(12) United States Patent
`Mault et al.
`
`111111
`
`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US006513532B2
`US 6,513,532 B2
`Feb.4,2003
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54)
`
`DIET AND ACTIVITY-MONITORING
`DEVICE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: James R. Mault, Evergreen, CO (US);
`Edwin Pearce, San Francisco, CA
`(US); David Gilmore, San Francisco,
`CA (US); Roshi Givechi, San
`Francisco, CA (US); Jeanne Ragan,
`Plymouth, MI (US); Andrzej
`Skoskiewicz, Menlo Park; Neil
`Grimmer, San Francisco, both of CA
`(US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee: Healthetech, Inc., Golden, CO (US)
`
`( *)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 09/745,373
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 23, 2000
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2001/0049470 A1 Dec. 6, 2001
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/251,179, filed on Dec. 5,
`2000, provisional application No. 60/243,621, filed on Oct.
`26, 2000, provisional application No. 60/240,185, filed on
`Oct. 13, 2000, provisional application No. 60/230,860, filed
`on Oct. 7, 2000, provisional application No. 60/234,866,
`filed on Sep. 22, 2000, provisional application No. 60/212,
`319, filed on Jun. 16, 2000, provisional application No.
`60/209,921, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, provisional application
`No. 60/207,051, filed on May 25, 2000, provisional appli(cid:173)
`cation No. 60/207,089, filed on May 2'\, 2000, provisional
`application No. 60/201,902, filed on May 4, 2000, provi(cid:173)
`sional application No. 60/200,428, filed on Apr. 28, 2000,
`provisional application No. 60/195,779, filed on Apr. 10,
`2000, provisional application No. 60/194,126, filed on Apr.
`3, 2000, provisional application No. 60/179,882, filed on
`Feb. 2, 2000, provisional application No. 60/178,979, filed
`on Jan. 28, 2000, and provisional application No. 60/177,
`016, filed on Jan. 19, 2000.
`Int. Cl? ......................... G06F 17/00; A61B 5/103;
`A61B 5/112
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`(58)
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. Cl. ........................................ 128/921; 600/595
`Field of Search ................................. 600/595, 587,
`600/300, 301; 128/920-921
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,972,038 A
`4,100,401 A
`4,101,071 A
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`4,159,416 A
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`4,353,375 A
`4,380,802 A
`4,387,777 A
`
`7/1976 Fletcher et al. ........ 340/189 M
`7/1978 Tutt et al. ................. 235!92 T
`7/1978 Brejnik et al. ......... 235!92 MT
`10/1978 McPartland et al. ........ 128/2 S
`6/1979 Brejnik et al. ......... 235/92 MT
`3/1980 Lipsey ....................... 364/415
`................ 364/900
`7/1980 Segar et al.
`9/1980 Sessier
`9/1980 Sidorenko et al. .......... 128/782
`111981 Ratcliff ....................... 364/413
`............. 364/413
`3/1982 Krames et al.
`10/1982 Colburn et al. ............. 128/782
`4/1983 Segar et al.
`. . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. 364/900
`6/1983 Ash ............................ 177/43
`
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`Primary Examiner~evin Shaver
`Assistant Examiner-Navin Natnithithadha
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Gifford, Krass, Groh,
`Sprinkle, Anderson & Citkowski, P.C.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A diet and activity-monitoring device includes a timer which
`outputs a time-indicative signal. A body activity monitor
`monitors the body activity of a subject and outputs a signal
`indicative of the body activity. A consumption notation
`control is provided which the subject may operate to indicate
`when they consume food. An activity calculator receives the
`body activity signal and determines a body activity level for
`the subject. A consumption calculator communicates with
`the consumption notation control and receives the time(cid:173)
`indicative signal. The consumption calculator determines
`and stores the times when the consumption location control
`is operated.
`
`39 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`ACTIVITY
`MON!TOR
`32
`
`4
`
`BODY 9
`
`~
`
`MODE
`
`38
`
`CPU
`
`30
`
`~
`CONTROL -
`r-
`
`CONSUMPTION
`~ NOTATION
`CONTROL
`36
`
`COMMUNICATION
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`44
`
`I
`
`DISPLAY
`4()
`
`I
`
`MEMORY
`
`42
`
`UA-1004.001
`
`

`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1/1986 Lubell et al. ............... 128/668
`..........
