WO2013163627A1

WO2013163627A1 - Health measurement systems

Info

Publication number: WO2013163627A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/038535
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nathan W. RICKS; Dustin BYBEE; Caleb MANSCILL
Original assignee: J.T. Management, Inc.
Priority date: 2012-04-26
Filing date: 2013-04-26
Publication date: 2013-10-31

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of health measurement systems and methods. More specifically, the invention relates to a health measurement system that measures various aspects of an individual's personal health and wellness. The health measurement system can include a body scale that measures a user's body weight and body mass index or body fat percentage. This information can be transmitted across a wireless communications link to a network device that processes the information and provides the user with analytics, advice, encouragement, or other such information via a website or mobile application

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Health measurement systems

BACKGROUND

The benefits of managing one's weight, eating properly, and maintaining an active lifestyle are well known and researched. These benefits include a low propensity to illness and disease and prolonged life expectancy. Despite these advantages, the general population is experiencing an increase in body weight and a decline in many aspects of its health. One potential cause of this trend is the lack of reliable feedback available to specific individuals about various aspects of their health. For instance, while many people understand the need for healthy habits, they often do not recognize the effect of their various daily lifestyle choices and unhealthy habits. Instead, other priorities can divert an individual's focus from health to other cares. As a result, well-intentioned individuals may unintentionally become heavier and less healthy.

To address these challenges, hundreds of fad diets and weight-loss plans promise quick and easy weight loss and good health. These programs try to make weight loss and good health easier, quicker, cheaper, more reliable, and less painful. While these programs can be effective and beneficial, they are often short lived and do not promote long-term health and wellness. These programs can also take an individual's focus off the more fundamental and essential elements of health and wellness, including healthy eating habits, exercise, and physical activity.

Additionally, because many health problems develop over long periods, some people are unaware of the negative effects of their lifestyle choices. For instance, because many individuals feel good or are content with their overall appearance and body weight, they fail to recognize or address their unhealthy lifestyle practices. These individuals may later experience serious health problems that may have been avoided if they had understood the effects of their lifestyle choices or if they had been advised of their potential for illness and advised to make preventative changes.

Thus, while current health programs and systems are available, improvements would be desirable. SUMMARY

The present invention relates generally to the field of health measurement systems and methods. More specifically, the invention relates to a health measurement system that measures various aspects of an individual's personal health and wellness. The health measurement system can include a body scale that measures a user's body weight and body mass index or body fat percentage. This information can be transmitted across a wireless communications link to a network device that processes the information and provides the user with analytics, advice, encouragement, or other such information via a website or mobile application.

Additionally, in some implementations, additional health measurements are acquired by the health measurement system, such as the user's blood pressure, body temperature, glucose levels, C-reactive protein, ketone levels, oxygen saturation levels, cholesterol levels, testosterone levels, progesterone levels, alcohol levels, drug levels, and more. Using this information the health measurement system can recognize health risks and warn and educate the user about potential health risks. For instance, based on the user's measured heart rate, the health measurement system can identify irregularities, such as arrhythmia, bradycardia, or atrial fibrillation. These additional health measurements can be acquired via the body scale or via a separate body attachment.

The separate body attachment device can be worn or carried by the user or attached to a user. The body attachment device can include an anklet, bracelet, armband, clip, finger ring, toe ring, pendant, necklace, or earring or other piercing. Additionally, the separate body attachment device can be implanted in or below the epidermis of the user. The separate body attachment device can include one or more measurement devices for measuring any of the above-mentioned health measurements. For example, the separate body attachment device can measure the user' s blood pressure, body temperature, as well as the user's physical activity, movement, and calorie expenditures. These health measurements can be transmitted over a communications link (e.g., a Bluetooth connection) to the body scale, which can process this information and communicate it to the network device.

As mentioned, in some implementations, the user can access these health measurements as well as analytics, graphs, and other information via a website or mobile application. The website and mobile application can access information from the network device and provide this information to the user in an easy-to-understand form. Additionally, the website or mobile application can provide various other forms of health-related information, tools, logs, charts, advice, and warnings. In some instances, the network device can be configured to relay the health measurements to a health professional, health insurance organization, physical trainer, or other third party.

The measurement and presentation of the user's health measurements and information can provide the user with information tools that can assist the user to manage his/her weight and overall health. This system can avoid the downsides of temporary health fads by offering actual, measurable information that can be used to form enduring, effective, and improved lifestyle changes. This information can empower the user to managing his/her weight, eat properly, and maintaining an active lifestyle in order to reduce his/her propensity to illness and disease and prolong his/her life expectancy.

Some aspects of the present invention include a calorie monitoring system that includes a smart device, such as a smart phone, in electronic communication with a peripheral device. The peripheral device can serve the dual functions of measuring user activity and serving as a food scale. Accordingly, the peripheral device can include one or more weight sensors for weighing food that is eaten by the user. The one or more motion sensors can include, for example, one or more accelerometer, altimeter, magnetometer, pedometer, tilt sensor, and/or global positioning system (GPS) device. The motion sensors can be used to measure the motion of a user during the day, or even at night.

Data from the peripheral device can be transmitted to a smart device (e.g., a smart phone) using one or more communication links, such as a wired or wireless link (e.g., a Bluetooth connection, Near Field Communication (NFC)). The smart device can utilize this information to calculate the calorie intake and calorie expenditure of the user. For example, the smart device can estimate a user's calorie intake based on the difference between the starting weight and the ending weight of weighed food items. This information can be collected, for instance, when a user ways a food or drink item before consuming the food or drink item. Using these measurements, the smart device can calculate the weight of food consumed. The smart device can also take a picture of the food at the time it is weighed. The smart device can also scan a barcode of packaged food. These inputs can assist to identify the food being weighed in order to provide a more accurate calorie calculation. The user can optionally input the type of food or the specific identify of the food to provide more accurate measurements. In another example, the smart device can estimate a user's calorie expenditures based on the activity measurements taken by the one or more motion sensors of the peripheral device. A representative peripheral device can be configured to measure and/or display the number of steps taken by the user, the flights of stairs traveled by the user, the number of calories burned by the user, the overall distance traveled by the user, and the time of day.

Some aspects of the present invention relate to an activity measurement system that includes an armband or other body attachment device configured to measure various aspects of an individual's personal activity and overall health and communicate these measurements to a mobile communications device. For example, the body attachment can include an accelerometer, altimeter, and/or magnetometer, which can measure an individual's three- dimensional movements. In some implementations, the body attachment can also include a heart rate monitor, body temperature sensor, and/or blood pressure monitor to measure the individual' s body characteristics. These measured characteristics can be used to calculate the calorie expenditure of the individual.

In some implementations, the body attachment can communicate these measured values to a mobile communication device, such as a smart phone, which can process these measurements using one or more modules and display them on a display screen. The mobile communication device can employ a mobile application configured to present the user with information about the distance traveled, steps taken, activity duration, calories burned, and/or body temperature. The mobile application can also provide various other forms of health-related information, tools, logs, charts, advice, and warnings. In some instances, the network device can be configured to relay the health measurements to a health professional, health insurance organization, physical trainer, or other third party.

The measurement and presentation of the user's activity measurements and health conditions can provide the user with information and tools that can assist the user to manage his/her weight and overall health, This system can thus avoid the downsides of temporary health fads by offering actual, measurable information that can be used to form enduring, effective, and improved lifestyle changes. This information can empower the users to manage their weight, eat properly, and maintain an active lifestyle in order to reduce their propensity to illness and disease and prolong their life expectancy. Some aspects of the present invention relate to a health measurement system for providing an overall score or grade of the individual's health and wellness. The overall health score can give an individual a general sense of his/her overall health. This score can have a significant impact on individuals who considers themselves healthy, but receives a lower score that anticipated. The score can also provide significant motivation to users aspiring to improve their overall health. For instance, when individuals finally achieve a higher overall health score, individuals can have a sense of accomplishment that propels them to continue their improvement.

Specifically, some implementations of the scoring system provide an overall health score as an average of scores given to an individual based on their various health measurements. The overall health score can be given based on a set of hierarchical scores, such as, for example, the grades A through F or the numbers one through five. In some implementations, the overall health score can be an average of a large body of individual measurements, including, but not limited to, heath measurements relating to a user's fitness, blood content, weight and fat percentage, flexibility, heart health, and/or lung capacity.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention may be incorporated into certain embodiments of the invention and will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. The present invention does not require that all the advantageous features and all the advantages described herein be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above recited and other features and advantages of the present invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates a representative health measurement system, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates a representative system for implementing embodiments of the invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a representative body scale, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a representative body attachment, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a representative body scale coupled to a body attachment, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a representative calorie monitoring system that includes a peripheral device and a smart device, accordingly to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a representative peripheral device with internal components shown in phantom lines, accordingly to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 8A and 8B illustrate perspective views of a representative peripheral device in use as a food scale, accordingly to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 9A and 9B illustrate perspective views of representative peripheral devices incorporated into key chains, accordingly to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 10A, 10B, and IOC illustrate perspective views of representative peripheral devices incorporated into a pocket watch and belt clip, accordingly to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 11A and 1 IB illustrate perspective views of representative peripheral devices incorporated into a purse clip, accordingly to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 12A and 12B illustrate perspective views of representative peripheral devices incorporated into a watch, accordingly to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of another representative system that includes a food scale device and a smart device, accordingly to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of yet another representative system that includes a food scale device and a smart device, accordingly to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

The following disclosure of the present invention is grouped into subheadings, The utilization of the subheadings is for convenience of the reader only and is not to be construed as limiting in any sense.

