Patent Publication Number: US-2023152147-A1

Title: Automated weight scale nutrient and caloric monitoring system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/280,768, filed on Nov. 18, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/339,273, filed on May 6, 2022, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to health tracking systems, and more particularly, to a measuring system configured for communication with a computer processor and, in some embodiments, a data network and cloud-smart based computer software. 
     INTRODUCTION 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     Millions of health-conscious individuals utilize some means to track macronutrients and calorie data of the food they consume each day to achieve health and fitness goals. Currently, there are over 67 million people who utilize health and wellness applications downloaded directly to a smart phone or similar device to help stay accountable to health goals. Typically, the user weighs every ingredient of their meal using a food scale and manually enters the weight data into the mobile application. 
     Existing industry applications, such as the non-limiting example of MyFitnessPal®, can be extremely complicated and burdensome due to the spreadsheet accounting that is needed to use the application. Transferring food back and forth between kitchen appliances, cutting boards, and food scales, among other devices, to obtain the weight data is time consuming, inefficient, and labor intensive due to having to weigh each ingredient separately and manually log the weight data for each individual ingredient within these applications. 
     There is a continuing need for systems and methods that simplify the process of obtaining and tracking nutrients, macronutrients and calorie data to save time and effort, where such systems and methods utilize kitchen appliances linked to a mobile application. 
     SUMMARY 
     In concordance with the instant disclosure, systems and methods that simplify the process of obtaining and tracking nutrients, macronutrients and calorie data to save time and effort, where such systems and methods utilize kitchen appliances linked to a mobile application, are surprisingly discovered. 
     It should be appreciated that this summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, the concepts being further described below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the weight scale with computer processor and internet connectability for automated macronutrient and caloric monitoring and tracking. 
     The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are achieved by a smart base for use with an automated weight scale nutrient and caloric monitoring system. The smart base includes an enclosure and one or more load cells positioned proximate the enclosure and configured to weigh consumable items. A microprocessor is positioned proximate the enclosure and has a processor, an analog-to-digital converter and an input/output interface. A wireless interface is positioned proximate the enclosure. A display interface is positioned approximate the enclosure. A power source is positioned approximate the enclosure and is configured to power the one or more load cells, the microprocessor, the wireless interface and the display interface. The one or more load sensors are configured to measure weight data of consumable items. The microprocessor is configured to generate an output signal indicative of the measured weight data. The wireless interface is configured to transmit the measured weight data to an electronic device in real-time while the consumable item is being weighed by the one or more load cells. 
     The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are also achieved by an automated weight scale nutrient and caloric monitoring system. The automated weight scale nutrient and caloric monitoring system includes a smart base having electronic components and one or more load sensors. A vessel is configured to seat on the smart base and is further configured to receive consumable items. An electronic device is in communication with the smart base. The one or more load sensors are configured to measure weight data of the consumable items placed in the vessel and the electronic components are configured to generate an output signal indicative of the measured weight data. The electronic components are further configured to transmit the measured weight data to an electronic device in real-time while the consumable item is being weighed by the smart base. 
     The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are also achieved by a method of operating an automated weight scale nutrient and caloric monitoring system. The method includes the steps of selecting a recipe and/or ingredient from a selection of saved recipes and/or ingredients, adding a first ingredient to a vessel cavity; weighing the weight of the first ingredient using one or more load sensors; generating and sending analog signals representing the weight of the first ingredient to an analog-to-digital converter; converting the analog-to-digital signals to digital signals; communicating the digital signals in real time to an electronic device; displaying the communicated digital signals on a health tracking application accessed by the electronic device; adding a second ingredient to the vessel cavity without removing the first ingredient; weighing the weight of the second ingredient using one or more load sensors; and displaying an aggregate meal page listing all the ingredients, along with the macronutrients and calorie data for each ingredient. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1 A  is a right side perspective view of an automated weight scale nutrient and caloric monitoring system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  1 B  is an exploded perspective view of the automated weight scale nutrient and caloric monitoring system of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic diagram of electrical components of the automated weight scale nutrient and caloric monitoring system of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic diagram of electrical components of the automated weight scale nutrient and caloric monitoring system of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic depiction of the automated weight scale nutrient and caloric monitoring system of  FIG.  1 A  in communication with an electronic device. 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic depiction of a display of the electronic device of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6    is a block diagram of various graphical user interfaces of the automated weight scale nutrient and caloric monitoring system of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  7    is a block diagram illustrating a method of operating the automated weight scale nutrient and caloric monitoring system of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  8    is a right side perspective view of a second embodiment of an automated weight scale nutrient and caloric monitoring system. 
