KR102050277B1 - Bioimpedance measuring apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bioimpedance measuring apparatus, comprising: a signal applying unit configured to apply an applied signal generated by randomly using a plurality of frequency signals to an electrode attached to a body part of a subject; And detecting a current output from the body part through the electrode in response to the application signal as an output signal, and based on the detected output signal, the biometrics of the subject with respect to the components of the plurality of frequency signals passing through the body part. It may include a measuring unit for measuring the impedance.

Description

Apparatus and method for measuring bioimpedance {BIOIMPEDANCE MEASURING APPARATUS AND METHOD}

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring bioimpedance.

Bioimpedance measuring devices are widely used for measuring body fat. Among the components of the body, the muscles are rich in water, but fat is not water, the bioimpedance value is characterized by a low muscle mass and high fat. Through the measurement of the bioimpedance, the body water, muscle mass, fat mass, etc. of the subject can be obtained with a simple and high reproducibility.

Conventional bioimpedance measurement apparatus attaches electrodes to body parts, for example, both hands and feet, selects a pair according to the measurement site among the electrodes, applies a current signal for measurement, and then selects an appropriate signal according to the measurement site. The bioimpedance is measured by selecting an electrode pair and measuring the voltage at both ends thereof.

However, due to the influence of the cell membrane, extracellular water reacts at low frequencies, but intracellular water responds to high frequencies, so in order to accurately measure body fat in vivo, a plurality of frequencies should be measured. However, according to the related art, the overall impedance measurement time becomes considerably longer in the area-specific measurement and the measurement of the plurality of frequencies, and when the subject moves or speaks during the longer measurement time, the bioimpedance value becomes unstable. Measurement of bioimpedance can be difficult.

That is, in the conventional bioimpedance measurement technology, a signal application and measurement process must be repeated several times for various frequency components, which causes a problem in that measurement time is required. For example, in the conventional bioimpedance measurement technology, it takes approximately 2 to 3 seconds to measure the body impedance once. For example, when measuring 4 frequencies 20 times at 5 sites, the total measurement time is about 60 seconds. It takes about a second.

In addition, since the measurement signal is a sinusoidal component of a fairly high frequency, the subject's body acts as an antenna, and the external electromagnetic field is mixed with the measurement result signal. In particular, in hospitals and fitness centers in which bioimpedance measuring devices are mainly installed, many electromagnetic noise sources such as diagnostic equipment and treadmills are exposed, and noise may be introduced through power of the measuring device. This makes it more difficult to accurately determine the impedance of sensitive organisms.

On the other hand, in order to reduce the problem that the measurement time takes a long time in the conventional bioimpedance measurement method and the measurement error becomes large due to the influence of ambient electric noise (noise), multiple communication for simultaneously applying a plurality of frequencies to the body (human body) of the subject. The method is being used.

The multiple communication scheme may be classified into a time division multiple access (TDMA), a frequency division multiple access (FDMA), a code division multiple access (CDMA), a carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) scheme, and the like, depending on the type of sharing the channel. Depending on the type of transmission information, it may be classified into orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (ODFM), direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS), and frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS).

In this case, conventionally, a bioimpedance measurement technique using a DSSS scheme of CDMA has been proposed as a bioimpedance measurement technique using a multiple communication scheme. A detailed description of the DSSS method of CDMA is as follows.

1 is a diagram for explaining a DSSS scheme.

Referring to FIG. 1, the direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) scheme is the most basic spread spectrum scheme, and induces a digital bandwidth to occupy a large frequency bandwidth by multiplying and transmitting a pulse string having a much shorter period. After receiving the spread signal, the original signal is demodulated by multiplying again the pulse train that exactly matches the pulse train used for transmission. Here, the pulse train itself used for modulation and demodulation becomes a kind of code, and without this code, theoretically, demodulation of the original signal is impossible. In such a DSSS scheme, a secretion characteristic is generated by directly multiplying an encrypted pulse train.

In other words, DSSS is a spread-spectrum technique that multiplies the original data (User Data) signal by PN code, pseudo noise code, pseudo random noise spreading code. Code has a high chip rate (bit rate of code), and as a result, a scrambled signal can be obtained in a wideband time sequence. In other words, the DSSS method is a method of directly scrambled a signal to be transmitted (User Data) with a PN code, and the transmitted signal is generated by multiplying the original data signal by the PN code. It can spread to the bandwidth of the PN code. A description of DSSS of CDMA can be more easily understood with reference to FIG.

2 is a diagram for explaining an example of generation of a DSSS signal of CDMA.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the case of the CSS DSSS scheme, for example, when there are five signals to be transmitted, such as f1, f2, f3, f4, and f5, different PN codes 1 to 5 are generated to correspond to the number of signals to be transmitted. Each of the five signals to be transmitted can be spread over bandwidths of different PN codes. In this case, the spread signal for each of the five signals to be transmitted may be expressed as f1-DSSS, f2-DSSS, f3-DSSS, f4-DSSS, f5-DSSS. Thereafter, by combining the spread five signals, the transmission signal CDMA_DSSS used in the DSSS scheme of CDMA may be generated.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a signal spectrum of the transmission signal (CDMA_DSSS signal) generated in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, five signals spread by different PN codes 1 to 5 (that is, five spread signals f1-DSSS, f2-DSSS, f3-DSSS, f4-DSSS, and f5-DSSS) Even if they are combined with each other, they can be detected without interference. Accordingly, in the DSSS method of CDMA, a spread signal can be simultaneously transmitted as shown in FIG. 3, and a transmission power can be lowered by increasing the length of PN codes 1 to 5.

The DSSS method of the CDMA can be applied to the measurement of the bioimpedance.

