Method for determining a test strip calibration code using a calibration strip
A method for determining a test strip calibration code for use in a meter includes inserting a calibration strip into the meter, with the calibration strip having a substrate and a permutative grey scale calibration pattern disposed on the substrate. In addition, the permutative grey scale calibration pattern includes more than one grey scale region that define a grey scale permutation uniquely corresponding to a calibration code of test strips in a package associated with the calibration strip. The method also includes: (i) detecting the permutative grey scale calibration pattern with a grey scale photodetector module of the meter, and (ii) determining a calibration code that uniquely corresponds to a grey scale permutation defined by the permutative grey scale calibration pattern based on a permutation matrix stored in the meter.
1. A method for determining a test strip calibration code for use in a meter, the method comprising:
inserting a calibration strip into the meter, the calibration strip having:
a substrate with a surface; and
a permutative grey scale calibration pattern disposed on the surface of the substrate, the permutative grey scale calibration pattern including at least a first grey scale region and a second grey scale region,
wherein the first and second grey scale regions define a grey scale permutation that uniquely corresponds to a calibration code of test strips in a package associated with the calibration strip;
detecting the permutative grey scale calibration pattern with a grey scale photodetector module of the meter;
determining a calibration code that uniquely corresponds to a grey scale permutation defined by the permutative grey scale calibration pattern based on a permutation matrix stored in the meter.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the inserting step includes inserting a calibration strip with a permutative grey scale calibration pattern includes two grey scale regions.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the inserting step includes inserting a calibration strip with a permutative grey scale calibration pattern includes a first grey scale region, a second grey scale region and a third grey scale region.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the inserting step includes inserting a grey scale calibration pattern that further includes at least one optics calibration region.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the at least one optics calibration region includes a black optics calibration region and a white optics calibration region.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the at least one optics calibration region further has a 50% grey scale optics calibration region.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the at least one optics calibration region further has a 25% grey scale optics calibration region and a 75% grey scale optics calibration region.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the calibration strip has a paddle shape.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the detecting step occurs during the inserting step.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the detecting step occurs after the inserting step has been completed.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the detecting step occurs as the calibration strip is being removed from the meter.