For the purposes of the present invention, the phrase "A/B" means A or B. For the purposes of the present invention, the phrase "A and/or B" means "(A), (B), or (A and B)." For the purposes of the present invention, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means "(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and Q."

Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments of the present invention; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent.

The description may use the phrases "in an embodiment," or "in various embodiments," "in some configurations," or "in some instances," which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the like, as used with respect to embodiments of the present invention, are synonymous with the definition afforded the term "comprising."

The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, "connected" may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical contact with each other. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, "coupled" may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other. Health Measurement Systems

Reference will now be made to Figure 1, which illustrates a representative health measurement system 100, according to some embodiments. The health measurement system 100 can generally includes a body scale 12, a communications network 14, a network device 16 (e.g., a server, a server system, a computer system, etc.), and optionally a mobile device 18 or computer system 19 and/or a separate body attachment (e.g., the illustrated anklet) 20 or an implant 22. The health measurement system 100 can measure and provide health and wellness measurements and information to a user 30. This information can be provided, at least in part, by a body scale 12. When a user stands on the top surface of the body scale 12, the body scale 12 can measure various aspects of the user's body and health. For example, the body scale 12 can measure body the user' s body weight, body mass index or body fat percentage, and/or other health measurements. These health measurements can be made using one or more sensor or measuring devices (herein sensors) disposed on or within a housing 34 of the body scale 34.

Additionally, in some implementations, additional health measurements are acquired by the health measurement system 10, such as the user's blood pressure, body temperature, glucose levels, C-reactive protein, ketone levels, oxygen saturation levels, cholesterol levels, testosterone levels, progesterone levels, alcohol levels, drug levels, and more. Using this information the health measurement system 10 can recognize health risks and warn and educate the user about potential health risks. For instance, based on the user's measured heart rate, the health measurement system 10 can identify irregularities, such as arrhythmia, bradycardia, or atrial fibrillation. These additional health measurements can be acquired via the body scale 12 or via a separate body attachment device (or simply "body attachment") 20.

The body attachment 20 can be worn or carried by the user. As shown, the body attachment 20 is an anklet. In other embodiments, the body attachment 20 can be a bracelet, clip, finger ring, toe ring, pendant, necklace, earring or other piercing. Additionally, the body attachment 20 can be in the form of an implant 22 that is placed in or below the epidermis of the user 30. The body attachment 20 can include one or more measurement devices for measuring any of the above-mentioned health measurements. For example, in some embodiments, the body attachment 20 can measure the user's blood pressure, body temperature, as well as the user' s physical activity, movement, and calorie expenditures. These health measurements can be transmitted over a communications link 28 (e.g., a wired link or a short range wireless link, such as a Bluetooth link) to the body scale 12.

Health measurements can be transmitted by the body scale 12 across a communications link 32, over a communications network 14, to a network device 16. The network device 16 can be a server, a database, and/or other such network devices. The network device 16 can processes and/or analyze the health measurements and provide the user with analytics, advice, encouragement, or other such information via a website or mobile application, which can be accessed via a mobile device 18 (e.g., a mobile phone or tablet computer) or a computer system 19 (e.g., a personal computer, laptop, etc.) For examples, the user's weight, body mass index, blood pressure, body temperature, blood glucose levels, C-reactive protein, ketone levels, oxygen saturation, blood cholesterol levels, testosterone levels, and/or progesterone levels can be accessed through an Internet website and/or a mobile application. The network device 16 can also provide other health related information and services to the user 30. For example, messages, analytics, suggestions, and educational information and services can be provided along with the health measurements. In some embodiments, the health measurement system 10 can compile the user's measurement information and/or additional information and provide the user with an overall health score. In some instance, health-related information and/or health measurements can additionally or alternatively be accessed with the body scale 12.

Each of the respective components of the health measurement system 10 will be described in detail in the sections presented below.

Specific reference will now be made to the body scale 12 of Figure 1. As mentioned, the body scale 12 can be configured to take and process measurements, receive measurements from the body attachment 20 or implant 22, and/or transmit information to a network device 16. In some instances, the body scale 12 can functions as both a bathroom scale and serve as a base station that receive and/or transmits health measurements. Generally, the various components of the body scale 12 can be included within a housing 34. The housing 34 can be made of a plastic, metal, glass, composite, or other suitable materials. The housing 34 can contain or support one or more sensors or measuring devices 24, a mass controller, a memory device, a storage device, a display 26, and other such components, In some instances, housing 34 can also contain an internal power source, such as a battery. In other instances, the body scale 12 can acquire power from an external power supply, such as a wall power outlet, to power the body scale 12 or charge the internal power source.

The body scale 12 can acquire health measurements using one or more or other measuring devices 24. Various measurement components can be utilized by the body scale 12, as are discussed in the Health Measurements section below. For example, the body scale 12 can include a weight sensor configured to measure the user's weight when the user 30 stands on the body scale 12.

Reference will now be made to Figure 2, which illustrates a representative operating environment in which embodiments of the body scale 12 may be implemented. Embodiments of the body scale 12 may be practiced by one or more computing devices and in a variety of system configurations. For examples, the body scale 12 can include one or more embedded systems with general purpose processing units, digital/media signal processors (DSP/MSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), stand alone electronic devices, and other such electronic environments.

Embodiments of the body scale 12 can embrace one or more computer-readable media, wherein each medium may be configured to include or includes thereon data or computer executable instructions for calculating body measurement and processing health measurement data. The computer executable instructions can include data structures, objects, programs, routines, or other program modules that may be accessed by a controller 44, for performing body measurement calculations and other identified functions. Computer executable instructions cause the controller 44 to perform a particular function or group of functions and are examples of program code means for implementing steps for methods disclosed herein. Furthermore, a particular sequence of the executable instructions provides an example of corresponding acts that may be used to implement such steps. Examples of computer-readable media include random- access memory ("RAM") 60, read-only memory ("ROM") 58, programmable read-only memory ("PROM"), erasable programmable read-only memory ("EPROM"), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM"), or any other device or component that is capable of providing data or executable instructions that may be accessed by a processing system. While embodiments of the invention embrace the use of all types of computer-readable media, certain embodiments as recited in the claims may be limited to the use of tangible, non- transitory computer-readable media, and the phrases "tangible computer-readable medium" and "non-transitory computer-readable medium" (or plural variations) used herein are intended to exclude transitory propagating signals per se.

As shown in Figure 2, a representative body scale 12 can includes system bus 42, which may be configured to connect various components thereof and enables data to be exchanged between two or more components. System bus 42 may include one of a variety of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, or a local bus that uses any of a variety of bus architectures. Typical components connected by system bus 42 include controller 44 and one or more sensors 24. Other components of the body scale 12 can include one or more mass storage device interfaces 48, input interfaces 50, output interfaces 52, and/or network interfaces 54, each of which will be discussed below.

The controller 44 can includes one or more processors, such as a central processor and optionally one or more other processors designed to perform a particular function or task. For example, the controller 44 can be configured to process body measurement data and identify health measurements, potential illnesses, symptoms, or diseases. The controller 44 can also be configured to identify trends in the user's health measurements and present these trends to the user. The controller 44 can also be configured to prepare data measurements for transmission to a network device 16 and process received data from the network device 16. Generally, the controller 44 can execute instructions provided on computer-readable media, such as on memory 46, a magnetic hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a magnetic cassette, an optical disk, or from a communication connection, which may also be viewed as a computer-readable medium.

The memory 46 includes one or more computer-readable media that may be configured to include or includes thereon data or instructions for manipulating data, and may be accessed by controller 44 through system bus 42. Memory 46 may include, for example, ROM 58, used to permanently store information, and/or RAM 60, used to temporarily store information.

One or more mass storage device interfaces 18 may be used to connect one or more mass storage devices 56 to system bus 42. Various types of data can be stored in the mass storage devices 56, such as a user' s name, weight measurement history, other body measurement history, user's height, user's ages, and other demographic and personal information. This information can be used by the controller 44 to identify trends, calculate health measurements (e.g. using body height to calculate body mass index) and to identify potential health risks or symptoms. The mass storage devices 56 may be incorporated into or may be peripheral to the body scale 12 and allow the body scale 12 to retain large amounts of data. Examples of mass storage devices include hard disk drives, solid state storage memory, and flash memory. Mass storage devices 56 and their corresponding computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of data and/or executable instructions that may include one or more program modules such as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, or program data. Such executable instructions are examples of program code means for implementing the functions of the body scale 12 disclosed herein.

One or more input interfaces 50 may be employed to enable a user to enter data and/or instructions to the body scale 12 through one or more corresponding input devices 62. Examples of such input devices include a keyboard, touch screen, or buttons. In some embodiments, the input devices 62 are coupled to and/or incorporated into the body scale 12. Similarly, examples of input interfaces 50 that may be used to connect the input devices 62 to the system bus 42 include a serial port, a parallel port, a universal serial bus ("USB"), an integrated circuit, or another interface. For example, in some configurations, the body attachment 20 is electronically coupled to the body scale 12 through an input interfaces 50.

