AU752986B2 - Slimmer's calculator - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: WEIGHT WATCHERS (UK) LIMITED Actual Inventor: SARAH MAY WATSON MARIAN JANE WAY KAREN

MILLER-KOVACH

Address for Service: Chrysiliou Moore Martin CMC Centre 143 Sydney Road Fairlight Sydney NSW 2094 Invention Title: Slimmer's Calculator The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: \\server\\docs\application\patent\9393.docaa WO 97/16791 PC/US96/1 75 1 1 -1- Slinmer's Calculator Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a calculator for assisting a person on a diet.

S

Background to the Invention Slimming diets have become extremely popular and many regimes have been proposed. Many such regimes are based on the simple proposition that in order to lose weight, a person must eat food having fewer calories than she/he to requires. The number of calories required by an individual is determined by his/her weight and level of activity. A heavy or active person requires more calories than a light or inactive person.

In order to establish the number of calories that a person requires in a day to is support her/his energy demand, a value, termed the basal metabolic rate (BMR), is multiplied by a factor determined by the activity level of the person. The value of the BMR is dependent on the sex and weight of a person and tables of this data are readily available to those skilled in art of dietetics.

When a person is following a conventional calorie intake restriction diet (known colloquially as "counting calories"), his/her daily calorie demand is determined from her/his BMR and activity level. For instance, a moderately active woman weighing 60kg would have a BMR of 5565 kJ/day and an 25 activity factor of 1.3 giving a daily requirement of 7234kJ. In order for this person to lose 0.45kg (11b) in one week, her daily calorie intake must be restricted to 5142kJ.

The present inventors have established that merely "counting calories" is not so ideal and that other factors should be taken into account. However, taking into account additional factors requires the dieter to perform more complex mathematics which is difficult in the bustle of daily life.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide an apparatus whereby a diet regime, more complex than mere "calorie counting", can be readily adhered to.

Summary of the Invention According to the present invention, there is provided a method of assisting a person in non-therapeutic slimming including determining the caloric value, c, total amount of fat, f, and amount of dietary fiber, r, in candidate food servings and determining whether candidate food servings should be ingested, wherein (a) the assisted person or assisting entity determine point values for different combinations of caloric content values, c, fat content values, f, and fiber content values, r, for typical food servings wherein the determined point value is a unit or half unit value given by the relationship p f, r) and wherein p is monotone increasing with c, where f and r are held constant; p is monotone increasing with f, where c and r are held constant; and p is monotone decreasing with r, where c and fare held constant; the assisted person or assisting entity determine a point value allotted per day based on current body weight; during a day, the assisted person selecting and ingesting .I food servings having a total point value within that allotted and repeating at least step in successive days until the desired weight reduction is achieved.

There is also provided, a method of performing a non-therapeutic slimming including determining the caloric value, c, and amount of fat, f, in candidate food servings and determining whether candidate food servings should be ingested; including the steps of calculating an integer or half integer point value, p, for each candidate food serving where p is monotone increasing with c and p is monotone increasing with f; determining a point value allotted per day based on current body weight; selecting food servings for a day's intake on the basis of point value; during the day, ingesting food servings having a total point value within that allotted and repeating at least steps and in successive days until the desired weight reduction is achieved.

The invention also provides, a process for reducing body weight in a human being comprising the steps of measuring the number of kilocalories, c, in candidate food serving; measuring the total amount of fat, f, in the candidate food servings; measuring the amount of dietary fiber, r, in the candidate food \\server\e\docs\patents\claims\9393.doc serving and calculating a value p for each candidate food serving in accordance with the equation.

p=c f- r k, k 2 k 3 wherein k, is about 50; wherein k 2 is about 12 when f is measured in grams and wherein k 3 is about 5 when r is measured in grams; calculating a maximum numerical value allotted per day based on current body weight, coloric reduction to be achieved, physical activity level, and physical activity duration; during a day, selecting and ingesting food servings having a sum of p values less than or equal to the calculated maximum and repeating at least step on successive days until the desired weight reduction is achieved.

