Patent Publication Number: US-11638541-B2

Title: Signal processing for continuous analyte sensor

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     Any and all priority claims identified in the Application Data Sheet, or any correction thereto, are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/224,325, filed Jul. 29, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/175,392 filed Jul. 1, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,420,965, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/731,046 filed Mar. 24, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,005,524, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/007,920 filed Dec. 8, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,282,549, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/528,382 filed Dec. 9, 2003, U.S. Provisional Application 60/587,787 filed Jul. 13, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application 60/614,683 filed Sep. 30, 2004. Each of the aforementioned applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and is hereby expressly made a part of this specification. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring and analyzing data obtained from a continuous analyte sensor. More particularly, the present invention relates to dynamic and intelligent estimation of analyte values from a continuous analyte sensor. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the pancreas cannot create sufficient insulin (Type I or insulin dependent) and/or in which insulin is not effective (Type  2  or non-insulin dependent). In the diabetic state, the victim suffers from high blood sugar, which may cause an array of physiological derangements (for example, kidney failure, skin ulcers, or bleeding into the vitreous of the eye) associated with the deterioration of small blood vessels. A hypoglycemic reaction (low blood sugar) may be induced by an inadvertent overdose of insulin, or after a normal dose of insulin or glucose-lowering agent accompanied by extraordinary exercise or insufficient food intake. 
     Conventionally, a person with diabetes carries a self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) monitor, which typically comprises uncomfortable finger pricking methods. Due to the lack of comfort and convenience, a person with diabetes will normally only measure his or her glucose levels two to four times per day. Unfortunately, these time intervals are so far apart that the person with diabetes will likely find out too late, sometimes incurring dangerous side effects, of a hyper- or hypo-glycemic condition. In fact, it is not only unlikely that a person with diabetes will take a timely SMBG value, but the person with diabetes will not know if their blood glucose value is going up (higher) or down (lower) based on conventional methods, inhibiting their ability to make educated insulin therapy decisions. 
     Some attempts have been made to continuously measure the glucose concentration in a person with diabetes. Typically, these continuous glucose sensors have required a reference glucose monitor (for example, SMBG) to provide reference glucose values in order to calibrate and/or interpret data from the continuous glucose monitor. While the use of these reference glucose values can be helpful, they can also cause numerous inconsistencies and instabilities in the data output of the continuous glucose sensor. As one example, a time lag can be caused by an interstitial fluid sample measured by an implantable glucose sensor as compared with a blood sample measured by an external reference glucose monitor, which can cause inaccurate calibration, outlier detection, and data output. Additionally, the static use of algorithms may not adequately represent physiological trends in a human, for example. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     There exists a need for improvements in data processing of continuous glucose sensors in order to better handle the inconsistencies and instabilities that occur in glucose measurements and associated data analysis. 
     Accordingly, in a first embodiment, a method for estimating an analyte value from a continuous analyte sensor is provided, the method comprising receiving a data stream from the continuous analyte sensor for a first time period, thereby obtaining a measured analyte value; estimating at least one analyte value for a second time period based on the data stream; and comparing the estimated analyte value with the measured analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the step of receiving a data stream comprises receiving a data stream that has been algorithmically smoothed. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the step of receiving the data stream comprises receiving a raw data stream. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the step of estimating at least one analyte value further comprises selecting an algorithm from a plurality of algorithms based on an analysis of the data stream prior to estimating at least one analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the step of selecting an algorithm is conditional upon at least one value selected from the group consisting of analyte concentration, rate of change, acceleration, and an individual historical pattern of the data stream. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the step of selecting an algorithm comprises employing the plurality of algorithms on the data stream and determining which of the plurality of algorithms best correlates with the data stream. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the algorithm is selected from the group consisting of polynomial regression, autoregressive algorithms, Fourier transform, Wavelet transform, neural network-based mapping, fuzzy logic based pattern matching, and Genetic-Algorithms based pattern matching. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the step of selecting an algorithm further comprises applying a physiological boundary to the selected algorithm. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the method further comprises evaluating the selected algorithm by applying an evaluation function prior to employing the selected algorithm to estimate the analyte value, wherein the evaluation function is selected from the group consisting of a data association function, a curvature formula, and a physiological boundary. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the step of analyzing a variation comprises analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte value based on a parameter selected from a statistical parameter, a clinical parameter, or a physiological parameter. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the step of analyzing a variation comprises determining a physiological variation from the estimated analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the step of analyzing a variation comprises determining a statistical variation from the estimated analyte value based on a statistical parameter. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the step of comparing comprises determining a deviation between the estimated analyte value and the measured analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the step of analyzing a variation comprises analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte value based on the deviation determined by the step of comparing. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the method further comprises a step of recognizing a pattern by monitoring a physiological parameter over time. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the step of analyzing a variation comprises analyzing a variation in the physiological parameter to determine a variation of the estimated analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the step of analyzing a variation comprises determining a variation of the estimated analyte value based on a clinical risk of the estimated analyte value to the user. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the method further comprises providing output based on the estimated analyte data. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output displays an estimated analyte value to the user. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output displays an estimated path of analyte values for a future time period. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output displays an estimated analyte value at a future point in time. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output displays an estimated future time period of clinical risk. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the time period of clinical risk is determined when an estimated analyte value falls outside of a normal analyte threshold. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the analyte is blood glucose and the normal analyte threshold is from about 100 mg/dL to about 160 mg/dL. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the normal analyte threshold is from about 80 mg/dL to about 200 mg/dL. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the normal analyte threshold is from about 55 mg/dL to about 220 mg/dL. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output displays at least one clinically acceptable target analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the target analyte value is customizable by the user. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the target analyte value is based on an individual physiological pattern. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, a parameter utilized in determining a therapy recommendation is customizable by the user. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output comprises an icon that has a shape representative of the analyzed variation of the estimated analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output comprises a dynamic visual representation of the analyzed variation of estimated analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output prompts the user to obtain a reference analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output provides at least one alarm selected from the group consisting of a visual alarm, an audible alarm, and a tactile alarm, wherein the alarm is provided based on a clinical risk associated with the estimated analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the alarm is based on at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of an analyte value, a rate of change, acceleration of a rate of change, and an individual physiological pattern. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output continuously provides estimated analyte values. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output selectively provides the estimated analyte value based on an event trigger. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output provides a clinical risk zone that is displayed on a screen. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the clinical risk zone comprises at least one of a shaded region, a colored region, and a patterned region. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the clinical risk zone is bounded by a threshold. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output provides the estimated analyte value and the variation of the estimated analyte value on a trend graph. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output provides the estimated analyte value and the variation of the estimated analyte value on a gradient bar. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output is sent to a personal computer. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output is sent to a modem. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output is sent to an insulin pen. 
     In an aspect of the first embodiment, the output is sent to an insulin pump. 
     In a second embodiment, a method for estimating an analyte value from a continuous analyte sensor is provided, the method comprising receiving a data stream from the continuous analyte sensor for a time period; estimating at least one analyte value for a future time based on the data stream; analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte value based on a parameter selected from the group consisting of a statistical parameter, a clinical parameter, or a physiological parameter; and providing an output based on the estimated analyte value and the variation of the estimated analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the second embodiment, the method further comprises evaluating the selected algorithm by applying an evaluation function prior to employing the selected algorithm to estimate the analyte value, wherein the evaluation function is selected from the group consisting of a data association function, a curvature formula, and a physiological boundary. 
     In a third embodiment, a method for estimating an analyte value from a continuous analyte sensor is provided, the method comprising receiving a data stream from the continuous analyte sensor for a time period; selecting at least one algorithm from a plurality of algorithms based on an analysis of the data stream; evaluating the algorithm based on at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a statistical parameter, a physiological parameter, and a clinical parameter; and employing the selected algorithm based on the step of evaluating to estimate at least one analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the third embodiment, the method further comprises evaluating the selected algorithm by applying an evaluation function prior to employing the selected algorithm to estimate the analyte value, wherein the evaluation function is selected from the group consisting of a data association function, a curvature formula, and a physiological boundary. 
     In an aspect of the third embodiment, the method further comprises analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte value based on a parameter selected from a statistical parameter, a clinical parameter, and a physiological parameter. 
     In an aspect of the third embodiment, the output further comprises a therapy recommendation to help the user obtain a target analyte value. 
     In a fourth embodiment, a method for matching a data pair using data from a continuous analyte sensor with data from a reference analyte source is provided, the method comprising receiving a data stream from the continuous analyte sensor, the data comprising at least one sensor data point; receiving reference data from a reference analyte monitor, the data comprising at least one reference data point; estimating at least one analyte value for a time period during which no data exists based on the data stream; and creating at least one matched data pair by matching the reference data to the analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the fourth embodiment, the step of receiving the data stream comprises receiving a data stream that has been algorithmically smoothed. 
     In an aspect of the fourth embodiment, the step of receiving reference data comprises downloading reference data via a cabled connection. 
     In an aspect of the fourth embodiment, the step of receiving reference data comprises downloading reference data via a wireless connection. 
     In an aspect of the fourth embodiment, the step of receiving reference data from a reference analyte monitor comprises receiving within a receiver an internal communication from a reference analyte monitor integral with the receiver. 
     In an aspect of the fourth embodiment, the algorithm is selected from the group consisting of polynomial regression, autoregressive algorithms, Fourier transform, Wavelet transform, neural network-based mapping, fuzzy logic based pattern matching, and Genetic-Algorithm matching. 
     In an aspect of the fourth embodiment, the method further comprises evaluating the selected algorithm by applying an evaluation function prior to employing the selected algorithm to estimate the analyte value, wherein the evaluation function is selected from the group consisting of a data association function, a curvature formula, and a physiological boundary. 
     In an aspect of the fourth embodiment, the method further comprises comparing the estimated analyte value with the corresponding measured analyte value to determine a time lag between the estimated analyte value and the corresponding measured analyte value. 
     In a fifth embodiment, a method for compensating for a time lag of continuous analyte sensor data by estimating an analyte value for a present time from which the continuous analyte sensor data is delayed is provided, the method comprising receiving a data stream from the continuous analyte sensor, wherein the data stream comprises a physiological time lag from the present time or a computational time lag from the present time; continuously estimating or periodically estimating analyte values for a present time period based on the data stream to compensate for the physiological time lag or the computational time lag in the analyte sensor data; and continuously providing or periodically providing an output to a user based on the estimated analyte values, such that the output of the estimated analyte values provides present time analyte values to the user. 
     In an aspect of the fifth embodiment, the analyte value estimation step further comprises selecting an algorithm from a plurality of algorithms based on analysis of the data stream prior to estimating the analyte values. 
     In an aspect of the fifth embodiment, the algorithm selection is conditional upon at least one value selected from the group consisting of analyte concentration, rate of change, acceleration, and an individual historical pattern of the data stream. 
     In an aspect of the fifth embodiment, the method further comprises evaluating the selected algorithm by applying a data association function, a curvature formula, or physiological boundaries prior to employing the selected algorithm to estimate analyte values. 
     In an aspect of the fifth embodiment, the method further comprises analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte values based on parameters selected from the group consisting of statistical parameters, clinical parameters, and physiological parameters. 
     In an aspect of the fifth embodiment, the step of analyzing a variation comprises determining a physiological variation from estimated analyte values. 
     In an aspect of the fifth embodiment, the step of analyzing a variation comprises determining a statistical variation from the estimated analyte values based on a statistical parameter. 
     In an aspect of the fifth embodiment, the method further comprises comparing the estimated analyte values with the measured analyte values to determine a deviation between the estimated analyte values and the measured analyte values. 
     In an aspect of the fifth embodiment, the step of analyzing a variation comprises analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte values based on the deviation determined by the step of comparing. 
     In an aspect of the fifth embodiment, the output displays estimated analyte values to the user. 
     In an aspect of the fifth embodiment, the output further comprises a therapy recommendation to help the user obtain a target analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the fifth embodiment, the output comprises an icon that has a shape representative of the analyzed variation of the estimated analyte value. 
     In a sixth embodiment, a method for estimating analyte values from a continuous analyte sensor is provided, the method comprising receiving a data stream from the continuous analyte sensor for a time period; and estimating one or more analyte values for a time period based on the data stream, wherein analyte estimation comprises performing an algorithm to estimate analyte values and applying physiological boundaries to the estimated analyte values. 
     In an aspect of the sixth embodiment, the analyte value estimation step further comprises selecting an algorithm from a plurality of algorithms based on analysis of the data stream prior to estimating the analyte values. 
     In an aspect of the sixth embodiment, the algorithm selection is conditional upon at least one of analyte concentration, rate of change, acceleration, and individual historical patterns of the data stream. 
     In an aspect of the sixth embodiment, the algorithm is selected from the group consisting of polynomial regression, autoregressive algorithms, Fourier transform, Wavelet transform, neural network-based mapping, fuzzy logic based pattern matching, and Genetic-Algorithm matching. 
     In an aspect of the sixth embodiment, the method further comprises evaluating the selected algorithm by applying a data association function, a curvature formula, or physiological boundaries prior to employing the selected algorithm to estimate analyte values. 
     In an aspect of the sixth embodiment, the method further comprises analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte values based on statistical, clinical, or physiological parameters. 
     In an aspect of the sixth embodiment, the time period of clinical risk is determined when an estimated analyte value falls outside of a normal analyte threshold. 
     In an aspect of the sixth embodiment, the output selectively provides estimated analytes value based on an event trigger. 
     In a seventh embodiment, a method for displaying analyte data from a continuous analyte sensor is provided, the method comprising receiving a data stream from the continuous analyte sensor for a time period; calibrating the data stream using a conversion function to determine at least one calibrated analyte value; analyzing a variation of at least one calibrated analyte value based on a parameter selected from the group consisting of a statistical parameter, a clinical parameter, and a physiological parameter; and providing an output based on the calibrated analyte value and the variation of the calibrated analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the seventh embodiment, the output comprises a numerical representation of a calibrated analyte value and a variation of the calibrated analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the seventh embodiment, the output comprises a numerical representation of a range of possible analyte values. 
     In an aspect of the seventh embodiment, the output further comprises an arrow representing a rate of change of the calibrated analyte values. 
     In an eighth embodiment, a system for estimating analyte data from a continuous analyte sensor is provided, the system comprising an input module operatively connected to the continuous analyte sensor that receives a data stream comprising a plurality of time spaced sensor data points from the analyte sensor; and a processor module comprising programming that estimates at least one analyte value for a time period based on the data stream and compares the estimated analyte value with a corresponding measured analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the eighth embodiment, the input module is adapted to receive a data stream that has been algorithmically smoothed. 