         FIG.  9    is an exploded perspective view of the automated weight scale nutrient and caloric monitoring system of  FIG.  8   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. 
     Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein. 
     As referred to herein, disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     The automated weight scale nutrient and caloric monitoring system (hereafter the “automated scale system”) will now be described with occasional reference to specific embodiments. The automated scale system may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the automated scale system to those skilled in the art. 
     The description and figures disclose an automated scale system. Generally, the automated scale system includes a smart base configured to measure the weight of consumable items and further configured to transmit the weight data to an integrated computer processor, in real-time. The real time transmission of the weight data eliminates the need for manual input by a user, thereby providing an easier, more efficient, and non-labor intensive means for obtaining and tracking nutrient and calorie data of the consumable items. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , the automated scale system is illustrated generally at  10 . The automated scale system  10  includes a smart base  12  configured to support a vessel  14  (such as a bowl, as a non-limiting example) and an interface display  16 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , the smart base  12  has an enclosure in the form of an annular ring  18  that includes an inner wall  20 , also referred to as an “inner core.” The inner wall  20  of the annular ring  18  is configured to receive a portion of the vessel  14  in a manner such as to support the vessel  14  during use of the automated scale system  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall  20  has a concave profile configured to approximate a profile of a lower portion  22  of an outer wall  24  of the vessel  14 . However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the inner wall  20  can have other profiles sufficient to receive a portion of the vessel  14  in a manner such as to support the vessel  14  during use of the automated scale system  10 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , the smart base  12  includes an outer wall  26  and a bottom wall  28  configured to extend from the inner wall  20  to the outer wall  26 . The walls  20 ,  26  and  28  cooperate to form a cavity  30  within the smart base  12 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the cavity  30  is configured to house electronic components (not shown for purposes of clarity). 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , the bowl  14  has the outer wall  24  and an inner wall  32 . The walls  24  and  32  extend to a vessel bottom  34 . The outer wall  24  and the vessel bottom  34  cooperate to define a cross-sectional profile that approximates the inner wall  20  of the smart base  12  in a manner such that the vessel  14  seats within the smart base  12  and is supported by the smart base during use of the automated scale system  10 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , the vessel  14  has the form of a common bowl, as can be typically found in a kitchen. However, in other embodiments, the vessel  14  can have other forms sufficient for the functions described herein. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , the inner wall  32  of the vessel  14  defines a vessel cavity  36 . The vessel cavity  36  has a concave cross-sectional profile and is configured to receive consumable items (not shown) for weighing purposes. While the embodiment of the vessel cavity  36  shown in  FIG.  1 A  has a concave cross-sectional profile, in other embodiments, the vessel cavity  36  can have other cross-sectional profiles sufficient to receive consumable items (not shown) for weighing purposes. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B and  2   , the cavity  30  formed within the smart base  12  is configured to house electronic components  38 . The housed electronic components  38  include a power source  50 , a microcontroller  52 , one or more load sensors  54 , the interface display  16 , a wireless communications interface  60  and an analog to digital converter  66 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , the microcontroller  52  includes a processor  68  such as a microprocessor, a memory  70 , and input/output (I/O) device  72 . The processor  68  is configured for communication with the wireless communication interface  60  and is capable of processing, receiving, and transmitting data or instructions. The processor is further configured to access the memory  70  having a tangible, non-transitory storage medium on which processor-executable instructions are embodied. The processor-executable instructions include at least one program to be executed by the processor  68 , such as for example, instructions to perform at least one operation or function with respect to the smart base  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  2   , the power source  50  is configured to provide power to the electronic components  38 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  2   , the power source  50  has the form of a rechargeable battery, such as the non-limiting example of a lithium polymer battery. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, a skilled artisan may select other suitable power sources while still remaining within the scope of the disclosure. Non-limiting examples of alternate power sources can include a power source  50  that is internal or external to the smart base  12 , such as a battery, an energy-storing microchip, solar energy, and/or an electrical cord plugged into a standard wall socket. It should also be appreciated that in other embodiments, a skilled artisan may scale the power source  50  as desired. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  2   , the one or more load sensors  54  can be disposed at various locations on the smart base  12 , including the non-limiting example of adjacent to the inner wall  20  such that the one or more load sensors  54  are positioned between the vessel  14  and the smart base  12 . The one or more load sensors  54  can be one or more load cells, as a non-limiting example. As another non-limiting example, the one or more load sensors  54  can be positioned adjacent the bottom wall  28  such that the one or more load sensors  54  are positioned between the smart base  12  and a support surface (not shown), such as for example a countertop or tabletop. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B and  2   , the interface display  16  is connected to and extends from a portion of the smart base  12 . The interface display  16  includes a display  58  configured to visually present information to the user and/or offer user input options authorizing the user to interact with the automated scale system  10 . As one non-limiting example, the display  58  can prompt the user to select a standard unit of measurement (e.g., pounds, grams, ounces, etc.) in which to weigh the item being measured. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B and  2   , the display  58  can have any form, such as the non-limiting examples of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or light emitting diode (LED) display. It is also contemplated that the display  58  can have the form of a touchscreen configured to permit the user to enter a touch input using infrared technology or capacitive technology. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B and  2   , the interface display  16  includes one or more switches  68  configured to facilitate the user to enter input. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more switches  68  have the form of touch buttons. However, in other embodiments, the one or more switches  68  can have other forms, such as the non-limiting example of digital toggle switches. It should be understood that the interface display  16  can be configured to include both a touchscreen and physical switches permitting the user to choose a desired user input method. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B and  2   , the load sensors  54  are connected to an analog-to-digital converter (A/D converter)  66 , which is configured to receive analog signals from the load sensors  54 , and covert the analog signals into digital signals for delivery to the processor  68  of the microcontroller  52 . The processor  68  is configured to generate an output signal indicative of the measured weight supplied by the load sensors  54 , which is received by the display screen  58  to display the nutritional data. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B and  2   , the wireless communication interface  60  is adapted to provide communication between the processor  68  of the microcontroller  52 , by way of a transmitter, receiver, and/or transceiver (not shown for purposes of clarity), and an electronic device. As one non-limiting example, the microcontroller  52  is configured for communication with and/or have included with it a transceiver such as a Bluetooth radio transceiver for communication to the electronic device. In a specific example, the microcontroller  52  is configured for communication with an electronic device using Bluetooth Low Energy Protocol (BLE). It should be appreciated that one skilled in the art may use other wireless communication protocols, such as for example, ANT, Zigbee, LoRa and/or LoRaWAN, while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , a more detailed block diagram of portions of the housed electronic components  38  is illustrated. The power source  50  includes a power management system  80  having a power rail  82 , a battery level fuel gauge  84 , a regulated source input  86  and a single cell lion charger  88 . The power rail  82 , a battery level fuel gauge  84 , a regulated source input  86  and a single cell lion charger  88  are electrically coupled to each other and are configured to manage the power consumption of the automated scale system  10  and further configured to distribute the power amongst the various electronic components  38 . In the illustrated embodiment, the charger  88  has the form of a lithium ion style of charger. In other embodiments, the charger  88  can have other forms, sufficient for the functions described herein. In certain embodiments, a charging port  90  is electrically coupled to the regulated power source  86  and is configured to provide electrical access to the power management system  80  for charging purposes. In the illustrated embodiment, the charging port  90  has the form of a USB style of port. However, in other embodiments, the charging port  90  can have other forms sufficient to provide electrical access to the power management system  80  for charging purposes. In certain embodiments, a battery  92  is electrically coupled to the charger  88  and is configured to provide electrical current to the charger  88 . In the illustrated embodiment, the battery  92  has the form of a 3.7 volt lithium polymer battery. However, in other embodiments, the battery  92  can have other desired forms sufficient to provide electrical current to the charger  88 . 
     Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the one or more load sensors  54  have the form of a quantity of four (4) load sensors  55   a - 55   d  arranged in two rows of two and in electrical communication with each other. However, in other embodiments, the load sensors  55   a - 55   d  can be arranged in other patterns, such as the non-limiting examples of concentrically arranged around a common center or arranged in a square or rectangle shaped pattern. It should be understood that a skilled artisan may use more or less than a quantity of four (4) load sensors and position the location of the load sensors  55   a - 55   d  as desired. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the automated scale system  10  is configured to connect to an electronic device  96  via wireless communication  98  and transmit nutritional data to the electronic device  96 , in real-time. In the illustrated embodiment shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the electronic device  96  has the form of a smartphone. It should be appreciated that the electronic device  96  is not limited to a smartphone and that one skilled in the art may utilize other electronic devices, such as a laptop computer, desktop computer, handheld or tablet computers, smart watches, portable media players and the like having wireless communication capabilities, as desired. The combination of the automated scale system  10  and an electronic device  96  advantageously forms a health tracking system. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the electronic device  96  has an electronic device display  100 . The electronic display device  100  is configured to present a graphical user interface  102  (GUI) for enabling a user to obtain and track macronutrients and calorie data of consumable items using the electronic device  96 . One non-limiting example of a graphical user interface  102  is shown in  FIG.  6   . The graphical user interface  102  includes a first screen  110  indicating a meal/daily breakdown, a second screen  112  prompting a breakfast breakdown, a third screen  114  showing a lunch breakdown, a fourth screen  116  illustrating a dinner breakdown, a fifth screen  118  prompting a snacks breakdown, a sixth screen  120  indicating to add a food page, a seventh screen  122  showing an ingredient nutrition breakdown, an eighth screen  124  indicating a history/tracking over time, a ninth screen  126  illustrating an account page, a tenth page  128  showing an individual profile page, an eleventh page  130  prompting a user specified goals page and a twelfth page  132  showing information/frequently asked questions and help. In certain embodiments, the various screens  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130  and  132  of the of the graphical user interface  102  can be in communication with each other as schematically depicted in  FIG.  6   . However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the graphical user interface  102  can include more or less screens and the screens can be in communication with each other as desired. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7   , operation of the automated scale system  10  will now be described. In an initial step  150  and with the vessel  14  detachably seated on the smart base  12 , a user selects a recipe and/or ingredient from a selection of saved recipes and/or ingredients. In a next step  152 , a first ingredient, such as the non-limiting example of flour, is added to the vessel cavity  36 . Next, in step  154 , the smart base  12  measures the weight of the ingredient using the load sensors  55   a - 55   d  positioned in the smart base  12 . In next step  156 , the load sensors  55   a - 55   d  send analog signals to the analog-to-digital converter  66 . The analog-to-digital converter  66  converts the analog signals into digital signals and sends the digital signals to the processor  68 . Next, in step  158 , the digital signals are received by the processor  68  and the processor  68  generates an output signal indicative of the measured weight. In next step  160 , automatically and in real-time, the processor  68  communicates the weight data via the wireless communication interface  60  to the electronic device  96  (e.g., smartphone). 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  5  and  7   , the electronic device  24  (e.g., smartphone) includes a processor (not shown for purposes of clarity). In a next method step  162 , the electronic device processor is configured to receive the communicated weight data from the wireless communications interface  60 . Next, in step  164 , the user opens an associated health tracking application on the electronic device  96  and the graphical user interface  102  is displayed on the device display  100 . In a next step  166 , the graphical user interface  102  displays the weight data of the consumable item that is being weighed on by the smart base  12 , in real-time. Advantageously, the automated scale system  10  provides that as the user is adding the ingredient to the vessel seated on the smart base  12 , the weight data is continuously updated to the electronic device  96 , thereby guiding the user to put a desired amount of the ingredient, as required by a recipe, into the vessel cavity  36 . As one non-limiting example, if a recipe calls for 120 grams of an ingredient such as flour, the user can begin adding flour to the vessel cavity  36  and reference the real-time weight measurement the graphical user interface  102  displayed by the electronic device until the weight reaches 120 grams. Similarly, if the user adds more than 120 grams, the user can remove the necessary flour while referencing the real-time weight measurements until the weight is 120 grams. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  7    in a next step  168 , a second ingredient (e.g., eggs) of the recipe is added to the vessel cavity  36 , without having to empty the vessel cavity  36 . Instead of having to remove the first ingredient from the vessel cavity  36 , the smart base  12  can include a tare function via a tare button on the display  58  or through the graphical user interface  102  of the application contained on the electronic device  96 . When the user activates the tare function, the weight of the smart base  12 , the vessel  14 , and any ingredient(s) already in the vessel cavity  36  are eliminated thereby setting the current weight to zero. The tare function allows the user to follow multi-ingredient recipes and permits the user to measure the weight of each ingredient individually as the ingredient is being added. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5   , advantageously the graphical user interface  102  is configured to display an aggregate meal page listing all the ingredients in the recipe, along with the macronutrients and calorie data for each ingredient. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7    in a final method step  170 , following the addition of all of the ingredients, the mixture is removed from the vessel  14  and the vessel  14  is removed from the smart base  12  for cleaning purposes. 
