U.S. patent application number 10/720755 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-23 for method and apparatus for scanning of food and medicine to provide outputs relative to a user profile.
Invention is credited to Kocher, Jean-Pierre.
Application Number | 20040256454 10/720755 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22526839 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040256454 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kocher, Jean-Pierre |
December 23, 2004 |
Method and apparatus for scanning of food and medicine to provide
outputs relative to a user profile
Abstract
A method and apparatus for recording foods and medicines by
scanning and relating scanned data to a stored medical profile
specific to an individual. In a preferred embodiment, quantities of
foods or medicines are sensed by scanning to relate consumption
data or interaction data when a user should be aware of possible
adverse interactions. Various types of databases are disclosed.
Wireless transfer of data is contemplated, with location of
consumption recorded and transferred as well in a particular
embodiment.
Inventors: |
Kocher, Jean-Pierre;
(Mountain View, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RADER FISHMAN & GRAUER PLLC
LION BUILDING
1233 20TH STREET N.W., SUITE 501
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Family ID: |
22526839 |
Appl. No.: |
10/720755 |
Filed: |
November 25, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10720755 |
Nov 25, 2003 |
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09635856 |
Aug 11, 2000 |
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6652455 |
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60148676 |
Aug 13, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
235/382 ;
705/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 40/67 20180101;
G16H 10/60 20180101; G16H 20/60 20180101; G16H 10/65 20180101; G16H
70/40 20180101; Y10S 128/921 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/382 ;
705/002 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
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27. A method of providing product information to a user, said
product information pertaining to a product, said product being
internally consumable by said user, said method comprising: storing
said product information within an items database, said items
database being disposed within a remote computer; storing user data
within a profile database, said user data being information about
said user, said profile database being located within said remote
computer; storing profile data within said profile database, said
profile data being information about interactions between said
foods and medicines; entering packaging data into an input device,
said input device being separate and distinct from said remote
computer, said input device being portable, said packaging data
being additional information pertaining to said product; searching
said items database for said product information, said input device
using said packaging data to search said items database for said
product information.
28. The method as set forth in claim 27, wherein said product
information includes barcode numbers, product name, product,
produce suggested serving size, nutrients contained within the
product, chemicals contained within the product, and processing
techniques.
29. The method as set forth in claim 27, further comprising:
displaying said product information on a display, said display
being located on said input device.
30. The method as set forth in claim 27, further comprising:
retrieving said product information from said items database, said
input device retrieving said product information from said items
database and comparing said received product information with said
profile data.
31. The method as set forth in claim 30, further comprising:
warning said user of possible allergy or incompatibility to said
product, said warning being based upon a result of said step of
comparing.
32. The method as set forth in claim 27, wherein said input device
includes an optical scanner.
33. The method as set forth in claim 32, wherein said product
includes indicia for describing said product, said indicia being a
barcode, said optical scanner entering said packaging data into
said input device by scanning said barcode.
34. The method as set forth in claim 32, wherein said product
includes indicia for describing said product, said indicia being
text, said optical scanner entering said packaging data into said
input device by scanning said text.
35. The method as set forth in claim 32, wherein said product
includes indicia for describing said product, said indicia being
handwriting, said optical scanner entering said packaging data into
said input device by scanning said handwriting.
36. The method as set forth in claim 27, wherein said items
database is a removable storage medium.
37. The method as set forth in claim 36, wherein said removable
storage medium is disposed on said input device.
38. The method as set forth in claim 36, wherein said removable
storage medium is disposed on said central computer.
39. The method as set forth in claim 27, wherein said profile
database is a removable storage medium.
40. The method as set forth in claim 39, wherein said removable
storage medium is disposed on said input device.
41. The method as set forth in claim 39, wherein said removable
storage medium is disposed on said central computer.
42. A device comprising: an input device, said input device being
separate and distinct from a remote computer, said input device
being portable, packaging data being entered into said input
device, said packaging data being information pertaining to a
product, said product being internally consumable by a user, said
input device using said packaging data to search an items database
for product information, wherein: said remote computer contains
said items database and a profile database, said product
information is stored within said items database, said product
information being additional information pertaining to said
product, user data and profile data are stored within said profile
database, said user data being information about said user, said
profile data being information about interactions between said
foods and medicines.
