WO2001027729A2

WO2001027729A2 - Method and device to facilitate inputting and recording of information

Info

Publication number: WO2001027729A2
Application number: PCT/CA2000/001220
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles Borg
Original assignee: Charles Borg
Priority date: 1999-10-14
Filing date: 2000-10-13
Publication date: 2001-04-19
Also published as: CA2286532A1; WO2001027729A3; AU7896000A; EP1224522A2

Abstract

A portable electronic device for recording information is disclosed. The device has a display which displays preset category screens in a predetermined order. Each present screen represents a cattegory of information to be recorded. The device has one switch, which when activated, causes the display to display the next category screen in the predetermined order. The device also has a second switch which, when activated, causes the device to select the category corresponding to the category screen being displayed by the display device to input information. Two additional switches are provided for inputting the value of the category selected. Activation of the switches causes the value being displayed on the display to increase or decrease by a predetermined amount until the value being displayed corresponds to the value to be inputted. Once the value being displayed corresponds to the value to be inputted, one of the first set of input switches is activated to input the value and return the device to its original state. The device in its original state is generally a wrist watch displaying the time and date. The device can also send several alarm signals to the user indicating that it is time to input one or more categories of information into the device for recordal.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE TO FACILITATE INPUTTING AND RECORDING OF INFORMATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an input device to facilitate inputting information. More particularly, this invention relates to a portable input device which can be used to input behavioural and personal information at any time during the day or night for accurate charting or logging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Charting or logging of personal information acquired periodically over time can be invaluable to the treatment or study of conditions and diseases. For example, charting or logging is used to assist in weight loss or cessation of smoking. It is common for weight loss regimen to require the individual to log or chart the foods being consumed over the day as well as the duration and intensity of any exercise to attempt to determine the caloric intake and output of the individual. Likewise, it is common for individuals to log or chart their smoking habits to attempt to modify their behaviour so as to smoke less.

Charting or logging is also often necessary in the treatment of certain conditions or diseases. For example, in the treatment of diabetes, it is often necessary, or at least desirable, to have a log or chart of the food being consumed, the individual's glucose levels and the time and amount of insulin injections. This information can then be used to determine the amount and type of insulin to be taken in the future as well as modifications in the individual's behaviour and eating habits which should be considered. However, charting or logging of information can be very time consuming and inconvenient to the individual. For example, prior art charting or logging devices require the individual to keep a chart with them at all times to ensure that information is charted promptly thereby increasing the accuracy of the information and decreasing errors which may arise due to forgetfulness . Also, it is often difficult and inconvenient to record the information in the proper location in the chart. Furthermore, charting can not be performed discretely, which may further decrease the instances of charting using the prior art devices .

In the past, electronic devices have been proposed for charting or logging. However, these electronic devices generally require a large surface area to facilitate inputting of the information. This results in the prior art electronic devices being large, bulky and expensive. Because of this, prior art electronic devices were not easily transportable, could be easily damaged or lost, and therefore are not used greatly to perform charting or logging.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a device which can be used to easily, conveniently and discretely input information for the purposes of charting or logging. Also, there is a need for a device that is portable and can be easily transported without undue risk of damage or loss.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. Also, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved method and device to facilitate inputting and recording of information . Accordingly, in one of its aspects, this invention resides in a device for recording information, said device comprising: a display for displaying preset screens in a predetermined order, said preset screens representing categories of information which can be recorded; a first set of input switches for inputting information and instructions, said first set of input switches comprising a first switch and a second switch; wherein activation of the first switch of the first set causes the device to display a next screen in the predetermined order; and wherein activation of the second switch in the first set causes the device to select the category corresponding to the screen being displayed by the display device. Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that the device comprises a predetermined order of screens which can be scrolled by the first set of input switches. In this way, a large amount of information can be stored and displayed by scrolling through the screens using the first set of switches. Accordingly, a small number of switches can be used, providing the result that the device can be smaller in overall size. A further advantage of the present invention is that because the device is small and has few switches, the device can be incorporated in a wrist watch that can be fastened to the wrist of the user. In this way, the device can be easily transported and will appear as a wrist watch when not used for charting or logging. Furthermore, the wrist watch can be used as an alarm for signalling to the user when the user should perform a test or input information.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that because the device is driven by predetermined screens which the user scrolls through with ust two or more switches, the device is easy to operate.