4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a signal spectrum of a DSSS signal of CDMA.

Referring to FIG. 4, for example, to measure bioimpedance using the DSSS method of CDMA, a signal corresponding to the signal spectrum shown in FIG. 4 may be applied to one electrode attached to a body of a subject. That is, when measuring the bioimpedance using the DSSS method of CDMA, a plurality of frequency signals (specifically, 4 represented by blue, yellow, red, green, etc.) as a signal corresponding to the signal spectrum shown in FIG. Frequency) can be applied simultaneously.

The bioimpedance measuring method using the DSSS method of the CDMA can reduce the measurement time and the measurement error compared to the prior arts by applying a plurality of frequencies at the same time.

However, in order to accurately measure body fat by measuring a larger number of bioimpedance, for example, a plurality of electrodes are attached to various body parts of the subject (for example, when the electrodes are attached to both hands and both feet, 4 Two electrodes are attached) and a plurality of frequency signals are applied to each of the plurality of electrodes by the CDMA DSSS method.

In this case, the spectrum of the signal applied to the subject for measuring the bioimpedance may be expressed as the signal spectrum as shown in FIG. 4 is increased four times in the z-axis direction in proportion to the number of electrodes. In the case of the bioimpedance measurement method using the DSSS method of the CDMA, the power applied to the subject increases in proportion to the number of electrodes as the number of electrodes increases, thereby overloading the subject's body and causing the subject to suffer from shock. Means it can be dangerous. That is, the bioimpedance measuring method using the DSSS method of the CDMA has a disadvantage in that the number of electrodes attached to the subject's body is limited in consideration of the power applied to the subject, in other words, there is a limit in increasing the number of electrodes. have. In addition, the hardware (Hardware) for implementing the CDMA_DSSS method is very complicated, there is a disadvantage that the number of parts.

Background art of the present application is disclosed in Korea Patent Publication No. 10-0458392.

The present application is to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, a plurality of the human body that can solve the problem that the measurement time takes a lot in the conventional bioimpedance measurement method and the measurement error is increased due to the influence of ambient electrical noise (noise). An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for measuring a bioimpedance using a multi-communication method to simultaneously apply a frequency of.

The present application is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the conventional method of measuring the impedance of the bio-impedance using the DSSS method of the CDMA in consideration of the power applied to the subject is limited the number of electrodes attached to the subject's body, otherwise In other words, it is an object of the present invention to provide a bioimpedance measuring apparatus and method that can solve the problem of limiting the number of electrodes.

The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a bio-impedance measuring device and method capable of simultaneously measuring the bio-impedance of a subject without being limited to the number of electrodes.

However, the technical problem to be achieved by the embodiments of the present application is not limited to the technical problems as described above, and other technical problems may exist.

As a technical means for achieving the above technical problem, the bioimpedance measuring device according to the first aspect of the present application, to apply an applied signal generated by using a plurality of frequency signals randomly to the electrode attached to the body part of the subject A signal applying unit; And detecting a current output from the body part through the electrode in response to the application signal as an output signal, and based on the detected output signal, the biometrics of the subject with respect to the components of the plurality of frequency signals passing through the body part. It may include a measuring unit for measuring the impedance.

As a technical means for achieving the above technical problem, the bioimpedance measuring method according to the first aspect of the present application is to apply an applied signal generated by using a plurality of frequency signals randomly to the electrode attached to the body part of the subject step; And detecting a current output from the body part through the electrode in response to the application signal as an output signal, and based on the detected output signal, the living body of the subject with respect to the components of the plurality of frequency signals passing through the body part. It may include measuring the impedance.

As a technical means for achieving the above technical problem, the computer program according to the third aspect of the present application, may be stored in the recording medium to execute the bioimpedance measuring method according to the second aspect of the present application.

The above-mentioned means for solving the problems are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present application. In addition to the above-described exemplary embodiments, additional embodiments may exist in the drawings and detailed description of the invention.

The present invention provides a bioimpedance measuring apparatus and method for measuring the bioimpedance of the subject using the applied signal generated by applying the FHSS method of the CDMA, it takes a lot of measurement time in the conventional bioimpedance measuring method and the ambient electric noise (noise ) Can effectively improve the problem of large measurement errors.

In addition, in the conventional method of measuring bioimpedance using the DSSS method of CDMA, the number of electrodes (ie, the number of electrodes used for measuring the bioimpedance) attached to the subject's body was limited in consideration of the power applied to the subject. There was a problem. In contrast, the present application is not limited to the number of electrodes used for the measurement of the bioimpedance, and in proportion to the number of the plurality of frequency signals increased and the number of the electrodes increased, two numbers (the number of the plurality of frequency signals and the number of electrodes The biological impedance of the number corresponding to the product of number) can be measured simultaneously.

The bioimpedance measuring apparatus and the method of the present application can effectively reduce the measurement time while reducing the measurement error due to the effect of electrical noise (noise) as the simultaneous multiple measurement is possible.

In addition, the present application provides a device and method for measuring the bioimpedance using the CDMA FHSS method, which makes it simple to implement hardware of the bioimpedance measuring device compared to the conventional method and effectively reduces the number of components.

However, the effects obtainable herein are not limited to the effects as described above, and other effects may exist.

