WO2004090482A1 - Device for weight control - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for weight control, more particularly for weight regulation, of a user. In order to make it possible to positively influence the body weight of the user in an easy manner, a system for detecting and processing data relating to the consumption and intake of calories is integrated into a compact and handy device (50) that can give instructions regarding the consumption and/or intake of calories.

Description

Device for weight control

Describe @ ii3un? Ι

The invention relates to a device for weight control, in particular for weight control, of a user.

Many people in the industrialized nations suffer from obesity with all its negative consequences. The range of methods for weight control ranges from special nutritional plans, targeted movements, to special preparations and devices for automatic muscle stimulation. The methods on which these methods are based are often scientifically questionable. A simple and safe way to control weight is to balance the intake of calories from food intake and its consumption through burning as a result of movement. If fewer calories are consumed than consumed over a certain period of time, you lose weight. If the supply corresponds to the consumption, you keep your weight. If the intake of calories is greater than the consumption, you gain weight. Both the intake of calories through food and their consumption through exercise are characterized by habits.

Conventional methods of weight control require that the calories consumed or consumed are recorded and recorded, for example in the form of a calorie account. The number of calories consumed is usually determined by laborious calculations using extensive tables. More precise are electronic scales that determine the number of calories when the food that has just been weighed is specified. If you stick to special diet plans, the calorie count can be taken from it. There are also programs that calculate the number of calories when you enter the food and / or compile a menu that is optimized for calorie consumption. The number of calories consumed is roughly estimated based on the duration and type of exercise. There are now devices on the market that use suitable sensors to record the user's movement and use it to calculate and display their calorie consumption. All of these methods are methods which are referred to below as “isolated” or “open loop” methods. “Isolated” methods are methods that cover only a part of the weight control effect chain described, for example only the determination of the number of calories consumed or only the determination of the number of calories in foods. Methods are referred to as “open loop” methods that have to be restarted for each result to be used, regardless of whether they generate intermediate results or save old comparison measurements. Typically, these procedures must be restarted after each meal or exercise on the user's own initiative. Because these known processes are "isolated", human intervention and human know-how are required to maintain and evaluate a calorie account. Since they are "open loop" processes, the cumbersome process has to be repeated and new on one's own initiative be started. The devices required for this, such as tables, devices and computers, are usually not always available in everyday life. As a result, far from all movements are recorded and food is recorded. The method is half very inaccurate. Another disadvantage of the known devices and methods is that intermediate results, such as the number of calories consumed and consumed or the current weight, inevitably become known. However, since a quick success in weight control is not always to be expected, even small insignificant setbacks have an unnecessarily demotivating effect.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device for weight control, in particular for weight control, of a user, which allows the body weight of the user to be positively influenced in a simple manner.

To achieve this object, a device for weight control, in particular for weight control, of a user is proposed, which comprises a system for recording and processing data relating to the consumption and intake of calories. The device is integrated into a compact and handy device which can issue instructions relating to the consumption and / or the intake of calories. The device according to the invention simplifies, extends and automates the weight control process considerably. Thanks to the simple and convenient application, new user groups can be addressed.

In the device according to the invention, the aforementioned processes are combined in a small, handy device. This device is able to make a food recommendation that takes into account the behavior of the user until immediately before the request. To this end, the device maintains a calorie account largely independently, evaluates it independently and takes constant measures to influence this in terms of weight control. The time, the type and amount of additions and exits and the current body weight are logged in the calorie account. The device is able to identify certain movements, such as sitting, standing, walking, running, and behavior, such as driving a car, climbing stairs, driving an elevator, and reacting to them with the intention of changing their behavior. As an output, the device generates, for example, linguistic recommendations for eating and, depending on the movement profile and behavior, recommendations for suitable physical exercises and behaviors.

