JP2006239272A - Eating utensil - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide eating utensils capable of measuring information related to a guide to how to eat. <P>SOLUTION: The eating utensils are provided with food contact parts to be brought into contact with food and holding parts to be held by a user, wherein the utensils have a movement sensing means for sensing movements of the utensils and a timing means for timing time information. The information related to the guide to how to eat is obtained by the use of the movement of the utensils sensed by the sensing means and the time information about the food measured by the timing means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a meal utensil used for diet therapy in health care, and more particularly to a meal utensil useful for teaching and managing how to eat.

  Diet, exercise and rest are the three pillars that support health. Among them, meals are important, and it is said that many of the sick, semi-healthy and obese constitutions are caused by distortions in the diet. The principle of diet is to protect the proper energy intake and take a balanced diet regularly. For example, in daily life, there are three meals with a uniform calorie intake for each meal, eating slowly over time, etc. In hospitals, `` To mitigate early eating, Instructions such as “30 times”, “Only one type can be put in the mouth at a time”, “Put chopsticks until swallowed” are given. Eating meals is important in correcting eating habits. It takes about 30 minutes from the start of eating until the food is digested and fullness is felt. People who eat quickly get fat before they finish eating before they feel full. It is because it takes too much. The act of mastication itself is transmitted to the center via the trigeminal nerve, which promotes a feeling of fullness. Therefore, in diet therapy, in order to acquire the habit of eating over time, it is recommended to acquire the correct chewing habit.

Conventionally, as a mastication counter for instructing and assisting mastication, the number of mastication times when the mouth is moved is detected by a sensor of a device attached to the body, and guidance such as the number of mastication times, termination, left and right switching etc. is provided by bodily sensation signals In some cases, the number of mastications can be known without being counted by a person (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-166899 A

  However, the above-mentioned conventional configuration measures and manages the number of chewing cycles, and it is not possible to manage how to eat meals using these. There is also a method to check and record the time required for eating with a clock, but it is cumbersome to actually measure at the time of eating, and even if the time required for the whole meal can be measured, it can be an index of how to eat Could not be measured.

  In view of the above-described conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a meal utensil capable of measuring information serving as an index of how to eat.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the eating utensil of the present invention includes a food and drink contact portion that comes into contact with food and drink, a holding portion that is held by a user, and a motion detection that detects the movement of the eating utensil. Means and time measuring means for measuring time information.

  According to the eating utensil of the present invention, it is possible to provide a eating utensil for measuring information serving as an index of how to eat.

  The eating utensil of the present invention includes a food and drink contact portion that comes into contact with food and drink, a holding portion that is held by a user, a motion detection means that detects the movement of the eating utensil, and a timing means that measures time information. And.

  In this way, it is possible to automatically detect the movement of the eating utensil while eating and to measure time information related to the meal. By using the detected movement of the eating utensil and the time information on the measured meal, for example, the length of time during which the eating utensil is not moving can be obtained. The length of time during which a meal is not being eaten is substantially equal to the interval at which food and drink are supplied to the mouth (the time from the first supply of food to the mouth until the second supply of food) Can be regarded as equivalent to The interval at which food and drink are supplied to the mouth reflects the chewing speed, the number of chewing times, the amount contained in the mouth, and the like, and thus can be used as an index of how to eat.

  Examples of the eating utensil of the present invention include chopsticks, forks, spoons and the like.

  Examples of the motion detection means include an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor, a vibration sensor that detects vibration by measuring displacement, a sensor that detects the distance between the eating utensil and the human body, and the like. With this configuration, it is possible to detect the acceleration, speed, vibration, the distance between the eating utensil and the human body, and the like, and the movement of the eating utensil can be detected based on this.

  Here, it is preferable that the acceleration sensor is provided so as to detect acceleration in a direction orthogonal to the long axis of the eating utensil. In this way, the possibility of detecting acceleration in the long axis direction of the eating utensil decreases. Since the operation of supplying food to the mouth is often performed in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the eating utensil, noise caused by the operation of the eating utensil other than the feeding operation to the mouth can be reduced.