A further advantage of one embodiment of the device is that a second set of switches can be used to input information. The second set of switches can generate signals that incrementally increase or decrease the value shown on the screen. In this way, information can be easily inputted by the user. To further facilitate inputting of information, the first set of switches are preferably located at opposite ends of the display. In this way, the device has an advanced ergonomic design which facilitates inputting of information. Also, in a preferred embodiment, the screens will have arrows which point to the switches and indicate their function, thereby making the device easier to use. As the switches are located at opposite ends of the screen, the arrows will unambiguously point to a corresponding switch and indicate the function. Likewise, it is preferred that the second set of switches are also located at opposite ends of the display to facilitate inputting of information and to permit arrows on the display to unambiguously point to each of the second set of switches and indicate their function.

In addition, to further facilitate information charting and logging, m a preferred embodiment, the screen will display a default value selected to be near the value which the user will likely input. In this way, the user will not be required to incrementally increase or decrease the value by much, which further facilitates the expediency of charting or logging. In a further preferred embodiment, the default value will be the previous value inputted by the user, which should be near the value which the user will next input, and, will provide some indication to the user as to the change in the value over time. A further advantage of the present invention is that the information can be quickly downloaded or retrieved to a computer. This can be accomplished, for example, by using a serial or other type of link between the device and a computer. In addition, the information could be retrieved by storing the information on transposable memory, such as the transposable memory disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,813,026 and Canadian laid-open Patent Application Serial No. 2,227,922 assigned to the present applicant. In this way, the transposable memory can be given to a professional to analyse the information. In any event, the information recorded m the device can be permanently stored in an archive .

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and drawings which illustrate the invention and preferred embodiments of the invention .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention:

Figure 1 shows a top view of a device for recording information according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 1 with category screens and value screens according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 3a, 3b and 3c are charts of values and increments according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a chart illustrating the information recorded on the recordation device according to one embodiment of the present invention over a four day period;

Figure 5 shows alarm screens according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6 shows a conceptual representation of the device according to a further embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a recording device, shown generally by reference numeral 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the recording device 10 comprises a display 12. The display 12 can be any type of display, such as LED or LCD display, as is known in the art .

The device 10 further comprises a first set of input switches, shown generally by reference numerals 21a and 21b. The first set of input switches 21a, 21b control which preset screens, shown in Figure 2 by reference numerals 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d and 24e, will be displayed on the display 12.

The recording device 10 further comprises a second set of input switches 22a, 22b. The second set of input switches 22a, 22b are used for inputting values as discussed below. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the device 10 is in the form of a wrist watch. In this preferred embodiment, the device comprises a fastener, such as a strap 8, for fastening the device 10 to the wrist of a user, similar to a conventional wrist watch. In this embodiment, the device 10 also comprises a clock unit 70 (shown in Figure 6) which measures the passage of time. When information is not being inputted or recorded, the display 12 will display clock screen 23 which is the time and date as determined by the clock unit.

When information is to be inputted and recorded onto the recording device 10, the user can activate one of the first set of switches 21a, 21b. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the information inputting and recording procedure can be commenced by activating the second switch 21b of the first set of switches 21. Activation of the second switch 21b will cause the device 10 to display a first predetermined category screen 24a. Activation of the first switch 21a of the first set of switches 21 will then cause the device 10 to display a next category screen 24b of the preset category screens 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e in a predetermined order.

Each of the category screens 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e correspond to a category of information which is to be inputted. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the first category is glucose level and the preset category screen 24a corresponding to glucose contains the word "glucose". Likewise, the second category is medication, such as insulin or any type of medication, and the corresponding preset category screen 24b displays the word "insulin". The third category, which is carbohydrates, corresponds to the third preset category screen 24c which displays the word "carbos". The fourth category corresponds to the health state of the user and the fourth preset category screen 24d displays

"H state". Likewise, the fifth category is exercise and the fifth preset category screen 24e displays the word "exercise". It is understood that while the present invention is described in terms of a recording device 10 having five preset screens, and in particular preset category screens 24, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. Rather, it is understood that the recording device 10 can be used with different categories, and a different number of categories, as is desired.

