CLIAMS:We claim:
1. An integrated system for tracking and rewarding timely consumption of liquid or food items by the user which comprises an electronic coaster device connected with computing device,

wherein said system provides a gamified environment with reward mechanism which incentivises users to stick with set target or pattern of consumption.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coaster device is connected with computing device through either of wireless or hard-wired communication interfaces, preferably a Bluetooth module.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic coaster device comprises an assembly of; atleast one of a weight sensor, processor, light-emitting-diode display, storage memory, internal clock, induction receiver coil, charging port and a communication interface for connecting with computing device.

4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said weight sensor of device is a force sensor and said processor is capable to determine a change in the force to determine weight change of container.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said computing device comprises a computer, tablet, mobile, display unit or like, preferably a computer.

6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said computing device is configured with proprietary softwares which can track consumption, present real time progression data and record quantity and calories consumed.

7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said software is enabled with gaming application softwares which can provide gamified environment with reward mechanism which incentivises users to stick with set target or pattern of consumption.

8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said gaming application softwares can include virtual badge and leaderbaords features.

9. A system for tracking and rewarding the timely consumption of liquids or food items by the user comprising an electronic coaster device connected with computing device

wherein improvement arises in integration of coaster device with computing device, configuration of computing device with proprietary software to track, present real time progression data and record of quantity and calories consumed, providing gaming environment with rewards mechanism for incetivizing users to stick with set target or pattern of consumption.

10. A method for tracking and rewarding the timely consumption of liquid or food items by the user through a system comprising an electronic coaster device connected with computing device, wherein the method comprising the steps of;
a digital clock presetting the target for consumption
weight sensor detecting the weight change of container
processor processing the information received from weight sensor
LED display emitting the lights corresponding to status of consumption
memory maintaining the record of consumption
communication interface of coaster devicetransferring record of consumption to computing device
proprietary software of computing device analyzing and interpreting record of consumption and create virtual rewards based on performance of user

wherein said method provides a gamified environment with reward mechanism which incentivises users to stick with set target or pattern of consumption.
,TagSPECI:Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a system for tracking and rewarding timely consumption of liquids or any food item by the user and more particularly to an electronic coaster device integrated with computing device that can track the rate of consumption and record the quantity and calories consumed by the user.

Background of the Invention
Water is the body’s principal chemical component. Over half of the human body is made up of water. Various studies reveal that water allows our body to effectively digest our food and that without water our body cannot effectively eliminate waste and flush toxins out of vital organs.

In fact, all of our internal organs operate at higher capacity when we are well hydrated. When we are dehydrated, the overall functions of the body become slow and inefficient.

Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when people don't have enough water in their bodies to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain a person’s energy and make them tired. The brain is particularly sensitive to changes in water balance, which in turn, can affect mental performance (e.g. concentration, alertness and short-term memory) and overall work-related productivity.

Various studies have been conducted to determine the required amount of water intake. While various factors like the environment, the amount of exercise, health conditions affect the exact quantity required, the accepted general limits are roughly 3 litres (about 13 cups) for men and about 2.2 litres for women.

Increasingly as people tend to work in air conditioned offices for long periods of time, their water intake tends to show a decline whereas working in an air conditioned office, can speed up moisture evaporation from skin and lungs and people end up with increased water loss and need to drink more water accordingly. Also excessive intake of caffeine and caffeinated drinks increases the level of dehydration. In such situations, consuming the optimum level of water is while essential for good health in the long run, equally difficult to maintain in the course of a busy working life, travel schedule and increasingly sedentary lifestyle spent in controlled environments. For this reason, drinking optimum water for maintaining good health is an absolutely necessity.

US Pat. No. 7,353,136 discloses electronic drink coaster. It provides a system for ordering drink refills. However the disclosed device lacked the incentives and environment that motivates the user to stick with it and so the usage was limited to refills of drink only.

Taiwan patent no. M452706 discloses electronic coaster and water drinking amount counting system that comprises mainly a label, an electronic coasters and a water statistical system. However the system lacked the incentives and environment which encourages user to follow the system.

Generally the users grow weary of spending the time needed to master systems of growing complexity, which lacked incentives. Therefore users will become increasingly disengaged and frustrated when system is so hard to learn and does not direct user where to start or go next.

Thus in past, though different types of coasters or similar device have been developed for tumblers, drinking glasses and like vessels but none of them provides mechanism for efficiently tracking user’s consumption or/and incentivizes the user to stick with targets of consumption..

