PINTO is a smart food scanner that analyses the nutrients and energy that will be consumed at each meal. It will be made available at premises selling food such as hospitals, schools, food centers, daycare centers, and nursing homes. Thanks to Deep Learning Technology and refined by using 50,000 food images, this food scanner works by calculating the image and weight data of the food and then estimating the proportion of the ingredients in the dish. This remarkable technology also includes the ability to calculate the nutrient or energy intake both before and after consumption based on the photo taken. Once consumers have a more precise idea of how much nutritional value they are getting from each meal, it will be easier for them to adjust their eating behavior, potentially leading to better health. This innovation will also benefit food providers by reducing food waste and costs, as well as improving service and satisfaction.
This hi-tech food scanner was created by Assistant Professor Dr. Karn Patanukhom of the Computer Engineering Division, in collaboration with Associate Professor Dr. Wassanai Wattanutchariya, Assistant Dean at the Industrial Engineering Division, and Mr. Kunnapat Thippayapalaphunkul, a researcher at the CMU Faculty of Engineering. Their ingenuity was recognized by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and their project was awarded the Honourable Prize in the Invention Category for Physical Sciences and Mathematics at the National Research Award 2023, with a prize money amount of 100,000 baht to help the inventors with the innovative mission that would help solve problems and improve the health and well-being for people at a lower cost.