One or more output interfaces 52 may be employed to connect one or more corresponding output devices 64 to system bus 42. Examples of output devices 64 include a monitor or display screen, a speaker, and the like. A particular output device 34 may be integrated with or peripheral to body scale 12. Examples of output interfaces include a video adapter, an audio adapter, a parallel port, and the like.

A display 26 (such as that shown in Figure 1) can be one representative output device provided by the body scale 12 to present various types of information to the user. For example, the display 26 can display health measurements, such as a body weight, body fat percentage, or other health measurements included in the Health measurements section below. The display 26 can include a touch screen, thus serving the dual function of an input device and an output device.

One or more network interfaces 54 can enable the body scale 12 to exchange information with one or more network devices 16 and/or a body attachment 20. In some embodiments, the body scale 12 includes a first network interface 54 for communicating via a network 14 to one or more network devices 16. The communication link (e.g., link 32 of Figure 1) that may include hardwired and/or wireless links 32. Examples of network interfaces include a network adapter for connection to a local area network ("LAN") or a modem, wireless link, or other adapter for connection to a wide area network ("WAN"), such as the Internet. Other examples of a network interface include a network adapter for connection to a cellular telephone network, using a 3G, GSM, CDMA, or another such wireless communications standard. The network interface 54 may be incorporated with or peripheral to body scale 12.

In embodiments utilizing a body attachment 20 (as shown in Figure 1), the body scale 12 can include a second network interface 54 for communicating with a body attachment 20. Via this communication link (e.g., link 28 of Figure 1), the body scale 12 can receive health measurements acquired by the body attachment 20. This communication link can be a wireless or direct- wired communication link. For example, in some configurations, this communication link is a short range wireless link (e.g., a Bluetooth link). As such, the body attachment 20 can upload its health measurements to the body scale 12 when the body attachment 20 is in proximity to the body scale 12, such as within 15 feet. Such wireless communication can enable easy and rapid data transmission. In other configurations, this second communication link can be a wired communication link. For example, the body attachment 20 can be connected to the body scale 12 via an electrical connector, such as a USB connector. This wired connection can advantageously charge a battery within the body attachment 20 as data is transmitted between these devices. In other embodiments, body scale 12 and body attachment 20 can be configured to transfer data using Near Field Communication (NFC) standards such as by moving body attachment 20 within the necessary proximity of body scale 12. In such embodiments, the NFC enabled body scale or body attachment can also be configured to communicate with an NFC enabled smart phone or other portable device. Additional information about the body attachment 20 will now be provided.

Reference will now be made to Figure 3, which illustrates alternative embodiments of a body scale 12. As shown, the body scale 12 can include a scale member 70 that can function as a base of the body scale 12, Information measured by the scale member 70 can be displayed on a display 26 that can extend outward and/or upward from the scale member 70. Additionally, the body scale 12 can include a docking station 78 for receiving a body attachment (80, shown in Figure 4). The scale member 70 can include the one or more sensors (24 shown in Figure 1) previously described which can be configured to take various measurements from the user when the user is standing on a top surface of the scale member 70. The body scale 12 can be configured to wirelessly transmit and/or receive information to/from a network 14 or network device 16 (as shown in Figure 1). Accordingly, various body measurements can be displayed to the user via the display 26.

As shown, the display 26 can be elevated above scale member 70 and supported with a riser 74 that physically supports the display 26. The height of the riser 74 can be between approximately 2 feet and approximately 4 feet. The riser 74 can make it easy for a user to look at and interact with the display 26 by placing the display 26 in arms reach of the user when standing on the scale member 70. The riser 74 can extend from the scale member 70 via a horizontal support 72. In some configurations, the horizontal support 72 is capable of telescoping or otherwise adjusting towards and away from the scale member 70 in order to adjust the placement of the display 26 in relation to the user when the user is standing on the scale member 70. The riser 74 can include various bends 76 or other shapes or curves to provide various functions and aesthetic design features to the body scale 12, as shown.

Turning again to Figure 1, specific reference will now be made to the body attachment 20. The body attachment 20 can be an anklet, bracelet, clip, finger ring, toe ring, pendant, necklace, earring or other piercing, implant 22, or other attachable or carry-able device that takes one or more health measurements. These health measurements can include those described in the Health Measurements section below. These health measurements can be taken using one or more sensors 24 and other devices and systems that are also described in the Health Measurements section below. Particularly, the body attachment 24 may be used to acquire health measurements that are more difficult to acquire accurately from the feet. For example, in some embodiments, the body attachment 20 can measure the pulse, body temperature, and/or blood pressure of the user 30.

The body attachment 20 can also be configured to measure the activity level of the user. The user's activity level can provide an indication of health and energy consumption. Activity measurements can be acquired using various sensor and devices, which can be coupled to or incorporated into the body attachment 30. For example, in some embodiments, the body attachment includes one or more of an accelerometer, altimeter, pedometer, tilt sensor, magnetometer, and/or a global positioning system (GPS) device. One or more such device can provide three-dimensional movement and activity measurements to the body attachment 20. The measurements from each of these sensors can be used to recognize changes in a user's location, orientation, altitude, or movement/acceleration. These sensors can also measure the number of steps taken by a user. This information can be used in combined with various algorithms to determine the total amount of energy expended by a user in moving.

In some embodiments, user's activity measurements can be used to measure the number of calories burned by the user 30 in a day or during another period, such as during a workout. In some embodiments, the health measurement system 10 can utilize body temperature measurements, heart rate measurements, and/or motion measurements to calculate or approximate the user's calorie consumption. These calculations can use the total amount of time a user sleeps in a night and differentiate between calorie consumption levels during the daytime and the nighttime.

In some embodiments, user' s activity measurements can be used to track a user's exercise activities, including when a user exercises and the duration of the exercise. This information can be used to recognize if the user 30 is adhering to an exercise program. This information can be automatically be logged onto a chart for the user. This information can also be used to transmit reminders, motivational messages, and congratulations to the user 30.

The user' s activity measurements can provide information about the user' s sleep habits. For example, by identifying when a user stops or slows his/her movements, the health measurement system 10 can identify when the user goes to bed, when the user falls asleep, how often the user wakes up during his/her sleep, and when the user wakes up. By analyzing the information, the health measurement system 10 can identify the duration of the user' s sleep and the overall quality of the sleep. By combining such sleep measurements from a single day with measurements over a period, the health measurement system 10 can identify the user' s sleep behaviors, patterns, or lack of patterns and provide analysis, information, and sleep suggestions to the user 30.

As mentioned, the body attachment 20 can be electronically coupled to the body scale 12 via a wireless or wired link 28, In some embodiments, the body attachment 20 can include a near field technology chip to allow the body attachment to transfer data to body scale 12 using near field technology standards. In some configurations, the health measuring system includes a dock (not shown) or cradle that can receive the body attachment 20 and electronically couple the body attachment 20 to the body scale 12. The dock can include one or more electrical connections, electrodes, or other suitable connectors for electronically coupling the body attachment 20 to the body scale 12. In some instances, the dock can charge a battery of the body attachment 20 while the body attachment is docked.

Reference will now be made to Figure 4, but that which illustrates a representative embodiment of the body attachment 20. The body attachment 20 can include housing 80 that poses one or more motion sensors (not shown) and/or a display 82. The display 82 can present various information to a user including the number of steps taken, the number of (estimated or calculated) calories used, the user's body temperature, the user's heart rate, the user's blood pressure, or other body measurements. In some instances, the display 82 can also present the time, the date, the name of the user, or other miscellaneous information. In other instances, the display 82 can also present various media, games, or other entertainment features.

Reference will now be made to Figure 5, which illustrates the body attachment 20 docked in a docking station 78 of the body scale 12 of Figure 3. As mentioned, when docked, the body attachment 20 can download or upload information to and from the body scale 12. Additionally, when docked, the body attachment 20 can synchronize user health measurements and data with the body scale 12. For example, when docked, the body attachment 20 can download user activity measurements to the body scale 12. This information can be processed by the body scale 12 or transmitted to a network device (16, shown in Figure 1) where it is processed. Processed information can be accessed either via the body scale 12, via a mobile device (18, shown in Figure 1), or via an Internet website. Additionally, this information can be uploaded or synchronized from the body scale 12 to the body attachment 20. Accordingly, the body attachment 20 can both measure body activity and display body measurements to the user.

Reference will now be made to the various types of health measurements that can be taken by either the body scale or the body attachment. Reference will also be made to representative sensors or other measuring devices that can be used to take these measurements. It will be understood the body measuring system take health measurements using various sensors or devices, including those not described herein.

In some embodiments, the body measuring system can include one or more sensors used to measure various aspects of a user' s body and health. For examples, the body scale can include one or more strain gauge sensors. Strain gauge sensors can employ length sensitive electrical resistance technology or another suitable technology. In some instances, two or more strain gauge sensors can be disposed at supportive locations on the body scale to measure a user' s weight accurately despite the user's weight distribution on the body scale.

Once body weight is measured, the body measuring system can calculate the user's body mass index (BMI). In some embodiments, this calculation is performed by the controller of the body scale. BMI is based on the user's weight and height, and provides the user with an indication of whether the user is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. BMI is calculated by dividing the user's weight by the square of his/her height. In some configurations, as previously mentioned, the body scale can receive the user's height from an input device. This information can be stored in a memory or a mass storage device. The body measuring system can then calculate the user's BMI each time the user steps of the scale. This information can be provided to the user automatically or upon request.

