mode information, a device status information, a device type information, a close proximity command information, or a sensor count information.

0134The device may include a memory unit for storing data.

0135A method in another embodiment includes receiving a command to initiate communication with an analyte sensor, retrieving an identification information, transmitting the retrieved identification information, and receiving a communication key associated with the transmitted identification information.

0136In one aspect, the received command may include a close proximity command.

0137Moreover, the retrieved identification information may be wirelessly transmitted over an RF communication link.

0138The identification information may include a data processing device identification information, where the data processing device identification information may include a transmitter identification information.

0139The communication key may include an 8 bit data associated with the identification information.

0140The method in another aspect may include transmitting a data packet including the communication key.

0141The method may also include storing the communication key.

0142In still another aspect, the analyte sensor may include a glucose sensor.

0143Moreover, the method may include receiving one or more signals related to a monitored analyte level, where the analyte level may include glucose level.

0144A method in one embodiment includes detecting a data transmission, incrementing a count associated with the detected data transmission, and storing the count.

0145The count may be incremented by one.

0146In a further aspect, the method may include associating a power supply level information with the stored count.

0147Moreover, the method may also include generating a signal associated with the stored count, and/or include outputting the generated signal, where outputting the generated signal may include one or more of visually displaying the generated signal, audibly outputting the generated signal, or vibratorily outputting the generated signal.

0148In yet another aspect, the method may include transmitting the count with the data transmission, where the count may be transmitted periodically with the data transmission.

0149In still another aspect, the method may include associating a power supply status with the count.

0150A data processing device in another embodiment may include a counter, a data communication unit, and a data processing section coupled to the data communication unit and the counter, the data processing section configured to increment a count stored in the counter based on data transmission by the data communication unit.

0151In one aspect, the counter may include a nonvolatile memory unit. The counter may include an EEPROM.

0152The data communication unit may include an RF transceiver.

0153The count stored in the counter may be incremented by one with each data transmission by the data communication unit.

0154The device may include a power supply coupled to the data processing unit, the data communication unit and the counter, where the count stored in the counter is not erased when the power supply is disabled or in low power state.

0155The data processing unit may be configured to estimate the power supply life based on the stored count in the counter.

0156The device in a further aspect may include an output section for outputting one or more signals associated with the count information, where the output section may include one or more of a display unit, an audible output section, or a vibratory output section.

0157An analyte monitoring system in one embodiment includes a data processing unit including a communication module, and a control unit in wireless communication with the data processing unit, the control unit configured to receive a predefined close proximity command associated with the wireless communication status of the data processing unit to the data processing unit, where in response to the received predefined close proximity command, the data processing unit changes the operational status of the communication module.

0158The predefined close proximity command may include one of an RF switch on command or an RF switch off command.

0159The data processing unit may modify the operational status of the communication module in response to the received predefined close proximity command, where the operational status may include one of an active status and an inactive status.

0160Additionally, when the communication module is in the inactive status, the data processing unit may be configured to not transmit any data to the control unit.

0161The control unit may include an output section to output information associated with the predefined close proximity command, where the output information may include one or more of a visual display output, an audible output, or a vibratory output.

0162In one aspect, the output information may include an icon, a visual display, a two or three dimensional image, video, or graphics, a audible output, an alarm, or combinations thereof.

0163A method in accordance with another embodiment includes determining a communication status, receiving a communication related close proximity command, and modifying the communication status based on the received command, where the communication status may include one of an RF communication module in active mode, or the RF communication module in inactive mode.

0164Also, modifying the communication status may include switching from the active mode to the inactive mode of the RF communication module, or from the inactive mode to the active mode of the RF communication module.

0165Additionally, modifying the communication status may include disabling wireless data transmission based on the received command.

0166The wireless data transmission may be disabled for a predetermined time period.

0167In another aspect, the method may include receiving a further communication related close proximity command, and further modifying the communication status based on the received further command, where further modifying may include activating the wireless data transmission based on the received further command.

0168The method in a further aspect may include transmitting data associated with monitored analyte level of a user, and further, also may include wirelessly transmitting the data associated with the monitored analyte level for further processing.

0169The method may include entering inactive operational mode based on the modified communication status.

0170In still another aspect, the method may include storing analyte related data received from an analyte sensor during the modified communication status period.