  Calculation means for obtaining information serving as an index of how to eat a user of the eating utensil based on the movement of the eating utensil detected by the movement detecting means and the time information measured by the timing means It is preferable to further comprise.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the eating utensil further includes a presentation unit that presents information obtained by the calculation unit. Here, examples of the presenting means include one that displays the result using a display such as a liquid crystal, one that informs the result by voice using a speaker, and one that informs the result by lighting a button on the display panel, etc. . With this configuration, the user can grasp the information obtained by the calculation means by himself / herself. Further, if the analysis result is displayed in real time, the status of the supply operation can be confirmed, and the meal speed can be adjusted while eating.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the eating utensil further includes a recording unit that records a detection result by the motion detection unit and time information. With this configuration, since the movement of the eating utensil can be recorded in time series, the transition of the movement of the eating utensil during the meal period can be analyzed. Since the time when the eating utensils are not moving can be regarded as substantially equivalent to the time when food is contained in the mouth, by analyzing the transition of the movement of the eating utensils, the meal pattern, specifically, the meal period You can see the time when the food is contained in the mouth and the time when the food is not in the mouth, and the pace distribution of the meal.

  It is preferable that the eating utensil further includes counting means for counting the number of movements of the eating utensil detected by the movement detecting means. In this way, for example, the number of movements of the eating utensils can be automatically counted while eating, so for example, the counted number of movements of the eating utensils is divided by the time required for the meal. Thus, information serving as an index of how to eat such as the number of movements of the eating utensils per unit time can be obtained. An example of the counting means is a counter.

  It is preferable that the eating utensil further includes a determining unit that determines that the movement of the eating utensil detected by the movement detecting unit is caused by an operation of supplying food and drink to the user's mouth. If it does in this way, since the thing which is not related to the operation | movement which supplies food / beverage to a user's mouth can be removed in the motion of the eating utensil detected by the motion detection means, it becomes an index of how to eat. Information can be obtained with higher accuracy. Whether the determination means is the supply of food to the mouth based on the data that associates the movement of the eating utensil with the supply operation of the food to the mouth based on the detection value detected by the movement detection means. Determine whether. An example of the determination unit is a CPU.

  A timer or the like can be cited as the time measuring means. With this configuration, it is possible to measure and analyze the supply operation and the number of supply times in time series.

  It is preferable that the holding device includes holding detecting means for detecting whether or not the user holds the eating device. In this way, by using the holding detection means and the time measuring means, it is possible to know the time during which the user holds the meal utensil, and for example, the time required for the meal can be obtained.

  In addition, in order to prevent premature eating and to adjust the meal time, after supplying food to the mouth, there is a case where guidance is given to secure the chewing time by releasing the hand from the eating device. Therefore, in order to distinguish between when the eating utensil is held and when it is not, the lamp is turned on or the music is played while the eating utensil is not held. Can promote compliance.

  As a holding | maintenance detection means, an electrode, an infrared sensor, etc. are mentioned, for example. If the electrode is provided in the holding portion as the holding detection means and is configured to be conductive when held by hand, it can be detected by holding that the eating utensil is held (held by the hand). Further, the same effect can be obtained by providing an infrared sensor such as an infrared sensor in the holding unit as a holding detection means.