Because BMI calculations do not differentiate between fat and not-fat body mass, the body scale can be configured to alternatively or additionally provide a body fat percentage (BF%) measurement, body lean percentage/weight, and/or body water percentage/weight measurements. For example, in some instances, the body scale or body attachment includes two or more electrode pads configured to measure body fat percentage, body lean percentage/weight, and/or body water percentage/weight measurements. With body scale embodiments, when a user stands barefoot on the two or more electrode pads, a small electric current is sent through the user's body. The electric current is sent from a first electrode, up one leg, across the abdomen and down the other leg to the second electrode. The resistance between the electrodes can be used to determine the measure of body fat, body lean mass, and body water, since the resistance can vary between different tissues as fluids in the body. The body measuring system can employ bioelectrical impedance analysis to determine the user's body fat percentage, which is the total weight of the person's body fat divided by the person's weight.

The body measuring system can also use electrode pads or a heart rate monitor to determine a user's heart rate, In some configurations, the heart rate monitor includes an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). Heart rate is the number of heartbeats per unit of time (e.g. a minute). Heart rate measurements can assist to determine the level of health of the user and to diagnose and track medical conditions. For instance, healthy or active individuals may have a lower resting heart rate than less active or less healthy individuals. In some configurations, the body measuring system can request that the user be at rest prior to measuring the user's heart rate, to provide a resting heart rate measurement.

In addition to measuring the user' s heart rate, the body measuring system can identify any present heart rate abnormalities. For example, the controller of the body scale or the network device can identify arrhythmia, bradycardia, or atrial fibrillation by monitoring the heart rate and regularity. In making these identifications, if the body measuring system identifies that a user's heart rate is to fast the body measuring system can identify or flag a potential arrhythmia condition. If the body measuring system identifies the user' s resting heart rate as too slow, such as below beats per minute, the body measuring system can identify or flag a potential bradycardia condition. Additionally, the body measuring system can be configured to identify atrial fibrillation symptoms, in which the user's heart rate is irregular, and which can indicate an increase risk of strokes or other health challenges. When these heart rate irregularities are identified, the body measuring system can provide this information to the user.

In some embodiments, the body measuring system includes a temperature sensor for measuring the user's body temperatures. When disposed on the body scale, the body measuring system can be configured to adjust the measured temperature based on known relationships between feet temperature and average body temperatures because the temperature of the feet can be different than the average body temperature.

In some embodiments, the body measuring system can further includes one or more devices for measuring the user' s blood pressure. Blood pressure one of the principle vital signs and can provide useful health information to the user and health professionals. Blood pressure is the pressure that blood exerts upon blood vessel walls within the body. During a heartbeat blood pressure rises from a diastolic pressure to a systolic pressure, each of which can be measured and tracked by the health measurement system. Healthy users may have lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure values. By providing blood pressure measurements to a user, the user can gauge his/her stress levels and progress in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. In some embodiments, the body measuring system can measure the user's blood pressure using a pulse oximeter or other suitable device. The pulse oximeter can include one or more light sources (e.g. light-emitting diodes) that transmit light into the skin of a patient. The pulse oximeter can also include one or more detectors, such as a photodetector that detects light reflected from an underlying artery. By processing the character of the reflected and the transmitted lights, the pulse oximeter can identify and measure various features of the user' s blood, including the user' s blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and more.

Various embodiments of the body measuring system can include devices for measuring the user's blood glucose levels. Blood glucose levels, which indicate the amount of glucose in the blood can be important information for users with diabetes. For instance, in some configurations, the body measuring system can incorporate an external glucometer that can interface and communicate with the body measuring system. For example, an external glucometer can communicate with one or more components of the body measuring system via a short range wireless link (e.g., a Bluetooth link). Blood glucose levels can be received, stored, and/or transmitted by the body scale when the external glucometer is located within a minimum range in which the wireless link can be established.

Various embodiments of the body measuring system can include one or more internal or external sensors or other such devices for measuring the user's C-reactive protein levels. C- reactive protein is found the blood and can indicate a rise in inflammation and infection. High levels of C-reactive protein can be problematic to users with heart related diseases. Accordingly, it can be advantageous to monitor the levels of this protein in the blood. In some instances, an external C-reactive protein sensor can communicate with the body measuring system via a short range wireless link. This information can be received, stored, and/or transmitted by the body scale when the external sensor is located within a minimum range in which the wireless link can be established.

In some embodiments, the health measurement system incorporates one or more additional internal or external sensors that can be used to measure ketone levels within the blood. Ketone bodies include water-soluble compounds that are produced in the liver and kidneys. Ketosis occurs when the blood accumulates an excessive level of ketone bodies. This can be cause by eating disorders and low carbohydrate intake. The measurement of ketone levels can assist the user to recognize if his/her ketone levels are in a healthy range or if ketosis is taking place.

In some embodiments, the health measurement system incorporate one or more additional internal or external sensors that can be used to measure blood cholesterol levels, testosterone levels within the blood, progesterone levels within the blood, and/or drug levels within the blood. These measurements can be useful in providing health and fitness related information to the user and for determining the overall health of the user.

It will be understood that other such health measurements known in the art but not described herein can also be taken by the health measurement system using one or more of the body scale and/or the body attachment.

Referring still to Figure 1, after the body measuring system 10 has acquired health measurements, these measurements can be transmitted from the body scale 12 to a network device 16, over one or more communication links 32 and a communications network 14, such as the Internet, The wireless communications link includes a cellular communications network utilizing, for example, 3G, GSM, CDMA, or another such wireless communications standard. In other instances, the communications link is a wired communications link utilizing, for example, internet protocol (IP) general packet radio service (GPRS) protocol, or other known communications protocols.

In some embodiments, the network device 16 can provide access the health measurements and related information through a website or mobile applications. The website and mobile application can access information from the network device 16 using a mobile device 18 or computer system 19. These interfaces may display health measurements and provide related information in an easy-to-understand form. The website or mobile application can be secured and require user authentication, such as via a user login prior to providing access to user health measurements and information. The website or mobile application can provide a means whereby the user can input information, such as the user's age, height, health history, and health goals. In some configurations, the website or mobile application can provide an interface for the use to submit the type and amount of food that the user consumed in a day, in order to calculate calorie intake.

Additionally, the website or mobile application can provide various other forms of health related information, tools, logs, charts, advice, and warnings. For example, the website or mobile application can chart the user's weight, body fat percentage, or blood pressure over a period of time, such as a month or year. In another example, the website or mobile application can chart the user's heart rate, body temperature, and/or calorie consumption during a period of exercise. In yet another example, the website or mobile application can chart the user's sleep measurements during a time period while providing analysis and suggestions for improved sleep practices. In still another example, the website or mobile application can provide an overview of the user's health, including warning, areas of cautions, and general tips. The website or mobile application can provide one or more interfaces for recording a user' s goals, charting the user' s progress, and providing goal related messages, reminders, and encouragement.

In some instances, the network device can be configured to relay the health measurements to a health professional, health insurance organization, physical trainer, or other third party. These individuals may be granted access to the user's health measurements and related information by the user or another party. Using this information, these third parties can track a user's general and specific health and provide feedback or analysis of this information. For instance, a doctor can receive periodic updates of the user's cholesterol levels or blood pressure to track the effects of a prescribed treatment plan. In another instance, a physical trainer can receive periodic updates of the user's weight or body fat percentage and provide exercise program modifications and updates. Furthermore, it will be understood that various other types of tools, features, and information can be provided to the user via the website or mobile application.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the measurement and presentation of the user's health measurements and information can provide the user with the tools to manage his/her weight and overall health. This system can avoid the downsides of temporary health fads by offering actual, measurable information that can be used to form enduring, effective, and improved lifestyle changes. This information can empower the user to managing his/her weight, eat properly, and maintaining an active lifestyle in order to reduce his/her propensity to illness and disease and prolong his/her life expectancy.

Alternative Embodiments of Health Management Systems

In some embodiments, body attachment 20 can communicate directly with mobile device 18. In such cases, measurements taken by the body attachment 20 can be relayed to mobile device 18. Specifically, the body attachment 20 can include one or more sensors or measurement devices for measuring the user's activity and health levels. For example, in some embodiments, the body attachment 20 can have an accelerometer, altimeter, temperature sensor, magnetometer (not shown), heart rate monitor (not shown), blood pressure monitor (not shown) and/or various other sensors and measurement devices. Additionally, or alternatively the body attachment can include one or more of a pedometer, tilt sensor, and/or global positioning system (GPS) device. The accelerometer, altimeter, magnetometer, pedometer, tilt sensor, and/or GPS device can be used to count the steps the wearer takes, measure the altitudes the wearer ascends and descends, recognize the direction the wearer is facing and advancing, recognize the speed a wearer is traveling at, and identify up and down movements such as jumping or bouncing. These devices can thus be used separately or in combination to measure the wearer's three-dimensional movement and activities.

The body attachment 20 can additionally or alternatively include one or more sensors or measurement device configured to measure various body conditions of the user. For example, the body attachment 20 can include a temperature sensor for measuring the user's body temperature. Body temperature measurements can be used to determine the physical activity level of the users, since physical activity can generate body heat. In some configurations, the temperature sensor can include one more electrodes or other contact surface that can be placed in contact with the user's skin. The one or more electrodes can include a thermocouple, thermister, or other temperature sensor to detect temperature levels of the user' s skin surface.

