Ear-Based Meal Monitoring for Accurate Glucose Absorption Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing meal monitoring systems rely on user input for meal-related information, leading to inaccuracies that hinder effective blood glucose management in diabetes patients.
Innovation Solution
A meal monitoring apparatus and method that utilizes sensors to measure ear-related parameters and blood glucose data to accurately estimate meal times and amounts without user input, using vibration, optical, acoustic, and pressure signal data to distinguish meal activities and glucose absorption times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If user directly inputs meal-related information, then the system can obtain meal data, but the accuracy of meal information is reduced due to omission and erroneous input
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects meal-related information using sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, microphone, camera) and processes data independently without requiring user input. The meal detection unit autonomously identifies meal events, calculates meal times, and estimates meal amounts by analyzing sensor data patterns, thereby eliminating manual input while maintaining high accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual input system with an automated sensor-based detection system. Instead of users manually entering meal information, the system uses accelerometers, gyroscopes, microphones, and cameras to detect eating behaviors and automatically processes this data to extract meal-related information, substituting human operation with automated sensing and processing
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect meal activities, then the accuracy of meal time detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into specialized sensor modules, each responsible for detecting specific aspects of eating behavior. The accelerometer detects jaw movement and chewing patterns, the gyroscope detects head movements during eating, the microphone detects swallowing sounds, and the camera captures visual information about the eating process. This segmentation allows each sensor to focus on its specific function, improving overall detection accuracy while organizing complexity into manageable modules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each sensor serve multiple functions within the meal detection system. For example, the accelerometer not only detects chewing movements but also helps identify meal start and end times, detects the type of food being eaten, and contributes to estimating meal amount. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized sensors, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
A meal monitoring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a data receiving unit configured to receive measurement data of parameters related to an ear of a target object and blood glucose data of the target object; a first estimated time calculating unit configured to calculate a first estimated time estimated as a food intake activity time of the target object based on the measurement data; a second estimated time calculating unit configured to calculate a second estimated time estimated as a glucose absorption time of the target object based on the blood glucose data; and a meal time calculating unit configured to calculate a meal time of the target object based on the first estimated time and the second estimated time.