Method And Apparatus For Identifying Dietary Choices

Abstract

A method is provided for assigning a relative score number to foods. Assignment of a relative score number to foods allows consumers to select foods that will provide a desirable diet. Equations are provided which are effective to yield a predicted raw score based on measured characteristics. The predicted raw score statistically correlates to a raw score that would be determined by an actual panel. The predicted raw scores are further processed to provide a relative score number that can be easily tracked by a consumer.

1 . A method for facilitating selection of desirable choices, the method comprising:
 generating relative scores in a processing device for a first group of choices in response to results from a plurality of forced choice comparisons by a plurality of informed domain representatives, the plurality of forced choice comparisons each including a selection of one choice from a pair of choices, the selections forming the results for generating the relative scores;   receiving at an input device, measurements of at least two characteristics of each of a second group of choices;   calculating in a computing device, predicted relative scores for the individual ones of the second group of choices using the measurements of the at least two characteristics of each of the second group of choices in a model of the relative scores of the first group of choices;   outputting via an output device, the predicted relative scores to communicate the predicted relative scores to facilitate selection of desirable choices.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the informed domain representatives are dietary experts, and wherein recording the predicted relative scores comprises including the predicted relative scores on packaging for food items. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the choices are dietary choices for diets selected from the group consisting of diets for diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure management, metabolic syndromes, weight management, healthy aging, cognition and cancer prevention. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the characteristics being measured are amount of substances contained in choices selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, sugar, fiber, protein, total fat, total fatty acids, total saturated fatty acids, trans fatty acids, calcium, sodium, iron, vitamins, glycemic index, glycemic load, resistant starch, sugar alcohol, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         5 . A method for assisting a person to maintain a predetermined diet, the method comprising:
 determining in a processing device, a minimum and maximum relative score number effective for maintaining a predetermined diet over a period of time;   calculating a relative score number for each of a number of possible food serving choices by fitting at least two characteristics of the possible food serving choices to a model generated from results of a plurality of forced choice comparisons of sample food choices by a plurality of informed domain representatives, the plurality of forced choice comparisons each including a selection of one food choice from a pair of food choices, the selections forming the results for generating the model;   identifying in a computing device, food serving choices that will provide an aggregated total relative score number between the determined minimum and maximum relative score number; and   outputting via an output device, a diet plan using the identified food serving choices to thereby assist the person to maintain the predetermined diet.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the predetermined diet is selected from the group consisting of diets for diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure management, metabolic syndromes, weight management, healthy aging, cognition and cancer prevention. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the relative score is calculated by calculating a raw score, wherein the raw score is calculated using Equation 16A, where Equation 16A is
   RAW SCORE= k   0   +k   1 ׃ 1 ( x   1 )+ k   2 ׃ 2 ( x   2 )+ k   3 ׃ 3 ( x   3 )+ . . .
 
