Microsoft glasses could one day tell you when to stop eating

Microsoft won a patent for augmented reality glasses that would provide a guiding voice at mealtime – whispering for you to consider grabbing a salad for lunch, rather than a greasy burger.

The patent claims a device with image data would use a sensor to detect foods – and then provide feedback information to the user on the food's nutritional information.

"A see-through, head mounted display and sensing devices cooperating to provide feedback on food items detected in the device field of view," the patent abstract reads.

"Feedback can include warnings based on personal wearer needs, general nutrition information, food consumption tracking and social interactions. The system includes one or more processing devices in communication with display and the sensors which identify food items proximate to the apparatus, determine feedback information relevant to a wearer of the apparatus; and render feedback information in the display."

The team behind this idea at Microsoft believes people are not generally aware of the nutritional information of the food they eat.

From Fitbit to Apple Watch, millions of people are buying into wearable technologies that promise to help track your health. But a study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association last year, suggests the devices didn't help improve weight loss for many people.

Cox Media Group