SensiTray: An Integrated Measuring Device for Monitoring Children's Mealtime Dietary Intake

Abstract

Childhood nutrition establishes consumption norms that affect an individual's health over the course of their lives. However, early nutrition interventions to establish such norms are uncommon owing to the various inefficiencies associated with current methods of measuring childhood nutrition. Here, we present an IoT measuring device, called the SensiTray, which accurately tracks mealtime intake in a child-friendly and cost-effective fashion. Principal technologies underlying the SensiTray (including mass-sensing technologies, microcontrollers) are identified and analyzed, along with other design choices. Operation of the SensiTray is explained with special attention given to SensiTray software peripherals and algorithms. Preliminary testing consisted of static and dynamic simulations (i.e. food weights constant and changing), with the SensiTray demonstrating a high degree of accuracy in both formats. Future development of the SensiTray may focus on design iteration, additional testing, and experimentation with various mealtime data visualizations to precipitate positive dietary changes.