JP2024025762A - Method and apparatus for smart diagnosis for measuring obesity index and leg joint health scale of pets using weight sensing sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an apparatus for smart diagnosis for measuring an obesity index and leg joint health scale of pets using a weight sensing sensor.

SOLUTION: A method for smart diagnosis for measuring an obesity index and a leg joint health scale of pets using a weight detection sensor according to one embodiment comprises the steps of: arranging a plurality of measurement units on the lower side of an animal being a measurement target; transmitting sensor values acquired by a plurality of weight detection sensors configured respectively in the plurality of measurement units to a control unit; detecting positions of load points of the plurality of measurement units and total weight by using the transmitted sensor values of the plurality of weight detection sensors in the control unit; calculating a body length of the animal by using the positions of the load points of the plurality of measurement units; and calculating the obesity index compared with standard weight by using the body length and the total weight of the animal.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The following embodiments relate to a smart diagnostic device equipped with a weight sensor and a pet management technology using the smart diagnostic device, and more specifically, to measure a pet's obesity degree and ankle joint health scale using a weight sensor. The present invention relates to a smart diagnostic method and device.

Companion animal is a term used to refer to animals kept at home by humans for the purpose of petting them. They are also called animals. Typical pets include dogs and cats.

As of the end of 2020, in South Korea, the number of ``pet households'' that keep pets exceeded 6.04 million, accounting for 29.7% of all households. Furthermore, it is estimated that there are 14.48 million dog owners, and the era of 15 million dog owners is just around the corner. This figure was estimated based on the current status of animal registration information from the National Statistics Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock and Food, as well as the results of a questionnaire survey of 1,000 men and women over the age of 20. Due to changes in the family structure in South Korea, such as the increase in single-person households and the shift to nuclear families, it is estimated that one in four households owns a pet, but this is a social/demographic change in the population. In contrast to the decline, pet-related industries and culture are rapidly expanding.

With this increase in pet culture, consumers who own pets have come to recognize pets as family members, and as pets have risen in status, they have become the most representative indicator of improved living standards. Diseases and care that can be addressed became the main concern. It has been reported that most small dogs suffer from joint diseases such as patellar luxation due to the indoor breeding environment and genetic factors. In order to proactively prevent and manage diseases in pets, there is a need to develop effective solutions that can manage obesity and healthcare, which are the main causes of diseases.

Patent Document 1 describes a technology related to a smart weight device for measuring the degree of obesity of such a pet and a pet management method using the smart weight device.

Korean Published Patent No. 10-2021-0102720

Embodiments relate to smart diagnostic methods and devices that utilize weight detection sensors to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle joint health scale, and more particularly, to measure the pet's weight and body length (height) to determine the obesity level. (Body Condition Score: BCS) information, and at the same time, provides technology that measures the health of a pet's joints (patellar luxation), provides this information, and allows smart management of pets based on this information. do.

The embodiment measures the pet's weight by positioning each of the pet's feet to be measured on a device divided into a plurality of sectors, and detecting the position of the load point and the load value using a plurality of weight detection sensors. We use weight detection sensors to measure not only body length (height), but also the degree of obesity (Body Condition Score: BCS) and joint health (patellar luxation), and manage your pet based on this. The present invention provides a smart diagnostic method and device for measuring the degree of obesity and health scale of ankle joints.

In one embodiment, a smart diagnostic method for measuring a pet's obesity level and foot joint health scale using a weight detection sensor includes the steps of: arranging a plurality of measuring parts on the underside of an animal to be measured; a step of transmitting sensor values acquired by a plurality of weight detection sensors configured in each of the measurement units to a control unit, the control unit using the transmitted sensor values of the plurality of weight detection sensors to calculating the body length of the animal using the positions of the load points of the plurality of measuring units; and calculating the body length of the animal using the body length and total weight of the animal. The method may include calculating a degree of obesity compared to a normal body weight.

In the step of arranging a plurality of measurement parts on the underside of the animal, the plurality of measurement parts are composed of four measurement parts adjacent to each other arranged on a plane, and each foot of the animal is placed on the four measurement parts. may be located so that

In the step of detecting the positions of the load points and the total body weight of the plurality of measuring units, the control unit detects the individual loads of each of the four measuring units to obtain the individual loads of each leg of the animal. good.

The method may further include analyzing the health of the ankle joint based on the loading ratio of each foot of the animal according to the individual loading of each foot of the animal.

In the step of transmitting the sensor values acquired by the plurality of weight detection sensors to the control unit, a total of four weight detection sensors are arranged at each corner of the measuring unit having a rectangular structure, and each of the weight detection sensors transmits the measured load respectively. The value may be communicated to the controller.

The plurality of weight detection sensors may be of a 4-wire full bridge type, and individual measurement values of each weight detection sensor may be obtained.

In the step of detecting the load point positions and total body weight of the plurality of measuring sections, the control section detects the load point positions of each measuring section based on the sensor values transmitted from the plurality of weight detection sensors of each measuring section. Location information may be obtained.

In the step of calculating the body length of the animal, the control unit acquires position information of the load point of each measurement unit based on the sensor values transmitted from the plurality of weight detection sensors of each measurement unit, and calculates the body length of the animal. The body length, which is the height of the animal, may be obtained by selecting the longest front and hind legs in the longitudinal direction.

In the step of calculating the obesity level compared to the standard weight, preset obesity levels may be classified and displayed to the user based on the calculated obesity level or the total body weight.