     While the embodiment of the automated scale system  10  shown in  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B and  4    has the form of a smart base  12  supporting a vessel  14  with the vessel  14  having the form of a bowl, as will discussed in more detail below, the automated scale system  10  can have other forms. Referring now to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , in another embodiment, an automated scale system is shown generally at  210 . The automated scale system  210  has the form of a cutting board  214  removably coupled to a smart base  212 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , the cutting board  214  has an upper major surface  215 A and an opposing lower major surface  215 B. In a manner similar to conventional cutting boards, the upper major surface  215 A is configured for food preparation, including the known functions of cutting, slicing, dicing and the like. The lower major surface  215 B is configured to seat on an upper surface  217 A of the smart base  212 . The cutting board  214  can be formed from known materials, such as the non-limiting examples of wood, cork, polymeric materials and the like. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , the smart base  212  includes the upper surface  217 A, an opposing lower surface  217 B and an integrated interface  216 . The upper surface  217 A and the lower surface  217 B are spaced apart a distance such that a smart base cavity  230  is formed therewithin. The smart base cavity  230  formed within the smart base  212  is configured to house electronic components (not shown for purposes of clarity). The housed electronic components include a power source, a microcontroller, one or more load sensors, the interface, a wireless communications interface and an analog to digital converter. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic components housed within the smart base cavity  230  are the same as, or similar to, the electronic components  38  described above and shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   . However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the electronic components housed within the smart base cavity  230  can be different from the electronic components  38  described above and shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   . 
     Referring again to the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , the integrated interface  216  is the same as, or similar to, the interface display  16  described above and shown in  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B and  4   . However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the integrated interface  216  can be different from the interface display  16  described above and shown in  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B and  4   . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , in operation and in a manner similar to the vessel  14  described above and shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , the upper surface  215 A of the cutting board  214  is configured to receive consumable items (not shown) for weighing purposes. The weight of the consumable items is determined by the one or more load sensors positioned in the smart base  212 . Further to the operation in a manner similar to the automated scale system  10  described above, the integrated interface  216  is configured to visually present information to the user and/or offer user input options authorizing the user to interact with the automated scale system  210 . 
     While the embodiment of the smart base  212  and the cutting board  214  shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9    each have a generally rectangular shape, in other embodiments the smart base  212  and the cutting board  214  can have other shapes sufficient for the functions described herein. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , in operation the automated scale system  210  is configured to connect to an electronic device (not shown) via wireless communication and transmit nutritional data to the electronic device, in real-time. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B,  8  and  9   , the automated scale systems  10 ,  210  provide an easier, efficient, and non-labor intensive means for obtaining and tracking macronutrients and calorie data of consumable items by providing real-time measurements. Each of the automated scale systems  10 ,  210  use an external electronic device, such as a smartphone, to receive and process measurement data, to process that measurement data in conjunction with data stored on the electronic device, and/or data and/or instructions downloaded to the electronic device from the Internet. 
