Abstract:
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing a realistic training environment for health care and patient care providers using a simulated medical device. The method can include actuating a first actuator of the simulated medical device that turns on the device and then actuating a second actuator of the device, where, in response to the actuation of the second actuator, the user is prompted to simulate scanning a bar code. In response to actuating a third actuator, a light can illuminate. The method can further include inserting a test strip into a slot of the device and, in response to the insertion of the test strip, the device can initiate a pre-set timer countdown where, at the completion of the countdown, the visual display can display a simulated medical value.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 15/075,491, filed Mar. 21, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/169,516, filed Jan. 31, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,293,064, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/810,420, filed Apr. 10, 2013, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present application relates generally to a device for simulating medical values. 
         [0004]    Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Health care or patient care providers must be trained to use various medical devices and to perform diagnosis and treatment of patients. However, an individual playing the role of a patient in a training scenario cannot actually exhibit the vital signs or symptoms of a medical condition. For example, a patient actor cannot fake a high temperature, high blood pressure, or a blood glucose level. Moreover, the patient actors cannot truly respond to a treatment regimen such that their physical condition or vitals react to the treatment. 
         [0006]    Furthermore, actual medical devices used for treating patients in real medical scenarios are often prohibitively expensive or otherwise unavailable for use in training situations. Moreover, these devices are configured to generate true readings and measurements, not provide readings or measurements for a specific training scenario. Health care or patient care providers, however, must still learn to use these devices to diagnose and treat patients. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Generally, provided is a device for simulating a medical value that provides a realistic training environment for health care or patient care providers. In one example, the simulated medical device can be a blood glucose simulator that simulates blood glucose levels, and can be configured to provide readings or measurements for one or more training scenarios. Disclosed is a simulated medical device that is less expensive to produce and/or operate than a corresponding medical device that performs in real medical situations readings or measurements. 
         [0008]    According to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, disclosed is a simulated medical device for providing a realistic training environment for health care or patient care providers that can include a visual display, a microprocessor connected to the visual display, and a memory connected to the microprocessor. The memory can store non-transitory computer readable program codes for operation of the microprocessor and one or more data values. The simulated medical device can further include a first actuator, connected between a power supply and the microprocessor, where in response to actuation of the first actuator, the microprocessor receives power from the power supply. The simulated medical device can further include a body housing the visual display, the microprocessor, the memory, and the first actuator. The body can further include a slot in the body, a light supported by the body, and a strip insertion sensor can be configured to provide to the microprocessor an indication of the presence of a test strip in the slot. 
         [0009]    In another example, the first actuator can be a mechanical switch or a virtual switch displayed on the visual display by the microprocessor and operating under the control of the non-transitory computer readable program code. 
         [0010]    In another example, the slot can be configured to receive internally at least a portion of the test strip. 
         [0011]    In another example, the light can be positioned at a proximal end of the slot. 
         [0012]    In another example, the simulated medical device can further include a second actuator connected between a power supply and the light. The light can illuminate in response to actuation of the second actuator. 
         [0013]    In another example, the second actuator can be a mechanical switch or a virtual switch displayed on the visual display by the microprocessor operating under the control of the non-transitory computer readable program code. 
         [0014]    In another example, each data value can be a simulated medical value or text. In another example, the microprocessor, running under the control of the non-transitory computer readable program code, can perform the following steps: in response to receiving power from the power supply, the microprocessor can display on the visual display a third actuator; in response to actuation of the third actuator, the microprocessor can display a prompt on the visual display; in response to the strip insertion sensor sensing at least a portion of the test strip internally received in the slot, initiates a pre-set timer countdown; and in response to the pre-set timer countdown completion, the microprocessor can display a first simulated medical value of the plurality of simulated values. 
         [0015]    In another example, the microprocessor, running under the control of the non-transitory computer readable program code, can further perform the following steps: in response to another actuation of the third actuator, the microprocessor can display another prompt on the visual display; in response to the strip insertion sensor sensing at least a portion of the test strip internally received in the slot, initiates a pre-set timer countdown; and in response to the pre-set timer countdown completion, the microprocessor can display a second simulated medical value of the plurality of simulated values. 
         [0016]    In another example, the microprocessor can be configured to store values of the simulated medical values in the memory based at least in part on user input. 
         [0017]    In another example, the simulated medical device can further include an interface. The interface can receive wireless signals including data from an external wireless transmitter, the interface can provide the data included in the received wireless signals to the microprocessor, and the microprocessor can be configured to set the values of the at least one simulated medical value based at least in part on the data included in the received wireless signals. 
