A Device for Detecting and Counting Bites of Food Taken by a Person during Eating

Abstract

We introduce methods for detecting in real-time information concerning bites taken during a meal. Our methods use an orientation sensor placed on the wrist of a user, and analyze the rolling motion of the wrist in order to detect a pattern related to biting behavior. We have built a prototype bite detector device based upon our methods. The device can count the total number of bites the user has taken, and provide the bites-taken rate (bites per minute) of the user. Experiments have been conducted to determine its accuracy. Ten subjects ate a meal of their choice, using utensils (or fingers) of their choice. Video was recorded of subjects eating, and synchronized with our device, in order to evaluate its performance. The sensitivity of the device was found to be 91%. Our methods could find use in a number of applications, including helping a user with obesity, eating disorders or eating rate problems.