1 is a diagram for explaining a DSSS scheme.
2 is a diagram for explaining an example of generation of a DSSS signal of CDMA.
3 is a diagram illustrating a signal spectrum of a transmission signal generated in FIG. 2.
4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a signal spectrum of a DSSS signal of CDMA.
5A and 5B are views illustrating a schematic configuration of a bioimpedance measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.
6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a signal generator in a bioimpedance measuring apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.
7 is a view showing another example of the configuration of the signal generator in the bioimpedance measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.
8 is a diagram schematically showing a signal spectrum of a CDMA_FHSS signal, which is an applied signal generated by a bioimpedance measuring apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.
9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a signal spectrum of an applied signal generated by the bioimpedance measuring apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.
10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a signal detector in a bioimpedance measuring apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating a device configuration when using a plurality of electrodes in a bioimpedance measuring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of measuring bioimpedance according to an embodiment of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art may easily implement the present disclosure. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. In the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted for simplicity of explanation, and like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the specification.

Throughout this specification, when a part is "connected" to another part, it is not only "directly connected" but also "electrically connected" or "indirectly connected" with another element in between. "Includes the case.

Throughout this specification, when a member is said to be located on another member "on", "upper", "top", "bottom", "bottom", "bottom", this means that any member This includes not only the contact but also the presence of another member between the two members.

Throughout this specification, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, it means that it can further include other components, without excluding the other components unless specifically stated otherwise.

The present invention relates to a bioimpedance measurement technique using the frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) method of CDMA.

5A and 5B are views showing a schematic configuration of a bioimpedance measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 6 is a view showing the configuration of a signal generator in the bioimpedance measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. Hereinafter, the bioimpedance measuring apparatus 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application will be referred to as 'the apparatus 100' for convenience of description.

5A, 5B, and 6, the apparatus 100 may include a signal applying unit 110 and a measuring unit 130 as a device for measuring the bioimpedance of the examinee 10. The signal applying unit 110 may include a signal generator 120, and the measurement unit 130 may include a signal detector 140. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the signal generator 120 may be provided in a separate configuration from the signal applying unit 110, and the signal detector 140 may be provided in a separate configuration from the measurement unit 130.

The signal applying unit 110 applies an applied signal S1 generated by using a plurality of frequency signals randomly to measure the bioimpedance of the examinee 10 and is attached to the body part of the examinee 10. Can be applied to

5A and 5B, a case in which the electrode 20 attached to the body part of the examinee 10 is configured as one channel 1CH will be described as an example. The electrode 20 configured as one channel may include a pair of first terminals 21a and 21b as current source terminals and a pair of second terminals 22a and 22b as detection terminals. That is, the electrode 20 attached to the body part of the examinee 10 may include first terminals 21a and 21b and second terminals 22a and 22b. Here, the first terminals 21a and 21b are current source electrodes for applying the application signal S1 generated by the apparatus 100 to the body of the examinee 10, in other words, the application signal to the body. It may mean a current source terminal to which (S1) is applied. In addition, the second terminals 22a and 22b detect the voltage generated by the current source and provide the signal to the signal detecting unit 140. It may mean a detection electrode (Detection electrode) that is output to, and the output signal (S2) output (detected) through the second terminal (22a, 22b) may be input to the signal detector 140.

That is, the application signal S1 generated through the signal generator 120 of the apparatus 100 is transmitted to the body of the examinee through the first terminals 21a and 21b of the electrode 20 by the signal application unit 110. The output signal S2 output from the body through the second terminals 22a and 22b may be input to the signal detector 140 of the apparatus 100.

In addition, the plurality of frequency signals considered in generating the application signal S1 may be differently represented as a plurality of different frequency signals, that is, a plurality of signals having different frequency bands. In the description of the apparatus 100, five frequency signals are used as an example as a plurality of frequency signals. That is, the plurality of frequency signals include the first frequency signals f1 and 1, the second frequency signals f2 and 2, the third frequency signals f3 and 3, the fourth frequency signals f4 and 4, and the fifth frequency. May include signals f5 and 5. However, the number of the plurality of frequency signals is not limited thereto, and can be variously set. For example, the first frequency signals f1 and 1 are 5K, the second frequency signals f2 and 2 are 50K, the third frequency signals f3 and 3 are 100K, and the fourth frequency signals f4 and 4 are The 250K and fifth frequency signals f5 and 5 may be 500K, but are not limited thereto.

The signal generator 120 may include a frequency generator 121, a PN code generator 122, and a frequency synthesized oscillator 123.

In this case, in the case where the electrode 20 is configured as one channel (1CH) as an example, in the following description, for convenience of description, the PN code generator 122 included in the signal generator 120 may include the first transmission PN. The code generator 122 will be described differently, and the PN code generator 143 included in the signal detector 140 will be referred to as the first received PN code generator 143. However, according to the following description, since the PN code generator 122 included in the signal generator 120 and the PN code generator 143 included in the signal detector 140 may be the same PN code generator, signal generation occurs. The PN code generator 122 included in the unit 120 and the PN code generator 143 included in the signal detector 140 may be differently represented as the first PN code generators 122 and 143.

In addition, the frequency synthesized oscillator 123 is similarly described in the following description, for convenience of description, the frequency synthesized oscillator 123 included in the signal generator 120 is referred to as a first transmission frequency synthesized oscillator 123. The frequency synthesized oscillator 144 included in 140 is referred to as a first received frequency synthesized oscillator 144. However, according to the description below, the frequency synthesized oscillator 123 included in the signal generator 120 and the frequency synthesized oscillator 144 included in the signal detector 140 may be the same frequency synthesized oscillator. The frequency synthesized oscillator 123 included in the 120 and the frequency synthesized oscillator 144 included in the signal detector 140 may be differently represented as the first frequency synthesized oscillators 123 and 144.

The frequency generator 121 may generate a plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 generated through the frequency generator 121 may be input to the first transmission frequency synthesis oscillator 123.

