WO2000058851A1

WO2000058851A1 - A dietary system

Info

Publication number: WO2000058851A1
Application number: PCT/IB2000/000343
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edward Henry Mathews; Cornelia Mathews; Cornelis Petrus Botha; Werner Bouwer; Johann Erich Wolfgang Holm; Justin Frank Schoeman
Original assignee: Edward Henry Mathews; Cornelia Mathews; Cornelis Petrus Botha; Werner Bouwer; Johann Erich Wolfgang Holm; Justin Frank Schoeman
Priority date: 1999-03-26
Filing date: 2000-03-24
Publication date: 2000-10-05
Also published as: AU3315000A

Abstract

A hand-held dietary device is provided for monitoring intake of foodstuffs by a user. The device includes memory means which operatively stores a data base, which includes nutritional data, display means, input means, and processor means. The display means displays at least the nutritional data and the input means feeds in data on foodstuffs consumed by the user. The processor means controls operation of the memory means, display means, and input means and the database is arranged so that the nutritional data of each type of foodstuff is determined from at least an inspected volumetric estimation by the user which is entered via the input means. The invention extends to a dietary system including the dietary device and a web server arrangement. The web server arrangement may include a master nutritional data base and be operable upon request to provide selected data on foodstuffs from the master nutritional data base to each dietary device via the Internet. The invention extends further to a method of controlling operation of a dietary device.

Description

A DIETARY SYSTEM

THIS INVENTION relates to a dietary system. It also relates to a hand-held dietary device and to a method of operation of a dietary device.

According to the invention, there is provided a dietary system which includes a plurality of dietary devices each of which includes memory means for storing nutritional data and interface means for receiving nutritional data; and a web server arrangement which includes a master nutritional database including nutritional data, the web server arrangement being operable upon request to provide selected data on foodstuffs from the master nutritional data base to each dietary device via the Internet.

The system may include a plurality of personal computers which each act as an intermediary for receiving data from the web server arrangement. Each personal computer may include a web browser and a PC dietary device interface to allow communication between the dietary device and the personal computer.

The dietary device may include memory means which operatively stores a database including nutritional data; display means for displaying at least the nutritional data; input means for feeding in data on foodstuffs consumed by a user; and processor means for controlling operation of the memory means, display means, and input means, the database being arranged so that the nutritional data of each type of foodstuff is determined from at least an inspected volumetric estimation by the user which is entered via the input means.

Still further in accordance with the invention, there is provided a hand-held dietary device for monitoring intake of foodstuffs by a user, the device including memory means which operatively stores a database including nutritional data; display means for displaying at least the nutritional data; input means for feeding in data on foodstuffs consumed by the user; and processor means for controlling operation of the memory means, display means, and input means, the database being arranged so that the nutritional data of each type of foodstuff is determined from at least an inspected volumetric estimation by the user which is entered via the input means.

As the foodstuff is inspected by the user to obtain an inspected volumetric estimation of the foodstuff, ease of use of the device is greatly facilitated. For example, no measuring device such as a scale or the like is required to determine the quantum of food consumed. The processor means in conjunction with the database in the device may obtain the nutritional equivalent in recognised units, e.g. kilojoules, calories, fat, carbohydrates, fibre and protein.

The inspected volumetric estimation may be selected from the group consisting of a medium serving, a can, a tot, a tablet, a medium slice, a medium roll, a medium bun, a piece of predetermined dimensions, a block of predetermined dimensions, a bar, a small packet, a scoop, a cup, a tablespoon, a teaspoon, a medium fist size, a sandwich, a disc with a predetermined diameter and a half-cup.

The processor means may interrogate the database to obtain nutritional data on the foodstuffs, the nutritional data being selected from the group consisting of kilojoules, calories, fat, carbohydrates, fibre and protein.

The input means may be defined by the display means, the processor means, and at least one user key. The display means may be arranged under control of the processor means to display a plurality of foodstuffs wherein the user key operatively selecting at least one foodstuff consumed in a menu-driven fashion.

The hand-held device may include a user key to instruct the device to enter data, a user key to instruct the device to move back in the menu, a user key to move a pointer back up on the display means and/or a user key to move the pointer down on the display means.

The hand-held device is typically arranged to provide a main menu on its display means. The main menu may include menu items selected from the group consisting of a shortcut list, a food category list, a summary, and a transfer function. The particular menu item may be selected by means of the user keys and wherein the shortcut list lists foodstuffs which are consumed regularly, the summary displays cumulative totals of foodstuffs consumed, and the transfer function allows data to be transferred to the device.

The display means, under control of the processor means, preferably shows a graphic representation of the cumulative totals.

The foodstuffs may be selected in the menu-driven fashion in foodstuff categories selected from the group consisting of average meals, grains and cereals, dairy and egg, desserts, drinks, fish, meat, poultry, rice and pasta, sources and oils, seeds and nuts, snacks, soup, spreads, vegetables and fruit.

The foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "average meal" is selected may be selected from the group consisting of burger, fast food, full meals, pizza, salad and sandwich.

The foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "grains and cereals" is selected may be selected from the group consisting of bagel, bread, bun/roll, cake/large, cake/small, muffin, pancake, pastries, pie, cereal, cookies, crackers, grains, and porridge.

The foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "dairy and egg" is selected may be selected from the group consisting of cheese, egg, milk and yoghurt. The foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "desserts" is selected may be selected from the group consisting of cones, ice-cream, ices, milkshakes, pudding and waffle.

The foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "drinks" is selected may be selected from the group consisting of alcohol, beer, cocktail, spirit, wine, juice/nectar, hot drinks, soda and water.

The foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "fish" is selected may be selected from the group consisting of caned/drained, fresh and seafood.

The foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "meat" is selected may be selected from the group consisting of beef, goat, lamb, pork, rabbit, veal, processed, loaf/patty and sausage.

The foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "poultry" is selected may be selected from the group consisting of chicken, duck, goose and turkey.

The foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "rice and pasta" is selected may be selected from rice and pasta.

The foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "sources and oils" is selected may be selected from the group consisting of oil, fat, fish, plant, salad dressing, savoury sources and sweet sources.

The foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "seeds and nuts" is selected may be selected from nuts and seeds.

The foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "snacks" is selected may be selected from the group consisting of chocolate slab, health bar, sweeteners and sweets.

The foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "soup" is selected may be selected from meat or vegetable.

The foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "vegetables and fruit" is selected may be selected from the group consisting of fruit, can, dried, fresh, frozen, vegetables, beans, can, cooked, dried, fresh, frozen, herbs, pickles and seaweed.

The hand-held device may include interface means for interfacing the device to a personal computer.

The interface means is typically a serial port.

The hand-held device preferably includes a default database which is optionally modified by a user in use.

Still further in accordance with the invention, there is provided a method of operation of a dietary device, the method including determining the nutritional value of a selected type of foodstuff from at least an inspected volumetric estimation entered by a user via input means and inspecting a database which defines a nutritional equivalent of the foodstuff.

The database may include a plurality of foodstuff categories.

The method may include providing the user with a selection of inspected volumetric estimations and a plurality of foodstuff categories, each particular foodstuff and each particular inspected volumetric estimation being selected in a menu-driven fashion.

The processor means typically inspects the database to obtain nutritional data on the foodstuffs, the nutritional data being selected from the group consisting of kilojoules, calories, fat, carbohydrates, fibre and protein, and the method includes displaying the nutritional data on a display.

The hand-held dietary device may define a nutrition monitoring device which includes input means for feeding input data into the device; storage means in which nutritional data on the energy content of a plurality of foodstuffs is stored; processor means connected to the input means and to the storage means, the processor means being operable to provide output nutritional data dependent upon the input data and the nutritional data; and display means connected to the processor means for displaying the output nutritional data. Preferably, the device includes a hand-held portable housing for housing its various electronic circuitry. Accordingly, the device may include provision for a self-contained battery power supply in order to enable the device to operate as a stand-alone nutritional information system. The housing may be in the form of a plastics moulding shaped and dimensioned to be stored in a wallet, purse or the like.

For each of the plurality of foodstuffs, the nutritional data base may include data such as energy content, carbohydrate content, protein content, fat content, sugar content and type of sugar, salt content, vitamin content, vital minerals and elements such as calcium content, trace elements and mineral content, or the like.

In certain embodiments, the input means is in the form of an alphanumeric keypad for selecting various modes of operation of the device. Typically, the display means includes a conventional LCD display or the like which, in combination with the keypad, allows a menu-driven arrangement for selecting various modes of operation of the device and entering data into the device in a similar fashion to a conventional cellular telephone handset.

In a first mode of operation of the device, the processor means may be operable, upon request from the input means, to retrieve selected nutritional data on a selected foodstuff from the storage means and control display data relating thereto by the display means.

In a second mode of operation, the processor means may be operable to monitor nutritional consumption of a user. In particular, the processor means may store consumption data in the storage means on foodstuffs consumed by a user and fed in via the input means and calculate a cumulative total for each foodstuff consumed during a preselected time period e.g. consumed during the last 24 hours. By means of the keypad, the user may instruct the processor means to display the cumulative totals on the display means. History data on consumption during previous time periods may also be stored in a storage means.

In a third mode of operation, the storage means may include a plurality of predefined nutritional programmes, e.g. a normal dietary programme, a weight reduction programme (energy intake control), a diabetic control programme, a sports training programme (muscle building, carbo-loading, or the like), a hypertension control programme, a cholesterol control programme, a terminal disease control programme (vitamins, minerals, or the like), an osteoporosis control programme (calcium), or the like. In addition or instead, the storage means may include at least one unique user defined programme fed in via the input means by a user and which is stored in the storage means under control of the processor means. Preferably, a user may define any custom programme by editing an existing programme via the input means.