         [0018]    In another non-limiting and preferred embodiment, disclosed is a method for providing a realistic training environment for health care and patient care providers using a simulated medical device. The method can include actuating a first actuator of the simulated medical device that turns on the simulated medical device, and following, actuating a second actuator of the simulated medical device. The method can then further include prompting the user to simulate scanning a first bar code in response to the actuation of the second actuator. 
         [0019]    In another example, the method can further include actuating a third actuator in response to prompting the user to simulate scanning a first bar code in response to the actuation of the second actuator, and causing a light of the simulated medical device to illuminate in response to the actuation of the third actuator. 
         [0020]    In another example, the method can further include, inserting a test strip into a slot of the simulated medical device following the step of causing a light of the simulated medical device to illuminate in response to the actuation of the third actuator, and a pre-set timer countdown is initiated in response to the insertion of the test strip into the slot. In response to the completion of the pre-set timer countdown, simulated medical device displaying on a visual display a simulated medical value in response to the insertion of the test strip into the slot. 
         [0021]    Further preferred and non-limiting embodiments or aspects are set forth in the following numbered clauses. 
         [0022]    Clause 1: Disclosed is a simulated medical device for providing a realistic training environment for health care or patient care providers, the device comprising: a visual display; a microprocessor connected to the visual display; a memory connected to the microprocessor and storing non-transitory computer readable program code for operation of the microprocessor and one or more data values; a first actuator connected between a power supply and the microprocessor, wherein in response to actuation of the first actuator the microprocessor receives power from the power supply; and a body housing the visual display, the microprocessor, the memory, and the first actuator, the body further including: a slot in the body; a light supported by the body; and a strip insertion sensor configured to provide to the microprocessor an indication of the presence of a test strip in the slot. 
         [0023]    Clause 2: The simulated medical device of clause 1, wherein the first actuator can be a mechanical switch or a virtual switch displayed on the visual display by the microprocessor operating under the control of the non-transitory computer readable program code. 
         [0024]    Clause 3: The simulated medical device of clause 1 or  2 , wherein the slot can be configured to receive internally at least a portion of the test strip. 
         [0025]    Clause 4: The simulated medical device of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the light can be positioned at a proximal end of the slot. 
         [0026]    Clause 5: The simulated medical device of any of clauses 1-4 can further comprise a second actuator connected between a power supply and the light. The light can illuminate in response to actuation of the second actuator. 
         [0027]    Clause 6: The simulated medical device of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the second actuator can be a mechanical switch or a virtual switch displayed on the visual display by the microprocessor operating under the control of the non-transitory computer readable program code. 
         [0028]    Clause 7: The simulated medical device of any of clauses 1-6, wherein: each data value can be simulated medical values or texts; and the microprocessor, running under the control of the non-transitory computer readable program code, can perform the following steps: in response to receiving power from the power supply, display on the visual display a third actuator; in response to actuation of the third actuator, display a prompt on the visual display; in response to the strip insertion sensor sensing at least a portion of the test strip internally received in the slot, initiates a pre-set timer countdown; and in response to the pre-set timer countdown completion, display a first simulated medical value of the plurality of simulated values. 
         [0029]    Clause 8: The simulated medical device of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the microprocessor, running under the control of the non-transitory computer readable program code, can further perform the following steps: in response to another actuation of the third actuator, display another prompt on the visual display; in response to the strip insertion sensor sensing at least a portion of the test strip internally received in the slot, initiates a pre-set timer countdown; and in response to the pre-set timer countdown completion, display a second simulated medical value of the plurality of simulated values. 
         [0030]    Clause 9: The simulated medical device of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the microprocessor can be configured to set values of the simulated medical values in the memory based at least in part on user input. 
         [0031]    Clause 10: The simulated medical device of any of clauses 1-9 can further comprise: an interface; wherein the interface can receive wireless signals including data from an external wireless transmitter; wherein the interface can provide the data included in the received wireless signals to the microprocessor; and wherein the microprocessor can be configured to set the values of the at least one simulated medical value based at least in part on the data included in the received wireless signals. 
         [0032]    Clause 11: Also disclosed is a method for providing a realistic training environment for health care and patient care providers using a simulated medical device, the method comprising: (a) actuating a first actuator of the simulated medical device that turns on the simulated medical device; (b) following step (a), actuating a second actuator of the simulated medical device; (c) in response to the actuation of the second actuator, prompting the user to simulate scanning a first bar code. 