Calculate the daily calorie intake required for the animal based on the detected total weight of the animal, the animal's information entered by the user such as age, degree of intention to diet, and calories of the supplied pet food. , the method may further include proposing an amount of pet food to be fed.

In another embodiment, a smart diagnostic device that utilizes a weight sensing sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale is placed under the object to measure the load and divide it into multiple sectors. a plurality of measuring sections each measuring a load, a plurality of weight detection sensors configured in each of the plurality of measurement sections, and a sensor that receives sensor values from the plurality of weight detection sensors to determine the load points of the plurality of measurement sections. After detecting the position and total weight and calculating the body length of the animal using the positions of the load points of the plurality of measurement units, the degree of obesity is compared with the standard weight using the body length and total weight of the animal. It may include a control unit that calculates.

The plurality of measurement units are configured of four measurement units adjacent to each other arranged on a plane, each foot of the animal is positioned on the four measurement units, and the control unit controls the four measurement units. The individual load of each leg of the animal may be obtained by detecting the individual load of each leg.

The controller may analyze the health of the ankle joint based on the ratio of the load of each foot of the animal to the individual load of each foot of the animal.

The control unit acquires positional information of a load point of each measurement unit based on sensor values received from the plurality of weight detection sensors of each measurement unit, and obtains position information of a load point of each measurement unit in a longitudinal direction with respect to both front legs and both hind legs of the animal. By selecting the longest front and hind legs, the body length, which is the height of the animal, may be obtained.

The control unit determines the daily calorie intake necessary for the animal based on the detected total body weight of the animal, the animal's information inputted by the user, such as age, intention to diet, and supplied pet food calories. may be calculated to suggest the amount of pet food to be supplied.

According to the embodiment, each foot of the pet to be measured is placed on a device divided into a plurality of sectors, and a plurality of weight detection sensors are used to detect the position of the load point and the load value, thereby measuring the pet's weight. Using a weight detection sensor, you can measure not only weight and body length (height), but also the degree of obesity (Body Condition Score: BCS) and joint health (patellar luxation), and use this to manage your pet. The present invention provides a smart diagnostic method and device for measuring a pet's obesity level and ankle joint health scale.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a smart diagnostic device that uses a weight sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale in one embodiment. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a smart diagnostic method for measuring a pet's obesity level and ankle joint health scale using a weight sensor in one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating one measurement unit of a smart diagnostic device that uses a weight sensing sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale in one embodiment; 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a smart diagnostic device that uses a weight sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale, according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a smart diagnostic device that uses a weight sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale, according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the body length of an animal in one embodiment. It is a graph showing the standard weight of a pet relative to its body length in one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a method of diagnosing a pet's joint health using a smart diagnostic device that measures a pet's obesity degree and ankle joint health scale using a weight sensor, according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a smart diagnostic device that uses a weight sensing sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale in one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system including a smart diagnostic device that measures a pet's obesity level and ankle joint health scale using a weight sensing sensor in one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a pet management system provided as an application on a user terminal in one embodiment.

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the described embodiments can be modified into various other forms, and the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the following embodiments. Rather, these various embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the shapes and sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clarity.

The following embodiments relate to a smart diagnostic device equipped with a plurality of weight measurement sensors and a pet management technology using the smart diagnostic device. The present invention relates to a smart diagnostic device that can measure Condition Score (BCS) and the degree of joint health (patellar luxation) and manage pets based on this, and a pet management method using the smart diagnostic device.

The embodiment objectively and precisely diagnoses the health status of pets such as dogs and cats by numerically determining the body fatness level (BCS) status using a smart diagnostic device rather than by visual inspection or palpation. Can be done.

In addition, the embodiments provide the user with various forms of diagnostic information necessary for pet care through wired or wireless communication between the smart diagnostic device and the terminal, thereby efficiently managing the health of the pet at all times. With the goal.

According to one embodiment, a smart diagnostic device that uses a weight sensing sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle joint health scale includes a measuring unit that measures the pet's weight, the individual loads of all four paws, and the pet's body length. , and a control unit that calculates the measured values and provides useful information.

The measurement unit may be configured with a structure separated into four sectors, and may measure the individual loads of each of the pet's four paws. Four weight measurement sensors are placed in each sector to obtain position information of the load points. The measurement section is configured by a combination of 16 weight measurement sensors in total.

Based on the 16 weight measurement sensor values obtained from the measurement unit, the pet's weight is detected as the sum of the 16 weight measurement values.

Based on each of the 16 weight measurement sensor values obtained from the measurement unit, the position of the load point of the leg is searched using the ratio of the four weight measurement values of each sector. The pet's body length is estimated based on the four measured load points, and the value is detected.

Based on the 16 weight measurement sensor values obtained from the measurement unit, the individual loads of the four paws of the pet are detected by the sum of the four weight measurement values of each sector. The individual loading of each of the pet's four paws refers to the dependence of each paw to maintain posture.

The control unit calculates and provides body mass index (BCS) information of the pet based on the measured weight and body length information of the pet. The degree of obesity is categorized into five or nine stages: lean, underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese, and information regarding it is provided.The degree of obesity is quantified and based on a standard state of 100. and provides information on the degree of obesity of the pet being measured.