  Preferably, the recording means records the result detected by the holding detection means together with the time information timed by the time measuring means. With this configuration, if you record whether or not you hold a meal utensil in time series along with the number of times of supply and operation, you will be able to know the time you are holding the meal utensil, and how to handle your personal utensils And analyze patterns. At this time, a value obtained by dividing the number of times of supply by the time for which the eating utensil is held may be used as information serving as an index for eating. In this case, there is an effect of removing the time other than mastication included in the meal time, and information that more reflects the eating action time at the time of meal can be obtained.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the eating utensil of the present invention is provided with detection time designating means for designating a time for detecting the movement of the eating utensil by the motion detecting means. The detection time designating means is not particularly limited as long as it is a means for designating and inputting the detection time, but means such as a switch, button, touch panel or the like for a person to input an input, means for voice recognition, etc. . The detection time can be specified at any time during the meal, but by specifying the detection time from the start to the end of the meal, it is possible to analyze how individuals eat in the entire meal It becomes.

  Interval for supplying food and drink determined by the eating utensil of the present invention to the mouth, time during which food is included in the mouth during meals, time during which meals are not eaten, meal pace distribution, movement of eating utensils per unit time It is preferable to provide presentation information designating means for designating information to be presented to the presenting means among a plurality of pieces of information serving as an index of how to eat such as the number of times of eating and the time during which the eating utensil is held. The presentation information designation means is not particularly limited as long as it is a means for designating and inputting information to be presented to the presentation means, but means such as a switch, a button, a touch panel, a keyboard, or the like for a person to give an input instruction, or voice recognition And the like.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a meal device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In the eating utensil according to the present embodiment, two chopsticks 1 are electrically connected by a cable 2, and an electrode 3 is provided as a holding detection means on a holding portion that is a portion for holding the chopsticks 1 by hand. is there. When the chopsticks 1 are held by hand, the two electrodes 3 are conducted to detect that the eating utensil is held. Of the two chopsticks 1, the chopsticks 1 provided with the switch 4 and the liquid crystal screen 5 include an acceleration sensor (see FIG. 1) that is a motion detection unit that detects the movement of the chopsticks 1 by measuring the acceleration of the chopsticks 1. Determination means (not shown) for determining that the movement of the chopsticks 1 detected by the acceleration sensor is due to an operation of supplying food and drink to the user's mouth, and a supply operation. A counter (not shown) which is a counting means for counting, a timer (not shown) which is a time measuring means for detecting a predetermined time set in advance or measuring an elapsed time, and supply operation and supply in time series A memory (not shown) which is a recording means for recording the number of times and whether or not the eating utensil is held, a computing means (not shown) for analyzing the recorded time information and supply operation, and each means Batteries as power supply means for supplying power to And a not shown) and. On the surface of the chopsticks 1, a liquid crystal screen 5 which is a presentation means for presenting the analysis result, a detection time designation means for designating a time for detecting the movement of the chopstick 1 by the acceleration sensor, and a presentation information designation means for designating the analysis result to be presented And a switch 4 that also serves as Moreover, the edge part vicinity on the opposite side to the part in which the electrode 3 of the chopsticks 1 was provided functions as the food-and-beverage contact part which contacts food and drink.

  The user picks up the chopsticks 1 when eating and turns on the switch 4 to start measurement. While the chopstick 1 is being held, the electrode 3 is in contact with the electrode 3 to conduct, and while the conduction is detected, it is determined that the chopstick 1 is being held. When the switch 4 is turned ON, the timer is reset and time measurement is started. Then, the change in the acceleration of the chopsticks 1 is measured by the acceleration sensor until the switch 4 is turned OFF at the end of the meal and the supply frequency measurement is completed. When the change in the acceleration of the chopsticks 1 measured by the acceleration sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the determination means determines that the movement of the chopsticks 1 is an operation for supplying food to the mouth. The threshold value is set based on data in which a change in acceleration of the chopsticks 1 is associated with a food supply operation to the mouth. The supply operation determined by the determination unit and the number of supply operations counted by the counter are recorded in the memory together with time information. Further, whether or not continuity is detected is recorded in the memory in time series.

  The calculation means calculates a supply speed (meal speed) from the number of times of supply recorded in time series in the memory and the time during which continuity is detected (holding the eating utensil in hand). Here, the supply speed is obtained by dividing the number of times of supply counted while detecting continuity by the time during which continuity is detected. The supply speed calculated by the calculation means is presented on the liquid crystal screen 5.

