`US 6,513,532 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`
` Maultet al. (45) Date of Patent: Feb. 4, 2003
`
`
`US006513532B2
`
`(54) DIET AND ACTIVITY-MONITORING
`DEVICE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: James R. Mault, Evergreen, CO (US);
`Edwin Pearce, San Francisco, CA
`(US); David Gilmore, San Francisco,
`CA (US); Roshi Givechi, San
`Francisco, CA (US); Jeanne Ragan,
`Plymouth, MI (US); Andrzej
`Skoskiewicz, Menlo Park; Neil
`Grimmer, San Francisco, both of CA
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Healthetech, Inc., Golden, CO (US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`US.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/745,373
`
`(22)
`
`(65)
`
`(60)
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 23, 2000
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2001/0049470 Al Dec. 6, 2001
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Provisional application No. 60/251,179, filed on Dec. 5,
`2000, provisional application No. 60/243,621,filed on Oct.
`26, 2000, provisional application No. 60/240,185, filed on
`Oct. 13, 2000, provisional application No. 60/230,860,filed
`on Oct. 7, 2000, provisional application No. 60/234,866,
`filed on Sep. 22, 2000, provisional application No. 60/212,
`319, filed on Jun. 16, 2000, provisional application No.
`60/209,921, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, provisional application
`No. 60/207,051, filed on May 25, 2000, provisional appli-
`cation No. 60/207,089, filed on May 25, 2000, provisional
`application No. 60/201,902, filed on May 4, 2000, provi-
`sional application No. 60/200,428, filed on Apr. 28, 2000,
`provisional application No. 60/195,779, filed on Apr. 10,
`2000, provisional application No. 60/194,126,filed on Apr.
`3, 2000, provisional application No. 60/179,882, filed on
`Feb. 2, 2000, provisional application No. 60/178,979, filed
`on Jan. 28, 2000, and provisional application No. 60/177,
`016, filed on Jan. 19, 2000.
`
`UWS. Che ceecccceccscsceecsssssstessssesteeseen 128/921; 600/595
`(52)
`(58) Field of Search ........0.cccccecceee 600/595, 587,
`600/300, 301; 128/920-921
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`.
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`4/1983 Segaretal. 0... 364/900
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`
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`Primary Examiner—Kevin Shaver
`Assistant Examiner—Navin Natnithithadha
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Gifford, Krass, Groh,
`Sprinkle, Anderson & Citkowski, P.C.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Adiet and activity-monitoring device includes a timer which
`outputs a time-indicative signal. A body activity monitor
`monitors the body activity of a subject and outputs a signal
`indicative of the body activity. A consumption notation
`control is provided which the subject may operate to indicate
`when they consume food. An activity calculator receives the
`body activity signal and determines a body activity level for
`the subject. A consumption calculator communicates with
`the consumption notation control and receives the time-
`indicative signal. The consumption calculator determines
`and stores the times when the consumption location control
`is operated.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. C7eee GO06F 17/00; A61B 5/103;
`A61B 5/112
`
`39 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`BODY
`ACTIVITY
`MONITOR
`
`32
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CONSUMPTION
`
`CONTROL
`NOTATION
`CONTROL
`38
`
`36
`
`
`
`
` MODE
`
`
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATION
`MEMORY
`TRANSCEIVER
`44
`
`42
`
`DISPLAY
`
` 40
`
`
`0001
`
`AppleInc.
`APL1057
`U.S. Patent No. 8,923,941
`
`Apple Inc.
`APL1057
`U.S. Patent No. 8,923,941
`
`0001
`
`
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`4,566,461 A
`10/1998 Lichter et al. esses 600/300
`5,827,179 A
`3hone piven eb al. ws... 364/413
`ieee A
`
`5,828,943 A
`9!
`10/1998 Brown wo... 434/258
`/
`ALCHLAT
`oes eeeeecseese
`
`4,629,015 A
`12/1986
`
`
`5,832,448 Aeeceeeee ee 705/211/1998) Brown oo...