For example, for a subject's body (human body), a frequency lower than 100 kHz may be used to measure extracellular (extracellular) moisture because it flows along the cell membrane, while a high frequency above 100 kHz flows through the cell membrane and thus total moisture content. It can be used to determine

In consideration of this, the frequency generator 121 may generate, for example, a plurality of frequency signals having different frequencies from 100 Hz to 1 MHz. Through this, the apparatus 100 may measure body components such as intracellular moisture, extracellular moisture, total body moisture content, and body fat with respect to the subject 10. In particular, the apparatus 100 may measure intracellular moisture, extracellular moisture, and total body moisture at the same time by measuring the bioimpedance using a plurality of frequency signals having different frequencies from 100 Hz to 1 MHz.

The first PN code generator 122 randomly scrambles a plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in measuring the bioimpedance using the FHSS method of the CDMA. The first PN code may be generated as one PN code.

A plurality of first frequency synthesizer oscillators 123 may be generated through the frequency generator 121 by application of a PN code (first PN code) generated from the first transmit PN code generator 122. Each of the frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 can be randomly scrambled.

The signal generator 120 may generate and generate a plurality of frequency signals randomly scrambled by the first transmission frequency synthesis oscillator 123 as the application signal S1. Here, the application signal S1, which is a plurality of randomly scrambled frequency signals, may be expressed differently as a plurality of randomly scrambled multiplexed frequency signals.

In detail, the first transmission frequency synthesis oscillator 123 randomly scrambles the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 generated through the frequency generator 121 by applying the first PN code. Through this, a plurality of randomly scrambled frequency signals may be generated as the application signal S1. That is, the first transmission frequency synthesis oscillator 123 is applied by randomly scrambled a plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 as shown in the signal spectrum of FIG. 9 to be described later by applying the first PN code. Signal S1 can be generated. Thereafter, the signal generator 120 may generate the application signal S1 generated by the first transmission frequency synthesis oscillator 123.

The signal applying unit 110 may apply the applying signal S1 generated through the signal generator 120 to the electrode 10. In this case, when the signal applying unit 110 applies the application signal S1 to the electrode 10, the signal applying unit 110 is suitable for applying the application signal generated through the signal generator 120 to the body of the examinee 10 as an example. Can be converted to a current source and applied, but is not limited thereto.

On the other hand, Figure 7 is a view showing another example of the configuration of the signal generator in the bioimpedance measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

Referring to FIG. 7, the first transmission frequency synthesis oscillator 123 may include an analog switch 123a. The analog switch 123a may be controlled by application of the first PN code generated from the first transmission PN code generator 122.

In detail, the analog switch 123a may randomly switch the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 transmitted from the frequency generator 121 by applying the first PN code. (In other words, they can be randomly selected). In this case, random switching by the analog switch 123a may be performed, for example, for a preset time, but is not limited thereto. A plurality of randomly scrambled frequency signals may be generated from the first transmission frequency synthesis oscillator 123 by random switching (selection) by the analog switch 123a, and the first transmission frequency synthesis oscillator 123 may be randomly selected. The scrambled plurality of frequency signals may be added to generate the application signal S1, and the signal generator 120 may generate the generated application signal S1.

In this case, the authorization signal S1 generated through the signal generator 120 is an authorization signal S1 generated by considering the frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) method of the CDMA, and may be represented as a CDMA_FHSS signal. The signal spectrum of the application signal S1, that is, the CDMA_FHSS signal, may be expressed as shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a signal spectrum of a CDMA_FHSS signal, which is an applied signal generated by a bioimpedance measuring apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8, the application signal S1 (that is, the CDMA_FHSS signal), which is a plurality of randomly scrambled frequency signals, is five signals that are randomly switched by one PN code (first PN code), and these five signals. Since they can be detected without interference even if they are combined with each other, the apparatus 100 can apply a plurality of frequency signals f1, f2, f3, f4, f5 to the electrodes at the same time.

In particular, the authorization signal (CDMA_FHSS signal) generated by the apparatus 100 is described above with respect to the spectrum of the signal (i.e., five frequency signals generated through the frequency generator) to which the PN code considered in generating the authorization signal is applied. Unlike the generation of the CDMA_DSSS signal in Figs. 2 and 3, it is not spread.

This may mean the following. In the generation of the CDMA_DSSS signal in FIGS. 2 and 3, as the PN code spreads the signal, the number of electrodes is increased, and when the CDMA_DSSS signal is applied to the plurality of electrodes, the subject increases the power applied to the subject. It could be dangerous. In contrast, when the CDMA_FHSS signal is generated by the apparatus 100, random switching is performed without spreading the signals f1, f2, f3, f4, and f5 to which the PN code is applied (i.e. According to the present invention, the apparatus 100 may randomly determine which frequency channel to apply an applied signal to, so that the apparatus 100 may increase the number of electrodes and apply the CDMA_FHSS signal to the plurality of electrodes. It may mean that the subject's bioimpedance may be easily measured using a plurality of frequency signals while maintaining the applied power at a constant level.

Hereinafter, the application signal S1 applied to the electrode (particularly the first terminal), that is, the application signal S1 generated through the signal generator 120 will be described in more detail, which will be described with reference to FIG. 9. Can be easily understood.

9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a signal spectrum of an applied signal generated by a bioimpedance measuring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Referring to FIG. 9, the application signal S1 generated through the signal generator 120 may include a first transmission PN code generator among a plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 for each time slot. Random of a plurality of frequency slots divided such that a component of any one frequency signal randomly selected by the application of the PN code (first PN code) generated through 122 has a bandwidth corresponding to each of the plurality of frequency signals. It may be a signal generated to be located in the frequency slot corresponding to any one of the selected frequency signal.