The invention further provides a method of achieving non-therapeutic weight reduction in a person including: determining the caloric value c, total amount of fat f, and amount of dietary fibre r in candidate food servings and determining whether candidate food servings should be ingested; including the steps of oe determining a rounded point value p for each candidate food serving in accordance with equation p= c_ f r..

k, k 2 k 3 where the ratio of k 2 and k 3 are predetermined constants; determining a point value allotted per day based on current body weight of the person; providing options for selection of food servings having a total point value less than that allotted.

The invention still further provides a method of achieving non-therapeutic weight reduction in a person including: \\server\e\docs\patents\claims\9393.doc determining the caloric value c and amount of fat f in candidate food servings and determining whether candidate food servings should be ingested; including the steps of determining a rounded point value p for each candidate food serving in accordance with the equation P=-c f k, k 2 where the ratio of k, to k 2 is in a range corresponding to the range of to 35 with c in kilocalories and f in grams; determining a point value allotted per day based on current body weight of the person; providing options for selection of servings having a total point value less than that allotted.

o* *0 \\server\e\docs\patents\claims\9393.doc WO 97/16791 PCT/US96/1 7 5 1 1 -4.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a first embodiment Of a calculator according to the present inlvention; Figure 2 is a block diagram of the electroniccircutrY of a calculator according -1 to the present invention; Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the calculator of Figure Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of a calculator according to the present invention; lo Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the calculator of igure 4; and Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of a calculator according to the present invention; and Figure 7 is a flow diagram Mlustrating the operation of the calculator of Figure Desipirwtionwof Preferred Embodiments Embodiments of the present invention will now he described, by way, of ~example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figure 1, a calculator -ccodn to the present invention is physically similar to a conventional calculator and comprises a housing 1,a keypad 3, an on/off switch 4 and an alphanumeric display S. The keypad 3, however, is tailored to the calculator's particular function and comprises keys 0.n ,15 for numbers 0 to 9, key 16 for the decimal pointr, a calories (CAL) key 17, a saturated fats (SAT FAI) key 18, a calculate (POINTS) key 19, an accumulate (STORE) key 20, a clear (CLEAR) key 21 and a new day (NEW DAY) key 22.

.3o Referring to Figure 2, the electronic circuitry of the calculator comprises a microprocessor 25, a ROM 27, a RAM 29, a keypad inteziace circuit 31, a display d~river circuit 33 and a bus 35 which nitercnneets the active WO 97/16791 PCT/US96/175 1 1 components. The keypad interface circuit 31 is coupled to the keypad 3 and detects key presses and notifies the microprocessor 25 of the operation of any of the keys The display driver circuit 33 controls the display in response to commands form the microprocessor 25. The ROM 27 stores the s control program for the microprocessor 25 and constants used in calculations and the RAM 29 is used to store data input by a user, the results of calculations and intermediate values. The RAM 29 is of a non-volatile type or is provided with power independently of the main on/off switch 4.

1o The operation of the calculator shown in Figure 1 will now be described. In the following, description of the control of the display 5 in direct response to .key presses will be omitted for the sake of clarity. However, it will be appreciated that the microprocessor 25 will control the display 5, via the display driver circuit 33, to indicate to a user that a key has been fully Is pressed. Operation of the number and decimal point keys will result in the display of numbers in the manner of a conventional calculator. Operation of the other keys will be indicated by a suitable descriptive word, e.g. NEW DAY, POINTS, STORING etc..

Referring to Figure 3, when the calculator is switched on, it performs a self test routine sl during which target and current points left values in the RAM 29 are displayed on the display 5 with the messages "TARGET" and "POINTS LEFT TODAY" respectively. If the self test routine sl reveals no faults, the microprocessor 25 loops through three keypress test steps 2 s comprising "is the NEW DAY key 22" being pressed s2, "is a number or decimal point key being pressed for direct entry of points 53 and "is the CAL key 17" being pressed for calculation of points 54.

