Patent Abstract:
A meter is provided that includes an improved user interface that enables the user to take a specific action, leading them directly to data input options. Such a user interface could be used to input first selected information, such as whether a test was premeal or postmeal, immediately after receiving a result. Optionally, the user interface may include the ability to add an additional comment after inputting the first selected information. Provision of such a user interface would facilitate simpler capture of the first selected information each time the user performs a test, leading to an enhanced understanding of a patient&#39;s level of glycemic control. Designing a user interface to enable first selected information to be entered by a user directly after receiving a result is more likely to engage a patient by making it easy and simple to enter important information. This may enable capture of the information thought to be most pertinent e.g. premeal and postmeal information, enhancing the understanding by patients and their carers of the patient&#39;s control.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation filed under 35 USC §120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/719,460 filed on Aug. 2, 2007 which is now allowed, which prior application Ser. No. 11/719,460 claims priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. §§120, 365, and 371 of International Application PCT/US05/47552 filed on 29 Dec. 2005, which claims priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. §§119 and 120 to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/640,423 filed on 29 Dec. 2004, and all prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties into this application. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates in general to an analyte measurement meter or system for measuring an analyte or indicator such as glucose in blood, interstitial fluid or urine, and more specifically relates to a method of using such a meter or system incorporating an improved user interface. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Meters or devices for measuring an analyte or indicator, e.g. glucose, HbA1c, lactate, cholesterol, in a fluid such as a body fluid, e.g. blood, plasma, interstitial fluid (ISF), urine, typically make use of disposable test sensors. A test sensor that is specific for the analyte or indicator of interest may be inserted within a connector in the meter or system, or be delivered to a test location from within the meter or system. The test sensor becomes physically and electrically connected with a measuring circuit. A sample, for example blood, plasma, interstitial fluid (ISF) or urine, will typically contain numerous soluble or solubilized components, one of which will be the analyte or indicator of interest. An example user group that might benefit from the use of such a meter or system are those affected with diabetes and their health care providers. 
     Most conventional meters, such as blood glucose meters for example, enable the user to store the measurement values within an internal memory, along with the date and time at which each was taken. Such information is useful to the patient&#39;s healthcare practitioner (HCP) in prescribing a regiment for disease control, however capturing further information requires additional steps to be performed by the user and is typically overlooked. 
     Some meters such as the One Touch UltraSmart (available from LifeScan Inc., Milpitas, Calif.) allow several types of information related to exercise, health, medication and food for example, to be entered from one of four menu screens—the menu screens having first been selected from a result screen by a specific button. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A meter is provided that includes an improved user interface that enables the user to take a specific action, leading them directly to data input options. Such a user interface could be used to input first selected information, such as whether a test was premeal or postmeal, immediately after receiving a result. Optionally, the user interface may include the ability to add an additional comment after inputting the first selected information. Provision of such a user interface would facilitate simpler capture of the first selected information each time the user performs a test, leading to an enhanced understanding of a patient&#39;s level of glycemic control. Designing a user interface to enable first selected information to be entered by a user directly after receiving a result is more likely to engage a patient by making it easy and simple to enter important information. This may enable capture of the information thought to be most pertinent e.g. premeal and postmeal information, enhancing the understanding by patients and their carers of the patient&#39;s control. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of a blood glucose monitoring system kit, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a first flow sheet that illustrates a user interface for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a second flow sheet that illustrates a user interface for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a third flow sheet that illustrates a user interface for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of a screen layout for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of an apply blood screen for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of a test result screen for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration of a meal flag selection screen for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an illustration of a before meal result screen for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration of a first comment selection screen for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is an illustration of a second comment selection screen for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an illustration of a result screen for a blood glucose meter according to an embodiment of the present invention, including a meal flag and comment. 
         FIG. 13  is an illustration of a main menu screen for a blood glucose meter according to an embodiment of the present invention, with an ‘all results’ option highlighted. 