In the third mode of operation, the processor means may function in a hybrid fashion including aspects of the second mode of operation. For example, the processor means may compare the consumption of each foodstuff of the user with a recommended consumption of a selected nutritional program and generate an output in response thereto. Advantageously, the processor means is arranged to display each output of each foodstuff in a bar graph format. Accordingly, the user may readily see at any given time what percentage of a total daily consumption has been consumed by the user. In other embodiments, the display means displays a numerical value representing what percentage of the total daily consumption has been consumed by the user.

The processor means may be programmed, under control of the keypad, selectively to delete data stored in the storage means, display historical results or consumption data relating to previous time periods stored in the storage means, or the like.

The device may include an alarm for generating an alarm signal when a predefined consumption condition is present. For example, an alarm signal may be generated when nutritional intake is too low, when the recommended nutritional intake is exceeded, or the like.

The alarm may be an audible and/or visual indicator.

The device may include a clock arrangement which is operable to display time and date information. Typically, the alarm is triggered by the clock arrangement and, optionally, the clock arrangement may be programmed to trigger the alarm at any user defined time fed in via the input means.

The processor means may be a conventional microprocessor.

The processor means may, in combination with the display means and the input means, be arranged to perform calculations in a similar manner to a conventional calculator. Accordingly, the invention extends to a nutritional calculator which includes storage means in which nutritional data on the energy content of a plurality of foodstuffs is stored.

The processor means may be arranged to store personal data in the storage means which is sourced from the input means. Typically, personal data on the user such as age, height, sex, bone structure, weight, or the like is stored in the storage means. Accordingly, the nutritional data associated with different personal data may be stored in the storage means and the processor means may process the nutritional data dependent upon the personal data.

The processor means may be arranged via the display means to request selected input data from the user. For example, the processor means may selectively interrogate the user on nutritional intake and store data entered in response thereto via the keypad into the storage means. The user may via the display means select a particular foodstuff via a menu-driven arrangement and thereafter be requested to enter via the keypad the quantum consumed e.g. the volume consumed in millilitres, grams, slices of bread, cup(s) of foodstuffs, or the like.

The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 shows a pictorial view of a nutrition monitoring device in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of the device of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 shows a schematic block diagram of a dietary system, also in accordance with the invention;

Figure 4 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of the system of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a schematic flow chart for setting up a data base for uploading to a hand-held dietary device, also in accordance with the invention, used in the system of Figures 3 and 4;

Figure 6 shows a schematic flow chart for loading the data base into the dietary device; Figure 7A shows a schematic flow chart of the initial operation of the device;

Figure 7B shows a schematic flow chart of the process of entering data into the device of foodstuffs eaten;

Figure 7C shows a schematic flow chart of analysis of the results of the data entered into the device via the routine shown in Figure 7B;

Figure 8 shows a schematic flow chart of operation of the device during use;

Figure 9 shows a three-dimensional representation of a typical housing in which various of the dietary device are housed; and Figures 1 0 to 1 5 show various screens provided by software which may be run on a personal computer for feeding data into the dietary device.

Referring to the drawings, reference numeral 1 0 generally indicates a nutrition monitoring device in accordance with the invention. The device 10 includes processor means in the form of a microprocessor

1 2 (see Figure 2) input means in the form of a keypad 1 4, storage means in the form of a memory device 1 6, display means in the form of an LCD display 1 8, clock/date circuitry 20, a visual alarm in the form of a LED 22, and an audio alarm in the form of a buzzer 24. The device 1 0 includes a housing 26 (see Figure 1 ) of a synthetic moulded plastics material which is shaped and dimensioned to be hand-held and portable and is typically stored in a purse or wallet with credit cards or the like of the user. Accordingly, the device 10 includes a self-contained battery power supply 28 (see Figure 2) for powering the various electronic circuitry of the device 10. The housing 26 may resemble a conventional credit-card-type calculator.

The keypad 1 4 and the display 1 8 resemble that used in a conventional cellular telephone unit and information or data is communicated between the user and the device 10 in a menu-driven fashion using scroll keys 30. The keypad 14 is an alphanumeric keypad and, via the scroll keys 30, various modes of operation may be selected (as described in more detail below) . An illumination arrangement is provided to facilitate use of the device 1 0 in low light conditions.

The memory device 1 6 defines a data base including nutritional data on the energy content on a plurality of foodstuffs. The nature and quantity of nutritional data stored in the memory device 1 6 varies from embodiment to embodiment. Typically, data such as energy content, carbohydrate content, protein content, fat content, sugar content and type of sugar, salt content, vitamin content, vital minerals and elements such as calcium content, trace elements and mineral content, or the like is stored in the memory device 1 6. The microprocessor 1 2 is arranged to interface with the user in a menu-driven fashion to interrogate the user by means of various questions pertaining to personal data of at least one user. The microprocessor 1 2 sources information such as the age, height, sex, bone structure, weight, or the like from the user via the keypad 1 4 and stores the information in the memory device 1 6. The nutritional data stored in the memory device 1 6 is linked to the personal data.