43. The device as set forth in claim 42, wherein said product
information includes barcode numbers, product name, product,
produce suggested serving size, nutrients contained within the
product, chemicals contained within the product, and processing
techniques.
44. The device as set forth in claim 42, wherein said product
information on a display, said display being located on said input
device.
45. The device as set forth in claim 42, wherein said input device
retrieves said product information from said items database and
compares said received product information with said profile data
to provide a comparison.
46. The device as set forth in claim 45, wherein said input device
warns said user of possible allergy or incompatibility to said
product, said warning being based upon said comparison.
47. The device as set forth in claim 42, wherein said input device
includes an optical scanner.
48. The device as set forth in claim 47, wherein said product
includes indicia for describing said product, said indicia being a
barcode, said optical scanner entering said packaging data into
said input device by scanning said barcode.
49. The device as set forth in claim 47, wherein said product
includes indicia for describing said product, said indicia being
text, said optical scanner entering said packaging data into said
input device by scanning said text.
50. The device as set forth in claim 47, wherein said product
includes indicia for describing said product, said indicia being
handwriting, said optical scanner entering said packaging data into
said input device by scanning said handwriting.
51. The device as set forth in claim 42, wherein said items
database is a removable storage medium.
52. The device as set forth in claim 51, wherein said removable
storage medium is disposed on said input device.
53. The device as set forth in claim 51, wherein said removable
storage medium is disposed on said central computer.
54. The device as set forth in claim 42, wherein said profile
database is a removable storage medium.
55. The device as set forth in claim 54,, wherein said removable
storage medium is disposed on said input device.
56. The device as set forth in claim 54, wherein said removable
storage medium is disposed on said central computer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for
recording foods or medicines by scanning for analysis. More
particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for
recording information associated with for foods or medical
commodities for indicating a caution to their consumer. Still more
particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for
relating recorded information with consumption data by amount or
interaction data indicating when a user should be aware of possible
adverse interactions. Still more particularly, this invention
relates to a method and apparatus for relating scanner-generated
data with a database uniquely related to a particular individual
for consumption information, particularly related to amounts and
quantities of consumed goods. Data collection may be made by a
barcode scanner, while data transmission may be hard-wired or
wireless, such as by GPS transmission.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,735, assigned to the applicant of
this application, a portable autonomous electronic device is
described, along with a method of use. The device contains a
barcode scanner, a nutrition facts database, a memory for recording
products consumed, and a readout display. The device thus permits a
consumer to scan barcodes on purchased food items to record
consumption and to preserve and report a cumulative total of
calories and other consumables.
[0005] There remains a need from a consumer's viewpoint for
providing other types of medically related information, from the
food contents of an item purchased, to a wide variety of personal
situations. For example, food allergies often exist to an item,
such as peanuts, which can trigger severe and sometimes fatal
allergic or asthmatic reactions when the item is not readily
recognized as being present. As a simple example, a cooking oil may
have a peanut oil base unknown to the user. It would thus be
convenient if foods generally could be related to such allergies
initially at a point of purchase as well as at the time of
consumption.
[0006] There also remains a need from a consumer's viewpoint to
scan food items that do not necessarily have barcodes. Many food
labels do not have barcodes, instead having other types of data
such as text or handwriting.
[0007] Databases are known which contain medically related
information that permits a consumer ready access. One such database
permitting a search of a large number of different health areas is
known as "Healthlink USA". In general, such databases are
encyclopedic in nature primarily conveying information. However,
there exists at least one disease specific database for persons
having celiac disease or gluten intolerance that contains a list of
gluten-free foods. Users of the database thus make purchase/no
purchase decisions on the basis of the presence or absence of
gluten in a food of interest.