     It should be appreciated that the automated scale systems  10 ,  210  can include other features, components and devices and can be used in a variety of beneficial manners. Various embodiments are presented below. 
     In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the smart bases  12 ,  212  can include a camera or other optical detection device, a microphone, and/or a user interface such as a touchscreen interface. In this embodiment, rather than sending the weight information to a separate electronic device, the smart base may ascertain the calories and/or other nutritional attributes of that ingredient without resort to data processing on electronic device. In one scenario, the user may employ the user interface to manually type the ingredient being weighed, such as by inputting data via a touchscreen, i.e. typing. The user may type the entire name, or may type the first few letters to narrow a broad list of stored ingredient names. 
     In some embodiments, the user may select from a list of ingredients stored in memory, e.g. by using a dropdown box displayed on the user interface. In other embodiments, a microphone integrated into the smart base  12 ,  212  may detect and transform oral speech from the user into electrical signals, which are then preferably converted to digital signals then ultimately to words using voice recognition technology well known to those skilled in the art, e.g. “apple,” “whole wheat flour,” etc. The voice recognition processing and result may occur within the smart base  12 ,  212 , or the sounds may be processed remotely at a server in the Cloud and the resulting word downloaded to the smart base  12 ,  212 . In some embodiments, nutritional values associated with the ingredient may be stored on the Internet and transmitted as required to the smart base  12 ,  212 . In other embodiments, the nutritional data may reside in a database stored on the smart base  12 ,  212 . In some embodiments, the smart base  12 ,  212  may use a combination of stored data and data retrieved from an external database accessible through the Internet. 
     In another embodiment, the smart base  12 ,  212  may comprise an optical reading device such as a camera. In such embodiments, the optical reading device may “scan” a UPC bar code or equivalent (e.g., a QR code) associated with the ingredient being weighed, e.g. a certain brand of canned tomato paste. As described above in connection with embodiments employing an electronic device, the smart base  12 ,  212  used the calories and/or other nutritional data associated with the ingredient and calculates gross calories and nutrition values of the amount of that ingredient being weighed by accessing the nutrition data associated with that ingredient. 
     In still other embodiments, the nutritional values associated with any given ingredient may be accessed by the processor  68  from local memory  70  residing within the smart base  12 ,  212 , or in communication with the smart base  12 ,  212 , such as the non-limiting examples of via an external memory source (e.g. a memory stick), or via the Internet to access an external database residing in the cloud. Regardless of where the nutritional data is stored for a given ingredient, in this embodiment an integrated processor  68  performs the necessary calculations to display to the user the nutritional data of the ingredient(s). Using the aforementioned user interface, a user may select one or more classes of nutrition data to be displayed or communicated to the user, e.g. calories, protein, carbohydrates, zinc, etc. 
     In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the smart bases  12 ,  212  may be in communication with one or more databases and/or processors that reside external to the smart bases  12 ,  212 , such as the non-limiting example of in the Cloud. 
     In certain embodiments, it is also contemplated that the smart bases  12 ,  212  will be used in conjunction with a mobile application recommending or storing recipes, diets, and other health information. The app may function as downloadable software processed on a local processor or be cloud-based. For example, a power lifter may access an app for advanced muscle building. After receiving the weight and nutritional attributes of the user&#39;s measured ingredients, the app may recommend modifications for better and/or more targeted results, e.g. “Add an egg to boost protein by 6 grams.” The associated app may communicate with the smart bases  12 ,  212  to allow for: comprehensive and modular recipe building, a customizable diet platform for health or fitness, and/or streamlined nutritional understanding for the user and trainer. Additionally, the method and systems described herein may support sponsored and/or targeted advertising to users. 
     In certain embodiments, it is further contemplated that the smart bases  12 ,  212  may form part of a “data driven diet system” featuring improved data flow and processing for users. Such a system may be comprised of one or more 1) smart bases having one or more features as described above, 2) software residing in whole or in part in the cloud, 3) databases residing in whole or in part in the cloud, and 4) devices in communication with the internet. 