         [0033]    Clause 12: The method of clause 11, can further comprise: (d) in response to the prompt in step (c), actuating a third actuator; and (e) in response to the actuation of the third actuator, causing a light of the simulated medical device to illuminate. 
         [0034]    Clauses 13. The method of clause 11 or 12, can further comprise: (f) following step (e), inserting a test strip into a slot of the simulated medical device; (g) in response to the insertion of the test strip into the slot, a pre-set timer countdown is initiated; and in response to the completion of the pre-set timer countdown, the simulated medical device can display on a visual display a simulated medical value. 
         [0035]    These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0036]    Further features and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the drawings in which: 
           [0037]      FIG. 1A  is a front view of a simulated thermometer according to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0038]      FIG. 1B  is a back view of a simulated thermometer according to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0039]      FIG. 1C  is an expanded front view of a simulated thermometer according to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0040]      FIG. 2  is a circuit diagram of a simulated thermometer according to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 3A  is a front view of a simulated glucose strip reader according to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment; 
           [0042]      FIG. 3B  is a back view of a simulated glucose strip reader of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 4A  is a block diagram of the electronics of the simulated glucose strip reader of  FIGS. 3A-3B ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 4B  is a combined block diagram and circuitry schematic view of the electronics of the simulated glucose strip reader of  FIGS. 3A-3B ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 5  is an isolated view of a wireless transmitter and the interface of the simulated glucose strip reader for inputting external values into memory of the simulated glucose strip reader; and 
           [0046]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of the operation of the simulated glucose strip reader. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0047]    Simulated Thermometer: 
         [0048]      FIGS. 1A and 1B , respectively, show front and back views of a simulated thermometer  2 . Although preferred and non-limiting embodiments are described below with respect to a simulated thermometer for the display of simulated temperatures, disclosed embodiments are not limited thereto, and it is further envisioned that simulated thermometer  2  may be configured to display other simulated values. The simulated thermometer  2  includes a body  4  which houses a printed circuit board (PCB) which supports circuitry including a visual display  6  which is visible through an opening in a front side of body  4 . The PCB further supports a plurality of buttons or switches including a first button  8 , a second button  10 , a third button  12 , and/or a fourth button  14 . The first through fourth buttons  8 - 14  are accessible to a user of the simulated thermometer  2  via one or more openings on a back side of body  4 . 
         [0049]    With reference to  FIG. 1C  and with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the simulated thermometer  2  further includes a simulated thermometer probe  16 , which is physically coupled to body  4  via a coiled cable  18 . For reasons discussed hereinafter, the probe  16  is not coupled to any signal processing circuitry of the simulated thermometer  2 . For example, the probe  16  is not configured to record or send any signal representative of a reading or measured value to the PCB for processing. The probe  16  has a proximal end  20  adapted to be held by the hand of the user and a distal end  22  that is similar in shape and size to an end of a conventional thermometer used for taking temperatures of patients. Because the probe  16  is not actually used for taking temperatures, the distal end  22  of probe  16  can be made of any suitable and/or desirable material that is, desirably, biocompatible. 
         [0050]    The body  4  may include an optional integral sheath  24  for receiving the distal end  22  of probe  16  with the proximal end  20  supported above a mouth of the sheath  24 . When it is desired to deploy the probe  16  from a position within sheath  24 , a user grasps the proximal end  20  of probe  16  and pulls the distal end  22  out of the sheath  24 . 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIG. 2  and with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1A-1C , circuitry  26  housed on the PCB within the body  4  includes an integrated control microprocessor  28 , which is coupled to visual display  6  and the first through fourth buttons  8 - 14 . The microprocessor  28  is connected to a DC power supply  30  via a switch  32 . The circuitry  26  further includes biasing resistors and capacitors which are utilized in a manner known in the art, but which are not specifically described herein for the purpose of simplicity. 
         [0052]    The visual display  6  may be any suitable and/or desirable form of display including an LED display, an LCD display, an OLED display, etc. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the visual display  6  comprises five 7-segment LEDs; however, preferred embodiments are not to be construed as limited thereto. 
         [0053]    A switch  32  is positioned within sheath  24 , such that when the distal end  22  of probe  16  is inserted into sheath  24 , the distal end  22  of probe  16  causes the switch  32  to be in an open state. Upon removal of distal end  22  of probe  16  from the sheath  24 , the switch  32  assumes a closed state completing an electrical path between the DC power supply  30  and the microprocessor  28 . 