[0008] A second shortcoming in the prior approach to using product
information relates to medicine-to-medicine interactions, which can
be fatal. Such programs are available to a pharmacist or
supermarket for indicating by specific drug information, whether
generic or brand name, what precautions and interactions might
exist. For example, a person taking a Coumadin brand blood thinner
should be warned against additionally taking quantities of aspirin,
which can exist in other forms such as cold medicines. Thus, it
would be convenient if such medicine-to-medicine interactions could
be indicated by scanning and using barcode information now readily
available for inventory control by pharmacists and supermarkets.
Moreover, it would be convenient if such interaction databases were
tailored for an individual's specialized needs.
[0009] Still a third shortcoming in the prior art, now emerging as
an area of public health interest, relates to a food/medicine
interface. Recently, seemingly innocuous food items, such as
grapefruits and grapefruit juice, have worried some reporting
services as either increasing or decreasing human uptake of certain
medicines. Whether the effect is enhanced, leading to risky
over-medication situations, or inhibited, leading to equally risky
under-medication possibilities has, as far as reasonably known, not
been related by the use of product information for the convenience
of individuals.
[0010] In addition, the use of such collected information for
conveniently scheduling ingestion by a patient or individual of
information stored should enhance taking medicines on time and in a
correct quantity.
[0011] Finally, a use of the invention currently perceived as
useful is in a collection of information for use by healthcare
individuals of information from repetitive scans by consumers.
Thus, an improvement in a medical situation might more readily be
related to food or medicine contents by use of barcode
scanning.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A basis for this invention is the notion of relating scanned
data information for products and commodities to a database of
information related to the product, such information being of
interest to a consumer. The type of information in the database may
be encyclopedic, collected, or accumulated information intended to
provide sub-information to the consumer according to the consumer's
interest. The information can be scanned from barcodes, or text, or
handwriting using an optical scanner.
[0013] In its broadest aspect, the invention is directed to a
recording device for food items or medication intake, where the
items are identified by means of a scanner, such as but not limited
to, a barcode scanner. The device records the scanned data, the
serving size (set by the user), and the time and date of
consumption in memory. Optionally, a UPC barcode is used to extract
from database information related to the item such as the product
name, the brand name, and the recommended or default serving size,
nutrients and chemical components included in the product, and
manufacturing processes that could affect the health of the user.
Consumption schedules are optionally set for each individual item
and are stored in memory. This latter option is used to indicate or
to warn the user when consumption of items is required or to
monitor over/under consumption of some items from a dietary point
of view.
[0014] In another aspect of the invention, the recording device
identifies food items by scanned data, such as, but not limited to,
data from a barcode scanner. The database contains information
about the recorded food items, while the memory preferably contains
profile data about the consumer. Such profiled information may
typically include allergic reactions to shellfish, peanuts, whole
milk, yeast-based items, and other foodstuffs for which allergic
contra-indications are made relative to a particular consumer. At
another level, the database includes information about food
contents and quantity sufficient to institute a warning, such as
the number of milligrams of iodine in a particular shellfish
portion and the number of portions.
[0015] In still another aspect of the invention, the recording
device identifies medicines, such as prescriptions, by its scanned
data. The database contains information about the medicine, and
about other medicines ingested by the consumer, either input
directly or as a result of prior scans. Such profiled information
is then used to indicate, by such scanned information, typical or
specific medicine-to-medicine interactions. By the term "specific",
it is intended to include reactions from a medicine or specific
drug information pertinent to the individual and stored into the
memory for comparison with the scanned data.
[0016] In still another feature of the invention, the device
proceeds as aforementioned to scan foods and medicines. The memory
includes a database of information interrelating adverse or
possibly adverse interface reactions between foods and medicines as
seen according to the barcodes.
[0017] In yet another feature of the invention, collected
information is transferred from the handheld or palmtop computer to
a larger centralized computer storage facility to collect
information suitable for public health services. Such information
would be available with the permission and consent of the
individual. This information can be transferred via a physical
connection, or can be transferred between a hand-held or palm-top
computer and a larger computer through a wireless interface,
including but not limited to a GPS link to determine location of
the information transferred, or its source.