 
       wherein coefficients k 0 , k 1 , k 2 , k 3  . . . are numerical constants which can range from −50 to 50, functions ƒ 1 , ƒ 2 , ƒ 3 , . . . are functions selected from the group consisting of linear, logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric, splines, wavelets, monotone, and near monotone functions which can increase or decrease, and x 1 , x 2 , x 3 , . . . are individual nutrient values or functions of two or more nutrient values corresponding to the food serving choices. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein raw scores are calculated using equations selected from the group consisting of
 Equation 16 defined as, Score=[1.2574377(carbohydrate grams)+0.3610161(sugar grams)−2.250235(fiber grams)+2.0426632(total fat grams)+0.0156387(sodium milligrams)+2.3307644(saturated fat grams)]/(12.15); 
 Equation 17 defined as, Score=[1.2449301(carbohydrate grams)+0.3761927(sugar grams)−2.201028(fiber grams)+1.9032449(total fat grams)+0.0158553(sodium milligrams)+2.654095(saturated fat grams+trans fat grams)]/(12.15); 
 Equation 18 defined as, Score=[1.22775(carbohydrate grams)+0.4028086(sugar grams)−2.195542(fiber grams)+1.9422293(total fat grams)+0.0165285(sodium milligrams)+2.3742248(saturated fat grams)+4.1002263(trans fat grams)]/(12.15); 
 Equation 19 defined as, Score=[1.3727221(carbohydrate grams−fiber grams)+1.7677025(total fat grams)+0.0112093(sodium milligrams)+3.1746396(saturated fat grams+trans fat grams)]/(12.15); 
 Equation 20 defined as, Score=[1.1615888(carbohydrate grams−fiber grams)+0.4072277(sugar grams)+1.8468236(total fat grams)+0.0149536(sodium milligrams)+2.8420381(saturated fat grams+trans fat grams)]/(12.15); 
 Equation 21 defined as, Score=[1.1728067(carbohydrate grams−fiber grams)+0.3904063 (sugar grams)+1.9836139(total fat grams)+0.0146349(sodium milligrams)+2.5446574(saturated fat grams)]/(12.15); and 
 Equation 22 defined as, Score=[1.255412(carbohydrate grams)+0.3807178(sugar grams)−2.181852(fiber grams)+1.8712286(total fat grams)+0.0164532(sodium milligrams)−0.096065(calcium milligrams % of daily value)+2.8216669(saturated fat grams+trans fat grams)]/(12.15). 
 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 5  wherein raw scores are calculated using equations selected from the group consisting of
 Equation 5 defined as,
   Raw Score= k 28 +k 29*√{square root over (calories)}+ k 30*√{square root over (sodium milligrams)}− k 31*√{square root over (fiber grams)}− k 32*√{square root over (protein grams)}+ k 33*√{square root over (glycemic index)}+ k 34*√{square root over (trans fat grams+saturated fat grams)}+ k 35*√{square root over (carbohydrate grams+fiber grams+protein grams)}− k 36*√{square root over (sum of % daily value for vitamins  A,C , and minerals iron and calcium)},
 
 
 wherein k28 is 0 to 40, k29 is 0 to 30, k30 is 0 to 10, k31 is 0 to 30, k32 is 0 to 40, k33 is 0 to 5, k34 is 0 to 30, k35 is 0 to 20, and k36 is 0 to 5, where at least three of k28 through k36 have a value greater than 0; 
 Equation 6 defined as,
   Raw Score= k 37 +k 38*√{square root over (sodium milligrams)}− k 39*√{square root over (fiber grams)}− k 40*√{square root over (protein grams)}+ k 41*√{square root over (trans fat grams+saturated fat grams)}+ k 42*√{square root over (carbohydrate grams+fiber grams+total fat grams)},
 
 
 wherein k37 is 0 to 30, k38 is 0 to 10, k39 is 0 to 40, k40 is 0 to 40, k41 is 0 to 40, and k42 is 0 to 40, where at least three of k37 through k42 have a value greater than 0; 
 Equation 7 defined as,
   Raw Score= k 43 +k 44*√{square root over (calories)}+ k 45*√{square root over (sodium milligrams)}− k 46*√{square root over (fiber grams)}− k 47*√{square root over (protein grams)},
 
 
 wherein k43 is 0 to 20, k44 is 0 to 30, k45 is 0 to 10, k46 is 0 to 40, and k47 is 0 to 40, where at least three of k43 through k47 have a value greater than 0; 
 Equation 8 defined as,
   Raw Score= k 48 +k 49*√{square root over (calories)}+ k 50*√{square root over (fiber grams)}− k 51*√{square root over (protein grams)},
 
 
 wherein k48 is 0 to 30, k49 is 0 to 30, k50 is 0 to 40, and k51 is 0 to 40, where at least three of k48 through k51 have a value greater than 0; 
 Equation 9 defined as,
   Raw Score= k 52 +k 53*√{square root over (calories)}+ k 54*√{square root over (carbohydrate grams)}− k 55*√{square root over (fiber grams)},
 
 
 wherein k52 is 0 to 40, k53 is 0 to 30, k54 is 0 to 10, and k55 is 0 to 50, where at least three of k52 through k55 have a value greater than 0; 
 Equation 10 defined as,
   Raw Score= k 56 +k 57*√{square root over (saturated fat grams)}+ k 58*sodium milligrams− k 59*protein grams+ k 60*√{square root over (carbohydrate grams−fiber grams)}+protein grams,
 