The control unit scores the individual loads applied to each of the pet's four paws based on the individual load information of the pet's four paws obtained from the measurement unit, and then provides information regarding the pet's joint health, particularly patellar dislocation. It's fine. A paw with a significantly low score means that there is a problem for some reason, and the pet refuses to use the paw, or the pet is less dependent on it due to joint abnormalities.

The control unit determines the pet's daily calorie intake based on the pet's weight information obtained from the measurement unit and the pet's age, neutralization information, and intention to diet, which are information input by the user. and the amount of pet food to be supplied.

Hereinafter, in one embodiment, a smart diagnostic method and device for measuring a pet's obesity degree and ankle joint health scale using a weight sensor will be described in more detail.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a smart diagnostic device that utilizes weight-sensing sensors to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale, in one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a smart diagnostic device 100 that measures a pet's obesity degree and ankle health scale using a weight detection sensor includes a plurality of measurement units 110, a plurality of weight detection sensors 120, and a control unit 130.

The plurality of measurement units 110 may be disposed below the measurement target to measure the load, and may be divided into a plurality of sectors to measure the load respectively. At this time, a plurality of sectors, that is, measurement units may be configured adjacent to each other, and the number may be two or more.

For example, the plurality of measurement units 110 may be configured of four measurement units adjacent to each other arranged on a plane, and each foot of the animal may be positioned on the four measurement units. Thereby, in the control unit, by detecting the individual loads of each of the four measuring units, it is possible to obtain the individual loads of each leg of the animal. For example, by positioning the pet's paws on each of the four measuring sections, it is possible to obtain the individual load of each paw of the pet. Moreover, the position of the pet's load point and the total weight (load) can be detected.

The plurality of weight detection sensors 120 may be configured in each of the plurality of measurement sections 110. That is, a plurality of weight detection sensors 120 may be configured in one measuring section.

For example, in the plurality of weight detection sensors 120, a total of four weight detection sensors may be arranged at each corner of a measuring section having a rectangular structure, and each weight detection sensor may transmit its respective measured load value to the control section. .

Preferably, the measuring section may have a rectangular structure, and a weight detection sensor may be disposed at each corner, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The measurement unit may be realized in various forms such as a polygonal structure including a square structure, an elliptical structure, or a circular structure, and a plurality of weight detection sensors 120 may be configured to be spaced apart from each other in the measurement unit.

The plurality of weight detection sensors 120 may be of a four-wire full bridge type, and individual measurement values of each weight detection sensor may be obtained. Further, the measured value acquired by the weight detection sensor may be transmitted to the control unit 130.

The control unit 130 may receive sensor values from the plurality of weight detection sensors 120 and detect the positions of the load points of the plurality of measurement units 110 and the total weight. Further, the control unit 130 may calculate the body length of the animal using the positions of the load points of the plurality of measurement units 110. Further, the control unit 130 may use the body length and total weight of the animal to calculate the degree of obesity compared to the standard weight. At this time, the control unit 130 may display to the user a predetermined obesity stage based on the calculated obesity degree and total body weight.

The control unit 130 may acquire position information of the load point of each measurement unit based on the load values received from the plurality of weight detection sensors 120 of each measurement unit. Thereby, the position information and coordinates of the load point may be displayed and provided to the user.

For example, the control unit 130 determines the obesity degree of the pet by using the weight detection sensor in one embodiment to determine the coordinates of the load point of each measurement unit based on the load values received from the plurality of weight detection sensors 120 of each measurement unit. The information may be displayed on a display provided on one side of the smart diagnostic device 100 that measures the health scale of the ankle joint. As another example, the control unit 130 may calculate the coordinates of the load point of each measurement unit based on the load values received from the plurality of weight detection sensors 120 of each measurement unit using the weight detection sensor in one embodiment. The information may be displayed on a display of a terminal that communicates by wire or wirelessly with the smart diagnostic device 100 that measures the degree of obesity and the health scale of the ankle joint. For example, the terminal may include a user's smart phone. In addition, terminals include desktop PCs, laptop computers, digital TVs, digital broadcasting terminals, PDAs (personal digital assistants), PMPs (portable multimedia players), navigation systems, slate PCs, and tablets. PC (tablet PC), ultrabook (ultrabook), etc. In one embodiment, the control unit 130 uses the weight detection sensors to determine the pet's obesity level based on the load values received from the plurality of weight detection sensors 120 of each measurement unit. may be displayed on a display provided above the measurement unit of the smart diagnostic device 100 for measuring the health scale of the ankle joint. For example, when a pet dog rides on the measuring section, the load points of each foot may be displayed on each measuring section.

On the other hand, the position information and coordinates of the load point of the measuring section to which the largest load is applied among the plurality of measuring sections 110 may be displayed. For example, when a pet dog rides on the measuring section, the load point may be displayed on the specific measuring section that is most loaded among the four measuring sections.

The control unit 130 may analyze the health of the ankle joint based on the load ratio of each foot of the animal according to the individual load of each foot of the animal.

The control unit 130 also acquires positional information of the load point of each measurement unit based on the load values received from the plurality of weight detection sensors 120 of each measurement unit, and obtains the position information of the load point of each measurement unit, which is the longest in the length direction for both front legs and both hind legs. By selecting front and hind legs, the animal's footprint distance may be obtained. The pet's body length can be recognized based on the distance between these footprints. Here, body length means the length of the animal's body.

The control unit 130 also controls the amount of food the animal needs per day based on the detected total weight of the animal, the animal's age, the degree of diet intention, and the calories of the supplied pet food, which are entered by the user. The amount of pet food to be supplied may be suggested by calculating the calorie intake.