0171An analyte monitoring device in one embodiment includes a counter, and a data processing section coupled to the counter, the data processing section configured to increment a count stored in the counter based on a detection of an analyte sensor.

0172The counter may include a nonvolatile memory unit.

0173The data processing section may include a communication module to transmit data related to the count.

0174A control device for communicating with an analyte monitoring unit in one embodiment includes a data communication section configured to periodically receive data including a count information related to an analyte sensor associated with the received data, and a processing unit coupled to the data communication section to process the received data, the processing unit further configured to compare the count information in each data periodically received, and when it is determined that the count information of the periodically received data is different, the processing unit is configured to generate one or more signals related to the status of the analyte sensor.

0175In one aspect, the one or more signals generated may include a command to disable the data communication section.

0176The one or more signals generated may be provided to a user.

0177The device in a further aspect may include a display unit and where the one or more signals generated is displayed on the display unit.

0178In yet another aspect, the one or more signals output may include one or more of a visual indicator, an audible indicator or a vibratory indicator.

0179A method in accordance with yet another embodiment includes detecting an analyte sensor, updating a count associated with the detected analyte sensor, and transmitting the updated count.

0180The method may include storing the updated count.

0181Additionally, the method may include detecting a further analyte sensor, further updating the count associated with the detected further analyte sensor, and transmitting the further updated count.

0182A method in accordance with still another embodiment includes periodically receiving data including a count information related to an analyte sensor associated with the received data, and comparing the count information in each data periodically received, and when it is determined that the count information of the periodically received data is different, generating one or more signals related to the status of the analyte sensor.

0183The one or more signals generated may include a command to disable data communication.

0184The method may also include providing the one or more signals generated to a user, and also, include outputting the one or more signals generated.

0185In still a further aspect, the method may include storing the count information.

0186The status of the analyte sensor may include a new analyte sensor detection.

0187Additionally, the method may include prompting a user to replace the analyte sensor.

0188Various other modifications and alterations in the structure and method of operation of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the present invention and that structures and methods within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Clauses

