TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a continuous glucose sensor that transmits data relating to glucose levels to multiple displays in a secure fashion.

BACKGROUND

Continuous glucose monitors have been increasing in popularity as an easy way to monitor glucose levels. In the past, users sample their blood glucose levels several times throughout a day, such as in the morning, around lunch, and in the evening. The levels can be measured by taking a small blood sample and measuring the glucose levels with a test strip or blood glucose meter. This technique, however, has drawbacks because users would prefer to not have to take a blood sample, and users do not know what their glucose levels are throughout the day between the samples.

One potentially dangerous timeframe is at night because a user's glucose levels can fall dangerously low during sleep. As a result, continuous glucose monitors have gained popularity by providing a sensor that continuously monitors glucose levels and transmits the glucose levels wirelessly to a display. This allows the user to monitor their glucose levels throughout the day and even set alarms for when glucose levels reach a predefined level or experience a defined change.

Initially, continuous glucose monitors wirelessly transmitted data relating to glucose levels to a receiver acting as a dedicated display. The dedicated display can be a medical device designed to display glucose levels, trending patterns, and other information for a user. However, with the increasing popularity of smart phones and applications executing on smart phones, some users prefer to avoid having to carry a dedicated display. Instead, users would prefer to monitor their glucose levels using an application executing on a smartphone, alone or along with a dedicated display.

The present disclosure is directed to overcoming these and other problems.

SUMMARY

The disclosure relates to allowing users to carry and monitor glucose levels using a plurality of displays, such as a dedicated display associated with a continuous glucose monitor system and a smart phone, tablet, personal computer, or other device. Users can carry two displays and monitor glucose levels with different displays at different times. For example, a user may use their smart phone application sometimes, but then their smart phone application may be turned off and the user will switch to using a dedicated display. The disclosed system coordinates the transmission and display of the same data on two separate displays to ensure consistency. Commands from both displays can be received and processed in a timely fashion, and both displays can display the same data.

In other embodiments, a user can send commands from the dedicated display, the smart phone, or both to control the continuous glucose monitor system. Given the timing of when a user enters a command on a particular display, the two displays may actually display different data. For example, a user may enter a calibration command on a first display that is only processed after the current glucose data has been sent to a second display. The first display will therefore display different glucose levels based on the new calibration, while the second display will continue to display old data. Systems and methods described below ensure consistency of data display across multiple devices.

In addition, the disclosure provides for secure communications within the system. Medical devices wirelessly transmit sensitive medical data for a patient. Ensuring that communications only occur between approved, authenticated devices can be a key to offering users an appropriate level of security given the sensitive nature of the data being transmitted. Broadcasting glucose readings and related information between a glucose sensor and transmitter can compromise the data without authentication or other techniques for securing communications. For example, a second user's display may receive glucose data for another user, causing confusion and a breach of privacy. There is therefore a need for secure communications between a glucose sensor and multiple displays. Examples of securing communications include requiring an authentication protocol before a device can use data, and using encryption to prevent unauthorized access.

Transmitting glucose data to multiple displays also places a strain on the battery of the glucose sensor and transmitter. Each display should be authenticated, paired, and receive the data, which compounds communications as additional displays are added. Therefore, in some embodiments, the number of displays that can connect to a particular transmitter at any given time can be limited. Users should also be able to add or remove a given display from being able to communicate with the glucose sensor.

In one exemplary embodiment, a method for pairing a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system with a plurality of display devices is disclosed. The method may include connecting a first display device to the transmitter over a first wireless connection, connecting a second display device to the transmitter over a second wireless connection, and limiting the number of display devices connected to the transmitter by rejecting additional connection requests during a communication interval. The method may also include exchanging an application key with the first display device and the second display device periodically, the application key changing at the beginning of each period.

In another embodiment, a system for pairing a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system with a plurality of display devices is disclosed. The system may include a first display device configured to connect with the transmitter over a first wireless connection and a second display device configured to connect with the transmitter over a second wireless connection. The transmitter can be configured to limit the number of connected display devices by rejecting additional connection requests during a communication interval, and exchange an application key with the first display device and the second display device periodically, the application key changing at the beginning of each period.

A computer-readable medium is also disclosed comprising instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, perform a method for pairing a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system with a plurality of display devices. The method may include connecting a first display device to the transmitter over a first wireless connection, connecting a second display device to the transmitter over a second wireless connection, and limiting the number of display devices connected to the transmitter by rejecting additional connection requests during a communication interval. It also includes exchanging an application key with the first display device and the second display device periodically, the application key changing at the beginning of each period.