`364/413
`2/1986 Silverman et al.
`3/1986 Ratcliff ....................... 364/715
`...................
`12/1986 Fried et al.
`177/25
`........................
`3/1987 Hawke
`283/67
`.................
`8/1987 Blum et al.
`364/415
`1/1989 Duboff .................. 364/413.29
`2/1989 Fu et al. ................ 364/413.03
`2/1989 Overbeck .............. 364/715.01
`4/1989 Clegg et al. ................ 128/773
`8/1989 Behar et al. ........... 364/413.01
`8/1989 Bianco ....................... 364/561
`8/1989 Sakai .................... 364/709.02
`1/1990 Williams, III .......... 364/413.29
`1/1990 Ikemoto et al. ........ 364/709.03
`3/1990 Attikiouzel .............. 177/25.16
`5/1990 Gerbaulet et al. ..... 364/413.29
`8/1990 Mellinger ................ 364/413.2
`........
`9/1990 Madsen et al.
`364/413.29
`10/1990 Jackson ...................... 128/671
`4/1991 Policastro et al. ..... 364/413.04
`7/1991 Hettinger ................. 177/25.16
`12/1992 Harrah ....................... 235/114
`8/1993 Kretsch et al. ........ 364/413.29
`11/1993 Thornton .................... 128/774
`4/1994 Brown .................. 364/413.09
`2/1995 Brown. Jr. ..................... 482/9
`2/1995 Hettinger ............... 364/413.29
`3/1995 Laniado ................. 128/660.02
`5/1995 Dennison ............... 364/413.01
`5!1995 Ecer ........................... 364/413
`10/1995 Kuch ......................... 434/127
`12/1995 Shepley ...................... 235/375
`1/1996 Smith et al. ................ 364/566
`...........
`8/1996 Goldman et al.
`128/630
`6/1997 Goldman ................... 33/15 D
`10/1997 Abrams et al. ............. 128/630
`10/1997 Sellers ....................... 128/710
`11/1997 Gump ................... 364/709.01
`1/1998 Williams, III ............... 128/630
`3/1998 Bro ............................ 128/732
`
`4,566,461 A
`4,571,682 A
`4,575,804 A
`4,629,015 A
`4,650,218 A
`4,686,624 A
`4,796,182 A
`4,803,625 A
`4,807,169 A
`4,823,808 A
`4,853,854 A
`4,855,942 A
`4,855,945 A
`4,891,756 A
`4,894,793 A
`4,911,256 A
`4,924,389 A
`4,951,197 A
`4,954,954 A
`4,966,155 A
`5,012,411 A
`5,033,561 A
`5,173,588 A
`5,233,520 A
`5,263,491 A
`5,307,263 A
`5,387,164 A
`5,388,043 A
`5,398,688 A
`5,412,560 A
`5,412,564 A
`5,454,721 A
`5,478,989 A
`5,485,402 A
`5,542,420 A
`5,640,774 A
`5,673,691 A
`5,678,562 A
`5,691,927 A
`5,704,350 A
`5,722,418 A
`
`5,729,479 A
`5,788,655 A *
`5,819,735 A
`5,827,179 A
`5,828,943 A
`5,832,448 A
`5,836,312 A
`5,841,115 A
`5,845,263 A
`5,876,351 A
`5,890,128 A
`5,899,855 A
`5,908,301 A
`5,913,310 A
`5,918,603 A
`5,951,300 A
`5,954,510 A
`5,987,493 A
`5,989,188 A
`5,989,200 A *
`5,997,476 A
`6,013,007 A
`6,014,578 A
`6,024,281 A
`6,024,699 A
`6,030,342 A
`6,032,119 A
`6,032,676 A
`6,039,688 A
`6,040,531 A
`6,042,383 A
`6,045,513 A
`6,077,193 A
`6,083,006 A
`6,095,949 A
`6,095,985 A
`6,101,478 A
`6,135,950 A
`6,135,951 A
`6,139,494 A
`
`3/1998
`8/1998
`10/1998
`10/1998
`10/1998
`11/1998
`11/1998
`11/1998
`12/1998
`3/1999
`3/1999
`5/1999
`6/1999
`6/1999
`7/1999
`9/1999
`9/1999
`11/1999
`11/1999
`11/1999
`12/1999
`1/2000
`1!2000
`2/2000
`2/2000
`2/2000
`2/2000
`3/2000
`3/2000
`3/2000
`3/2000
`4/2000
`6/2000
`7/2000
`8/2000
`8/2000
`8/2000
`10/2000
`10/2000
`10/2000
`
`Golan ..... ... ... ... .. ... 364/709.02
`Yoshimura et al. ......... 600/587
`Mansfield et al.