         FIG. 14  is an illustration of an ‘all results’ screen for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is an illustration of a main menu screen for a blood glucose meter according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a ‘result average’ option highlighted. 
         FIG. 16  is an illustration of a result average menu screen for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an ‘all results average’ option highlighted. 
         FIG. 17  is an illustration of an ‘all results average’ screen for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is an illustration of a ‘before meal average’ screen for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is an illustration of an ‘after meal average’ screen for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is an illustration of a set up menu screen for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a flags/comments option highlighted. 
         FIG. 21  is an illustration of a flags/comments option screen for a blood glucose meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration of a blood glucose monitoring system kit  10 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Blood glucose monitoring system kit  10  includes a system box  11 , a blood glucose meter  12 , a vial of blood glucose test strips  13 , a lancing device  14 , instructions for use  15 , a quick start guide  16 , a written log book  17 , a bottle of control solution  18 , and a number of lancets  19 . Blood glucose meter  12  includes a display  6 , an OK button  7 , an UP button  8 , a DOWN button  9  and a display backlight  5 . 
       FIG. 1  shows an example blood glucose monitoring test kit  10  that would typically be provided to patients who are required to test their blood glucose concentration regularly. Such kits conventionally contain a user guide  15  as well as a quick start guide  16 , and also a logbook  17 . Patients are encouraged to note down details regarding their test results and also capture other information about how they are generally feeling, with an aim to better understand the impact of circumstances such as meals, exercise, illness etc. on their blood glucose. However, many users may find it inconvenient to carry additional items such as logbook  17 , and therefore not capture this information that may be potentially useful to their physicians. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , OK button  7  is located on the front of blood glucose meter  12 . OK button  7  has many functions: it is used to turn blood glucose meter  12  on and off; it is used to turn display backlight  5  on or off; it is used to select items from various menus, as outlined in the following figures; and it is used when changing the batteries for blood glucose meter  12 . Various functions are activated, depending upon how long OK button  7  is held down. For instance, when blood glucose meter  12  is off, it can be turned on by holding OK button  7  down for approximately 3 seconds. It can be turned off by holding OK button  7  down for approximately 5 seconds. Display backlight  5  can be turned on, when blood glucose meter  12  is on, by holding OK button  7  down for approximately 3 seconds. Display backlight  5  can be turned off by holding OK button  7  down for approximately 2 seconds. Items can be selected from various menus by holding OK button  7  down for less than approximately 3 seconds. Blood glucose meter  12  can be prepared for new batteries by holding OK button  7  down for approximately 2 seconds before new batteries are installed. The times mentioned are approximate, and can be varied to help distinguish between functions. 
     An envisioned user interface for blood glucose meter  12  is illustrated in the following figures.  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4  illustrate the user interface with flow diagrams, while the remaining figures provide more detailed description. In  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4 , text that is not in a box represents an action performed by the user, while text within boxes represents the results of said actions. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the interface begins with meter  12  in an off mode  2   a . With the meter in off mode  2   a , the user has two options. The first option is to insert a test strip  2   b , while the second option is to press OK button  2   c . Presenting the user with only two options simplifies the user interface, and makes it easy to use. To activate the meter, a user either inserts a strip or presses the OK button. This is much simpler than the protocols used in existing blood glucose meters. To perform a test, a strip is inserted. To process data, the OK button is pressed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , if a user chooses the first option (inserting a test strip  2   b ), the perform test mode  2   d  is reached. This mode is described in detail in  FIG. 3 , and in subsequent figures. While in the perform test mode  2   d , the meter can be returned to an off mode  2   i  by either removing the test strip  2   g , or allowing the meter to timeout. From any mode, after 2 minutes of inactivity, the meter will automatically return to an off mode. This is referred to as a timeout. 