     In an aspect of the eighth embodiment, the input module is adapted to receive a raw data stream. 
     In an aspect of the eighth embodiment, the programming to estimate an analyte value further comprises programming to select an algorithm from a plurality of algorithms based on analysis of the data stream prior to estimating the analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the eighth embodiment, the processor module further comprises programming to select the algorithm conditional upon at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of an analyte concentration, a rate of change, acceleration of a rate of change, and an individual historical pattern of the data stream. 
     In an aspect of the eighth embodiment, the processor module runs the plurality of algorithms on the data stream and determines which of the plurality of algorithms best correlates with the data stream. 
     In an aspect of the eighth embodiment, the processor module comprises programming to apply a physiological boundary to the selected algorithm. 
     In an aspect of the eighth embodiment, the processor module further comprises programming to evaluate the selected algorithm by applying a data association function, a curvature formula, or physiological boundaries prior to employing the selected algorithm to estimate analyte values. 
     In an aspect of the eighth embodiment, the processor module further comprises programming to analyze a variation of the estimated analyte value based on a parameter selected from the group consisting of statistical parameters, clinical parameters, and physiological parameters. 
     In an aspect of the eighth embodiment, the programming to analyze a variation comprises determining a physiological variation from the estimated analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the eighth embodiment, the programming to analyze a variation comprises determining statistical variation from the estimated analyte value based on statistical parameters. 
     In an aspect of the eighth embodiment, the programming to compare the estimated analyte value with the measured analyte value further comprises determining a deviation between the estimated analyte value and the measured analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the eighth embodiment, the programming to analyze a variation comprising analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte values based on the deviation determined by the comparison step. 
     In an aspect of the eighth embodiment, the processor module further comprises programming to recognize a pattern by monitoring a physiological pattern over time. 
     In an aspect of the eighth embodiment, the programming to analyze a variation comprises analyzing the physiological pattern to determine a variation of the estimated analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the eighth embodiment, the programming to analyze a variation comprises determining the variation of the estimated analyte value based on a clinical risk of the estimated analyte value to the user. 
     In an aspect of the eighth embodiment, the system further comprises an output module comprising programming to output data based on the estimated analyte data. 
     In a ninth embodiment, a system for estimating analyte values from a continuous analyte sensor, the system comprising an input module operatively connected to the continuous analyte sensor that receives a data stream comprising a plurality of time spaced sensor data points from the analyte sensor; a processor module comprising programming that estimates at least one analyte value for a future time based on the data stream, and analyzes a variation of the estimated analyte value based on a parameter selected from the group consisting of a statistical parameter, a clinical parameter, and a physiological parameter; and an output module associated with the processor module and comprising programming to output analyte data based on at least one estimated analyte value and the variation of the estimated analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the ninth embodiment, the input module is adapted to receive a data stream that has been algorithmically smoothed. 
     In an aspect of the ninth embodiment, the input module is adapted to receive a raw data stream. 
     In an aspect of the ninth embodiment, the programming to estimate an analyte value further comprises programming to select an algorithm from a plurality of algorithms based on analysis of the data stream prior to estimating the analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the ninth embodiment, the programming to select an algorithm is conditional upon at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of an analyte concentration, a rate of change, an acceleration of a rate of change, and an individual historical pattern of the data stream. 
     In an aspect of the ninth embodiment, the programming to select an algorithm further comprises employing the plurality of algorithms on the data stream and determining which of the plurality of algorithms best correlates with the data stream. 
     In an aspect of the ninth embodiment, the algorithms are selected from the group consisting of polynomial regression, autoregressive algorithms, Fourier transform, Wavelet transform, neural network-based mapping, fuzzy logic based pattern matching, and Genetic-Algorithm matching. 
     In an aspect of the ninth embodiment, the processor module further comprises programming to apply a physiological boundary to the selected algorithm. 
     In an aspect of the ninth embodiment, the processor module further comprises programming to evaluate the selected algorithm by applying a data association function, a curvature formula, or physiological boundaries prior to employing the selected algorithm to estimate the analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the ninth embodiment, the programming to analyze a variation comprises determining a physiological variation from the estimated analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the ninth embodiment, the programming to analyze a variation comprises determining statistical variation from the estimated analyte value based on a statistical parameter. 
     In an aspect of the ninth embodiment, the processor module compares the estimated analyte value with the measured analyte value to determine a deviation between the estimated analyte value and the measured analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the ninth embodiment, the programming to analyze a variation comprises analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte value based on the deviation. 
     In an aspect of the ninth embodiment, the processor module further comprises programming to recognize a pattern by monitoring a physiological pattern over time. 
     In an aspect of the ninth embodiment, the programming to analyze a variation comprises analyzing the physiological pattern to determine a variation of the estimated analyte value. 
     In an aspect of the ninth embodiment, the programming to analyze a variation comprises determining the variation of the estimated analyte value based the clinical risk of the estimated analyte value to the user. 
     In an aspect of the ninth embodiment, the output displays estimated analyte value to the user. 
     In a tenth embodiment, a system for estimating analyte values from a continuous analyte sensor is provided, the system comprising an input module operatively connected to the continuous analyte sensor that receives a data stream comprising a plurality of time spaced sensor data points from the analyte sensor; and a processor module comprising programming that selects an algorithm from a plurality of algorithms based on an analysis of the data stream, that evaluates the algorithm based on a parameter selected from the group consisting of statistical parameters, physiological parameters, and clinical parameters, and that employs a selected algorithm based on the algorithm evaluation to estimate at least one analyte value. 
     In an eleventh embodiment, a system for matching data pairs from a continuous analyte sensor with data from a reference analyte source, the system comprising a sensor input module operatively connected to the continuous analyte sensor that receives a data stream comprising a plurality of time spaced sensor data points from the analyte sensor; a reference input module receiving reference data from a reference analyte monitor, including at least one reference data point; and a processor module comprising programming that estimates at least one analyte value for a time period during which no data exists based on the data stream and creates at least one matched data pair by matching reference analyte data to the estimated analyte value. 
     In a twelfth embodiment, a system for compensating for a time lag of continuous analyte sensor data by estimating an analyte value for a present time from which the continuous analyte sensor data is delayed is provided, the system comprising an input module operatively connected to the continuous analyte sensor that receives a data stream comprising a plurality of time spaced sensor data points from the analyte sensor; a processor module comprising programming that continuously estimates or periodically estimates analyte values for the present time period based on the data stream to compensate for the physiological or computational time lag in the analyte sensor data; and an output module associated with the processor module and comprising programming to continuously provide or periodically provide an output to the user based on the estimated analyte values, such that output of the estimated analyte values provides present time analyte values to the user. 
     In a thirteenth embodiment, a system for estimating analyte values from a continuous analyte sensor is provided, the system comprising an input module operatively connected to the continuous analyte sensor that receives a data stream comprising a plurality of time spaced sensor data points from the analyte sensor; and a processor module comprising programming that estimates at least one analyte value for a time period based on the data stream, wherein the analyte estimation comprises performing an algorithm to estimate an analyte value and applying a physiological boundary to the estimated analyte value. 
     In a fourteenth embodiment, a system for displaying analyte data from a continuous analyte sensor is provided, the system comprising an input module operatively connected to the continuous analyte sensor that receives a data stream comprising a plurality of time spaced sensor data points from the analyte sensor; a processor module comprising programming that calibrates the data stream using a conversion function to determine a calibrated analyte value and analyze a variation of the calibrated analyte value based on statistical, clinical, or physiological parameters; and an output module associated with the processor module and comprising programming to output data based on the calibrated analyte value and the variation of calibrated analyte value. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram that illustrates the configuration of the medical device in one embodiment, including a continuous analyte sensor, a receiver, and an external device. 
         FIG.  2    is a flow chart that illustrates the process of measurement and calibration of the continuous analyte sensor in one embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a flow chart that illustrates the process of estimation of analyte values based on measured analyte values in one embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a graph that illustrates the case where estimation is triggered by an event wherein a patient&#39;s blood glucose concentration passes above a predetermined threshold. 
         FIG.  5    is a graph that illustrates a raw data stream and corresponding reference analyte values. 
         FIG.  6    is a flow chart that illustrates the process of compensating for a time lag associated with a continuous analyte sensor to provide real-time estimated analyte data output in one embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a graph that illustrates the data of  FIG.  5   , including reference analyte data and corresponding calibrated sensor analyte and estimated sensor analyte data, showing compensation for time lag using estimation. 
         FIG.  8    is a flow chart that illustrates the process of matching data pairs from a continuous analyte sensor and a reference analyte sensor in one embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    is a flow chart that illustrates the process of dynamic and intelligent estimation algorithm selection in one embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a graph that illustrates one case of dynamic and intelligent estimation applied to a data stream, showing first order estimation, second order estimation, and the measured values for a time period, wherein the second order estimation shows a closer correlation to the measured data than the first order estimation. 
         FIG.  11    is a flow chart that illustrates the process of estimating analyte values within physiological boundaries in one embodiment. 
         FIG.  12    is a graph that illustrates one case wherein dynamic and intelligent estimation is applied to a data stream, wherein the estimation performs regression and further applies physiological constraints to the estimated analyte data. 
         FIG.  13    is a flow chart that illustrates the process of dynamic and intelligent estimation and evaluation of analyte values in one embodiment. 
         FIG.  14    is a graph that illustrates a case wherein the selected estimative algorithm is evaluated in one embodiment, wherein a correlation is measured to determine a deviation of the measured analyte data with the selected estimative algorithm, if any. 
         FIG.  15    is a flow chart that illustrates the process of evaluating a variation of estimated future analyte value possibilities in one embodiment. 
         FIG.  16    is a graph that illustrates a case wherein a variation of estimated analyte values is based on physiological parameters. 
         FIG.  17    is a graph that illustrates a case wherein a variation of estimated analyte values is based on statistical parameters. 
         FIG.  18    is a flow chart that illustrates the process of estimating, measuring, and comparing analyte values in one embodiment. 
         FIG.  19    is a graph that illustrates a case wherein a comparison of estimated analyte values to time corresponding measured analyte values is used to determine correlation of estimated to measured analyte data. 
         FIG.  20    is an illustration of the receiver in one embodiment showing an analyte trend graph, including measured analyte values, estimated analyte values, and a zone of clinical risk. 
         FIG.  21    is an illustration of the receiver in one embodiment showing a gradient bar, including measured analyte values, estimated analyte values, and a zone of clinical risk. 
         FIG.  22    is an illustration of the receiver in one embodiment showing an analyte trend graph, including measured analyte values and one or more clinically acceptable target analyte values. 
         FIG.  23    is an illustration of the receiver of  FIG.  22   , further including estimated analyte values on the same screen. 
         FIG.  24    is an illustration of the receiver of  FIG.  23   , further including a variation of estimated analyte values and therapy recommendations on the same screen to help the user obtain the displayed target analyte values. 
         FIG.  25    is an illustration of the receiver in one embodiment, showing measured analyte values and a dynamic visual representation of a range of estimated analyte values based on a variation analysis. 
         FIG.  26    is an illustration of the receiver in another embodiment, showing measured analyte values and a visual representation of range of estimated analyte values based on a variation analysis. 
         FIG.  27    is an illustration of the receiver in another embodiment, showing a numerical representation of the most recent measured analyte value, a directional arrow indicating rate of change, and a secondary numerical value representing a variation of the measured analyte value. 
         FIG.  28    depicts a conventional display of glucose data (uniform y-axis), 9-hour trend graph. 
         FIG.  29    depicts a utility-driven display of glucose data (non-uniform y-axis), 9-hour trend graph. 
         FIG.  30    depicts a conventional display of glucose data, 7-day glucose chart. 
         FIG.  31    depicts a utility-driven display of glucose data, 7-day control chart, median (interquartile range) of daily glucose. 
         FIG.  32    is an illustration of a receiver in one embodiment that interfaces with a computer. 
         FIG.  33    is an illustration of a receiver in one embodiment that interfaces with a modem. 
         FIG.  34    is an illustration of a receiver in one embodiment that interfaces with an insulin pen. 
         FIG.  35    is an illustration of a receiver in one embodiment that interfaces with an insulin pump. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following description and examples illustrate some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed invention in detail. Those of skill in the art will recognize that there are numerous variations and modifications of this invention that are encompassed by its scope. Accordingly, the description of a certain exemplary embodiment should not be deemed to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     Definitions 
     In order to facilitate an understanding of the disclosed invention, a number of terms are defined below. 
     The term “analyte,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, without limitation, to refer to a substance or chemical constituent in a biological fluid (for example, blood, interstitial fluid, cerebral spinal fluid, lymph fluid or urine) that can be analyzed. Analytes can include naturally occurring substances, artificial substances, metabolites, and/or reaction products. In some embodiments, the analyte for measurement by the sensor heads, devices, and methods is analyte. However, other analytes are contemplated as well, including but not limited to acarboxyprothrombin; acylcarnitine; adenine phosphoribosyl transferase; adenosine deaminase; albumin; alpha-fetoprotein; amino acid profiles (arginine (Krebs cycle), histidine/urocanic acid, homocysteine, phenylalanine/tyrosine, tryptophan); andrenostenedione; antipyrine; arabinitol enantiomers; arginase; benzoylecgonine (cocaine); biotinidase; biopterin; c-reactive protein; carnitine; carnosinase; CD4; ceruloplasmin; chenodeoxycholic acid; chloroquine; cholesterol; cholinesterase; conjugated 1-13 hydroxy-cholic acid; cortisol; creatine kinase; creatine kinase MM isoenzyme; cyclosporin A; d-penicillamine; de-ethylchloroquine; dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate; DNA (acetylator polymorphism, alcohol dehydrogenase, alpha 1-antitrypsin, cystic fibrosis, Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy, analyte-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, hemoglobin A, hemoglobin S, hemoglobin C, hemoglobin D, hemoglobin E, hemoglobin F, D-Punjab, beta-thalassemia, hepatitis B virus, HCMV, HIV-1, HTLV-1, Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, MCAD, RNA, PKU,  Plasmodium vivax , sexual differentiation, 21-deoxycortisol); desbutylhalofantrine; dihydropteridine reductase; diptheria/tetanus antitoxin; erythrocyte arginase; erythrocyte protoporphyrin; esterase D; fatty acids/acylglycines; free β-human chorionic gonadotropin; free erythrocyte porphyrin; free thyroxine (FT4); free tri-iodothyronine (FT3); fumarylacetoacetase; galactose/gal-1-phosphate; galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase; gentamicin; analyte-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; glutathione; glutathione perioxidase; glycocholic acid; glycosylated hemoglobin; halofantrine; hemoglobin variants; hexosaminidase A; human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase I; 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone; hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase; immunoreactive trypsin; lactate; lead; lipoproteins ((a), B/A−1, β); lysozyme; mefloquine; netilmicin; phenobarbitone; phenytoin; phytanic/pristanic acid; progesterone; prolactin; prolidase; purine nucleoside phosphorylase; quinine; reverse tri-iodothyronine (rT3); selenium; serum pancreatic lipase; sissomicin; somatomedin C; specific antibodies (adenovirus, anti-nuclear antibody, anti-zeta antibody, arbovirus, Aujeszky&#39;s disease virus, dengue virus,  Dracunculus medinensis, Echinococcus granulosus, Entamoeba histolytica , enterovirus,  Giardia duodenalisa, Helicobacter pylori , hepatitis B virus, herpes virus, HIV-1, IgE (atopic disease), influenza virus,  Leishmania donovani, Leptospira , measles/mumps/rubella,  Mycobacterium leprae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae , Myoglobin,  Onchocerca volvulus , parainfluenza virus,  Plasmodium falciparum , poliovirus,  Pseudomonas aeruginosa , respiratory syncytial virus,  Rickettsia  (scrub typhus),  Schistosoma mansoni, Toxoplasma gondii, Trepenoma pallidium, Trypanosoma cruzi/rangeli , vesicular  Stomatis  virus,  Wuchereria bancrofti , yellow fever virus); specific antigens (hepatitis B virus, HIV-1); succinylacetone; sulfadoxine; theophylline; thyrotropin (TSH); thyroxine (T4); thyroxine-binding globulin; trace elements; transferrin; UDP-galactose-4-epimerase; urea; uroporphyrinogen I synthase; vitamin A; white blood cells; and zinc protoporphyrin. Salts, sugar, protein, fat, vitamins and hormones naturally occurring in blood or interstitial fluids can also constitute analytes in certain embodiments. The analyte can be naturally present in the biological fluid, for example, a metabolic product, a hormone, an antigen, an antibody, and the like. Alternatively, the analyte can be introduced into the body, for example, a contrast agent for imaging, a radioisotope, a chemical agent, a fluorocarbon-based synthetic blood, or a drug or pharmaceutical composition, including but not limited to insulin; ethanol;  cannabis  (marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, hashish); inhalants (nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, chlorohydrocarbons, hydrocarbons); cocaine (crack cocaine); stimulants (amphetamines, methamphetamines, Ritalin, Cylert, Preludin, Didrex, PreState, Voranil, Sandrex, Plegine); depressants (barbituates, methaqualone, tranquilizers such as Valium, Librium, Miltown, Serax, Equanil, Tranxene); hallucinogens (phencyclidine, lysergic acid, mescaline, peyote, psilocybin); narcotics (heroin, codeine, morphine, opium, meperidine, Percocet, Percodan, Tussionex, Fentanyl, Darvon, Talwin, Lomotil); designer drugs (analogs of fentanyl, meperidine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, and phencyclidine, for example, Ecstasy); anabolic steroids; and nicotine. The metabolic products of drugs and pharmaceutical compositions are also contemplated analytes. Analytes such as neurochemicals and other chemicals generated within the body can also be analyzed, such as, for example, ascorbic acid, uric acid, dopamine, noradrenaline, 3-methoxytyramine (3MT), 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), Homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5HT), and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (FHIAA). 