`. . . . . . . . .. 128/630
`.............. 600/300
`Lichter et al.
`Brown ....................... 434/258
`Brown .... ... ... ... ........ ... .. 705/2
`Moore ........................ 128/897
`Shepley ...................... 235/375
`Camaisa et al. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . 705/27
`Rohde ........................ 600/523
`Diaz et al. ..................... 705/2
`Brown ....................... 600/301
`Lutz ........................... 434/236
`Brown . . . . .. . ... . .. . . . . . . . . .. 128/897
`Brown ....................... 128/897
`Brown ....................... 434/236
`Merrill et al.
`.............. 434/236
`Rangan et al. .............. 709/105
`Birkhoelzer et al. . . . . . . .. 600/300
`Yoshimura et al. ......... 600/587
`Brown ....................... 600/300
`Root et al. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . 428/8
`Minoz ........................ 600/350
`Shepley ...................... 235/375
`Surwit et al. . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 600/300
`Amano et al. . . . . . . . . . .. . .. 600/301
`Brown et al. .................. 705/2
`Moore ........................ 128/898
`Douglas et al. ............. 600/300
`Miller-Kovach et al. 177/25.16
`Herron ....................... 434/238
`Stone et al.
`. . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. 600/508
`Buhler et al. . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . 482/8
`Coffman ..................... 434/127
`Arai .............................. 482/4
`Raymond et al. ........... 600/513
`Brown .......................... 705/2
`Adams ....................... 600/300
`Richardson et al. . ....... 600/300
`Caimes ...................... 600/300
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`UA-1004.002
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.4,2003
`
`Sheet 1 of 8
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`FIG- 1
`
`Remote Server
`
`26
`
`Computer
`
`22
`
`24
`
`UA-1004.003
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.4,2003
`
`Sheet 2 of 8
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`FIG- 2
`
`BODY
`ACTIVITY
`MONITOR
`32
`
`TIMER
`
`34
`
`MODE
`CONTROL
`38
`
`....
`
`...
`
`CPU
`
`30
`
`CONSUMPTION
`M-...t---t NOTATION
`CONTROL
`36
`
`MEMORY
`
`42
`
`,,
`
`'---------~---~ COMMUNICATION
`....
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`44
`
`DISPLAY
`40
`
`UA-1004.004
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.4,2003
`
`Sheet 3 of 8
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`FIG- 3A
`
`68
`
`50
`
`s
`
`FIG- 38
`
`0
`
`78
`
`54
`
`UA-1004.005
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.4,2003
`
`Sheet 4 of 8
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`GPS 82
`ANTENNA
`
`Exercise
`Equipment
`Monitoring
`Device 108
`
`FIG- 4
`
`GPS-BASED
`BODY
`ACTIVITY
`MONITOR 80
`
`L__ ___ __, - - - - - -
`
`TIMER
`
`86
`
`l
`
`\
`
`1
`
`,,
`
`110
`Manual Input t -
`
`1
`
`Respiration
`Sensor
`105
`-------.--
`------. __ ...._ __ -_ ----.
`,.....-Heart Rate
`--- -'-
`......... .
`Sensor
`109
`r-f- -- -------1
`l ,
`I
`I
`'--r~
`ACTIVITY 90
`Motion Sensor
`:
`114 1----'--1.,
`AudioNideo
`~------~ ~ CACULATOR
`I
`I
`I
`Input
`95
`I
`I
`: __ CONSUMPTION ~ J
`~~ CALCULATOR ~1~----~
`~-~~~~~~==~~
`96
`MODE106
`CONSUMPTION
`.__ ______ ___.