     If a user chooses the second option (pressing OK button  2   c  in  FIG. 2 ), main menu mode  2   f  is reached, and will be described in more detail in relation to  FIG. 4 . While in main menu mode  2   f , meter  12  can be returned to an off mode  2   j  by selecting meter off from the main menu, by removing the test strip, or by allowing the meter to timeout  2   h.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the perform test mode is illustrated in greater detail. From a meter off mode  3   a , a strip is inserted  3   b  activating the meter. A display check screen  3   c , a splash screen  3   d  and a cal code screen  3   e  (not shown) may optionally be displayed along with confirmation of the calibration code  3   f , prior to display of the ‘apply blood’ (and optionally control solution) screen  3   g . The apply blood screen is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . If the user presses up button  8  at this point, ‘apply control’ would appear in place of ‘apply blood’. After applying blood or control  3   h , a series of countdown screens  3   i  may be displayed, followed by either a result screen  3   k  or an error or warning screen  3   j  (not shown). An example results screen is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . From result screen  3   k , the meter can be returned to an off mode  3   p  by removing the test strip or waiting for the meter to timeout  3   n.    
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the user may be presented with a first display modification indicator  3   q  (such as for example item  50  in  FIG. 7 ). Such a display modification indicator could, for example, flash on and off to prompt the user to take a specific action e.g. press a certain button. In this example embodiment, if the user follows the prompt e.g. by pressing the up button  8  as directed by flashing arrow  50 , they are led directly to an input for premeal or postmeal flag  3   r , as will be described further in relation to  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The user then chooses either a pre- or post meal flag and presses OK  3   s  to return to result screen  3   k . The user may then be presented with a second display modification indicator  3   t , again prompting them towards a specific action such as pressing a particular button. In this example embodiment, a down arrow icon (item  52  in  FIG. 7 ) may flash on and off, prompting the user to press down button  9 . This action takes the user directly to comment selection screens  3   u  as shown in  FIGS. 10 to 12 , whereby they are prompted to enter a comment relative to their recent activity or health state  3   v . Once selected by pressing OK button  7 , the display returns to a result screen that includes both the meal flag and comment information  3   w , as shown in  FIG. 12 . Once a meal flag and/or comment has been entered, the meter can be returned to an off mode  3   z  by either removing the test strip or waiting for the meter to timeout  3   y.    
     A third option while the initial result screen  3   k  is displayed is to press the OK button  7  (step  3   l ), which leads to the main menu mode  3   m , illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Removing the test strip, selecting meter off from the main menu, or waiting for the meter to timeout returns the meter to an off mode  3   z.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an example main menu will be described in more detail. From a meter off mode  4   a , OK button  7  is pressed  4   b , activating the meter. A display check screen  4   c  and a splash screen  4   d  are then optionally displayed, prior to a main menu  4   g  being displayed, as shown in  FIG. 13 . Main menu screen  4   g  can also be reached from the result screens  4   e  by pressing the OK button  4   f . This was illustrated in steps  3   k ,  3   l  and  3   m  of  FIG. 3 . 
     While at main menu screen  4   g , the up and down buttons (buttons  8  and  9  respectively) can be used  4   j  to display a ‘last result’ option  4   k , an ‘all results’ option  4   l , a ‘result average’ option  4   m  and a ‘setup’ option  4   n . Options  4   k ,  4   l ,  4   m  and  4   n  are shown in  FIG. 13 , and result average screens  4   m  are illustrated in  FIGS. 15 through 19 . 
     From the last result screens  4   k , the all results screens  4   l , the result average screens  4   m , or the setup screens  4   n , the display can be returned to the main menu screen  4   g  or off mode  4   p  by selecting the main menu or meter off options. From main menu screen  4   g , the meter can be returned to an off mode  4   i  by selecting the meter off option  4   h , or letting the meter timeout. 
     After turning the meter on, either by inserting a test strip or pressing OK button  7 , all pixel elements of display  6  may be turned on for a few seconds, producing a dark screen. Missing pixel elements would be seen as light areas against the dark background, used to diagnose pixel failure. After display check screen  4   c , a splash screen  4   d  may optionally be displayed, optionally including product identification and/or a copyright statement. The appearance of a splash screen may vary from one model of meter to another, or may be omitted altogether. 
       FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of a screen layout  20  for display  6  of meter  12 . Screen layout  20  includes a heading area  30 , a battery icon area  22 , a data display area  24 , a page number area  26 , a footer area  27 , and a navigation indicator area  28 . Heading area  30  is used to display screen titles and meal flags. Battery icon area  22  is used to display a battery status icon. Data display area  24  is used to display menu options, warning messages, and test results. Page number area  26  is used to display page numbers when screens are split into multiple pages. Footer area  27  is used to display selectable navigation options. Navigation indicator area  28  is used in one embodiment of this invention to display arrow icons. Such arrow icons may be used to prompt or remind the user that further options are accessible, and take them directly to data input screens as described in relation to  FIG. 3 . 
     When entering the test mode, a calibration code screen may optionally be displayed to the user. After ensuring that the meter has the correct calibration code  3   f  (if required), the ‘apply blood’ screen  32  is presented to the user, an example of which is provided in  FIG. 6 . Apply blood screen  32  includes a ‘apply blood’ title  34 , a blinking drop icon  36  and a test strip icon  38 . Blinking drop icon  36  appears and disappears in apply blood screen  32 , attracting the attention of the user. If up button  8  is pressed, or optionally down button  9 , ‘apply blood’ title  34  changes to ‘apply control’ solution (not shown). To analyze a blood sample, the user applies blood to test strip  31  while apply blood screen  32  is displayed. Similarly, to perform a control solution test, the user applies control solution to test strip  31  when the ‘apply control solution’ screen is displayed. Each time meter  12  is turned on, the ‘apply blood’ screen  32  is displayed by default, with access to the ‘apply control solution’ screen requiring the user to press a button while ‘apply blood’ screen  32  is displayed. 
     After application of sample or control solution to test strip  31 , a series of countdown screens may optionally be displayed (not shown) while the meter calculates the blood glucose concentration. Countdown screens provide the user with a sense of the time remaining before the result will be displayed. Following the countdown, a test result screen  40  is displayed, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Test result screen  40  includes a test result  42 , a unit of measurement  44 , a test date  46 , a test time  48 , a first display modification indicator  50  and a second display modification indicator  52 . 
     In respect to test result screen  40  illustrated in  FIG. 7 , up arrow  50  and/or down arrow  52  may blink, described as display modification indicators in relation to  FIG. 3 . When test result screen  40  is first displayed, up arrow  50  blinks, while down arrow  52  does not blink. This prompts the user to press up button  8  in result screen  40 , directly accessing a first selected information screen containing meal flag options  60 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The user then uses up and down buttons  8 ,  9  to select either a premeal  62  or a postmeal  64  flag. Pressing OK button  7  confirms the selection and returns to the result screen, now with a meal flag added above the result as shown in  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 9  shows a ‘before meal’ result screen  70  that includes a before meal flag  72 . If the user selects ‘after meal’ (option  64  in  FIG. 8 ), then ‘before meal’ flag  72  would be replaced with ‘after meal’. 
     Returning to  FIG. 7 , once a meal flag has been entered, up arrow  50  stops flashing and down arrow  52  starts to blink (e.g. flash) on and off. This prompts the user towards a second selected information screen. By pressing down button  9 , first comment selection screen  80  is displayed, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . First comment selection screen  80  includes a comment title  82 , a first list of comments  84 , and a first comment page number  86 . First list of comments includes no comment, not enough food, too much food and mild exercise. Pressing up button  8  or down button  9  scrolls from comment to comment. If the user scrolls down, beyond the last comment in list  84 , second comment selection screen  90  appears, as illustrated in  FIG. 11  that may include further options such as hard exercise, medication, stress and illness. Once again, by using up button  8  and down button  9 , a user may scroll from comment to comment. Scrolling up, beyond the top comment, returns the user to first comment selection screen  80 , and scrolling down may take the user to a third comment selection screen (not shown) that could include comments such as feel hypo, menses, vacation and other. It would be apparent to a person skilled in the art that any number of different comment options could be included, and is not restricted to those contained herein. 