`
`4,650,218 A
`3/1987
`11/1998 Moore ..
`.. 128/897
`5,836,312 A
`4,080,624 A
`8/1987
`5,841,115 A
`11/1998 Shepl
`235/375
`
`SPY vere
`”
`Oe
`4,796,182 A
`1/1989 Duboff ov. 364/413.29
`12/1998 Camaisaetal.
`... 705/27
`5,845,263 A
`
`4,803,625 A
`2/1989 Fuet al. wc. 364/413.03
`3/1999 Rohde.....
`.. 600/523
`5,876,351 A
`
`.. 364/715.01
`:
`4,807,169 A
`2/1989 Overbeck .....
`
`... FOS/2
`5,890,128 A
`3/1999 Diazetal.
`4/1989 Clegg et al. on... 128/773
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`
`5,899,855 A 5/1999_Brown .... .. 600/301
`
`4,853,854 A
`8/1989 Beharet al.
`........... 364/413.01
`:
`5,908,301 A
`6/1999 Lutz ..
`.. 434/236
`8/1989 Bianco oo... eee ee 364/561
`4,855,942 A
`
`5,913,310 A
`6/1999 Brown .
`.. 128/897
`:
`8/1989 Sakai oe. 364/709 .02
`4,855,945 A
`5,918,603 A
`7/1999 Brown .
`.. 128/897
`say
`1/1990 Williams,III .......... 364/413.29
`4,891,756 A
`5,951,300 A
`9/1999 Brown ....
`.. 434/236
`1/1990 Ikemotoetal. ......... 364/709.03
`:
`4,894,793 A
`
`
`.
`we. 434/236
`5,954,510 A
`9/1999 Merrill et al.
`ops
`4,911,256 A
`3/1990 Attikiouzel
`......
`177/25.16
`
`11/1999 Ranganetal. .......
`.... 709/105
`5,987,493 A
`..... 364/413.29
`5/1990 Gerbauletet al.
`:
`4,924,389 A
`11/1999 Birkhoelzeret al.
`........ 600/300
`5,989,188 A
`:
`.
`4,951,197 A
`8/1990 Mellinger
`........000.. 364/413.2
`
`5,989,200 A * 11/1999 Yoshimuraetal. ......... 600/587
`
`9/1990 Madsenetal. ......... 364/413.29
`4,954,954 A
`12/1999 Brown .............
`.. 600/300
`5,997,476 A
`4,966,155 A
`10/1990 Jackson oo... eeeeeeee 128/671
`1/2000 Rootetal. ..
`. 428/8
`6,013,007 A
`:
`
`;
`5,012,411 A
`4/1991 Policastro et al.
`..... 364/413.04
`.. 600/350
`6,014,578 A
`1/2000 Minoz.....
`°
`
`5,033,561 A
`7/1991 Hettinger «0.0... 177/25.16
`.. 235/375
`6,024,281 A
`2/2000 Shepley ...
`
`12/1992 Harrah oo... eeeeeeee 235/114
`:
`5,173,588 A
`
`.....
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`2/2000 Surwit et al.
`.... 600/300
`8/1993 Kretsch et al.
`......... 364/413.29
`5,233,520 A
`
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`2/2000 Amanoetal. ....
`.. 600/301
`
`11/1993 Thornton... ee 128/774
`5,263,491 A
`
`2/2000 Brownetal. ..
`wee 705/2
`6,032,119 A
`4/1994 Brown......
`«.. 364/413.09
`5,307,263 A
`
`.. 128/898
`6,032,676 A
`3/2000 Moote.....
`
`2/1995 Brown, Jr. eens 482/9
`5,387,164 A
`
`3/2000 Douglas et al.
`......0..... 600/300
`6,039,688 A
`:
`2/1995 Hettinger ...
`«. 364/413.29
`5,388,043 A
`;
`3/2000 Miller-Kovach et al.