         [0054]    The microprocessor  28  may be a completely integrated processor that includes an integral microprocessor, memory, input and output drivers, etc. as required in order to drive the visual display  6  and to receive and process inputs from the first through fourth buttons  8 - 14 . The memory of microprocessor  28  is configured to store non-transitory computer readable program code that the processor of microprocessor  28  executes and runs under the control of. 
         [0055]    In operation, in response to the removal of the probe  16  from the sheath  24 , the switch  32  assumes its closed state connecting the DC power supply  30  to the microprocessor  28 . In response to receiving power from the DC power supply  30 , the processor of microprocessor  28 , under the control of the non-transitory computer readable program code stored in the memory of microprocessor  28 , initializes and commences operation in the manner next described. 
         [0056]    In operation, upon closure of switch  32 , the processor of microprocessor  28  initializes and causes the visual display  6  to display simulated temperatures that alternate or cycle between at least two programmed temperatures T 1  and T 2  each time the switch  32  cycles from an open state to a closed state. The simulated thermometer  2  is activated in response to removing the probe  16  from the sheath  24 , whereupon the switch  32  cycles from an open state to a closed state and electrical power is supplied from the DC power supply  30  to the microprocessor  28 . The DC power supply  30  may be any suitable and/or desirable form of DC power supply, including replaceable or rechargeable batteries. 
         [0057]    In response to the microprocessor  28  powering on, the microprocessor thereof loads previously stored settings from the memory (e.g., an EEPROM) and, depending upon an acquisition time and a display mode, a temperature is displayed on the visual display  6 . The displayed temperature is one of a plurality of different temperatures stored in the EEPROM, e.g., the temperature T 1  or the temperature T 2 . The next time power is cycled to microprocessor  28 , the other temperature T 2  or T 1  which is stored in the EEPROM is displayed on the visual display  6 . The visual display  6  may be configured to display temperatures in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. For example, the rightmost LED in the visual display  6  shown in  FIG. 2  may be configured to display a “C” for Celsius or a “F” for Fahrenheit. 
         [0058]    The first through fourth buttons  8 - 14  may be utilized to program the microprocessor  28  with the values of the temperature T 1  (e.g., first button  8 ), the temperature T 2  (e.g., second button  10 ), the acquisition time (e.g., third button  12 ), and the display mode Celsius/Fahrenheit (C/F) (e.g., fourth button  14 ). For example, pressing or pressing and holding first button  8  causes temperature T 1  stored in the memory (EEPROM) of microprocessor  28  to increase and be displayed on visual display  6  until a maximum temperature (e.g., 42° C. or 107° F.) is reached, whereupon temperature T 1  rolls over to the lowest temperature to be displayed, e.g., 35° C. or 95° F. 
         [0059]    Pressing or pressing and holding second button  10  causes temperature T 2  stored in the memory of microprocessor  28  to increase and be displayed on visual display  6  to a maximum temperature (42° C. or 107° F.), whereupon the temperature rolls over to the lowest temperature, e.g., 35° C. or 95° F. In the case of first button  8  and second button  10 , each press of the button can cause the corresponding temperature T 1  and T 2  stored in the memory of microprocessor  28  to increase by some predetermined value, e.g., 0.1° C. or 0.1° F., or pressing and holding each button can cause the corresponding temperature T 1  and T 2  to automatically increase by the predetermined value. 
         [0060]    Pressing third button  12  causes the acquisition time stored in the memory of microprocessor  28  to increase until it reaches a maximum acquisition time, e.g., fifteen seconds, whereupon the acquisition time rolls over to a minimum acquisition time, e.g., five seconds. This acquisition time is the delay time between when probe  16  is removed from sheath  24  and the microprocessor  28  first receives power from DC power supply  30  until the time that a temperature T 1  or T 2  is displayed on the visual display  6 . Each press of third button  12  can cause the acquisition time to change by a predetermined amount, e.g., 0.1 second or 1.0 second, or pressing and holding third button  12  can cause the acquisition time to automatically increase by the predetermined amount. 
         [0061]    Each press of fourth button  14  cycles the display mode between Celsius and Fahrenheit. 
         [0062]    Although programming of the microprocessor  28  is described above with respect to use of the first through fourth buttons  8 - 14 , preferred embodiments are not limited thereto and the microprocessor  28  may be programmed through other user input means, for example, a touch screen control or graphical user interface (GUI). Moreover, although the first through fourth buttons  8 - 14  are described with respect to programming temperature values for the simulated thermometer  2 , it is also envisioned that the buttons or other user interface may be configured to program other simulated values, such as blood glucose, pulse oximeter measurements, and the like. 
