Using Deep Learning and 360 Video to Detect Eating Behavior for User Assistance Systems

The rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases calls for more sophisticated approaches to support individuals in engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors, particularly in terms of their dietary intake. Building on recent advances in information technology, user assistance systems hold the potential of combining active and passive data collection methods to monitor dietary intake and, subsequently, to support individuals in making better decisions about their diet. In this paper, we review the state-of-the-art in active and passive dietary monitoring along with the issues being faced. Building on this groundwork, we propose a research framework for user assistance systems that combine active and passive methods with three distinct levels of assistance. Finally, we outline a proof-of-concept study using video obtained from a 360-degree camera to automatically detect eating behavior from video data as a source of passive dietary monitoring for decision support

Advancement in Dietary Assessment and Self-Monitoring Using Technology

Although methods to assess or self-monitor intake may be considered similar, the intended function of each is quite distinct. For the assessment of dietary intake, methods aim to measure food and nutrient intake and/or to derive dietary patterns for determining diet-disease relationships, population surveillance or the effectiveness of interventions. In comparison, dietary self-monitoring primarily aims to create awareness of and reinforce individual eating behaviours, in addition to tracking foods consumed. Advancements in the capabilities of technologies, such as smartphones and wearable devices, have enhanced the collection, analysis and interpretation of dietary intake data in both contexts. This Special Issue invites submissions on the use of novel technology-based approaches for the assessment of food and/or nutrient intake and for self-monitoring eating behaviours. Submissions may document any part of the development and evaluation of the technology-based approaches. Examples may include: web adaption of existing dietary assessment or self-monitoring tools (e.g., food frequency questionnaires, screeners) image-based or image-assisted methods mobile/smartphone applications for capturing intake for assessment or self-monitoring wearable cameras to record dietary intake or eating behaviours body sensors to measure eating behaviours and/or dietary intake use of technology-based methods to complement aspects of traditional dietary assessment or self-monitoring, such as portion size estimation