     In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that a user may create and modify a profile of user information. The user profile may comprise user-entered data and/or data passively collected by the smart bases  12 ,  212  in the course of operations relating to the timing, types and amounts of ingredients utilized by a user. Such data may be useful to third party practitioners. For example, in some embodiments a user may connect his/her individual nutrition profile created (such as upon installation of a downloaded application) for transmission to certified third party practitioners. Such transmission may be specially initiated by the user or in other embodiments may be passive depending on user permissions. These practitioners include, but are not limited to, doctors, physical therapists, nutritionists, dieticians, personal trainers and the like. In some embodiments, a practitioner may connect to a user&#39;s account to establish, monitor, and track the user&#39;s food consumption nutrient levels in accordance with the goals or requirements imposed on them by their connected practitioners. In some embodiments, users may be able to link their practitioners to their accounts based on a mutual third-party agreement set in place, and agreed to, by both parties. A practitioner may be empowered to set macro and micronutrient targets, as well as caloric targets, for a specific meal or for any period of time depending on the agreed upon level of involvement the client wishes their practitioner to be involved. In some embodiments, data from the smart bases  12 ,  212  may be transmitted to practitioners, for example through a mobile app to the cloud, for the practitioner to either view on a desktop application or a mobile application. 
     In some embodiments the smart bases  12 ,  212  may connect with other appliances controlled by the user, or controlled by a third party. Depending on the configuration—e.g. whether the smart base  12 ,  212  is connected to a separate device (such as a smart phone) via hard cable or Bluetooth, or comprises an integrated CPU independently connected to the internet, or any other combination of device and internet connectivity known to those in the art—a mobile application may enable a user to connect to other devices such as Bluetooth devices including fitness watches and smart body scales, so that the mobile application can grasp a sense of user weights and caloric burn. Other vitals such as average heart rate, BMI, cholesterol, and more may be communicated to the mobile application and/or a database residing in the cloud via the internet, and saved into a user&#39;s profile based on the data collected from the specific peripheral Bluetooth device. Such devices could include glucose monitors for diabetics. In some embodiments it may be preferable to transmit such data to the cloud and for storage on each user&#39;s individual cloud server. 
     In certain other embodiments, the smart bases  12 ,  212  could cooperate with a mobile application, such as software offered as a service or software downloaded to the smart bases  12 ,  212  or a separate device in communication with the smart bases  12 ,  212 , to establish and monitor pre-set consumption profiles based on human demographics. For example, the smart bases  12 ,  212 , in cooperation with a mobile application, might allow a user to import pre-set nutrient profiles for the meal they are about to make based on selectable demographical profile diet recommendations. These demographical profiles include a variety of health and fitness profiles including but not limited to pregnancy, diabetics, vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, osteoporosis, post-surgery, blood-loss, anemia, athletic requirements, or any categorical user profile with specific nutrition needs. In some embodiments, a user might import these profiles from the cloud by selecting the option to build pre-set meals. These profiles might be continuously updated via lambda functions that might be updated through artificial intelligence (e.g. as the mobile app “learns” a user&#39;s diet and activity patterns) or modified by the user or others, means such as by third party software. Such updates would enable the user to have access to continually evolving dietary needs based on personal medical reasons. 
     In still other embodiments, a user may utilize pre-set consumption profiles based on food taste and type. As noted above, in some embodiments the smart bases  12 ,  212  are in communication with the Internet, either through integrated communication capabilities or through a separate appliance, connected to the internet and to the electronic device, such as a smart phone. Using the smart bases  12 ,  212  or a connected appliance, a user may import pre-set nutrient profiles for the meal he/she is about to prepare based on the individuals food taste preferences or types. These food profiles include, but are not limited to, deserts, lunch, dinner, savory, sweet, umami, sour, etc. In some embodiments, a user might import these profiles from the cloud by selecting the option to build pre-set meals based on desired food taste or type from the on-board screen located on the physical measuring device itself. This functionality can also be achieved on the individual&#39;s mobile application as well, where the smart bases  12 ,  212  can then access the information by grabbing the data from the cloud where the meal data on the mobile application was stored. These profiles may be updated via artificial intelligence and/or through lambda functions and/or updated, for example, by third party practitioners or software developers. Such updates may enable the user to have access to continually evolving dietary needs based on personal food preferences on taste and type. 