In another embodiment, a method for pairing a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system with a display device is disclosed that includes receiving a first identifier from the display device, creating a first hashed value by executing a hash algorithm on the first identifier, receiving an advertisement signal from the transmitter, parsing at least one of the advertisement signal or signals associated with the advertisement signal to identify a second hashed value, the second hashed value comprising a portion of a transmitter identifier associated with the transmitter, comparing the first hashed value and the second hashed value, denying connection between the transmitter and the display device when the first hashed value and the second hashed value do not match, and allowing connection between the transmitter and the display device when the first hashed value and the second hashed value match.

In another embodiment, one or more computer-readable media are disclosed comprising instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, perform a method for pairing a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system with a display device. The method may include receiving a first identifier from the display device, creating a first hashed value by executing a hash algorithm on the first identifier, receiving an advertisement signal from the transmitter, parsing at least one of the advertisement signal or signals associated with the advertisement signal to identify a second hashed value, the second hashed value comprising a portion of a transmitter identifier associated with the transmitter, comparing the first hashed value and the second hashed value, denying connection between the transmitter and the display device when the first hashed value and the second hashed value do not match, and allowing connection between the transmitter and the display device when the first hashed value and the second hashed value match.

In another embodiment, a system is disclosed for pairing a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system with a display device. The system includes a wireless receiver in the first display device configured to receive a first identifier, and a processor in the first display device configured to create a first hashed value by executing a hash algorithm on the first identifier, receive an advertisement signal from the transmitter, parse at least one of the advertisement signal or signals associated with the advertisement signal to identify a second hashed value, the second hashed value comprising a portion of a transmitter identifier associated with the transmitter, compare the first hashed value and the second hashed value, deny connection between the transmitter and the display device when the first hashed value and the second hashed value do not match, and allow connection between the transmitter and the display device when the first hashed value and the second hashed value match.

In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for pairing a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system with a display device. The method includes receiving an advertisement signal from the transmitter, establishing a connection between the transmitter and the display device, receiving a first key from the transmitter, comparing the first key with a second key stored by the display device, authenticating the transmitter with the display device when the first key matches the second key, transmitting, after authenticating, an application key from the display device to the transmitter, receiving acceptance of the application key from the transmitter, allowing communication between the transmitter and the display device after receiving acceptance of the application key, transmitting data relating to continuous glucose values from the transmitter to the display device, creating, by the display device after an amount of time, a second application key, transmitting the second application key from the display device to the transmitter, receiving acceptance of the second application key from the transmitter, and allowing further communication between the transmitter and the display device after receiving acceptance of the new application key.

In another embodiment, one or more computer-readable media are disclosed comprising instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, perform a method for pairing a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system with a display device, the method comprising receiving an advertisement signal from the transmitter, establishing a connection between the transmitter and the display device, receiving a first key from the transmitter, comparing the first key with a second key stored by the display device, authenticating the transmitter with the display device when the first key matches the second key, transmitting, after authenticating, an application key from the display device to the transmitter, receiving acceptance of the application key from the transmitter, allowing communication between the transmitter and the display device after receiving acceptance of the application key, transmitting data relating to continuous glucose values from the transmitter to the display device, creating, by the display device after an amount of time, a second application key, transmitting the second application key from the display device to the transmitter, receiving acceptance of the second application key from the transmitter, and allowing further communication between the transmitter and the display device after receiving acceptance of the new application key.

In another embodiment, a system is disclosed for pairing a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system with a display device. The system includes a transmitter configured to transmit an advertisement signal, a display device configured to establish a connection with the transmitter based on the advertisement signal, a wireless receiver in the display device configured to receive a first key from the transmitter, memory in the display device configured to store a second key, and a processor in the display device. The processor can compare the first key with a second key, authenticate the transmitter with the display device when the first key matches the second key, transmit, after authenticating, an application key to the transmitter, receive acceptance of the application key from the transmitter, allow communication with the transmitter after receiving acceptance of the application key, receive data relating to continuous glucose values from the transmitter, create, after an amount of time, a second application key, transmit the second application key to the transmitter, receive acceptance of the second application key from the transmitter, and allow further communication between the transmitter and the display device after receiving acceptance of the new application key.