Given the amount of water intake has long been included in the personal health management as an important part, there exists a need to develop in particular a device and a corresponding system whereby users can track their consumption rate efficiently and provided gaming environment to incentivize the user to stuck with target and consume right amount of liquids or any food item during the course of the day or over a period, which helps in maintaining good health.

Therefore, the principal object of present invention is to provide an integrated system comprising electronic coaster device connected with computing device for tracking and rewarding the timely consumption of a liquid or food items by the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system, wherein coaster device can connect and communicate with computing device through either of wireless or hard wired interfaces to transfer the record of consumption.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system, wherein computing device of the system is configured with proprietary softwares which can track, provide real time progression data and record quantity and calories consumed by the user over a time period.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system, wherein softwares of computing device are enabled with gaming applications which provided gaming environment and reward mechanism which incentives users to stick with set target or pattern of consumption.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system, wherein gaming application can include features of leaderboards and virtualbadges.

A further object of this invention is to provide a system and method for encouraging and incentivizing users for sticking to consumption target that allows users to maintain a good health.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a system and method for promoting self health management in users.

Summary of Invention
In one aspect; the present invention provides a system, comprising an electronic coaster device integrated with computing device, for tracking and rewarding the timely consumption of liquids and food items by the user wherein said coaster device essentially includes; weight sensors, processor, internal clock, multicolour LED display, storage memory, induction receiver coil, charging port and communication interface port.

In another aspect; the coaster device can connect with computing device through either of wireless or hard wired interfaces, such as Bluetooth, USB and like.

In another aspect; the coaster device can communicate with proprietary software of computing device to transfer record of consumption to computing device wherein proprietary software can track rate of consumption, provide real time progress data and record the quantity and calorie consumed by the user.

In another aspect; the software of computing device are enabled with gaming techniques which include features of leaderboards and virtualbadge or rewards.

In yet another aspect; when target is achieved in preset time, the softwares of computing device can show leaderbords to present performances and accordingly can generate the virtual rewards such as virtual badges or reward codes which can be redeemed at from online/offline stores to obtain products or services as prescribed by the web based portals.

In further aspect; the present invention provides a method for tracking and rewarding timely consumption of liquids or food items by the user through a system comprising electronic coaster device integrated with computing device, wherein the steps comprises of;
(a) digital clock presetting the target for consumption
(b) weight sensor sensing the weight changes in container
(c) processor processing the weight change signals received from weight sensor
(d) LED display emitting the lights corresponding to status of consumption
(e) storage memory storing the record of consumption
(f) communication interface of coaster device transferring the record of consumption to computing device
(g) Communication interface of computing device receiving the record of consumption transferred from coaster device
(g) proprietary software of computing device analyzing and interpreting record of consumption to provide rate of consumption, real time progression data and quantity and calorie consumed by the user and,

(h) incorporating consumption details into virtual setting supported through gaming application software which further generating the virtual rewards such as virtual badges or reward codes which can be redeemed at from online/offline stores to obtain products or services as prescribed the web based portals,

Wherein said generation of virtual rewards provides a gamified environment to incentivise the user to stick with consumption target.

For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter which illustrates preferred embodiments of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings
Fig. 01 shows a block diagram of electronic coaster device of present invention
Fig. 02 shows a top view of electronic coaster device of present invention
Fig. 03 shows a back/bottom view of electronic coaster device of present invention
Fig. 04 shows a block diagram of electronic coaster device integration with computing device and web based portal.

Detailed description of the Invention
The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof.

Fig. 1, is a block diagram of coaster device (1) which comprises a Load Cell (2), Low pass filter (3), Analog-digital converter (4), Micro controller unit (5), Timer (6), RGB LED controller (7), LED Array (8), Memory (9), USB controller (10), USB (11), Bluetooth module (12) and calibration (13) and track (14) mode switches.

The calibration (13) and track (14) mode switches helps in toggling up the device between calibrations and tracking modes.

In calibration mode (13), the device measures the weight of the container and its content; first it calculates the weight of empty container and then the new weight of filled container to get the original starting weight of the content present in the container. Once it is put in tracking mode (14); the device measures the weight reductions of the container at regular frequency. Every time the container is lifted and placed back, the coaster device (1) will measure the weight of the container and stores the information in the memory (9).

Internally, the load cell (2) senses the weight or weight change of container, transmits the signal through low pass filter (3) to analog-digital converter (4) that converts the analog signal into digital information and transfers to micro-controller unit (5) which then processes the information and stores into storage memory (9).