`:
`I
`CONTROL ~~
`CPU
`NOTATION
`I
`CONTROL
`88
`.-----~~~:
`(Button)
`:
`'--------------.t
`
`94
`
`92
`
`MEMORY
`
`COMMUNICATION
`L----~ TRANSCEIVER
`
`112
`
`DISPLAY
`
`98
`
`UA-1004.006
`
`

`
`I Activity Level vs. Time I
`
`Activity
`Level
`
`6 8 1 0 noon 2 4 6 8 1 0 12
`I Food Flags I
`
`Time
`
`)150
`
`~ •
`\J).
`•
`
`FIG· 5
`
`Time
`
`Consumption Log
`
`# Time Duration
`7:20 0:20
`
`Location Log
`
`Time
`
`Location
`
`- 6:30
`6:30 - 7:15
`7:15 - 8:00
`8:00 - 8:28
`8:28 - 11:50
`11:50- 1:00
`1:00 - 5:32
`5:32 - 6:00
`6:00 - 6:15
`6:18 - 7:10
`7:10 - 8:30
`8:30 - 10:00
`
`Home
`Running Route A: 4.3 miles@ 5.7 mph
`Home
`Commuting
`Office
`Gym
`Office
`Commuting
`Home
`Tony's Pizzeria
`Unknown Location [click to view map]
`Home
`
`2 12:50 0:10
`
`Gym
`
`3 3:58 0:05
`
`Office
`
`4 6:25 0:35
`
`Tonny's
`Pizzeria
`
`5 9:55 0:05
`
`Home
`
`Location
`
`Food Choices
`
`Home
`
`Breakfast A Bran Flakes, Skim Milk, OJ)
`Breakfast B (Grapefruit, Bagel, Skim Milk)
`Custom [Click to choose foods]
`Lunch A (Chocolate/Banana Power Shake)
`Lunch B (Turkey wrap, Diet Coke)
`Custom [Click to choose foods]
`Snack A (Apple)
`Snack B (Orange)
`Snack C (Fig Newtons)
`Custom [Click to choose foods]
`Dinner T1 (2 Slices Veggie Pizza, Diet Coke)
`Dinner T2 (Salad Bar, Diet Coke)
`Custom [Click to view menu]
`Snack C (Fig Newtons)
`Snack D (Banana, skim milk)
`Custom Snack [Click to choose foods]
`
`UA-1004.007
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.4,2003
`
`Sheet 6 of 8
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`FIG- 6
`
`POSITION 122
`ACTIVITY
`DISCRIMINATOR
`
`------
`
`Gym
`142
`
`---
`
`Cross
`Country
`132 Skis
`
`TIMER
`
`I
`
`I
`1
`I
`I
`
`~-~----·-----~
`ACTIVITY 134
`CACULATOR
`
`Heart Rate
`Sensof
`
`38
`
`Motion Sensor
`140
`
`MODE
`CONTROL
`
`BODY 124
`ACTIVITY
`MONITOR
`.
`
`---- ..
`
`I
`1
`:
`I
`
`f-i CONSUMPTION ~
`
`CALCULATOR
`
`...
`
`1
`I
`I
`CPU
`I
`l--------- ----
`~--~----~
`l
`
`1
`
`.....
`
`CONSUMPTION
`NOTATION
`CONTROL
`(Button)
`
`MEMORY
`
`COMMUNICATION
`' - - - - - - - l ... ~ TRANSCEIVER
`
`DISPLAY
`
`~84
`
`UA-1004.008
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.4,2003
`
`Sheet 7 of 8
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`z
`
`WW iam St
`
`FIG -7
`
`..................
`. :::::::::::::::::::::: :::::.\'::::::
`.....................
`. ~ ~ ~ ........................... ...
`·: .-:~: _.:_.:_.: ~:::::_.:_.: :::: _.: _.: _.: ::
`-~-~-~-----------
`~ . " ............. .
`:::::::::: :.::::.: :_: :.: :.: :.: :.=:.: :.:::
`.... ......... .
`.................
