Analyte detection system with software download capabilities

Abstract

An analyte concentration monitoring system having network-based communication features which provide a link between an analyte detection system and a centralized computer. The analyte detection system has a processor that calculates analyte concentration in accordance with software executable by the processor. Under certain conditions, the software needs to be updated. Accordingly, when the analyte detection system is connected to the centralized computer, the centralized computer determines whether a software update is needed. If a software update is needed, then the centralized computer conveniently provides the software update to the analyte detection system without intervention from a user.

1 - 45 . (canceled)  
     
     
         46 . An analyte concentration monitoring system, comprising: 
 a non-interferometric analyte detection system comprising:    a source capable of emitting a beam of radiation along an optical path;    a detector located in said optical path, wherein said analyte detection system is configured to hold a sample element situated in said optical path;    a processor that calculates an analyte concentration in a sample in said sample element in accordance with software executable by said processor; and    a network interface that is configured to provide a connection to a computing network and to support communication between said computing network and said analyte detection system;    wherein said analyte detection system is configured to receive an update from said computing network without intervention from a user, said update being configured to alter the calculation of said analyte concentration by said processor.    
     
     
         47 . The monitoring system of  claim 46 , wherein the analyte detection system is configured to automatically receive an update from said computing network.  
     
     
         48 . The monitoring system of  claim 46 , further comprising a computing network configured to send said update to said analyte detection system.  
     
     
         49 . The monitoring system of  claim 46 , wherein said analyte detection system is dimensioned for handheld portability.  
     
     
         50 . The monitoring system of  claim 46 , wherein said analyte detection system is configured to continuously calculate said analyte concentration in said sample in said sample element.  
     
     
         51 . An analyte concentration monitoring system, comprising: 
 a non-interferometric, optical analyte detection system comprising: 
 a housing;  
 a sample extractor configured to draw a sample through a patient's skin;  
 a processor that calculates an analyte concentration in a sample in accordance with software executable by said processor; and  
 a network interface that is configured to provide connectivity to a computing network;  
   wherein said analyte detection system is configured to receive an update to said software from a computing network via said network interface, the update is configured to update said software which is executable by said processor.    
     
     
         52 . The monitoring system of  claim 51 , wherein said optical analyte detection system is configured to calculate an analyte concentration of a sample of a patient, when said sample is positioned within said analyte detection system.  
     
     
         53 . The monitoring system of  claim 51 , wherein said analyte detection system executes said software to calculate an analyte concentration in a sample of blood.  
     
     
         54 . The monitoring system of  claim 51 , wherein the optical analyte detection system is dimensioned for handheld portability.  
     
     
         55 . The monitoring system of  claim 51 , wherein said software comprises one selected from the group consisting of algorithm, data, instructions, programs, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         56 . The monitoring system of  claim 51 , further comprising a computing network configured to send said update to said analyte detection system, the computing network checks an update status of said analyte detection system and selects said update based on said update status.  
     
     
         57 . The monitoring system of  claim 56 , wherein said computing network automatically checks said update status upon connection of said computing network to said analyte detection system via said network interface.  
     
     
         58 . The monitoring system of  claim 51 , further comprising a computing network at a remote location and said network interface connects to said computing network via an Internet connection.  
     
     
         59 . The monitoring system of  claim 51 , wherein said network interface comprises a wireless interface.  
     
     
         60 . The monitoring system of  claim 59 , wherein said wireless interface comprises a Bluetooth interface or IEEE 802.11(b) interface.  
     
     
         61 . The monitoring system of  claim 59 , wherein said analyte detection system uses optical transmission spectroscopy to determine said analyte concentration.  
     
     
         62 . A method of updating software on an analyte detection system, comprising: 
 providing a computer;    in said computer checking an update status of software included in a non-interferometric, optical analyte detection system, the analyte detection system having a sample extractor, the analyte detection system being configured to calculate an analyte concentration;    when said update status indicates that a software update is needed, sending said software update to said analyte detection system without intervention from a user; and    wherein said software update is configured to update said software in said analyte detection system.    
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 62 , further comprising in said analyte detection system, updating said software with said software update.  
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 62 , further comprising receiving information from said analyte detection system via a network connected to said computer.  
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein said information includes analyte concentration measurements.  
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein said software update includes at least one warning and instructions for communication of said at least one warning to a user of said analyte detection system.  
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 62 , further comprising displaying a warning on said analyte detection system.  
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 62 , further comprising calculating the analyte concentration, wherein said software update alters said calculating.  
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 62 , further comprising encrypting said software update.  
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 69 , further comprising decrypting said software update.