After activation of the second switch 21b of the first set of switches 21, the device 10 changes from its original or clock state to an input and record state. In this state, activation of the first switch 21a of the first set of switches 21 causes the device 10 to scroll through the preset category of screens 24 and display a next category screen 24 in the predetermined order. This is illustrated in Figure 2 by the dotted arrows pointing from one preset category screen 24 to the next preset category screen 24 in the predetermined order. For the last preset screen 24e, there is an arrow pointing back to a first preset screen 24a indicating that the predetermined order according to this embodiment is a loop of all of the preset screens 24. If a user wishes to input information into one of the categories represented by the preset screens 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, the user activates the first switch 21a of the first set of input switches until the preset screen 24 corresponding to the category of information which is to be recorded is displayed on the display 12. The user then selects or opens the category screen 24 corresponding to the selected category. The user can select or open a category screen 24 by activating one of the other switches 21, 22 on the device 10. Preferably, as shown in Figure 2, the user activates the second switch 21b of the first set of switches 24 to select the category represented by the category screen 24 being displayed.

To assist the user in operating the switches 21a, 21b, the preset screens 24 also comprise the word "next" and "open" and arrows 25a, 25b.

Comparing the arrows 25 in the preset screens 24 with the top view of the device 10 shown in Figure 1, it is apparent that the arrows 25 are pointing to the first set of switches 21. In this way, the arrow 25a indicates that the first switch 21a will scroll to the "next" preset screen and arrow 25b indicates that the second switch 21b will "open" or select the category corresponding to the preset screen being displayed on the display 12, respectively. It is understood that if the switches 21a, 21b have a different function or are in a different location, arrows 25a, 25b will also point to a different location.

Preferably, the first switch 21a of the first set of switches 21 is located at a first end 14 of the recording device and the second switch 21b of the first set of switches 21 is located at a second end 16 of the recording device 10. In this way, the first set of switches 21 are easily placed on the device 10. Furthermore, this placement of the first set of switches 21 permits easy access to each of the switches 21a, 21b. Furthermore, this placement of the switches 21 permits the preset screens 24 to easily show arrows 25a, 25b and words which indicate the function of the switches 21a, 21b which facilitate operation of the device 10. This preferred placement of the first set of switches 21 provides an ergonomically useful device 10 which is easy to operate and to learn to operate.

Once one of the preset screens 24a is opened or selected, the recording device 10 will then display value screens unique to that category for inputting information corresponding to that category. These value screens are shown in Figure 2 generally by reference numerals 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35, where reference numeral 31 represents the value screens for the first category, namely glucose, reference numeral 32 represents the value screens for the second category, namely insulin injection, reference numeral 33 represents the value screens for the third category, namely carbohydrates, reference numeral 34 represents the value screens for the fourth category, namely health status, and reference numeral 35 represents the value screens for the fifth category, namely exercise.

Upon selection of a category, the display 12 will display a default or opening screen 31a, 32a, 33a, 34a, 35a. The default or opening screen 31a, 32a, 33a, 34a, 35a will display a default value which should be near the value which the user desires to input, thereby further facilitating inputting and recording of the information.

For example, for the fourth category, namely health state, which represents a health status number between 5 and 100, the default or opening screen 34a will display a value of 50 which, statistically, should be near the value which the user desires to input. The user can then activate the second set of switches 22 to generate value signals that will increase and decrease the value displayed on the opening screen 34a by a predetermined amount until the value to be inputted is displayed. To facilitate inputting of information and operation of the device 10, screens 34a and 34b comprise arrows 37a, 37b which indicate which switch of the second set of switches 22 will increase or decrease the value being displayed by the predetermined amount. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 3a, the incremental predetermined amount for the health status will be 5 units. Accordingly, to display the value of 35, the user would need to activate the second switch 22b, identified by arrow 37b, three times to decrement the default value of

50 by a total of 15 (3x5) . For example, as shown in Figure 2, if the user desires to input the value of 35, the user will activate the second switch 22b of the second set of switches 22 three times to decrease the value being displayed by the display 12 in value screen 34b. Once the display 10 shows the value to be inputted, the user can depress one of the first set of switches 21, such as the second switch 21b of the first set of switches 21, which will cause the display 12 to display the screen 34c. At this point, the user has the opportunity to either return back to the previous screen 34b by activating switch 21a and continue increasing or decreasing the value displayed on the display 12, or, close the screen 34c by activating switch 21b.