     The term “continuous analyte sensor,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, a device that continuously or continually measures a concentration of an analyte, for example, at time intervals ranging from fractions of a second up to, for example, 1, 2, or 5 minutes, or longer. In one exemplary embodiment, the continuous analyte sensor is a glucose sensor such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,067, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     The term “continuous analyte sensing,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, the period in which monitoring of an analyte is continuously or continually performed, for example, at time intervals ranging from fractions of a second up to, for example, 1, 2, or 5 minutes, or longer. 
     The terms “reference analyte monitor,” “reference analyte meter,” and “reference analyte sensor,” as used herein, are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, a device that measures a concentration of an analyte and can be used as a reference for the continuous analyte sensor, for example a self-monitoring blood glucose meter (SMBG) can be used as a reference for a continuous glucose sensor for comparison, calibration, or the like. 
     The term “biological sample,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, sample of a host body, for example, blood, interstitial fluid, spinal fluid, saliva, urine, tears, sweat, or the like. 
     The term “host,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, mammals such as humans. 
     The term “processor,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, a computer system, state machine, or the like that performs arithmetic and logic operations using logic circuitry that responds to and processes the basic instructions that drive a computer. 
     The term “ROM,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, read-only memory, which is a type of data storage device manufactured with fixed contents. ROM is broad enough to include EEPROM, for example, which is electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (ROM). 
     The term “RAM,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, a data storage device for which the order of access to different locations does not affect the speed of access. RAM is broad enough to include SRAM, for example, which is static random access memory that retains data bits in its memory as long as power is being supplied. 
     The term “A/D Converter,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, hardware and/or software that converts analog electrical signals into corresponding digital signals. 
     The term “RF transceiver,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, a radio frequency transmitter and/or receiver for transmitting and/or receiving signals. 
     The terms “raw data stream” and “data stream,” as used herein, are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, an analog or digital signal directly related to the analyte concentration measured by the analyte sensor. In one example, the raw data stream is digital data in “counts” converted by an A/D converter from an analog signal (for example, voltage or amps) representative of an analyte concentration. The terms broadly encompass a plurality of time spaced data points from a substantially continuous analyte sensor, which comprises individual measurements taken at time intervals ranging from fractions of a second up to, for example, 1, 2, or 5 minutes or longer. 
     The terms “calibrated data” and “calibrated data stream,” as used herein, are broad terms, and are used in their ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, data that has been transformed from its raw state to another state using a function, for example a conversion function, to provide a meaningful value to a user. The terms “smoothed data” and “filtered data,” as used herein, are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, data that has been modified to make it smoother and more continuous and/or to remove or diminish outlying points, for example, by performing a moving average of the raw data stream. 
     The term “counts,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, a unit of measurement of a digital signal. In one example, a raw data stream measured in counts is directly related to a voltage (for example, converted by an A/D converter), which is directly related to current from a working electrode. 
     The term “electronic circuitry,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, the components (for example, hardware and/or software) of a device configured to process data. In the case of an analyte sensor, the data includes biological information obtained by a sensor regarding the concentration of the analyte in a biological fluid. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,757,022, 5,497,772 and 4,787,398, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, describe suitable electronic circuits that can be utilized with devices of certain embodiments. 
     The term “potentiostat,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, an electrical system that controls the potential between the working and reference electrodes of a two-electrode cell or three-electrode cell at a preset value. The potentiostat forces whatever current is necessary to flow between the working and counter electrodes to keep the desired potential, as long as the needed cell voltage and current do not exceed the compliance limits of the potentiostat. 
     The term “electrical potential,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit, which is the cause of the flow of a current. 
     The terms “operably connected” and “operably linked,” as used herein, are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, one or more components being linked to another component(s) in a manner that allows transmission of signals between the components. For example, one or more electrodes can be used to detect the amount of glucose in a sample and convert that information into a signal; the signal can then be transmitted to an electronic circuit. In this case, the electrode is “operably linked” to the electronic circuit. These terms are broad enough to include wired and wireless connectivity. 
     The term “algorithm,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, the computational processes (for example, programs) involved in transforming information from one state to another, for example using computer processing. 
     The term “estimation algorithm,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, the processing involved in estimating analyte values from measured analyte values for a time period during which no data exists (e.g., for a future time period or during data gaps). This term is broad enough to include one or a plurality of algorithms and/or computations. This term is also broad enough to include algorithms or computations based on mathematical, statistical, clinical, and/or physiological information. 
     The term “regression,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, finding a line in which a set of data has a minimal measurement (for example, deviation) from that line. Regression can be linear, non-linear, first order, second order, and so forth. One example of regression is least squares regression. 
     The terms “recursive filter” and “auto-regressive algorithm,” as used herein, are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, an equation in which includes previous averages are part of the next filtered output. More particularly, the generation of a series of observations whereby the value of each observation is partly dependent on the values of those that have immediately preceded it. One example is a regression structure in which lagged response values assume the role of the independent variables. 
     The terms “velocity” and “rate of change,” as used herein, are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, time rate of change; the amount of change divided by the time required for the change. In one embodiment, these terms refer to the rate of increase or decrease in an analyte for a certain time period. 
     The term “acceleration” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. This term is broad enough to include deceleration. 
     The term “variation,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, a divergence or amount of change from a point, line, or set of data. In one embodiment, estimated analyte values can have a variation including a range of values outside of the estimated analyte values that represent a range of possibilities based on known physiological patterns, for example. 
     The term “deviation,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, a statistical measure representing the difference between different data sets. The term is broad enough to encompass the deviation represented as a correlation of data. 
     The terms “statistical parameters” and “statistical,” as used herein, are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, information computed from the values of a sampling of data. For example, noise or variability in data can be statistically measured. 
     The term “statistical variation,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, divergence or change from a point, line, or set of data based on statistical information. The term “statistical information” is broad enough to include patterns or data analysis resulting from experiments, published or unpublished, for example. 
     The term “clinical risk,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, an identified danger or potential risk to the health of a patient based on a measured or estimated analyte concentration, its rate of change, and/or its acceleration. In one exemplary embodiment, clinical risk is determined by a measured glucose concentration above or below a threshold (for example, 80-200 mg/dL) and/or its rate of change. 
     The term “clinically acceptable,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, an analyte concentration, rate of change, and/or acceleration associated with that measured analyte that is considered to be safe for a patient. In one exemplary embodiment, clinical acceptability is determined by a measured glucose concentration within a threshold (for example, 80-200 mg/dL) and/or its rate of change. 
     The terms “physiological parameters” and “physiological boundaries,” as used herein, are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, the parameters obtained from continuous studies of physiological data in humans and/or animals. For example, a maximal sustained rate of change of glucose in humans of about 4 to 5 mg/dL/min and a maximum acceleration of the rate of change of about 0.1 to 0.2 mg/dL/min 2  are deemed physiologically feasible limits; values outside of these limits would be considered non-physiological. As another example, the rate of change of glucose is lowest at the maxima and minima of the daily glucose range, which are the areas of greatest risk in patient treatment, thus a physiologically feasible rate of change can be set at the maxima and minima based on continuous studies of glucose data. As a further example, it has been observed that the best solution for the shape of the curve at any point along glucose signal data stream over a certain time period (for example, about 20 to 30 minutes) is a straight line, which can be used to set physiological limits. These terms are broad enough to include physiological parameters for any analyte. 
     The terms “individual physiological patterns” and “individual historical patterns,” as used herein, are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, patterns obtained by monitoring a physiological characteristic, such as glucose concentration, in a mammal over a time period. For example, continual or continuous monitoring of glucose concentration in humans can recognize a “normal” pattern of turnaround at the human&#39;s lowest glucose levels. 
     The term “physiological variation,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, divergence or change from a point, line, or set of data based on known physiological parameters and/or patterns. 
     The terms “data association” and “data association function,” as used herein, are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, a statistical analysis of data and particularly its correlation to, or deviation from, a particular line. A data association function is used to show data association. For example, a measured glucose data stream as described herein can be analyzed mathematically to determine its correlation to, or deviation from, an estimated data stream for a corresponding time period; this correlation or deviation is the data association. Examples of data association functions include, but are not limited to, linear regression, non-linear mapping/regression, rank (for example, non-parametric) correlation, least mean square fit, mean absolute deviation (MAD), and/or mean absolute relative difference (MARD). 
     The terms “clinical error grid,” “clinical error analysis” and “error grid analysis,” as used herein, are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, an analysis method that assigns a specific level of clinical risk to an error between two time corresponding analyte measurements. Examples include Clarke Error Grid, Consensus Grid, mean absolute relative difference, rate grid, or other clinical cost functions. 
     The term “Clarke Error Grid,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, an error grid analysis, which evaluates the clinical significance of the difference between a reference glucose value and a sensor generated glucose value, taking into account 1) the value of the reference glucose measurement, 2) the value of the sensor glucose measurement, 3) the relative difference between the two values, and 4) the clinical significance of this difference. See Clarke et al., “Evaluating Clinical Accuracy of Systems for Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose,” Diabetes Care, Volume 10, Number 5, September-October 1987, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     The term “rate grid”, as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, without limitation, to refer to an error grid analysis, which evaluates the clinical significance of the difference between a reference glucose value and a continuous sensor generated glucose value, taking into account both single-point and rate-of-change values. One example of a rate grid is described in Kovatchev, B. P.; Gonder-Frederick, L. A.; Cox, D. J.; Clarke, W. L. Evaluating the accuracy of continuous glucose-monitoring sensors: continuous glucose-error grid analysis illustrated by TheraSense Freestyle Navigator data.  Diabetes Care  2004, 27, 1922-1928. 
     The term “curvature formula,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, a mathematical formula that can be used to define a curvature of a line. Some examples of curvature formulas include Euler and Rodrigues&#39; curvature formulas. 
     The term “time period,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, an amount of time including a single point in time and a path (for example, range of time) that extends from a first point in time to a second point in time. 
     The term “measured analyte values,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, an analyte value or set of analyte values for a time period for which analyte data has been measured by an analyte sensor. The term is broad enough to include data from the analyte sensor before or after data processing in the sensor and/or receiver (for example, data smoothing, calibration, or the like). 
     The term “estimated analyte values,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, an analyte value or set of analyte values, which have been algorithmically extrapolated from measured analyte values. Typically, estimated analyte values are estimated for a time period during which no data exists. However, estimated analyte values can also be estimated during a time period for which measured data exists, but is to be replaced by algorithmically extrapolated data due to a time lag in the measured data, for example. 
     The term “alarm,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, audible, visual, or tactile signals that are triggered in response to detection of clinical risk to a patient. In one embodiment, hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic alarms are triggered when present or future clinical danger is assessed based on continuous analyte data. 
     The terms “target analyte values” and “analyte value goal,” as used herein, are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, an analyte value or set of analyte values that are clinically acceptable. In one example, a target analyte value is visually or audibly presented to a patient in order to aid in guiding the patient in understanding how they should avoid a clinically risky analyte concentration. 
     The terms “therapy” and “therapy recommendations,” as used herein, are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, the treatment of disease or disorder by any method. In one exemplary embodiment, a patient is prompted with therapy recommendations such as “inject insulin” or “consume carbohydrates” in order to avoid a clinically risky glucose concentration. 
     The terms “customize” and “customization,” as used herein, are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, to make changes or specifications to a program so that it meets an individual&#39;s needs. 
     The term “computer,” as used herein, is broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, machine that can be programmed to manipulate data. 
     The term “modem,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, an electronic device for converting between serial data from a computer and an audio signal suitable for transmission over a telecommunications connection to another modem. 
     The term “insulin pen,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, an insulin injection device generally the size of a pen that includes a needle and holds a vial of insulin. It can be used instead of syringes for giving insulin injections. 
     The term “insulin pump,” as used herein, is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense, including, but not limited to, a device that delivers a continuous supply of insulin into the body. The insulin flows from the pump through a plastic tube (called a catheter) that is connected to a needle inserted into the skin and taped in place, for example. 
     Overview 
     Certain embodiments provide a continuous analyte sensor that measures a concentration of analyte within a host and provides a data stream representative of the concentration of the analyte in the host, and a receiver that processes the data stream received from the analyte sensor for output as a meaningful value to a user or device. In some embodiments, the analyte sensor is integral with the receiver, while in other embodiments, the analyte sensor is operatively linked to the receiver, for example, via a wired link or a wireless link. 
     Data processing associated with various embodiments calculates estimated analyte values from measured analyte values that can be useful to 1) compensate for a time lag associated with the analyte concentration measured sensor as compared to a reference source, for example, 2) estimate approaching clinical risk and warn a patient or doctor in an effort to avoid the clinical risk, 3) ensure accurate calibration of sensor data with reference data by dynamically and intelligently matching reference data with corresponding sensor data, for example, 4) replace data during periods of high signal noise or inaccurate data, and/or 5) provide future estimated analyte values that encourage more timely proactive behavior by a patient. The systems and methods calculate estimated analyte values based on algorithms that dynamically and intelligently determine which estimative algorithm best fits the present data stream, for example, using first or second order regression, considering physiological boundaries, evaluating the estimative algorithm for data association, determining possible variations around the estimated analyte values due to statistical, clinical, or physiological considerations, and/or comparing the estimated analyte values with time corresponding measured analyte values. 
     Some embodiments further generate data output, which can be in the form of real-time output to a user on screen or other user interface, for example, on the receiver. Data output can include real-time measured analyte values, estimated analyte values, possible variations of estimated analyte values, targets or goals for analyte values, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, data output can be sent to a device external from the receiver, for example, a computer, modem, or medical device. In some embodiments, input from the user or from another device, such as insulin injections (time and amount), meal times, exercise, personalized therapy recommendations, or the like, can be input into the receiver and processed to provide more customized data analysis and/or data output. 
     Accordingly, the systems and methods calculate estimated analyte values in a timely, accurate, and reliable manner based on measured analyte values, which can be helpful for proactively caring for a patient&#39;s condition. Estimated analyte values can provide information useful in warning a patient of upcoming clinical risk. Additionally, targets and/or goals set for a patient&#39;s analyte values, based on present analyte conditions, and can be useful in proactively avoiding clinical risk. Furthermore, therapy recommendations can be provided that are useful in guiding a patient away from clinical risk. 
     Continuous Analyte Sensor 
