A device for calculating swallowing food intake based on chewing rhythm

Abstract

This invention discloses a device for calculating swallowing based on chewing rhythm, comprising a sensor and a processor. The sensor detects the mechanical movement of relevant motor organs and tissues during chewing, and generates a trigger signal according to the chewing rhythm or directly generates a trigger signal; the processor receives the trigger signal and calculates the number of swallows or calculates the number of swallows according to a preset chewing-swallowing rhythm matching algorithm. The sensor includes an organ and tissue motion sensing element, a signal generator, and a head strap or bracket; the processor includes a signal receiver, a counter, and a display. This device avoids errors caused by complex signal processing such as electromagnetic, acoustic, and optical signals by directly sensing mechanical movement, and improves the accuracy of swallowing count through an individualized chewing-swallowing rhythm matching algorithm. This device can be used to monitor a user's eating habits and assist in dietary management.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food intake monitoring technology, and more specifically, to a device for calculating swallowing food intake based on chewing rhythm. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there is a demand for monitoring and recording food intake, especially in fields such as healthcare and diet management. Existing technologies can measure food intake by directly monitoring swallowing movements, such as through visual, auditory, or intraocular pressure measurements of the number of swallows. Additionally, some technologies attempt to measure food intake indirectly, such as by inferring swallowing from the intensity of chewing sound waves.

[0003] For example, US Patent Application Publication No. US-20170086779-1 discloses a device and method for detecting eating actions, which infers swallowing by measuring the intensity of chewing sound waves, thereby indirectly measuring the amount of food swallowed.

[0004] However, the aforementioned existing technologies, especially those based on sound wave discrimination, are easily affected by environmental noise, leading to misjudgments and thus affecting the accuracy of food intake measurement. Therefore, how to provide a device for calculating swallowing based on chewing rhythm has become a pressing technical problem to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for calculating swallowing and eating based on chewing rhythm.

[0006] According to this utility model, a device for calculating swallowing and eating based on chewing rhythm is provided, including a sensor and a processor;

[0007] The sensor is used to sense the mechanical movement of relevant motor organs and tissues during chewing and to generate a trigger signal;

[0008] The processor is connected to the sensor via wired or wireless means, receives the trigger signal, and calculates the number of swallows based on the chewing rhythm of the trigger signal.

[0009] Optionally, the sensor includes: an organ / tissue motion sensor, a signal generator, and a head strap or bracket;

[0010] The organ and tissue motion sensor is used to sense the mechanical movement of relevant motor organs and tissues during chewing;

[0011] The signal generator is connected to the organ / tissue motion sensor and emits a signal according to the triggering of the organ / tissue motion sensor;

[0012] The strap or bracket is used to secure the organ / tissue motion sensor and the signal generator to the user's head.

[0013] Optionally, the processor includes: a signal receiver, a counter, and a display;

[0014] The signal receiver is used to receive the signal emitted by the sensor;

[0015] The counter is connected to the signal receiver and counts the number of swallows based on the received signal.

[0016] The display is connected to the counter and displays the counting result.

[0017] Optionally, the organ / tissue motion sensor is a contact switch, which closes or opens under the mechanical movement of the relevant moving organ / tissue during chewing.

[0018] Optionally, the signal generator selectively emits a signal that matches the swallowing action according to a preset chewing-swallowing rhythm time range.

[0019] There are different types of chewing-swallowing rhythm time ranges, such as, optionally, preset chewing-swallowing rhythm time ranges.

[0020] Optionally, the preset chewing-swallowing rhythm time range is less than or equal to 0.5 seconds / time for chewing and greater than or equal to 1.0 seconds / time for swallowing, and signals matching the swallowing action are selectively emitted.

[0021] Optionally, the preset chewing-swallowing rhythm time range is less than or equal to 1.0 seconds / time for chewing and greater than or equal to 2.0 seconds / time for swallowing, and signals matching the swallowing action are selectively emitted.

[0022] Optionally, the relevant motor organs and tissues involved in chewing include the temporalis muscle, masseter muscle, lateral pterygoid muscle, or jaw.

[0023] Optionally, the temporalis muscle is the motor organ tissue related to chewing:

[0024] The strap or brace is worn on the user's head.

[0025] Optionally, the jaw is the motor organ tissue related to chewing:

[0026] The strap or brace is worn around the user's neck.

[0027] Optionally, the signal generator transmits a Bluetooth signal.

[0028] Optionally, the processor is one of a mobile phone, a computer, or an electronic device.

[0029] Optionally, the sensor generates a trigger signal by directly sensing the mechanical movement of the relevant motor organs and tissues during chewing, without the need for conversion and processing of electromagnetic, acoustic, or optical signals.

[0030] Optionally, the sensor and the processor are directly connected by a wire.