         [0063]    The simulated thermometer  2  can be used in training scenarios of health care or patient care providers. An example user of the simulated thermometer  2  by health care or patient care providers in connection with an individual playing the role of a patient will now be described. 
         [0064]    In this example, the person playing the role of the patient presents to the health care or patient care providers complaining of an elevated temperature, nausea, and vomiting. It is to be appreciated that in this role-playing scenario, the person playing the role of the patient does not have an elevated temperature, is not nauseous, and is not vomiting, but rather is simply complaining of these symptoms. 
         [0065]    The health care or patient care providers perform a physical assessment of the patient including taking vital signs and the patient&#39;s temperature. One of these vital signs is simulated temperature(s) of the patient taken utilizing the simulated thermometer  2 . In this regard, the probe  16  is removed from sheath  24 , a probe cover (not shown) is placed over the distal end  22  of the probe  16 , and the distal end  22  of the probe  16  with the probe cover in place is inserted into the mouth of the role playing patient. After a period of time determined by the acquisition time programmed into microprocessor  28  via the third button  12 , the microprocessor  28  causes the visual display  6  to display the first programmed temperature T 1 , e.g., 103° F., as the first simulated temperature reading. It is to be appreciated that since probe  16  is not connected to any internal circuitry of simulated thermometer  2 , the temperature experienced by the distal end  22  of probe  16  has no bearing on or relation to the temperature displayed on the visual display  6 . Rather, the temperature T 1  displayed on visual display is the temperature T 1  that was programmed into the memory of the microprocessor  28 . 
         [0066]    After logging the displayed temperature T 1  as well as any other vital signs of the role playing patient, the health care or patient care providers make a diagnosis based on the results of the vital signs, including the temperature displayed on the visual display  6 , and other patient data made part of the simulation. After taking the first simulated temperature reading, the probe  16  is replaced into sheath  24  after removing the probe cover. Thereafter, the patient is given a course of treatment, albeit simulated or actual, by the health care or patient care providers based on the diagnosis. 
         [0067]    After a period of time determined by the simulation, the health care or patient care providers take a second simulated temperature of the role playing patient by removing the probe  16  from the sheath  24 , placing a probe cover (not shown) over the distal end  22  of probe  16 , and again inserting the distal end  22  of probe  16  with the probe cover in place into the mouth of the role playing patient. After a period of time determined by the acquisition time programmed into microprocessor  28 , the microprocessor  28  causes the visual display  6  to display the second temperature T 2  programmed into the memory of microprocessor  28 . Depending on the simulation, temperature T 2  may be higher or lower than temperature T 1 . In this example, the temperature T 2  displayed on the visual display  6  is 101.5° F., which is lower than temperature T 1 , i.e., 103° F. In response to taking this temperature, the health care or patient care providers may conclude that the health care or patient care providers&#39; course of treatment is working. 
         [0068]    As can be seen, cycling probe  16  into and out of sheath  24  causes the temperature that the microprocessor  28  displays on the visual display  6  to alternate between the temperature T 1  and T 2 , which alternating temperatures can be utilized for the purpose of training health care or patient care providers. Again, it is to be appreciated that probe  16  is only a simulated probe and is not actually utilized to measure temperature. 
         [0069]    According to another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the simulated thermometer  2  may include a remote RF or optical transmitter  36  ( FIG. 1C ) and an RF or optical receiver  38  ( FIG. 2 ) as an integral part of the simulated thermometer  2  for receiving radio frequency or optical signals  40  from the transmitter  36 . The combination of transmitter  36  and receiver  38  can be utilized to remotely program the memory of microprocessor  28  with one or more values of temperature T 1 , temperature T 2 , and/or acquisition time, and/or to toggle the visual display  6  between Celsius and Fahrenheit. The combination of transmitter  36  and receiver  38  can either be utilized in addition or, alternatively, to buttons  8 - 14 . However, it is envisioned that the functions provided by buttons  8 - 14  may be replaced with the combination of the transmitter  36  and the receiver  38 . 