     In other embodiments, a user may pre-set consumption profiles based on human feeling, behavior, psychology, or mood. The smart bases  12 ,  212 , in conjunction with a computer processor and software (preferably cloud-based and accessible through a mobile app), allows a user to import pre-set nutrient profiles for the meals they are about to make based on the specific mood, feeling, behavior, or psychological effect the user would like to have for the day. Users can import profiles for these feelings for the meals they are about to make that include, but are not limited to, sustained energy, happiness, relaxation, enthusiasm, positivity, engagement, satisfaction, sleepiness, awareness, and more. The science behind diet and these behaviors is scientifically backed, and the associated nutrients attributable to these behaviors can be automatically set into the user&#39;s meal dashboard upon selection of any of these behaviors for the meal that they are about to make. These profiles may be continuously updated as described above. Such updates enable the user to have access to continually evolving dietary needs based on desired personal moods and behaviors. 
     In certain other embodiments, a user may exploit artificial intelligence to advance dietary and related goals. For example a user might subscribe to a software application which generates suggested recipes suggested in whole or in part on ingredients indicated as likely available to the user and artificial intelligence. Such a platform might enable a user to utilize the ingredients that they have available to them along with the nutrient requirements that they would like their meal to be comprised of. In other embodiments; the data driven diet system, comprising the above described smart bases  12 ,  212 , may use machine learning to build custom meal recipes that meet the specified nutrient requirements the user has requested. The results might display a list of a one or more recipes that meet the criteria based on a database, both internal and external, that the user can select from. These recipes can be altered once a selected meal has been imported into the user&#39;s dashboard. This functionality could be enabled on the mobile application side and/or the embedded electronic components. These recipes could inform the user what quantities of what ingredients are needed to make the meal that the system is walking the user through. The device and/or other component of the system may notify the user what ingredients to weigh and when to stop weighing the ingredients. A system comprising an artificial intelligence component might enable the user to set the nutrient goals they would like to consume for any given period and the meal types (based on demographic, taste, mood, behavior and the like). Further, a system comprising an artificial intelligence component could generate a personalized shopping list for the user to take to the grocery store. It is also contemplated that a data driven diet system could also be used with third-party grocery or restaurant delivery applications, such as Kroger®, InstaCart®, and GrubHub®, wherein a user may request for these applications to assemble and/or deliver groceries or take-out restaurant meals. 
     In yet another embodiment, the data driven diet system could include a social media aspect, such as capability of sharing recipes or other facts or opinions on a Sharing Platform. A user might follow their closest friends, family, personal trainers, or anyone that utilizes the data driven diet system to see what meals their followings are making. In some embodiments, users can import meal recipes from their social network. In some embodiments, shared recipes will automatically populate all the relevant information for the user onto the dashboard for the meal, and much like the Recipe artificial intelligence described above, will walk the user through the steps needed to make the same recipe. These imported recipes can also be saved for a specific meal the user plants to eat in the future. The user can alter the uploaded nutrient profiles downloaded onto a user dashboard, located on the interface, to personally adjust any of the meal&#39;s information to allow for more flexibility. This allows the user more modularity to custom tailor-make any meal to meet personal or prescribed needs. 
     In some embodiments, a data driven diet system may be updated at any time via firmware updates, either via software residing in the Cloud or software residing on the smart base  12 ,  212 , for example, via Over-The-Air firmware updates that can be downloaded from the cloud. In some embodiments, users may have the option to continuously update the latest firmware for the devices they use to stay most up to date with the lates profiles, recipe features, product functional architecture, and more. In some other embodiments, two or more measuring devices may be employed as part of a data driven diet system. Firmware updates will be automatically notified to the user and can be scheduled to be downloaded at any time most convenient to the users. In yet other embodiments, a user might use two or more smart bases  12 ,  212  in the system (e.g. a vessel-based system and a cutting board based system, both as described above) to prepare a single meal. In such case, the smart bases of each system may communicate with each other and/or with some or all other components of the data driven diet system, to measure, record, process, and communicate the combined dietary information as discussed, so that the user can build towards the nutrient goals for that one meal but with multiple appliances. 
     Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.