In a preferred embodiment, in addition to the calorie account, the device maintains one or more additional accounts, the balance of which may be relevant for weight control. For example, the device maintains a hydration account that records the amount of water consumed and consumed. Water is one of the most important foods and insufficient fluid intake leads to dehydration. Chronic dehydration is one of the risk factors for weight gain and obesity. If the device recognizes the danger of dehydration from the development of the hydrogenation account, it recommends taking in water or other liquids suitable for rehydration. Another example account records the intake and consumption of fats (in addition to the energy content logged in the calorie account). For example, if there is an excess of fat intake and fat burning, low-fat foods are recommended. Another account specifically records the content of unsaturated fatty acids. Yet another exemplary account records the intake and consumption of carbohydrates. (in addition to the energy content that is logged in the calorie account). If, for example, there is an excess from the intake and consumption of carbohydrates, foods rich in fiber are recommended. Another account specifically records the glucose content. The explanations for the calorie account described below apply mutatis mutandis to all additional accounts.

In contrast to the isolated methods, the device according to the invention makes it possible for the individual components to interlock automatically, to a certain extent as a composite system, and thus direct instructions for changing the behavior can be generated, bypassing intermediate values such as calories consumed and calories consumed. Since setbacks can also be expected with successful weight control, it is important for motivation that the calorie account is managed automatically and thus the account balance can be kept hidden.

The invention works in a closed-loop process that only needs to be initiated once in order to automatically manage and evaluate the calorie account over a longer period of time from the start of the program. Since all account processes from the start of the program to the current time are taken into account for the evaluation of the calorie account, the device according to the invention works much more precisely than other systems. The same account balances or account movements can lead to different spending recommendations depending on the internal condition of the device. If the device is switched off and on again, the data is retained so that the device continues at the last status before switching off. A preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that the system for recording and processing data is connected to sensors which record the movements of the user. The sensors can be integrated into the device. However, the sensors can also be designed separately and connected to the device via cables or wirelessly.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that the sensors comprise acceleration sensors. Depending on the type and number of acceleration sensors, individual movements of individual parts of the body can be recorded. This makes it possible to record the movements of the user in detail.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that the sensors comprise pressure sensors. The pressure sensors are preferably used to convert mechanical pressure forces into changes in electrical measured variables (for example the electrical resistance). These in turn can be recorded and processed electronically.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that the pressure sensors are integrated in a sole. The sole is, for example, an insole that can be inserted into a shoe. The pressure sensors are suitable for detecting the rolling movement of the user's foot. The pressure sensors are also suitable for detecting the weight of the user. Alternatively, an external scale can be used to record the weight. Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that the sensors are suitable for detecting physiological values of the user, for example the blood concentration of water (osmolarity) of glucose, lactate, triglycerides or the like. These values can be used to draw conclusions about the calorie consumption and / or the state of health of the user. The physiological values can be used to determine, for example, whether a lot of sugar or particularly fatty foods have been consumed. In addition, the physiological values make it possible to draw conclusions about the stress level of the user when, for example, exercising. However, other values such as body weight, body content of water and / or fat or urine values such as color, conductivity, density or the like can also be recorded with the aid of suitable sensors.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized by at least one sensor which is used for the electronic detection of values, for example the conductivity of urine can be detected by means of an impedance measurement.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that the sensors, in particular the sensors for recording physiological values, comprise optical sensors. The optical sensors can also serve to detect the movements of the user.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that the system for recording and processing data is connected to an input device stands. The input device is used to enter data or information into the device. The input device can be a text input device, such as a keyboard, and / or a voice input device, such as a microphone. The input device can be integrated into the device or can be designed separately.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that the system for recording and processing data is connected to an output device. The output device is used to output data or information. This can be a text output device, such as a display or a screen, or a voice output device, such as a loudspeaker or headphones. The output device can be integrated into the device or can be designed separately.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that the instructions comprise suggestions for physical activities of the user. For example, the user can be suggested to use a staircase instead of an elevator. Or, the user may be suggested to walk rather than drive.