In embodiments, the smart diagnostic device that uses a weight sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale may further include a communication module for wired or wireless communication with the terminal. In addition, the smart diagnostic device that uses the weight detection sensor to measure the pet's obesity degree and ankle joint health scale may further include a database for storing measured data, arithmetic formulas, information regarding the measurement target, etc. .

In one embodiment, a smart diagnostic device that utilizes a weight-sensing sensor to measure obesity and ankle health measures in a pet can replace traditional expensive position sensors (FSR) by utilizing a low-cost weight-sensing sensor. The cost can be significantly reduced compared to devices that use pads, cameras, etc.).

In one embodiment, a smart diagnostic device that uses a weight sensing sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle joint health scale can be applied to various fields where load position detection is required. be.

For example, when a person stands on the device in the correct posture, it is possible to check the weight value and the degree to which the center of the weight shifts to the left or right.

As another example, the weight and path of an object can be tracked as it moves over the measurement plane of the device.

As another example, four devices can be used to detect the load and position of each leg of a quadruped when it stands on the device. For example, the balance of animals such as pets can be measured.

As another example, when a fixed object or instrument is installed at the center point of the device and some force is applied to this object from the side, the direction of the side load point and its strength can be detected. For example, if a wind force is applied from a particular direction to an object or instrument fixed at the center point of the device, the wind direction and speed can be determined.

As yet another example, when a device is attached to a leg (or foot) of a moving structure, the degree of eccentricity of the load can be measured and operational information for maintaining the center of gravity can be provided. For example, a device can be provided that maintains the balance of a robot's legs.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a smart diagnostic method for measuring a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale using weight sensing sensors in one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the smart diagnostic method for measuring the obesity level and ankle joint health scale of a pet using a weight sensing sensor includes a plurality of measuring parts on the underside of the animal to be measured. arranging step 110; transmitting sensor values acquired by the plurality of weight sensing sensors configured in each of the plurality of measurement sections to the control section 120; utilizing the sensor values of the plurality of weight detection sensors transmitted from the control section. step 130 of detecting the positions of the load points of the plurality of measuring parts and the total body weight; step 140 of calculating the body length of the animal using the positions of the load points of the plurality of measuring parts; and the step of calculating the body length and the total body weight of the animal. The method may include calculating 150 a degree of obesity compared to a normal body weight.

The method may further include analyzing 160 the health of the ankle joint based on the loading ratio of each foot of the animal with the individual loading of each foot of the animal.

In addition, the daily calorie intake required for the animal is calculated based on the detected total weight of the animal, the animal's information entered by the user such as age, intention to diet, and calories of the pet food supplied. The method may further include a step 170 of suggesting an amount of pet food to be fed.

A smart diagnostic method that utilizes weight-sensing sensors to measure obesity and ankle health measures in pets does not have to occur in the order shown, and some steps may be omitted or additional steps may be required. May be included.

In one embodiment, a smart diagnostic method that utilizes a weight-sensing sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and foot joint health measures includes, for example, a smart diagnostic method that utilizes a weight-sensing sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and foot health scale. It may be performed by the smart diagnostic device 100 to measure joint health measures. Since this overlaps with the content explained with reference to FIG. 1, it will be briefly explained.

At step 110, a plurality of measurement units 110 may be placed under the animal to be measured. For example, the animal to be measured may be a pet such as a dog or a cat. The plurality of measurement units 110 may be divided into a plurality of sectors, each of which may measure the load.

In step 120 , sensor values obtained by the plurality of weight detection sensors 120 configured in each of the plurality of measurement units 110 may be transmitted to the control unit 130 .

In step 130, the positions of the load points and the total weight of the plurality of measuring units 110 may be detected using the sensor values of the plurality of weight detection sensors 120 transmitted from the control unit 130.

In step 140, the body length of the animal may be calculated using the positions of the load points of the plurality of measuring units 110.

At step 150, the animal's body length and total weight may be used to calculate obesity relative to normal weight.

At step 160, ankle joint health may be analyzed based on the loading ratio of each paw of the animal with the individual loading of each paw of the animal.

At step 170, the required daily calorie intake of the animal is calculated based on the detected total body weight of the animal and the animal's information entered by the user, such as age, intention to diet, and calories of the pet food provided. Calculations may be made to suggest the amount of pet food to be supplied.

The smart diagnostic device according to the embodiment can measure not only the weight but also the length of the pet, and by providing this information, the pet can be managed.

Furthermore, the smart diagnostic device according to the embodiment allows the pet to be managed by providing information on the degree of body obesity (BCS) based on the pet's measured weight and body length.

In addition, when the smart diagnostic device according to the embodiment measures the weight of the pet using the 16 weight measurement sensors provided, the smart diagnostic device measures the individual load of each foot and converts the measured value into a score. By searching for less dependent paws and providing this information, the health of your pet's ankle joints (patellar luxation) can be diagnosed.

In addition, the smart diagnostic device according to the embodiment measures body weight and the degree of joint health (patellar dislocation), analyzes the influence of body weight on joint health (patellar dislocation) based on the measured information, and analyzes the analyzed information. To enable an owner to easily manage a pet's weight based on the above, and also to easily manage joint health (patellar luxation).