`177/25.16
`6,040,531 A
`.
`
`3/1995 Laniado.....
`... 128/660.02
`5,398,688 A
`:
`3/2000 Herron ....
`6,042,383 A
`.. 434/238
`5/1995 Dennison...
`... 364/413.01
`5,412,560 A
`
`
`6,045,513 A
`4/2000 Stoneetal.
`. 600/508
`5/1995. Ecer veescseesscesseeseeseeens 364/413
`5,412,564 A
`
`6,077,193 A
`6/2000 Buhleretal.
`w.. 482/8
`10/1995 Kuch veoceceeseeeeeeen 434/127
`5,454,721 A
`
`6,083,006 A
`7/2000 Coffman ..
`.. 434/127
`
`12/1995 Shepley .........cee 235/375
`5,478,989 A
`.
`6,095,949 A
`8/2000 Arai oeeceecesseessesteeeeeeeees 482/4
`|
`1/1996 Smith et al. we. 364/566
`5,485,402 A
`
`6,095,985 A
`8/2000 Raymondetal
`. 600/513
`8/1996 Goldmanet al.
`........... 128/630
`5,542,420 A
`
`.. 705/2
`6,101,478 A
`8/2000 Brown
`
`6/1997 Goldman............ w 33/15 D
`5,640,774 A
`
`10/2000 Adams.......
`.. 600/300
`6,135,950 A
`.. 128/630
`.
`5,673,691 A
`10/1997 Abramset al...
`
`10/2000 Richardsonetal. ........ 600/300
`6,135,951 A
`
`10/1997 Sellers occ eeeeeeee 128/710
`600/300
`5,678,562 A
`10/2000 Cai
`6130404 A
`.. 364/709.01
`..........
`7139,
`i
`AHIMES oes sees seseseen
`i
`5,691.927 A
`11/1997 Gump
`
`1/1998 Williams, IID... 128/630
`5,704,350 A
`3/1998 BO weeccccccceceeseeesteeeseee 128/732
`5,722,418 A
`
`
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`0002
`
`0002
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.4, 2003
`
`Sheet 1 of 8
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`FIG - 1
`
`Remote Server
`
`26
`
` Computer
`
`\1
`
`0
`
`0003
`
`0003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.4, 2003
`
`Sheet 2 of 8
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`FIG -2
`
`32
`
`BODY
`ACTIVITY
`MONITOR
`
`TIMER
`
`CONSUMPTION
`NOTATION
`CONTROL
`
`44
`
`COMMUNICATION
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`
`
`MODE
`CONTROL
`38
`
`CPU
`
`30
`
`MEMORY
`
`42
`
`DISPLAY
`40
`
`0004
`
`0004
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.4, 2003
`
`Sheet 3 of8
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`FIG - 3A
`FIG - 3B
`
`0005
`
`0005
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.4, 2003
`
`Sheet 4 of 8
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`GPS 82
`ANTENNA
`
`Exercise
`Equipment
`Monitoring
`
`Respiration
`
`Sensor
`105
`
`}.-
`
`80
`
`Device 108
`
`GPS-BASED
`BODY
`MONITOR
`
`
`
`
`FIG - 4
`
`86
`
`TIMER
`
`Heart Rate |
`
`
`
`
`
`
`%%4 |
`NOTATION
`|
`CONTROL
`(Button)
`|
`— ees
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATION
`TRANSCEIVER
`98
`
`
`
`%
`
`. poet-d--
`-
`
`CACULATOR
`
`Audio/Video
`95
`~=‘Input
`
`CONSUMPTION
`CALCULATOR
`96
`
`CPU
`
`|
`
`a, enn esse
`
`||
`
`CONSUMPTION
`
`Sensor, 4
`
`110
`ManualInput
`
`106]
`
`coEL
`
`92
`
`112
`
`DISPLAY
`
`0006
`
`0006
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 4, 2003
`
`Sheet 5 of 8
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`
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`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.4, 2003
`
`Sheet 6 of8
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`FIG -6
`
`Running
`Shoes
`126
`
`Stationary
`Bike
`128
`
`130
`
`
`
`
`POSITION 45
`ACTIVITY
`DISCRIMINATOR
`
`
`
`
`Road Bike
`
`HeartRate
`
`BODY
`
`
` 124
`ACTIVITY
`'38||MONITOR
`
`
`:
`|
`1
`
`
`
`
`CONSUMPTION
`NOTATION
`CONTROL
`(Button)
`
`COMMUNICATION
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`84
`
`0008
`
`0008
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 4, 2003
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
` Sheet 7 of 8
`
`aayAeuny