If it is determined, ax step s2, that the NEW DAY key 22 is being pressed, the o microprocessor 25 performs step s5. At step s5, the microprocessor repeatedly determines whether a numerical key is being pressed to enable the user to enter his/her points target for the day. If a key other than WO 97/1 6791 PCT/ruS96/ 17 5 1 1 -6a numerical key is being pressed, step s6 is pcrforM~e At Sep s6, the' microprocessor 25 determines whether the STORE keyr 20 isnres f not, the microprocessor 25 repeatedly interrogates the keypad inerfic ci t, 31 until it has been pressed. 'When the STORE key 20 is pressed, the ru Smicroprocessor 25 performs step s7. At step $79 the mhicroprocsor 25 sMores the input points target, or restores tepeiu au fn umr~ky 6,.,16hav ben pessdin the RAM 29, and sets in accumuate points value, stored in the RAM 29, to zero. The display 5 is then updated at step to show the Metsages "TARGET no and "POUNTS LEFT TODAY n acumulate points value", where n is the Larger value.

,If it is determined, at Steps that a number or decimal point key, that is a numzerical key, is being pressed, the microprocsor 25 moves on to step Atstep stemicroprocessor 2dermnswhether adtoa ,s numerical keys are being enteredL. Once a key other than a numerical key is pressed, the microprocessor 25 moves on to step s9 where it determines whether the CLEAR key 21 is being pressed. If the CLEAR~ key 21 is not being pressed, the microprocessor 25 determ-ines whether the STORE key 20 is being pressed at step sl10. If the STORE key 20 is not being pressed, the microprocessor 25 returns to step s9.

If te SOREkey 20 is being pressed, the microprocessor 25 performs step s II where the entered number is added to the accumnulated points total stored in the RAM 29. Finally, the targer and points left values are displayed at step s20.

If it is determined, at step s4, that the CAL. key 17 is being pressed, the microprocessor 25 repeatedly performs a number entry step, step s13, until a non-ueic- key is pressed. This enables a user to enter the calorie value for .yo an item of food. When this occurs, the microprocessor 25 determines whether it is dhe CLEAR key 21 'which is being pressed, step s14. If the CLEAR key 21 is. not being pressed, the microproesor 25 determines whether the SAT WO 97/16791 PCT/US96/17 51 1 -7.

PAT key is sbeing Pressed' step S I he answer at step s5 is no, rh microprocessor 25 returns to step SK1he Once the SAT FAT key 18 has been Pressd. the mcoprocessor 25 performs sanother number entry step, step s16. This enables a user to enter the quantity in graMS Of saturated fats for the food item. At step 517, the microprocessor determines whether the CLEAR key 21 is being pressed. If the CLEAR key 21 is not being pressed, the microprocessor 25 performs step sig to determine whether the POINTS key 19 is being pressed. If the POINTS key 19 is not being pressed, the microprocessor 25 returns to step s17. If$ however, the POINTS key 19 is being pressed, the microprocessor performs step s19- At step S19, the microprocessor 25 calculates the points for the food item according to the equation: C f where p is the points value, c is the number of kilocalories entered and f is the 1-s number of grams of saturated fat entered. The microprocessor 25 then cau s the display driver 33 to display the points value on the display Once the points value has been diplayed, the microprocessor 25 moves to step s9. If, for instance, the displayed points value is greater than the points left for the user for the current day, the user may not eat the food item and can press the CLEAR key 21.

After step s20 is performed, the microprocessor 25 re-enters the loop of steps s2, s3 and 84.

23 Another embodiment of the present invention will now be described, with reference to Figures 2, 4 and Referring to Figure 4, a slimmer's calculator is substantially the same as the WO 97/16791 PCT/US96/I 7511 embodiment described above and the same features are indicatedj With the same reference numbers. However,, this embodiment is provided with a SCAN UP key 4oand aSCAN DOWN ke41 These ksare edi conjunction with a database of points values for different food items stored in the ROM 27 (Figure: 2) to enable a user to use the calculator when the calorie and saturated fat values for a food-item are not available, for instance when eating in a restaurant.

The operation of the calculator, shown in Figure 4, will now be described with reference to Figure ,The operation of the calculator of Figure 4 is that same as that of the calculator of Figure I except for the addition of a step, step S21, to the keypress rest loop and an associated routine. If the answers to the tests at steps s2, s3 and s4 are all no, the mnicroprocessor 25 determines whether the SCAN UP~ key 40 or the SCAN DOWN key 41 is being pressed. If one of these keys is being pressed, the microprocessor 25 fir=t rests whether it is the SCAN DOWN key 41 which is being pressed at step a=2. If the SCAN DOWN key 41 is being pressed, the microprocessor 25 reads the first record 2o from the database in the ROM 27 and c auses it to be displayed (step s23).