`
`Woodlawn Ave
`
`Sycamore PI
`
`FIG- 8
`
`UA-1004.009
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.4,2003
`
`Sheet 8 of 8
`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`FIG- 9
`
`FIG- 10
`
`10:23 AM
`
`UA-1004.010
`
`

`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`1
`DIET AND ACTIVITY-MONITORING
`DEVICE
`
`This application claims priority from U.S. provisional
`patent applications Ser. Nos. 60/177,016, filed Jan. 19, 2000;
`60/178,979, filed Jan. 28, 2000; 60/179,882, filed Feb. 2,
`2000,60/195,779, filed Apr. 10, 2000; 60/194,126, filed Apr.
`3, 2000; 60/209,921, filed Jun. 7, 2000; 60/200,428, filed
`Apr. 28, 2000; 60/201,902, filed May 4, 2000; 60/207,089,
`filed May 25, 2000; 60/207,051, filed May 25, 2000; 60/212,
`319, filed Jun. 16, 2000; 60/234,866, filed Sep. 22,2000;
`60/230,860, filed Sep. 7, 2000; 60/240,185, filed Oct. 13,
`2000; 60/243,621, filed Oct. 26, 2000 and 60/251,179, filed
`Dec. 5, 2000, all of which are incorporated herein in their
`entirety by reference. This application also claims priority
`from U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/685,625, filed Oct.
`10, 2000; 09/630,398, filed Aug. 2, 2000; 09/669,125 filed
`Sep. 25, 2000; 09i684,440 filed Oct. 10, 2000; and 09/721,
`382 filed Nov. 22, 2000, are also incorporated herein in their
`entirety by reference.
`
`FIELD OF TilE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates generally to activity moni(cid:173)
`tors and diet monitors and, more specifically, to a device that
`combines both diet and activity monitoring.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Management of diet, health, and fitness has drawn
`increasing amounts of attention as their importance has been
`recognized, and as consumers around the world have
`struggled to balance busy lives with fitness and proper diet.
`Despite the recognized importance of good health,
`consumers, on average, are becoming increasingly obese.
`This has resulted in a strong demand for devices and
`methods that assist individuals in setting and reaching
`dietary and fitness goals. Currently available devices and
`methods fail to meet the needs of average consumers.
`There are serious problems with conventional weight loss
`programs. Weight change is related to the user's net caloric
`balance, the difference between caloric intake and caloric
`expenditure. However, determination of caloric intake and
`caloric expenditure are both problematic.
`There are numerous difficulties in accurately determining
`caloric intake. In some diet programs printed or electronic
`lists are used that provide the nutrition content of a wide
`variety of food. The consumer keeps a diet log of all foods
`consumed each day in order to determine their total nutri(cid:173)
`tional intake. These systems typically are laborious to use
`and only the most dedicated consumer will accurately use
`these approaches. For example, a consumer must take the
`time to accurately record the foods consumed each day.
`Obviously, recognition of foods consumed is most accurate
`if done at the time the foods are consumed. However, many
`individuals feel too rushed to record the foods consumed at
`the time and postpone recording for later in the day or week.
`Also, some consumers are embarrassed to be observed
`recording food intake during or following a meal. This also
`motivates the user to wait to record their consumption until
`later. Obviously, accuracy suffers the more time passes
`between consumption and recordation. An individual may
`entirely forget that they had a snack or two earlier in the day
`or week, leading to undercounting of consumption.
`Determining total energy expenditure is also difficult. The
`total energy expenditure of a person comprises a resting
`metabolic component and a physical activity component.
`Total energy expenditure (TEE) is the sum of resting energy
`
`10
`
`2
`expenditure (REE) and activity energy expenditure (AEE),
`i.e. TEE=AEE+REE. Weight loss occurs if total energy
`expenditure (TEE) exceeds total caloric intake over a given
`time period. As discussed by Remmereit in U.S. Pat. No.
`5 6,034,132, 70 percent of total energy expenditure for a
`typical person is due to their resting metabolic rate (RMR).
`In a conventional diet program, RMR is estimated from the
`height, weight, age, and gender of the person, for example
`using the Harris-Benedict equation. This equation, well
`known to those skilled in the nutritional arts, is given in U.S.
`Pat. No. 5,839,901 to Karkanen, and in U.S. Pat. No.
