Optical Food Analysis Device for Accurate Nutrient Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating nutrient content in food items, particularly for individuals with diabetes, are inaccurate and cumbersome, leading to difficulties in managing blood sugar levels and administering insulin, as they rely on manual estimation or limited device compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with optical sensors and machine learning algorithms that captures images of food arrangements, constructs three-dimensional models, and provides quantitative and qualitative nutrient information, enabling precise estimation of food volumes and nutrient content, and synchronizing with insulin pumps and glucose monitoring devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual estimation methods are used to determine nutrient content, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical estimation methods with an automated optical system. A camera captures images of food items, and machine learning algorithms automatically analyze the images to determine nutrient content, eliminating the need for manual weighing and estimation while significantly improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the food item through image capture. The camera takes photographs of the food, and these image copies are processed by machine learning models to extract nutrient information, replacing the need for physical measurement devices while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If scales are used to weigh food items, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing images of food items placed on the table and autonomously analyzing them to provide nutrient information. The user simply needs to position the camera, and the system handles weighing, calculation, and display without requiring the user to manually weigh each item or consult reference materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions into a single system: image capture, food identification, weight estimation, nutrient calculation, and information display. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate scales, food databases, and calculation tools, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If two-image capturing is used for volume estimation, then measurement precision improves, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-training machine learning models on extensive food datasets before actual use. During operation, the pre-trained model can rapidly analyze single images to estimate volume and nutrient content, eliminating the need for time-consuming two-image capture and processing while maintaining high precision through the accuracy of the pre-trained algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device, a method and a computer program product for displaying at least one quantitative and/or qualitative information on at least one nutrient content and/or value of a food item. At least one optical sensor is required for acquiring at least one image of the arrangement comprising a food item to be analyzed. Means for analyzing the image of the arrangement comprising the food items are also required and that means are adapted at providing a first segmentation of the at least one image and dividing the arrangement into a plurality of separately identifiable food items. Further that means is adapted at identifying at least one scale information of the at least one image and constructing a virtual model reflective of the arrangement comprising the food item. The means for analyzing the arrangement are further adapted at providing a second segmentation of the at least one image where in the second segmentation is for dividing the arrangement into one or more separately identifiable non-food items.