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`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.4, 2003
`
`Sheet 8 of8
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`FIG -9
`FIG - 10
`
`0010
`
`0010
`
`
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`1
`DIET AND ACTIVITY-MONITORING
`DEVICE
`
`This application claims priority from U.S. provisional
`patent applications Ser. Nos. 60/177,016, filed Jan. 19, 2000;
`60/178,979, filed Jan. 28, 2000; 60/179,882, filed Feb. 2,
`2000, 60/195,779, filed Apr. 10, 2000; 60/194,126, filed Apr.
`3, 2000; 60/209,921, filed Jun. 7, 2000; 60/200,428, filed
`Apr. 28, 2000; 60/201,902, filed May 4, 2000; 60/207,089,
`filed May 25, 2000; 60/207,051, filed May 25, 2000; 60/212,
`319, filed Jun. 16, 2000; 60/234,866, filed Sep. 22,2000;
`60/230,860, filed Sep. 7, 2000; 60/240,185, filed Oct. 13,
`2000; 60/243,621, filed Oct. 26, 2000 and 60/251,179, filed
`Dec. 5, 2000, all of which are incorporated herein in their
`entirety by reference. This application also claimspriority
`from U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/685,625, filed Oct.
`10, 2000; 09/630,398, filed Aug. 2, 2000; 09/669,125 filed
`Sep. 25, 2000; 09/684,440 filed Oct. 10, 2000; and 09/721,
`382 filed Nov. 22, 2000, are also incorporated herein in their
`entirety by reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates generally to activity moni-
`tors and diet monitors and, more specifically, to a device that
`combines both diet and activity monitoring.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Management of diet, health, and fitness has drawn
`increasing amountsof attention as their importance has been
`recognized, and as consumers around the world have
`struggled to balance busy lives with fitness and properdiet.
`Despite the recognized importance of good health,
`consumers, on average, are becoming increasingly obese.
`This has resulted in a strong demand for devices and
`methods that assist
`individuals in setting and reaching
`dietary and fitness goals. Currently available devices and
`methods fail to meet the needs of average consumers.
`There are serious problems with conventional weightloss
`programs. Weight change is related to the user’s net caloric
`balance, the difference between caloric intake and caloric
`expenditure. However, determination of caloric intake and
`caloric expenditure are both problematic.
`There are numerousdifficulties in accurately determining
`caloric intake. In some diet programs printed or electronic
`lists are used that provide the nutrition content of a wide
`variety of food. The consumer keepsa diet log of all foods
`consumed each day in order to determine their total nutri-
`tional intake. These systems typically are laborious to use
`and only the most dedicated consumer will accurately use
`these approaches. For example, a consumer must take the
`time to accurately record the foods consumed each day.
`Obviously, recognition of foods consumed is most accurate
`if done at the time the foods are consumed. However, many
`individuals feel too rushed to record the foods consumed at
`the time and postpone recording forlater in the day or week.
`Also, some consumers are embarrassed to be observed
`recording food intake during or following a meal. This also
`motivates the user to wait to record their consumption until
`later. Obviously, accuracy suffers the more time passes
`between consumption and recordation. An individual may
`entirely forget that they had a snack or twoearlier in the day
`or week, leading to undercounting of consumption.