Another preferred embodiment of the device is characterized in that the instructions include suggestions for food intake. These can be recipes with precise cooking instructions or menu suggestions that take into account the currently permitted calorie consumption. Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that the system for recording and processing data comprises an expert system. The expert system can include, for example, a rule set for interpreting the recorded measured values and for generating a suitable output.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that the system for recording and processing data comprises a database. The database preferably comprises the instructions to the user for influencing the behavior. These can be suggestions for physical movements, movement games with monitoring the correct execution. But it can also be a suggestion to include solid or liquid food. It can also be a recipe suggestion for a dish with detailed information on how to cook. Motivation increase messages can also be included in the database. The database may also include warnings of excessive calorie account usage.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that the system for acquiring and processing data comprises a microcomputer system. The microcomputer system contains, for example, the database and / or the expert system. Instead of an integrated microcomputer system, a separate computer can alternatively be accessed, for example by radio. Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that the system for recording and processing data comprises a number of interfaces. The interfaces enable communication with other systems, such as the Internet, for example to download new recipe suggestions or new exercise suggestions.

A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that there are interfaces to other devices which serve for input and / or output, such as, for example, mobile telephones. Such input / output devices are preferably equipped with a display and / or a sound generator and / or a keyboard. Such an input and / or output device is preferably connected to the device wirelessly, for example by means of Bluetooth radio.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that the device has an elongated, in particular band-shaped, flexible body. This shape is particularly suitable for attaching the device to the arm or leg or around the waist of a user. This has the advantage that the device can be worn like a belt on the outside or hidden under clothing. The device can also have the shape of a small box that can be stored in a pocket of the user's clothing.

Another preferred embodiment of the device is characterized in that at the ends of the elongated body

Closure areas are provided which serve to connect the ends of the elongated body. This has the advantage that no additional fasteners are required to attach the device to the user's body.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that an on / off switch is integrated in the closing areas. The integration of the on / off switch enables the device to be switched on easily without the hassle of searching for the switch.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that the device is accommodated in an essentially tubular casing. The cover provides protection against external influences, which could have a negative impact on the function and service life of the device.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the device is characterized in that the device is integrated in a sole. This provides the advantage that the user's body or clothing can not be used to house the device. In addition, integration into the sole reduces the risk of damage to the device.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description in which various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawing. Show it:

1 shows schematic representations of conventional open loop systems;

Figure 2 shows a closed-loop system according to the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention with a sensor base and an accelerometer;

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an inventive device according to another

embodiment;

Figure δ an inventive device in the form of a tape;

Figure 6 shows a protective cover for the device shown in Figure 5 and

Figures 7 and 8 a measuring sole with integrated electronics.

In Figure 1, two so-called open loop systems are shown schematically. In a first process P1, a person's movement B is converted into their calorie consumption KV. In a second process P2, the food consumed by the person is converted into the corresponding calorie intake KA. Processes P1 and P2 can be used to record and record the calories consumed and consumed.

A so-called closed loop system is shown schematically in FIG. The system shown is used to collect and process data relating to the consumption and intake of calories. The input variables of the system are the movement B and the food N that a person consumes. In a process P1, the movement of the person becomes the calorie consumption KV determined. In a process P2, the calorie intake KA is determined from the food consumed by the person. The calorie consumption KV and the calorie intake KA are recorded in an automatic account management AKF. The data collected is evaluated using an automatic AKBW account evaluation. As indicated by an arrow, rule sets of an expert system E are used for the evaluation. In a subsequent unit, which is referred to as automatic account influencing AKBE, the evaluated account data are additionally influenced with the aid of a database D. Instructions which relate to the consumption and / or the intake of calories are output as the output variable A of the system for recording and processing data shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a microcomputer system MC, which comprises a system for recording and processing data, as shown in FIG. 2. The microcomputer system MC, as indicated by an arrow, is connected to a sensor base SS, which serves to record movement and weight data. In addition, the microcomputer system MC is connected to a sensor called an acceleration sensor BA, which is used to record the acceleration of movements of individual parts of the body of the person to be examined. The data recorded by the sensor base SS and the acceleration sensor BA are processed in the microcomputer system MC, as is explained in FIG. 2. Instructions are then issued by the microcomputer system MC which relate to the consumption and / or the intake of calories. The instructions are given as language instructions. The measurement data are preferably transmitted wirelessly. A microcomputer system MC is shown in more detail in FIG. The microcomputer system MC comprises a database D and an expert system E. In addition, the microcomputer system MC is connected via an interface 1 to a speech output unit SA, such as a loudspeaker, as indicated by an arrow. Another arrow connects the microcomputer system MC to a display DP via an interface 2 or a screen. Instructions relating to the consumption and / or the intake of calories can be given to the user via the voice output unit SA or the display DP. The microcomputer system MC is connected to a keyboard TA via an interface 3. Data can be entered by the user via the keyboard TA. Radio frequency signals RF, which are also referred to as high-frequency signals, can be emitted by the microcomputer system MC via an interface 4. The interface is used for wireless transmission of the measurement data from the sensor unit.