0189<ul id="ul0002" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>Clause 1. An analyte monitoring system, comprising: a data processing unit; and a control unit in wireless communication with the data processing unit, the control unit configured to transmit one or more predefined close proximity commands to the data processing unit; wherein the data processing unit is configured to perform one or more predefined functions in response to the received one or more predefined close proximity commands.</li><li>Clause 2. The system of clause 1 wherein the data processing unit includes a close proximity receiver coupled to an antenna for receiving the one or more predefined close proximity commands from the control unit.</li><li>Clause 3. The system of clause 1 wherein the data processing unit is configured to transmit one or more signals related to a monitored analyte level in response to the received one or more predefined close proximity commands.</li><li>Clause 4. The system of clause 3 wherein the communication of the one or more predefined close proximity commands is performed when the data processing unit and the control unit are within a predetermined distance from each other.</li><li>Clause 5. The system of clause 4 wherein the predetermined distance includes a distance of less than one foot.</li><li>Clause 6. The system of clause 1 including a memory unit.</li><li>Clause 7. The system of clause 6 wherein the memory unit includes an EEPROM.</li><li>Clause 8. The system of clause 1 wherein the control unit includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) configuration.</li><li>Clause 9. The system of clause 1 including an analyte sensor coupled to the data processing unit, wherein the data processing unit receives one or more signals from the analyte sensor.</li><li>Clause 10. The system of clause 9 wherein the control unit and the data processing unit are in wireless communication using RF communication protocol.</li><li>Clause 11. A method, comprising: positioning a controller unit within a transmission range for close proximity communication; transmitting one or more predefined close proximity commands; and receiving a response packet in response to the transmitted one or more predefined close proximity commands.</li><li>Clause 12. The method of clause 11 including generating a communication key associated with the response packet.</li><li>Clause 13. The method of clause 12, wherein the communication key is generated based on at least in part, a transmitter unit identification information.</li><li>Clause 14. The method of clause 13 wherein the transmitter unit identification information is included in the response packet.</li><li>Clause 15. The method of clause 11 wherein the transmission range includes a distance of less than one foot.</li><li>Clause 16. The method of clause 11 including storing one or more of the predefined close proximity commands or the response packet.</li><li>Clause 17. The method of clause 16 wherein storing includes storing the commands or the response packet in a nonvolatile memory device.</li><li>Clause 18. The method of clause 11 including receiving one or more signals from the analyte sensor.</li><li>Clause 19. The method of clause 11 wherein the transmitting and receiving include RF communication protocol.</li><li>Clause 20. An analyte sensor, comprising: a substrate; a plurality of electrodes provided on the substrate, at least a portion of one of the plurality of electrodes positioned in fluid contact with an analyte of a user; and a conductive trace provided on the substrate and coupled to one of the plurality of electrodes.</li><li>Clause 21. The sensor of clause 20 wherein the conductive trace comprises carbon.</li><li>Clause 22. The sensor of clause 20 wherein the conductive trace is connected to a ground terminal.</li><li>Clause 23. The sensor of clause 20 wherein the plurality of electrodes includes a working electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode.</li><li>Clause 24. The sensor of clause 23 wherein the conductive trace is connected to the counter electrode.</li><li>Clause 25. The sensor of clause 20 wherein the plurality of electrodes are positioned in a stacked configuration.</li><li>Clause 26. The sensor of clause 20 wherein the conductive trace is configured to establish electrical contact with a power supply to provide electrical signal to one or more of the plurality of electrodes.</li><li>Clause 27. The sensor of clause 20 wherein the conductive trace is connected to a ground terminal.</li><li>Clause 28. The sensor of clause 20 wherein the conductive trace is connected to a guard trace.</li><li>Clause 29. A system for powering a data processing device, comprising: an analyte sensor, including: a substrate; a plurality of electrodes provided on the substrate, at least a portion of one of the plurality of electrodes positioned in fluid contact with an analyte of a user; and a conductive trace provided on the substrate and coupled to one of the plurality of electrodes; and a data processing device including a contact point for electrically connecting to one of the plurality of electrodes, the data processing device further including a power supply wherein when the contact point is in electrical connection with the one of the plurality of electrodes, the power supply is configured to transition the data processing device from a low power state to an active power state.</li><li>Clause 30. The system of clause 29 wherein the power supply includes a battery.</li><li>Clause 31. The system of clause 29 wherein the one of the plurality of electrodes includes a counter electrode of the analyte sensor.</li><li>Clause 32. The system of clause 29 wherein the conductive trace and the data processing device are coupled to a ground terminal.</li><li>Clause 33. The system of clause 29 wherein the sensor includes a guard trace disposed on the substrate, and further, wherein the data processing device includes a guard contact point for electrically coupling to the guard trace.</li><li>Clause 34. The system of clause 29 wherein the data processing device includes a data communication unit to transmit one or more signals related to the monitored analyte level received from the analyte sensor.</li><li>Clause 35. The system of clause 34 wherein the data communication unit includes a close proximity receiver for receiving one or more close proximity commands.</li><li>Clause 36. The system of clause 29 wherein the analyte sensor includes a glucose sensor.