  The user can operate the switch 4 and present an average value at any time before the end of the meal. Upon receiving the designation of the average value presentation, the calculation means obtains the average value of the supply speed and the supply interval recorded in time series in the memory and presents them on the liquid crystal screen 5. The supply interval is the time from when food is supplied to the mouth once until food is supplied for the second time, and is calculated based on the supply operation recorded in time series in the memory.

  According to the present embodiment, by using the chopsticks 1 to eat, the number of times the food is supplied to the mouth using the chopsticks 1 per unit time and the supply interval can be confirmed on the liquid crystal screen. You can manage and grasp the speed of meals.

  In the present embodiment, a mode is used in which the time for detecting the movement of the chopsticks 1 is instructed by turning the switch 4 ON / OFF. However, a configuration is adopted in which the power is automatically turned off after a certain time has elapsed. May be. Or you may take the structure which can input and designate measurement end time and measurement time freely. With such a configuration, it is possible to avoid waste of power when the switch 4 is forgotten to be turned off.

  Further, it may take a form such as playing music or turning on a lamp when the chopsticks 1 are not held. In this case, you can expect the effect of promoting the habit of lowering chopsticks during chewing, and forgetting to turn off switch 4 of chopsticks 1 at the end of the meal in order to realize that chopsticks 1 are turned on. We can expect prevention effect.

  In the present embodiment, among the two chopsticks 1, an acceleration sensor, a determination unit, a counter, a timer, a memory, a calculation unit, a battery, and the like are provided in the chopsticks 1 provided with the switch 4 and the liquid crystal screen 5. However, since the two chopsticks are electrically connected by a cable, the acceleration sensor, determination means, counter, timer, memory, calculation means, and battery are at least one of the two chopsticks. What is necessary is just to be provided in one side.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a meal device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the same components as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the difference from the first embodiment is that the chopsticks 1 are not connected by a cable, and the holding detection means provided in the holding unit is the infrared sensor 6. From the human body, infrared rays with a wavelength corresponding to the body temperature are emitted. Since the wavelength of infrared rays around 36.5 degrees is 6 to 14 μm, the human body can be recognized by an infrared sensor provided with a filter that transmits only the wavelength of 6 to 14 μm.

  The user picks up the chopsticks 1 when eating and turns on the switch 4 to start measurement. While holding the chopsticks 1, the infrared sensor 6 of the holding unit detects the body temperature of the person and determines that the chopsticks 1 are being held. Since operations other than the detection of the holding of the eating utensil are the same as those of the eating utensil of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  According to the present embodiment, by using the chopsticks 1 to eat, as in the first embodiment, the number of times the food is supplied to the mouth using the chopsticks 1 per unit time and the supply interval are displayed on the liquid crystal screen 5. You can check and manage your own meal speed.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a meal utensil according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the same components as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, the difference from the first embodiment is not shown in the figure, but is a vibration sensor that is a motion detection unit that detects the movement of the chopstick 1 by measuring the vibration of the chopstick 1 inside the chopstick 1. And a determination means for determining that the movement of the chopsticks 1 detected by the vibration sensor is due to an operation of supplying food and drink to the user's mouth.

  The user picks up the chopsticks 1 when eating and turns on the switch 4 to start measurement. While the chopstick 1 is being held, the electrode 3 is in contact with the electrode 3 to conduct, and while the conduction is detected, it is determined that the chopstick 1 is being held. When the switch 4 is turned ON, the timer is reset and time measurement is started. Then, the vibration level of the chopsticks 1 is measured by the vibration sensor until the switch 4 is turned off at the end of the meal and the supply frequency measurement is completed. When the degree of vibration of the chopsticks 1 measured by the vibration sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the determination means determines that the movement of the chopsticks 1 is an operation for supplying food to the mouth. The threshold is set based on data in which the degree of vibration of the chopsticks 1 is associated with the food supply operation to the mouth. The supply operation determined by the determination unit and the number of supply operations counted by the counter are recorded in the memory together with time information. Further, whether or not continuity is detected is recorded in the memory in time series.