`Determining total energy expenditure is also difficult. The
`total energy expenditure of a person comprises a resting
`metabolic component and a physical activity component.
`Total energy expenditure (TEE) is the sum ofresting energy
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`expenditure (REE) and activity energy expenditure (AEE),
`ie. TEE=AEE+REE. Weight
`loss occurs if total energy
`expenditure (TEE) exceedstotal caloric intake over a given
`time period. As discussed by Remmereit in U.S. Pat. No.
`6,034,132, 70 percent of total energy expenditure for a
`typical person is due to their resting metabolic rate (RMR).
`In a conventional diet program, RMRis estimated from the
`height, weight, age, and gender of the person, for example
`using the Harris-Benedict equation. This equation, well
`knownto those skilled in the nutritional arts, is given in US.
`Pat. No. 5,839,901 to Karkanen, and in U.S. Pat. No.
`5,639,471 to Chait et al. There are serious inadequacies in
`using the Harris-Benedict equation (or any similar equation)
`in a weight loss program. The Harris-Benedict equation
`provides only an estimated RMR,whichis an average value
`for people of similar height, weight, age, and gender.
`However, due to natural variations in physiology, the equa-
`tion may not be accurate for a specific individual.
`Conventional weight loss programsuse an estimatedtotal
`energy expenditure (TEE) based on estimates of activity
`levels, and estimates of resting energy expenditure (REE)
`from the Harris-Benedict equation. However, unless the
`resting energy expenditure (REE) and the activity energy
`expenditure (AEE) are estimated accurately,
`the person’s
`caloric balance cannot be known accurately, and the out-
`comeof a weight loss program is likely to be unsatisfactory.
`Someusers attempt to track their activity energy expen-
`diture (AEE), either for weight
`loss or general
`fitness
`purposes. In the simplest approach the individual maintains
`an exercise log of activities conducted, such as distances
`walked or jogged. Various graphs and tables can then
`provide an estimate of the calories burned during these
`activities. As with recording consumption, an individual
`may fail
`to accurately record the type and duration of
`activity undertaken leading to inaccurate recordation. Also,
`an individual may not know how far or fast they ran or
`walked. A variety of pedometers are available to assist with
`this task. Pedometers include some type of stride counter in
`order to count the numberof strides or paces taken by the
`individual. The devices may be calibrated to allow them to
`determine the distance traveled with reasonable accuracy.
`Through the use of timers,
`they may also be able to
`determine the speed and duration of activity. Pedometers
`typically fail to take into consideration changesof elevation,
`changes in length of stride and changes in intensity. For
`example, a runner may combine slow walking with brisk
`running during an exercise session. By combining total
`number of strides and duration of activity, the pedometer
`may only determine average speed, not instantaneous speed.
`USS. Pat. Nos. 6,002,982 and 6,148,262 to Fry; U.S. Pat.
`No. 6,013,007 to Root et al; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,009,138 to
`Slusky; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,032,108 to Seiple et al each
`disclose improved activity monitors utilizing a global posi-
`tioning system (GPS). The devices track an individual’s
`position over time, using the GPS network. By periodically
`or instantaneously comparing position and time, such a
`device is capable of determining a performanceprofile with
`better accuracy than a typical pedometer.
`Devices are also available for monitoring and tracking
`heart rate. The most popular of these devices are sold by
`Polar Electro Oy of Finland. These heart rate monitors
`includes a wristwatch-style display unit and a chest strap
`with a heart rate sensor. The chest strap and display unit
`communicate wirelessly. The devices are capable of accu-
`rately monitoring heart rate, which correlates reasonably
`well with exercise intensity. Advanced devices include the
`ability to track heart rate over timeso that a heartrate profile
`may be produced.
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`Each of the above-discussed activity monitors fails to
`consider the dietary intake portion of total health manage-
`ment. Instead, they are directed merely to activity monitor-
`ing. In light of this, there remains a need for a device that
`combines activity monitoring and diet monitoring, that is
`easy to use and provides accurate results.
