1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to furniture and, more specifically to interactive furniture for dieters designed to enable an obese person to engage in a technologically induced environ which promotes behavior modification, socialization and knowledge. Obese people often have a multiplicity of problems ranging from physical and social isolation, a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of basic nutritional knowledge. Each problem exacerbates the condition of obesity thereby creating a cycle of despair, defeat, and an increasing sense of isolation thus leading to increased eating and inertia. The present invention seeks to provide technological support through the use of a multi-media computer built into furniture designed exclusively for the modification of negative behaviors contributing to obesity. Additionally it seeks to create an environment conducive to healthy eating habits, exercise, increased self-esteem and a more rewarding lifestyle. The present invention coordinates sensory, dietary and exercise components into one integrated unit thereby associating eating, exercising, socializing and health monitoring within one life promoting environ.
The present invention includes a horseshoe-shaped table with computer and dual-purpose seat that adjusts to sizes sufficient to comfortably accommodate a user of various sizes and weights and which serves as both a chair and a seated weight scale that inputs the data on weight into the computer. Integrated within the table is a daily food scale where all of the dieter""s food for the day is placed into and weighed with all data being fed into the computer. A smaller scale is also structured within the table that measures the weight of each individual meal and inputs the data into the computer to calculate the caloric content of that meal. A partitioned plate with removable segments is situated on the meal scale to allow for accurate measurement of different food groups by the computer. It can be removed and washed after use. The table has two personal external sensors. One is an elasticized band with an imbedded sensor which fits around the head and chin and over the mandible or jaw of the user and collects information on the amount of chewing or mastication and will be used to teach the user to slow the eating process. A pulse sensor is worn around the user""s wrist and the data inputted therefrom will be used to mobilize the user into exercising before and after eating a meal. The data gathered by the various sensors and scales will permit the application of the cyber personal trainer to fulfill the functions of a real dietary councilor. The present invention will include several modes of support including on-line support that will alleviate social isolation by encouraging networking with similar people and allow inputted individual data to be collectively shared. People used to eating alone in shame and isolation could eat a cyber-regulated meal together. Instead of on-line chat rooms there could be on-line meal rooms. Another support mode will ensure training with privacy as the user utilizes the cyber personal trainer application off-line. This application will take inputted data on the user and structure a customized diet and exercise program for them while providing actual nutrition lessons.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous diet control systems have been provided in prior art. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,777 issued to Stephen R. Ash on Jun. 14, 1983.
Another patent was issued to Yianni Attikiouzel on Mar. 27, 1990 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,256. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,389 was issued to Claude Gerbaulet et al. on May 8, 1990 and still yet another was issued on Aug. 13, 1993 to Mary J. Kretsch et al. as U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,520. Another patent was issued on May 2, 1995 to Gunes M. Ecer as U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,564.
Caloric counting method and apparatus comprises a base support structure, a plate support structure pivotally mounted on the base support structure, and scale means connected to said plate support structure at a point remote from the pivot line thereof. A plate carrying a combination of food components constituting an entire meal is positioned on the plate support structure to determine the total caloric content of the entire meal. The plate is provided with indicia defining different zones on the plate for foods having different calories per gram, these zones being arranged so that the zone corresponding to foods having the least calories per gram is positioned nearest the pivotal mounting of the plate support structure when the plate is positioned thereon. The patient places the food components constituting an entire meal in the correct zones on the plate and the total caloric content of the entire meal is determined in a single operation by reading the scale which is calibrated in calories.
A dietetic measurement apparatus having computer means having a controlling instruction means to provide a determination of basic integers for a mass of a food item weighed on a weighing means. The weighing means provides a weighing signal, in the form of a logical periodic signal, to a central processor unit of the computer means, which measures the frequency of the weighing signal and correlates the mass of the food item and the quantities of the nutrients. The nutrients comprise carbohydrate, calcium, cholesterol, fat, fiber, iron, protein, sodium and calorific content. Also a number of command keys are provided and include a ZERO key and a BOWL key to aid in weighing procedures.
A first memory stores a calorie goal and quantities of food in several categories which a person anticipates will be consumed during a predetermined day. The quantity of food eaten during the preceding days are stored in a second memory. A computer determines the recommended number of calories and quantities of food in each category for the predetermined day as a function of the quantities consumed during the preceding days. The recommended quantities are stored in a third memory and comparisons are made between the estimated quantities and the recommended quantities, the results of which are displayed. The device, used with or without scales, provides for a healthy and balanced nutrition.