To assist the user, screen 34c comprises arrows 37c, 37d which, comparing screen 34c and Figure 1, indicate which of the first set of switches 21 will return back to the previous screen 34b or close the screen 34c. If the user closes screen 34c, the device 10 will record the value 35 and the corresponding time, as well as return the display 12 to the original state, namely displaying the clock screen 23 having the time and date, similar to any other wrist watch.

For the category of glucose, the default or opening screen 31a will display the test result entered on the previous day and at the time closest to the time at which the present input is being made. In the alternative, the default or opening screen 31a could display a value which is derived from an averager or other mathematical formula based on the results of the previous day. This is done on the assumption that the glucose tested on successive days should be about the same at the same time of day. Accordingly, by displaying the test results from the previous day at the time closest to the time at which the input is being made, the user should be able to easily input the present glucose value. This is illustrated in Figure 2 by screens 31b and 31c where activation of the second switch 22b of the second set of switches 22 generates value signals in which to decrease the glucose value from the default or previous days value, shown in screen 31b, of 17.5 to the value to be inputted of 14.9 shown in screen 31d. At this point, the user can close screen 31d by depressing the second switch 21b of the first set of switches 21 to record the value 14.9 on that day and at that time and return the display 12 to the original state. Alternatively, the user can activate the first switch 21a of the first set of switches 21 to return back to screen 31c and continue changing the value by activating the second set of switches 22.

It is noted that the screens in Figure 2 comprises arrows 37a, 37b which indicate which switch of the second set of switches 22 will increase or decrease the value being displayed by the predetermined amount. Likewise, the final screen, namely screen 31d, will comprise arrows 37c and 37d indicating which of the first set of switches 21 will close the screen and record the value or return back to the previous screen 31c. For the carbohydrates, the default or opening screen 33a displays the total at the time of opening the carbo screen for that day. If the user wishes to add to this value, the user can activate the second switch 22b of the second set of switches 22, which is indicated by the add arrow 37e shown in screen 33a. The user can then manipulate the second set of switches 22, similar to the manner disclosed above, to increase or decrease the value displayed by a predetermined amount. As shown in Figure 3, the predetermined incremented amount for the carbohydrate category is preferably 5 calories or grams of carbohydrates, or any other predetermined amount. In this way, a total carbohydrate intake for the day can be incremented and shown for the user's reference.

Likewise, in the exercise category the intensity and duration of exercise can be inputted and recorded. As shown in Figure 2, the default or opening screen for the exercise category is 35a, which shows the word "low" indicating a low intensity. The user can then select this value and enter the time, or, select a higher intensity such as "med" for medium or "high" for high intensity. As shown m Figure 2, arrow 37f indicates the first switch 22a of the second set of switches 22 scrolls to a different level of intensity, and, the second switch 21b of the first set of switches 21 inputs and records the intensity being displayed and then requests the user to input the duration.

The duration can be increased or decreased by a predetermined amount, preferably 5 minutes as shown m Figure 3, by activating the second set of switches 22. The screen 35d preferably shows arrows 37a, 37b indicating more or less to identify which of the second set of switches 22 will increase or decrease the displayed value by a predetermined amount. When the desired duration is displayed, the second switch 21b of the first set of switches 21 can be activated to display screen 35e. Arrows 37c, 37d identify the first set of switches 21 which will close the screen and return to normal operation or return back to screen 35d, respectively, similar to the procedure described above.

For the insulin category, the default or opening screen 32a will display the glucose and insulin from the closest time period on the previous day or the average of these. As insulin may have a long-term effect, m a preferred embodiment, the user can recall more than the previous day, such as the previous three days, of insulin and glucose as shown by screens 32b and 32c of Figure 2. Activation of the second switch 21b of the first set of switches 21 will cause the device 10 to display the next screen, namely screen 32d, which asks if the type of insulin is the same or not. If the type of insulin is the same, which in Figure 2 corresponds to insulin F which would be a fast- acting insulin, the user would then indicate the amount of insulin used by increasing or decreasing the displayed amount by a predetermined value as discussed above and as illustrated in screens 32e and 32f.