In some embodiments, the body attachment 20 includes a heart rate monitor. Heart rate is the number of heartbeats per unit of time (e.g., a minute). Heart rate measurements can assist to determine the level of health of the user and to diagnose and track medical conditions. For instance, healthy or active individuals may have a lower resting heart rate than less active or less healthy individuals. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the body attachment 20 can include an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) or other device for measuring the user's heart rate.

In some embodiments, the body attachment 20 can further include one or more devices for measuring the user's blood pressure. Blood pressure one of the principle vital signs and can provide useful health information to the user and health professionals. Blood pressure is the pressure that blood exerts upon blood vessel walls within the body. During a heartbeat, blood pressure rises from a diastolic pressure to a systolic pressure, each of which can be measured and tracked by the health measurement system. Healthy users can have lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure values. By providing blood pressure measurements to a user, the user can gauge his/her stress levels and progress in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

In some embodiments, the body attachment 20 can measure the user' s blood pressure using a pulse oximeter or other suitable device. The pulse oximeter can include one or more light sources (e.g. light-emitting diodes) that transmit light into the skin of a patient. The pulse oximeter can also include one or more detectors, such as a photo detector that detects light reflected from an underlying artery. By processing the character of the reflected and the transmitted lights, the pulse oximeter can identify and measure various features of the user's blood, including the user's blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.

Some embodiments of the body attachment 20 can include one or more devices for measuring the user's blood glucose levels. Blood glucose levels, which indicate the amount of glucose in the blood, can be important information for users with diabetes. For instance, in some configurations, the activity measuring system can incorporate an external glucometer that can interface and communicate with the activity measuring system. For example, an external glucometer can communicate with one or more components of the activity measuring system via a short-range wireless link (e.g., a Bluetooth link). Blood glucose levels can be received, stored, and/or transmitted by the body scale when the external glucometer is located within a minimum range in which the wireless link can be established.

Various embodiments of the body attachment can include one or more internal or external sensors or other such devices for measuring the user's C-reactive protein levels. C- reactive protein is found the blood and can indicate a rise in inflammation and infection. High levels of C-reactive protein can be problematic to users with heart related diseases. Accordingly, it can be advantageous to monitor the levels of this protein in the blood. In some instances, an external C-reactive protein sensor can communicate with the mobile communication device 12 via a short-range wireless link.

In some embodiments, the body attachment 20 can also incorporates one or more additional internal or external sensors that can be used to measure ketone levels within the blood. Ketone bodies include water-soluble compounds that are produced in the liver and kidneys. Ketosis occurs when the blood accumulates an excessive level of ketone bodies. This can be caused by eating disorders and low carbohydrate intake. The measurement of ketone levels can assist the user to recognize if his/her ketone levels are in a healthy range or if ketosis is taking place.

In some embodiments, the body attachment 20 can incorporate one or more additional internal or external sensors that can be used to measure blood cholesterol levels, testosterone levels within the blood, progesterone levels within the blood, and/or drug levels within the blood. These measurements can be useful in providing health and fitness related information to the user and for determining the overall health of the user.

It will be understood that the body attachment 20 can include other devices used to measure other characteristics and conditions not described herein.

The measurements taken by the body attachment 20 can be transmitted to the mobile communication device 18 via a communication link. This communication link can be a wireless or direct-wired communication link. For example, in some configurations, this communication link is a short-range wireless link (e.g., a Bluetooth link). As such, the body attachment 20 can upload its health measurements to the mobile communication device 18 when the body attachment 20 is in proximity to the mobile communication device 18, such as within 15 feet. Such wireless communication can enable easy and rapid data transmission.

In some embodiments, the mobile communication device 18 can incorporate the body attachment 20 so that a separate device is not needed or used. In these embodiments, the mobile communications device 18 can contain or include the activity and health condition sensors and measurement devices previously mentioned. For instance, the mobile communications device 18 can include one or more accelerometers, altimeters, magnetometers, pedometers, tilt sensors, GPS devices, and/or sensors or measurement devices to measure various body conditions. In use, the mobile communication device 18 can be strapped to the skin of a user, or otherwise positioned to take the various measurements.

Referring still to Figure 1, after the mobile communication device 18 has received the transmitted measurements from the body attachment 20, these measurements can be processed, analyzed, and displayed on a display screen. The mobile communication device 18 can employ a mobile application configured to present the wearer with information about the distance traveled, steps taken, activity duration, calories burned, body temperature, and other measured or calculated health conditions. The mobile application can also provide various other forms of health-related information, tools, logs, charts, advice, and warnings.

In some configurations, the mobile communication device 18 is configured to relay measurements from the body attachment 20 to an external computer system over a wireless communication network. This network can include a cellular network employing a 3G, GSM, or CDMA communication standard. The external computer system can process these measurements and provide processed measurements and other information to the user via the mobile application and/or a separate website.

In other configurations the mobile communication device 18 or mobile application can include one or more modules configured to calculate the calories consumed by the wearer during a period of time, such as during an entire day or during a workout. This calculation can also be continuously updated during the entire period of use of the body attachment 20. In some embodiments, the one or more software modules can utilize the body temperature measurements, heart rate measurements, and/or activity measurements to calculate or approximate the user's calorie consumption.

Additionally, the mobile application can use the activity measurements to provide information about the user's sleep habits. For example, by identifying when a user (wearing the body attachment 20) stops or slows his/her movements, the mobile application can identify when the user goes to bed, when the user falls asleep, how often the user wakes up during his/her sleep, and when the user wakes up. By analyzing the information, the activity measurement system can identify the duration of the user's sleep and the overall quality of the sleep. By combining such sleep measurements from a single day with measurements over a period, the activity measurement system can identify the user's sleep behaviors, patterns, or lack of patterns and provide analysis, information, and sleep suggestions to the user.

In some embodiments, the mobile application can also use the user's activity measurements to track a user's exercise activities, including when a user exercises and the duration of the exercise. This information can be used to recognize if the user is adhering to an exercise program. This information can be automatically charted for the user. This information can also be used to transmit reminders, motivational messages, and congratulations to the user.

In addition to calculating and presenting information, the activity measuring system can also identify potential health risks or health conditions identified by analyzing the activity measurements and measured health conditions. For example, using the measured heart rates, the activity measuring system can identify any present heart rate abnormalities, such as arrhythmia, bradycardia, or atrial fibrillation by monitoring the heart rate and regularity. In addition, the activity measuring system 10 can advise the user to slow down if the user's heart rate is too high, or if the user is prone to injury by exercising too frequently during the initial days and weeks of an exercise program. In some embodiments, the mobile application can receive input information, such as the user's age, height, health history, fitness goals, and health goals. In some instances, the website or mobile application can provide an interface for the use to submit the type and amount of food that the user consumed in a day, in order to calculate the user's calorie intake. After calculating calorie intake, the mobile application can use the calories burned measurements to calculate the net calorie gain or loss. This information can be tracked by a user who is trying to gain or lose weight.

In additional to presenting activity measurements to the user, the mobile application can provide various other forms of health related information, tools, logs, charts, advice, and warnings. For example, the mobile application can chart the user's activity history, exercise history, weight, body fat percentage, resting heart rate, or blood pressure over a period, such as a month or year. In another example, the mobile application can chart the user's heart rate, body temperature, and/or calorie expenditure during a period of exercise. In yet another example, the mobile application can chart the user's sleep measurements during a time while providing analysis and suggestions for improved sleep practices. In still another example, the mobile application can provide an overview of the user' s health, including warning, areas of cautions, and general tips. The website or mobile application can also provide one or more interfaces for recording a user's goals, charting the user's progress, and providing goal related messages, reminders, and encouragement.

In some instances, the activity measuring system can be configured to relay the activity measurements to a health professional, health insurance organization, physical trainer, or other third party. These individuals may be granted access to the user's activity measurements and related information. Using this information, these third parties can track a user's general and specific activity levels and provide feedback or analysis. For instance, a physical trainer can receive periodic updates of the user's weight or body fat percentage and provide exercise program modifications and updates. Furthermore, it will be understood that various other types of tools, features, and information can be provided to the user via the mobile application.

Body Score

In some embodiments of the present invention, the health measurement system 10 provides the user with an overall health score. The overall health score can give an individual a general sense of his/her overall health. This score can have a significant impact on individuals who considers themselves healthy, but receives a lower score than anticipated. The score can also provide significant motivation to users aspiring to improve their overall health. For instance, when individuals finally achieve a higher overall health score they can have a sense of accomplishment that propels them to continue their improvement.

The overall health score can be given based on a set of hierarchical scores, such as the grades A through F, which are used in schools. The score can also be a number, such as 1 through 3, 1 through 5, 1 through 10, 1 through 100, or other such value ranges. The score can also be or include hierarchical titles, such as Extremely Obese, Obese, Overweight, Normal, Optimal, Similarly, the titles can be laudatory or creative, including terms such as Athlete or Superstar. Accordingly, various different scores ranges and representations can be used. For simplicity, the following description will utilize the score range of 1 through 5, with 5 being the highest, or best, fitness/health level. In some instances, an individual's overall health score takes into account the demographic information of an individual, such as the individual's age and gender.