  The calculation means calculates the supply rate (meal of the meal) in the same manner as in the first embodiment from the number of times of supply recorded in time series in the memory and the time during which continuity is detected (holding the eating utensil in the hand). Speed). The supply speed calculated by the calculation means is presented on the liquid crystal screen 5.

  As in the first embodiment, the user can operate the switch 4 and present an average value at any time before the end of the meal. Upon receiving the designation of the average value presentation, the calculation means obtains the average value of the supply speed and the supply interval recorded in time series in the memory and presents them on the liquid crystal screen 5. The supply interval is the time from when food is supplied to the mouth once until food is supplied for the second time, and is calculated based on the supply operation recorded in time series in the memory.

  According to the present embodiment, by using the chopsticks 1 to eat, as in the first embodiment, the number of times the food is supplied to the mouth using the chopsticks 1 per unit time and the supply interval are displayed on the liquid crystal screen 5. You can check and manage your own meal speed.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a meal device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. 4, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 4, the difference from the first embodiment is not shown in the figure, but is a vibration sensor that is a motion detection means for detecting the movement of the chopstick 1 by measuring the vibration of the chopstick 1 inside the chopstick 1. And a determination means for determining that the movement of the chopsticks 1 detected by vibration is due to an operation of supplying food and drink to the user's mouth, and the chopsticks 1 are connected with a cable. It is the point which is not connected and the holding | maintenance detection means provided in the holding | maintenance part is the infrared sensor 6 similarly to Embodiment 2. FIG.

  Since the operation of holding and detecting the chopsticks 1 using the infrared sensor 6 is the same as that of the eating utensil of the second embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. Moreover, since operations other than the detection of holding of the eating utensil are the same as those of the eating utensil according to Embodiment 3, the description thereof is omitted.

  According to the present embodiment, by using the chopsticks 1 to eat, as in the first embodiment, the number of times the food is supplied to the mouth using the chopsticks 1 per unit time and the supply interval are displayed on the liquid crystal screen 5. You can check and manage your own meal speed.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a meal utensil according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the same components as those in FIG.

  In the eating utensil according to the embodiment of the present invention, two electrodes 3 are provided as holding detection means in a holding portion which is a portion for holding the spoon 7 by hand. When the spoon 7 is held by hand, it is configured to detect that the eating utensil is held by conducting between the two electrodes 3. Inside the spoon 7, there are used an acceleration sensor (not shown) which is a motion detection means for detecting the movement of the spoon 7 by measuring the acceleration of the spoon 7, and the movement of the spoon 7 detected by the acceleration sensor. Determination means (not shown) for determining that it is caused by an operation of supplying food and drink to the person's mouth, a counter (not shown) which is a counting means for counting the supply operation, and a predetermined preset A timer (not shown) which is a timekeeping means for detecting time and measuring elapsed time, a memory (not shown) which is a recording means for recording supply operations in time series, and recorded time information And a calculation means (not shown) for analyzing the supply operation, and a battery (not shown) as a power supply means for supplying power to each means. On the surface of the spoon 7, a liquid crystal screen 5 which is a presentation means for presenting the analysis result, a detection time designation means for designating a time for detecting the movement of the spoon 7 by the acceleration sensor, and a presentation information designation means for designating the analysis result to be presented And a switch 4 that also serves as Moreover, the edge part vicinity (elliptical part in a figure) on the opposite side to the part in which the electrode 3 of the spoon 7 was provided functions as a food-and-beverage contact part which contacts food and drink.