[0018] According to any of the aforementioned aspects of the
invention, there are significant advantages. The device scans the
product information to identify items so that no typing or manual
input is needed. The consumer or user is able to extract from a
database in RAM any pertinent item information, such as name,
brand, content, nutritional information, and the like and to
display such information to check the accuracy and desirability of
the product scanned. By way of a simple example, a user at a
supermarket selecting peanut oil may wish to scan the label of the
item to see if the device produces an adverse warning against the
purchase according to the stored information.
[0019] The method and apparatus of the invention allow one to set
the serving size consumed to track more precisely the items
consumed and the amount, so that adverse reactions and interactions
according to amount can be obtained. By way of an example, a person
limited to two (2) mg of salt per day for blood pressure reasons,
using the device on a real time basis according to amount of
scanned food consumed, is better informed about the content of
foods and when such foods consumed may reach the preferred salt
limit.
[0020] By use of the device and method according to the invention,
a user is able to record, over a long period of time, consumed
items, the consumed serving size, time, date, and location of
consumption. In a typical use of the invention, it is able to warn
the user when consumption time, such as for medicines, is due, or
warn the user when over/under consumption occurs. In addition, the
user may store a user medical profile to detect potential allergy
or incompatibility with consumed items, and to warn again of food
and drug interference. Moreover, the user may later download by
means of an interface the recorded information for further
analysis; in this respect, a significant advantage for the
invention is its use for compiling data over selected periods of
time, either for personal information or the information of others
such as medical practitioners or public health officials. Moreover,
the use of removable memory (PCMCIA SRAM or Flash Memory Cards) to
store databases makes it convenient to either change or update the
databases.
[0021] Finally, the clock can be adjusted. In still another aspect
of the invention, data transmission between a scanner, a database,
and a central data collection facility may be wireless, and may
store any other pertinent information available using a GPS system.
In a typical example, the location of consumption can be collected
by such scanned information to amass geographical data of interest
to later analysis.
[0022] These and other objects, features, advantages, and uses of
the method and apparatus according to the invention will also
become apparent from a detailed review of the drawings and the
description of the preferred embodiments that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1a is a simplified block diagram of the electronic
components for an apparatus according to the invention for
practicing the described method according to the invention, and
FIG. 1b is a simplified block diagram showing data exchange between
a device according to the invention and a remote computer.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows an example of a plan view of the preferred
device assembly.
[0025] FIGS. 3A and 3B show an example of the operation for
inputting product information for consumption.
[0026] FIG. 3C shows the operation of setting the time and date for
the apparatus according to the invention.
[0027] FIG. 3D shows a typical example of the operation for
correcting input data and for setting a consumption schedule.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a 3.times.3 matrix of a summary of features of the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1a and 2, the apparatus according to the
invention includes a processor 10, a clock 12, a scanner 14, a
memory 16, an LCD display 18, an interface 20, an items database
22, a beeper 24, a validation switch 26, a scanner switch 28, a
multi-way switch 30, up and down set switches 32, and a medical
profile database 36, interconnected in an operative manner. The
apparatus is thus structurally similar to the apparatus shown in
the applicant's prior patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,735 incorporated
herein by reference as is fully repeated here, but including an
items database 22 and a medical profile database 36.
[0030] The clock 12 is preferably a 24-hour clock, but a shorter
time can be selected if desired. The items database 22 is
preferably a RAM storing the input received from the scanner 14,
but other types of storage media may also be used. In the prior
patent, a general nutrition fact database was disclosed; here a
medical profile database is disclosed instead to effect the
features of this new invention.
[0031] The description that follows relates to a general
identification of the invention as thus shown in FIG. 1. Specific
identification of microchips, scanners and other elements used in
the manufacture of the device, or the manner of interconnecting the
elements, are not shown in detail in the drawings or described in
the specification.