If the user activates the first switch 21a of the first set of switches 21 indicating that the insulin is not the same, the device 10 will then display screen 32g which is another type of insulin. In this embodiment, screen 32g displays the letter "L" indicating a long-acting type of insulin. If this is not the correct insulin, the user can select "other" types of insulin by activating the first switch 21a of the first set of switches 21. The display will then display screen 32h which contains the letter "X" indicating another type of insulin. These types of insulin and default insulin F can be specifically determined by the physician supervising the user. In either case, once the correct type of insulin being used at the time is displayed, the user will select the second switch 21b of the first set of switches 21 which would then move either to screen 32i or 32j , whichever the case may be, to enter the correct amount of insulin. Once the correct amount of insulin is displayed, the user can activate the second switch 21b of the first set of switches 21 which will then cause the device 10 to display screen 32k or 321. The user will then have an opportunity to input this type of insulin for recording m a similar manner to that discussed above .

Figure 3a shows a chart indicating the categories, as well as the range of the categories, the predetermined amount by which the second set of switches 22 increment the displayed amount, the default opening screen and the number of entries, respectively, for each category. Accordingly, Figure 3a provides a summary of some of the features of the screens illustrated in Figure 2 and discussed above .

Figure 3b is a chart showing optional screens which the device 10 may incorporate. As shown in Figure 3b, the device 10 may be able to recall additional information from previous days to assist the user to determine what set of circumstances influences the user' s health status and to facilitate inputting and recordal of information. Figure 3c shows a chart of technical specifications for a preferred embodiment of the invention. As shown in Figure 3c, in the preferred embodiment, the device 10 could use transposable program memory, such as the transposable program memory disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,813,026 and Canadian laid-open Patent Application Serial No.

2,227,922 assigned to the present applicant. In this way, the program to display the screens 24, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 can be contained on the transposable program memory such that the physician supervising the patient can reprogram the transposable memory to adjust for different circumstances and customize the category screens 24 and value screens 31, 32, 33,

34, 35 for each individual patient. The user could then insert the transposable memory containing the customized screens 24, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 into the device 10. As also shown in Figure 3c, the device 10 could download the data by serial upload powered by a personal computer. The device 10 could also transfer the information to transposable memory which can then be given to the physician in exchange for a replacement transposable memory.

Figure 4 is a chart illustrating the information inputted and recorded on the device 10.

As shown m Figure 4, the information for each of the categories, namely glucose, insulin, carbos, health and exercise, will be recorded for a number of days . The time the information was inputted will also be recorded. It is understood that the chart illustrated m Figure 4 would be generated from data stored electronically within the device 10 and could be used by the user, or the physician supervising the user, to better treat the diabetes of the patient .

Also, because the information recorded on the chart shown in Figure 4 will be recorded by the device 10, and m particular the date and time would be recorded by the device 10, it would not be possible for the user to independently or artificially generate the data illustrated m Figure 4. In other words, use of the present device 10 can increase the veracity of the information being reported by the user because the date and time of input of the date is recorded by the device 10 rather than the user.

In a preferred embodiment, to ensure that the user enters information when required, the device 10 comprises an alarm. The alarm is coupled to the clock unit and will be triggered at predetermined times during the day. Figure 5 shows four alarm screens 50, 52, 54, 56 for setting the time at which four separate alarms should be activated. The alarms will indicate that the user should take an action, such as taking a glucose reading or taking an insulin injection.

Preferably, initially the device 10 will have a silent alarm, shown generally by reference numeral 40 in Figure 5, which comprises a symbol, which may be pulsating, appearing on the display 12 m addition to the screen 23 displaying the time. The silent alarm 40 will prompt the user to perform an action such as taking a glucose level test, taking insulin, ingesting carbohydrates or performing exercise. Once the user performs the required action, the silent alarm 40 will no longer appear on the display 12. In a preferred embodiment, the device 10 comprises an audible alarm in addition to the silent alarm 40, such that if the user does not perform the action within a predetermined time period after the pulsating alarm 40 begins pulsating on the display 12, such as one to two hours, the audible alarm will sound. The audible alarm will then indicate that the user must perform the action as soon as possible.

In addition to the alarm 40 shown in Figure 5, in a preferred embodiment, the recording device 10 can be used for behavioural modification. In this embodiment, in addition to the silent alarm 40 which would prompt a user to take an action, the device 10 can be used to interrupt the user' s acquired behavioural response to external stimuli or urges.