  The user picks up the spoon 7 when eating and turns on the switch 4 to start measurement. While the hand holds the spoon 7, the hand touches the electrode 3 to conduct, and the time when the conduction is detected is determined to be when the spoon 7 is held. When the switch 4 is turned ON, the timer is reset and time measurement is started. Then, the change in the acceleration of the spoon 7 is measured by the acceleration sensor until the switch 4 is turned OFF at the end of the meal and the supply frequency measurement is completed. When the change in the acceleration of the spoon 7 measured by the acceleration sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is determined by the determination means that the movement of the spoon 7 is a food supply operation to the mouth. The threshold value is set based on data in which a change in the acceleration of the spoon 7 is associated with a food supply operation to the mouth. The supply operation determined by the determination unit and the number of supply operations counted by the counter are recorded in the memory together with time information. Further, whether or not continuity is detected is recorded in the memory in time series.

  The calculation means calculates the supply rate (meal of the meal) in the same manner as in the first embodiment from the number of times of supply recorded in time series in the memory and the time during which continuity is detected (holding the eating utensil in the hand). Speed). The supply speed calculated by the analyzing means is presented on the liquid crystal screen 5.

  The user can operate the switch 4 and present an average value at any time before the end of the meal. Upon receiving the designation of the average value presentation, the calculation means obtains the average value of the supply speed and the supply interval recorded in time series in the memory and presents them on the liquid crystal screen 5. The supply interval is the time from when food is supplied to the mouth once until food is supplied for the second time, and is calculated based on the supply operation recorded in time series in the memory.

  According to the present embodiment, by using the spoon 7 to eat, the number of times that the food is supplied to the mouth using the spoon 7 per unit time and the supply interval can be confirmed on the liquid crystal screen 5. Can manage and understand the speed of meals.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a meal utensil according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the same components as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 6, the difference from the fifth embodiment is that the holding detection means provided in the holding unit is the infrared sensor 6 as in the second embodiment.

  About operation | movement of holding | maintenance detection of the spoon 7 using the infrared sensor 6, since it is the same as the eating utensil of Embodiment 2, description is abbreviate | omitted. Moreover, since operations other than the detection of holding of the eating utensil are the same as those of the eating utensil of the fifth embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  According to the present embodiment, by using the spoon 7 to eat, as in the fifth embodiment, the number of times the food is supplied to the mouth using the spoon 7 per unit time and the supply interval are displayed on the liquid crystal screen 5. You can check and manage your own meal speed.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a meal utensil according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the same components as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, the difference from the fifth embodiment is not shown in the figure, but inside the spoon 7 is a vibration sensor that detects the movement of the spoon 7 by measuring the vibration of the spoon 7, and a vibration sensor. The detection means for determining that the detected movement of the spoon 7 is caused by the operation of supplying food and drink to the mouth of the user is incorporated.

  The user picks up the spoon 7 when eating and turns on the switch 4 to start measurement. While the hand holds the spoon 7, the hand touches the electrode 3 to conduct, and the time when the conduction is detected is determined to be when the spoon 7 is held. When the switch 4 is turned ON, the timer is reset and time measurement is started. Then, the vibration level of the spoon 7 is measured by the vibration sensor until the switch 4 is turned OFF at the end of the meal and the supply frequency measurement is completed. When the degree of vibration of the spoon 7 measured by the vibration sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the determination means determines that the movement of the spoon 7 is an operation for supplying food to the mouth. The threshold value is set based on data in which the degree of vibration of the spoon 7 is associated with the operation of supplying food to the mouth. The supply operation determined by the determination unit and the number of supply operations counted by the counter are recorded in the memory together with time information. Further, whether or not continuity is detected is recorded in the memory in time series.

  The calculation means calculates the supply rate (meal of the meal) in the same manner as in the fifth embodiment from the number of times of supply recorded in time series in the memory and the time during which continuity is detected (holding the eating utensil in hand). Speed). The supply speed calculated by the calculation means is presented on the liquid crystal screen 5.