[0031] Based on the technical content disclosed in this utility model, the following beneficial effects are achieved:

[0032] Direct mechanical motion sensing with strong anti-interference capability: This utility model adopts direct mechanical motion sensing, which senses the mechanical movement of relevant motor organs and tissues during chewing through a contact switch, directly triggering signal transmission and counting. This avoids the complex signal processing and analysis required by existing sensing methods based on sound waves, light waves, etc., thus effectively avoiding interference from environmental noise, light changes, and other factors, and improving the accuracy and reliability of measurement.

[0033] Based on chewing rhythm-based signal emission, swallowing recognition is more accurate: The signal generator of this invention can adjust signal emission according to chewing rhythm. For example, by setting a time threshold, it can distinguish between chewing and swallowing actions, thereby more accurately recognizing swallowing actions and improving the accuracy of swallowing food measurement. This rhythm-based adjustment method can better match the human physiological process and improve the intelligence level of the device.

[0034] Simple structure and easy to implement: The device of this utility model has a simple structure, mainly composed of a sensor and a processor. The sensor adopts an organ and tissue motion sensor and a signal generator, and the processor adopts a signal receiver, a counter and a display. All components are mature electronic components, which are easy to manufacture and implement, have low cost and are easy to promote and apply.

[0035] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a device for calculating swallowing based on chewing rhythm according to an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the wearing position of the tether or bracket when the device for calculating swallowing based on chewing rhythm is located in the temporalis muscle, according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram showing the wearing position of the strap or bracket when the device for calculating swallowing based on chewing rhythm is placed under the chin, according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the wearing position of the chin strap of a device for calculating swallowing based on chewing rhythm according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a wired connection for a device for calculating swallowing based on chewing rhythm, according to an embodiment.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 100-Organ / tissue motion sensor, 200-Signal generator, 300-Strap or bracket, 400-Signal receiver, 500-Counter, 600-Display. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0044] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or use.

[0045] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0046] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0047] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0048] According to this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, a device for calculating swallowing based on chewing rhythm is provided, including a sensor and a processor;

[0049] The sensor is used to sense the mechanical movement of relevant motor organs and tissues during chewing and generate a trigger signal; the processor is connected to the sensor via wired or wireless means, receives the trigger signal, and calculates the number of swallows based on the chewing rhythm of the trigger signal. The processor is an independent dedicated receiving and processing display or an electronic device including a computer, mobile phone, or other electronic devices.

[0050] In some embodiments, the sensor includes: an organ / tissue motion sensor 100, a signal generator 200, and a strap or bracket 300.

[0051] The organ and tissue motion sensor 100 includes: a motion sensor, a stress sensor, or a proximity sensor, used to sense the mechanical movement of relevant motor organs and tissues during chewing; the signal generator 200 is connected to the organ and tissue motion sensor 100 and transmits a wireless signal upon triggering by the organ and tissue motion sensor 100; the organ and tissue motion sensor 100 is used to sense the mechanical movement of relevant motor organs and tissues during chewing; the signal generator 200 is connected to the organ and tissue motion sensor 100 and transmits a wireless signal upon triggering by the organ and tissue motion sensor 100; the head strap or bracket 300 is used to fix the organ and tissue motion sensor 100 and the signal generator 200 to the user's head;

[0052] The processor includes a signal receiver 400, a counter 500, and a display 600; the processor can be one of a mobile phone, a computer, or an electronic device.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the signal receiver 400 includes a sensing signal filter and a signal transmitter; the sensing signal filter, signal transmitter, power supply and switch are connected in sequence to form a closed loop.

[0054] The signal receiver 400 is used to receive the wireless signal emitted by the sensor; the counter 500 is connected to the signal receiver 400 and counts the number of swallows based on the received wireless signal; the display 600 is connected to the counter 500 and displays the counting result.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, specifically, the signal receiver 400 is connected in sequence with the calculator 500, the display 600, the power supply, and the switch to form a closed loop.

[0056] In some embodiments, the organ and tissue motion sensor 100 is a motion switch, stress switch, or proximity sensor switch. The switch of the organ and tissue motion sensor is closed or opened under the mechanical movement of the relevant moving organ and tissue during chewing.

[0057] Among them, the chewing-swallowing rhythm time range has different types, including preset chewing-swallowing rhythm time range; the preset chewing-swallowing rhythm time range is chewing less than or equal to 0.5 seconds / time and swallowing greater than or equal to 1.0 seconds / time, selectively transmitting signals matching the swallowing action; the preset chewing-swallowing rhythm time range is chewing less than or equal to 1.0 seconds / time and swallowing greater than or equal to 2.0 seconds / time, selectively transmitting signals matching the swallowing action.