 
 wherein k56 is 0 to 10, k57 is 0 to 50, k58 is 0 to 5, k59 is 0 to 20, and k60 is 0 to 30, where at least three of k56 through k60 have a value greater than 0; 
 Equation 11 defined as,
   Raw Score= k 61 +k 62*√{square root over (saturated fat grams)}+ k 63*carbohydrate grams+ k 64*protein grams− k 65*√{square root over (protein grams)}− k 66*√{square root over (sum of % daily value for vitamins  A,C , and minerals iron and calcium)},
 
 
 wherein k61 is 0 to 75, k62 is 0 to 75, k63 is 0 to 10, k64 is 0 to 10, k65 is 0 to 30, and k66 is 0 to 20, where at least three of k61 through k66 have a value greater than 0; 
 Equation 12 defined as,
   Raw Score= k 67 +k 68*√{square root over (calories)}+ k 69*saturated fat grams− k 70*fiber grams− k 71*√{square root over (fiber grams)}− k 72*calcium milligrams+ k 73*√{square root over (carbohydrate grams+fiber grams)}+protein grams,
 
 
 wherein k67 is 0 to 30, k68 is 0 to 20, k69 is 0 to 20, k70 is 0 to 20, k71 is 0 to 30, k72 is 0 to 5, and k73 is 0 to 20, where at least three of k67 through k73 have a value greater than 0; 
 Equation 13 defined as,
   Raw Score= k 74 +k 75*√{square root over (calories)}− k 76*saturated fat grams+ k 77*√{square root over (saturated fat grams)}− k 78*√{square root over (sodium milligrams)}− k 79*calcium milligrams+ k 80*√{square root over (carbohydrate grams−fiber grams)}+protein grams+ k 81*√{square root over (carbohydrate grams)}+protein grams+total fat grams,
 
 
 wherein k74 is 0 to 50, k75 is 0 to 50, k76 is 0 to 5, k77 is 0 to 30, k78 is 0 to 5, k79 is 0 to 5, k80 is 0 to 75, and k81 is 0 to 75, where at least three of k74 through k81 have a value greater than 0; 
 Equation 14 defined as,
   Raw Score= k 82 +k 83*saturated fat grams+ k 84*√{square root over (saturated fat grams)}− k 85*sodium milligrams+k86*√{square root over (sodium milligrams)}− k 87*fiber grams− k 88*calcium milligrams+ k 89*glycemic index+ k 90*√{square root over (carbohydrate grams−fiber grams)}+protein grams,
 
 
 wherein k82 is 0 to 20, k83 is 0 to 10, k84 is 0 to 40, k85 is 0 to 5, k86 is 0 to 5, k87 is 0 to 20, k88 is 0 to 5, k89 is 0 to 5, and k90 is 0 to 30, where at least three of k82 through k90 have a value greater than 0; 
 Equation 15 defined as,
   Raw Score= k 91 +k 92*√{square root over (calcium milligrams)}− k 93*√{square root over (total fat grams)}+ k 94*√{square root over (trans fat grams)}+ k 95*√{square root over (sodium milligrams)}− k 96*√{square root over (fiber grams)}− k 97*√{square root over (protein grams)}+ k 98*√{square root over (trans fat grams+saturated fat grams)},
 
 
 wherein k91 is 0 to 20, k92 is 0 to 30, k93 is 0 to 5, k94 is 0 to 20, k95 is 0 to 5, k96 is 0 to 30, k97 is 0 to 40, and k98 is 0 to 30, where at least three of k91 through k98 have a value greater than 0. 
 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of labeling a food item from the second group of choices with a predicted relative score number. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the relative score is calculated by calculating a raw score, wherein the raw score is calculated using Equation 16A, where Equation 16A is
   RAW SCORE= k   0   +k   1 ׃ 1 ( x   1 )+ k   2 ׃ 2 ( x   2 )+ k   3 ׃ 3 ( x   3 )+ . . .
 