In the first mode of operation of the device 1 0, the microprocessor 1 2 is operable upon a menu-driven request from the user, to retrieve selected nutritional data on selected foodstuffs from the data base in the memory device 1 6 and selectively display the data on the LCD display 18. For example, the user may request data such as the kilojoules/calories included in a particular unit of foodstuff e.g. a slice of brown bread from a particular bakery. The display 1 8 then selectively displays information on the roughage, fat, carbohydrate, protein, mineral (different types e.g. iron etc.), vitamin (different types e.g. A, B, C or the like), salt content or like. By means of the menu-driven display 1 8 various different types of foodstuffs may be selected and the nutritional content thereof may be displayed on the display 1 8.

In a second mode of operation, the microprocessor 1 2 is arranged to monitor nutritional consumption of the user. In this mode of operation, the microprocessor 1 2 stores consumption data in the memory device 1 6 which is fed in by the user each time a particular foodstuff is consumed. Typically, the device 1 0 monitors consumption during a 24 hour period which ends at midnight. Units of a particular foodstuff which are consumed are fed in via the keypad 14 by the user and may be in terms of grams, millilitres, cups, slices of bread, or the like. The microprocessor 1 2 then interrogates the nutritional data base to determine the kilojoules/calories included in the particular unit and a cumulative total is kept in the memory device 1 6. Accordingly, at any particular time during the day, the user may retrieve the information via the menu-driven display 1 8 to obtain an indication of the total consumption of a particular foodstuff. The clock/date circuitry 20 is programmable via the keypad 14 and the scroll buttons 30 to function as a conventional clock and includes programmable circuitry in which the user may define a particular time at which the consumption totals for a particular day are reset, typically a default time of midnight is set.

In a third mode of operation, the memory device 1 6 includes a plurality of pre-defined nutritional programmes, e.g. a normal dietary programme, a weight reduction programme (energy intake control), a diabetic control programme, a sports training programme (muscle building, carbo-loading, or the like), a hypertension control programme, a cholesterol control programme, a terminal disease control programme (vitamins, minerals or the like), an osteoporosis control programme (calcium), or the like. Further, the device 1 0, via its menu-driven system, allows a unique custom programme to be stored in the memory device

1 6. In this mode of operation, the microprocessor 1 2 sources information fed in by a user via the keyboard 1 4 and stores it in the memory device 1 2. The microprocessor 1 2 is also programmed so that an existing programme may be edited thereby to customize it.

In the third mode of operation, the microprocessor 1 2 functions in a hybrid fashion including aspects of the second mode of operation. In the third mode of operation, the user selects a particular nutritional programme which includes recommended quantities of consumption per day of each particular foodstuff. Each time the user consumes food, relevant data is fed into the device 1 0 via the keypad 1 4 and the microprocessor 1 2 then processes the consumption information or data and stores it in the memory device 1 6. in a similar fashion to the second mode of operation, cumulative totals of consumption of a particular foodstuff during the course of the day are maintained and a comparison between the recommended consumption is effected by the microprocessor 1 2. The microprocessor 1 2 then selectively communicates this information to the display 1 8 which is arranged to display the information or data in a bar graph fashion. Accordingly, the user may easily see what percentage of the recommended daily consumption has already taken place.

When the recommended consumption has been exceeded, the sound device 24 or the LED 22 may be activated. In other circumstances, when the actual consumption is below the recommended consumption, the sound device 24 and the LED 22 may also be activated.

In addition to the above-mentioned features, the device 1 0 with its microprocessor 1 2, display 1 8, and keypad 14 may be arranged to function as a conventional calculator.

Referring in particular to Figures 3 to 1 5 of the drawings, reference numeral 50 generally indicates a dietary system in accordance with the invention. The system 50 includes a web server 52, connected to the Internet 54 and to a maintenance crew facility 56, a user PC 58, a hand-held dietary device 60, also in accordance with the invention, and a user support/shop facility 62. In use, a user 64 can download selected data from the web server 52 via the Internet 54 and the PC 58, and upload it into the device 60 as generally indicated by line 66. The device 60 resembles the device 10 and, accordingly, like reference numerals have been used to indicate the same or similar features unless otherwise indicated.

Referring in particular to Figure 4 of the drawings, the web server 52 includes a conventional Internet connection 68 connected to the Internet 54, data base and language updates 70, 72 respectively, and web server hardware 74. The web server 52 uses conventional hardware and software and functions in a substantially similar way to a conventional web server arrangement.

The maintenance crew facility 56 includes a research and development facility 76, a manufacturing facility 78, a distribution facility

80, a manager 82, a personal computer or PC 84, and a user/client contact facility 86. The research and development facility 76 researches and develops enhancements to the device 60 which is manufactured in the manufacturing facility 78. The manager 82 manages the entire operation including the distribution facility 80, the user/client contact facility 86, and supervises provision of data onto the web server 52 via the PC 84 for communication via the web server 52 to the user PC 58.