Here, each time slot means time slots TS1, TS2,... This may mean every TS12. In addition, the plurality of frequency slots refers to a plurality of frequency slots FS1, which are divided to have a bandwidth corresponding to each of the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 generated through the frequency generator 121. FS2, FS3, FS4, and FS5). That is, the plurality of frequency slots may include a first frequency slot FS1 having a bandwidth corresponding to the first frequency signals f1 and 1 and a second frequency slot having a bandwidth corresponding to the second frequency signals f2 and 2. FS2, the third frequency slot FS3 having a bandwidth corresponding to the third frequency signals f3 and 3, the fourth frequency slot FS4 having a bandwidth corresponding to the fourth frequency signals f4 and 4, and A fifth frequency slot FS5 having a bandwidth corresponding to the five frequency signals f5 and 5 may be included.

That is, the application signal S1 may be a signal generated to include a component of one frequency signal randomly selected from among a plurality of frequency signals for each time slot TS1, TS2,..., TS12. In this case, a component of one randomly selected frequency signal may be located in a frequency slot corresponding to one randomly selected frequency signal among a plurality of frequency slots. In other words, the applied signal S1 may be generated in the signal spectrum so that each of the time slots includes only components of any one frequency signal randomly selected from among a plurality of frequency signals.

For example, when the first transmission frequency synthesis oscillator 123 randomly scrambles the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, When the first frequency signal 1 is randomly selected from among 3, 4, and 5, the frequency slot (1) of which the component 1a of the first frequency signal corresponds to the component 1a of the first frequency signal within one time slot ( The authorization signal S1 may be generated to be located at FS1. As another example, when the third frequency signal 3 is randomly selected among the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 by the application of the PN code, the component 3a of the third frequency signal is equal to one. The authorization signal S1 may be generated to be located in the frequency slot FS3 corresponding to the component 3a of the third frequency signal within the time slot. Hereinafter, a description of the case where the other frequency signals 2, 4, and 5 are randomly selected may be understood to be the same as or similar to the above description of the case where the first frequency signal 1 is randomly selected. The description will be omitted.

In addition, the application signal S1 may be a signal generated such that each component of the plurality of frequency signals is located one by one in a time slot corresponding to the number of the plurality of frequency signals. In other words, the application signal S1 may be a signal generated such that each of the components of the plurality of frequency signals is positioned (represented) in each of the time slots within a time slot corresponding to the number of the plurality of frequency signals.

That is, when the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are five, the application signal S1 is within a time slot corresponding to the number (five) of the plurality of frequency signals (ie, the first). In the time slots TS1 to 5th time slot TS5), the components of the plurality of frequency signals (that is, the component 1a of the first frequency signal, the component 2a of the second frequency signal, and the third frequency of each of the time slots FS1 to FS5, respectively. The component 3a of the signal, the component 4a of the fourth frequency signal, and the component 5a of the fifth frequency signal may each be generated so as to be located one by one.

In addition, the application signal S1 may be generated such that each component of the plurality of frequency signals is positioned for each time slot corresponding to the number of the plurality of frequency signals. That is, when the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are five, the authorization signal S1 is a component of the plurality of frequency signals in the first time slot TS1 to the fifth time slot TS5. Each of (1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a) is created so as to be located one by one (included), and the components 1b, 2b of the plurality of frequency signals in the sixth time slot TS6 to tenth time slot TS10. , 3b, 4b, and 5b) may be generated to be located one by one.

Accordingly, the application signal S1 is generated such that each of the components of the plurality of frequency signals is located one by one in a time slot corresponding to the number of the plurality of frequency signals, and the components of the frequency signals located in each time slot are corresponding frequency signals. It may be generated to be located in the frequency slot corresponding to the.

In addition, the application signal S1 includes a component of the first frequency signal randomly selected from among the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 located in the first time slot, and the randomly selected one of the plurality of frequency signals. The component of the second frequency signal may be a signal generated to be located in the second time slot.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 9, when the first transmission frequency synthesis oscillator 123 randomly scrambles a plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are applied by applying a PN code. Of the frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the first frequency signal 1 → the second frequency signal 2 → the fourth frequency signal 4 → the third frequency signal 3 → the fifth frequency signal Assume that (5) → the first frequency signal 1 → the third frequency signal 3 → the fifth frequency signal (5) in random order.

In this case, the application signal S1 has the component 1a of the first frequency signal 1 located in the first time slot TS1 and the component 2a of the second frequency signal 2 the second time slot ( Is located in TS2, component 4a of fourth frequency signal 4 is located in third time slot TS3, and component 3a of third frequency signal 3 is located in fourth time slot TS4. The component 5a of the fifth frequency signal 5 may be generated to be located in the fifth time slot TS5. In addition, the application signal S1 has the component 1b of the first frequency signal 1 located in the sixth time slot TS6 and the component 3b of the third frequency signal 3 set the seventh time slot TS7. ) And a component 5b of the fifth frequency signal 5 may be generated in the eighth time slot TS8.

In particular, the application signal S1 is applied to the first frequency slot FS1 in which the component 1a of the first frequency signal 1 is a frequency slot corresponding to the first frequency signal 1 in the first time slot TS1. Can be created to be located. In addition, the application signal S1 is applied to the second frequency slot FS2 in which the component 2a of the second frequency signal 2 is a frequency slot corresponding to the second frequency signal 2 in the second time slot TS2. Can be created to be located. In addition, the application signal S1 is applied to the fourth frequency slot FS4 in which the component 4a of the fourth frequency signal 4 is a frequency slot corresponding to the fourth frequency signal 4 in the third time slot TS3. Can be created to be located.