 wherein coefficients k 0 , k 1 , k 2 , k 3  . . . are numerical constants which can range from −50 to 50, functions ƒ 1 , ƒ 2 , ƒ 3  . . . are functions selected from the group consisting of linear, logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric, splines, wavelets, monotone, and near monotone functions which can increase or decrease, and x 1 , x 2 , x 3  . . . are individual nutrient values or functions of two or more nutrient values corresponding to the food item. 
 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein raw scores are calculated using equations selected from the group consisting of
 Equation 16 defined as, Score=[1.2574377(carbohydrate grams)+0.3610161(sugar grams)−2.250235(fiber grams)+2.0426632(total fat grams)+0.0156387(sodium milligrams)+2.3307644(saturated fat grams)]/(12.15); 
 Equation 17 defined as, Score=[1.2449301(carbohydrate grams)+0.3761927(sugar grams)−2.201028(fiber grams)+1.9032449(total fat grams)+0.0158553(sodium milligrams)+2.654095(saturated fat grams+trans fat grams)]/(12.15); 
 Equation 18 defined as, Score=[1.22775(carbohydrate grams)+0.4028086(sugar grams)−2.195542(fiber grams)+1.9422293(total fat grams)+0.0165285(sodium milligrams)+2.3742248(saturated fat grams)+4.1002263(trans fat grams)]/(12.15); 
 Equation 19 defined as, Score=[1.3727221(carbohydrate grams−fiber grams)+1.7677025(total fat grams)+0.0112093(sodium milligrams)+3.1746396(saturated fat grams+trans fat grams)]/(12.15); 
 Equation 20 defined as, Score=[1.1615888(carbohydrate grams−fiber grams)+0.4072277(sugar grams)+1.8468236(total fat grams)+0.0149536(sodium milligrams)+2.8420381(saturated fat grams+trans fat grams)]/(12.15); 
 Equation 21 defined as, Score=[1.1728067(carbohydrate grams−fiber grams)+0.3904063(sugar grams)+1.9836139(total fat grams)+0.0146349(sodium milligrams)+2.5446574(saturated fat grams)]/(12.15); and 
 Equation 22 defined as, Score=[1.255412(carbohydrate grams)+0.3807178(sugar grams)−2.181852(fiber grams)+1.8712286(total fat grams)+0.0164532(sodium milligrams)−0.096065(calcium milligrams % of daily value)+2.8216669(saturated fat grams+trans fat grams)]/(12.15). 
 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus comprising:
 a digital memory having digital computer instructions stored therein which when executed by a digital computer calculates a relative score number reflecting dietary appropriateness for foods, non-alcoholic beverages, and alcoholic beverages, the electronic computer instructions providing a calculation of the relative score based on at least two characteristics of the foods, non-alcoholic beverages, and alcoholic beverages fit to a model of relative scores for sample food choices generated from results of a plurality of forced choice comparisons by a plurality of informed domain representatives, the plurality of forced choice comparisons each including a selection of one food choice from a pair of food choices, the selections forming the results for generating the model.   
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the relative score is calculated by calculating a raw score, wherein the raw score is calculated using Equation 16A, where Equation 16A is
   RAW SCORE=k 0 +k 1 ׃ 1 (x 1 )+k 2 ׃ 2 (x 2 )+k 3 ׃ 3 (x 3 )+ . . .
 
 wherein coefficients k 0 , k 1 , k 2 , k 3  . . . are numerical constants which can range from −50 to 50, functions ƒ 1 , ƒ 2 , ƒ 3  . . . are functions selected from the group consisting of linear, logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric, splines, wavelets, monotone, and near monotone functions which can increase or decrease, and x 1 , x 2 , x 3  . . . are individual nutrient values or functions of two or more nutrient values corresponding to the food serving choices. 
 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein raw scores are calculated using equations selected from the group consisting of
 Equation 16 defined as, Score=[1.2574377(carbohydrate grams)+0.3610161(sugar grams)−2.250235(fiber grams)+2.0426632(total fat grams)+0.0156387(sodium milligrams)+2.3307644(saturated fat grams)]/(12.15); 
 Equation 17 defined as, Score=[1.2449301(carbohydrate grams)+0.3761927(sugar grams)−2.201028(fiber grams)+1.9032449(total fat grams)+0.0158553(sodium milligrams)+2.654095(saturated fat grams+trans fat grams)]/(12.15); 
 Equation 18 defined as, Score=[1.22775(carbohydrate grams)+0.4028086(sugar grams)−2.195542(fiber grams)+1.9422293(total fat grams)+0.0165285(sodium milligrams)+2.3742248(saturated fat grams)+4.1002263(trans fat grams)]/(12.15); 
 Equation 19 defined as, Score=[1.3727221(carbohydrate grams−fiber grams)+1.7677025(total fat grams)+0.0112093(sodium milligrams)+3.1746396(saturated fat grams+trans fat grams)]/(12.15); 
 Equation 20 defined as, Score=[1.1615888(carbohydrate grams−fiber grams)+0.4072277(sugar grams)+1.8468236(total fat grams)+0.0149536(sodium milligrams)+2.8420381(saturated fat grams+trans fat grams)]/(12.15); 
 Equation 21 defined as, Score=[1.1728067(carbohydrate grams−fiber grams)+0.3904063(sugar grams)+1.9836139(total fat grams)+0.0146349(sodium milligrams)+2.5446574(saturated fat grams)]/(12.15); and 
 Equation 22 defined as, Score=[1.255412(carbohydrate grams)+0.3807178(sugar grams)−2.181852(fiber grams)+1.8712286(total fat grams)+0.0164532(sodium milligrams)−0.096065(calcium milligrams % of daily value)+2.8216669 (saturated fat grams+trans fat grams)]/(12.15). 
 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 developing equations in a computing device to yield the predicted raw scores based on the measured characteristics such that the correlation between actual and predicted raw scores provides a coefficient of determination, R 2 , of 0.5 or greater. 
 
