Hand-Held Spectroscopic Sensor with Light-Projected Fiducial Marker for Analyzing Food Composition and Quantity

摘要

This invention is a hand-held spectroscopic food sensor for analyzing the chemical and/or nutritional composition of food which projects a beam of light that serves as a fiducial marker for image analysis to better estimate the size and/or quantity of the food. In an example, this hand-held spectroscopic food sensor can be in wireless communication with a wearable or implanted device which detects eating and the person can be prompted to use the hand-held spectroscopic food sensor when data collected by the wearable or implanted device indicates that the person is eating.

主权项

1. A portable hand-held spectroscopic food sensor comprising:
a portable housing that is configured to held by a person's hand; a spectroscopic sensor which collects data concerning light that is reflected from food and/or has passed through food, wherein this data is used to estimate the chemical and/or nutritional composition of the food; a camera which takes pictures and/or records images of the food; and a light beam projector which projects a pattern of light onto the food and/or onto a surface within 12 inches of the food, wherein this light pattern is used to help determine the size and/or quantity of the food.