</li><li>Clause 37. The system of clause 29 wherein the analyte sensor is transcutaneously positioned such that at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of electrodes is in fluid contact with an analyte of a user.</li><li>Clause 38. A method, comprising: detecting an electrical connection with an analyte sensor; and activating a data processing device to receive one or more analyte related signals from the analyte sensor.</li><li>Clause 39. The method of clause 38 including processing the one or more analyte related signals for wireless transmission.</li><li>Clause 40. An analyte monitoring device, comprising: a data transmission section; a data receiving section; and a data processing section coupled to the data receiving section; wherein the data receiving section is configured to receive a predefined command, and further, wherein the data processing section is configured to control the data transmission section to transmit one or more data in response to the received predefined command.</li><li>Clause 41. The device of clause 40 wherein the data receiving section includes a close proximity receiver.</li><li>Clause 42. The device of clause 40 wherein the data transmission section includes an RF transmitter.</li><li>Clause 43. The device of clause 40 including an antenna coupled to the data transmission section and the data receiving section for wireless data communication.</li><li>Clause 44. The device of clause 40 wherein the data processing section includes a state machine. Clause 45. The device of clause 40 wherein the transmitted one or more data includes a device identification information.</li><li>Clause 46. The device of clause 40 wherein the transmitted one or more data includes a response data packet.</li><li>Clause 47. The device of clause 46 wherein the response data packet includes one or more of a communication mode information, a device status information, a device type information, a close proximity command information, or a sensor count information.</li><li>Clause 48. The device of clause 40 including a memory unit for storing data.</li><li>Clause 49. A method, comprising: receiving a command to initiate communication with an analyte sensor; retrieving an identification information; transmitting the retrieved identification information; and receiving a communication key associated with the transmitted identification information.</li><li>Clause 50. The method of clause 49 wherein the received command includes a close proximity command.</li><li>Clause 51. The method of clause 49 wherein the retrieved identification information is wirelessly transmitted over an RF communication link.</li><li>Clause 52. The method of clause 49 wherein the identification information includes a data processing device identification information.</li><li>Clause 53. The method of clause 52 wherein the data processing device identification information includes a transmitter identification information.</li><li>Clause 54. The method of clause 49 wherein the communication key includes an 8 bit data associated with the identification information.</li><li>Clause 55. The method of clause 49 including transmitting a data packet including the communication key.</li><li>Clause 56. The method of clause 49 including storing the communication key.</li><li>Clause 57. The method of clause 49 wherein the analyte sensor includes a glucose sensor. Clause 58. The method of clause 49 including receiving one or more signals related to a monitored analyte level.</li><li>Clause 59. The method of clause 58 wherein the analyte level includes glucose level.</li><li>Clause 60. A method, comprising: detecting a data transmission; incrementing a count associated with the detected data transmission; and storing the count.</li><li>Clause 61. The method of clause 60 wherein the count is incremented by one.</li><li>Clause 62. The method of clause 60 including associating a power supply level information with the stored count.</li><li>Clause 63. The method of clause 60 including generating a signal associated with the stored count.</li><li>Clause 64. The method of clause 63 including outputting the generated signal.</li><li>Clause 65. The method of clause 64 wherein outputting the generated signal includes one or more of visually displaying the generated signal, audibly outputting the generated signal, or vibratorily outputting the generated signal.</li><li>Clause 66. The method of clause 60 including transmitting the count with the data transmission. Clause 67. The method of clause 66 wherein the count is transmitted periodically with the data transmission.</li><li>Clause 68. The method of clause 60 including associating a power supply status with the count.</li><li>Clause 69. A data processing device, comprising: a counter; a data communication unit; and a data processing section coupled to the data communication unit and the counter, the data processing section configured to increment a count stored in the counter based on data transmission by the data communication unit.</li><li>Clause 70. The device of clause 69 wherein the counter includes a nonvolatile memory unit. Clause 71. The device of clause 69 wherein the counter includes an EEPROM.</li><li>Clause 72. The device of clause 69 wherein the data communication unit includes an RF transceiver.</li><li>Clause 73. The device of clause 69 wherein the count stored in the counter is incremented by one with each data transmission by the data communication unit.</li><li>Clause 74. The device of clause 69 including a power supply coupled to the data processing unit, the data communication unit and the counter.</li><li>Clause 75. The device of clause 74 wherein the count stored in the counter is not erased when the power supply is disabled or in low power state.</li><li>Clause 76. The device of clause 74 wherein the data processing unit is configured to estimate the power supply life based on the stored count in the counter.</li><li>Clause 77. The device of clause 69 including an output section for outputting one or more signals associated with the count information.</li><li>Clause 78. The device of clause 77 wherein the output section includes one or more of a display unit, an audible output section, or a vibratory output section.</li><li>Clause 79. An analyte monitoring system, comprising: a data processing unit including a communication module; and a control unit in wireless communication with the data processing unit, the control unit configured to receive a predefined close proximity command associated with the wireless communication status of the data processing unit to the data processing unit; wherein in response to the received predefined close proximity command, the data processing unit changes the operational status of the communication module.