ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the contribution of the measurement of bites to the quantification of dietary intake. It describes evidence that bites can be physically detected and measured, and that an average relationship between number of bites and energy intake can be established at the meal level. The chapter explains the role served by empirical evaluation in computer vision, and specifically how it can help provide context for evaluating the maturity and potential use of new devices in clinical and behavioral research. It summarizes two technologies. The first uses a wrist-worn device to track a characteristic pattern of wrist motion associated with bites. The second tracks wrist motion all day in order to detect periods of eating activity. The chapter concludes with the advantages and disadvantages of bite-based measures and an assessment of the maturity of engineering research in quantifying dietary intake.