The maintenance crew facility 56 is in communication with the user support/shop facility 62 as shown by line 88. The user support/shop facility 62 includes a marketing/sales/support facility 90, a PC 92 connected to the Internet via line 94, a contact person 96, stock 98 of the device 60, and a manager 1 00 for managing the user support/shop facility 62.

The user PC 58 may be a conventional PC including a modem and ISP 102, and a data base 104, a manager program 106, and a graphics user interface 1 08. In use, the PC 58 is used to upload language and data base updates 72, 70 respectively via the Internet 54 for uploading into the device 60. Broadly, the device 60 includes a serial port connection 1 10, data in a data base or file 1 12, a graphics user interface defined by an LCD display 1 8 (see Figure 9) and processor means which functions as a manager 1 1 6 for managing operation of the device 60.

Thus, the manager program 106 is a software program which may be used to create a custom data base for uploading to the device 60. The manager program 106 runs on a standard Microsoft

Windows™ platform. The program may be installed via CD-ROM and includes instructions for a user. Features the program includes, and described in more detail below, are requesting a desired language for the user, uses a free structure which allows a user to select properties relevant to his or her specific need, a facility to choose the maximum allowable quantum of each property, and a transfer facility to transfer the data to the hand-held device.

In the system 50, the user 64 accesses the web server 52, via the Internet 54 and the user PC 58, and selects a particular language as shown at block 1 1 8 (see Figures 5 and 10) . Thereafter, various foodstuff categories (see Table 1 below) are selected as shown at block

1 20.

TABLE 1 1. AVERAGE MEALS

1.1 Burger 1.2 Fast Food 1.3 Full Meals 1.4 Pizza 1.5 Salad 1.6 Sandwich

2. GRAINS & CEREALS

2.1 Bagel 2.2 Bread 2.3 Bun/Roll 2.4 Cake/Large 2.5 Cake/Small

2.5.1 Muffin 2.5.2 Pancake 2.5.3 Pastries 2.5.4 Pie

2.6 Cereal 2.7 Cookies 2.8 Crackers 2.9 Grains 2.10 Porridge

3. DAIRY & EGG 3.1 Cheese 3.2 Egg 3.3 Milk 3.4 Yoghurt

4. DESSERTS 4.1 Cones 4.2 Ice-Cream 4.3 Ices 4.4 Milkshakes 4.5 Pudding 4.6 Waffle

5. DRINKS 5.1 Alcohol

5.1.1 Beer 5.1.2 Cocktail 5.1.3 Spirit 5.1.4 Wine

5.2 Juice/Nectar 5.3 Hot Drinks 5.4 Soda 5.5 Water

6. FISH 6.1 Can/Drained 6.2 Fresh 6.3 Seafood 7. MEAT 7.1 Beef 7.2 Goat 7.3 Lamb 7.4 Pork 7.5 Rabbit 7.6 Veal 7.7 Processed

7.7. ; Loaf/Patty 7.7.2 Sausage

8. POULTRY 8.1 Chicken 8.2 Duck 8.3 Goose 8.4 Turkey

9. RICE & PASTA 9.1 Pasta 9.2 Rice

10. SAUCES & OILS 10.1 Oil

10.1.1 Fat

10.1.2 Fish

10.1.3 Plant

10.2 Salad Dressing 10.3 Savoury Sauces 10.4 Sweet Sauces

11. SEEDS & NUTS 11.1 Nuts 11.2 Seeds

12. SNACKS 12.1 Chocolate Slab 12.2 Health Bar 12.3 Sweeteners 12.4 Sweets

13. SOUP 13.1 Meat 13.2 Vegetable

14. SPREADS 14.1 Savoury 14.2 Sweet

5. VEGETABLES & 15.1 Fruit FRUIT 15. 1. 1 Can

15. 1.2 Dried

15. 1.3 Fresh

15. 1.4 Frozen

15.2 Vegetables

15.2. 1 Beans

15.2.2 Can

15.2.3 Cooked

15.2.4 Dried

15.2.5 Fresh

15.2.6 Frozen

15.2. 7 Herbs

15.2.8 Pickles

15.2.9 Seaweed

Thereafter, an option is provided either to manage the data base as shown at block 1 22 (see Figures 1 1 to 1 3) or select favourite foodstuffs (see Figure 1 1 ) as shown at block 1 24. When managing the data base, a foodstuff may either be removed or added to the data base (see Figure 1 3) or the nutritional value or food properties may be changed. When selecting favourite foodstuffs, various food categories are selected in a menu-driven fashion (see Figure 1 1 and Table 1 ) as described in more detail below. Thereafter, as shown at decision block