In addition, the microcomputer system MC shown in FIG. 4 is equipped with further interfaces 5, 6, 7 and 8. The interface 5 is a radio interface, which is also referred to as a Blutooth. Interface 6 is a universal serial bus USB interface. Interface 7 is an RS 232 serial interface. Interface 8 is an infrared interface. Interfaces 5, 6, 7 and 8 serve, among other things, to connect sensors to the microcomputer system MC. However, it should be noted that the sensors can also be connected directly to the microcomputer system MC according to FIG. 4 but also to the one according to FIG. 3. A device according to the invention is shown in plan view in FIG. The device comprises a flexible printed circuit board 50, which has the shape of an elongated, essentially rectangular ribbon. At the ends of the flexible printed circuit board 50, closing sections 51 and 52 are formed, into which an on / off switch is integrated. The closure sections 51 and 52 can be attached to one another, for example with the aid of magnets, as a Velcro fastener or as a snap closure, in order to attach the flexible circuit board 50 to a person's wrist or ankle, for example. Electronic components 54, 55 are integrated into the flexible printed circuit board 50 and comprise the system described above for recording and processing data relating to the consumption and intake of calories. In addition, a connecting strip 58 is attached to the flexible printed circuit board 50 and serves to connect a measuring sole (not shown in FIG. 5) to the flexible printed circuit board 50.

FIG. 6 shows a flexible protective cover made of plastic, which has the shape of a tube. The flexible protective cover 61 is closed at one end 62. The other end of the flexible protective cover 61 is open. The flexible printed circuit board 50 shown in FIG. 5 can be inserted into the protective cover through the open end of the flexible protective cover 61. At the closed end 62 of the flexible protective cover 61 there is preferably a slot for the passage of one of the closure sections 51, 52.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a measuring sole 70 with integrated electronics in a top view and in a bottom view. FIG. 7 shows that individual pressure sensors 72 are integrated in the measuring sole 70 are. In addition, there are electronic components 74 that may include a system for collecting and processing data related to the consumption and intake of calories. In FIG. 8 it can be seen that depressions 80 are formed in the measuring sole 70, which are used to hold the pressure sensors 72 and the electronic components 74. It is also indicated in FIG. 8 that the measuring sole 70 is equipped with a flexible protective layer 82.

If you want to achieve effective weight control, you have to change your habits accordingly. The long-term effectiveness of weight control becomes better if additional factors are taken into account in addition to the calorie balance, for example the fat content of the food or the water balance of the body.

The present invention can be divided into three sections:

1. Automatic account management regarding calories, hydration, fats and / or carbohydrates. The type and number of accounts is variable. Additional factors can also be taken into account separately or in combination with the aforementioned.

2. automatic account evaluation with automatic identification of various movements and behaviors, and

3. the generation of recommendations for influencing the accounts. In addition to these functions, all recorded data can be transmitted to other devices, for example a PC, for further evaluation. The recommendations to the user are only generated when an initial behavior and movement analysis as well as data on the current physical condition are available. For example, this data is created automatically at the beginning of the exercise course. In this phase it is determined whether the main behavioral changes have to be on the calorie intake (food) or the calorie consumption (exercise) side.

In the case of automatic account management, both the inputs in the form of added food and beverages and the outputs in the form of calories consumed or the amount of water consumed and consumed or other factors are determined. To determine, for example, the calories consumed, the movement is recorded using suitable sensors and calculated using known algorithms. Accelerometers BA (see FIG. 3) and a pressure-sensitive insole 70 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) serve as sensors. The sensors are connected to the measuring system via suitable connections. This system consists of common MC microcomputers with suitable recording channels. The acquired raw data are preferably sent wirelessly to an evaluation unit. The measuring apparatus is very small and is typically worn near the insole. The further evaluation steps take place in a small, handy evaluation unit.

