Mobile Food Scanner Merging Spectroscopy and Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and managing food consumption, particularly unhealthy food intake, are inadequate in providing comprehensive and accurate information on both the types and quantities of food, leading to challenges in weight management and obesity prevention.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device equipped with both a spectroscopic sensor and a camera, which uses multivariate statistical analysis to combine data from spectroscopic analysis and image recognition to identify and quantify food types and nutrients, and can be wirelessly linked with wearable devices for comprehensive food consumption monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spectroscopic analysis alone is used to identify food composition, then nutritional information is obtained, but food quantity measurement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines spectroscopic analysis with image analysis into a single integrated system. The mobile device simultaneously captures spectral data for composition analysis and visual data for quantity estimation, merging two analytical approaches to provide comprehensive food monitoring information that neither method could provide alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device is designed to perform multiple functions: spectroscopic identification of food types and nutrients, image-based estimation of food quantities, and integration of both datasets for comprehensive nutritional analysis. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to address both composition and quantity measurement needs.
2Quantity of substance
If image analysis alone is used to quantify food, then food quantity is estimated, but detailed nutritional composition is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges image analysis capabilities with spectroscopic analysis in a single mobile device. While the camera captures visual information for quantity estimation, the spectroscopic sensor simultaneously analyzes reflected light to identify food types, nutrients, and chemical composition, ensuring neither information type is lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device incorporates multiple sensing modalities including cameras for visual quantity assessment and spectroscopic sensors for detailed nutritional analysis. This universal design enables the device to perform both quantity estimation and composition identification through integrated data processing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensing modalities are integrated for comprehensive food analysis, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensing modalities (spectroscopic sensors, cameras, and processing systems) into a single universal mobile device platform. This approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into one integrated tool, maintaining measurement precision while managing complexity through unified hardware and software architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automated data processing and integration algorithms that automatically combine spectroscopic and image data without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of multi-modal data fusion, reducing the operational burden on users while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
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
This solution provides accurate and comprehensive information on food composition and quantity, aiding in healthier food choices and weight management by integrating spectroscopic data with image analysis and subjective descriptions for improved nutritional awareness.
Implementation Method 1
a spectroscopic sensor (e.g. spectrometer) that collects data concerning changes in the spectrum of light that has been reflected from food
Implementation Method 2
a camera that takes images of the food
Data Source
AI summary
This invention can be embodied in a mobile device for food identification and quantification with both a spectroscopic sensor and a camera. It can be a handheld food scanner, food probe, smart food utensil, utensil attachment, removable component of a smart watch or wrist band, phone component, or phone accessory. It can provide information on types and quantities of food (and nutrients, chemicals, and microorganisms in that food). It can be wirelessly linked with a wearable device to comprise a system for monitoring and modifying a person's food consumption habits.