         [0070]    One advantage of the use of the transmitter  36  and the receiver  38  includes the ability of an instructor participating in the role playing between a role playing patient and the health care or patient care providers to change the second display temperature based upon the health care or patient care providers&#39; course of treatment of the patient. For example, assuming that the health care or patient care providers&#39; treatment plan was appropriate, the instructor may chose to leave the second programmed temperature T 2  at a lower value than the first programmed temperature T 1 , as discussed in the above example. However, if the health care or patient care providers make an incorrect diagnosis and prescribe an improper course of treatment, the instructor utilizing transmitter  36  may change the second temperature T 2  to be the same or a higher temperature, e.g., 103.5° F., indicating that the course of treatment is not working. The combination of the transmitter  36  and the receiver  38  can be utilized to change any of the values programmed into the memory of microprocessor  28  at any time the microprocessor  28  is receiving power from DC power supply  30 , including during the acquisition time preprogrammed into microprocessor  28 . 
         [0071]    Simulated Glucose Strip Reader: 
         [0072]      FIGS. 3A and 3B , respectively, show front and back views of an instrument  102  for the simulated measurement of the concentration of glucose in a simulated blood sample (hereinafter “instrument”) and display of the results of the simulated measurement similar in many respects to simulated thermometer  2  in  FIGS. 1A-1C . Although preferred and non-limiting embodiments are described below with respect to instrument  102  for the display of one or more simulated medical values, in an example, a blood glucose level, from a plurality of simulated blood glucose levels, the disclosed embodiment is not limited thereto. It is envisioned that instrument  102  can also or alternatively be configured to display other simulated values or information, such as, for example, “Pass” or “Fail”. Instrument  102  is intended for use in a training environment, not a clinical environment. 
         [0073]    Instrument  102  includes a body  104  which houses a printed circuit board (PCB)  127  (shown in phantom  FIG. 3B ) which supports circuitry  131  (shown in greater detail in  FIG. 4B ) including a Human Machine Interface (HMI)  120  that includes a visual display  106  which is visible through an opening in a front side of body  104 . In an example, visual display  106  can be a touchscreen display that can display, for example, virtual buttons or actuators that facilitate user interaction with microprocessor  128 . However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense since the use of a mechanical keypad and/or one or more mechanical buttons or actuators or other user input means known in the art is envisioned. 
         [0074]    As viewed in  FIG. 3A , body  104  includes a top  112 , a bottom  114 , a left side  116 , and a right side  118 . In an example, PCB  127  supports a plurality of actuators including a first actuator  132 , shown, for example, located on left side  116  of body  104 , and a second actuator  134 , shown, for example, located on right side  118  of body  104 . 
         [0075]    With continuing reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , instrument  102  can further include or define a slot  107  that can include an opening  107 ′, in an example, in top  112  of body  104  and can have a light  111 , in an example, on bottom  114  of body  104 . In another example, instrument  102  can further include a speaker  200  shown, in an example, in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  on right side  118 . Instrument  102  can also include a strip insertion sensor  108  in slot  107 . In an example, strip insertion sensor  108  can include a light transmitter  108   a  spaced across a gap from a light receiver  108   b  within slot  107 . Strip insertion sensor  108  can be configured to provide to microprocessor  128  an indication when at least a portion of a simulated test strip  109 , e.g., a strip of paper, is inserted in slot  107  in said gap. Slot  107  is configured to receive at least a portion of test strip  109 . In another example, strip insertion sensor  108  can be a mechanical switch. 
         [0076]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B  and with continuing reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , circuity  131  housed within body  104  includes an integrated control microprocessor  128 , having, in an example, an integral memory  129 . Microprocessor  128  is coupled to HMI  120  and visual display  106  and to first and second actuators  132  and  134 . Microprocessor  128  is also connected to a DC power supply  130  via first actuator  132 , such that when first actuator  132  is actuated (to a closed state), power flows from power supply  130  to microprocessor  128  and allows for instrument  102  to turn ON. Power supply  130  can be any suitable and/or desirable form of a power supply, including replaceable or rechargeable batteries. In an example, power supply  130  can be a Li battery (i.e., charge for 2 hours to supply power for 8 hours). Circuitry  131  can further include biasing resistors and a light  111  (e.g., one or more LEDs),and can further include speaker  200 , which are utilized in a manner known in the art, but which are not specifically described herein for the purpose of simplicity. In an example, each actuator described herein can be a mechanical actuator or switch or a virtual actuator that can be displayed on visual display  106 , which can be a touchscreen display, and which can be used in the manner described hereinafter to perform the functions described herein. For the purpose of description, the first and second actuators will be described as being mechanical switches. However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense. 