As such, the application signal S1 generated through the signal generator 120, in other words, the application signal S1 applied to the body (human body) of the examinee 10 by being applied to the whole country 20, is a plurality of frequency signals. Can be generated such that only one component of one frequency signal is located (included) per one time slot. The application signal S1 may be a signal generated by a code division multiple access (CDMA) method using a frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS). That is, the application signal S1 may be referred to as a signal generated using the FHSS method of CDMA.

In other words, in the DSSS method, a non-signaling characteristic is generated by directly multiplying a signal to be transmitted (a signal to be applied to the subject's body) by a coded pulse string, whereas in the FHSS method considered by the apparatus 100, the pulse signal is inputted so as to be input as a frequency string. S1 may be generated. Accordingly, the application signal S1 in the apparatus 100 is generated such that a plurality of frequency signals to be applied to the electrode 20 continuously change in real time as specified by the encryption pulse train (ie, PN code), in other words, the plurality of signals. The components of the frequency signal of may be generated to be located (assigned) in one frequency slot, one for each time slot.

The measuring unit 130 detects the current output through the electrode 20 from the body part as the output signal S2 in response to the application signal S1 applied to the electrode 20 by the signal applying unit 110. Based on the detected output signal S2, the bioimpedance of the examinee 10 with respect to the components of the plurality of frequency signals passing through (passed through) the body part of the examinee 10 may be measured. A more detailed description thereof may be more readily understood with reference to FIG. 10.

10 is a view showing the configuration of the signal detector 140 in the bioimpedance measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

Referring to FIG. 10, the measuring unit 130 may include a signal detector 140, and the signal detector 140 may include a current detector 141, a frequency detector 142, a PN code generator 143, and a frequency. Synthetic oscillator 144 may be included. In this case, the PN code generator 143 included in the signal detector 140 may be differently represented as the first reception PN code generator 143 as described above. In addition, the frequency synthesized oscillator 144 included in the signal detector 140 may be differently represented as the first received frequency synthesized oscillator 144 as described above.

The current detector 141 may detect the current output through the electrode 20 as the output signal S2 after the application signal S1 is applied to the electrode 20 by the signal applying unit 110. That is, the current detector 141 may detect the current output from the electrode 20 as the output signal S2, and the plurality of sub-frequency detectors included in the detected output signal S2 may be included in the frequency detector 142. 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d, and 142e, respectively.

In this case, the output signal S2 may be output through the second terminals 22a and 22b of the electrode 20. For example, the current detector 141 may detect a current as an output signal S2 output through the second terminals 22a and 22b, but is not limited thereto, and outputs a voltage generated by a current source to an output signal S2. ) Can be detected through the second terminals 22a and 22b.

The frequency detector 142 may detect components of a plurality of frequency signals corresponding to (included) the output signal S2 detected by the current detector 141. To this end, the frequency detector 142 may include a plurality of sub-frequency detectors 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d, and 142e for detecting each component of the plurality of frequency signals.

Since the application signal S1 applied to the electrode 20 includes components of the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the output signal S2 output from the electrode 20 is similarly 5. Components of the two frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 may be included. Accordingly, the plurality of sub-frequency detectors 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d, and 142e may detect components of the first sub-frequency detector 142a and the second frequency signal 2, which detect the components of the first frequency signal 1. A second sub frequency detector 142b for detecting, a third sub frequency detector 142c for detecting a component of the third frequency signal 3, and a fourth sub frequency detector for detecting a component of the fourth frequency signal 4 ( 142d) and a fifth sub-frequency detector 142e for detecting components of the fifth frequency signal 5.

The PN code generator 143, that is, the first received PN code generator 143, generates the same PN code (first PN code ') as the PN code (first PN code) considered in the signal generator 120. You can. That is, the first reception PN code generator 143 may be the same PN code generator as the first transmitter PN code generator 122 included in the signal generator 120. A first PN code, which is the same PN code as that generated at 122, can be generated.

The first reception frequency synthesis oscillator 144 is applied through the frequency generator 121 of the signal generator 120 by the application of the PN code (first PN code) generated from the first reception PN code generator 143. A plurality of frequency signals 1 ', 2', 3 ', 4', and 5 'that are identical to the generated plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 may be generated. That is, the first reception frequency synthesis oscillator 114 may apply the same plurality of frequency signals 1 ', 2', by applying the PN code (first PN code ') generated from the first reception PN code generator 143. 3 ', 4', and 5 ', and each of the same plurality of frequency signals 1', 2 ', 3', 4 ', and 5' generated by the plurality of sub-frequency detectors 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d, 142e), respectively. The first reception frequency synthesis oscillator 144 may be the same frequency synthesis oscillator as the first transmission frequency synthesis oscillator 123.

Thereafter, each of the plurality of sub-frequency detection units 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d, and 142e includes a plurality of identical output signals S2 received from the current detector 141 and the same plurality of received frequency synthesized oscillators 144. Based on one of the frequency signals 1 ', 2', 3 ', 4', 5 ', the first received frequency synthesized oscillator 144 with respect to the output signal S2 (in other words, from the output signal). The component of the frequency signal corresponding to any one of the frequency signals received from the) can be detected.

In detail, the first sub frequency detector 142a receives the output signal S2 from the current detector 141 and the same plurality of frequency signals 1 ', 2', 3 from the first received frequency synthesized oscillator 144. ', 4', 5 ') may receive the first frequency signal 1' as one of the frequency signals. Thereafter, the first sub-frequency detection unit 142a uses the received output signal S2 and the first frequency signal 1 'as an input value to the output signal S2 (from the output signal) to the first frequency signal 1. The component of ') can be detected.