In some embodiments, the overall health score can be the average of multiple individual scores given to the user's health measurements, such as those previously described. A representative scoring table for various health measurements is shown in Table 1, below.

Body Fat Resting Systolic Diastolic Push-ups Sit-ups V02 Walk/ Run Percentage Heart Rate Blood Blood Ability (with (Males/ (bpm) Pressure Pressure stopping) Females)

1 32/38 72 + 180 + 110 + 0-5 0-20 0-35 Walks less than 3 blocks

2 25-31/ 65-72 160-180 100-110 6-10 20-30 35-39 Walks between 3 32 -37 blocks and 1 mile

3 22 - 24 / 60-65 140 - 160 90 -100 11-15 31-35 40 - 42.4 Jogs 1 mile 29-31

4 19-22/ 55-60 130 - 140 80-90 16-30 36-50 42.5- Runs 3 miles 24-28 46.8

5 0-18/ 0-55 0-130 0-80 31 + 50 + 46.9 + Runs 5 + miles 0-23 Table 1

As shown in Table 1, an individual's health measurements can be given a score based on the score allocated for the value of each of that person's health measurements. For example, an individual with a resting heart rate of 58 is given a score of four for that health measurement. Similarly, an individual who can do 21 sit-ups is given a score of two for that health measurement. It will be noted that activity based health measurements such as sit-ups, push-ups, and the ability to walk or run can be based on the individual's ability to perform these activities under preset guidelines, such as performing the activity without stopping and/or without requiring excessive exertion. Once the score for each health measurement is identified, the average of all of the scores can be calculated.

Table 2, which is shown below, illustrates another representative scoring table for various health measurements.

Table 2

As shown in Table 2, an individual's health measurements can be given a score based on the score allocated for the value of each of that person' s health measurements. Scoring for BFP, heart rate, blood pressure, push-ups, and sit-ups can be the same as those shown in Table 1. However, the V02 category is replaced with a Scan Score category, and the Walk/Run ability category is replaced with a category that scores the number of minutes an individual spends daily engaged in aerobic activity. The scan score can be a score determined by a scanner that measures carotenoid antioxidant activity, such as the Pharmanex Biophotonic Scanner from NuSkin, Inc. As with the scoring table of Table 1, once the score for each health measurements is identified, the average of all of the scores can be calculated.

It will be understood, that Tables 1 and 2 are provided as a representative tables, and individual scores for the listed body measurements can be changed. However, a similar score table can be created for each health measurement used in the calculation of the overall health score with scores given based on the scoring hierarchy. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the health measurements used in the scoring table can vary from those shown in Tables 1 and 2. The set of health measurements used in scoring an individual's overall health can include various health measurements that can collectively represent the overall health of an individual. For example, an overall health score can be an average of a large body of individual measurements, including, but not limited to, heath measurements relating to a user's fitness, blood content, weight and fat percentage, flexibility, heart health, and/or lung capacity. The average overall health score can be rounded to the nearest score. In some instances, there is no level zero scores, but the lowest score begins at level one. In some instances, individuals can assess their non- rounded score if they want to know how close they are to achieving the next score level.

In some instances, some health measurements or combinations of health measurements may be given greater weight than others. For example, low scores in both blood cholesterol content and blood pressure may automatically bring an individual's score down at least one level, regardless of their effect on the average score. Similarly, other blood content levels that indicate illness or disease can automatically lower an individual' s score at least one level. On the other hand, some scores with greater weight than others can automatically increase the level of a user's overall health score.

Additionally, category health scores can be provided for various health categories, which include a set of related health measurements, Health categories can include, for example, fitness, blood content, flexibility, weight, and/or heart health. Representative health measurements in a fitness category can include the user's ability to perform a given number of push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, chin-ups, or other known or developed exercise. Representative blood content health measurements can include blood glucose levels, C-reactive protein levels, ketone levels, oxygen saturation levels, cholesterol levels, testosterone levels, progesterone levels, alcohol levels, drug levels, and other such measurements. Representative flexibility health measurements can include the degree of flexibility based on a sit-and-reach test, a V-sit test, a groin flexibility test, a calf muscle flexibility test, a trunk rotation test, a shoulder rotation test, a shoulder flexion test, and other know or developed flexibility tests. Representative weight health measurements can include an individual's height, weight, body mass index, and/or body fat content. Representative heart health measurements can include an individual's resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and/or the presence or absence of heart rate irregularities.

In some embodiments, the overall health score, average health score of various health categories, and/or individual health scores are presented via the previously mentioned website, mobile application, and/or body scale. In some instance, only the overall health score is presented. In other instances, the individual is presented with a report card type format, including scores in each of two or more health categories and the overall health score. In other instance, all health measurements and corresponding scores are presented along with an overall health score.

In some instances, the overall health score can be accompanied by tips, advice, educational material, and/or other information that informs the individual on how to improve his/her overall health score. For instance, this information can identify certain scores that are dragging down the individual's overall health score and suggest ways in which the individual can improve those specific scores. As such, the overall health score can focus a person's attention not only on fitness, diet, or weight, but also on all aspects of his/her health.

Calorie Monitoring System

Reference will first be made to Figure 6, which illustrates a calorie monitoring system (or simply "system") 620 that includes a smart device 622 and a peripheral device 624. The smart device 622 can include a smart phone, tablet computer, laptop, or other suitable portable computer system. The smart device 622 can be electronically coupled to the peripheral device 624 using a communication link 626. In general, the system 620 is configured to provide users with a calculation of their overall calorie intake and expenditure for a given period, such as a day. This information may be provided to individuals to enable them to recognize the effect that their lifestyle choices have on their overall health. By providing users with accurate and even fairly real-time information about their overall calorie intake and expenditure, the user can more effectively manage his/her weight and overall health. This system 620 can thus avoid the downsides of temporary health fads by offering actual, measurable information that can be used to form enduring, effective, and improved lifestyle changes. This information can empower the users to managing their weight, eat properly, and maintaining an active lifestyle in order to reduce their propensity to illness and disease and prolong their life expectancy.

Specific reference will now be made to the peripheral device 624, which is illustrated in

Figure 6. This device can be designed to be carried or worn by a user. Non- limiting examples of ways to carry and wear the peripheral device 624 are shown in Figures 9A-12B, which are described below. Additionally, the peripheral device 624 can be configured as an anklet, bracelet, clip, finger ring, toe ring, pendant, necklace, earring or other piercing, implant, or other attachable, wearable, or carry-able device. When carried, the peripheral device 624 can measure the user's activity, such as steps taken, calories burned, stairs ascended or descended, activity duration, and/or distance traveled. The peripheral device 624 may additionally or alternatively be configured to measure a user^'s heart rate and/or glucose levels.

Referring to Figure 7, the peripheral device 624 can include a housing 630 that houses the various components of the peripheral device 624. For example, the housing 630 can contain a display 632 for displaying information, data, and messages to the user. The display 632 can cover the entire top surface 634 of the housing or a portion of the top surface 634. The housing 630 can also contain one or more weight sensors 640, one or more motion sensors 642, one or more processors 644, one or more memory devices 646, and/or other suitable components and sensors.

In some embodiments, the housing 630 can be robust and/or water proof/resistant to resist impact damage, heat damage, and water damage that may be associated with daily use and transport. In embodiments with waterproof housings, the housing can include one or more exterior waterproof coating, waterproof tape, waterproof seals about housing junctions, and other known and future developed waterproofing mechanisms.

In some embodiments, the peripheral device 624 can be shaped and sized to be conveniently carried, toted, or attached to a user. For example, the peripheral device 624 can have a maximum length between approximately 1 and approximately 4 inches, approximately 1 and approximately 3.5 inches, or approximately 1.5 and approximately 3 inches. The peripheral device 624 can have a maximum width between approximately 0.5 and approximately 2.5 inches, approximately 0.75 and approximately 2 inches, or approximately 1 and approximately 1.5 inches. The peripheral device 624 can have a maximum thickness between approximately 0.1 and approximately 1 inch, approximately 0.2 and approximately 0.7 inches, approximately 0.25 and approximately 0.6 inches.

As shown, the peripheral device 624 can include one or more motion sensors 640 that measure users' physical motion. These motion sensors 640 can include one or more accelerometer, altimeter, magnetometer, pedometer, tilt sensor, and/or global positioning system (GPS) device. Each of the motion sensors can measure one or more complements of motion including, for example, changes in elevation, changes in direction, changes in acceleration, and/or changes in location. Raw measurement data from one or more motion sensors 640 can be processed in the peripheral device 624, using one or more processors 644. Data measured or processed in the peripheral device 624 can be stored within one or more memory devices 646. Alternatively, this data can be transmitted to the smart device 622, as shown in Figure 6, for processing. The measured or processed data can be continuously or periodically uploaded to the smart device 622. The smart device 622 can ultimately display activity or calorie related information to the user.

In addition to using information about the user's physical movement to determining calorie expenditure, the system 620 can utilize information about the user's body temperature, heart rate, and/or blood pressure. For example, the peripheral device 624 can include a temperature sensor (not shown) for measuring the user's body temperature. Body temperature measurements can be used to determine the physical activity level of the users, since physical activity can generate body heat. In some configurations, the temperature sensor can include one or more electrodes or other contact surface that can be placed in contact with the user's skin. Electrodes can be disposed on a surface of the peripheral device 624, including the bottom surface 636. When electrodes are placed on the bottom surface 36, the top surface, or face, of the peripheral device 624 can be presented to the user. The one or more electrodes can include a thermocouple, thermister, or other temperature sensor to detect temperature levels of the user' s skin surface.