     The systems and methods of the preferred embodiments provide an analyte sensor that measures a concentration of analyte of interest or a substance indicative of the concentration or presence of the analyte. The analyte sensor uses any known method, including invasive, minimally invasive, and non-invasive sensing techniques, to provide an output signal indicative of the concentration of the analyte of interest. In some embodiments, the analyte sensor is a continuous device, for example a subcutaneous, transdermal, or intravascular device. In some embodiments, the device can take a plurality of intermittent measurements. The analyte sensor can use any method of analyte-measurement, including enzymatic, chemical, physical, electrochemical, spectrophotometric, polarimetric, calorimetric, radiometric, or the like. Generally, the analyte sensor can be any sensor capable of determining the level of any analyte in the body, for example glucose, oxygen, lactase, hormones, cholesterol, medicaments, viruses, or the like. It should be understood that the devices and methods described herein can be applied to any device capable of continually or continuously detecting a concentration of analyte and providing an output signal that represents the concentration of that analyte. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the analyte sensor is an implantable glucose sensor, such as described with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,067 and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/633,367 entitled, “SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING ANALYTE SENSOR DATA,” filed Aug. 1, 2003, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In another preferred embodiment, the analyte sensor is a transcutaneous glucose sensor, such as described with reference to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/587,787 and 60/614,683. In one alternative embodiment, the continuous glucose sensor comprises a transcutaneous sensor such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,509 to Say et al., for example. In another alternative embodiment, the continuous glucose sensor comprises a subcutaneous sensor such as described with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,690 to Bonnecaze et al. or U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,046 to Say et al., for example. In another alternative embodiment, the continuous glucose sensor comprises a refillable subcutaneous sensor such as described with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 6,512,939 to Colvin et al., for example. In another alternative embodiment, the continuous glucose sensor comprises an intravascular sensor such as described with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,395 to Schulman et al., for example. In another alternative embodiment, the continuous glucose sensor comprises an intravascular sensor such as described with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 6,424,847 to Mastrototaro et al. All of the above patents are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
       FIG.  1    is a block diagram that illustrates the configuration of the medical device in one embodiment, including a continuous analyte sensor, a receiver, and an external device. In general, the continuous analyte sensor  10  is any sensor configuration that provides an output signal indicative of a concentration of an analyte. The output signal is sent to a receiver  12  and received by an input module  14 , which is described in more detail below. The output signal is typically a raw data stream that is used to provide a useful value of the measured analyte concentration to a patient or doctor, for example. In some embodiments, the raw data stream can be continuously or periodically algorithmically smoothed or otherwise modified to diminish outlying points that do not accurately represent the analyte concentration, for example due to signal noise or other signal artifacts, such as described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/632,537 entitled, “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REPLACING SIGNAL ARTIFACTS IN A GLUCOSE SENSOR DATA STREAM,” filed Aug. 22, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Receiver 
     Referring again to  FIG.  1   , the receiver  12 , which is operatively linked to the sensor  10 , receives a data stream from the sensor  10  via the input module  14 . In one embodiment, the input module includes a quartz crystal operably connected to an RF transceiver (not shown) that together function to receive and synchronize data streams from the sensor  10 . However, the input module  14  can be configured in any manner that is capable of receiving data from the sensor. Once received, the input module  14  sends the data stream to a processor  16  that processes the data stream, such as described in more detail below. 
     The processor  16  is the central control unit that performs the processing, such as storing data, analyzing data streams, calibrating analyte sensor data, estimating analyte values, comparing estimated analyte values with time corresponding measured analyte values, analyzing a variation of estimated analyte values, downloading data, and controlling the user interface by providing analyte values, prompts, messages, warnings, alarms, or the like. The processor includes hardware and software that performs the processing described herein, for example read-only memory (ROM) provides permanent or semi-permanent storage of data, storing data such as sensor ID, receiver ID, and programming to process data streams (for example, programming for performing estimation and other algorithms described elsewhere herein) and random access memory (RAM) stores the system&#39;s cache memory and is helpful in data processing. 
     An output module  18 , which is integral with and/or operatively connected with the processor  16 , includes programming for generating output based on the data stream received from the sensor  10  and its processing incurred in the processor  16 . In some embodiments, output is generated via a user interface  20 . 
     The user interface  20  comprises a keyboard  22 , speaker  24 , vibrator  26 , backlight  28 , liquid crystal display (LCD) screen  30 , and one or more buttons  32 . The components that comprise the user interface  20  include controls to allow interaction of the user with the receiver. The keyboard  22  can allow, for example, input of user information about himself/herself, such as mealtime, exercise, insulin administration, customized therapy recommendations, and reference analyte values. The speaker  24  can produce, for example, audible signals or alerts for conditions such as present and/or estimated hyper- and hypoglycemic conditions in a person with diabetes. The vibrator  26  can provide, for example, tactile signals or alerts for reasons such as described with reference to the speaker, above. The backlight  28  can be provided, for example, to aid the user in reading the LCD  30  in low light conditions. The LCD  30  can be provided, for example, to provide the user with visual data output, such as described in more detail below with reference to  FIGS.  20  to  26   , however other screen formats are possible. In some embodiments, the LCD is a touch-activated screen. The buttons  32  can provide for toggle, menu selection, option selection, mode selection, and reset, for example. In some alternative embodiments, a microphone can be provided to allow for voice-activated control. 
     In some embodiments, estimated analyte values, such as described, for example with reference to  FIGS.  3  to  14   , can be displayed on the LCD  30 . In some embodiments, a variation of estimated analyte values, such as described, for example with reference to  FIGS.  15  to  17   , can be displayed on the LCD  30 . In some embodiments, target analyte values, such as described, for example with reference to  FIGS.  22  to  24   , can be displayed on the LCD  30 . In some embodiments, therapy recommendations, such as described in the preferred embodiments, for example with reference to  FIG.  24   , can be displayed on the screen  30 . 
     In some embodiments, prompts or messages can be displayed on the user interface to convey information to the user, such as reference outlier values, requests for reference analyte values, therapy recommendations, deviation of the measured analyte values from the estimated analyte values, or the like. Additionally, prompts can be displayed to guide the user through calibration or trouble-shooting of the calibration. 
     Additionally, data output from the output module  18  can provide wired or wireless, one- or two-way communication between the receiver  12  and an external device  34 . The external device  34  can be any device that wherein interfaces or communicates with the receiver  12 . In some embodiments, the external device  34  is a computer, and the receiver  12  is able to download historical data for retrospective analysis by the physician, for example. In some embodiments, the external device  34  is a modem, and the receiver  12  is able to send alerts, warnings, emergency messages, or the like, via telecommunication lines to another party, such as a doctor or family member. In some embodiments, the external device  34  is an insulin pen, and the receiver  12  is able to communicate therapy recommendations, such as insulin amount and time to the insulin pen. In some embodiments, the external device  34  is an insulin pump, and the receiver  12  is able to communicate therapy recommendations, such as insulin amount and time to the insulin pump. The external device  34  can include other technology or medical devices, for example pacemakers, implanted analyte sensor patches, other infusion devices, telemetry devices, or the like. 
     The user interface  20  including keyboard  22 , buttons  32 , a microphone (not shown), and the external device  34  can be configured to allow input of data. Data input can be helpful in obtaining information about the patient (for example, meal time, exercise, or the like), receiving instructions from a physician (for example, customized therapy recommendations, targets, or the like), and downloading software updates, for example. Keyboard, buttons, touch-screen, and microphone are all examples of mechanisms by which a user can input data directly into the receiver. A server, personal computer, personal digital assistant, insulin pump, and insulin pen are examples of external devices that can provide useful information to the receiver. Other devices internal or external to the sensor that measure other aspects of a patient&#39;s body (for example, temperature sensor, accelerometer, heart rate monitor, oxygen monitor, or the like) can be used to provide input helpful in data processing. In one embodiment, the user interface can prompt the patient to select an activity most closely related to their present activity, which can be helpful in linking to an individual&#39;s physiological patterns, or other data processing. In another embodiment, a temperature sensor and/or heart rate monitor can provide information helpful in linking activity, metabolism, and glucose excursions of an individual. While a few examples of data input have been provided here, a variety of information can be input, which can be helpful in data processing as will be understood by one skilled in the art. 
     Calibration 
     Reference is now made to  FIG.  2   , which is a flow chart that illustrates the process  38  of calibration and data output of measured analyte values in one embodiment. Calibration of the analyte sensor  10  generally includes data processing that converts the data stream received from the continuous analyte sensor into measured analyte values that are meaningful to a user. In one embodiment, the analyte sensor is a continuous glucose sensor and one or more reference glucose values are used to calibrate the data stream from the sensor  10 . The calibration can be performed on a real-time basis and/or retrospectively recalibrated. However in alternative embodiments, other calibration techniques can be utilized, for example using another constant analyte (for example, folic acid, ascorbate, urate, or the like) as a baseline, factory calibration, periodic clinical calibration, oxygen calibration (for example, using a plurality of sensor heads), or the like can be used. 
     At a block  40 , the calibration process  38  receives continuous sensor data (for example, a data stream), including one or more time-spaced sensor data points, hereinafter referred to as “data stream,” “sensor data,” or “sensor analyte data.” The calibration process  38  receives the sensor data from the continuous analyte sensor  10 , which can be in communication (for example, wired or wireless) with the receiver  12 . Some or all of the sensor data point(s) can be smoothed or replaced by estimated signal values such as described with reference to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/632,537 entitled, “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REPLACING SIGNAL ARTIFACTS IN A GLUCOSE SENSOR DATA STREAM,” filed Aug. 22, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. During the initialization of the sensor, for example, prior to initial calibration, the receiver  12  receives and stores the sensor data, however it may not display any data to the user until initial calibration and optionally stabilization of the sensor  10  has been determined. 
     At a block  42 , the calibration process  38 , receives analyte values from a reference analyte monitor, including one or more reference glucose data points, hereinafter referred as “reference data” or “reference analyte data.” In an example wherein the analyte sensor is a continuous glucose sensor, the reference analyte monitor can be a self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) meter. However, in alternative embodiments, the reference analyte monitor can be any source capable of providing a corresponding analyte value. Additionally, in some alternative embodiments, wherein the continuous analyte sensor is self-calibrating, a calibrating reference value can be provided by a source internal to the continuous sensor, for example oxygen, folic acid, or other subcutaneous fluid constants. 
     In some embodiments, the calibration process  38  monitors the continuous analyte sensor data stream to determine a preferred time for capturing reference analyte concentration values for calibration of the continuous sensor data stream. In an example wherein the analyte sensor is a continuous glucose sensor, when data (for example, observed from the data stream) changes too rapidly, the reference glucose value may not be sufficiently reliable for calibration due to unstable glucose changes in the host. In contrast, when sensor glucose data are relatively stable (for example, relatively low rate of change), a reference glucose value can be taken for a reliable calibration. In one embodiment, the calibration process  38  can prompt the user via the user interface to “calibrate now” when the analyte sensor is considered stable. 
     In some embodiments, the calibration process  38  can prompt the user via the user interface  20  to obtain a reference analyte value for calibration at intervals, for example when analyte concentrations are at high and/or low values. In some additional embodiments, the user interface  20  can prompt the user to obtain a reference analyte value for calibration based upon certain events, such as meals, exercise, large excursions in analyte levels, faulty or interrupted data readings, or the like. In some embodiments, the estimative algorithms can provide information useful in determining when to request a reference analyte value. For example, when estimated analyte values indicate approaching clinical risk, the user interface  20  can prompt the user to obtain a reference analyte value. 
     In some embodiments, certain acceptability parameters can be set for reference values. In an example wherein the analyte sensor is a glucose sensor, the receiver may only accept reference glucose data between about 40 and about 400 mg/dL. 
     In some embodiments, the calibration process  38  performs outlier detection on the reference data and time corresponding sensor data. Outlier detection compares a reference analyte value with a time corresponding measured analyte value to ensure a predetermined statistically, physiologically, or clinically acceptable correlation between the corresponding data exists. In an example wherein the analyte sensor is a glucose sensor, the reference glucose data is matched with substantially time corresponding calibrated sensor data and the matched data are plotted on a Clarke Error Grid to determine whether the reference analyte value is an outlier based on clinical acceptability, such as described in more detail with reference U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/633,367 entitled, “SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING ANALYTE SENSOR DATA,” filed Aug. 1, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, outlier detection compares a reference analyte value with a corresponding estimated analyte value, such as described in more detail with reference to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , and the matched data is evaluated using statistical, clinical, and/or physiological parameters to determine the acceptability of the matched data pair. In alternative embodiments, outlier detection can be determined by other clinical, statistical, and/or physiological boundaries. 
     At a block  44 , the calibration process  38  matches reference analyte data (for example, one or more reference glucose data points) with substantially time corresponding sensor analyte data (for example, one or more sensor glucose data points) to provide one or more matched data pairs. In one embodiment, one reference data point is matched to one time corresponding sensor data point to form a matched data pair. In another embodiment, a plurality of reference data points are averaged (for example, equally or non-equally weighted average, mean-value, median, or the like) and matched to one time corresponding sensor data point to form a matched data pair. In another embodiment, one reference data point is matched to a plurality of time corresponding sensor data points averaged to form a matched data pair. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of reference data points are averaged and matched to a plurality of time corresponding sensor data points averaged to form a matched data pair. 
     In one embodiment, a time corresponding sensor data comprises one or more sensor data points that occur, for example, 15±5 min after the reference glucose data timestamp (for example, the time that the reference glucose data is obtained). In this embodiment, the 15 minute time delay has been chosen to account for an approximately 10 minute delay introduced by the filter used in data smoothing and an approximately 5 minute membrane-related time lag (for example, the time necessary for the glucose to diffuse through a membrane(s) of a glucose sensor). In alternative embodiments, the time corresponding sensor value can be more or less than in the above-described embodiment, for example ±60 minutes. Variability in time correspondence of sensor and reference data can be attributed to, for example, a longer or shorter time delay introduced during data smoothing, or if the configuration of the glucose sensor  10  incurs a greater or lesser physiological time lag. In some embodiments, estimated sensor data can be used to provide data points that occur about 1 second to about 60 minutes, or more, after a reference analyte value is obtained, which data can be used to match with reference analyte data, such as described in more detail below with reference to  FIGS.  7  and  8   . 
     At a block  46  the calibration process  38  forms an initial calibration set from a set of one or more matched data pairs, which are used to determine the relationship between the reference analyte data and the sensor analyte data, such as described in more detail with reference to a block  48 , below. 
     The matched data pairs, which make up the initial calibration set, can be selected according to predetermined criteria. In some embodiments, the number (n) of data pair(s) selected for the initial calibration set is one. In other embodiments, n data pairs are selected for the initial calibration set wherein n is a function of the frequency of the received reference glucose data points. In one exemplary embodiment, six data pairs make up the initial calibration set. In another embodiment, the calibration set includes only one data pair. 
     In some embodiments, the data pairs are selected only within a certain glucose value threshold, for example wherein the reference glucose value is between about 40 and about 400 mg/dL. In some embodiments, the data pairs that form the initial calibration set are selected according to their time stamp. 
     At the block  48 , the calibration process  38  calculates a conversion function using the calibration set. The conversion function substantially defines the relationship between the reference analyte data and the sensor analyte data. A variety of known methods can be used with the preferred embodiments to create the conversion function from the calibration set. In one embodiment, wherein a plurality of matched data points form the initial calibration set, a linear least squares regression is performed on the initial calibration set. Co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/633,367 entitled, “SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING ANALYTE SENSOR DATA,” filed Aug. 1, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety describes methods for calibration. 
     In one embodiment, the conversion function can be used to estimate analyte values for a future time period by forward projection. In alternative preferred embodiments, such as described with reference to the flow chart of  FIG.  2    and with reference to  FIGS.  3  to  19   , the processor can provide intelligent estimation, including dynamic determination of an algorithm, physiological boundaries, evaluation of the estimative algorithm, analysis of variations associated with the estimation, and comparison of measured analyte values with time corresponding estimated analyte values. 
     At a block  50 , the calibration process  38  uses the conversion function to transform sensor data into substantially measured analyte values, also referred to as calibrated data, as sensor data is continuously (or intermittently) received from the sensor. For example, the offset value at any given point in time can be subtracted from the raw value (for example, in counts) and divided by the slope to obtain a measured glucose value: 
     