[0058] In some embodiments, the signal generator 200 selectively transmits wireless signals that match the swallowing action according to a preset chewing-swallowing rhythm time range. For example, young people chew and swallow quickly while older people chew and swallow slowly, and different time ranges are set to distinguish chewing and swallowing respectively. The relevant motor organs and tissues during chewing include the temporalis muscle, masseter muscle, lateral pterygoid muscle or jaw.

[0059] Specifically, the chewing-related motor organ tissue is the temporalis muscle: the head strap or bracket 300 is worn on the user's head, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0060] In some embodiments, the chewing-related motor organ tissue is the chin: the head strap or brace 300 is worn around the user's neck, such as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0061] In some embodiments, the chewing-related motor organ tissue is the chin: the head strap or bracket 300 is worn on the user's head, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0062] In some embodiments, the wireless signal emitted by the signal generator 200 is a Bluetooth signal.

[0063] Furthermore, in some specific embodiments, the sensor and processor can also be directly wired connected, such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0064] In some embodiments, the sensor generates a trigger signal by directly sensing the mechanical movement of the relevant motor organs and tissues during chewing, without the need for conversion and processing of electromagnetic, acoustic, or optical signals.

[0065] In summary, based on the technical content disclosed in this utility model,

[0066] Direct mechanical motion sensing with strong anti-interference capability: This utility model adopts stress sensing or proximity sensing generated by direct motion. It senses the mechanical motion of related motor organs and tissues during chewing through a contact switch, directly triggering signal transmission and counting. This avoids the complex signal processing and analysis required by existing sensing methods based on sound waves, light waves, etc., thus effectively avoiding interference from environmental noise, light changes, and other factors, and improving the accuracy and reliability of measurement.

[0067] Based on chewing rhythm-based signal emission, swallowing recognition is more accurate: The signal generator of this invention can adjust signal emission according to chewing rhythm. For example, by setting a time threshold, it can distinguish between chewing and swallowing actions, thereby more accurately recognizing swallowing actions and improving the accuracy of swallowing food measurement. This rhythm-based adjustment method can better match the human physiological process and improve the intelligence level of the device.

[0068] Simple structure and easy to implement: The device of this utility model has a simple structure, mainly composed of a sensor and a processor. The sensor adopts an organ and tissue motion sensor and a signal generator, and the processor adopts a signal receiver, a counter and a display. All components are mature electronic components, which are easy to manufacture and implement, have low cost and are easy to promote and apply.

[0069] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the above examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for calculating swallowing and feeding based on chewing rhythm, characterized in that, include: Sensors and processors; The sensor is used to sense the mechanical movement of related motor organs and tissues during chewing, and to generate a trigger signal or directly generate a trigger signal according to the chewing rhythm. The processor is connected to the sensor via wired or wireless means, receives the trigger signal, and calculates the number of swallows or the number of swallows based on the chewing rhythm of the trigger signal.

2. The device for calculating swallowing and feeding based on chewing rhythm according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor includes: an organ / tissue motion sensor, a signal generator, and a strap or bracket; The organ and tissue motion sensing element includes: a motion sensing element, a stress sensing element, or a proximity sensing element, used to sense the mechanical movement of the relevant motor organs and tissues during chewing; The signal generator is connected to the organ / tissue motion sensor and emits a signal when triggered by the organ / tissue motion sensor. The strap or brace is used to secure the organ / tissue motion sensor and the signal generator to the head or neck.

3. The device for calculating swallowing and feeding based on chewing rhythm according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processor includes: a signal receiver, a counter, and a display; The signal receiver is used to receive the signal emitted by the sensor; The counter is connected to the signal receiver and counts the number of swallows based on the received signal. The display is connected to the counter and displays the counting result.

4. The device for calculating swallowing and feeding based on chewing rhythm according to claim 3, characterized in that, The organ and tissue motion sensor is a motion switch, stress switch, or proximity sensor switch. The switch of the organ and tissue motion sensor is closed or opened under the mechanical movement of the relevant moving organ and tissue during chewing.

5. The device for calculating swallowing and feeding based on chewing rhythm according to claim 4, characterized in that, The signal generator selectively emits signals that match the swallowing action according to a preset chewing-swallowing rhythm time range.

6. The device for calculating swallowing and feeding based on chewing rhythm according to claim 5, characterized in that, The relevant motor organs and tissues involved in chewing include the temporalis muscle, masseter muscle, lateral pterygoid muscle, or jaw.

7. The device for calculating swallowing and feeding based on chewing rhythm according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processor is one of a mobile phone, computer, or electronic device.

8. The device for calculating swallowing and feeding based on chewing rhythm according to claim 2, characterized in that, The signal generator emits a Bluetooth signal or a wireless signal.

9. The device for calculating swallowing and feeding based on chewing rhythm according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor and processor are directly wired together.

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