`5,639,471 to Chait et al. There are serious inadequacies in
`using the Harris-Benedict equation (or any similar equation)
`in a weight loss program. The Harris-Benedict equation
`provides only an estimated RMR, which is an average value
`15 for people of similar height, weight, age, and gender.
`However, due to natural variations in physiology, the equa(cid:173)
`tion may not be accurate for a specific individual.
`Conventional weight loss programs use an estimated total
`energy expenditure (TEE) based on estimates of activity
`20 levels, and estimates of resting energy expenditure (REE)
`from the Harris-Benedict equation. However, unless the
`resting energy expenditure (REE) and the activity energy
`expenditure (AEE) are estimated accurately, the person's
`caloric balance cannot be known accurately, and the out-
`2s come of a weight loss program is likely to be unsatisfactory.
`Some users attempt to track their activity energy expen(cid:173)
`diture (AEE), either for weight loss or general fitness
`purposes. In the simplest approach the individual maintains
`an exercise log of activities conducted, such as distances
`30 walked or jogged. Various graphs and tables can then
`provide an estimate of the calories burned during these
`activities. As with recording consumption, an individual
`may fail to accurately record the type and duration of
`activity undertaken leading to inaccurate recordation. Also,
`35 an individual may not know how far or fast they ran or
`walked. A variety of pedometers are available to assist with
`this task. Pedometers include some type of stride counter in
`order to count the number of strides or paces taken by the
`individual. The devices may be calibrated to allow them to
`40 determine the distance traveled with reasonable accuracy.
`Through the use of timers, they may also be able to
`determine the speed and duration of activity. Pedometers
`typically fail to take into consideration changes of elevation,
`changes in length of stride and changes in intensity. For
`45 example, a runner may combine slow walking with brisk
`running during an exercise session. By combining total
`number of strides and duration of activity, the pedometer
`may only determine average speed, not instantaneous speed.
`U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,002,982 and 6,148,262 to Fry; U.S. Pat.
`50 No. 6,013,007 to Root et al; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,009,138 to
`Slusky; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,032,108 to Seiple et al each
`disclose improved activity monitors utilizing a global posi(cid:173)
`tioning system (GPS). The devices track an individual's
`position over time, using the GPS network. By periodically
`55 or instantaneously comparing position and time, such a
`device is capable of determining a performance profile with
`better accuracy than a typical pedometer.
`Devices are also available for monitoring and tracking
`heart rate. The most popular of these devices are sold by
`60 Polar Electro Oy of Finland. These heart rate monitors
`includes a wristwatch-style display unit and a chest strap
`with a heart rate sensor. The chest strap and display unit
`communicate wirelessly. The devices are capable of accu(cid:173)
`rately monitoring heart rate, which correlates reasonably
`65 well with exercise intensity. Advanced devices include the
`ability to track heart rate over time so that a heart rate profile
`may be produced.
`
`UA-1004.011
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`

`
`US 6,513,532 B2
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`3
`Each of the above-discussed activity monitors fails to
`consider the dietary intake portion of total health manage(cid:173)
`ment. Instead, they are directed merely to activity monitor(cid:173)
`ing. In light of this, there remains a need for a device that
`combines activity monitoring and diet monitoring, that is
`easy to use and provides accurate results.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention improves on the prior art by pro(cid:173)
`viding a combination diet and activity monitoring device for
`monitoring both the consumption and activity of the subject.
`The effectiveness of weight management programs may be
`improved through a more accurate determination of caloric
`balance. Improved determination of caloric balance may be
`obtained by more accurate determinations of total energy
`expenditure, (the sum of resting energy expenditure and
`activity energy expenditure) and caloric intake. The present
`invention focuses on improving the determination of activity
`energy expenditure and caloric intake. Resting energy
`expenditure, the energy expended by an individual at rest,
`may be accurately determined using an indirect calorimeter,
`such as described in co-pending patent application Ser. No.
`09/630,398, incorporated herein by reference. A-s discussed
`in this application, resting energy expenditure is based on
`resting metabolic rate. Resting metabolic rate changes over
`time, especially when the subject changes their diet or
`exercise patterns. Therefore, it is preferable to periodically
`mea-sure resting metabolic rate so that accurate determina(cid:173)
`tions of resting energy expenditure are available during a
`weight management program.