Furthermore, the smart diagnostic device according to the embodiment measures all of the pet's weight, body length (height), obesity level (BCS), and joint health (patellar luxation) by simply using multiple weight measurement sensors, It is a weighing scale type device that provides information on this, and a pet, i.e. a dog or cat, can provide all of the above information at once by simply standing on the device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating one measurement part of a smart diagnostic device that uses a weight sensing sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale, in one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, a smart diagnostic device that utilizes weight sensing sensors to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale utilizes four weight sensing sensors 320 to detect load points 330. The sensor 320 detects the load applied on a plane in a specific measurement range, and each weight detection sensor 320 acquires the measured value, and transmits this information to the control unit to determine the position of the load point 330 and the load. Detect values.

In one embodiment, a smart diagnostic device for measuring a pet's obesity degree and ankle joint health scale using a weight detection sensor includes a measurement unit 310 that measures an object to be measured, four weight detection sensors 320, and It includes a control unit that calculates the measured values and provides useful information.

Four weight detection sensors 320 are configured at each corner of the measurement unit 310 having a square planar structure, and the four weight detection sensors 320 have respective measured load values. Depending on the position of the load point 330, the value measured by each of the four weight detection sensors 320 increases as it approaches the measurement point, and decreases as it moves away from the measurement point. Each of the four weight measurements is transmitted to the control unit and position information of the load point 330 is obtained. At this time, the sum of the four weight measurement values is the weight of the subject to be measured.

A measuring device of an apparatus that searches for the position of a load point using four weight detection sensors 320 basically includes four load cells (weight measuring device) and a measuring section made up of a measuring plane. Four load cells are placed at four corner points under the measurement plane plate, respectively. The load cells are of the 4-wire full bridge type, rather than the 3-wire half bridge type used in typical scales, and individual measurements for each load cell must be obtained. In the case of a general weight scale configured with four half bridge type weight detection sensors 320, the method is to provide four measured values in total, which is not the same as the measurement method in the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, when a load is applied to the x and y points, the values of each load cell are transmitted to the control unit, and the position of the load point 330 and the total load value can be obtained by the following method.

When a load is applied to a specific position on the measuring plane plate for measuring weight, the closer the weight detection sensor 320 is to the load point 330, the larger the value will be. 330 locations can be searched.

[Formula 1]
x = L x {((#3 + #4) / (#1 + #2 + #3 + #4)}

[Formula 2]
y = W x {(#2 + #4) / (#1 + #2 + #3 + #4)}

Here, #1 is the sensor value of the first load cell, #2 is the sensor value of the second load cell, #3 is the sensor value of the third load cell, and #4 is the sensor value of the fourth load cell. Further, x indicates the length in the lateral direction from the first load cell to the measured load point 330, and L indicates the length in the lateral direction from the first load cell to the third load cell. y indicates the length in the vertical direction from the first load cell to the measured load point 330, and W indicates the length in the longitudinal direction from the first load cell to the second load cell. At this time, the centers of each of the first to fourth load cells may serve as a reference for measuring the length (distance).

For example, if the distance between the weight sensing sensors 320 is L=200mm and W=100mm, the values of the weight sensing sensors 320 measured when a pet's foot is located at one point are #1=200g and #2 = 250g, #3 = 290g, #4 = 310g, the position of the pet's paw may be calculated as follows.

[Formula 3]
x = 200 x {(290 + 310) / (200 + 250 + 290 + 310)} = 114.3mm

[Formula 4]
y = 100 x {(250 + 310) / (200 + 250 + 290 + 310)} = 53.3mm

At this time, the load value is 1050 g, which is the sum of the four weight sensors 320.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a smart diagnostic device that uses a weight detection sensor to measure a pet's obesity degree and ankle health scale, according to an embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of a smart diagnostic device that uses a weight detection sensor to measure a pet's obesity degree and ankle health scale, and FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating the body length of an animal in one embodiment This is a diagram for

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, 4×4 weight detection sensors 420 according to one embodiment may be used to obtain a footprint distance (footprint length) value of a pet. In one embodiment, a smart diagnostic device 400 that uses weight detection sensors to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale is configured with a total of four sectors, each sector 410 having four weight detection sensors 420. By positioning and measuring the four paws of a pet, such as a dog or cat, in each sector 410, the positions of the pet's four paws, ie, the load points 430 of all four paws, can be tracked. Here, the sector 410 may mean the measurement section described above. The pet's footprint distance (maximum value) can be obtained by selecting the longest distance in the length direction among the position values of the pet's four paws obtained from each sector 410. This may be expressed as the following formula:

[Formula 5]
x_FL = L_F x {(#3FL + #4FL) / (#1FL + #2FL + #3FL + #4FL)}

[Formula 6]
x_FR = L_F x {(#3FR + #4FR) / (#1FR + #2FR + #3FR + #4FR)}

[Formula 7]
x _RL = L_R x {(#3RL + #4RL) / (#1RL + #2RL + #3RL + #4RL)}

[Formula 8]
x _RR = L_R x {(#3RR + #4RR) / (#1RR + #2RR + #3RR + #4RR)}

Here, each paw of the pet is placed in each of the four sectors 410, with the first sector (FL) where the pet's left paw is located, the second sector (FR) where the right paw is located, and the left It may be divided into a third sector (RL) where the hind legs are located and a fourth sector (RR) where the right hind legs are located. The first sector (FL) includes four load cells, namely #1FL, #2FL, #3FL, #4FL, the second sector (FR) includes #1FR, #2FR, #3FR, #4FR, and the third The sector (RL) includes #1RL, #2RL, #3RL, and #4RL, and the fourth sector (RR) includes #1RR, #2RR, #3RR, and #4RR.