In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for establishing communication between a plurality of display devices and a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system. The method includes receiving a request to connect the transmitter with a first display device, the request identifying a first type of the first display device, comparing the first type of the first display device with a list including a plurality of allowed types of display devices, determining whether a display device having the first type is actively connected with the transmitter, connecting the transmitter with the first display device when fewer than a predetermined number of display devices with the first type are included in the list, receiving a request to connect the transmitter with a second display device, the request identifying a second type of the second display device, comparing the second type of the second display device with the list including a plurality of allowed types of display devices, determining whether a display device having the second type is actively connected with the transmitter, and connecting the transmitter with the second display device when fewer than the predetermined number of display devices with the second type are included in the list.

In another embodiment, one or more computer-readable media are disclosed comprising instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, perform a method for establishing communication between a plurality of display devices and a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system. The method may include receiving a request to connect the transmitter with a first display device, the request identifying a first type of the first display device, comparing the first type of the first display device with a list including a plurality of allowed types of display devices, determining whether a display device having the first type is actively connected with the transmitter, connecting the transmitter with the first display device when fewer than a predetermined number of display devices with the first type are included in the list, receiving a request to connect the transmitter with a second display device, the request identifying a second type of the second display device, comparing the second type of the second display device with the list including a plurality of allowed types of display devices, determining whether a display device having the second type is actively connected with the transmitter, and connecting the transmitter with the second display device when fewer than the predetermined number of display devices with the second type are included in the list.

In another embodiment, a system is disclosed for establishing communication between a plurality of display devices and a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system. The system includes a first display device, a second display device, a wireless receiver in the transmitter configured to receive a request to connect the transmitter with a first display device, the request identifying a first type of the first display device, a memory in the transmitter configured to store a list of allowed types of display devices, and a processor in the transmitter. The processor can compare the first type of the first display device with the list, determine whether a display device having the first type is actively connected with the transmitter, connect the transmitter with the first display device when fewer than a predetermined number of display devices with the first type are included in the list, receive a request to connect the transmitter with a second display device, the request identifying a second type of the second display device, compare the second type of the second display device with the list including a plurality of allowed types of display devices, determine whether a display device having the second type is actively connected with the transmitter, and connect the transmitter with the second display device when fewer than the predetermined number of display devices with the second type are included in the list.

In another embodiment, a method for establishing communication between a plurality of display devices and a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system is disclosed. The method may include creating a list of approved devices, the list including a plurality of types of devices, executing an authentication process with a first display device and the transmitter, the authentication process including receiving an identifier of the type of the first display device, adding the first display device to the list of approved devices, executing the authentication process with a second display device and the transmitter, the authentication process including receiving an identifier of the type of the second device, the type of the second device being different from the type of the first device, adding the second display device to the list of approved devices, receiving a request to remove the first display device from the list, removing the first display device from the list of approved devices, executing the authentication process with a third display device and the transmitter, the authentication process including receiving an identifier of the type of third device, the type of the third device being the same as the type of the first device, and adding the third display device to the list of approved devices.

In another embodiment, one or more computer-readable media are disclosed comprising instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, perform a method for establishing communication between a plurality of display devices and a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system. The method may include creating a list of approved devices, the list including a plurality of types of devices, executing an authentication process with a first display device and the transmitter, the authentication process including receiving an identifier of the type of the first display device, adding the first display device to the list of approved devices, executing the authentication process with a second display device and the transmitter, the authentication process including receiving an identifier of the type of the second device, the type of the second device being different from the type of the first device, adding the second display device to the list of approved devices, receiving a request to remove the first display device from the list, removing the first display device from the list of approved devices, executing the authentication process with a third display device and the transmitter, the authentication process including receiving an identifier of the type of third device, the type of the third device being the same as the type of the first device, and adding the third display device to the list of approved devices.

In another embodiment, a system is disclosed for establishing communication between a plurality of display devices and a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system. The system includes a first display device, a second display device, a memory associated with the transmitter, the memory configured to store a list of approved devices, the list including a plurality of device types, and a processor associated with the transmitter. The processor can execute an authentication process with a first display device and the transmitter, the authentication process including receiving an identifier of the type of the first display device, add the first display device to the list of approved devices, execute the authentication process with a second display device and the transmitter, the authentication process including receiving an identifier of the type of the second device, the type of the second device being different from the type of the first device, add the second display device to the list of approved devices, receive a request to remove the first display device from the list, remove the first display device from the list of approved devices, execute the authentication process with a third display device and the transmitter, the authentication process including receiving an identifier of the type of third device, the type of the third device being the same as the type of the first device, and add the third display device to the list of approved devices.