     Once the desired comment has been highlighted, it is selected by pressing OK button  7 . This adds the comment  98  e.g. ‘hard exercise’ to the result screen, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Once a comment has been selected, it appears above footer area  27 , and indicators  50  and  52  stop flashing. Referring again to  FIG. 10 , by highlighting and selecting ‘no comment’  88  from first list of comments  84 , the display returns to result screen  40 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , whereby no comment is displayed, and any previously entered comment is removed. 
     Using arrows that blink and do not blink greatly simplifies the user interface, and provides a prompt or reminder to the user to enter pertinent information such as meal flags and comments that might otherwise be overlooked. Optionally, a button on the user interface may illuminate or flash to prompt the user to press it, taking them directing to a specific data entry screen. Meal flags and comments can be useful in interpreting test results, particularly by the patient&#39;s physician, and are frequently not entered in logbooks. Blinking arrows are readily noticeable, and when combined with simple and direct menu options, increase the use of meal flags and comments. It would be apparent to those skilled in the art that other techniques may also be used to attract attention to menu options, including colors, increased font size, graphic characters, and sound, to prompt the user to take certain actions and be led directly to data input screens. 
       FIG. 8  is an illustration of a first meal flag selection screen  60 , accessible from test result screen  40  by way of up button  8 . First meal flag selection screen  60  includes a before meal option  62 , an after meal option  64 , a meal flag title  66 , and a no flag option  68 . Before meal option  62 , after meal option  64 , and no flag option  68  can be highlighted by pressing up button  8  or down button  9 , then accepting the choice using OK button  7 . By pressing OK button  7 , the before meal option  62  will be confirmed, and the flag is added to the result screen, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Similarly, a result can be given an after meal flag. Once a meal flag has been selected, it appears in heading area  30 , illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
     When turning the meter on by pressing OK button  7 , a display check screen and a splash screen if applicable, may optionally be provided prior to displaying main menu screen  100 , illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Main menu screen  100  includes a main menu title  102 , a last result option  104 , an all results option  106 , a result average option  108 , a set up option  110  and a meter off option  112 . By using up button  8  and down button  9 , the user can highlight each of the options. Once highlighted, the option is selected by pressing OK button  7 . By pressing OK button  7  when last result option  104  is highlighted for example, last result option  104  is selected, and a result screen is displayed for the last test performed. The result screen that is displayed varies, depending upon the sample that was run, and whether meal flags or comments were entered. Typical result screens are illustrated in  FIGS. 7 ,  9 , and  12 . While the result screen is displayed, pressing up button  8  returns the user to the first meal flag selection screen  60 , where they can choose to edit the meal flag for the last result. Pressing down button  9  returns the user to first comment selection screen  80 , where they can choose to edit the comment for the last result. Pressing OK button  7  while the result screen is displayed returns the user to main menu screen  100 , illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
     From main menu screen  100 , down button  9  can be used to highlight ‘all results’ option  106 , as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Pressing OK button  7  accepts ‘all results’ option  106 , and displays the all results screens, an example of which is illustrated in  FIG. 14 . Each ‘all results’ screen may display up to four test results, with additional pages added, indicated by page information  138 , to accommodate up to 500 test results, listed in reverse chronological order. 
