Systems and Methods for Monitoring and Modifying Behavior

Abstract

A system for detecting non-verbal acoustic energy generated by a subject is provided. The system includes a sensor mountable on or in a body region of the subject, the sensor being capable of sensing the non-verbal acoustic energy; and a processing unit being capable of processing the non-verbal acoustic energy sensed by the sensor and deriving an activity related signature therefrom, thereby enabling identification of a specific activity associated with the non-verbal acoustic energy.

1 . A method of accumulating data relating to ingestion behavior of a subject, comprising:
 (a) monitoring ingestion related activity from tissue deformation of an ear of the subject over a time period;   (b) generating a signature classifying said ingestion related activity of the subject over said time period; and   (c) computationally logging said signature, thereby accumulating data relating to ingestion behavior of the subject.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising associating said signature with a duration of ingestion, rate of ingestion, food mass, volume, caloric value or nutritional value of material ingested prior to, or following step (c). 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising aggregating said data relating to ingestion behavior for a plurality of subjects into a database. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising repeating steps (a)-(c) thereby accumulating data comprising a plurality of distinct signatures. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein (a) is effected by counting a number of bites, chews and/or swallows over said time period. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said signature reflects said number of bites chews and/or swallows over said time period. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said signature further reflects a sequence of said bites chews and/or swallows over said time period. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said counting is effected by a user mounted device. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said device is capable of sensing ingestion activity related motion or acoustic energy.