The display 5 will comprise an identification of a food item, a number of points and the unit to which the points eaifointceBN A1 EACI-L STEAK 2 100G or COLA I 100ML Then the microprocessor returns to step s22.

V$

If ir is not the SCAN DOWN key 41 which is being Pressed, the microprocessor 25 confirms that the SCAN UP key 40 is being presd. If this is the case, the microprocessor 25 performs step s25 which comprises causing the last item in the database to be displayed on the display 5. Then jo the microprocessor 25 returns to step s22.

If the SCAN UPI key 40 or the SCANJ DOW key 41 is being pressed at this, WO 97/16791 PCTr/US96/17511 time, the microprocessor 25 moves to step s23 or step s25 as appropriate.

However, on this occasion, the preceding or succeeding database entry will be displayed, depending on 'Which key is being pressed.

If =iher the SCN UPkey 40 northe SCNDO lW ky 4 1 is being pressed, the microprocessor 25 determines whether the CLEAR key 21 is being pressed. If the CLEAR key 21 is not being pressed, the microprocessor moves on to step s27 where it determines wheth~er a numerical key 6..,.16 is being pressed. If a numerical key is being pressed, the Ya microprocessor 25 returns step s22. Otherwise, the microprocessor 25 moves on to step s28 where it determines whether the POINTS key 19 is being _pressed. If not, the microprocessor 25 returns to step s22. However, if it is, the microprocessor 25 performs step s29- At step s29, the microprocessor multiplies the points value for the last displayed database entry by the number is entered by the user. The result is displayed on the display 5. Next, the microprocessor 25 mnovcs to step s9.

A further embodiment of the present invention will now be described, with reference to Figures 2, 6 and 7.

Referring to Figure 6, the slimmer's calculator is substantially the same as in the first embodiment described above and the same features are indicated with the same reference numbers. However, thia embodiment is provided with a dietary fibre (FIRE) key S0 and the SAT PAT key 18 is now a FAT key.

2sThis key is divided so that 2 user can enter the weighit of dietry fibre in a portion of food.

The operation of the calculator, shown in Figure 6, will now be described with reference to Figure 7.

Referring to Figure 7, when the calculator is switched on, it piorms a self test routine s101 during which targets and current points left values in the WO 97/16791 PCT/US96/17511 RAM 29 are displayed on the display 5 with thae messages "TARGET. an "POINTS LEFT TrODAY" respectively. If the self vest routine siol reveals no faults, the Microprocessor 25 loops through three keypress test steps comprising "is the NEW D)AY key 22- being pressed s102, Iis a number or s decimal point key 6,..,16N being pressed for direct entry of points and "is the CAL key 17" being pressed for calculation of points.

If it is determined, at step s102 that the INEW DAY key 22 is being pressed, the microprocessor 25 performs step s105. At step S105, the microproesor jo 25 repeatedly determines whether a numerical key is being pressed to enable the user to enter his/her points target for the day. If a key other than a numerical key is being pressed, step s106 is performed. At step s106, the microprocsor 25 determines whether the STORE key 20 is being pressed. If not, the microprocessor 25 repeatedly interrogates the keypad is interface circuit 31 until it has been pressed. When the STORE key 20 is pressed, the microprocessor 25 performs step s107. At step s107, the microprocessor 25 stores the input target, or restores the previous value if no numerical keys have been pressed, ini the RAM 29, and sets an accmultedpoints value stored in the RAM 29 to zero. The dsly5 is za2 then updated at step s120, to show the messages "TARGET n" and "POINTS LEFT TODAY n accumulated points value", where n is the target value.