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention improves on the prior art by pro-
`viding a combination diet and activity monitoring device for
`monitoring both the consumption andactivity of the subject.
`The effectiveness of weight management programs may be
`improved through a more accurate determination of caloric
`balance. Improved determination of caloric balance may be
`obtained by more accurate determinations of total energy
`expenditure, (the sum of resting energy expenditure and
`activity energy expenditure) and caloric intake. The present
`invention focuses on improving the determination of activity
`energy expenditure and caloric intake. Resting energy
`expenditure, the energy expended by an individual atrest,
`may be accurately determined using an indirect calorimeter,
`such as described in co-pending patent application Ser. No.
`09/630,398, incorporated herein by reference. As discussed
`in this application, resting energy expenditure is based on
`resting metabolic rate. Resting metabolic rate changes over
`time, especially when the subject changes their diet or
`exercise patterns. Therefore, it is preferable to periodically
`measure resting metabolic rate so that accurate determina-
`tions of resting energy expenditure are available during a
`weight management program.
`Determination of activity energy expenditure, which com-
`bined with resting energy expenditure provides total energy
`expenditure, may be obtained by monitoring a subject’s
`activity on a regular basis. The monitoring device according
`to the present invention includes a body activity monitor for
`monitoring the body activity of the subject. The body
`activity monitor is operable to output a signal indicative of
`the subject’s body activity. An activity calculator may also
`be provided, which receives the activity; indicative signal
`and determines a body activity level and/or energy expen-
`diture for the subject. The body activity monitor may be
`integral with the monitoring device, or may be part of an
`auxiliary device. For example,
`the monitoring device
`according to the present invention may take the form factor
`of a wristwatch-style device or a belt or clothing-mounted
`monitor. In a wristwatch-style device,
`the body activity
`monitor may comprise a heart rate monitor, monitoring the
`heart rate of the subject. The heart rate of the subject
`increases with activity and decreases when the subject is
`resting. By calibrating the activity monitor, the subject’s
`activity level and activity related energy expenditure may be
`determined. The activity monitor may be calibrated using an
`indirect calorimeter, as described in co-pending patent appli-
`cation Ser. No. 09/684,440, incorporated herein by refer-
`ence. The heart
`rate monitor may form part of the
`wristwatch-style monitoring device and sense heart rate in
`the subject’s wrist or other appendage. Alternatively, a
`separate heart rate sensor may be provided such as a chest
`strap, that communicates with the monitoring device, pref-
`erably using a wireless link. A belt or clothing mounted
`monitoring device mayalso include a heart rate monitor as
`the body activity monitoring portion.
`The body activity monitor which formspart of the moni-
`toring device according to the present invention mayalter-
`natively comprise a motion sensor such as a mechanical
`pendulum or a single or multi axis accelerometer. An accel-
`erometeris preferred as it may provide information on body
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`movement as well as the direction and intensity of the
`movement. The motion sensor may form part of the wrist-
`watchor belt or clothing mounted monitoring device or may
`be part of a separate accessory that communicates with the
`monitoring device. For example, if the monitoring device
`accordingto the present invention takes the form of a belt or
`clothing mounted housing, the accelerometer may be dis-
`posed in the housing and sense motion of the housing.
`Because the housing is attached to the subject’s belt or
`clothing, motion of the housing correlates with movementof
`the subject. Once again, the body activity monitor may be
`calibrated to determine activity related energy expenditure
`using an indirect calorimeter.