       
         
           
             
               Glucose 
               ⁢ 
               
                   
               
               ⁢ 
               Concentration 
             
             = 
             
               
                 ( 
                 
                   
                     raw 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     value 
                   
                   - 
                   offset 
                 
                 ) 
               
               slope 
             
           
         
       
     
     In some alternative embodiments, the sensor and/or reference glucose data are stored in a database for retrospective analysis. The calibrated data can be used to compare with the estimated analyte values, such as described in more detail with reference to  FIG.  10    in order to determine a deviation of the measure value from the estimated analyte values for the corresponding time period. 
     At a block  52 , the calibration process  38  generates output via the user interface  20  and/or the external device  34 . In one embodiment, the output is representative of measured analyte values, which are determined by converting the sensor data into a meaningful analyte value such as described in more detail with reference to block  50 , above. User output can be in the form of a numeric estimated analyte value, an indication of directional trend of analyte concentration, and/or a graphical representation of the measured analyte data over a period of time, for example. Other representations of the measured analyte values are also possible, for example audio and tactile. Additionally or alternatively, the output is representative of estimated analyte values, such as described in more detail with reference to  FIGS.  20  to  26   . 
     In one embodiment, the measured analyte value is represented by a numeric value. In other exemplary embodiments, the user interface graphically represents the measured analyte trend values over a predetermined time period (for example, one, three, and nine hours, respectively). In alternative embodiments, other time periods can be represented. In alternative embodiments, pictures, animation, charts, graphs, and numeric data can be selectively displayed. 
     Accordingly, after initial calibration of the sensor, continuous analyte values can be displayed on the user interface  20  so that the user can regularly and proactively care for his/her diabetic condition within the bounds set by his/her physician. Both the reference analyte data and the sensor analyte data from the continuous analyte sensor can be displayed to the user. In an embodiment wherein the continuous analyte sensor functions as an adjunctive device to a reference analyte monitor, the user interface  20  can display numeric reference analyte data, while showing the sensor analyte data only in a graphical representation so that the user can see the historical and present sensor trend information as well as the most recent reference analyte data value. In an embodiment wherein the continuous analyte sensor functions as a non-adjunctive device to the reference analyte monitor, the user interface can display the reference analyte data and/or the sensor analyte data. The user can toggle through menus and screens using the buttons in order to view alternate data and/or screen formats, for example. 
     In alternative embodiments, the output module displays the estimated analyte values in a manner such as described in more detail with reference to  FIGS.  20  to  26   , for example. In some embodiments, the measured analyte value, an estimated future analyte value, a rate of change, and/or a directional trend of the analyte concentration is used to control the administration of a constituent to the user, including an appropriate amount and time, in order to control an aspect of the user&#39;s biological system. One such example is a closed loop glucose sensor and insulin pump, wherein the glucose data (for example, estimated glucose value, rate of change, and/or directional trend) from the glucose sensor is used to determine the amount of insulin, and time of administration, that can be given to a person with diabetes to evade hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic conditions. Output to external devices is described in more detail with reference to  FIGS.  27  to  30   , for example. 
     Dynamic and Intelligent Analyte Value Estimation 
     Estimative algorithms can be applied continuously, or selectively turned on/off based on conditions. Conventionally, a data stream received from a continuous analyte sensor can provide an analyte value and output the same to the host, which can be used to warn a patient or doctor of existing clinical risk. Conventionally, a data stream received from an analyte sensor can provide historical trend analyte values, which can be used to educate a patient or doctor of individual historical trends of the patient&#39;s analyte concentration. However, the data stream cannot, without additional processing, provide future analyte values, which can be useful in preventing clinically risky analyte values, compensating for time lag, and ensuring proper matching of sensor and reference analyte, for example such as described below. Timelier reporting of analyte values and prevention of clinically risky analyte values, for example, prevention of hyper- and hypoglycemic conditions in a person with diabetes, can decrease health complications that can result from clinically risky situations. 
       FIG.  3    is a flow chart that illustrates the process  54  of estimating analyte values and outputting estimated analyte values in one embodiment. In contrast to the process of  FIG.  2   , estimation is used to calculate analyte data for time during which no data exists (for example, data gaps or future data) or to replace data when large inaccuracies are believed to exist within data (for example, signal noise due to transient ischemia). Estimation of analyte values can be performed instead of, or in combination with, calibration of measured analyte values, such as described with reference to  FIG.  2   , above. 
     The estimating analyte values process  54  can be applied continuously, or selectively turned on/off based on conditions. The determination of when to apply estimative algorithms is discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, estimation can be applied only during approaching clinical risk to warn a patient or doctor in an effort to avoid the clinical risk, for example when the measured glucose concentration is outside of a clinically acceptable threshold (for example, 100 to 200 mg/dL) and/or the glucose concentration is increasing or decreasing at a certain rate of change (for example, 3 mg/dL/min), such as described in more detail with reference to  FIG.  4   , for example. In some embodiments estimation can be applied continuously, dynamically, or intermittently to compensate for a time lag associated with the analyte sensor, which time lag can be consistent, dynamic, and/or intermittent, such as described in more detail below with reference to  FIGS.  5  to  6   , for example. In some embodiments, estimation can be applied to aid in dynamically and intelligently matching reference data with corresponding sensor data to ensure accurate outlier detection and/or calibration of sensor data with reference data, such as described in more detail with reference to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , for example. In some embodiments, estimation can be applied continuously (or intermittently) in order to provide analyte data that encourages more timely proactive behavior in preempting clinical risk. 
     At a block  56 , the estimate analyte values process  54  obtains sensor data, which can be raw, smoothed, and/or otherwise processed. In some embodiments, estimation can be applied to a raw data stream received from an analyte sensor, such as described at the block  40 . In some embodiments, estimation can be applied to calibrated data, such as described at the block  50 . 
     At a block  58 , the estimate analyte values process  54  dynamically and intelligently estimates analyte values based on measured analyte values using estimative algorithms. In some embodiments, dynamic and intelligent estimation includes selecting an algorithm from a plurality of algorithms to determine an estimative algorithm (for example, first or second order regression) that best fits the present measured analyte values, such as described in more detail with reference to  FIGS.  9  and  10   , for example. In some embodiments, dynamic and intelligent estimation further includes constraining and/or expanding estimated analyte values using physiological parameters, such as described in more detail with reference to  FIGS.  11  and  12   , for example. In some embodiments, dynamic and intelligent estimation further includes evaluating the selected estimative algorithms, for example using a data association function, such as described in more detail with reference to  FIGS.  9 ,  10 ,  13 , and  14   . In some embodiments, dynamic and intelligent estimation includes analyzing a possible variation associated with the estimated analyte values, for example using statistical, clinical, or physiological variations, such as described in more detail with reference to  FIGS.  15  to  17   . In some embodiments, dynamic and intelligent estimation includes comparing previously estimated analyte values with measured analyte values for a corresponding time period, determining the deviation, such as described with reference to  FIGS.  18  and  19   , for example. In some embodiments, the resulting deviation from the comparison can be used to determine a variation for future estimated analyte values. In some embodiments, the resulting deviation from the comparison can be used to determine a confidence level in the estimative algorithms. In some embodiments, the resulting deviation from the comparison can be used to show evidence of the benefits of displaying estimated analyte values on patient behavior, namely how well the patient responds to the estimated analyte values and alters his/her behavior in order to better control analyte levels. 
     At a block  60 , the output module  18  provides output to the user interface  20  and/or the external device  34 . In some embodiments, output of estimated analyte values is combined with output of measured analyte values, such as described at the block  52 , for example combined on an LCD screen, or by toggling between screens. In some embodiments, a target analyte value or range of analyte values is output to the user interface alone, or in combination with the estimated analyte values, in order to provide a goal towards which the user can aim, such as described with reference to  FIGS.  22  to  24   , for example. In some embodiments, an approaching clinical risk is output in the form of a visual, audible, or tactile prompt, such as described with reference to  FIGS.  20  to  22   , for example. In some embodiments, therapy recommendations are output to aid the user in determining corrective action that can be performed in an effort to avoid or minimize clinical risk such as described with reference to  FIG.  24   , for example. In some embodiments, a visual representation of possible variations of the estimated analyte values, which variation can be due to statistical, clinical, or physiological considerations, such as described with reference to  FIGS.  24  to  26   , for example. In some embodiments, the output prompts a user to obtain a reference analyte value (not shown). In some embodiments, output is sent to an external device such as described with reference to  FIGS.  27  to  30   , for example. 
       FIG.  4    is a graph that illustrates one embodiment, wherein estimation is triggered by an event such as a patient&#39;s blood glucose concentration rising above a predetermined threshold (for example, 180 mg/dL). The x-axis represents time in minutes; the y-axis represents glucose concentration in mg/dL. The graph shows an analyte trend graph, particularly, the graph shows measured glucose data  62  for about 90 minutes up to time (t)=0. In this embodiment, the measured glucose data  62  has been smoothed and calibrated, however smoothing and/or calibrating may not be required in some embodiments. At t=0, estimation of the preferred embodiments is invoked and 15-minute estimated glucose data  64  indicates that the glucose concentration will likely rise above 220 mg/dL. The estimated glucose data  64  can be useful in providing alarms (e.g., hyper- and hypoglycemic alerts) and/or displaying on the user interface of the receiver, for example. Alarms may not require estimative algorithms in some embodiments, for example when zero, first, and/or second order calculations can be made to dynamically assess the static value, rate of change, and/or rate of acceleration of the analyte data in some embodiment. 
     In some embodiments, estimative algorithms are selectively applied when the reference and/or sensor analyte data indicates that the analyte concentration is approaching clinical risk. The concentration of the analyte values, the rate of change of the analyte values, and/or the acceleration of the analyte values can provide information indicative of approaching clinical risk. In an example wherein the analyte sensor is a glucose sensor, thresholds (for example, 100 to 200 mg/dL) can be set that selectively turn on estimative algorithms that then dynamically and intelligently estimate upcoming glucose values, and optionally possible variations of those estimated glucose values, to appropriately forewarn of an upcoming patient clinical risk (for example, hypo- or hyperglycemia). Additionally, the rate of change and/or acceleration can be considered to more intelligently turn on and calculate necessary estimation and for alarms (e.g., hyper- and hypoglycemic alarms). For example, if a person with diabetes has a glucose concentration of 100 mg/dL, but is trending upwardly, has slow or no rate of change, or is decelerating downwardly, estimation and/or alarms may not be necessary. 
       FIG.  5    is a graph that illustrates a raw data stream and the corresponding reference analyte values. The x-axis represents time in minutes, the first y-axis represents sensor glucose data measured in counts, and the second y-axis represents reference glucose data in mg/dL. A raw data stream  66  was obtained for a host from a continuous glucose sensor over a 4-hour time period. In this example, the raw data stream  66  has not been smoothed, calibrated, or otherwise processed and is represented in counts. Reference glucose values  68  were obtained from the host using a reference glucose monitor during the same 4-hour time period. The raw data stream  66  and reference glucose values  68  were plotted on the graph of  FIG.  5    accordingly during the 4-hour time period. While not wishing to be bound by theory, the visible difference between the reference and sensor glucose data is believed to be caused at least in part by a time lag, such as described in more detail below. 
     A data stream received from an analyte sensor can include a time lag within the measured analyte concentration, for example, as compared to corresponding reference analyte values. In some embodiments, a time lag can be associated with a difference in measurement samples (for example, an interstitial fluid sample measured by an implantable analyte sensor as compared with a blood sample measured by an external reference analyte monitor). In some embodiments, a time lag can be associated with diffusion of the analyte through a membrane system, for example such as has been observed in some implantable electrochemically-based glucose sensors. Additionally in some embodiments, a time lag can be associated with processing of the data stream, for example, a finite impulse response filter (FIR) or infinite impulse response (IIR) filter can be applied intermittently or continuously to a raw data stream in the sensor (or in the receiver) in order to algorithmically smooth the data stream, which can produce a time lag (for example, as shown in measured glucose data  68  of  FIG.  4 B ). In some embodiments, wherein the analyte sensor is a subcutaneously implantable sensor, there may be a variable time lag associated with the tissue ingrowth at the biointerface at the tissue-device interface. Additionally, time lags can be variable upon a host&#39;s metabolism. In some embodiments, a time lag of the reference analyte data may be associated with an amount of time a user takes to test and report a reference analyte value. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments provide for estimation of analyte values based on measured analyte values, which can be used to compensate for a time lag such as described above, allow for output of analyte values that represent estimated present analyte values without a time lag. 
     Accordingly, some embodiments selectively apply estimative algorithms based on a measured, estimated, or predetermined time lag associated with the continuous analyte sensor. In some embodiments, estimative algorithms continuously run in order to continuously compensate for a time lag between reference and sensor data, such as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, estimative algorithms run during outlier detection in order to intelligently and dynamically match corresponding reference and sensor data for more accurate outlier inclusion or exclusion, such as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, estimative algorithms run during matching of data pairs for consideration in the calibration set in order to intelligently and dynamically match corresponding reference and sensor glucose data for better calibration, such as described in more detail below. 
       FIG.  6    is a flow chart that illustrates the process  70  of compensating for a time lag associated with a continuous analyte sensor to provide real-time estimated analyte data output in one embodiment. For the reasons described above, the system includes programming that continuously or periodically (e.g., when a user activates the LCD screen) compensates for a time lag in the system to provide a better real-time estimate to the user, for example. 
     At block  72 , the time lag compensation process  70  obtains sensor data, which can be raw, smoothed, and/or otherwise processed. In some embodiments, estimation can be applied to a raw data stream received from an analyte sensor, such as described at the block  40 . In some embodiments, estimation can be applied to calibrated data, such as described at the block  50 . 
     At block  74 , the time lag compensation process  70  continuously or periodically estimates analyte values for a present time period to compensate for a physiological or computational time lag in the sensor data stream. For example, if a 20-minute time lag is known inherent within the continuous analyte sensor, the compensation can be a 20-minute projected estimation to provide true present time (or “real time”) analyte values. Some embodiments can continuously run estimation to compensate for time lag, while other embodiments can perform time lag compensation estimation only when the user interface (e.g., LCD screen) is activated by a user. Known estimation algorithms and/or the dynamic and intelligent estimation algorithms of the preferred embodiments (e.g., such as described with reference to block  58  and  FIGS.  9  to  19   ) can be used in estimating analyte values herein. 
     At block  76 , the time lag compensation process  70  continuously or periodically provides output of the present time estimated analyte values, such as described in more detail above. Output can be sent to the user interface  20  or to an external device  34 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7   , which is a graph that illustrates the data of  FIG.  5   , including reference analyte data, corresponding calibrated sensor analyte data, and corresponding estimated analyte data, showing compensation for time lag using estimation. The x-axis represents time in minutes and the y-axis represents glucose concentration in mg/dL. Reference glucose values  68  were obtained from the host from the reference glucose monitor during the 4-hour time period and correspond to  FIG.  5   . Measured glucose data  80  was obtained by smoothing and calibrating the raw data stream  66  of  FIG.  5    using reference glucose values  68 , such as described in more detail with reference to  FIG.  2   . Estimated glucose data  82  was obtained by estimating using dynamic and intelligent estimation of the preferred embodiments, which is described in more detail below. 
     The measured glucose data  80  has been smoothed and thereby includes a data processing-related time lag, which may be in addition to physiological or membrane-related time lag, for example. Therefore, the measured glucose data  80  visibly lags behind the reference glucose values  68  on the graph. The estimated glucose data  82  includes dynamic and intelligent estimation of the preferred embodiments in order to compensate for the time lag, thereby better correlating with the reference glucose values  68 . In this embodiment, the time lag compensation (estimation) is 15 minutes, however in other embodiments the time lag compensation (estimation) can be more or less. 
     In some embodiments, the estimation can be programmed to compensate for a predetermined time lag (for example, 0 to 60 minutes, or more). In some alternative embodiments, the estimation can be dynamically adjusted based on a measured time lag; for example, when estimation is used to dynamically match sensor analyte data with reference analyte data such as described below, the time difference between best corresponding sensor analyte data and reference analyte data can be used to determine the time lag. 
       FIG.  8    is a flow chart that illustrates the process  84  of matching data pairs from a continuous analyte sensor and a reference analyte sensor in one embodiment. Estimative algorithms of the preferred embodiments are useful when selectively applied during the process of matching corresponding sensor and reference analyte data, for example during outlier detection, such as described in more detail with reference to  FIG.  2    at block  42 , and/or matching data pairs for calibration, such as described in more detail with reference to  FIG.  2    at block  44 . For the reasons stated above with reference to  FIGS.  5  to  7   , for example, a time lag associated with the continuous analyte sensor and/or the reference analyte monitor can hinder the ability to accurately match data from the analyte sensor with corresponding data from the reference analyte monitor using time-correspondence only. 
     At block  86 , the data matching process  84  obtains sensor data, which can be raw, smoothed, and/or otherwise processed. In some embodiments, data matching can use data from a raw data stream received from an analyte sensor, such as described at the block  40 . In some embodiments, data matching can use calibrated data, such as described at the block  50 . 
     At block  88 , the data matching process  84 , receives analyte values from a reference analyte monitor, including one or more reference glucose data points, hereinafter referred as “reference data” or “reference analyte data.” In an example wherein the analyte sensor is a continuous glucose sensor, the reference analyte monitor can be a self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) meter. Other examples are described with reference to block  42 , above. 
     At block  90 , the data matching process  84  estimates one or more analyte values for a time period during which no data exists (or when data is unreliable or inaccurate, for example) based on the data stream. For example, the estimated analyte values can include values at intervals from about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, and can be estimated for a time period of about 5 minutes to about 60 minutes in the future. In some embodiments, the time interval and/or time period can be more or less. Known estimation algorithms and/or the dynamic and intelligent estimation algorithms of the preferred embodiments (e.g., such as described with reference to block  58  and  FIGS.  9  to  19   ) can be used in estimating analyte values herein. 
     At block  92 , the data matching process  84  creates at least one matched data pair by matching reference analyte data to a corresponding analyte value from the one or more estimated analyte values. In some embodiments, the best matched pair can be evaluated by comparing a reference data point against individual sensor values over a predetermined time period (for example, +/−0 to 60 minutes). In one such embodiment, the reference data point is matched with sensor data points at intervals (for example, 5-minute intervals of measured historical analyte values and estimated future analyte values) and each matched pair is evaluated. The matched pair with the best correlation (for example, based on statistical deviation, clinical risk analysis, or the like) can be selected as the best matched pair and should be used for data processing. In some alternative embodiments, matching a reference data point with an average of a plurality of sensor data points over a time period can be used to form a matched pair. 
     Therefore, the preferred embodiments provide for estimation of analyte values based on measured analyte values that can be helpful in more accurately and/or appropriately matching sensor and reference analyte values that represent corresponding data. By increasing the accuracy of matched data pairs, true real-time estimated analyte values (for example, without a time lag) can be provided, calibration can be improved, and outlier detection can be more accurate and convenient, thereby improving overall patient safety and convenience. 