1 26, the user may either cancel operation of the device 60 as shown along line 128, or continue as shown along line 130. If the user decides to continue, the user selects which properties e.g. kilojoules/calories, fat, carbohydrates, fibre and protein, are to be displayed on the LCD display 1 8 as shown at block 1 28. Thereafter, target values or recommended consumption data may be entered into the device 60 as shown at block 1 30. In particular, the user may either enter target values of nutritional intake or use default values which may or may not be downloaded via the Internet 54. As shown at decision block 1 32, the user may then cancel operation of the device as shown along line 1 34 or continue as shown along line 1 36. If the user decides to continue, the user then chooses the particular communications port for communicating the data defined above to the device 60 as shown at block 1 36 (see also Figure 1 5). Thereafter, as shown at decision block 1 38, the user may then either cancel operation of the device 60 as shown along line 140, or continue as shown along line 142 whereafter the selected data or updates are communicated to the device 60 as shown at block 1 44.

Referring in particular to Figure 6 of the drawings, reference numeral 1 50 generally indicates the options available to the user for loading data onto the hand-held device 60. A comprehensive data base 1 52 (which includes about 250 different foodstuffs) is provided which is connected to the web server 52 and is also used to cut a compact disk or CD-ROM 1 54. The CD-ROM may be provided to the user 64 upon purchase of the device 60. In addition or instead, the user may, via the user's PC 58, download data or selected data into the device 60. In particular, as shown by line 1 56, the existing data base in the hand-held device 60 may be updated. A facility to create a unique data base is also provided as shown at block 1 58. The user 64 may also download nutritional data from the data base as shown by lines 1 60. Thus, the device 60 may have its data base modified in several different ways. In particular, the default data base may be modified by adding or deleting data as shown at block 1 62, a data base may be created from scratch as shown at block 1 64, the existing data base may be updated as shown at block 1 66, or the user 64 may enter unique data as shown at block 1 68. Once the data base has been modified, which typically takes place on the user's PC 58, the data may be loaded into the hand-held device

1 60 as shown by line 1 70. Further data e.g. data obtained from the shop or the packaging of the foodstuff may be loaded into the hand-held device 60 as shown by line 1 74. Referring in particular to Figures 7A to 7C of the drawings, reference numeral 1 80 generally indicates the menu-driven options displayed on the LCD display 1 8 of the device 60 upon switch-on. By using user keys 1 82 (see Figure 9) which define up, down and enter keys, a user selects a "record eaten food" option as shown at block 1 84 or an "analyze the results" function 1 86.

If the "record eaten food" function (see block 1 84) is selected, the process generally indicated by reference numeral 1 88 is followed. In particular, the user 64 selects in a menu-driven fashion the "select shortcut" as shown at block 1 90, the "select food menu" as shown at block 1 92, or a "search for food" facility 1 94. The "select shortcut" option allows the user access to a shortcut foodstuff list which was created at block 1 24 in Figure 5. The "select food menu" selects food in a menu which was compiled from the main data base as shown at block 1 22 in Figure 5. The "search for food" function allows the user

64 to search for a specific food in the data base. As shown at decision block 1 96, the user 64 then either cancels the operation as shown along line 1 98, or continues as shown along line 200.

If the user 64 decides to continue, a particular category of food (see Table 1 ) is selected in a menu-driven fashion as shown at block

202. Thereafter, as shown at block 204, the particular quantity determined from a visual inspection of the volume of the food consumed (see Table 2 below) is selected using the user keys 1 82 in combination with data shown on the display 1 8.

TABLE 2

Once the appropriate volumetric quantity has been identified by the user (see Table 2), the user 64 presses the "enter" key of the user keys 1 82 to accept the data or cancels the operation as shown at block 206. While the user is entering the quantity consumed (as shown in block 206) the display 1 8, under control of the processor means, displays the nutritional value e.g. kilojoules/calories, fat, carbohydrates, fibre and protein, of the selected quantity of food on the display 18 as shown at block 208. Thereafter, as shown at decision block 21 0, the user may cancel operation of the device 60 as shown along line 21 2 or return to enter a quantum of a further category of food as shown along line 21 4 or, as shown along line 21 6, the routine may be exited.

Referring in particular to Figure 7C of the drawings, reference numeral 220 generally indicates the process of analyzing the nutritional value of foodstuff entered into the device 60. in particular, the processor means accesses the data base to identify the nutritional value of each foodstuff which has been consumed dependent upon the volumetric inspection of the food by the user 64 as shown in block 222.

In addition or instead, the display 1 8, as shown at block 224, may display a progress bar indicative of the quantum or nutritional value of particular foodstuffs consumed during a given period. The quantum consumed may be compared graphically as a percentage of a chosen target value which has been selected as shown at block 1 28 in Figure 5. After a predetermined time period, typically 24 hours, has lapsed, the current value of the quantum of food consumed is reset as shown at block 226.