Similarly, the second sub frequency detector 142b receives the output signal S2 from the current detector 141 and receives the same plurality of frequency signals 1 ', 2', and 3 'from the first received frequency synthesized oscillator 144. , 4 ', 5') may receive the second frequency signal 2 'as one of the frequency signals. Thereafter, the second sub-frequency detector 142b uses the received output signal S2 and the second frequency signal 2 'as input values to the output signal S2 (from the output signal) to the second frequency signal 2. The component of ') can be detected.

Hereinafter, descriptions of the other sub frequency detectors 142c, 142d, and 142e may be understood to be the same as or similar to those described above with respect to the first sub-frequency detector 142a, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The signal detector 140 may include components of a plurality of frequency signals included in the output signal S2 from the output signal S2 through the plurality of sub-frequency detectors 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d, and 142e (in other words, the body). Components of a plurality of frequency signals output through the site can be separated.

The measurement unit 130 may measure the bioimpedance of the examinee 10 with respect to the components of the plurality of frequency signals detected by the signal detector 140. That is, the signal detector 140 may detect components of a plurality of frequency signals corresponding to (included) the output signal S2 from the output signal S2, and the measurement unit 130 may be connected to the signal detector 140. The bioimpedance of the examinee 10 with respect to the components of the plurality of frequency signals detected may be measured. In other words, the measurement unit 130 measures (calculates) the bioimpedance of the components of the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 applied to the body of the examinee 10 from the output signal S2. can do.

FIG. 11 is a view schematically illustrating an apparatus configuration when using a plurality of electrodes in the bioimpedance measuring apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this case, in the description with reference to FIG. 11, a case in which a plurality of electrodes 20 are configured as four channels 4CH in an example of a body part of the examinee 10 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 11, a plurality of electrodes 20 constituted by four channels (CH) are, for example, a pair of first A terminals 21a and 21b as current source terminals and a pair of detection terminals corresponding to one channel. 2A terminal 22a, 22b, a pair of 1B terminals 21b, 21c as a current source terminal corresponding to two channels, and a pair of 2B terminals 22b, 22c as a detection terminal, a current source corresponding to three channels A pair of 1C terminals 21c and 21d as terminals, a pair of 2C terminals 22c and 22d as detection terminals, and a pair of 1D terminals 21d and 21a as current source terminals corresponding to four channels The terminal may include a pair of 2D terminals 22d and 22a.

When the plurality of electrodes 20 are attached to the body part of the subject 10, the signal applying unit 110 of the system 100 may include a plurality of signal generators corresponding to each of the plurality of electrodes 20. 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d). In detail, when the plurality of electrodes 20 are used, the signal applying unit 110 may include the plurality of signal generators 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d provided with a number corresponding to the number of channels of the plurality of electrodes 20. It may include. That is, when the plurality of electrodes 20 are attached to the body part, the signal applying unit 110 may include a plurality of signal generators 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d, and the plurality of signal generators 120a. , 120b, 120c, and 120d may be provided as a number corresponding to the number of channels of the plurality of electrodes 20.

In this case, each of the plurality of signal generators 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d may have the same configuration as the signal generator 120 described above, and thus, the description of the signal generator 120 will be described even if the description is omitted below. The same may be applied to the description of each of the plurality of signal generators. However, when the plurality of signal generators 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are provided, the first transmission PN code generators included in each of the signal generators 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d may have different PNs. Can generate code A more detailed description is as follows.

The signal applying unit 110 uses the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 at random to apply the applied signal generated by each of the plurality of signal generating units 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d. S1a, S1b, S1c, and S1d can be applied to the plurality of electrodes 20. At this time, each of the application signals S1a, S1b, S1c, and S1d applied to the plurality of electrodes 20 is applied to the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 applied to the plurality of electrodes 20. For example, the signal may be a signal to which different PN codes (different random numbers) generated from each of the first transmission PN code generators included in each of the signal generators 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are applied. In other words, each of the application signals S1a, S1b, S1c, and S1d applied to the plurality of electrodes 20 may be a plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and the like applied to each of the plurality of electrodes 20. 5), a plurality of randomly scrambled frequency signals may be applied as different PN codes generated by the first transmitting PN code generators of the plurality of signal generators 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are applied. .

As a specific example, the first transmission PN code generator included in the first signal generator 120a may generate a first PN code, and the first signal generator 120a may include a plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, and 3. By applying the first PN code to 4, 5, the first application signal S1a may be generated as a plurality of randomly scrambled frequency signals. Similarly, the first transmission PN code generator included in the second signal generator 120b may generate a second PN code, and the second signal generator 120b may include a plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, and the like. By applying the second PN codes to 4 and 5), the second application signal S1b can be generated as a plurality of randomly scrambled frequency signals. Hereinafter, a description of the generation process of the third application signal S1c and the fourth application signal S1d may be understood in the same or similar manner to the above description of the generation process of the first application signal S1a. The description will be omitted.

 The signal applying unit 110 applies the first application signal S1a generated through the first signal generator 120a to the first A terminals 21a and 21b of the plurality of electrodes 20 and generates the second signal. The second application signal S1b generated through the unit 120b may be applied to the first B terminals 21b and 21c of the plurality of electrodes 20. In addition, the signal applying unit 110 applies the third application signal S1c generated through the third signal generation unit 120c to the first C terminals 21c and 21d of the plurality of electrodes 20, and fourth The fourth application signal S1d generated through the signal generator 120d may be applied to the first D terminals 21d and 21a of the plurality of electrodes 20.