         [0077]    In another example, Human Machine Interface  120  can include visual display  106  in the nature of a non-touchscreen display, such as, for example, an LED display, a LCD display, an OLED display, a five 7-segment LED display (like the five 7-segment LED display shown in  FIG. 2 ), etc. Where Human Machine Interface  120  includes a visual display  106  that is a non-touchscreen display, Human Machine Interface  120  can also include a user keyboard or keypad  122  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 3A ) to facilitate user interaction with microprocessor  128 . The use of virtual actuators displayed on visual display  106  in the nature of a touchscreen display and/or keypad  122  including mechanical actuators (buttons) in combination with a touchscreen and/or non-touchscreen display is envisioned. 
         [0078]    For the purpose of description hereinafter, first and second actuators  132  and  134  will be described as mechanical buttons or actuators, while actuators displayed on visual display  106  will be understood to be virtual actuators displayed on visual display  106  in the nature of a touchscreen display. However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense. 
         [0079]    With continuing reference to  FIGS. 3A-4B , in operation, electrical power is applied to microprocessor  128  from power supply  130  in response to first actuator  132  being actuated and latching in a closed state. Upon de-actuation, first actuator  132  unlatches and returns to an open state. The description of actuator  132  being a latching actuator is not to be construed in a limiting sense. 
         [0080]    Upon receiving electrical power, microprocessor  128  can display on visual display  106  an idle screen for a period of time while microprocessor  128  initializes, and then can display three user selectable actuators ( FIG. 3A ): configuration actuator  151 , quality control actuator  152 , and patient test actuator  153 . In an example, microprocessor  128  can be coupled to an interface  160 , such that one or more user inputted values  140  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) can be transferred from interface  160  to microprocessor  128  (details regarding interface  160  and inputted values  140  will be described hereinafter). In an example, user inputted values  140  can be inputted manually via Human Machine Interface  120  by a user in the configuration mode (discussed hereinafter). In another example, user input values  140  can be sent wirelessly from an external wireless transmitter  136  ( FIG. 5 ) to interface  160 , similar to receiving radio frequency or optical signals  40  from transmitter  36  in  FIG. 1C , to be used with microprocessor  28  in  FIG. 2 . Values  140  can be used, for example, to replace or add to simulated medical values stored in memory  129 , input high and low quality test values, or input configuration values. In an example, once first actuator  132  has been actuated (to a closed state), in response to second actuator  134  being actuated to a closed state, light  111  is illuminated and speaker will sound via power from power supply  130  and light  111  can be used to simulate bar code scanning. In an example, second actuator  134  is non-latching, whereupon a user de-actuating second actuator  134 , it returns to an open state. The description of second actuator  134  as being a non-latching is not to be construed in a limiting sense. In an example, speaker  200  can be operative for sounding after a predetermined period of time (i.e., 3 seconds) after second actuator  134  is actuated and the sound can, for example, represent a “BEEP”. 
         [0081]    With continuing reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , when test strip  109  is inserted into slot  107  (shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ), for example, into the gap between light transmitter  108   a  and light receiver  108   b,  blocking the light received by light receiver  108   b  from light transmitter  108   a,  microprocessor  128  can sense the change in output of light receiver  108   b  in response to light receiver receiving and not receiving light from light transmitter  108   a  and can display, after a predetermined period of time, on visual display  106 , a simulated medical value retrieved from the plurality of simulated medical values, or a “Pass” or “Fail” indication, retrieved from memory  129 . The simulated medical value or indication can be preselected or random. Electrical power is supplied to light transmitter  108   a  and light receiver  108   b  when first actuator  132  is actuated. 
         [0082]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , in an example, interface  160  can be a wireless receiver which can wirelessly receive data or values  140  embedded in wireless signals received from external wireless transmitter  136  to be sent to microprocessor  128  for storing in memory  129 . In an example, this combination of transmitter and receiver can be utilized to remotely program memory  129  of microprocessor  128  with, for example, one or more simulated medical values and/or data to replace or be added to simulated medical values and/or data stored in memory  129 . In an example, wireless interface  160  can be an RF or optical receiver and wireless transmitter  136  can be an RF or optical transmitter. 
         [0083]    With reference to the flow diagram of  FIG. 6 , an example use of instrument  102  will now be described. In this example, visual display  106  will be described as being a touchscreen display and first and second actuators will be considered as being mechanical switches. However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense. 
         [0084]    In response to first actuator  132  being actuated at step  100 , microprocessor  128  receives electrical power from power supply  130  and, after an initialization period, microprocessor  128  can display on visual display  106  the user selectable options (shown in  FIG. 3A ) configuration actuator  151 ; quality control actuator  152 ; and patient test actuator  153  at step  105 . 