Heart rate can be measured using one or more a heart rate monitor devices. Heart rate is the number of heartbeats per unit of time (e.g., a minute). Heart rate measurements can assist to determine the level of health of the user and to diagnose and track medical conditions. For instance, healthy or active individuals may have a lower resting heart rate than less active or less healthy individuals. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the body attachment 620 can include an electrocardiogram (ECG or E G) or other device for measuring the user's heart rate. Some configurations may also utilize a pulse oximeter to measure pulse and/or blood pressure. A pulse oximeter can include one or more light sources (e.g. light-emitting diodes) that transmit light into the skin of a patient. The pulse oximeter can also include one or more detectors, such as a photo detector that detects light reflected from an underlying artery. By processing the character of the reflected and the transmitted lights, the pulse oximeter can identify and measure various features of the user' s blood, including the user's heart rate and/or blood pressure.

Blood pressure is one of the principle vital signs and can provide useful health information to the user and health professionals. Blood pressure is the pressure that blood exerts upon blood vessel walls within the body. During a heartbeat, blood pressure rises from a diastolic pressure to a systolic pressure, each of which can be measured and tracked by the health measurement system. Healthy users can have lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure values. By knowing their blood pressure measurements users can gauge their stress levels and then work to achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels. In some embodiments, the activity measuring system can measure the user's blood pressure using a pulse oximeter or other suitable device.

Some embodiments of the peripheral device 624 can include one or more devices for measuring the user's blood glucose levels. Blood glucose levels, which indicate the amount of glucose in the blood, can be important information for users with diabetes. For instance, in some configurations, the system 620 can incorporate an external glucometer that can interface and communicate with the system 620. For example, an external glucometer can communicate with one or more components of the system 620 via a short-range wireless link (e.g., a Bluetooth link). Blood glucose levels can be received, stored, and/or transmitted by the peripheral device 624 when the external glucometer is located within a minimum range in which the wireless link can be established.

As mentioned, after the peripheral device 624 measures the user's activity, heart rate, body temperature, and/or blood pressure, this information can be transmitted to the smart device via a communication link 626, shown in Figure 6. This communication link 626 can be a wireless or direct-wired communication link. For example, in some configurations, this communication link can be a short-range wireless link, such as a Bluetooth link. In some embodiments, the peripheral device 624 and the smart device can communicate data using near field communication standards.

In some configurations, the peripheral device 624 can upload data to the smart device 622 continuously or periodically when it is in proximity to the mobile communication device 612, such as within an operable distance, such as within a range of about 5 feet, 10 feet, 15 feet, 20 feet, 25 feet, or farther. Such wireless communication can enable easy and rapid data transmission. In other configurations, this second communication link can be a wired communication link, such over cable. The wired communication link can be coupled to an earphone port or other port of the smart device 622, A wired connection can advantageously charge any batteries within the peripheral device 624.

It will be understood, that the system 620 may be further configured to provide additional information to users, in addition to calorie intake and expenditure. For example, the system 620 can be used at night to track and analyze users' sleep activity and patterns. The system 620 can also provide various other health metrics that can educate a user on their current health status. The smart device 622 can also be used to analyze the users' health measurements and provide tips, suggestions, and motivation. Moreover, the smart device 622 can transmit the users' health measurements to third parties or other computer systems for analysis and the like.

In some particular embodiments, the system 620 can be configured to track a user' s health measurements against a set of goals established by the user. The system 620 can be configured to provide the user with feedback, historical data, and motivation. For examples, as shown in Figure 6, the peripheral device is displaying the text, "53 more to go". This message may indicate to the user the number of calories left to expend in a day in order to meet a daily goal. This information can be provided in real time, as the system 620 calculates the user' s calorie expenditures during physical activity. Various other such features can be provided by the system 620.

Reference will now be made to Figures 8A and 8B, which illustrate the capabilities of the peripheral device 624 to measure the weight of the food that is consumed by users. As shown in Figure 7, the peripheral device 624 can include one or more weight sensors 640. These weight sensors 640 can enable the peripheral device to act as a food and drink scale for weighing food and using the weight to estimate the food or drink's calorie content. As shown in Figures 8 A and 8B, the bottom surface 636 of the peripheral device 624 can be placed on a relatively flat surface, such as a table. A food item 650 (herein "food item" refers to food items, drink items, and food or drink items in or on containers or serviceware) can then be placed on the top surface 634 of the peripheral device 624. The food item 650 can be temporarily placed on the peripheral device 624 or left for prolonged periods, such as the duration of the meal.

To calculate the number of calories consumed by a user, the user can place each food item 650 on the peripheral device 624 to be weighed before the user consumes the food item 650, as shown. If the user chooses not to consume the entire food item, the uneaten portion can be weighed by the user. When food is included on or in a cup, bowl, plate, saucer, or other item of serviceware, the serviceware can be placed on the peripheral device 624 to way the entire amount of food along with the serviceware. This weighing process can be performed before the user begins to consume the food item 650 as well as after the user is done. These two measurements can be used to recognize the weight of the serviceware along with any unconsumed portions of the food item. The difference between the initial and final weights can be calculated to determine the weight of the food consumed.

In some instances, a user may want to weigh a plate of food containing multiple food items 650, which cannot be weighed separately. In these instances, the plate holding the various food items 650 can be weighed. After the user has completed the meal, the weight of the plate can be re-measured, and the difference between the starting weight and the ending weight can be determined. To improve the accuracy of the calorie estimation, the user can input into the smart device 622 the types of food items included on the plate and optionally the relative portion sizes of the food items. If the user does not provide this input, the smart device 622 can provide an estimate based on known averages for food genetically. After the meal, if all of the food items 50 are not eaten, the user can input into the smart device 622 what food items 650 in the meal were not eaten and/or how much of each food item 650 was not eaten. In some instances, the plate, cup, or other serviceware item can be left of the peripheral device 624 during an entire meal, during which time the weight of the food item(s) 650 can be monitored. This continuous weighing can recognize when a user gets "seconds" or refills.

Various tools and features can be provided or utilized to assist the smart device 622 in determining the number of calories within weighed food. For example, when smart devices 622 include a GPS or other location-finding tool, the smart device 622 can identify the user's location where the food item 650 is being measured. If the smart device 622 identifies the location as being within a restaurant, the smart device 622 can use known averages of calories based on food from that facility or food of that type of facility. If the smart device 622 has access to or knows the menus items and/or calorie content of menu items, the smart device 622 can ask the user to select the menu item being weighed, from the list of menu items. The smart device 622 can combine this information with the weight of the food to provide an accurate estimate of the number of calories consumed. In another example, the user can take a picture of the food item(s) with a camera on the smart device 622 as the food is being weighed. This process can be repeated if the food item is re-weighed after the user finished eating the food item. The weight of the food item along with the picture(s) can be transmitted to a server where it is automatically or manually inspected to identify the type of food and an estimate of the calories in that type of food. Additionally or alternatively, photographs can be recorded and stored on the smart device 622 as a record of food consumed. Various other tools or features can also be used to help provide a more accurate estimation of calories consumed.

After receiving food weight measurements, the system 620 can calculate an estimate of the amount of calories consumed. This information can be displayed to the user on a display of the smart device 622 in real time, or periodically. Real-time display can educate users about how many calories they are actually consuming during a meal, in a drink, or in a snack. This information can be combined with the number of calories expended by the user during the day. For example, the smart device 622 can be configured to display the number of calories expended in the day; the number of calories consumed in the day; and/or the number of calories consumed in the current meal, refreshment, or snack. This information is believed to have a large impact on individuals eating and activity behavior, since it can provide fairly real time information of the effect of their actions and even help users know when to stop eating or how much exercise they should be doing. The users can recognize what changes and how much change in their routines and habits is needed to improve their health.

In some embodiments, the smart device 622 include one or more software applications used in conjunction with the peripheral device 624. The software application(s) can be configured to receive and process information from the peripheral device 624 in order to provide an accurate estimation of the actual amount of calories consumed by the user, as described above. This information can be received through one or more user interfaces through which a user can input the type of food being weighed, and whether this is the initial or final weighing of the food item. For example, in the sample shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the user can indicate that a beverage is being weighed. In another example, the user can indicate the type of food, such as coffee, green salad, sandwich, etc. The software application can be further configured to receive the type or brand of food or beverage, such as a Starbucks Decaf Willow Blend™.

Some embodiments of the software application can receive and track a user's health goals. For example, a user can input goals related to weight loss, weight gain, calorie consumption, calorie expenditure, exercise activities, exercise consistency, or other such goals. The software application can then track the user' s activities and determine if the user is meeting, exceeding, or not meeting their goals, The software application can provide notifications, encouragement, or other messages to the user relating to the users activities and goals. For example, the software application can provide messages to users at the end of the day about whether they met or did not meet their goals for that day. This information can additionally or alternatively be provided on the display of the peripheral device 624.