</li><li>Clause 80. The system of clause 79 wherein the predefined close proximity command includes one of an RF switch on command or an RF switch off command.</li><li>Clause 81. The system of clause 79 wherein the data processing unit modifies the operational status of the communication module in response to the received predefined close proximity command.</li><li>Clause 82. The system of clause 81 wherein the operational status includes one of an active status and an inactive status.</li><li>Clause 83. The system of clause 82 wherein when the communication module is in the inactive status, the data processing unit does not transmit any data to the control unit.</li><li>Clause 84. The system of clause 79 wherein the control unit includes an output section to output information associated with the predefined close proximity command.</li><li>Clause 85. The system of clause 84 wherein the output information includes one or more of a visual display output, an audible output, or a vibratory output.</li><li>Clause 86. The system of clause 84 wherein the output information includes an icon.</li><li>Clause 87. A method, comprising: determining a communication status; receiving a communication related close proximity command; and modifying the communication status based on the received command.</li><li>Clause 88. The method of clause 87 wherein the communication status includes one of an RF communication module in active mode, or the RF communication module in inactive mode.</li><li>Clause 89. The method of clause 88 wherein modifying the communication status includes switching from the active mode to the inactive mode of the RF communication module, or from the inactive mode to the active mode of the RF communication module.</li><li>Clause 90. The method of clause 87 wherein modifying the communication status includes disabling wireless data transmission based on the received command.</li><li>Clause 91. The method of clause 90 wherein the wireless data transmission is disabled for a predetermined time period.</li><li>Clause 92. The method of clause 90 further including: receiving a further communication related close proximity command; and further modifying the communication status based on the received further command.</li><li>Clause 93. The method of clause 92 wherein further modifying includes activating the wireless data transmission based on the received further command.</li><li>Clause 94. The method of clause 88 including transmitting data associated with monitored analyte level of a user.</li><li>Clause 95. The method of clause 94 including wirelessly transmitting the data associated with the monitored analyte level for further processing.</li><li>Clause 96. The method of clause 88 including entering inactive operational mode based on the modified communication status.</li><li>Clause 97. The method of clause 88 including storing analyte related data received from an analyte sensor during the modified communication status period.</li><li>Clause 98. An analyte monitoring device, comprising: a counter; and a data processing section coupled to the counter, the data processing section configured to increment a count stored in the counter based on a detection of an analyte sensor.</li><li>Clause 99. The device of clause 98 wherein the counter includes a nonvolatile memory unit.</li><li>Clause 100. The device of clause 98 wherein the data processing section includes a communication module to transmit data related to the count.</li><li>Clause 101. A control device for communicating with an analyte monitoring unit, compnsmg: a data communication section configured to periodically receive data including a count information related to an analyte sensor associated with the received data; and a processing unit coupled to the data communication section to process the received data, the processing unit further configured to compare the count information in each data periodically received, and when it is determined that the count information of the periodically received data is different, the processing unit is configured to generate one or more signals related to the status of the analyte sensor.</li><li>Clause 102. The device of clause 101 wherein the one or more signals generated include a command to disable the data communication section.</li><li>Clause 103. The device of clause 101 wherein the one or more signals generated is provided to a user.</li><li>Clause 104. The device of clause 103 including a display unit and wherein the one or more signals generated is displayed on the display unit.</li><li>Clause 105. The device of clause 103 wherein the one or more signals output includes one or more of a visual indicator, an audible indicator or a vibratory indicator.</li><li>Clause 106. A method, comprising: detecting an analyte sensor; updating a count associated with the detected analyte sensor; and transmitting the updated count.</li><li>Clause 107. The method of clause 106 including storing the updated count.</li><li>Clause 108. The method of clause 106 including: detecting a further analyte sensor; further updating the count associated with the detected further analyte sensor; and transmitting the further updated count.</li><li>Clause 109. A method, comprising: periodically receiving data including a count information related to an analyte sensor associated with the received data; and comparing the count information in each data periodically received, and when it is determined that the count information of the periodically received data is different, generating one or more signals related to the status of the analyte sensor.</li><li>Clause 110. The method of clause 109 wherein the one or more signals generated includes a command to disable data communication.</li><li>Clause 111. The method of clause 109 including providing the one or more signals generated to a user.</li><li>Clause 112. The method of clause 111 including outputting the one or more signals generated. Clause 113. The method of clause 109 including storing the count information.</li><li>Clause 114. The method of clause 109 wherein the status of the analyte sensor includes a new analyte sensor detection.</li><li>Clause 115. The method of clause 109 including prompting a user to replace the analyte sensor.</li></ul>