An interactive computerized dietary measurement system and process which can be used by lay people for accurate measurement of the intake of foods, nutrients, and other food components in the diet. The system includes a computer device coupled with an electronic balance, output/display device(s), user input element(s), a food codes database and a storage element. The system has the ability to provide a plurality of weigh-in measurement options with respect to different food service settings or habits and to respectively tag the measurement of each of the options selected by the user in the storage element so as to track the measurements. The system can instruct user on the next measurement action and required input so that users are not required to remember all of the measurement actions and sequences of the actions for the measurements. The system also provides a plurality of weigh-out measurement options in which the computer will track the measurement record and remind the user of what has been done and what should be done so that a complete and accurate collection of dietary intake data can be achieved. The system is further capable of signaling to the user any weighing errors for allowing user to correct the errors, and of permitting user to make comments or notes as to measurements.
A system and a method for recording and monitoring of dietary consumption by a consumer is disclosed. The system consists of a computer for storing and processing nutritional information of the type used for diet control, a real time clock for maintaining current date record, a product code entry terminal or a bar code reader for inputting product identification information, a read-write unit adapted to receive one or more integrated circuit (IC) cards of the smart card type having memory and a microprocessor for reading and writing nutritional information into and from a smart card, a printer for printing nutritional information, and optionally an electric display for displaying such information. Consumer inserts his/her personalized smart card into card reader writer before a purchase transaction starts at a food store or a restaurant checkout counter. As foods and drinks are purchased, dietary nutritional consumption data is electronically collected, sorted, and combined with historical daily averages of nutritional consumption data stored in consumer""s personalized smart card and daily averages of nutrition consumption along with other nutritional and personal data is printed out as a report to the consumer at the end of the purchase transaction. Nutritional data may include personal consumption data on calories, calories from fat, calories from sugars, and cholesterol, dietary fibers, sodium, carbohydrates, proteins, and the like. Consumer""s smart card serves as a personal nutritional consumption history file, and is updated each time it is used.
While these diet control systems may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described.
The present invention discloses a horseshoe-shaped table having a computer and a dual-purpose chair associated therewith. The chair adjusts to variously sized users by using a piston and piston support mechanism disposed internally of the chair. The chair also serves as a weight scale or sensor which is disposed in the seat thereof and has data input means, including a headset with microphone and chewing sensor disposed thereon. The arm of the chair has a blood pressure and pulse sensor disposed thereon. Data gathered from the sensor input devices is transmitted to a computer disposed internally of the table having a monitor and keypad disposed on the tabletop. Also shown are a pair of scales which measure both the individual meal food and the daily food allowance which data is also input into the computer. The scales are equipped with segmented platters and non-segmented platters, having various food compartments for receiving different types of food. The monitor is disposed on a suspension arm which is adjustable and is provided with a control crank for adjusting the arm. The data inputs are disposed near the computer in order to receive input data from the input devices. An alternative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed wherein data is transmitted from the chair via electromagnetic wave means to the table wherein the chair is electrically operated and the monitor, and food scales are mounted internal of the table being covered by panels in the closed position and having a control panel for electrically raising these elements from internal of the tables.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide interactive furniture for dieter""s that will promote behavior modification, socialization, and knowledge for obese people.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide interactive furniture for dieter""s including a table with a computer and two scales and an expandable seat with a plurality of sensors to monitor the user""s weight, vital signs, and mastication rate and input the gathered data into the computer.
A further object of the present invention is to provide interactive furniture for dieter""s wherein the table scales are used to measure the weight of one days food and the weight and caloric content of each individual meal with the data from each scale then inputted into the computer.
A yet further object of the present invention is to provide interactive furniture for dieter""s wherein the computer uses all the inputted in data from the chair sensors, the scales and exercise equipment to determine a diet and exercise regimen appropriate for that individual thereby acting as a personal trainer.
Another object of the present invention is to provide interactive furniture for dieters wherein the computer allows the user to go on-line to form support groups and exchange data with other users of the present invention.
Another object of the present invention is to provide interactive furniture for dieters that is economical in cost to manufacture.
Another object of the present invention is to provide interactive furniture having a pulse sensor thereon which will be used to encourage the user to increase the pulse rate by activity or exercise before sitting down to eat.
Another object of the present invention is to provide interactive furniture wherein exercise equipment is integrated with the computer as well in order to accept inputed data including distance, coloric content, etc.
Further objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.
To the accomplishments of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described in the appended claims.