In another embodiment, a method for exchanging commands between a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system and one or more display devices is disclosed. The method includes placing the transmitter in an idle state, receiving a command at a first display device, the command requiring exchange of data with the transmitter, placing the first display device in an intermediate state depending on a type of the command, transitioning the transmitter from the idle state to an active state, transmitting the command from the first display device to the transmitter, receiving a response including updated data relating to control of the transmitter from the transmitter, removing the first display device from the intermediate state, and displaying the updated data by the first display.

In another embodiment, one or more computer-readable media are disclosed comprising instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, perform a method for exchanging commands between a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system and one or more display devices. The method includes placing the transmitter in an idle state, receiving a command at a first display device, the command requiring exchange of data with the transmitter, placing the first display device in an intermediate state depending on a type of the command, transitioning the transmitter from the idle state to an active state, transmitting the command from the first display device to the transmitter, receiving a response including updated data relating to control of the transmitter from the transmitter, removing the first display device from the intermediate state, and displaying the updated data by the first display.

In another embodiment, a system is disclosed for exchanging commands between a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system and one or more display devices. The system includes a first display device configured to receive a command requiring exchange of data with the transmitter and place the first display device in an intermediate state depending on a type of the command. The system also includes a processor associated with the transmitter, the processor configured to place the transmitter in an idle state for a period of time, transition the transmitter from the idle state to an active state, receive, during the active state, the command from the first display device, and transmit a response to the first display device, the response including updated data relating to control of the transmitter from the transmitter. In response to receiving the response, the first display device ends the intermediate state by displaying the updated data.

In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for synchronizing data displayed on a first display device and a second display device. The method includes connecting the first display device with a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system, connecting the second display device with the transmitter, allowing transmission of commands to the transmitter at specified times, receiving, by the first display device and the second display device, data relating to glucose levels from the transmitter, receiving, at the first display device, a command relating to calibration of a continuous glucose sensor, transmitting the command relating to calibration to the continuous glucose sensor at one of the specified times, calculating, based on the command relating to calibration, data relating to updated glucose levels, and transmitting the data relating to updated glucose levels to the first display device and the second display device.

In another embodiment, one or more computer-readable media are disclosed comprising instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, perform a method for synchronizing data displayed on a first display device and a second display device. The method includes connecting the first display device with a transmitter of a continuous glucose monitoring system, connecting the second display device with the transmitter, allowing transmission of commands to the transmitter at specified times, receiving, by the first display device and the second display device, data relating to glucose levels from the transmitter, receiving, at the first display device, a command relating to calibration of a continuous glucose sensor, transmitting the command relating to calibration to the continuous glucose sensor at one of the specified times, calculating, based on the command relating to calibration, data relating to updated glucose levels, and transmitting the data relating to updated glucose levels to the first display device and the second display device.

In another embodiment, a continuous glucose sensor is configured to synchronize data displayed on a first display device and a second display device. The sensor includes a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly connect with the first display device and the second display device, and a processor. The processor can transmit data relating to glucose levels to the first display device and the second display device, receive a command relating to calibration of the continuous glucose sensor at a specified time, calculate, based on the command relating to calibration, data relating to updated glucose levels, and transmit the data relating to updated glucose levels to the first display device and the second display device.

In another embodiment, a method for connecting a transmitter of a continuous glucose system with a plurality of displays. The method includes advertising, by the transmitter, at a defined communication interval, receiving, in response to the advertising, requests from a first display and a second display to connect with the transmitter, determining whether to authorize connections with the first display and the second display based a device type for the first display and a device type for the second display, executing an authentication process to pair the first display and the second display with the transmitter when the connections are authorized, and storing bonding information associated with the authentication process in memory.

In another embodiment, a system is disclosed for connecting a transmitter of a continuous glucose system with a plurality of displays. The transmitter is configured to receive, in response to the advertising, requests from a first display and a second display to connect with the transmitter, determine whether to authorize connections with the first display and the second display based a device type for the first display and a device type for the second display, execute an authentication process to pair the first display and the second display with the transmitter when the connections are authorized, and store bonding information associated with the authentication process in memory.

In another embodiment, a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, perform a method for connecting a transmitter of a continuous glucose system with a plurality of displays. The method includes advertising, by the transmitter, at a defined communication interval, receiving, in response to the advertising, requests from a first display and a second display to connect with the transmitter, determining whether to authorize connections with the first display and the second display based a device type for the first display and a device type for the second display, executing an authentication process to pair the first display and the second display with the transmitter when the connections are authorized, and storing bonding information associated with the authentication process in memory.

Other systems, methods, features and/or advantages will be or may become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and/or advantages be included within this description and be protected by the accompanying claims.