`Determination of activity energy expenditure, which com(cid:173)
`bined with resting energy expenditure provides total energy
`expenditure, may be obtained by monitoring a subject's
`activity on a regular basis. The monitoring device according
`to the present invention includes a body activity monitor for 35
`monitoring the body activity of the subject. The body
`activity monitor is operable to output a signal indicative of
`the subject's body activity. An activity calculator may also
`be provided, which receives the activity; indicative signal
`and determines a body activity level and/or energy expen- 40
`diture for the subject. The body activity monitor may be
`integral with the monitoring device, or may be part of an
`auxiliary device. For example, the monitoring device
`according to the present invention may take the form factor
`of a wristwatch-style device or a belt or clothing-mounted 45
`monitor. In a wristwatch-style device, the body activity
`monitor may comprise a heart rate monitor, monitoring the
`heart rate of the subject. The heart rate of the subject
`increases with activity and decreases when the subject is
`resting. By calibrating the activity monitor, the subject's 50
`activity level and activity related energy expenditure may be
`determined. The activity monitor may be calibrated using an
`indirect calorimeter, as described in co-pending patent appli(cid:173)
`cation Ser. No. 09/684,440, incorporated herein by refer(cid:173)
`ence. The heart rate monitor may form part of the 55
`wTistwatch-style monitoring device and sense heart rate in
`the subject's wTist or other appendage. Alternatively, a
`separate heart rate sensor may be provided such as a chest
`strap, that communicates with the monitoring device, pref(cid:173)
`erably using a wireless link. A belt or clothing mounted 60
`monitoring device may also include a heart rate monitor as
`the body activity monitoring portion.
`The body activity monitor which forms part of the moni(cid:173)
`toring device according to the present invention may alter(cid:173)
`natively comprise a motion sensor such as a mechanical 65
`pendulum or a single or multi axis accelerometer. An accel(cid:173)
`erometer is preferred as it may provide information on body
`
`4
`movement as well as the direction and intensity of the
`movement. The motion sensor may form part of the wrist(cid:173)
`watch or belt or clothing mounted monitoring device or may
`be part of a separate accessory that communicates with the
`5 monitoring device. For example, if the monitoring device
`according to the present invention takes the form of a belt or
`clothing mounted housing, the accelerometer may be dis(cid:173)
`posed in the housing and sense motion of the housing.
`Because the housing is attached to the subject's belt or
`10 clothing, motion of the housing correlates with movement of
`the subject. Once again, the body activity monitor may be
`calibrated to determine activity related energy expenditure
`using an indirect calorimeter.
`As another alternative, the body activity monitor may
`15 include multiple modes for recording of variety of activities,
`such as swimming, biking, and use of stationary exercise
`equipment. The body activity monitor may then be placed in
`the mode corresponding to an activity that the subject
`undertakes. The subject presses a start button and the body
`20 activity monitor will record the duration of the activity. The
`monitoring device may then determine an activity level
`based on the duration of the activity and the estimated
`intensity. The activity level may be adjusted by the user to
`increase the accuracy of the estimate. Alternatively, the body
`25 activity monitor portion of the monitoring device may
`communicate with the exercise equipment or system of
`equipment being used by the subject to allow transfer of
`accurate data related to exercise. As one simple alternative,
`the body activity monitor may allow the subject to create
`30 time-stamped exercise flags, corresponding to when exercise
`is undertaken. To create an exercise flag, the subject manipu(cid:173)
`lates a control on the monitoring device at the time of the
`activity. Later, the time or the duration of the activity may be
`recalled and an actual activity level be entered for tracking
`purposes.
`It is preferred that the monitoring device according to the
`present invention forms part of the system including a local
`remote computing device to which data from the monitoring
`device may be downloaded for further manipulation. For
`example, at the end of the day, the subject may download
`data from the monitoring device to a home PC. The subject
`may then view the activity and consumption data and have
`it during the day. The subject may then be prompted to
`provide additional information about events such as exercise
`and food flags. This data may be used as part of a determi(cid:173)
`nation of total caloric balance and as part of a weight loss
`program.