In order to obtain the furthest footprint distance of the pet, the values of x_FL and x_RR are adopted, and the values of x_FR and x_RR are discarded. That is, for example, the value of x_FL, which is longer between x_FL and x_FR, is selected, and the value of x_RR, which is longer between x_RL and x_RR, is selected.

Accordingly, the body length value L having the farthest footprint distance may be expressed as in the following formula.

[Formula 9]
L = x_FL + L_B + x_RR

This correlation formula may be corrected depending on the type of animal (for example, dog breed) and further based on experimental experience values. Here, L_B indicates the interval between load cells in adjacent sectors, that is, the distance between x_FL and x_RR.

For example, if the fixed values set for the device are L_F=205mm, L_B=38mm, and L_R=205mm, the values of the 16 weight detection sensors 420 measured with a pet riding on the device are #1FL=210g and #1, respectively. 2FL=180g, #3FL=330g, #4FL=300g, #1FR=170g, #2FR=240g, #3FR=320g, #4FR=150g, #2RL=140g, #3RL=180g, #4RL=190g, # When 1RR=200g, #2RR=190g, #3RR=270g, and #4RR=250g, the pet's body length may be calculated as follows.

[Formula 10]
x_FL = 205 x {(330 + 300) / (210 + 180 + 330 + 300)} = 126.6 mm

[Formula 11]
x_FR = 205 x {(320 + 300) / (170 + 240 + 320 + 300)} = 123.4mm

[Formula 12]
x _RL = 205 x {(180 + 190) / (150 + 140 + 180 + 190)} = 114.9mm

[Formula 13]
x _RR = 205 x {(270 + 250) / (200 + 190 + 270 + 250)} = 117.1mm

In order to obtain the furthest footprint distance of the pet, the x_FL and x_RR values are adopted, and the x_FR and x_RL values are discarded. Thereby, the body length value may be calculated as follows.

[Formula 14]
L = 126.6 + 38 117.1 = 281.7mm (28.2cm)

At this time, the pet's weight is 3620 g, which is the sum of the 16 weight sensors 420.

Hereinafter, using a dog as an example of a pet, a technique for obtaining a body mass index (BCS) value using body weight and body length values will be described.

In one embodiment, a smart diagnostic device that utilizes a weight sensing sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health measures measures the pet's weight and body length and uses this information to determine the pet's obesity level (BCS). ) may be provided in quantified numbers.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the standard weight of a pet according to its body length, in one embodiment.

First, as shown in FIG. 7, in order to define the degree of obesity of a pet, it is necessary to define a standard weight based on body length. Standard body weight can be determined by obtaining a correlation equation based on the distribution of actual measurements from a large population of pets.

This is the distribution of weight values according to body length measured from 60 unspecified dogs at a veterinary hospital, and the correlation formula for standard weight obtained from this can be expressed as follows.

[Formula 15]
Standard weight (SW) = 0.004 x (L) ² - 0.003 x (L)

At this time, the larger the number of samples, the more accurate the standard weight correlation equation can be obtained, and the correlation equation may be classified and specified depending on dog breeds with different body shapes.

The degree of obesity may be expressed on a scale of 5 to 9 based on standard body weight. Note that the degree of obesity may be classified into various stages depending on the embodiment.

The following is an example of a method for displaying the degree of obesity in five stages based on standard weight based on body length.

When the body length of the pet to be measured is L=28.8 cm and the weight W=3.62 kg, the standard weight is as follows.

[Formula 16]
SW = 0.004 x (28.8) ² - 0.003 x (28.8) = 3.23kg

When the standard weight of 3.23 kg is set as the percentile score of 100, the body mass index of the pet to be measured may be expressed as follows.

[Formula 17]
k = W / SW x 100 = 3.62 / 3.23 x 100 = 112.1

If the body mass index of a pet with a body length of 28.8 cm is divided into 5 levels, with the determined standard weight of 3.23 kg as 100, it can be expressed as follows.

That is, a pet to be measured whose body length is 28.8 cm has a body mass index of 112.1, which corresponds to the early stage of overweight.

When the body length of the pet to be measured is L=30.5 cm and the weight W=3.62 kg, the standard weight may be expressed as follows.

[Formula 18]
SW = 0.004 x (30.5) ² - 0.003 x (30.5) = 3.63kg

When a standard weight of 3.63 kg is set as a percentile score of 100, the body mass index of the pet to be measured may be expressed as in the following equation.

[Formula 19]
k = W / SW x 100 = 3.62 / 3.63 x 100 = 99.7

If the body mass index of a pet with a body length of 30.5 cm is divided into 5 levels, with the determined standard weight of 3.63 kg being set as 100, it can be expressed as follows.

That is, a pet to be measured whose body length is 30.5 cm has a body mass index of 99.7, which corresponds to overweight.

As shown in Examples 1 and 2, it can be confirmed that when the body weight is the same but the body length is different, the degree of obesity is measured differently. This represents an objective and precise result as it allows the results to be confirmed numerically compared to the current pet obesity measurement results, which subjectively determine obesity using only the naked eye or palpation. .