The determination of the calories consumed by food and luxury foods can be done directly, indirectly or in combination. combination. In the direct determination, the blood sugar level is monitored, preferably measured independently, preferably optically. Indirect determination is made either by specifying the type and amount of the food supplied or by the user holding the dish with known calorie number proposed in the third step. The entered data are subjected to a plausibility check.

The water consumed can be determined both directly and indirectly or in combination. In the direct determination, the osmolarity of the blood is monitored, preferably measured automatically, preferably optically. In another form of direct determination, the urine is monitored (eg volume, color, density, osmolarity), preferably measured automatically, preferably optically or electronically (eg impedance measurement). In yet another form of direct determination, the water content of the body is determined using, for example, impedance measurement. A device for measuring body resistance can be integrated in a scale for measuring body weight or can be designed separately. Indirect determination is carried out either by specifying the type and amount of the foodstuffs supplied, in particular also beverages, or by the user adhering to the dishes and beverages with known water content proposed in the third step. The entered data are subjected to a plausibility check. The water generated during the oxidation is added. Typical values per day are a quarter liter of water from the oxidation of the food, a liter of water from the water content of the food and one and a half liter of water from the water content of beverages. The fats consumed can be determined both directly and indirectly or in combination. In the direct determination, the fat content of the blood is monitored, preferably measured automatically, preferably optically. In another form of direct determination, the body's fat content is determined, for example, by means of impedance measurement. A device for measuring body resistance can be integrated in a scale for measuring body weight or can be designed separately. Indirect determination is carried out either by specifying the type and amount of the food supplied or by the user adhering to the dishes with known fat content proposed in the third step. The entered data are subjected to a plausibility check.

Body weight is determined either by the pressure sensitive sole and / or by an external scale. For concealed logging, a coupling of the scale to the evaluation unit must be provided, preferably wirelessly. Devices for electronic (e.g. impedance measurement) determination of the water and / or fat content of the body, preferably for wireless transmission of the values, can be integrated in the balance or can be designed separately.

The following parameters are taken into account when evaluating an account: current account balance; Duration of the course; Course of the account balance over the period recorded so far; Amount, type and time of additions and disposals (for example calories consumed, calories consumed); Number, duration and timing of automatically identified movements or behaviors; personal data of the user, such as age, gender, physical condition; personal habits and preferences; extraordinary Events in the daily routine; Plausibility checks of the entered data.

These factors can be evaluated from different points of view. There are various ways of doing this, which may vary depending on the person who is putting together the course. The invention is therefore designed in such a way that it can carry out various evaluation methods. The evaluation algorithm is stored separately and can be easily exchanged. This is conveniently done in the form of a fuzzy rule set and is described in more detail below.

Different behaviors can be distinguished by the sensors, such as sitting, standing, walking, running, driving, escalator use or elevator ferries. On the output side of the calorie account, an attempt is first made to change the everyday movement pattern. For this purpose, messages are attempted to try to change this during long periods of physical inactivity such as sitting. Short car trips are questioned, the use of the elevator triggers a suggestion for climbing stairs. In the case of targeted sporting activities, care is taken to ensure that the scope of the activity is not too great and the pace, for example when running, does not become too fast. Regular short jobs are promoted more than rare and more intensive ones.

On the revenue side of the calorie account, care is taken that the calories consumed are not reduced too quickly and drastically. Because this would trigger the well-known yo-yo effect. An important aspect of weight control is the information of the User in terms of calories and health relevance of the food consumed. It should be emphasized that the calorie account can be "overdrawn" without triggering negative reactions, for example for special occasions such as parties and celebrations. On the contrary, high-calorie snacks can also be recommended as "rewards" for reasons of motivation. However, care is taken to ensure that the long-term goal, such as the reduction of the calorie account, is achieved again. Any attempts by the user to take advantage of short-term rewards will be countered with reward withdrawal or punishment. After each accepted meal suggestion, it is questioned how well the personal taste has been met. Based on this information, the device adapts to the personal preferences of the user. Of course, when choosing the suggestions, special eating habits such as vegetarian food, whole foods, etc. are taken into account. In addition, attention is paid to a lot of variety. If food suggestions are not accepted, the user is prompted to enter the type and amount of food consumed.