The LED indicator (8) will reduce the amount of the lit up arc based on the new weight as a percentage of the original starting weight. Depending upon the weight reductions or change in weight of the container, LED lights of different color will illuminates e.g. when less than 50% content is left in container, the color will change to yellow, when less than 10% content is left in container, the color will change to green. Similarly if the container is not emptied in preset time, LED indicator will start flashing, thus acting as triggers, to remind the user that he is running out of time to finish off the content of container. Accordingly the appropriate visual and auditory feedback can be provided to the user to remind him if he falls behind on an expected consumption rate.

The container used here can be a cup, a mug, a glass, a tumbler or similar vessels and pots which can be generally employed to contain liquid or food items, irrespective of its material or weight.

Fig.1 also shows the USB port (11) for charging of device or alternative data communication port for transfer of data. It shows Bluetooth modules (14) as communication interface to connect device with computing device (15).

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the coaster device (1) and shows multicolor LED display (8), calibration (13) and track mode (14) buttons and body surface (21) of device.

LED display (8) is indicative of amount of liquid pending in the container placed on top of said coaster device (1); hence the status of consumption for user.

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of coaster device (1) which shows an induction receiver coil (17) which facilitates induction charging of the coaster device (1). It also shows a USB charger device (18) which can be powered through a USB cable and used for charging of device (1)

Fig. 4 is a block diagram of overall integrated system (20) showing connection of coaster device (1) with computing device (15).

Thus, in one of the embodiments of invention, an integrated system (20) for tracking and rewarding the timely consumption of liquid and food items by the users comprises an electronic coaster device (1) which is connected with a computing device (15).

The typical electronics of coaster device includes atleast; a weight sensor (2), processor (5), internal clock (6), multicolour LED display (8), storage memory (9), induction receiver coil (17), charging or alternative USB port (11) and communication interface such as Bluetooth module (12) for transfer of record of consumption to computing device (15).

The weight sensors (2) of device can be selected from the group of force sensor, pressure sensor, electro-resistive device, accelerometer and like, preferably a force sensor.

The processor (5) of device is responsive to weight sensor and capable to determine a change in the force to determine weight change of container and then activate communication interface of coaster device to transmit signals which can be picked up by the communication interface of the computing device (15).

The LED (light-emitting-diode) display (8) of device is capable of emitting lights corresponding to status of consumption. Where internal clock (6) of device is useful in presetting time for consumption, a storage memory (9) is used in keeping record of consumption.

The computing device (15) can include either of a computer, tablet, mobile or similar other devices which can support statistical softwares and gamming applications to process and display the data.

The coaster device (1) can connect and communicate with computing device (15) through either of communication interface such as wireless Bluetooth module (12) or a hard wired interface such as USB (11) or similar other interfaces, as fits to prevailing situation and demand of system.

In another embodiment of invention, the connection of coaster device (1) with computing device (15) is used for transfer of data and communicating with proprietary software of computer which can then track rate of consumption, provide real time progression data and quantity or/and calories consumed by the user.

Said proprietary softwares can include any of statistical softwares which can efficiently analyze, interpret and present the consumption details of user. These softwares are capable to be enhanced with gamming applications so as to provide all over gamified environment to the user and acknowledge their performances through prescribing various incentives.

Thus, in another embodiment, the proprietary softwares are enhanced with gamming application softwares which can provide gamified environment with reward mechanism to incentivise user on accomplishment of set target or pattern of consumption.

The gamming applications can be products specific and so can employ different game mechanics and dynamics; hence can be customized based on products marketed and user’s demands.

In one of embodiment, these gaming applications can utilize the concepts of leaderbords and virtual badges.

Virtual badges, for example, typically consist of a visual widget that symbolizes a particular goal has been met and thus demonstrate progress, guide desired behavior, and psychologically reinforce involvement of the user with system.

Leaderboards show users their scores and rankings relative to others. A user profile of user would show his points, levels, badges, virtual goods, and other marks of accomplishment earned. Therefore when displayed to a community, leaderboards drive healthy competition. Thus, benefits of employing leaderboards are extensive, as they build on our competitive spirit.

Leaderboards have the effect of motivating users to come back so they can see how they are doing, prompting additional attempts to maintain or raise their position, outscore others – or even reach the top and be recognized for doing so. Hence, the Leaderboards improve frequency of users.

Leaderboards can motivate players to continue performing a certain behavior. Individuals who prefer to keep their performance levels private may or may not experience the same motivational effects and thus can reinforce the behaviours of users.

A use of gaming applications ensures adoption, performance, and engagement of user with system to stick with targets relating to various health practices e.g. timely consumption of a liquid of food item. The goal of the providing gamified environment is of engaging and motivating users by making for them ‘work as fun’.