`The monitoring device according to the present invention
`also preferably includes a consumption notation control for
`use by the subject to indicate when the subject consumes
`food. This consumption notation control preferably provides
`a very simple means for the subject to note when consump(cid:173)
`tion occurs and avoids the embarrassment and difficulty of
`recording the actual foods consumed during or immediately
`following consumption of the foods. In one embodiment of
`the present invention, the subject manipulate a control on the
`monitoring device each time they consume food, whether
`the food is a snack or a meal. The monitoring device records
`the time the control was manipulated and creates a "food
`flag". Later, the subject may use the food flags to help them
`recall what they ate. Software on the local or remote
`computing device may assist in theses determinations by
`presenting options on what was consumed based on past
`behavior and software settings. Alternatively, food flags may
`also have a duration component. For example, a subject may
`manipulate the consumption notation control once at the
`beginning of the consumption event and again at the end of
`
`UA-1004.012
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`

`
`US 6,513,532 B2
`
`5
`the consumption event. The duration of the event provides
`additional data for use in determining what foods were
`consumed. As another alternative, the consumption notation
`control may include and audio and/or video recording
`device, allowing the subject to make audio and/or video
`notations as to what was consumed. For example, the
`monitoring device may include a recording mechanism such
`as a digital recording means. In addition to or alternatively
`to the food flags, the subject may make a brief audio
`recording as to what was consumed. Alternatively, or addi(cid:173)
`tionally the monitoring device may include a video record(cid:173)
`ing system such as a miniaturized camera. The subject may
`then photograph what was consumed to allow an accurate
`determination of consumption at a later time. The use of
`audio or video recording allows additional functionality. For
`example, the local or remote computing device may be
`operable to provide voice recognition on downloaded audio
`files from the monitoring device. Then, the subject's audi(cid:173)
`tory notes may be transcribed into written text for later
`reference by the user. Alternatively, the software may deter-
`mine what foods were consumed based on the auditory
`notation. Similar functionality may be provided with video
`recordings such as digital pictures. The digital pictures may
`be transmitted to a remote site where an administrative
`person reviews the picture and records what was consumed
`and transmits this recording back to the subject. This may be
`provided on a subscription basis. Alternatively, software
`could be provided which performs an image analysis on the
`digital picture to assist in determining the foods consumed.
`As another alternative, the monitoring device according to
`the present invention may include a scanning device to allow
`it to scan and record bar codes and similar coded markings.
`Thi<> functionality may be incorporated into the digital
`camera or may be separate. Also, the scanner may form a
`separate unit from the remainder of the monitoring device
`and communicate with the monitoring device through a wire
`or wireless connection. The bar code scanning may be used
`to scan foods to be consumed as well as other information
`such as data concerning exercise.
`The monitoring device according to the present invention
`preferably also includes a timer that outputs a time indica(cid:173)
`tive signal for use in time stamping food flags and exercise
`flags and for use in tracking activity during the day.
`The diet and activity monitoring device may communi(cid:173)
`cate with local and remote computers using a v.rired or
`wireless connection, as well as through transfer of memory
`modules. The local or remote computers may allow addi(cid:173)
`tional or easier access to advance functions, such as diet and
`activity tracking over longer periods of time.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a view of a first embodiment of a diet and
`activity monitoring device and system schematically illus(cid:173)
`trating communication between the device and local and
`remote computers;
`FIG. 2 is a schematic for a diet and activity monitoring
`device according to the present invention;
`FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of a second embodi(cid:173)
`ment of a diet and activity monitoring device according to
`the present invention;
`FIG. 3B is a rear elevational view of the strap portion of
`the diet and activity monitoring device of FIG. 3A;
`FIG. 4 is a schematic of another embodiment of a moni(cid:173)
`toring device according to the present invention;
`FIG. 5 is a sample screen view of a local or remote
`computing device showing one version of a display of diet(cid:173)
`and activity-related data;
`
`6
`FIG. 6 is a schematic of yet another embodiment of a
`monitoring device according to the present invention;
`FIG. 7 is a view of a street level map illustrating a running
`route as tracked by the activity monitoring portion of one
`5 embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 8 is a view of a street level map illustrating a location
`indicator to assist a subject in locating where activity and/or
`consumption took place;
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment
`10 of a diet activity monitoring device according to the present
`invention mounted on the belt of a subject and illustrating