`As another alternative,
`the body activity monitor may
`include multiple modesfor recording of variety of activities,
`such as swimming, biking, and use of stationary exercise
`equipment. The body activity monitor may then be placed in
`the mode corresponding to an activity that
`the subject
`undertakes. The subject presses a start button and the body
`activity monitor will record the duration of the activity. The
`monitoring device may then determine an activity level
`based on the duration of the activity and the estimated
`intensity. The activity level may be adjusted by the user to
`increase the accuracy ofthe estimate. Alternatively, the body
`activity monitor portion of the monitoring device may
`communicate with the exercise equipment or system of
`equipment being used by the subject to allow transfer of
`accurate data related to exercise. As one simple alternative,
`the body activity monitor may allow the subject to create
`time-stamped exercise flags, corresponding to when exercise
`is undertaken. To create an exercise flag, the subject manipu-
`lates a control on the monitoring device at the time of the
`activity. Later, the time or the duration of the activity may be
`recalled and an actual activity level be entered for tracking
`purposes.
`It is preferred that the monitoring device according to the
`present invention formspart of the system including a local
`remote computing device to which data from the monitoring
`device may be downloaded for further manipulation. For
`example, at the end of the day, the subject may download
`data from the monitoring device to a home PC. The subject
`may then view the activity and consumption data and have
`it during the day. The subject may then be prompted to
`provide additional information about events such as exercise
`and food flags. This data may be used as part of a determi-
`nation of total caloric balance and as part of a weight loss
`program.
`The monitoring device according to the present invention
`also preferably includes a consumption notation control for
`use by the subject to indicate when the subject consumes
`food. This consumption notation control preferably provides
`a very simple meansfor the subject to note when consump-
`tion occurs and avoids the embarrassmentanddifficulty of
`recording the actual foods consumed during or immediately
`following consumption of the foods. In one embodimentof
`the present invention, the subject manipulate a control on the
`monitoring device each time they consume food, whether
`the food is a snack or a meal. The monitoring device records
`the time the control was manipulated and creates a “food
`flag”. Later, the subject may use the food flags to help them
`recall what
`they ate. Software on the local or remote
`computing device may assist in theses determinations by
`presenting options on what was consumed based on past
`behavior and software settings. Alternatively, food flags may
`also have a duration component. For example, a subject may
`manipulate the consumption notation control once at the
`beginning of the consumption event and again at the end of
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`US 6,513,532 B2
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`5
`the consumption event. The duration of the event provides
`additional data for use in determining what foods were
`consumed. As another alternative, the consumption notation
`control may include and audio and/or video recording
`device, allowing the subject to make audio and/or video
`notations as to what was consumed. For example,
`the
`monitoring device may include a recording mechanism such
`as a digital recording means. In addition to or alternatively
`to the food flags,
`the subject may make a brief audio
`recording as to what was consumed. Alternatively, or addi-
`tionally the monitoring device may include a video record-
`ing system such as a miniaturized camera. The subject may
`then photograph what was consumed to allow an accurate
`determination of consumption at a later time. The use of
`audio or video recording allows additional functionality. For
`example,
`the local or remote computing device may be
`operable to provide voice recognition on downloaded audio
`files from the monitoring device. Then, the subject’s audi-
`tory notes may be transcribed into written text for later
`reference by the user. Alternatively, the software may deter-
`mine what foods were consumed based on the auditory
`notation. Similar functionality may be provided with video
`recordings such as digital pictures. The digital pictures may
`be transmitted to a remote site where an administrative
`
`person reviewsthe picture and records what was consumed
`and transmits this recording back to the subject. This may be
`provided on a subscription basis. Alternatively, software
`could be provided which performs an image analysis on the
`digital picture to assist in determining the foods consumed.
`As another alternative, the monitoring device according to
`the present invention mayinclude a scanning device to allow
`it to scan and record bar codes and similar coded markings.
`This functionality may be incorporated into the digital
`camera or may be separate. Also, the scanner may form a
`separate unit from the remainder of the monitoring device
`and communicate with the monitoring device through a wire
`or wireless connection. The bar code scanning may be used
`to scan foods to be consumed as well as other information
`
`such as data concerning exercise.