     While any of the above uses and applications can be applied using conventional algorithms that provide conventional projection based on first or second order regression, for example, it has been found that analyte value estimation can be further improved by adaptively applying algorithms, for example using dynamic intelligence such as described in more detail below. The dynamic and intelligent algorithms described herein can be applied to the uses and applications described above, or for estimating analyte values at any time for any use or application. 
       FIG.  9    is a flow chart that illustrates the dynamic and intelligent estimation algorithm selection process  96  in one embodiment. 
     At block  98 , the dynamic and intelligent estimation algorithm selection process  96  obtains sensor data, which can be raw, smoothed, and/or otherwise processed. In some embodiments, data matching can use data from a raw data stream received from an analyte sensor, such as described at block  40 . In some embodiments, data matching can use calibrated data, such as described at block  50 . 
     At block  100 , the dynamic and intelligent estimation algorithm selection process  96  includes selecting one or more algorithms from a plurality of algorithms that best fits the measured analyte values. In some embodiments, the estimative algorithm can be selected based on physiological parameters; for example, in an embodiment wherein the analyte sensor is a glucose sensor, a first order regression can be selected when the rate of change of the glucose concentration is high, indicating correlation with a straight line, while a second order regression can be selected when the rate of change of the glucose concentration is low, indicating correlation with a curved line. In some embodiments, a first order regression can be selected when the reference glucose data is within a certain threshold (for example, 100 to 200 mg/dL), indicating correlation with a straight line, while a second order regression can be selected when the reference glucose data is outside of a certain threshold (for example, 100 to 200 mg/dL), indicating correlation with a curved line because the likelihood of the glucose concentration turning around (for example, having a curvature) is greatest at high and low values. 
     Generally, algorithms that estimate analyte values from measured analyte values include any algorithm that fits the measured analyte values to a pattern, and/or extrapolates estimated values for another time period (for example, for a future time period or for a time period during which data needs to be replaced). In some embodiments, a polynomial regression (for example, first order, second order, third order, etc.) can be used to fit measured analyte values to a pattern, and then extrapolated. In some embodiments, autoregressive algorithms (for example, IIR filter) can be used to fit measured analyte values to a pattern, and then extrapolated. In some embodiments, measured analyte values can be filtered by frequency before projection (for example, by converting the analyte values with a Fourier transform, filtering out high frequency noise, and converting the frequency data back to time values by using an inverse Fourier transform); this data can then be projected forward (extrapolated) along lower frequencies. In some embodiments, measured analyte values can be represented with a Wavelet transform (for example filtering out specific noise depending on wavelet function), and then extrapolate forward. In some alternative embodiments, computational intelligence (for example, neural network-based mapping, fuzzy logic based pattern matching, genetic-algorithms based pattern matching, or the like) can be used to fit measured analyte values to a pattern, and/or extrapolate forward. In yet other alternative embodiments, time-series forecasting, using methods such as moving average (single or double), exponential smoothing (single, double, or triple), time series decomposition, growth curves, Box-Jenkins, or the like. The plurality of algorithms of the preferred embodiments can utilize any one or more of the above-described algorithms, or equivalents, in order to intelligently select estimative algorithms and thereby estimate analyte values. 
     In some embodiments, estimative algorithms further include parameters that consider external influences, such as insulin therapy, carbohydrate consumption, or the like. In one such example, these additional parameters can be user input via the user interface  20  or transmitted from an external device  34 , such as described in more detail with reference to  FIG.  1   . By including such external influences in additional to historical trend data (measured analyte values), analyte concentration changes can be better anticipated. 
     At block  102 , the selected one or more algorithms are evaluated based on statistical, clinical, or physiological parameters. In some embodiments, running each algorithm on the data stream tests each of the one or more algorithms, and the algorithmic result with the best correlation to the measured analyte values is selected. In some embodiments, the pluralities of algorithms are each compared for best correlation with physiological parameters (for example, within known or expected rates of change, acceleration, concentration, etc). In some embodiments, the pluralities of algorithms are each compared for best fit within a clinical error grid (for example, within “A” region of Clarke Error Grid). Although first and second order algorithms are exemplified herein, any two or more algorithms such as described in more detail below could be programmed and selectively used based on a variety of conditions, including physiological, clinical, and/or statistical parameters. 
     At block  104 , the algorithm(s) selected from the evaluation step is employed to estimate analyte values for a time period. Accordingly, analyte values are more dynamically and intelligently estimated to accommodate the dynamic nature of physiological data. Additional processes, for example applying physiological boundaries ( FIG.  11   ), evaluation of the estimation algorithms after employing the algorithms ( FIG.  13   ), evaluating a variation of estimated analyte values ( FIG.  15   ), measuring and comparing analyte values ( FIG.  18   ), or the like can be applied to the dynamic and intelligent estimative algorithms described with reference to  FIG.  9   . 
       FIG.  10    is a graph that illustrates dynamic and intelligent estimation algorithm selection applied to a data stream in one embodiment showing first order estimation, second order estimation, and the measured glucose values for the time period, wherein the second order estimation shows a better correlation to the measured glucose data than the first order estimation. The x-axis represents time in minutes. The y-axis represents glucose concentration in mg/dL. 
     In the data of  FIG.  10   , measured (calibrated) sensor glucose data  106  was obtained up to time t=0. At t=0, a first order regression  108  was performed on the measured data  106  to estimate the upcoming 15-minute time period. A second order regression  110  was also performed on the data to estimate the upcoming 15-minute time period. The intelligent estimation of the preferred embodiments, such as described in more detail below, chose the second order regression  110  as the preferred algorithm for estimation based on programmed conditions (at t=0). The graph of  FIG.  10    further shows the measured glucose values  112  from t=0 to t=15 to illustrate that second order regression  110  does in fact more accurately correlate with the measured glucose data  112  than first order regression  108  from t=0 to t=15. 
     In the example of  FIG.  10   , the dynamic and intelligent estimation algorithm selection determined that the second order regression  110  was the preferred algorithm for estimation at t=0 based on conditions. A first condition was based on a set threshold that considers second order regression a better fit when measured glucose values are above 200 mg/dL and trending upwardly. A second condition verifies that the curvature of the second order regression line appropriately shows a deceleration above 200 mg/dL. Although two specific examples of conditions are described herein, dynamic and intelligent estimation can have as many or as few conditions programmed therein as can be imagined or contrived. Some additional examples of conditions for selecting from a plurality of algorithms are listed above, however the scope of this aspect of dynamic and intelligent estimation includes any conditional statements that can be programmed and applied to any algorithms that can be implemented for estimation. 
       FIG.  11    is a flow chart that illustrates the process  114  of estimating analyte values within physiological boundaries in one embodiment. The embodiment described herein is provided because the estimative algorithms such as described with reference to  FIG.  9    consider mathematical equations, which may or may not be sufficient to accurately estimate analyte values based on measured analyte values. 
     At block  116 , the analyte value estimation with physiological boundaries process  114  obtains sensor data, which can be raw, smoothed, calibrated and/or otherwise processed. 
     At block  118 , the analyte value estimation with physiological boundaries process  114  estimates one or more analyte values using one or more estimation algorithms. In some embodiments, this analyte value estimation uses conventional projection using first or second order regression, for example. In some embodiments, dynamically and intelligently selecting of one or more algorithms from a plurality of algorithms ( FIG.  9   ), evaluating estimation algorithms after employing the algorithms ( FIG.  13   ), evaluating a variation of estimated analyte values ( FIG.  15   ), measuring and comparing analyte values ( FIG.  18   ), or the like can be applied to the dynamic and intelligent estimative algorithms described with reference to  FIG.  9   . 
     At block  120 , the analyte value estimation with physiological boundaries process  114  applies physiological boundaries to the estimated analyte values of block  118 . In some circumstances, physiological changes in a host and associated sensor data stream follow a relatively mathematical curvature. However there are additional considerations that are not inherently included in the mathematical calculation of estimative algorithms, such as physiological boundaries. One example of a circumstance or consideration that can occur is signal noise or signal artifact on the data stream, for example due to transient ischemia, signal from an interfering species, or the like. In such circumstances, normal mathematical calculations can result in estimated analyte values that fall outside of physiological boundaries. For example, a first order regression can produce a line that exceeds a known physiological rate of change of glucose in humans (for example, about 4 to 5 mg/dL/min). As another example, a second order regression can produce a curvature that exceeds a known physiological acceleration in humans (for example, about 0.1 to 0.2 mg/dL/min 2 ). As yet another example, it has been observed that the best solution for the shape of the curve at any point along a glucose signal data stream over a certain time period (for example, about 20 to 30 minutes) is a straight line, which can be used to set physiological boundaries. As yet another example, a curvature defined by a second order regression at low glucose values (for example, below 80 mg/dL) generally decelerates as it goes down and accelerates as it goes up, while a curvature defined by a second order regression at high glucose values generally decelerates as it goes up and accelerates as it goes down. As yet another example, an individual&#39;s physiological patterns can be monitored over a time period (for example, from about one day to about one year) and individual&#39;s physiological patterns quantified using pattern recognition algorithms; the individual&#39;s physiological patterns could be used to increase the intelligence of the estimation by applying the quantified patterns to the estimated analyte values. 
     Accordingly, physiological boundaries, includes those described above, or other measured or known physiological analyte boundaries, can compliment an estimative algorithm to ensure that the estimated analyte values fall within known physiological parameters. However, in some alternative embodiments, physiological boundaries can be applied to raw and/or smoothed data, thereby eliminating the need for the estimation step (block  118 ). 
       FIG.  12    is a graph that illustrates physiological boundaries applied to a data stream in one embodiment, wherein the dynamic and intelligent estimation includes performing an estimative algorithm and further applies physiological boundaries to the estimated analyte data. The x-axis represents time in minutes. The y-axis represents glucose concentration in mg/dL. Measured glucose data  122  is shown for about 90 minutes up to t=0. At t=0, an estimative algorithm performs estimation using a second order regression of the previous 40 minutes to generate a slope and acceleration, which are used to extrapolate the estimated glucose data  124  beginning at the measured analyte data at t=0. At the same time (t=0), the system uses known physiological parameters to determine physiologically feasible boundaries of glucose concentration over the estimated 15-minute period. In this example, the system uses a slope and intercept defined by a first order regression using 25 minutes of data up to t=0, from which the system sets physiological boundaries using a maximum acceleration of glucose of 0.2 mg/dL/min 2  and a maximum rate of change of glucose of 4 mg/dL/min for the upcoming 15 minutes. Using the above-described physiological parameters, an upper physiological boundary  126  and a lower physiological boundary  128  are set. Interestingly, the estimated glucose data  124  falls outside of the physiological boundaries, namely above the upper physiological boundary  126 . In this case, the second order regression estimated glucose data  124  has either a rate of change greater than 4 mg/dL/min and/or acceleration greater than 0.2 mg/dL/min 2 . Such circumstances can be caused by noise on the signal, artifact of performing regression over a predetermined time period during which a change in analyte concentration is not best described by a regression line, or numerous other such affects. 
     In this case, estimated glucose values  124  can be adjusted to be the upper limit  126  in order to better represent physiologically feasible estimated analyte values. In some embodiments, some or all of the estimated analyte values falling outside of the physiological parameters can trigger the dynamic and intelligent estimative algorithms to re-select an algorithm, or to adjust the parameters of the algorithm (for example, increase and/or decrease the number of data points considered by the algorithm) to better estimate during that time period. In some alternative embodiments, statistical and or clinical boundaries can be used to bound estimated analyte values and/or adjust the parameters that drive those algorithms. 
       FIG.  13    is a flow chart that illustrates the process  130  of dynamic and intelligent estimation and evaluation of analyte values in one embodiment, wherein the estimation algorithms are continuously, periodically, or intermittently evaluated based on statistical, clinical, or physiological parameters to maintain accuracy of estimation. 
     At block  132 , the dynamic and intelligent estimation and evaluation process  130  obtains sensor data, which can be raw, smoothed, calibrated and/or otherwise processed. 
     At block  134 , the dynamic and intelligent estimation and evaluation process  130  estimates one or more analyte values using one or more estimation algorithms. In some embodiments, this analyte value estimation uses conventional projection using first or second order regression, for example. In some embodiments, dynamically and intelligently selecting of one or more algorithms from a plurality of algorithms ( FIG.  9   ), dynamically and intelligently estimating analyte values within physiological boundaries ( FIG.  11   ), evaluating a variation of estimated analyte values ( FIG.  15   ), measuring and comparing analyte values ( FIG.  18   ), or the like can be applied to the dynamic and intelligent estimation and evaluation process described herein with reference to  FIG.  13   . 
     The estimative algorithms described elsewhere herein consider mathematical equations ( FIG.  9   ) and optionally physiological parameters ( FIG.  11   ), which may or may not be sufficient to accurately estimate analyte values in some circumstances due to the dynamic nature of mammalian behavior. For example, in a circumstance where a patient&#39;s glucose concentration is trending upwardly at a constant rate of change (for example, 120 mg/dL at 2 mg/dL/min), an expected physiological pattern would likely estimate a continued increase at substantially the same rate of change over the upcoming approximately 40 minutes, which would fall within physiological boundaries. However, if a person with diabetes were to engage in heavy aerobic exercise, which may not be known by the estimative algorithm, a slowing of the upward trend, and possibly a change to a downward trend can possibly result, leading to inaccuracies in the estimated analyte values. Numerous such circumstances can occur in the lifestyle of a person with diabetes. However, although analyte values can sometimes be estimated under “normal” circumstances, other circumstances exist that are not “normal” or “expected” and can result in estimative algorithms that produce apparently erroneous results, for example, if they are based solely on mathematical calculations and/or physiological patterns. Accordingly, evaluation of the estimative algorithms can be performed to ensure the accuracy or quantify a measure of confidence in the estimative algorithms. 
     At block  136 , the dynamic and intelligent estimation and evaluation process  130  evaluates the estimation algorithms employed at block  134  to evaluate a “goodness” of the estimated analyte values. The evaluation process performs an evaluation of the measured analyte data with the corresponding estimated analyte data (e.g., by performing the algorithm on the data stream and comparing the measured with the corresponding analyte data for a time period). In some embodiments, evaluation can be performed continually or continuously so that the dynamic and intelligent algorithms are continuously adapting to the changing physiological analyte data. In some embodiments, the evaluation can be performed periodically so that the dynamic and intelligent algorithms are periodically and systematically adapting to the changing physiological analyte data. In some embodiments, evaluation can be performed intermittently, for example when an estimative algorithm is initiated or other such triggers, so that the dynamic and intelligent algorithms can be evaluated when new or updated data or algorithms are being processed. 
     This evaluation process  130  uses any known evaluation method, for example based on statistical, clinical, or physiological standards. One example of statistical evaluation is provided below with reference to  FIG.  14   ; however other methods are also possible. In some embodiments, the evaluation process  130  determines a correlation coefficient of regression. In some embodiments wherein the sensor is a glucose sensor, the evaluation process  130  determines if the selected estimative algorithm shows that analyte values fall with the “A” and “B” regions of the Clarke Error Grid. Other parameters or methods for evaluation are considered within the scope of the preferred embodiments. In some embodiments, the evaluation process  130  includes performing a curvature formula to determine fiducial information about the curvature, which results in an evaluation of the amount of noise on the signal. 
     In some embodiments, the evaluation process  130  calculates physiological boundaries to evaluate whether the estimated analyte values fall within known physiological constraints. This evaluation is particularly helpful when physiological constraints, such as described with reference to  FIG.  11    above, have not been applied to the estimative algorithm. In this embodiment, the estimative algorithm(s) are evaluated to ensure that they do not allow estimated analyte values to fall outside of physiological boundaries, some examples of which are described in more detail with reference to  FIG.  11    above, and in the definitions section, for example. In some alternative embodiments, clinical or statistical parameters can be used in a similar manner to bound estimated analyte values. 
     If the result of the evaluation is satisfactory (for example, 10% average deviation, correlation coefficient above 0.79, all estimated analyte values within A or B region of the Clarke Error Grid, all estimated analyte values within physiological boundaries, or the like), the processing continues to the next step, using the selected estimative algorithm. However, if the result of the evaluation is unsatisfactory, the process can start the algorithm selection process again, optionally considering additional information, or the processor can determine that estimation is not appropriate for a certain time period. In one alternative embodiment, a signal noise measurement can be evaluated, and if the signal to noise ratio is unacceptable, the processor can modify its estimative algorithm or other action that can help compensate for signal noise (e.g., signal artifacts, such as described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/632,537 filed Aug. 22, 2003 and entitled, “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REPLACING SIGNAL ARTIFACTS IN A GLUCOSE SENSOR DATA STREAM,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). 
       FIG.  14    is a graph that illustrates an evaluation of the selected estimative algorithm in one embodiment, wherein a correlation is measured to determine a deviation of the measured glucose data with the selected estimative algorithm, if any. The x-axis represents time in minutes. The y-axis represents glucose concentration in mg/dL. Measured glucose values  140  are shown for about 90 minutes up to t=0. At t=0, the selected algorithm is performed on 40 minutes of the measured glucose values  140  up to t=0, which is represented by a regression line  142  in this embodiment. A data association function is used to determine a goodness of fit of the estimative algorithm on the measured glucose data  140 ; namely, the estimative algorithm is performed retrospectively on the measured glucose data  140 , and is hereinafter referred to as retrospectively estimated glucose data  142  (e.g., estimation prior to t=0), after which a correlation (or deviation) with the measured glucose data is determined. In this example, the goodness of fit shows a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 3.3% between the measured glucose data  140  and the retrospectively estimated glucose data  142 . While not wishing to be bound to theory, it is believed that this correlation of the measured glucose data  140  to the retrospectively estimated glucose data  142  can be indicative of the correlation of future estimated glucose data to the measured glucose data for that estimated time period. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG.  15   , which is a flow chart that illustrates the process  150  of analyzing a variation of estimated future analyte value possibilities in one embodiment. This embodiment takes into consideration that analyte values are subject to a variety of external influences, which can cause the measured analyte values to alter from the estimated analyte values as the time period that was estimated passes. External influences include, but are not limited to, exercise, sickness, consumption of food and alcohol, injections of insulin, other medications, or the like. For a person with diabetes, for example, even when estimation does not accurately predict the upcoming measured analyte values, the estimated analyte values can be valuable to a patient in treatment and in fact can even alter the estimated path by encouraging proactive patient behavior that can cause the patient to avoid the estimated clinical risk. In other words, the deviation of measured analyte values from their corresponding estimated analyte values may not be an “error” in the estimative algorithm, and is in fact one of the benefits of the continuous analyte sensor of the preferred embodiments, namely encouraging patient behavior modification and thereby improving patient health through minimizing clinically risky analyte values. Proactive behavior modification (for example, therapies such as insulin injections, carbohydrate consumption, exercise, or the like) can cause the patient&#39;s measured glucose to change from the estimated path, and analyzing a variation that can be associated with the estimated analyte values can encompass many of these changes. Therefore, in addition to estimated analyte values, a variation can be calculated or estimated based on statistical, clinical, and/or physiological parameters that provides a range of values in which the estimated analyte values can fall. 
     At block  152 , the variation of possible estimated analyte values analysis process  150  obtains sensor data, which can be raw, smoothed, calibrated and/or otherwise processed. 
