Electronic Coaster Weight Sensing for Beverage Calorie Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies fail to provide a convenient and accessible method for users to estimate calorie consumption from beverages in social settings, particularly for individuals who may not be able to efficiently use complex user interfaces or require assistance with tracking their intake due to health issues or alcohol consumption.
Innovation Solution
An electronic coaster equipped with weight sensors and a computing unit that measures the weight of a beverage, identifies the beverage type using imaging sensors, and estimates calorie consumption based on predefined calorific values, notifying the user and potentially concerned personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user interface is provided for users to place orders and track calorie consumption, then users can monitor their intake, but users who are intoxicated or have health issues cannot efficiently use the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The coaster system automatically performs calorie tracking and monitoring without requiring user interaction. Weight sensors detect beverage consumption, the computing unit calculates calories based on beverage type and volume, and notifications are sent automatically to users and staff, eliminating the need for manual interface operation
Solution Approach 2:
The coaster acts as an intermediary device between the beverage and the user/staff. It senses the beverage weight, processes the data through the computing unit, and communicates with users via notifications and with staff through alerts, serving as an autonomous mediator that bridges the gap between consumption and monitoring
2Measurement precision
If users must constantly interact with the user interface to place orders and track consumption, then accurate tracking is possible, but user convenience is reduced and accessibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic calorie tracking through weight sensors that continuously monitor beverage consumption. The computing unit independently calculates calorie consumption based on detected weight changes and beverage information, eliminating the need for manual user input while maintaining precise tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical interaction with the user interface is replaced by an automated sensing system. Weight sensors detect consumption passively, and the computing unit processes data automatically, substituting the need for manual button presses and interface interactions with an autonomous electronic monitoring system
3Extent of automation
If no automated beverage monitoring system is provided, then device complexity is low, but users cannot track calorie consumption and staff cannot be notified when beverages need refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The coaster is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs weight sensing, calorie calculation, user notification, and staff alerting. The single device integrates multiple functions that would otherwise require separate systems, achieving high automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The weight sensor, computing unit, notification system, and alert mechanism are merged into a single integrated coaster device. This consolidation allows the system to achieve automated beverage monitoring and calorie tracking while maintaining manageable complexity through unified design
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to accurately track calorie intake without constant interface interaction, providing timely notifications and enabling timely service when beverages need refilling, while suggesting similar beverages upon completion.
Implementation Method 1
at least one weight sensor to measure weight of a beverage holder comprising a beverage
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an electronic coaster for estimating amount of calories consumed by a user, through a beverage present in a beverage holder. The electronic coaster comprises at least one weight sensor to measure weight of a beverage holder comprising a beverage and a computing unit to receive the measured weight from the at least one weight sensor, determine weight of the beverage based on the received weight, identify beverage type and a predefined calorific value corresponding to the beverage type, determine change in weight from the weight of the beverage and estimate total amount of calories consumed by a user based on the change in weight and the predefined calorific value.