[0032] Such components and their operative assembly are well known
to one of ordinary skill in the art when considering this written
description of the invention. Another reason for this is that
technological advances are very rapid and materials that can be
obtained and used at the outset of development may be expected to
be readily superseded by newer and more advanced technology. A
third reason is that at any given time, a person skilled in
electronics or computer design can select the most appropriate
components and methods for connecting them, to construct the device
described after careful study of the description that follows.
[0033] FIG. 1b illustrates that the apparatus of FIG. 1a may
comprise a device itself, and a remote computer having the items
database 22, the medical profile database, and the memory 17 at a
location separate from the device. While the device and a remote
computer can be hardwired in a conventional matter, such as
transferring data by telephone lines, the invention also
contemplates using a wireless connection as seen in FIG. 1b.
Moreover, the wireless connection may include a GPS system for
ascertaining the location of scanned data sensed by the device and
transferred to a remote computer.
[0034] In the preferred embodiment and according to FIGS. 1 and 2,
the system consists of means such as a processor 10 under the
control of a pre-stored program, incorporating means for entering
product identification, such as an optical scanner 14. A scanner
on-switch 28 activates the scanner 14. The scanned data is then
related to its respective product information that is stored in
databases on one or more removable memory modules 22. Those modules
22 may either be on the device or at the central computer.
[0035] This items database 22 can include barcode numbers and other
related information such as the name, product, suggested serving
size, nutrients and chemicals included in the product, and
processing techniques that may have an incidence on an individual's
health. This information can be entirely or partly displayed on a
screen 18. By way of example, the stored information may relate to:
(1) a database of allergies; (2) medicinal items; and (3)
restaurant foods. Collecting data relating to these three matters
may help determine which allergies are triggered by which
restaurant foods, and by using GPS techniques, at a given
location.
[0036] The device will also relate data included in the items
database 22 such as nutrients and chemicals content of the product
with the medical profile stored in the medical profile database in
the memory 36 in order to warn the user from possible allergy or
incompatibility to some items consumed. Alternatively, the database
22 may be a specific medicine profile, such as one individually
entered specific for the user, or one derived from medicine
barcodes, including prescription barcodes, derived from prior
barcode scans of prior purchases. Moreover, the database in the
medical profile database may include interactions between foods and
medicines, to provide an output upon a scan of the food or medicine
item by the scanner 14. Moreover, the medical profile database 36
may include a database of nutrients, such as lookup tables of
protein, fat, and carbohydrates for individual serving items found
by the scanner to produce information of value when consumed at the
consumer level.
[0037] Such information may be diet-related, such as calories, or
health-related, such as sodium, fats, or the like.
[0038] The processor 10 is connected in a known manner to a
suitable storage means such as a user memory 16 where product
records of all products consumed over a period of time are kept.
These product records can include barcode number, the amount of
consumed servings, time, date, and location of consumption, for
example. The time and date are provided by means such as a 24-hour
clock 12. The location of the product consumption can be provided
via relations with the GPS system, as discussed in connection with
FIG. 1b. The user may also store in the user memory 16 a
consumption schedule for one or several items and a consumption
goal per period of time. The device can warn the user if this goal
has not been reached or has been passed, or if the consumption time
is due, by the mean of an audible beeper 24 or other suitable alarm
or warning device or technique.
[0039] An interface 20, such as a serial or parallel port or
infrared or other wireless transmitter, is used to exchange data
between this device and an external device, for the purpose of
updating both databases or for transferring recorded data, personal
data, and settings to a remote location. Such a capability is
advantageous in that large amounts of data about an individual's
consumption needs are related to food or medicine or goods
consumption.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the main embodiment of the device also
incorporates means such as a 6-way switch 30 for changing the mode
that the user wishes to set, with choices including input of data
derived from scanned items, correcting input, setting time,
scheduling item consumption, and interfacing with an external
device. In order to change parameters such as serving size consumed
by the user, means such as a set switch 32 is provided. A
validation switch 26 is provided for validating any operation or
setting. Display means such as an LCD display 18 shows items and
related information.
[0041] This invention specifies an electronic device that is
preferably portable, for example by a palm-top computer plus a
scanner or fixed or portable personal computer or microprocessor.