In one of embodiment, the system allows to incorporation of consumption details into virtual setting of gaming application softwares having leaderbords and virtual rewards features to provide gamified environment and generating badges and reward codes to incentives users.
Today various e-commerce companies at their web portals facilitate product associated user end softwares having gaming features, which can be downloaded and incorporated into computing devices of user. These softwares can be linked with backend softwares of web portal which can monitor the exercise prescribed for users and based on the performances, reward the users with issuance of various type and level of virtual badges and reward codes. These reward codes can be redeemed at online/offline store to obtain different products or services.

The provision for incorporation of consumption details into user end softwares or gaming applications softwares and accordingly the generation of badges or reward codes as a measure to rewarding those who accomplished the target, creates gaming environment which makes users feel convenient about system and are incentivized to stick with consumption target.

In another embodiment; invention provides a method for tracking and rewarding timely consumption of liquids or food items by the user through a system comprising electronic coaster device integrated with computing device, wherein the steps comprises of;
(a) digital clock presetting the target for consumption
(b) weight sensor sensing the weight changes in container
(c) processor processing the weight change signals received from weight sensor
(d) LED display emitting the lights corresponding to status of consumption
(e) storage memory storing the record of consumption
(f) communication interface of coaster device transferring the record of consumption to computing device
(g) Communication interface of computing device receiving the record of consumption transferred from coaster device
(g) proprietary software of computing device analyzing and interpreting record of consumption to provide rate of consumption, real time progression data and quantity and calorie consumed by the user and,
(h) incorporating consumption details into virtual setting supported through a gaming application software which further generating the virtual rewards such as virtual badges or reward codes which can be redeemed at from online/offline stores to obtain products or services as prescribed the web based portals,

Wherein said generation of virtual rewards incentivises the user to stick with consumption target.

The present invention may be further illustrated with the following, non-limiting, example.
Example 1;
Typical case scenario of tracking and rewarding timely consumption of water
1) User presses the calibrate button and the devices flashes the LED red lights to indicate that it is ready to weigh the container e.g. a cup or glass in which water is filled.

2) User places an empty glass and the device calculates the weight and stores this information in memory.

3) User then fills the glass with the desired amount of water and then places the glass back on the coaster.

4) The coaster electronics now calculates the new weight and stores the original starting weight information along with the time stamp into memory.

5) When the user toggles the coaster into tracking mode using the designated button, the LED lights stop flashing and instead show a stable red light to indicate that it is now tracking consumption.

6) Every time the glass is lifted and placed back the coaster will measure the weight of the glass and thus monitors the total weight sensed over time. The LED indicator will reduce the amount of the lit up arc based on the new weight as a percentage of the original starting weight.

7) Appropriate visual and auditory feedback is provided to the user to remind him if he falls behind on an expected consumption rate. E.g. when less than 50% water is left in glass the color will change to yellow, when less than 10% is left in glass the color will change to green and like. However the % of water left and corresponding color in display may be set as per need of the user and are not to be construed as limiting one.

8) When preset time (e.g. 1 hr, 2 hr…) have passed since the tracking started and the glass hasn’t returned to its empty weight, the LED indicator will start flashing to remind the user that he is running out of time to finish the water in the glass.

9) The device can store information in memory for multiple instances of the glass being picked-up and placed back.

10) The coaster device communicates with computing device to transfers record of consumption details to software of computing device which can track, provide real time progress indication, present quantity and calories consumed and then allow incorporation of these details into virtual setting supported through a gaming software, which generates virtual rewards such as virtual badges or reward codes, thus provide a ‘gamified’ environment that can incentivise the user to stick with consumption target.

11) If the information shows that user has crossed the preset threshold limit of consuming water, he will receive a reward such as badge or reward code as an incentive which may be redeemed to obtain a product/service from an online /offline store as prescribed.

Though system of invention is exemplified here by tracking and rewarding user for achieving water consumption target or pattern, it may be equally useful in tracking consumption of other liquids or food items by the user.

Since this system provides a gamified environment and rewards users on their consumption target achievement, it always motivates and encourages user to follow set target or pattern of consumption.

The present system may be extremely useful in the field of medical science and dietary control where people are advised to complete a set target or pattern of consumption.

A gamified environment along with reward system will also help in personal development of the users, who then is able to gain confidence and develop openness to others through virtual games and the reward system, which is a condition must for improving.
Such systems may also be followed by people those who are proactively health conscious and wants to promote self-health management through such systems to obtain their personalized health policy goals.

While the present invention has been described in terms of its specific embodiments, certain modifications and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.