`The monitoring device according to the present invention
`preferably also includes a timer that outputs a time indica-
`tive signal for use in time stamping food flags and exercise
`flags and for use in tracking activity during the day.
`The diet and activity monitoring device may communi-
`cate with local and remote computers using a wired or
`wireless connection, as well as through transfer of memory
`modules. The local or remote computers may allow addi-
`tional or easier access to advance functions, such as diet and
`activity tracking over longer periods of time.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a view of a first embodiment of a diet and
`
`activity monitoring device and system schematically illus-
`trating communication between the device and local and
`remote computers;
`FIG. 2 is a schematic for a diet and activity monitoring
`device according to the present invention;
`FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of a second embodi-
`
`ment of a diet and activity monitoring device according to
`the present invention;
`FIG. 3B is a rear elevational view of the strap portion of
`the diet and activity monitoring device of FIG. 3A;
`FIG. 4 is a schematic of another embodiment of a moni-
`
`toring device according to the present invention;
`FIG. 5 is a sample screen view of a local or remote
`computing device showing one version of a display of diet-
`and activity-related data;
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`FIG. 6 is a schematic of yet another embodiment of a
`monitoring device according to the present invention;
`FIG. 7 is a view of a street level map illustrating a running
`route as tracked by the activity monitoring portion of one
`embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 8 is a view ofa street level mapillustrating a location
`indicator to assist a subject in locating where activity and/or
`consumption took place;
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment
`of a diet activity monitoring device according to the present
`invention mounted on the belt of a subject and illustrating
`wireless communication with a personal digital assistant;
`and
`FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of an additional
`
`embodimentof a monitoring device according to the present
`invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates a wrist-mounted embodimentof a diet
`and activity monitoring device 10 according to the present
`invention. Communication with remote and local computing
`devices is also shown schematically. The monitoring device
`10 includes a case or housing 12 which connectsto the wrist
`of a subject using a wristband 14. A display 16 is arranged
`on the front of the case 12 so that it can be periodically
`viewed by the subject. At least one control, such as button
`18, is provided for controlling functions of the monitoring
`device 10. Additional controls, such as button 20, may also
`be provided. The monitoring device 12 is designed to be
`worn or carried by the subject during their daily activity to
`allow convenient and continuous monitoring of their daily
`activities and dietary consumption. The monitoring device
`10 preferably includes the capability to communicate with
`local and remote computers using any of a variety of wired
`and wireless approaches. For example,
`the monitoring
`device 10 may communicate with local computer 22 by
`interconnecting a wire between the computer 22 and the
`device 10, or by “docking” the monitoring device 10 into a
`communications dock associated with computer 22. The
`monitoring device 10 may communicate with a personal
`digital assistant (PDA) 24 by docking therewith, or by
`wireless communication, such as infrared communication or
`with a wired connection.
`
`For purposes of this disclosure, local computer 22 and
`PDA 24 are defined to include all computing devices,
`whether portable or stationary. This definition includes, but
`is not limited to, electronic books,
`laptop and handheld
`computers, cellular phones, pagers, desktop computers, and
`wearable computers. Communication may be provided
`between the monitoring device 10 and the PDA 24, with the
`PDA 24later communicating with the local computer 22, or
`vice versa. The monitoring device 10 may also interconnect
`with remote server 26. For example, the monitoring device
`10 may communicate with a web page running on a remote
`server via the Internet. The monitoring device 10 may
`include cellular or other wireless or wired communication
`
`capability so as to interconnect with the Internet either
`continuously or periodically. Communication with a remote
`server 26 may bevia the local computer 22 or PDA 24. The
`monitoring device 10 may also include some type of
`memory chip or memory module that may be removed from
`the monitoring device 10 and inserted into the local com-
`puter 22 or the PDA 24for transfer of data.
`The compact size and wearability of the monitoring
`device 10 allows the subject to conveniently carry the device
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`7
`with them at all times. The device includes a body activity
`monitor, which may be integral with or separate from the
`housing 12. The body activity