  The user can operate the switch 4 and present an average value at any time before the end of the meal. Upon receiving the designation of the average value presentation, the calculation means obtains the average value of the supply speed and the supply interval recorded in time series in the memory and presents them on the liquid crystal screen 5. The supply interval is the time from when food is supplied to the mouth once until food is supplied for the second time, and is calculated based on the supply operation recorded in time series in the memory.

  According to the present embodiment, a meal is performed using the spoon 7, and the number of times food is supplied to the mouth using the spoon 7 per unit time and the supply interval are displayed on the liquid crystal screen 5 as in the fifth embodiment. You can check and manage and understand your own meal speed.

(Embodiment 8)
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a meal utensil according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the same components as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 8, the difference from the fifth embodiment is not shown in the figure, but a vibration sensor that detects the movement of the spoon 7 by measuring the vibration of the spoon 7 inside the spoon 7 and a vibration sensor. The detection means for determining that the detected movement of the spoon 7 is caused by the operation of supplying food and drink to the mouth of the user, and the holding detection means provided in the holding portion Is the infrared sensor 6 as in the sixth embodiment.

  About operation | movement of holding | maintenance detection of the spoon 7 using the infrared sensor 6, since it is the same as the eating utensil of Embodiment 2, description is abbreviate | omitted. Moreover, since operations other than the detection of holding of the eating utensil are the same as those of the eating utensil of the seventh embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  According to the present embodiment, by using the spoon 7 to eat, as in the fifth embodiment, the number of times the food is supplied to the mouth using the spoon 7 per unit time and the supply interval are displayed on the liquid crystal screen 5. You can check and manage your own meal speed.

  In addition, in Embodiments 5-8, although the spoon was used as a meal tool, the same effect can be expected even if a fork having the same configuration is used.

  The meal device according to the present invention can measure information serving as an index of how to eat, and is useful as a device for teaching and managing how to eat. It can also be applied to health management and health promotion using diet therapy.

Schematic of the meal utensil in one embodiment of the present invention Schematic of a meal utensil according to another embodiment of the present invention Schematic of the eating utensil in still another embodiment of the present invention Schematic of the eating utensil in still another embodiment of the present invention Schematic of the eating utensil in still another embodiment of the present invention Schematic of the eating utensil in still another embodiment of the present invention Schematic of the eating utensil in still another embodiment of the present invention Schematic of the eating utensil in still another embodiment of the present invention

Explanation of symbols

1 Chopstick 2 Cable 3 Electrode 4 Switch 5 LCD screen 6 Infrared sensor 7 Spoon

Claims (9)

A food utensil provided with a food and drink contact portion that comes into contact with food and drink, and a holding portion for the user to hold,
Movement detecting means for detecting movement of the eating utensil;
A meal utensil provided with a time measuring means for measuring time information. Furthermore, a calculation means for obtaining information serving as an index of how to eat the user based on the movement of the eating utensil detected by the movement detection means and the time information measured by the timing means. The eating utensil according to claim 1. Furthermore, the eating device of Claim 1 or 2 provided with the counting means which counts the frequency | count of the motion of the said eating device detected by the said motion detection means. Furthermore, it has the determination means which determines that the motion of the said eating utensil detected by the said motion detection means originates in the operation | movement which supplies the said food and drink to the said user's mouth. The eating device according to any one of -3. Furthermore, the eating utensil of any one of Claims 1-4 provided with the recording means which records the detection result by the said motion detection means, and the said time information. The meal device according to claim 2, further comprising a presentation unit that presents the information obtained by the calculation unit. The eating utensil according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the motion detection means is an acceleration sensor. 8. The eating utensil according to claim 7, wherein the acceleration sensor is provided so as to detect acceleration in a direction orthogonal to the major axis of the eating utensil. Furthermore, the eating device of any one of Claims 1-8 provided with the holding | maintenance detection means in the said holding | maintenance part which detects whether the said user is holding the said eating device.

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