Referring in particular to Figure 8 of the drawings, reference numeral 250 generally indicates the operational method of the device 60 under control of its microprocessor 1 2 which performs the management function as shown at block 1 1 6 in Figure 4. When the device 60 is switched on, a menu 252 is displayed on the display 1 8. As shown at decision block 254, the user 64 either cancels operation of the device 60 as shown along line 256 and, thereafter, the microprocessor 1 2 calculates the totals of the various foodstuffs consumed as a percentage of the target consumption of the foodstuff and a progress bar is drawn

(see block 258) on the screen 1 8. Thereafter, if any key is pressed as shown along line 260, the device returns to its original state in which it displays the main menu as shown along line 262. However, if the user 64 continues to decision block 264, he or she may either select a shortcut as shown along line 266, select a summary as shown along line

268, or select a foodstuff menu as shown along line 270. If a shortcut is selected, the shortcuts are displayed as shown at block 272 whereafter the user 64 may either cancel operation of the device and return to the main menu as shown along line 274, or, the user 64 may select an item as shown at decision block 276 and described in more detail below. If the user 64 selects the summary as shown along line 268, a summary menu is displayed as shown at block 278. Thereafter, the user may either cancel operation and return to the main menu as shown by line 278, or select a "clear totals" from the screen 1 8 in a menu-driven fashion whereafter the totals entered into the device 60 are cleared and confirmation thereof is displayed on the display 1 8 as shown at block 280. The user may then either return to the select summary menu as shown by line 282 or clear or reset the totals as shown at block 284.

If the user 64 selects the food menu as shown along line

270, a first menu level ( 1 ) displays the various categories of foodstuffs for selection. In particular, the display 1 8 displays the following categories of foodstuffs:

Average meals, grains and cereals, dairy and egg, desserts, drinks, fish, meat, poultry, rice and pasta, sauces and oils, seeds and nuts, snacks, soup, spreads, and vegetables and fruit (see Table 1 above) .

In a menu-driven fashion, a particular foodstuff which may be grouped or arranged at a particular level as shown by reference numerals 286, 288, 290 are selected whereafter the quantum defined by a volumetric inspection of the foodstuff by the user 64 is then entered into the device 60 as shown at block 292. As shown at decision block 294, the user may then cancel operation as shown along line 296 and return to the select food menu as shown by line 298, return to the shortcut menu as shown by line 300, or return to the select menu

(2) option as shown by line 302. instead, once the desired quantum of food which has been consumed has been entered into the device 60, the processor may calculate the nutritional value associated with the quantum of food as shown at block 304.

Conventional dietary devices require a user to enter nutritional data of foodstuffs consumed by weight, volume, kilojoule content or the like. Accordingly, a user requires a scale in certain instances to provide a weight input to the device. The data base in the device then calculates or determines the nutritional value from the weight. Such devices typically require a numeric keypad to enter data into the device. Because of the nature of the data required by the devices the food must thus be weighed to provide input data, which may be very inconvenient or, in certain circumstances, impossible.

However, the device 60 in accordance with the invention, allows a user to visually inspect a foodstuff and, in a menu-driven fashion, select a visual description or quantity (see Table 2) from which the nutritional value of the foodstuff (selected from Table 1 ) is determined. Accordingly, the device 60 has a unique data base arrangement in which the nutritional value of selected foods (see Table 1 ) are associated with a visual description of the foodstuff. Accordingly, the user requires no scale or additional devices to provide input data to the device 60 thereby greatly facilitating ease of use.

The inventors believe that the invention, as illustrated, provides a relatively simple device 1 0, 60 which facilitates monitoring of the daily intake of food. As the device 1 0, 60 is portable and hand-held, it may easily be stored in a wallet, purse, or the like. Further, the manner in which the quantum of a particular foodstuff is entered into the device 10, 60 greatly facilitates use thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A dietary system which includes a plurality of dietary devices each of which includes memory means for storing nutritional data and interface means for receiving nutritional data; and a web server arrangement which includes a master nutritional database including nutritional data, the web server arrangement being operable upon request to provide selected data on foodstuffs from the master nutritional data base to each dietary device via the Internet.

2. A system as claimed in Claim 1 , which includes a plurality of personal computers which each act as an intermediary for receiving data from the web server arrangement, each personal computer including a web browser and a PC dietary device interface to allow communication between the dietary device and the personal computer.

3. A system as claimed in Claim 2, in which the dietary device includes memory means which operatively stores a database including nutritional data; display means for displaying at least the nutritional data; input means for feeding in data on foodstuffs consumed by the user; and processor means for controlling operation of the memory means, display means, and input means, the database being arranged so that the nutritional data of each type of foodstuff is determined from at least an inspected volumetric estimation by the user which is entered via the input means.

4. A hand-held dietary device for monitoring intake of foodstuffs by a user, the device including memory means which operatively stores a database including nutritional data; display means for displaying at least the nutritional data; input means for feeding in data on foodstuffs consumed by the user; and processor means for controlling operation of the memory means, display means, and input means, the database being arranged so that the nutritional data of each type of foodstuff is determined from at least an inspected volumetric estimation by the user which is entered via the input means.