If it is determined, at step s103, that a number -or decimal point key, that is a numerical key, is being pressed, the microprocessor 25 moves on to step s108. At step s 108, the microprocessor 25 determines whether additional ~numerical keys C,..46 are being entered. Once a key other than a numerical key is pressed, the microprocessor 25 moves on to step s109 where it determines whether the CLEAR key 21 is being pressed. If the CLEAR key 21 is not. being pressed, the microprocessor 25 determines whether the .m STORE key 20 is being pressed at step si110. if the STORE key 20 is nor being pressedthe microprocessor 25 returns to step 109.

N- M WO 97/1 6791 PCT/US96,I 7511 If the STORE key 20 is being pressed. The microprocessor 25 perforu step sillI where the entered number is added to the accuniulared points total stored in the RAM 29. Finally, the target and points left values are displayed at step s120.

If it is determined, at step s104, that the CAL key 17 is being pressed, the microprocessor 25 repeaedly performs a number entry step, s113, until a nonnumeric key is pressed. This enables a user to enter the calorie value of an item of fo-od. When this occurs, the microprocessor 25 determines whether it za is the CLEARkey 21 tha is being prsed, stp s11 4 If the CLEA.Rkey 21 is not. being pressed, the microprocessor 25 determines that the FAT key 18 is being pressed, step s115. If the answer at step s115 is no, the microprocessor returns to step s114.

is Once the FAT key 18 has been pressed the microprocessor 25 performs another number entry step, step 116. This enables the user to enter the to quantity in grams of fats for the food item. At step s117, the microprocessor determines whether the CLEAR key 21 is being pressed. If the CLEAR key 21 is not being pressed, the microprocessor 25 performs step s121 to 2a determine whether the fibre (FIBRE) key 50 is being pressed. If the fibre (FIRE) key 50 is not being p ressed, the microprocessor 25 returns to step 117.

Once the fibre (FIBRE) key 50 has been, pressed, the microprocessor performs another number entry step, step s122. This enables a user to enter the quantity in grams of dietary fibre for the food item. At step s123, the microprocessor 25 determines whether the CLEAR key 21 is being pressed. If the CLEAR key 21 is not being pressed, the microprocessor 25 perforni step s1l8 to determine whether the POINTS key 19 is being pressed. If the .jo POINTS key 19 is not being pressed, the microprocessor 25 returns to step s123~. If, however, the POINTS key 19 is being pressed the microprocessor performas step s119. At step s119, The microprocesor 25 calculates the WO 97/16791 PCT/(JS9 6 /17 5 1 1 12 points for the food item according to the equazion: C r where P is the points value, e is the number of kilOcalories entred, f is the number of grams of far entered anr is the number of grams of dietry fibre I entered. The microprocessor 25 then causes the display driver 33 to diplayr the points value on the display S.

Once the points value has been displa1yed, the microprocessor 25 moves the step s 109. If, for instance, the displayed points value is greater than the points -to left for the use for the current day, the user may not ear the food item and cart press the CLEAR key 21.

After step s120 is performed, the microprocessor 25 re-enters the loop of steps s102, s103 and s104.

is The skilled person will appreciate that many variants of the present invention are possible. For instance, the calculator may be provided with an alphanumeric keyboard and be programmed to allow a user to enter all or part of a word for searching the datbase. Additionally, a user could use the keyboard to add records to the database. The art of calculators includes Macy techniques for updating stored data and the skilled person will readily see how these might be applied to the present invention.

The skilled peso will also appreciate that a calculator, according to the 2S present invention, may have a subset of the features 'of the described embodiments. For example, the storing of the target and "points left today* values mnay be omxitted.

Furthermore, the features of the second and third embodiments may be WO 97116791 PCTIJS96 1 7 5 1 1 13 COMbined in a single calculator.

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Claims (15)

1. A method of assisting a person in non-therapeutic slimming including: determining the caloric value, c, total amount of fat, f, and amount of dietary fiber, r, in candidate food servings and determining whether candidate food servings should be ingested, wherein the assisted person or assisting entity determine point values for different combinations of caloric content values, c, fat content values, f, and fiber content values, r, for typical food servings wherein the determined point value is a unit or half unit value given by the relationship p f f, r) and wherein p is monotone increasing with c, where f and r are held constant; p is monotone increasing with f, where c and r are held constant; and p is monotone decreasing with r, where c and fare held constant; the assisted person or assisting entity determine a point value allotted per day based on current body weight; during a day, the assisted person selecting and ingesting food servings having a total point value within that allotted; and 0:0 repeating at least step in successive days until the desired 20 weight reduction is achieved.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the relationship is p=c f r kl k 2 k 3