In this case, the user can activate one of the first set of switches 21 to interrupt an acquired behavioural response. The display 12 can then display symbols representing alternative responses as disclosed more fully in U.S. Patent 5,833,466. The input and recording device 10 can then also record which response, namely the acquired behavioural response or one of the alternate behavioural responses, the user selects in response to the external stimuli or urge or prescribed regimen .

Figure 6 shows a conceptual representation of a further embodiment of the present invention 10. As shown in Figure 6, the first set of switches 21a, 21b, when activated, generate signals Sl_a, Sib, respectively, which cause the device 10 to display one of the screens 24, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35 on the display 12 as discussed above. Likewise, the second set of switches 22a, 22b generate the value signals S2_a, S2_b/ respectively, which cause the value being displayed by the display 12 to increase or decrease by a predetermined amount, as also discussed above. In a preferred embodiment, signals Sl_a, Sl_b, S2_a, S2_b are received by a controller 60 which controls the display 12. The controller 60 is also connected to the clock unit 70 which measures the passage of time. The clock unit 70 is connected to the display 12 to display the time and date when the device 10 is m the original state and the clock screen 23 is being displayed on the display 12. As also shown in Figure 6, the device 10 may comprise a memory 62 for storing screens 24, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35. The memory 62 may also store the information being inputted and recorded by the user. The memory 62 may also comprise transposable memory which can be removed, as discussed above. In the alternative, or in addition to the transposable memory 62, the device 10 may have a serial link 72 for serially downloading the information recorded by the device 10.

It is understood that the switches 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b can be any kind of switches which can, m response to activation by the user, generate a signal which can cause the device 10 to display one of the screens 24, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35. It is also understood that the second set of switches 22 can be any type of switches which can, in response to activation by the user, generate a value signal indicating an increase or decrease by a predetermined amount of the value being displayed on the display 12. It is also understood that the switches 21, 22 may be designed so that if the switches 21, 22 are continuously activated, such as by the user continuously depressing the switch, the signals may be continuously generated. For example, by continuously depressing the first switch 21a when the device 10 is in the input and record state, the signal which causes the display to display the category screens 24 will be continuously generated and the category screens 24 will be continuously displayed on the display 12 in the predetermined order. Likewise, if one of the second set of switches 22 is continuously depressed while one of the value screens 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 is displayed, a value signal indicating an increase or decrease by a predetermined amount will be continuously generated and the displayed value will continuously increase or decrease. It is also understood that the display 12 can be any type of display which can display information. For example, the display 12 can include an LED display or an LCD display or other types of displays. It is also understood that the arrows 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, 37e may point in different directions if the switches 21, 22 are in different positions than those shown in Figure 1. It is also understood that while the present invention has been described as a device 10 in the form of a wrist watch, the invention is not limited to this form. Rather, the invention can be m any form or incorporated into any other type of device.

For example, the invention can be m the form of clothing accessories, such as a pendant or belt buckle. The invention can also be m a hand-held form, such as an electronic credit card or note pad. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is incorporated in a tester which tests for one of the categories. For example, the invention can be included in a glucose tester used to test the glucose level in the case of the user having diabetes. In this way, the user will only need to carry one device, namely the glucose tester, which can be used to test the glucose level, as well as input and record the results of the glucose test and other information corresponding to the category screens 24. In addition, the glucose tester may be electronically connected to the input and recording device of the present invention such that the input and recording device can input and record the results of the glucose test, along with the time and date, as determined by the clock unit 70.

It is understood that while the present invention has been described in terms of an input and recording device 10 to chart or log categories for a user having diabetes, the present invention is not limited to diabetes. Rather, the device 10 can be used to chart or log information regarding any type of condition or disease, such as weight management, cessation of smoking, alcohol or drug abuse, to name but a few. In addition, the device 10 can be used to input information in any type of category and any number of categories . It is understood that the specific category and number of categories to be used to chart or log the corresponding disease or condition can be best determined by the health care professional supervising the user of the device 10.

It will be understood that, although various features of the invention have been described with respect to one or another of the embodiments of the invention, the various features and embodiments of the invention may be combined or used in conjunction with other features and embodiments of the invention as described and illustrated herein.

Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to these particular embodiments .

Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which are functional, electrical or mechanical equivalents of the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated herein.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A device for recording information, said device comprising : a display for displaying preset screens in a predetermined order, said preset screens representing categories of information which can be recorded; a first set of input switches for inputting information and instructions, said first set of input switches comprising a first switch and a second switch; wherein activation of the first switch of the first set causes the device to display a next screen in the predetermined order; and wherein activation of the second switch in the first set causes the device to select the category corresponding to the screen being displayed by the display device.

2. The device as defined in claim 1 further comprising : a second set of input switches for generating value signals upon activation, said second set of input switches comprising a first switch and a second switch; wherein when the display displays a value, activation of the first switch of the second set causes the value to increase a predetermined amount, and, activation of the second switch of the second set causes the value to decrease a predetermined amount .

3. The device as defined in claim 2 wherein the device is a combination wrist watch and user activated information recording device further comprising : clock unit operable to measure time and coupled to the display; and fastener for fastening the device to the user's wrist.

4. The device as defined in claim 2 wherein the first switch of the first set is located near a first end of the display and the second switch of the first set is located near a second end of the display opposite the first end.

5. The device as defined in claim 4 wherein the first switch of the second set is located near the first end and the second switch of the second set is located near the second end.

6. A device for recording information, said device comprising : a display having an original state for displaying general information, and, an input and record state for displaying preset screens in a predetermined order, said preset screens representing categories of information which can be recorded; a first set of input switches for inputting information and instructions, said first set of input switches comprising a first switch and a second switch; a controller connected to the display and the first set of switches for receiving first control signals from the first set of switches and sending display control signals to the display; wherein the display is initially in an original state until activation of the first switch of the first set of switches causes the controller to change the state of the display from the original state to the input and record state; and wherein m the input and record stage, continued activation of the first switch of the first set causes successive preset screens representing categories of information to be displayed m the predetermined order; and wherein activation of the second switch m the first set of switches causes the controller to select the category corresponding to the preset screen being displayed by the display device for data input and recordation.

7. The device as defined in claim 6 further comprising : a second set of input switches for generating value signals upon activation, said second set of input switches comprising a first switch and a second switch; wherein the display comprises a value state for each category, said value state displaying values in the corresponding category; wherein, upon activation of the second switch of the first set of switches to select a category, the display enters the value state corresponding to the category having been selected, said value state displaying a value m the category; and wherein activation of the first switch of the second set causes the value to increase a predetermined amount, and, activation of the second switch of the second set of switches causes the value to decrease a predetermined amount.

8. The device as defined in claim 7 wherein upon the display displaying a value to be inputted and recorded, activation of one of the first set of switches generates a signal which is received by the controller, and, the controller stores m memory the value being displayed on the display.

9. The device as defined in claim 8 wherein the preset screens m the input and record state comprise indicia indicating the function of the first set of switches .

10. The device as defined m claim 9 wherein the value screens m the value state comprise indicia indicating the function of the second set of switches .

11. The device as defined in claim 8 further comprising : data communication means for communicating data from the device to other devices; wherein said controller transfers data stored in the memory device through the data connection to other devices for recordal in other devices.

12. The device as defined in claim 7 wherein the value screen initially displayed upon selection of the category comprises a default value.

13. The device as defined in claim 12 wherein the default value is an immediately previously inputted value for the selected category.

14. The device as defined in claim 12 wherein the default value is an average of previously inputted values for the selected category.

15. The device as defined in claim 8 further comprising : a clock unit operable to measure time and coupled to the controller; and wherein the controller stores in memory the value being displayed along the time and date that the signal to store the value was received by the controller .

16. The device as defined in claim 15 wherein, in the original state, the general information displayed by the display comprises a time and date as measured by the clock unit.

17. The device as defined in claim 16 further comprising an alarm unit coupled to the clock unit for generating an alarm signal perceptible to the user at time periods measured by the clock unit.

18. The device as defined in claim 17 wherein the controller can be programmed to cause the alarm unit to generate the alarm signal at predetermined time periods when data is to be inputted and recorded.

19. The device as defined in claim 15 wherein the value screen initially displayed upon selection of the category comprises a default value; and wherein the default value is a value previously entered at a time corresponding to a time period the data is presently being entered.