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a method of diagnosing a pet's joint health using a smart diagnostic device that utilizes weight-sensing sensors to measure the pet's obesity level and ankle joint health scale, in one embodiment. This is a diagram.

Referring to FIG. 8, the health of the ankle joints of pets (eg, dogs, cats, etc.) can be diagnosed by using a smart diagnostic device in the form of a weight scale divided into four sectors.

In one embodiment, a smart diagnostic device that utilizes weight sensing sensors to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale is structurally comprised of four separate scales or measuring units. By positioning each of the four paws of the pet to be measured in four separate measuring sections, it is possible to detect the individual load of each paw of the pet to be measured. The individual loads on each of the pet's four paws signify the degree of dependence on each paw to maintain posture, so this can be converted into a score and a meaningful diagnosis can be made regarding joint abnormalities, especially patellar luxation.

For example, if a pet's four paws are measured by four separate measurement units as FL=1020g, FR=1030g, RL=660g, and RR=910g, it may be shown as follows.

Further, the above-mentioned load ratio value may be expressed as a score based on 100 points for each foot, and may be expressed as follows. That is, if the load ratio of each foot is 25%, the score is 100 points.

The results for joint health scores may be analyzed as follows.

A score of -100 is a normal state.
- If scores below 80 are frequently measured at the same location, it is determined that joint disease or patellar luxation disease is suspected.
If the score is -120 or higher, it is determined that the foot is under more stress due to other foot diseases.

When the condition of the pet to be measured is analyzed based on the result analysis as described above, the pet to be measured is diagnosed as having a condition in which joint disease is suspected in the left hind leg (RL). A paw with a significantly lower score means that for some reason there is a problem and the pet refuses to use the paw, or the pet is less dependent on it due to joint abnormalities. Here, the scoring criteria for the determined joint health assessment may be adjusted based on experimental and cumulative results.

Below, in addition to the pet's weight, information input by the user (age of the pet, level of intention to diet, calories in the pet food, etc.) is used to calculate the amount of pet food to be fed per day. I will explain about it.

In one embodiment, a smart diagnostic device that uses a weight sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale includes, in addition to the obtained weight information, the pet's age, which is information input by the user; Based on the intention of dieting and the calorie content of the pet food, the system proposes the daily calorie intake and amount of pet food that the pet needs.

At this time, the formula for calculating the daily calorie intake may be expressed as follows.

For example, if your pet is a neutered adult dog over 1 year old and weighs 3.62 kg using a smart diagnostic device, and you want to start a diet, the pet's daily weight is 3.62 kg. The calorie intake c may be calculated as follows.

[Formula 20]
c = 70 x (3.62) ^0.75 x 1.6 x 0.85 = 249.8kcal

If the calorie content of the pet food that the user is feeding to the pet is 380 kcal/100 g (3.8 kcal/day), the amount of pet food to be fed to the pet may be expressed as follows. At this time, the calorie content of the pet food can be confirmed from the pet food label.

[Formula 21]
f=c/calories of pet food=249.8/3.8=66g.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a smart diagnostic device that uses a weight sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale, according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, a smart diagnostic device 900 that uses a weight detection sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle joint health scale is configured such that each foot of the pet is measured by a respective measuring unit 910. It may be composed of four sectors, as shown in FIG. One sector, i.e., the measuring part 910, may be configured with four weight measuring sensors at each corner, and the measurement values of the four weight measuring sensors can be controlled by placing each foot of the pet in each measuring part 910. 920, and the individual load values of the pet's paws, the total weight, and the position information of the load points are acquired. Furthermore, the pet's footprint distance and/or body length information may also be obtained.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a system including a smart diagnostic device that measures a pet's obesity degree and ankle joint health scale using a weight detection sensor, in one embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a pet management system provided as an application on a user terminal in the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, a smart diagnostic device 1010 that utilizes a weight sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale is connected to a terminal 1020 via a network 1030, e.g. Can communicate with smartphones. Therefore, the smart diagnostic device 1010 may include a wireless communication module for wireless communication with the terminal. When a pet 1011 is placed on the smart diagnostic device 1010, multiple weight measurement sensors measure the individual load of each foot, the total weight, and the position of the load point, and the degree of obesity and the health of the ankle joints are analyzed. , data measured and analyzed by the smart diagnostic device 1010 may be transmitted to the terminal 1020 via the network 1030.

As shown in FIG. 11, the terminal may receive the results and analysis information measured by the smart diagnostic device through the application. Here, the application is an application for managing a pet's obesity degree and ankle health scale, and may be installed and executed on a terminal using a file provided from a server. This makes it possible to provide the user with a variety of diagnostic information necessary for pet care, allowing the user to effectively manage the pet's health.

As described above, according to the embodiment, each paw of the pet to be measured is positioned in a device divided into multiple sectors, and multiple weight detection sensors are used to determine the individual load, body weight, and load point of each paw. By detecting the position of the pet, it is possible to measure not only the weight and body length (height) of the pet, but also the degree of obesity (BCS) and joint health (patellar luxation), and based on this, the pet can be managed. It can be so. Note that the embodiments are applicable not only to pets, but also to other animals and humans, and also to robots, objects, buildings, and the like.

As mentioned above, when a component is described as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it may mean that it is directly connected or connected to the other component, but It shall be understood that other components may be present. On the other hand, when a component is described as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it must be construed that there are no intervening components.