     At block  154 , the variation of possible estimated analyte values analysis process  150  estimates one or more analyte values using one or more estimation algorithms. In some embodiments, this analyte values estimation uses conventional projection using first or second order regression, for example. In some embodiments, dynamically and intelligently selecting of one or more algorithms from a plurality of algorithms ( FIG.  9   ), dynamically and intelligently estimating analyte values within physiological boundaries ( FIG.  11   ), dynamic and intelligent estimation and evaluation of estimated analyte values ( FIG.  13   ), measuring and comparing analyte values ( FIG.  18   ), or the like can be applied to the dynamic and intelligent estimation and evaluation process described herein with reference to  FIG.  15   . 
     At block  156 , the variation of possible estimated analyte values evaluation process  150  analyzes a variation of the estimated analyte data. Particularly, a statistical, clinical, and/or physiological variation of estimated analyte values can be calculated when applying the estimative algorithms and/or can be calculated at regular intervals to dynamically change as the measured analyte values are obtained. In general, analysis of trends and their variation allows the estimation of the preferred embodiments to dynamically and intelligently anticipate upcoming conditions, by considering internal and external influences that can affect analyte concentration. 
     In some embodiments, physiological boundaries for analytes in mammals can be used to set the boundaries of variation. For example, known physiological boundaries of glucose in humans are discussed in detail herein, with reference to  FIG.  11   , and in the definitions section, however any physiological parameters for any measured analyte could be implemented here to provide this variation of physiologically feasible analyte values. 
     In some embodiments, statistical variation can be used to determine a variation of possible analyte values. Statistical variation can be any known divergence or change from a point, line, or set of data based on statistical information. Statistical information includes patterns or data analysis resulting from experiments, published or unpublished, for example. In some embodiments, statistical information can include normal patterns that have been measured statistically in studies of analyte concentrations in mammals, for example. In some embodiments, statistical information can include errors observed and measured statistically in studies of analyte concentrations in mammals, for example. In some embodiments, statistical information can include predetermined statistical standards, for example, deviation less than or equal to 5% on the analyte value. In some embodiments, statistical variation can be a measured or otherwise known signal noise level. 
     In some embodiments, a variation is determined based on the fact that the conventional blood glucose meters are known to have up to a +/−20% error in glucose values (namely, on average in the hands of a patient). For example, gross errors in glucose readings are known to occur due to patient error in self-administration of the blood glucose test. In one such example, if the user has traces of sugar on his/her finger while obtaining a blood sample for a glucose concentration test, then the measured glucose value will likely be much higher than the measured glucose value in the blood. Additionally, it is known that self-monitored blood glucose tests (for example, test strips) are occasionally subject to manufacturing error. In view of this statistical information, in an embodiment wherein a continuous glucose sensor relies upon a conventional blood glucose meter for calibration, this +/−20% error should be considered because of the potential for translated effect on the calibrated sensor analyte data. Accordingly, this exemplary embodiment would provide for a +/−20% variation of estimated glucose values based on the above-described statistical information. 
     In some embodiments, a variation of estimated analyte values can be analyzed based on individual physiological patterns. Physiological patterns are affected by a combination of at least biological mechanisms, physiological boundaries, and external influences such as exercise, sickness, consumption of food and alcohol, injections of insulin, other medications, or the like. Advantageously, pattern recognition can be used with continuous analyte sensors to characterize an individual&#39;s physiology; for example the metabolism of a person with diabetes can be individually characterized, which has been difficult to quantify with conventional glucose sensing mechanisms due to the unique nature of an individual&#39;s metabolism. Additionally, this information can be advantageously linked with external influences (for example, patient behavior) to better understand the nature of individual human physiology, which can be helpful in controlling the basal rate in a person with diabetes, for example. 
     While not wishing to be bound to theory, it is believed that monitoring of individual historical physiological analyte data can be used to recognize patterns that can be used to estimate analyte values, or ranges of values, in a mammal. For example, measured analyte data for a patient can show certain peaks of glucose levels during a specific time of day, “normal” AM and PM eating behaviors (for example, that follow a pattern), weekday versus weekend glucose patterns, individual maximum rate of change, or the like, that can be quantified using patient-dependent pattern recognition algorithms, for example. Pattern recognition algorithms that can be used in this embodiment include, but are not limited to, stochastic nonlinear time-series analysis, exponential (non-linear) autoregressive model, process feedback nonlinear autoregressive (PFNAR) model, neural networks, or the like. 
     Accordingly, statistically calculated patterns can provide information useful in analyzing a variation of estimated analyte values for a patient that includes consideration of the patient&#39;s normal physiological patterns. Pattern recognition enables the algorithmic analysis of analyte data to be customized to a user, which is useful when analyte information is variable with each individual user, such as has been seen in glucose in humans, for example. 
     In some embodiments, a variation of estimated analyte values is on clinical risk analysis. Estimated analyte values can have higher clinical risk in certain ranges of analyte values, for example analyte values that are in a clinically risky zone or analyte values that are changing at a clinically risky rate of change. When a measured analyte value or an estimated analyte value shows existing or approaching clinical risk, it can be important to analyze the variation of estimated analyte values in view of the clinical risk to the patient. For example, in an effort to aid a person with diabetes in avoiding clinically risky hyper- or hypoglycemia, a variation can be weighted toward the clinically risk zone, which can be used to emphasize the pending danger to the patient, doctor, or care taker, for example. As another example, the variation of measured or estimated analyte values can be based on values that fall within the “A” and/or “B” regions of an error grid Analysis Method. 
     In case of variation analysis based on clinical risk, the estimated analyte values are weighted in view of pending clinical risk. For example, if estimated glucose values show a trend toward hypoglycemia at a certain rate of change, a variation of possible trends toward hypoglycemia are weighted to show how quickly the glucose concentration could reach 40 mg/dL, for example. As another example, if estimated glucose values show a trend toward hyperglycemia at a certain acceleration, a variation of possible trends toward hyperglycemia are weighted to show how quickly the glucose concentration could reach 200 mg/dL, for example. 
     In some embodiments, when a variation of the estimated analyte values shows higher clinical risk as a possible path within that variation analysis as compared to the estimated analyte path, the estimated analyte values can be adjusted to show the analyte values with the most clinical risk to a patient. While not wishing to be bound by theory, adjusting the estimated analyte values for the highest variation of clinical risk exploits the belief that by showing the patient the “worst case scenario,” the patient is more likely to address the clinical risk and make timely behavioral and therapeutic modifications and/or decisions that will slow or reverse the approaching clinical risk. 
     At block  158 , the variation of possible estimated analyte values evaluation process  150  provides output based on the variation analysis. In some embodiments, the result of this variation analysis provides a “zone” of possible values, which can be displayed to the user, considered in data analysis, and/or used in evaluating of performance of the estimation, for example. A few examples of variation analysis display are shown in  FIGS.  24  to  26   ; however other methods of formatting or displaying variation analysis data are contemplated within the scope of the invention. 
       FIG.  16    is a graph that illustrates variation analysis of estimated glucose values in one embodiment, wherein a variation of the estimated glucose values is analyzed and determined based on known physiological parameters. The x-axis represents time in minutes. The y-axis represents glucose concentration in mg/dL. In this embodiment, the known maximum rate of change and acceleration of glucose in humans are used to provide the variation about the estimated glucose path. 
     The measured glucose values  160  are shown for about 90 minutes up to t=0. At t=0, intelligent and dynamic estimation of the preferred embodiments is performed to obtain estimated glucose values  162 . A variation of estimated glucose values is then determined based on physiological parameters, including an upper limit  164  and a lower limit  166  of variation defined by known physiological parameters, including rate of change and acceleration of glucose concentration in humans. 
       FIG.  17    is a graph that illustrates variation of estimated analyte values in another embodiment, wherein the variation is based on statistical parameters. The x-axis represents time in minutes and the y-axis represents glucose concentration in mg/dL. The measured glucose values  170  are shown for about 160 minutes up to t=0. At t=0, intelligent and dynamic estimation of the preferred embodiments is employed to obtain estimated glucose values  172 . A variation is defined by upper and lower limits  174  that were determined using 95% confidence intervals. Bremer, T.; Gough, D. A. “Is blood glucose predictable from previous values? A solicitation for data.”  Diabetes  1999, 48, 445-451, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, teaches a method of determining a confidence interval in one embodiment. 
     Although some embodiments have been described for a glucose sensor, any measured analyte pattern, data analysis resulting from an experiment, or otherwise known statistical information, whether official or unofficial, published or unpublished, proven or anecdotal, or the like, can be used to provide the statistical variation described herein. 
       FIG.  18    is a flow chart that illustrates the process  180  of estimating, measuring, and comparing analyte values in one embodiment. 
     At block  182 , the estimating, measuring, and comparing analyte values process  180  obtains sensor data, which can be raw, smoothed, calibrated and/or otherwise processed. 
     At block  184 , the estimating, measuring, and comparing analyte values process  180  estimates one or more analyte values for a time period. In some embodiments, this analyte values estimation uses conventional projection using first or second order regression, for example. In some embodiments, dynamically and intelligently selecting of one or more algorithms from a plurality of algorithms ( FIG.  9   ), dynamically and intelligently estimating analyte values within physiological boundaries ( FIG.  11   ), dynamic and intelligent estimation and evaluation of estimated analyte values ( FIG.  13   ), variation analysis ( FIG.  15   ), or the like can be applied to the process described herein with reference to  FIG.  18   . 
     At block  186 , the estimating, measuring, and comparing analyte values process  180  obtains sensor data for the time period for which the estimated analyte values were calculated at block  184 . In some embodiments, the measured analyte data can be raw, smoothed, calibrated and/or otherwise processed. 
     At block  188 , the estimating, measuring, and comparing analyte values process  180  compares the estimated analyte data to the measured analyte data for that estimated time period. In general, it can be useful to compare the estimated analyte data to the measured analyte data for that estimated time period after estimation of analyte values. This comparison can be performed continuously, namely, at regular intervals as data streams are processed into measured analyte values. Alternatively, this comparison can be performed based on events, such as during estimation of measured analyte values, selection of a estimative algorithm, evaluation of estimative algorithms, variation analysis of estimated analyte values, calibration and transformation of sensor analyte data, or the like. 
     One embodiment is shown in  FIG.  19   , wherein MARD is used to determine a correlation (or deviation), if any, between the estimated and measured data sets. In other embodiments, other methods, such as linear regression, non-linear mapping/regression, rank (for example, non-parametric) correlation, least mean square fit, mean absolute deviation (MAD), or the like, can be used to compare the estimated analyte data to the measured analyte data to determine a correlation (or deviation), if any. 
     In one embodiment, wherein estimation is used in outlier detection and/or in matching data pairs for a continuous glucose sensor (see  FIGS.  6  and  7   ), the estimated glucose data can be plotted against reference glucose data on a clinical error grid (for example, Clarke Error Grid or rate grid) and then compared to the measured glucose data for that estimated time period plotted against the same reference analyte data on the same clinical error grid. In alternative embodiments, other clinical error analysis methods can be used, such as Consensus Error Grid, rate of change calculation, consensus grid, and standard clinical acceptance tests, for example. The deviation can be quantified by percent deviation, or can be classified as pass/fail, for example. 
     In some embodiments, the results of the comparison provide a quantitative deviation value, which can be used to provide a statistical variation; for example, if the % deviation is calculated as 8%, then the statistical variation such as described with reference to  FIG.  15    can be updated with a +/−8% variation. In some alternative embodiments, the results of the comparison can be used to turn on/off the estimative algorithms, estimative output, or the like. In general, the comparison produces a confidence interval (for example, +/−8% of estimated values) which can be used in data analysis, output of data to a user, or the like. 
     A resulting deviation from this comparison between estimated and corresponding measured analyte values may or may not imply error in the estimative algorithms. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the deviation between estimated and corresponding measured analyte values is due, at least in part, to behavioral changes by a patient, who observes estimated analyte values and determines to change the present trend of analyte values by behavioral and/or therapeutic changes (for example, medication, carbohydrate consumption, exercise, rest, or the like). Accordingly, the deviation can also be used to illustrate positive changes resulting from the educational aspect of providing estimated analyte values to the user, which is described in more detail with reference to  FIGS.  20  to  26   . 
       FIG.  19    is a graph that illustrates comparison of estimated analyte values in one embodiment, wherein previously estimated analyte values are compared to time corresponding measured analyte values to determine a correlation (or deviation), if any. The x-axis represents time in minutes. The y-axis represents glucose concentration in mg/dL. The measured glucose values  192  are shown for about 105 minutes up to t=15. The estimated analyte values  194 , which were estimated at t=0 for 15 minutes, are shown superimposed over the measured analyte values  192 . Using a 3-point MARD for t=0 to t=15, the estimated analyte values  194  can be compared with the measured analyte values  192  to determine a 0.55% average deviation. 
     Input and Output 
     In general, the above-described estimative algorithms, including estimation of measured analyte values and variation analysis of the estimated analyte values are useful when provided to a patient, doctor, family member, or the like. Even more, the estimative algorithms are useful when they are able to provide information helpful in modifying a patient&#39;s behavior so that they experience less clinically risky situations and higher quality of life than may otherwise be possible. Therefore, the above-described data analysis can be output in a variety of forms useful in caring for the health of a patient. 
     Output can be provided via a user interface, including but not limited to, visually on a screen, audibly through a speaker, or tactilely through a vibrator. Additionally, output can be provided via wired or wireless connection to an external device, including but not limited to, computer, laptop, server, personal digital assistant, modem connection, insulin delivery mechanism, medical device, or other device that can be useful in interfacing with the receiver. 
     Output can be continuously provided, or certain output can be selectively provided based on events, analyte concentrations or the like. For example, an estimated analyte path can be continuously provided to a patient on an LCD screen, while audible alerts can be provided only during a time of existing or approaching clinical risk to a patient. As another example, estimation can be provided based on event triggers (for example, when an analyte concentration is nearing or entering a clinically risky zone). As yet another example, analyzed deviation of estimated analyte values can be provided when a predetermined level of variation (for example, due to known error or clinical risk) is known. 
     In contrast to alarms that prompt or alert a patient when a measured or projected analyte value or rate of change simply passes a predetermined threshold, the clinical risk alarms of the preferred embodiments combine intelligent and dynamic estimative algorithms to provide greater accuracy, more timeliness in pending danger, avoidance of false alarms, and less annoyance for the patient. In general, clinical risk alarms of the preferred embodiments include dynamic and intelligent estimative algorithms based on analyte value, rate of change, acceleration, clinical risk, statistical probabilities, known physiological constraints, and/or individual physiological patterns, thereby providing more appropriate, clinically safe, and patient-friendly alarms. 
     In some embodiments, clinical risk alarms can be activated for a predetermined time period to allow for the user to attend to his/her condition. Additionally, the clinical risk alarms can be de-activated when leaving a clinical risk zone so as not to annoy the patient by repeated clinical risk alarms, when the patient&#39;s condition is improving. 
     In some embodiments, the dynamic and intelligent estimation of the preferred embodiments determines a possibility of the patient avoiding clinical risk, based on the analyte concentration, the rate of change, and other aspects of the dynamic and intelligent estimative algorithms of the preferred embodiments. If there is minimal or no possibility of avoiding the clinical risk, a clinical risk alarm will be triggered. However, if there is a possibility of avoiding the clinical risk, the system can wait a predetermined amount of time and re-analyze the possibility of avoiding the clinical risk. In some embodiments, when there is a possibility of avoiding the clinical risk, the system will further provide targets, therapy recommendations, or other information that can aid the patient in proactively avoiding the clinical risk. 
     In some embodiments, a variety of different display methods are used, such as described in the preferred embodiments, which can be toggled through or selectively displayed to the user based on conditions or by selecting a button, for example. As one example, a simple screen can be normally shown that provides an overview of analyte data, for example present analyte value and directional trend. More complex screens can then be selected when a user desired more detailed information, for example, historical analyte data, alarms, clinical risk zones, or the like. 
       FIG.  20    is an illustration of the receiver in one embodiment showing an analyte trend graph, including measured analyte values, estimated analyte values, and a clinical risk zone. The receiver  12  includes an LCD screen  30 , buttons  32 , and a speaker  24  and/or microphone. The screen  30  displays a trend graph in the form of a line representing the historical trend of a patient&#39;s analyte concentration. Although axes may or may not be shown on the screen  30 , it is understood that a theoretical x-axis represents time and a theoretical y-axis represents analyte concentration. 
     In some embodiments such as shown in  FIG.  20   , the screen shows thresholds, including a high threshold  200  and a low threshold  202 , which represent boundaries between clinically safe and clinically risky conditions for the patients. In one exemplary embodiment, a normal glucose threshold for a glucose sensor is set between about 100 and 160 mg/dL, and the clinical risk zones  204  are illustrated outside of these thresholds. In alternative embodiments, the normal glucose threshold is between about 80 and about 200 mg/dL, between about 55 and about 220 mg/dL, or other threshold that can be set by the manufacturer, physician, patient, computer program, or the like. Although a few examples of glucose thresholds are given for a glucose sensor, the setting of any analyte threshold is not limited by the preferred embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, the screen  30  shows clinical risk zones  204 , also referred to as danger zones, through shading, gradients, or other graphical illustrations that indicate areas of increasing clinical risk. Clinical risk zones  204  can be set by a manufacturer, customized by a doctor, and/or set by a user via buttons  32 , for example. In some embodiments, the danger zone  204  can be continuously shown on the screen  30 , or the danger zone can appear when the measured and/or estimated analyte values fall into the danger zone  204 . Additional information that can be displayed on the screen, such as an estimated time to clinical risk. In some embodiments, the danger zone can be divided into levels of danger (for example, low, medium, and high) and/or can be color-coded (for example, yellow, orange, and red) or otherwise illustrated to indicate the level of danger to the patient. Additionally, the screen or portion of the screen can dynamically change colors or illustrations that represent a nearness to the clinical risk and/or a severity of clinical risk. 
     In some embodiments, such as shown in  FIG.  20   , the screen  30  displays a trend graph of measured analyte data  206 . Measured analyte data can be smoothed and calibrated such as described in more detail elsewhere herein. Measured analyte data can be displayed for a certain time period (for example, previous 1 hour, 3 hours, 9 hours, etc.) In some embodiments, the user can toggle through screens using buttons  32  to view the measured analyte data for different time periods, using different formats, or to view certain analyte values (for example, highs and lows). 
     In some embodiments such as shown in  FIG.  20   , the screen  30  displays estimated analyte data  208  using dots. In this illustration, the size of the dots can represent the confidence of the estimation, a variation of estimated values, or the like. For example, as the time gets farther away from the present (t=0) the confidence level in the accuracy of the estimation can decline as is appreciated by one skilled in the art. In some alternative embodiments, dashed lines, symbols, icons, or the like can be used to represent the estimated analyte values. In some alternative embodiments, shaded regions, colors, patterns, or the like can also be used to represent the estimated analyte values, a confidence in those values, and/or a variation of those values, such as described in more detail in preferred embodiments. 
     Axes, including time and analyte concentration values, can be provided on the screen, however are not required. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that trend information, thresholds, and danger zones provide sufficient information to represent analyte concentration and clinically educate the user. In some embodiments, time can be represented by symbols, such as a sun and moon to represent day and night. In some embodiments, the present or most recent measured analyte concentration, from the continuous sensor and/or from the reference analyte monitor can be continually, intermittently, or selectively displayed on the screen. 
     The estimated analyte values  208  of  FIG.  20    include a portion, which extends into the danger zone  204 . By providing data in a format that emphasizes the possibility of clinical risk to the patient, appropriate action can be taken by the user (for example, patient or caretaker) and clinical risk can be preempted. 