The most preferred embodiment incorporates a processor 10, an
integral scanner 14, a clock 12, a display 18, preferably of the
LCD type, a user memory 16, a removable memory 22 containing items
information in a database and a removable memory 34 storing the
user medical profile. FIG. 2 represents one construction of the
invention, but other constructions and configurations are
possible.
[0042] The method of operation described herein is given merely as
an example of how the device could be constructed and used. It is
not meant to limit the scope of either the hardware or the software
components of the invention, nor to limit the method of operation
to the steps described here.
[0043] Modes can be selected on the device using 6-way switch 30:
(a) an input mode, in which the input mode is used to record new
items consumed; (b) a time/date mode to set the time and date
parameters; (c) a correction mode to correct data input by error or
which later needs to be deleted; (d) a schedule set mode to enter
schedules for items intake; (e) a medical profile update mode to
update the user's medical profile; and (f) a transfer mode to
transfer data stored in device's memory to a remote location.
[0044] Mode I: Input (FIG. 3A)
[0045] To scan a new item, the 6-way switch 30 is placed in the
"input" position. The integral optical or laser scanner 14,
preferably of the wand type, but otherwise of the laser or CCD or
other type, is used to scan the item's relevant product information
into the device. The scanner is activated by depressing and holding
down the scanner on-switch 28 and passing the scanner 14 over the
item's-label. Using the scanned information, the processor 10
performs an automatic search in the database 22, to retrieve the
information pertaining specifically to the product scanned.
Information such as the name of the product, the default serving
size (as suggested by the product provider) will be shown on the
display 18.
[0046] In the meantime, the allergy, or incompatibility between the
user and the scanned item will be checked by comparing data stored
in the medical profile and desired nutrient and chemical content of
the item. Data stored in the medical profile database 34 can also
be used to fine-tune the suggested serving size extracted from the
item database (for instance, when this serving size is depending
upon the age or the weight of the user).
[0047] The serving size consumed can be adjusted using the set
switches 32. When the correct serving size value is displayed and
the servings choice is entered, the validation switch 26 is
depressed to enter and record into memory the scanned data, the
number of servings, the time, the date, and if desired the location
for a GPS-compatible system.
[0048] Mode II: Correction (FIG. 3B)
[0049] The product number, serving size and time/date of entry
records for each product entered are saved in the memory 16 of the
device. However, once an item is entered and validated, it may
subsequently be deleted by using the "correct" function. In a
correction mode, the product record of any previously entered
product of the day can be deleted. To delete an item, the 6-way
switch 30 is moved to the "correct" position. The name and serving
size of the last item entered will be displayed on the display 18.
To select an item to delete that was entered previously to the last
item, set switch 32 is turned until the item desired to be deleted
appears on the display 18. To delete the item displayed, the
validation switch 26 is depressed. The record related to the
deleted items is removed from the memory 16 and the words "deleted"
are displayed.
[0050] Mode III: Time/Date Setting (FIG. 3C)
[0051] The device includes a clock 12. Time and date are recorded
with the specific data related to each items scanned into memory
16. Therefore, it is important to have the time/date functions set
to the appropriate values. To set the time and date, the 6-way
switch 30 must be set on "time set". When this mode is selected,
the "hour" portion of the clock will begin to blink. The set
switches 32 are actuated to change the numerical value of the
blinking portion. When the correct number has been chosen, the
validation switch 26 is depressed and the next value, "minutes", is
displayed. Each value (hours, minutes, day, date and year) is set
as described above, depressing validation switch 26 when the
correct numerical value has been chosen.
[0052] Mode IV: Scheduling (FIG. 3D):
[0053] The consumption for one or several items can be scheduled
and stored into the device memory. When an item consumption has
been scheduled, the device can warn the user when the consumption
time is due. If during the scheduling process, the user has
selected a serving size, the device will be able to warn the user
for under or over consumption of this item.