3. The method of claim 2, wherein c is in calories, f is in grams and r is in grams for each candidate food serving and where kl k2 k 3

4. The method of claim 3, wherein kl is about 50, k 2 is about 12 and k 3 is about A method of performing a non-therapeutic slimming including: \\server\e\docs\patents\claims\9393.doc determining the caloric value, c, and amount of fat, f, in candidate food servings and determining whether candidate food servings should be ingested; including the steps of calculating an integer or half integer point value, p, for each candidate food serving where p is monotone increasing with c and p is monotone increasing with f; determining a point value allotted per day based on current body weight; selecting food servings for a day's intake on the basis of point value; during the day, ingesting food servings having a total point value within that allotted; and (e)repeating at least steps and in successive days until the desired weight reduction is achieved.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the point value, p, is determined in accordance with an equation of the form k, k 2 where c is in calories and f is in grams, where k, and k 2 are constants, and 20 where k, is greater than k 2

7. The method of claim 6, where the ratio of k, to k 2 is in a range of 10 to

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the determining of an amount of dietary fiber, r, and reducing the value p based on the value of r.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the point value, p, is determined in accordance with an equation of the form p= c _f r k, k 2 k 3 where c is in calories, f is in grams and r is in grams, where kj, k 2 and k 2 R are constants and where k, k2 k 3 \\serve r\e\docs\patents\clai ms\9393.doc 16 A process for reducing body weight in a human being comprising the steps of: measuring the number of kilocalories, c, in candidate food serving; measuring the total amount of fat, f, in the candidate food servings; measuring the amount of dietary fiber, r, in the candidate food serving; calculating a value p for each candidate food serving in accordance with the equation; p= f .r k, k 2 k 3 wherein k, is about .0 10 wherein k 2 is about 12 when f is measured in grams; and wherein k 3 is about 5 when r is measured in grams; calculating a maximum numerical value allotted per day based on current body weight, coloric reduction to be achieved, physical activity level, and physical activity duration; 15 during a day, selecting and ingesting food servings having a sum of p values less than or equal to the calculated maximum; and repeating at least step on successive days until the desired weight reduction is achieved.

11. The process of claim 10, further comprising the step of rounding the p values for each candidate food serving to a whole number. \\server\e\docs\patents\claims\9393.doc 17

12. A method of achieving non-therapeutic weight reduction in a person including: determining the caloric value c, total amount of fat f, and amount of dietary fibre r in candidate food servings and determining whether candidate food servings should be ingested; including the steps of determining a rounded point value p for each candidate food serving in accordance with equation p= c f r. k, k 2 k 3 where the ratio of k 2 and k 3 are predetermined constants; determining a point value allotted per day based on current body weight of the person; 15 providing options for selection of food servings having a total point value less than that allotted.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein k 2 is in the range k,/4.5 to k,/1.5 when f is measured in grams.

14. A method according to claim 12, wherein k 3 is in the range of to k 1 /5 when r is measured in grams.

15. A method according to claim 12, wherein k, 50, k 2 12 and k 3 where f and r are measured in grams.

16. A method according to claim 12, wherein the calculation of step (a) is performed electronically in a computer device having a memory including parameters necessary to make said calculation. \\server\e\docs\patents\claims\9393.doc 18

17. A method of achieving non-therapeutic weight reduction in a person including: determining the caloric value c and amount of fat f in candidate food servings and determining whether candidate food servings should be ingested; including the steps of determining a rounded point value p for each candidate food serving in accordance with the equation P= c f k, k 2 where the ratio of k, to k 2 is in a range corresponding to the range of 10 to 35 with c in kilocalories and f in grams; determining a point value allotted per day based on current body Sweight of the person; providing options for selection of servings having a total point value less than that allotted. Dated this 2 8 th day of June, 2002 WEIGHT WATCHERS (UK) LIMITED By its Patent Attorneys Chrysiliou Law \\server\e\docs\patents\claims\9393.doc