     
     
         20 . A method for selecting foods suitable for a predetermined diet, the method comprising:
 receiving at a processing device results of a plurality of forced choice comparisons by a plurality of informed domain representatives based on a set of food items, the plurality of forced choice comparisons each including a selection of one choice from a pair of choices;   calculating a relative score number in a computing device for at least one of the food items based on the results of the forced choice comparison and assigning the relative score to the food item;   determining a minimum and maximum total relative score number effective for maintaining the predetermined diet over a given period of time; and   outputting via an output device, food combinations that provide a total relative score number within the minimum and maximum total relative score number.   
     
     
         21 . A method for assisting a person to maintain a predetermined diet, the method comprising:
 determining a minimum and maximum total relative score number effective for maintaining a predetermined diet over a period of time;   receiving at a processing device at least total fatty acids, sodium and total carbohydrate in a food serving choice;   calculating in a computing device a relative score number for each of a number of possible food serving choices using an Equation selected from the group consisting of
   Relative Score=0.156645669442622*total fat grams+0.00130496192617028*sodium milligrams+0.03096235920085*sugar grams+0.102463379833054*carbohydrate grams−0.181154549031557*fiber grams+0.218444033740931*(saturated fat grams+trans fat grams),  Equation 23
 
   Relative Score=0.168120424543066*total fat grams+0.191832459717235*saturated fat grams+0.0012871370715744*sodium milligrams+0.103492811011505*carbohydrate grams−0.185204527271864*fiber grams+0.0297132567884848*sugar grams,  Equation 24
 
   Relative Score=0.161935991116738*total fat grams+0.207406290645869*saturated fat grams+0.00111104498953334*sodium milligrams+0.11741246378783*carbohydrate grams−0.217625438759603*fiber grams,  Equation 25
 
   Relative Score=0.0326985155139462*total fat grams+0.211265063840429*saturated fat grams+0.00131122105057051*sodium milligrams+0.029463585398812*carbohydrate grams+0.0147759231820284*calories−0.067204486301925*protein grams+0.0419438579732438*sugar grams,  Equation 26
 
   Relative Score=0.0448609220288849*total fat grams+0.239610545132076*saturated fat grams+0.00102682557051393*sodium milligrams+0.0583680936579316*carbohydrate grams+0.011967404042854*calories−0.0522157836653316*protein grams−0.449899235041729*% daily value iron,  Equation 27
 
   and 
   Relative Score=0.220546668684559*total fat grams+0.00130891980845418*sodium milligrams+0.100112811169218*carbohydrate grams−0.203608691363277*fiber grams+0.0335033374531092*sugar grams+0.000972373425585813*calories,  Equation 28
 
   
       the Equation being based on a model of relative scores for sample food choices which were generated from results of a plurality of forced choice comparisons by a plurality of informed domain representatives, the plurality of forced choice comparisons each including a selection of one food choice from a pair of food choices;
 identifying the food serving choices that will provide an aggregated total relative score number within the determined minimum and maximum relative score number; and 
 outputting via an output device, the identified food serving choices in a diet for the person to thereby assist the person to maintain the predetermined diet.