The motivation of the user is assessed through the course of calorie and weight consumption and the degree of change in daily habits. If the calorie balance deteriorates again or if the user falls back into old behavior, a deterioration in motivation can be assumed. This can be questioned directly and countered if necessary by offering additional dishes or with the help of encouraging words. The user's information is subjected to a plausibility check. Sudden, sharp reductions in calorie intake are suspect, an increase in weight, especially after long periods of sitting, may indicate food intake. A large discrepancy between the weight profile calculated on the basis of the calorie account and the actually measured profile can also indicate incorrect entries. In principle, there is a lot of praise for increasing motivation, even the smallest successes are often depicted, short-term setbacks are kept silent. "Rewards", for example in the form of additional meals, are provided.

There are various ways of influencing behavior: suggestions for physical movements, movement games with monitoring the correct execution; Proposals for solid and liquid food intake; Recipe suggestions for a dish with detailed information on how to cook; Messages to increase motivation; Reports when the account is overcharged.

The messages should preferably be given as voice instructions. The above suggestions are taken from the internal database D, which contains recommendations for eating as well as instructions for physical exercises.

The physical exercises can be accessed via factors such as time, difficulty of execution and calorie consumption. Each exercise is divided into different units. Their execution is monitored according to the principles of a biofeedback system. In addition to normal physical exercises, exercise games can be built in, especially for use with children. The recommendations for food intake are structured according to the usual categories, such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, starter, main course, snack, vegetable kitchen, vegetarian cuisine, etc. The proposed recipes should be easy to re-cook and avoid ingredients that are difficult to obtain.

Messages to increase motivation are designed to indicate small and minute progress. Since the current status of weight control does not have to be known, it can also be praised in advance. Messages with excessive load on the calorie account are used as rarely as possible and mainly consist of sounds and noises that are suitable to illustrate the changes in the account.

The hardware consists of several separate units. The sensors are connected to the measurement recording unit or units. In the preferred embodiment, the pressure-sensitive sole 70 consists of many individual FSR sensors (Force Sensitive Resistance), which convert the pressure into a change in resistance. This change in resistance is digitized using repeaters at regular time intervals using analog-digital converters. The digitized data are stored on the one hand in a so-called flash memory (which retains its content after being switched off) and on the other hand sent wirelessly to the evaluation unit. The hardware is built around the MC microcomputer with built-in analog-digital converter. According to the present invention, this unit is as small as possible. The accelerometers can be read out digitally as well as analog, the measurement data are treated as described in the previous paragraph for the print data. The accelerometers can also be operatively connected directly to the evaluation unit.

Additional information from sensors, such as blood values, urine values, weight information from an external balance or impedance values from an external device, are recorded via additional data channels. The evaluation unit receives the measurement data from the measurement unit via the wireless transmission channel. The system is controlled by its own microcomputer. Flash memory modules with a volume of preferably more than 32 Mb are used as the memory for the databases. For the expert system E for evaluating the calorie account, RAM memory space of the order of 32 kB is required.

For example, a 16-tone, 32-poly hi-grade PCM sound generator is used for voice and sound output. For example, text and graphics can be output on an LCD display. The keyboard T is used for input, via which actions can be started or facts can be selected from a list.

In another preferred embodiment, microcomputers and flash memories as well as possible receiving units for the recording of wirelessly transmitted measurement data are combined in hardware, which can also include one or more sensors such as acceleration sensors or pressure sensors. Devices such as mobile telephones are used for input and / or output, preferably with a display and / or a sound generator and / or Keyboard. Such an input and / or output device is preferably connected to the hardware wirelessly.

According to the present invention, the entire process is automated. The user activates the device and receives requests for physical exercises / activities depending on the movement pattern and time of day. A simple push of a button on the input unit, such as a keyboard, gives the recommendations for the meals. If required or if you are interested, detailed motion analyzes can also be output in a third-party device, for example in a PC, via standardized interfaces.

