Calorie Answer is a Japanese firm that markets a microwave oven-sized machine that provides a read-out of the estimated calories of the food placed in it. Model JK-CA1-R does that by shining near-infrared light (700-3000nm) on the food, measuring the reflectance spectrum to determine the amount of fat, sugar, protein, carbs and minerals and extrapolating by the weight of the sample. They claim an accuracy of plus or minus 10%. Marketing niche seems to be the health conscious, those who are concerned about diabetes, as well as specialty restaurants.
Device developed to indicate the calorie levels of food- Mainichi Daily News, January 7 2007
Related posts:
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes, this would have to be sold to a niche market. I have a feeling a lot of people would rather not know how many calories they’re eating!
I think this would help me a lot to get in the habit of buying foods low in calories.
This could be a powerful tool in preventing diabetes if it could gain widespread use.