5. A hand-held dietary device as claimed in Claim 4, in which the inspected volumetric estimation is selected from the group consisting of a medium serving, a can, a tot, a tablet, a medium slice, a medium roll, a medium bun, a piece of predetermined dimensions, a block of predetermined dimensions, a bar, a small packet, a scoop, a cup, a tablespoon, a teaspoon, a medium fist size, a sandwich, a disc with a predetermined diameter and a half-cup.

6. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 5, in which the processor means interrogates the database to obtain nutritional data on the foodstuffs, the nutritional data being selected from the group consisting of kilojoules, calories, fat, carbohydrates, fibre and protein.

7. A hand-held device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 4 to 6 inclusive, in which the input means is defined by the display means, the processor means, and at least one user key, the display means being arranged under control of the processor means to display a plurality of foodstuffs and the user key operatively selecting at least one foodstuff consumed in a menu-driven fashion.

8. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, which includes a user key to instruct the device to enter data, a user key to instruct the device to move back in the menu, a user key to move a pointer back up on the display means and a user key to move the pointer down on the display means.

9. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 8, which is arranged to provide a main menu on its display means, the main menu including menu items selected from the group consisting of a shortcut list, a food category list, a summary and a transfer function, the particular menu item being selected by means of the user keys and in which the shortcut list lists foodstuffs which are consumed regularly, the summary displays cumulative totals of foodstuffs consumed and the transfer function allows data to be transferred to the device.

10. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the display means under control of the processor means shows a graphic representation of the cumulative totals.

1 1 . A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the foodstuffs are selected in the menu-driven fashion in foodstuff categories selected from the group consisting of average meals, grains and cereals, dairy and egg, desserts, drinks, fish, meat, poultry, rice and pasta, sources and oils, seeds and nuts, snacks, soup, spreads, vegetables and fruit.

1 2. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "average meal" is selected are selected from the group consisting of burger, fast food, full meals, pizza, salad and sandwich.

1 3. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "grains and cereals" is selected are selected from the group consisting of bagel, bread, bun/roll, cake/large, cake/small, muffin, pancake, pastries, pie, cereal, cookies, crackers, grains, and porridge.

14. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "dairy and egg" is selected are selected from the group consisting of cheese, egg, milk and yoghurt.

1 5. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "desserts" is selected are selected from the group consisting of cones, ice-cream, ices, milkshakes, pudding and waffle.

1 6. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "drinks" is selected are selected from the group consisting of alcohol, beer, cocktail, spirit, wine, juice/nectar, hot drinks, soda and water.

1 7. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "fish" is selected are selected from the group consisting of caned/drained, fresh and seafood.

1 8. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "meat" is selected are selected from the group consisting of beef, goat, lamb, pork, rabbit, veal, processed, loaf/patty and sausage.

1 9. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "poultry" is selected are selected from the group consisting of chicken, duck, goose and turkey.

20. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "rice and pasta" is selected are selected from rice and pasta.

21 . A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "sources and oils" is selected are selected from the group consisting of oil, fat, fish, plant, salad dressing, savoury sources and sweet sources.

22. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "seeds and nuts" is selected are selected from nuts and seeds.

23. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "snacks" is selected are selected from the group consisting of chocolate slab, health bar, sweeteners and sweets.

24. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "soup" is selected are selected from meat or vegetable.

25. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the foodstuffs displayed on the display means when the category "vegetables and fruit" is selected are selected from the group consisting of fruit, can, dried, fresh, frozen, vegetables, beans, can, cooked, dried, fresh, frozen, herbs, pickles and seaweed.

26. A hand-held device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 4 to 25 inclusive, which includes interface means for interfacing the device to a personal computer.

27. A hand-held device as claimed in Claim 26, in which the interface means is a serial port.

28. A hand-held device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 4 to 27 inclusive, which includes a default database which is optionally modified by a user in use.

29. A method of operation of a dietary device, the method including determining the nutritional value of a selected type of foodstuff from at least an inspected volumetric estimation entered by a user via input means and inspecting a database which defines a nutritional equivalent of the foodstuff.

30. A method as claimed in Claim 29, in which the database includes a plurality of foodstuff categories, the method including providing the user with a selection of inspected volumetric estimations and a plurality of foodstuff categories, each particular foodstuff and each particular inspected volumetric estimation being selected in a menu- driven fashion.

31 . A method as claimed in Claim 30, in which the processor means inspects the database to obtain nutritional data on the foodstuffs, the nutritional data being selected from the group consisting of kilojoules, calories, fat, carbohydrates, fibre and protein, and the method includes displaying the nutritional data on a display.

32. A new dietary system, substantially as herein described and illustrated.

33. A new hand-held dietary device, substantially as herein described and illustrated

34. A new method of operation of a dietary device, substantially as herein described and illustrated.