Reference will now be made to Figures 9A through 12B, which depict various embodiments of attachment device that can be used by an individual to carry the peripheral device 624 in a way that will measure the user' s activity. To maximize the effect and accuracy of the peripheral device 624 a user can carry the device with them. Without the device, the users cannot measure their activity nor can they weigh their food. Accordingly, the peripheral device 624 can be configured to be used as an everyday object that can be comfortably and naturally carried, toted, or attached to an individual. For example, Figures 9A and 9B illustrate the peripheral device 624 coupled to a key chain 652. Because a user may frequently or constantly carry their keys in their pocket or hand, the peripheral device 624 can provide measure the user's movement, and provide an estimate of calorie expenditure, without being overly burdensome or unfashionable. In the embodiments of Figure 9A, the peripheral device 624 can include a loop 654 or other structure that can be coupled to a key ring of a keychain 652. In Figure 9B, the peripheral device 624 is coupled to a strap or other ornamental structure that is coupled to the key ring.

Figures 10A, 10B, and IOC illustrates embodiments of a peripheral device 624 that is incorporated into a pocket watch and belt clip. The peripheral device 624 can be inserted into an ornamental attachment device 656, case, or cover that can protect and house the peripheral device 624. As shown, the attachment device 656 can be used as a pocket watch (as shown in Figures 10A and 10B) or attached to a belt as a belt clip (as shown in Figure IOC). When in the pocket or on the belt, the peripheral device 624 will be subject to many or all of the major movements of the user, which can enable to the peripheral device 624 and system 620 to measure and calculate user movement and calorie expenditures. Similarly, Figures 11A and 1 IB show a peripheral device 624 incorporated into a purse clip.

Figures 12A and 12B show the peripheral device 624 incorporated into a watch 658. By positioning the peripheral device 624 on the wrist, as with the watch 658, the peripheral device 624 can register a wide range of movements made by the user, including typing, writing, walking, running, etc. Additionally, by attaching the peripheral device 624 directly on the body of the user, the peripheral device can track movements and acquired non-movement measurements, such as temperature and heart rate, as described above.

Reference will now be made to Figures 13 and 14, which illustrate a food scale 660 peripheral device, which does not necessarily, but can, include movement sensors. As shown, a wired (shown in Figure 13) or wireless (shown in Figure 14) food scale 660 can be provided, which can, similar to the peripheral device 624 of Figure 7, include one or more weight sensors for weighing food. Using the weight sensors, the food scale 660 can weigh one or more food items in a single instance or continuously during a meal or other period. In addition to the embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14, a separate food scale 660 of food scale integrated into a peripheral device 624 with motion sensors 640 (as shown in Figure 7) can be configured as a tray, place mat, sheet of paper, credit card-type device, or other commonly used structure. Additionally, the separate food scale 660 of food scale integrated into a peripheral device 624 with motion sensors 640 can be configured to be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. Furthermore, this structure can be expandable, in order that various shaped and sized items of serviceware can be balanced thereon.

In each of the above described embodiments, peripheral device 624 can be configured with a near field communications (NFC) chip or other NFC component for enabling the peripheral device to communicate with a smart phone or another computer device that is also NFC enabled. Any of the above described types of data can be communicated between peripheral device 624 and another computer device using the NFC standards. In this way, communication between peripheral device 624 and another device can be greatly facilitated. In light of the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention provides individuals with systems and methods for calculating their overall calorie intake and expenditure. The present systems can include a smart device that receives data from a peripheral device. The peripheral device can both measure the weight of food and measure a user's activities. These measurements can be used to calculate the user's calorie intake and expenditures.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

Claims

1. A device for monitoring health, the device comprising:

a body scale housing;

one or more sensors disposed within the body scale housing;

a controller coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to determined a user's weight and body mass index, and one or more of a user's blood pressure, body temperature, blood glucose levels, c-reactive protein, ketone levels, oxygen saturation, blood cholesterol levels, testosterone levels, and progesterone levels; and

a communications device coupled to the controller and configured to communicate data from the controller to an external database over a wireless network.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a storage device disposed within the body scale housing and coupled to the controller.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a near field communication chip.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to identify one or more of arrhythmia, bradycardia, and atrial fibrillation when experienced by a user of the device.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the communications device utilizes 3G, GSM, or CDMA wireless communications standard.

6. A system for monitoring health, the device comprising:

a body scale including one or more sensors;

a body attachment including one or more sensors;

a communications link between the body attachment and the body scale;

a controller coupled to the body scale and configured to use one or more measurements from the one or more sensors of the body scale or the body attachment to determined a user's weight and body mass index, and one or more of a user's blood pressure, body temperature, blood glucose levels, c-reactive protein, ketone levels, oxygen saturation, blood cholesterol levels, testosterone levels, and progesterone levels; and

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the body attachment includes a near field communication chip for communicating with another computing device.

8. A system for monitoring the health and activity of an individual, the system comprising: a mobile communication device; and

a body attachment in electronic communication with the mobile communication device, the body attachment having one or more of an accelerometer, altimeter, temperature sensor, and/or magnetometer, the body attachment being configured to transmit measurements from the one or more of an accelerometer, altimeter, temperature sensor, and/or magnetometer to the mobile communication device.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the body attachment further have one or more sensors configured to measure one or more of a wearer's blood pressure and heart rate.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile communication device includes a mobile application having one or more modules configured to calculate the calories used by the wearer.

11. A system for monitoring the health and activity of an individual, the system comprising a mobile communication device having one or more accelerometer, altimeter, temperature sensor, and/or magnetometer.

12. The system of claim 14, wherein the mobile communication device includes a mobile application having one or more modules configured to calculate the calories used by the person carrying the mobile communication device.

13. The system of claim 14, wherein the mobile communication device is a smart phone.

14. A method for scoring an individual's overall health and wellness, the method comprising: receiving one or more health measurements of an individual, the one or more health measurements including the individual's resting heart rate, the individual's blood pressure, and the individual's body fat percentage; and

calculating a health score of the individual based on the receive health measurements.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving demographic information from an individual, the demographic information including the individual' s age and gender, and wherein in calculating a health score is based on the received demographic information.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the health score is a selected from a set of hierarchical scores, the set of hierarchical scores including between three and ten hierarchical scores.

17. A health measurement system comprising:

a body scale and body attachment configured to measure one or more health measurements from an individual, the one or more health measurements including the individual's resting heart rate, the individual's blood pressure, and the individual's body fat percentage; and

a network device electronically coupled to the body scale through one or more electronic communication links, the network device being configured to receive the one or more health measurements from the body scale and calculate a health score of the individual based on the receive health measurements.

18. The health measurement system of claim 4, wherein the health score is a selected from a set of hierarchical scores, the set of hierarchical scores including between three and ten hierarchical scores.

19. A health measurement system comprising a body scale and body attachment configured to measure one or more health measurements from an individual, the one or more health measurements including the individual's resting heart rate, the individual's blood pressure, and the individual's body fat percentage, the body scale being configured to calculate a health score of the individual based on the receive health measurements.

20. The health measurement system of claim 6, wherein the health score is a selected from a set of hierarchical scores, the set of hierarchical scores including between three and ten hierarchical scores.

21. A system for measuring calorie consumption and expenditure, the system comprising: a peripheral device having one or more motion sensors and one or more weight sensors; a smart device in electronic communication with the peripheral device and configured to calculate calorie consumption and expenditure of a user based on data measured from the one or more motion sensors and one or more weight sensors.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device includes a near field communication chip for communicating with the smart device.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device has a maximum length of less than or equal to approximately 3 inches and a maximum width of less than or equal to approximately 1.5 inches, and a maximum thickness of less than or equal to 0.75 inches.

24. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device includes a display screen.

25. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device includes a processor and a memory device.

26. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more weight sensors includes an accelerometer, altimeter, and/or magnetometer.

27. A peripheral device configured to measure the weight of food and drink items and to measure a user's activity, the peripheral device comprising:

a housing;

one or more motion sensors disposed within the housing; and

one or more weight sensors disposed within the housing;

28. The peripheral device of claim 7, wherein the housing has a maximum length of less than or equal to approximately 3 inches and a maximum width of less than or equal to approximately 1.5 inches, and a maximum thickness of less than or equal to 0.75 inches.

29. The peripheral device of claim 7, wherein the peripheral device includes a display screen disposed at least partially within the housing.

30. The peripheral device of claim 7, wherein the peripheral device further includes a processor and a memory device disposed within the housing.

31. The peripheral device of claim 7, further comprising a device attachment coupled to the housing.

32. The peripheral device of claim 11, wherein the device attachment is a keychain attachment.

33. The peripheral device of claim 11, wherein the device attachment is a belt attachment.

34. The peripheral device of claim 11, wherein the device attachment is a watch attachment.

35. The peripheral device of claim 11, wherein the device attachment is a purse accessory with a clip.

36. The peripheral device of claim 11, wherein the device attachment is an armband.

37. The peripheral device of claim 7, wherein the housing includes one or more electrodes.

38. A method for measuring calorie consumption and expenditure of an individual, the method comprising:

receiving activity measurements from a peripheral device, the peripheral device including one or more motion sensors;

receiving weight measurements from a peripheral device, the weight measurements relating to the weight of food consumed by the individual, the peripheral device including one or more weight sensors; and

calculating the individual's calorie consumption and expenditure based on the received activity measurements and weight measurements from the peripheral device.

39. The method of claim 18, wherein the activity measurements are received from the peripheral device using near field communication standards. The peripheral device of claim 7, further comprising:

a near field communication chip for transferring data to another device.