[0054] To attach a schedule to a given item, the 6-way switch 30
must be set on "scheduling". The item is then scanned by depressing
and holding down the scanner on-switch 28 and passing the scanner
14 over the item's product information. The name of the product and
the words "no serving size" are shown on display 18. If the user
wants to indicate a serving size, the value can be adjusted using
the set switches 32. When the correct serving size value is
displayed, validation switch 26 is depressed.
[0055] The user is now prompted to set the time of consumption. The
"hour" portion of the clock is blinking. The set switches 32 are
pushed to change the numerical value of the blinking portion. When
the correct number has been chosen, validation switch 26 is
depressed and the next value, "minutes", is displayed. Minutes are
set as described for hours. The validation switch 26 is depressed
again.
[0056] Then, the message "repeat every 00:00 hours" is displayed on
screen. This option can be used to repeat a schedule with a
selected time interval. The first two digit field consists in units
of the duration type displayed (in this case "hour(s)"). The two
next digits are used to set unit fractions. The last field is the
duration type that can be set to "hour(s) ", "day(s) ", "week(s)",
and "month(s)". To set the time interval, set switches 32 are
pushed to change the numerical value of the unit field, after the
validation switch 26 is depressed. The fraction unit field will be
blinking. The set switches 32 are pushed to change the numerical.
The validation switch 26 is actuated again. The duration type is
now blinking. The set switches 32 are actuated to choose the
appropriate elapse type. Upon depressing the validation switch 26,
the schedule will be recorded in. the memory 16.
[0057] Mode V: Personal Data Update:
[0058] To update the medical profile stored in the removable memory
module 36, the 6-way switch 30 should be set on "personal data".
Personal data defining the user medical profile such as size, age,
weight, incompatibility or allergy to some food or to some
medications can be updated. It should be noted that the memory
module 36 could also be updated by retrieved data from a patient
medical record maintained by an authorized health practitioner, or
from hospital records. These data stored can thus include any
information pertinent to items of interest to the user, and to the
location for GPS-compatible systems.
[0059] Mode VI: Data Transfer:
[0060] A serial or parallel port connection or infrared transmitter
is provided for interchange of data between the device and an
external device. To use the interface mode, the 6-way switch 30 is
set to "interface". This mode can be used to send and receive data
between the device and an external computer, as contemplated by
FIG. 1b. Data such as the user-defined settings (such as the
described items consumption schedule) and item product records can
be downloaded from the device to the computer in order to be
printed or for further analysis. Data can also be sent from the
computer to the device, providing an alternate way to update the
item database information. This latter technique is especially
useful when updating the medical profile database as to
medicines.
[0061] FIG. 4 is a summary figure having columns respectively
showing three summary rows (a), (b) and (c) for three different
typical applications of the invention as discussed above. The
columns respectively represent: (I) the data scanned as described
above for food (row a), medicine (row b), and food again (row c);
and (II) the data in the medical profile database, as input either
manually as in row (a) or either manually or by loading a prior
items database (rows (b) and (c)). The last column III indicates
the output analysis for the apparatus according to the methods of
the invention for each of the combinations shown in row (a),
columns I and II; row (b) columns I and II; and row (c) columns I
and II.
[0062] Thus, for the example shown in row (a), the output provides
a warning or equivalent notice to use as a function of the type,
quantity, and input profile, for example, where the input profile
is manually provided to the medical profile database. For row (b),
the output analysis in column III shows or warns against medicine
interaction based primarily on barcode readings of medicine as used
or purchased. The Medical profile for this database depends on
either a manual input or by a prior item database from prior scans.
Finally, row (c) shows an output for a food/medicine interface
based on product scans.
[0063] In summary, the medical user profile database should
preferably include information related to allergies v. food,
nutrients, chemical compounds found in the food or drugs, drug
metabolism, and information about health v. food. The product data
should preferably include nutrients, food/drug interference,
drug/drug interferences, food/food interferences, and
nutrient/chemical intolerances for the individual.
[0064] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of
the method and apparatus of this invention are presented for
illustration of the invention and for compliance with the
requirements for a written description of the invention. The scope
of the invention is thus measured by the appended claims and
reasonable equivalents thereof.
* * * * *