The operating software, the management of the keyboard, the sound and voice output, the routines for recording and forwarding the measurement data, their conversion into calorie consumption and the management of the calorie account and the other accounts follow well-known principles. A special procedure is used for evaluating and influencing the accounts, especially the calorie account, which uses methods from the fuzzy logic area. For this purpose, objects are defined that access the time, sensor data, accounts and various internal states of the system. The objects use this data to calculate their own truth content for their validity. In addition, the objects have additional properties, such as the duration or the speed. Possible objects are, for example, sitting, running, driving, elevator. The "running" object has a high degree of truth when a rhythmic, high load of the pressure sensors is detected in a certain time range. The "sitting" object has a low, non-rhythmic load. The "standing" object is characterized by a non-rhythmic, high load Taking into account the data from the accelerometer, a further subdivision is possible. Standing or sitting with high acceleration sensor activity results in a high value for the object "driving". The object "elevator" would be "standing with high vertical activity". For other objects, the data, for example of the calorie account, is the focus, for example, for "motivation.""," History, "Balance" etc. An object for an internal state is, for example, the "time of day".

An output probability is determined for each possible action, and the action with the highest value is carried out. Similarly, the requirement for the recipes or meal suggestions is defined. The output probability is determined using a fuzzy rule set. Possible rules can then look like this:

If sitting long, then voice message 1 high;

if driving short, then voice message 2 high;

if running time is short and running speed is high then voice message 3;

if motivation is high and balance is high, then calories are small.

The necessary expert knowledge for the interpretation and the expenditure is coded in this form in a rule set containing rules. The number of rules is typically greater than 100.

The system for collecting and processing data that shows the consumption and intake of calories, water and the like. Chen concern, is integrated into a handy device that on request makes a recommendation for the intake of food, liquid or the like and / or a movement recommendation. The accounts, including the calorie account, are managed in the handy device. In and out of calories are logged in the calorie account according to time, amount and type. Due to the automatic recording of incoming and outgoing payments, account management is very precise. The account balance can remain hidden. In the device, the movement sequence and the food and beverage intake from the start of the course to immediately before the query is taken into account. With the help of the sensors, different movements and / or behaviors can be identified. Both the pressure sensitive soles and the accelerometers can be used to identify certain behaviors or movements. The system itself requests information. Based on the duration and timing of the identified behaviors, nutritional recommendations and / or exercise recommendations are given. The suggested recommendations are tailored to the user. The nutritional suggestions can be found in the built-in database.

Claims

Expectations 1. Device for weight control, in particular for weight control, of a user, characterized in that a system for collecting and processing data relating to the consumption and intake of calories is integrated in a compact and handy device (50), the instructions can spend that concern the consumption and / or the intake of calories. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the system for recording and processing data with sensors (SS.BA; 72) can be connected, which detect movements of the user. 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the sensors comprise acceleration sensors (BA). 4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the sensors comprise pressure sensors (72). 5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the pressure sensors (72) are integrated in a sole (70). 6. Device according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the sensors are suitable, physiological Record values such as body weight, body content of water and / or fat, blood concentration of glucose, lactate, triglycerides or others or urine values such as color, conductivity, density or others. 7. Device according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the sensors comprise optical sensors. 8. Device according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that at least one sensor for impedance measurement is provided. 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system for recording and processing data has at least one account, the balance of which can be used for weight control. 10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system for recording and processing data can be connected to an input device (TA). 11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system for recording and processing data can be connected to an output device (SA, DP). 12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the instructions include suggestions for physical activities of the user. 13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the instructions include suggestions for food intake. 14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system for recording and processing data comprises an expert system (E). 15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system for recording and processing data comprises a database (D). 16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system for recording and processing data comprises a microcomputer system (MC). 17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system for recording and processing data comprises at least one, preferably several interfaces (1 to 8). 18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that an interface connects to one of the input / output of Data serving device creates. 19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has an elongated, in particular band-shaped body (50). 20. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that at the ends of the elongated body closure regions (51, 52) are provided, which serve to connect the ends of the elongated body (50). 21. The apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that an on / off switch is integrated in the closure areas (51, 52). 22. Device according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the device is accommodated in a substantially tubular casing (61). 23. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is, at least partially, integrated in a sole (70).