         [0085]    With continuing reference to  FIG. 6 , in response to user actuation of configuration actuator  151 , at step  110 , microprocessor  128  can display on visual display  106  a configuration display (not shown). Through this configuration display, microprocessor  128  enables the user to manually input data, such as, for example, one or more simulated medical values (e.g., simulated blood glucose levels) and/or text into memory  129 , in effect ‘configure the device’ at step  112 , whereupon the displayed values and/or text (discussed hereinafter) in a patient test mode can optionally be based at least in part on the inputted data. Upon completion of the user manually inputting data, microprocessor  128  can then return to step  105 . The display of configuration actuator  151  and the execution of steps  110  and  112  can be optional if memory  129  is preloaded with one or more simulated medical values and/or text. In another example, the user input can be numerical values with three ( 3 ) decimals to the left of a decimal point and two ( 2 ) decimal points to the right. In another example, the user input can represent simulated blood glucose values. 
         [0086]    With continuing reference to  FIG. 6 , in response to user actuation of quality control actuator  152  at step  115 , microprocessor  128  can display on visual display  106  a quality control display (not shown) at step  115 . Via the quality control display, microprocessor  128  enables the user to input and confirm data, such as, for example, a first (high) value of the simulated medical values (e.g. a high glucose level) at step  117  and a second (low) value of the simulated medical values (e.g. a low glucose level) at step  119  or “PASS” and/or “FAIL” indication. Microprocessor  128  can then return to step  105 . The display of quality control actuator  152  and the execution of steps  115 - 119  can be optional if memory  129  is preloaded with data, e.g., a first (high) value of simulated medical values and a second (low) value of simulated medical values, and/or “PASS” and/or “FAIL” indications. 
         [0087]    With continuing reference to  FIG. 6 , in response to user actuation of patient test actuator  153  at step  105 , microprocessor  128  can be programmed to display on visual display  106  a first prompt to the user to simulate scanning a first bar code at step  140 . In an example, the user can simulate this bar code scanning by actuating second actuator  134 , whereupon light  111  can be illuminated and speaker can  200  sound. More specifically, in use, after actuating second actuator  134  resulting in illuminating light  111  and sounding speaker  200 , it is intended for the user to simulate bar code scanning of a bar code of the user, for example, a bar code of a wrist band of the user. When the user completes simulated scanning of the user bar code, the user de-actuates or releases second actuator  134  which causes light  111  to turn off. In use, it is intended that the user actuate second actuator  134  a second time which causes light  111  to illuminate a second time and speaker  200  to sound a second time, whereupon the user can simulate scanning the patient bar code. Once the user has simulated scanning the patient bar code, the user de-actuates or releases second actuator  134  a second time. In use, the user then inserts at least a portion of test strip  109  into slot  107 . In response to strip insertion sensor  108  detecting insertion of at least a portion of test strip  109  into slot  107 , at step  155 , microprocessor  128  can be programmed to display, after a predetermined period of time, on visual display  106  a first simulated medical value (glucose level) or a “PASS” or “FAIL” indication retrieved by microprocessor  128  from data stored in memory  129 . Microprocessor  128  can then return to step  105 . 
         [0088]    If desired, the process of executing steps  120 - 155  can be repeated any number of additional times as an aid to training the user in the use of an actual glucose strip reader used in a clinical environment. In an example, each time steps  120 - 155  are repeated, the same or a different simulated medical value (glucose level) or “PASS” or “FAIL” stored in memory  129  can be displayed on display  106  in step  155 . In an example, each time steps  120 - 155  are repeated, instrument  102  can display on display  106  a different simulated medical value (glucose level) from the set of simulated medical values stored in memory  129 . In another example, each time steps  120 - 155  are repeated, a “PASS” or “FAIL” indication can display on display  106 , simulating that the simulated measured blood glucose is within “PASS” or outside “FAIL” of an acceptable level. This latter example display of “PASS” or “FAIL” is similar to a display of data in an actual glucose strip reader used in a clinical environment. However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense. 
         [0089]    In another example, when test strip  109  is inserted into slot  107 , strip insertion sensor  108  can determine if test strip  109  is not inserted correctly or does not include a sufficient amount of simulated blood thereon. Microprocessor  128  can then display this condition on visual display  106 . 
         [0090]    In an example, manual user input (steps  110  and  112 ) or wireless interface  160  can be used to program new, replacement, or additional data, such as, for example, simulated medical values (glucose levels) or data into memory  129 . 
         [0091]    Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments or aspects, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or aspect.