       FIG.  21    is an illustration of the receiver in another embodiment showing a representation of analyte concentration and directional trend using a gradient bar. In this embodiment, the screen illustrates the measured analyte values and estimated analyte values in a simple but effective manner that communicates valuable analyte information to the user. 
     In this embodiment, a gradient bar  210  is provided that includes thresholds  212  set at high and lows such as described in more detail with reference to  FIG.  20   , above. Additionally, colors, shading, or other graphical illustration can be present to represent danger zones  214  on the gradient bar  210  such as described in more detail with reference to  FIG.  20   , above. 
     The measured analyte value is represented on the gradient bar  210  by a marker  216 , such as a darkened or colored bar. By representing the measured analyte value with a bar  216 , a low-resolution analyte value is presented to the user (for example, within a range of values). For example, each segment on the gradient bar  210  can represent about 10 mg/dL of glucose concentration. As another example, each segment can dynamically represent the range of values that fall within the “A” and “B” regions of the Clarke Error Grid. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believe that inaccuracies known both in reference analyte monitors and/or continuous analyte sensors are likely due to known variables such as described in more detail elsewhere herein, and can be de-emphasized such that a user focuses on proactive care of the condition, rather than inconsequential discrepancies within and between reference analyte monitors and continuous analyte sensors. 
     Additionally, the representative gradient bar communicates the directional trend of the analyte concentration to the user in a simple and effective manner, namely by a directional arrow  218 . For example, in conventional diabetic blood glucose monitoring, a person with diabetes obtains a blood sample and measures the glucose concentration using a test strip, or the like. Unfortunately, this information does not tell the person with diabetes whether the blood glucose concentration is rising or falling. Rising or falling directional trend information can be particularly important in a situation such as illustrated in  FIG.  21   , wherein if the user does not know that the glucose concentration is rising, he/she may assume that the glucose concentration is falling and not attend to his/her condition. However, because rising directional trend information  218  is provided, the person with diabetes can preempt the clinical risk by attending to his/her condition (for example, administer insulin). Estimated analyte data can be incorporated into the directional trend information by characteristics of the arrow, for example, size, color, flash speed, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the gradient bar can be a vertical instead of horizontal bar. In some embodiments, a gradient fill can be used to represent analyte concentration, variation, or clinical risk, for example. In some embodiments, the bar graph includes color, for example the center can be green in the safe zone that graduates to red in the danger zones; this can be in addition to or in place of the divided segments. In some embodiments, the segments of the bar graph are clearly divided by lines; however color, gradation, or the like can be used to represent areas of the bar graph. In some embodiments, the directional arrow can be represented by a cascading level of arrows to a represent slow or rapid rate of change. In some embodiments, the directional arrow can be flashing to represent movement or pending danger. 
     The screen  30  of  FIG.  21    can further comprise a numerical representation of analyte concentration, date, time, or other information to be communicated to the patient. However, a user can advantageously extrapolate information helpful for his/her condition using the simple and effective representation of this embodiment shown in  FIG.  21   , without reading a numeric representation of his/her analyte concentration. 
     In some alternative embodiments, a trend graph or gradient bar, a dial, pie chart, or other visual representation can provide analyte data using shading, colors, patterns, icons, animation, or the like. 
       FIG.  22    is an illustration of a receiver in one embodiment, which includes measured analyte values and a target analyte value(s).  FIG.  23    is an illustration of the receiver of  22  further including estimated analyte values.  FIG.  24    is an illustration of the receiver of  23  further including variations of estimated analyte values and including therapy recommendations to aid a user in obtaining the target analyte value. 
       FIG.  22    is an illustration of the receiver  12  in one embodiment, wherein the screen  30  shows measured analyte values  220  and one (or more) clinically acceptable target analyte values  222 . The measured analyte values  220  are illustrated as a trend graph, such as described with reference to  FIG.  20   , however other representations are also possible. 
     Additionally, one or more clinically acceptable target analyte values  222  are provided as output, for example such as shown in  FIG.  22   . In some embodiments, the clinically acceptable target analyte values can be obtained from a variation analysis of clinical, physiological, or statistical variation, such as described in more detail elsewhere herein. Namely, the variation analysis provides the analyzed variation of the estimated analyte values, and the output module  18  (or processor  16 ) further analyzes the variation of estimated analyte values for those that are clinically acceptable and optionally also ensures physiological feasibility. For example, analysis of clinical risk can visually direct a patient to aim for an analyte value in a safe zone (for example, outside of the clinically risky zone). 
     In some embodiments, the output displays a point representing a target analyte value. In some embodiments, the output displays an object representing a general target analyte area. In some embodiments, the output displays a path of target analyte values. In some embodiments, the output displays a range of target analyte values along that path. 
     Humans are generally particularly responsive to targets, namely, able to understand the intention of targets and desire to obtain them. Advantageously, the output of target analyte values provides a goal towards which the user will aim. In the example shown on  FIG.  20   , the measured analyte values  220  indicate an upward trend of analyte concentration, and a user can likely visualize that the trend of the measured analyte values  220  will not likely hit the target  222  without intervention or action. Therefore, a user will be prompted to proactively care for his/her analyte concentration in an effort to hit the target analyte value(s)  222  (for example, administer insulin). 
     In some embodiments, the manufacturer, physician, patient, computer program, or the like can set the target analyte values. In some embodiments, a physician can set static target analyte values based on age, time of day, meal time, severity of medical condition, or the like; in such embodiments, the targets can be regularly or intermittently displayed in an effort to modify patient behavior through habitual reminders and training. Targets can be continually maintained on the screen or selectively displayed, for example when clinical risk is estimated, but can be avoided. In some embodiments, the target values can be dynamic targets, namely, targets that are dependent upon variable parameters such as age, time of day, meal time, severity of medical condition, medications received (for example, insulin injections) or the like, which can be input by a user or external device. 
     In one example of targets useful for a person with diabetes monitoring glucose concentration, the target glucose levels for a person with diabetes are typically between about 80 and about 130 mg/dL before meals and less than about 180 mg/dL one to two hours after a meal. In another exemplary embodiment, the amount and timing of insulin injections can be considered in determining the estimation of and target glucose ranges for a person with diabetes. 
       FIG.  23    is an illustration of the receiver  12  in another embodiment showing the measured analyte values  220  and clinically acceptable target analyte value(s)  222  of  FIG.  22    and further showing estimated analyte values  224  on the same screen. In some embodiments, the data can be separated onto different screens that can be selectively viewed. However, viewing both estimated analyte values and the target analyte values can be useful in educating the patient regarding control of his/her analyte levels, since estimated and target analyte values are physiologically feasible in view of known physiological parameters described elsewhere herein. Estimated analyte values can be calculated and displayed in any manner described in the preferred embodiments. 
       FIG.  24    is an illustration of a receiver in another embodiment, including measured analyte values  220 , target analyte values  222 , estimated analyte values  224 , such as described in more detail above with reference to  FIGS.  22  and  23   , and further including variations of estimated analyte values  226  and therapy recommendations  228  on the screen to help the user obtain the displayed target analyte values  222 . The variations of estimated analyte values are calculated such as described in more detail with reference to  FIG.  15   . 
     The target analyte values presented should be physiologically feasible; therefore, type and/or amount of therapy can be determined (or estimated) to aid the patient in obtaining those therapy goals. In some embodiments, the therapy recommendations are representative icons, such as the injection icon  228  shown in  FIG.  24   . In alternative embodiments, icons can include an apple, orange juice, candy bar, or any icon representative of eating, drinking, or medicating, for example. In some embodiments, the therapy recommendations are preset alphanumeric messages (for example, “consume carbohydrates”, “inject insulin”, or “no therapy required”). In some embodiments therapy recommendations can be customized (for example, by a manufacturer, physician, patient, computer program, and/or the like) in order to provide more reliable, accurate, clinically safe, and/or individualized goals. For example, a physician can input information helpful in determining therapy recommendations using individual physiological considerations. As another example, data can be input via the user interface or via a wired or wireless connection to the receiver, such as age, time of day, meal time, severity of medical condition, medications received (for example, insulin injections) or the like, which can be used to determine the appropriate therapy recommendations. 
     In some embodiments, the therapy recommendations include a variety of scenarios, which the viewer can view and/or select. In these embodiments, the patient is given more control and able to make decisions based that fits best with their lifestyle or present circumstance, or considering external influences of which the system was unaware. 
     In some embodiments, therapy recommendations are sent to an external device (for example, insulin delivery mechanism), which is described in more detail with reference to  FIGS.  27  to  30   . 
       FIGS.  25  and  26    are views of the receiver showing an analyte trend graph, including measured analyte values and dynamic visual representation of range of estimated analyte values based on a variation analysis, such as described in more detail with reference to  FIG.  15   . 
       FIG.  25    is an illustration of a receiver  12  in another embodiment, including a screen  30  that shows the measured analyte values  230  and a variation of estimated analyte values  232  in one exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the visual representation of the variation of estimated analyte values  232  includes exemplary paths representative of the analyzed variation of estimated analyte values that illustrates a range of possible future analyte values. In some embodiments, the variation of estimated analyte values  232  is represented by a shape that begins at the most recently measured analyte value  234  and includes boundaries  236  that represent the range of possible variations of estimated analyte values for a future time period. The shape can be static or dynamic depending on the type of variation analyzed by the estimative algorithm, for example a fan, teardrop, or other shaped object. 
       FIG.  26    is an illustration of a receiver  12  in another embodiment, including a screen  30  that shows the measured analyte values  238  and a variation of estimated analyte values  240  in another exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the variation can include an estimated path and boundaries, for example, which can be obtained from a variation analysis and/or from physiological parameters, for example. In some alternative embodiments, color or other illustrative representation of levels of safety or danger can be provided on the screen. 
       FIG.  27    is an illustration of a receiver  12  in another embodiment, including a screen  30  that shows a numerical representation of the most recent measured analyte value  242 . This numerical value  242  is preferably a calibrated analyte value, such as described in more detail with reference to  FIG.  2   . Additionally, this embodiment preferably provides an arrow  244  on the screen  30 , which represents the rate of change of the host&#39;s analyte concentration. A bold “up” arrow is shown on the drawing, which preferably represents a relatively quickly increasing rate of change. The arrows shown with dotted lines illustrate examples of other directional arrows (for example, rotated by 45 degrees), which can be useful on the screen to represent various other positive and negative rates of change. Although the directional arrows shown have a relative low resolution (45 degrees of accuracy), other arrows can be rotated with a high resolution of accuracy (for example one degree of accuracy) to more accurately represent the rate of change of the host&#39;s analyte concentration. In some alternative embodiments, the screen provides an indication of the acceleration of the host&#39;s analyte concentration. 
     A second numerical value  246  is shown, which is representative of a variation of the measured analyte value  242 . The second numerical value is preferable determined from a variation analysis based on statistical, clinical, or physiological parameters, such as described in more detail elsewhere herein. In one embodiment, the second numerical value  246  is determined based on clinical risk (for example, weighted for the greatest possible clinical risk to a patient). In another embodiment, the second numerical representation  246  is an estimated analyte value extrapolated to compensate for a time lag, such as described in more detail elsewhere herein. In some alternative embodiments, the receiver displays a range of numerical analyte values that best represents the host&#39;s estimated analyte value (for example, +/−10%). In some embodiments, the range is weighted based on clinical risk to the patient. In some embodiments, the range is representative of a confidence in the estimated analyte value and/or a variation of those values. In some embodiments, the range is adjustable. 
     Patient Display 
     The potential of continuous glucose monitoring as an aid to both diabetic patients and their caregivers is well recognized. For the patient, continuous monitoring provides hour-to-hour glucose information that enables intensive therapy: it can be used to reduce the extent of hyperglycemic excursions without increasing the risk of hypoglycemic events. For caregivers of patients with diabetes, continuous monitoring provides day-to-day glucose information that can be used to optimize therapy. Despite these differences in purpose/perspective (hour-to-hour data for the patient, day-to-day information for the caregiver), the conventional display of continuous glucose data has heretofore not been adapted to the intended use/user. Accordingly, continuous glucose display methods that are utility-driven, and that allow the data to be easily perceived and interpreted is desirable. 
     Glucose data are typically displayed on a graph with y-axis that spans a physiologic range of glucose (e.g. 40-400 mg/dl) and is uniform, i.e. the distance on the graph between 60 and 80 mg/dl is the same as the distance between 160 and 180 mg/dl, even though the clinical meanings of these two differences are significantly different. An alternative display uses a non-uniform y-axis that makes differences at low glucose levels easier to perceive. The difference in appearance of these two graphs is depicted in  FIG.  28   , which illustrates the conventional display of a 9-hour trend graph;  FIG.  29    illustrates a display with a y-axis that has been equally divided into three zones (low, medium, and high glucose) though the glucose range (max-min) of each zone is different (40-90 mg/dl, 90-180 mg/dl, 180-400 mg/dl). The non-uniform y-axis in  FIG.  29    appears to cause distortion to the glucose trend but does not appear to be misleading. More importantly, the dynamics at low glucose are more easily perceived in  FIG.  29    than in  FIG.  28   . 
     Physicians use continuous glucose monitoring primarily for therapy optimization. Though the hour-to-hour dynamics of glucose can contain information related to therapy adjustment, a longer-term/summary perspective is perhaps easier perceive and interpret, and more reflective of changes in a patient&#39;s glycemic control. In this way, physician monitoring of a patient&#39;s glycemic control is similar to process monitoring used in quality control of manufactured products: the aim of both is to rapidly detect when the system/process is in or out of control, or to detect trends that can indicate changes in control. Control charts, which plot averages and ranges of process parameters over time, are a well-established and powerful illustration of process control and can be applicable to continuous glucose monitoring.  FIGS.  30  and  31    illustrate the difference in how well the data reflect changes in glycemic control.  FIG.  30    is a conventional plot of glucose over one week;  FIG.  31    is a plot of the 24-hour (12 AM-12 AM) median (+/−interquartile range) glucose. 
     The display provides improved utility of continuous glucose data, enabling improved clinical outcomes, and offers advantages over prior art displays wherein the display of continuous glucose data is not tailored to the intended use. 
       FIG.  32    is an illustration of a receiver that interfaces with a computer. A receiver  12  is provided that is capable of communication with a computer  280 . The communication can include one-way or two-way wired or wireless transmissions  282 . The computer  280  can be any system that processes information, such as a PC, server, personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the receiver sends information to the computer, for example, measured analyte data, estimated analyte data, target analyte data, therapy recommendations, or the like. The computer can include software that processes the data in any manner known in the art. 
     In some embodiments, the computer sends information to the receiver; for example, updating software, customizing the receiver programming (for example, setting individualized parameters), providing real time information (for example, mealtime and exercise that has been entered into a PDA), or the like. 
       FIG.  33    is an illustration of a receiver  12  that interfaces with a modem  290 , wherein data is transmitted via wireless transmissions  292  between the receiver and a modem in order to interface with a telecommunications line (for example, phone, pager, internet, network, etc). By providing an interface with a telecommunications line, the receiver can send and receive information from parties remote from the receiver, such as at a hospital, doctor&#39;s office, caretaker&#39;s computer, nationally-based server, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the modem allows the receiver to send emergency messages to an emergency contact, such as a family member, hospital, Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), or the like when analyte concentration are in a zone of extreme clinical risk. In some embodiments, a patient&#39;s doctor monitors his/her analyte concentration remotely and is able to request an appointment when certain conditions are not being met with the patient&#39;s analyte concentration. Numerous other uses can be contrived for communicating information via a modem  290  between the receiver  12  and another party, all of which are encompassed in the preferred embodiments. 
       FIG.  34    is an illustration of a receiver  12  that interfaces with an insulin pen  300 , wherein data is transmitted via wireless transmission  302  between the receiver and the insulin pen  300 . In some embodiments, the receiver sends therapy recommendations to the insulin pen, such as amount and time of insulin injection. In some embodiments, the insulin pen sends amount of therapy administered by a patient, such as type, amount, and time of administration. Such information can be used in data analysis, including estimation of analyte values, output of therapy recommendations, and trend analysis, for example. 
       FIG.  35    is an illustration of a receiver  12  that interfaces with an insulin pump  310 , wherein data is transmitted via wireless transmission  312  between the receiver  12  and the insulin pump  310 . In some embodiments, the receiver sends therapy recommendations to the insulin pump  310 , such as amount and time of insulin administration. In some embodiments, the insulin pump  310  sends information regarding therapy to be administered such as type, amount, and time of administration. Such information can be used in data analysis, including estimation of analyte values, output of therapy recommendations, and trend analysis, for example. 
     In general, any of the above methods of data input and output can be combined, modified, selectively viewed, selectively applied, or otherwise altered without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Methods and devices that can be suitable for use in conjunction with aspects of the preferred embodiments are disclosed in copending applications including U.S. application Ser. No. 10/695,636 filed Oct. 28, 2003 and entitled, “SILICONE COMPOSITION FOR BIOCOMPATIBLE MEMBRANE”; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/632,537 filed Aug. 22, 2003 and entitled, “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REPLACING SIGNAL ARTIFACTS IN A GLUCOSE SENSOR DATA STREAM”; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/646,333 filed Aug. 22, 2003 entitled, “OPTIMIZED SENSOR GEOMETRY FOR AN IMPLANTABLE GLUCOSE SENSOR”; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/647,065 filed Aug. 22, 2003 entitled, “POROUS MEMBRANES FOR USE WITH IMPLANTABLE DEVICES”; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/633,367 filed Aug. 1, 2003 entitled, “SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING ANALYTE SENSOR DATA”; U.S. application Ser. No. 09/916,386 filed Jul. 27, 2001 and entitled “MEMBRANE FOR USE WITH IMPLANTABLE DEVICES”; U.S. application Ser. No. 09/916,711 filed Jul. 27, 2001 and entitled “SENSOR HEAD FOR USE WITH IMPLANTABLE DEVICE”; U.S. application Ser. No. 09/447,227 filed Nov. 22, 1999 and entitled “DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING ANALYTE LEVELS”; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/153,356 filed May 22, 2002 and entitled “TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE POLYURETHANE MEMBRANES FOR IMPLANTABLE GLUCOSE SENSORS”; U.S. application Ser. No. 09/489,588 filed Jan. 21, 2000 and entitled “DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING ANALYTE LEVELS”; U.S. application Ser. No. 09/636,369 filed Aug. 11, 2000 and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTE MONITORING AND MODULATION OF MEDICAL DEVICES”; and U.S. application Ser. No. 09/916,858 filed Jul. 27, 2001 and entitled “DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING ANALYTE LEVELS,” as well as issued patents including U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,067 issued Dec. 14, 1999 and entitled “DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING ANALYTE LEVELS”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,994,167 issued Feb. 19, 1991 and entitled “BIOLOGICAL FLUID MEASURING DEVICE”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,022 filed Jul. 12, 1988 and entitled “BIOLOGICAL FLUID MEASURING DEVICE.” All of the above patents and patent applications are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference. 
     The above description provides several methods and materials of the invention. This invention is susceptible to modifications in the methods and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methods and equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this application or practice of the invention provided herein. Consequently, it is not intended that this invention be limited to the specific embodiments provided herein, but that it cover all modifications and alternatives coming within the true scope and spirit of the invention as embodied in the attached claims. All patents, applications, and other references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     All numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding approaches.