       FIG. 14  shows an example ‘all results’ screen  120 , including an all results title  122 , a unit of measurement display  124 , a test date column  126 , a test time column  128 , a test result column  130 , a comment column  132 , a meal flag column  134 , a page number  138 , and a menu option  136 . Pressing up button  8  or down button  9  scrolls up or down, highlighting different test results. Pressing up button  8  or down button  9  for a few seconds scrolls sequentially, page by page. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 14 , an asterisk in comment column  132  indicates that the test record includes a comment. A “C” in comment column  132  indicates that the test was performed on control solution. A plus sign in meal flag column  134  indicates that the result has been flagged as after meal, while a minus sign in meal flag column  134  indicates that the result has been flagged as before meal. If OK button  7  is pressed while a result is highlighted, the result screen for that test is displayed. Typical result screens are illustrated in  FIGS. 7 ,  9 , and  12 . Pressing OK button  7  while a result screen is displayed returns the user to the ‘all results’ screen, illustrated in  FIG. 14 . Pressing OK button  7  while menu option  136  is highlighted returns the user to main menu screen  100 , as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
     To display ‘result average’ menu screen  150 , illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the user highlights ‘result average’ option  108  in ‘result average option’ screen  140 , illustrated in  FIG. 15 , then presses OK button  7 . Result average menu screen  150 , illustrated in  FIG. 16 , includes an ‘all results average’ option  152 , a ‘before meal average’ option  154 , an ‘after meal average’ option  156 , and a ‘result average’ title  158 . By using up button  8  or down button  9 , the user can highlight any one of these options. The highlighted choice is accepted by pressing OK button  7 . 
     By highlighting ‘all results average’ option  152  and pressing OK button  7 , ‘all results average’ screen  160  is displayed, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . All results average screen  160  includes a number of days column  162 , a number of tests column  164 , a test average column  166 , and an all results average title  168 . Test averages are calculated and displayed for the number of tests reported in number of tests column  164  conducted during the number of days reported in number of days column  162 . Pressing OK button  7  while ‘all results average’ screen  160  is displayed returns the user to ‘result average’ menu screen  150 , illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
     From result average menu screen  150 , ‘before meal average’ option  154  can be highlighted using up button  8  or down button  9 . Pressing OK button  7  while ‘before meal average’ option  154  is highlighted displays ‘before meal average’ screen  170 , illustrated in  FIG. 18 . Included in ‘before meal average’ screen  170  is ‘before meal average’ title  172 . As was the case for ‘all results average’ screen  160 , illustrated in  FIG. 17 , test averages are calculated and displayed for the number of tests reported in number of tests column  164  conducted during the number of days reported in number of days column  162 . In this case, however, the test averages are based on results that have been flagged as occurring before meals. Pressing OK button  7  while ‘before meal average’ screen  170  is displayed returns the user to ‘result average’ menu screen  150 , illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
     From ‘result average’ menu screen  150 , ‘after meal average’ option  156  can be highlighted using up button  8  or down button  9 . Pressing OK button  7  while ‘after meal average’ option  156  is highlighted displays ‘after meal average’ screen  180 , illustrated in  FIG. 19 . Included in ‘after meal average’ screen  180  is after meal average title  182 . As was the case for ‘all results average’ screen  160 , illustrated in  FIG. 17 , test averages are calculated and displayed for the number of tests reported in number of tests column  164  conducted during the number of days reported in number of days column  162 . In this case, however, the test averages are based on results that have been flagged as occurring after meals. Pressing OK button  7  while the ‘after meal average’ screen  180  is displayed returns the user to ‘result average’ menu screen  150 , illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
     Meters currently available that do capture information such as pre-breakfast, post-breakfast, pre-lunch, post-lunch, pre-dinner and post-dinner, typically require many more steps to enter such information, and also typically calculate averages within categories such as those listed. A further advantage provided by the user interface of the present invention is the aggregation of all results as either pre- or post-meal. Such information is simpler and easier for the user to enter at the time of each test prompted by display modification indicators described herein, and is of use to the patient&#39;s health case practitioner. 
       FIG. 20  shows an example setup menu screen  190 , with a flags/comments option  192  in a highlighted state. Pressing OK button  7  while flags/comments option  192  is highlighted leads to flags/comments set up screen, shown in  FIG. 21 , whereby the option is provided to the user to either enable or disable the meal and/or comment flags feature.  FIG. 21  shows an example flags/comments set up screen  194 , with the ‘accept’  196  setting highlighted. Pressing OK button  7  while option ‘accept’  196  is highlighted would change the setting status  198  to off. The meal flag/comments feature can be re-enabled following the same procedure.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6