The terminology used herein is used to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly dictates a different meaning. As used herein, terms such as "comprising" or "having" specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, acts, components, parts, or combinations thereof that are described in the specification; Nothing shall be interpreted as excluding in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, acts, elements, parts or combinations thereof.

Although terms such as first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, such components should not be limited by the above-mentioned terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

In addition, terms such as "...unit" and "...module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and are hardware, software, or hardware. It may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

In addition, the constituent elements of the embodiments described with reference to each drawing are not limitedly applied only to the corresponding embodiment, but may be applied to other embodiments within the scope of maintaining the technical idea of the present invention. Furthermore, even if individual explanations are omitted, it is of course possible to re-realize a plurality of embodiments as one integrated embodiment.

In addition, in the description with reference to the attached drawings, the same or related reference numerals are given to the same components regardless of the drawing numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

As described above, the embodiments have been described using limited examples and drawings, but those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field will be able to make various modifications and variations based on the above description. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and/or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in different ways than described, or Even if substituted or substituted with components or equivalents, suitable results can be achieved.

Accordingly, other embodiments, other implementations, and equivalents of the claims are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (15)

A smart diagnostic method that uses a weight sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale,
placing a plurality of measuring parts on the underside of the animal to be measured;
transmitting sensor values acquired by a plurality of weight detection sensors configured in each of the plurality of measurement units to a control unit;
detecting the positions of the load points of the plurality of measurement units and the total body weight using sensor values of the plurality of weight detection sensors transmitted from the control unit;
calculating the body length of the animal using the positions of the loading points of the plurality of measurement units; and calculating the degree of obesity compared to a standard weight using the body length and total weight of the animal. Including, smart diagnostic methods. arranging a plurality of measuring parts on the underside of the animal,
A claim characterized in that the plurality of measuring parts are composed of four measuring parts adjacent to each other arranged on a plane, and each foot of the animal is arranged on the four measuring parts. 1. The smart diagnosis method described in 1. Detecting the positions of the load points of the plurality of measurement units and the total weight,
The smart diagnosis method according to claim 2, wherein the control unit detects the individual loads of each of the four measuring units to obtain the individual loads of each foot of the animal. 4. The smart diagnosis method according to claim 3, further comprising: analyzing the health of the ankle joint based on the load ratio of each foot of the animal according to the individual load of each foot of the animal. The step of transmitting the sensor values acquired by the plurality of weight detection sensors to the control unit,
According to claim 1, a total of four weight detection sensors are arranged at each corner of the measuring section having a rectangular structure, and each of the weight detection sensors transmits a respective measured load value to the control section. Smart diagnostic method described. The plurality of weight detection sensors are
The smart diagnostic method according to claim 1, characterized in that a 4-wire full bridge type is used and an individual measurement value of each weight detection sensor is obtained. Detecting the positions of the load points of the plurality of measurement units and the total weight,
The smart diagnosis according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires position information of a load point of each measurement unit based on sensor values transmitted from the plurality of weight detection sensors of each measurement unit. Method. Calculating the body length of the animal includes:
In the control unit, the position information of the load point of each measurement unit is acquired based on the sensor values transmitted from the plurality of weight detection sensors of each measurement unit, and the length is determined for both front legs and both hind legs of the animal. The smart diagnosis method according to claim 1, characterized in that the body length, which is the length of the animal's body, is obtained by selecting the longest front and back legs in the direction. The step of calculating the degree of obesity compared to the standard weight includes:
The smart diagnosis method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying to the user a preset obesity stage based on the calculated obesity degree or the total body weight. Calculate the daily calorie intake required for the animal based on the detected total weight of the animal, the animal's information entered by the user, such as age, intention to diet, and calories of the supplied pet food. 2. The smart diagnostic method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: suggesting an amount of pet food to be fed. A smart diagnostic device that uses a weight sensor to measure a pet's obesity level and ankle health scale,
a plurality of measurement units arranged under the measurement object to measure the load, and divided into a plurality of sectors to measure the load respectively;
a plurality of weight detection sensors configured in each of the plurality of measurement units;
Sensor values were received from the plurality of weight detection sensors to detect the positions of the load points of the plurality of measurement units and the total body weight, and the body length of the animal was calculated using the positions of the load points of the plurality of measurement units. and a control unit that calculates a degree of obesity compared to a standard weight using the body length and total weight of the animal. The plurality of measurement units include:
Consisting of four measuring parts adjacent to each other arranged on a plane, each foot of the animal is positioned on the four measuring parts, and the control part detects the individual load of each of the four measuring parts. The smart diagnostic device according to claim 11, characterized in that the individual load of each foot of the animal is acquired by performing the following steps. The control unit includes:
The smart diagnostic device according to claim 12, characterized in that the health of the ankle joint is analyzed based on the load ratio of each foot of the animal according to the individual load of each foot of the animal. The control unit includes:
Based on the sensor values transmitted from the plurality of weight detection sensors of each measuring section, the positional information of the load point of each measuring section is acquired, and the longest front leg in the length direction of both front legs and both hind legs of the animal is obtained. The smart diagnostic device according to claim 11, characterized in that the body length, which is the body length of the animal, is obtained by selecting the body length of the animal and the hind legs. The control unit includes:
Calculate the daily calorie intake required for the animal based on the detected total weight of the animal, the animal's information entered by the user, such as age, intention to diet, and calories of the supplied pet food. 12. The smart diagnostic device according to claim 11, characterized in that: , the amount of pet food to be fed is suggested.

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