The present disclosure provides a system and method for determining a nutritional value of a food item. The system and method utilizes a food container as a model to adjust various types of distortions that exists in an instant image of the food container that retains the food item. The instant image may be compared to the model image of the food container to correct any distortions. The food container includes a boundary which has a predetermined color. The predetermined color of the boundary can be used to adjust the color configuration of the instant image, thereby increasing the accuracy of the food identification.

There is provided a drinking or eating vessel comprising an inner surface that defines a volume for receiving liquid or solid food and an outer surface that supports a polymeric coating and a decorative layer, wherein the polymeric coating comprises a polymer formed by curing a coating mixture on the outer surface of the drinking or eating vessel, said coating mixture comprising a matting agent, wherein the polymeric coating has an inner surface in contact with the drinking or eating vessel and an outer surface in contact with the decorative layer, and wherein the decorative layer comprises a dry toner image applied to the outer surface of the polymeric coating. Also provided is a corresponding process for producing the drinking or eating vessel.

An active foodware system includes a dining plate unit that provides visual stimuli by having a power source and a visual stimulating component to provide light emanating from the dining plate unit. Other devices can provide auditory and haptic stimuli, as well as sensing and processing. The dining plate unit can be a single component where the device and circuitry are all contained in the unit and protected from water, or can be two components: an upper translucent dining plate, and an underplate comprising the devices and circuitry for directing light through the upper translucent dining plate.

A dining plate active foodware system senses food characteristics, such as weight and calories. Removable dining plates are placed on an underplate comprising sensing and wireless communication components. The system may include a camera. Data related to the food is sent to the internet as well as displayed on the visual stimulating component of a handheld communication device, such as a mobile phone. Auditory and haptic stimuli may also be provided.

A dining utensil includes a stimulating component, a sensing component, and a communication component to enhance a dining experience. The stimulating component includes one or more light sources, which may be different colors. The utensil has a processor with the computer program configured to activate the stimulating component to illuminate the eating portion of the utensil, which may display an image or video. The stimulating component may be optically coupled with a light guide to provide lighted bands, portions, and patterns. The sensing component senses a food condition, and may be configured to activate the stimulating component. The communication component provides wireless communication with a mobile phone and the internet.

A dishware which allows a user to monitor his or her eating and health habits directly. The dishware includes an upper bowl-shaped body, a lower bowl-shaped body, a body mass index (BMI) reader, a microcontroller, and a housing base. The upper bowl-shaped body is detachable and washable. The BMI reader includes a first finger sensor and a second finger sensor. The first finger sensor and the second finger sensor are mounted to the lower bowl-shaped body. The lower bowl-shaped body is attached to the upper bowl-shaped body with a concave surface of the lower bowl-shaped body pressing against the convex surface of the upper bowl-shaped body. The housing base is centrally and adjacently connected to the lower bowl-shaped body, opposite the upper bowl-shaped body. The microcontroller is electronically connected to the BMI reader and internally mounted within the housing base.

A novel food serving and storage set including cover formed to be similar to and of realistic size, shape and color for the food in which it is covering, an accompanying complimentary receiving unit that has a vertical raised lip around its edge for the cover to fit exactly on top. The receiving unit has a flat peripheral area surrounding a depression in its center on which food may rest directly or indirectly. The food can rest on a separate removable disc which fits on top of the receiving unit in order to separate any elements in the receiving unit's depression (e.g. a cooling or warming element) from the food. Attached to the lower outer and upper inner rims of the cover and receiving unit respectively is a non-slip lining that creates an airtight seal allowing this system to store food for an extended time.

An apparatus for encouraging children to eat meals through the use of interactive lights and audio is provided. In one embodiment is a bowl with lights embedded on its outer surface, capable of being illuminated by a controller in various lighting sequences. Also included is an audio speaker capable of reproducing audio stored in an internal controller. In other embodiments are a tray and dishes that use light and audio adapted for their specific application.

A plate assembly that includes a hoop having a hoop profile shape and a hoop cross-section shape and a plate shell having a first surface the receives food to be eaten and a second surface defining a cavity on a bottom surface of the plate shell, the cavity having a plate shell profile shape and a plate shell cross-section shape. The cavity receives at least a portion of the hoop; and the hoop is removably engaged and disengaged with the cavity of the plate shell by hand and without the use of tools and provides structural integrity to the plate shell when engaged with the cavity. The plate shell is typically a disposable plastic plate shell having a thickness of about 0.008 of an inch or less.

A dining plate active foodware system senses food characteristics, such as weight and calories. Removable dining plates are placed on an underplate comprising sensing and wireless communication components. The system may include a camera. Data related to the food is sent to the internet as well as displayed on the visual stimulating component of a handheld communication device, such as a mobile phone. Auditory and haptic stimuli may also be provided.