The signal applying unit 110 may generate different PN codes 4 generated through the plurality of signal generators 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d with respect to the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. PN codes), the first application terminal (S1a, S1b, S1c, S1d) is applied to the first A terminal (21a, 21b), the first B terminal of the current source terminal corresponding to four channels of the plurality of electrodes 20 21b, 21c, 1C terminals 21c, 21d, and 1D terminals 21d, 21a, respectively. That is, the apparatus 100 generates four application signals S1a, S1b, S1c, and S1d to which different PN codes are applied using five frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, Each of the four applied signals S1a, S1b, S1c, and S1d may be applied to the plurality of electrodes 20.

In addition, when the plurality of electrodes 20 are attached to the body part of the examinee 10, the measuring unit 130 of the present system 100 may include the signal generators 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d, respectively. A plurality of signal detectors 140a, including a PN code generator (i.e., a first received PN code generator) that corresponds to: 1 and generates the same PN code as the PN code considered in the corresponding signal generator, 140b, 140c, 140d).

In this case, each of the plurality of signal detectors 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d may detect a current (voltage) output through the plurality of electrodes 20 as an integrated output signal S3 (not shown). In other words, the integrated output signal S3 output through the plurality of electrodes 20 may be input to each of the plurality of signal detectors 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d.

In this case, the integrated output signal S3 may include a first output signal S2a, a second output signal S2b, a third output signal S2c, and a fourth output signal S2d. Specifically, the first output signal S2a output through the second A terminals 22a and 22b corresponding to one channel of the plurality of electrodes 20 is detected by the apparatus 100 as the integrated output signal S3. And may be applied to the first signal detector 140a. In addition, the second output signal S2b output through the second B terminals 22b and 22c corresponding to two channels among the plurality of electrodes 20 is detected by the apparatus 100 as an integrated output signal S3. It may be applied to the second signal detector 140b. In addition, the third output signal S2c output through the second C terminals 22c and 22d corresponding to three channels among the plurality of electrodes 20 is detected as the integrated output signal S3 by the apparatus 100. The signal may be applied to the third signal detector 140c. In addition, the fourth output signal S2d output through the 2D terminals 22d and 22a corresponding to four channels among the plurality of electrodes 20 is detected by the apparatus 100 as an integrated output signal S3. It may be applied to the fourth signal detector 140d.

In addition, each of the plurality of signal detectors 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d may have different PN codes generated through the plurality of signal generators 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d with respect to the received integrated output signal S3. Different PN Codes (First PN Code, Second PN Code, Third PN Code, and Fourth PN Code) Same as (First PN Code, Second PN Code, Third PN Code, Fourth PN Code) By applying '), the components of the plurality of frequency signals corresponding to the integrated output signal S3 can be detected.

In detail, the plurality of signal detectors 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d may be provided to correspond to the plurality of signal generators 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d, respectively. In this case, each of the plurality of signal detectors 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d may have the same configuration as the signal detector 140 described above, and thus, the descriptions of the signal generator 120 will be described even if the description is omitted below. The same may be applied to the description of each of the plurality of signal detectors 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d. However, when the plurality of signal detectors 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d are provided, the first reception PN code generator included in each of the plurality of signal detectors 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d may include the plurality of signal generators. Corresponding PN codes generated at 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d may generate the same different PN codes.

Accordingly, the first signal detector 140a may be provided corresponding to the first signal generator 120a. The first receiving PN code generator included in the first signal detector 140a may generate the same PN code (first PN code ') as the PN code (first PN code) generated by the first signal generator 120a. Can be. Each of the plurality of sub-frequency detectors included in the first signal detector 140a may be any one of a plurality of frequency signals to which the first PN code 'is applied from the first received frequency synthesized oscillator included in the first signal detector 140a. Each of the frequency signals may be received, and the integrated output signal S3 (that is, the integrated output signal detected through the second A terminal) may be received from the current detector included in the first signal detector 140a. Accordingly, the first signal detector 140a may detect components of the plurality of frequency signals corresponding to the integrated output signal S3 by applying the first PN code.

Similarly, the second signal detector 140b may be provided corresponding to the second signal generator 120b. The second reception PN code generator included in the second signal detector 140b may generate the same PN code (second PN code ') as the PN code (second PN code) generated by the second signal generator 120b. Can be. Each of the plurality of sub-frequency detectors included in the second signal detector 140b includes one of a plurality of frequency signals to which the second PN code 'is applied from the second received frequency synthesized oscillator included in the second signal detector 140b. Each of the frequency signals may be transmitted, and the integrated output signal S3 (that is, the integrated output signal detected through the second B terminal) may be received from the current detector included in the second signal detector 140b. As a result, the second signal detector 140b may detect components of the plurality of frequency signals corresponding to the integrated output signal S3 by applying the second PN code.

The third signal detector 140c may be provided to correspond to the third signal generator 120c. The third receiving PN code generator included in the third signal detector 140c may generate the same PN code (third PN code ') as the PN code (third PN code) generated by the third signal generator 120c. Can be. Each of the plurality of sub-frequency detectors included in the third signal detector 140c includes a frequency of any one of a plurality of frequency signals to which the third PN code 'is applied from the third frequency synthesized oscillator included in the third signal detector 140c. The signal may be transmitted, and the integrated output signal S3 (that is, the integrated output signal detected through the second C terminal) may be received from the current detector included in the third signal detector 140c. Accordingly, the third signal detector 140c may detect components of the plurality of frequency signals corresponding to the integrated output signal S3 by applying the third PN code.

Hereinafter, a description of a process of detecting components of the plurality of frequency signals corresponding to the output signal S3 through the fourth signal detector 140d corresponds to the output signal S3 through the first signal detector 140a described above. The process of detecting the components of the plurality of frequency signals can be understood in the same or similar manner as described above.

That is, the PN code generator included in the first signal generator 120a may be referred to as a first transmit PN code generator and a PN code generator included in the first signal detector 140a as a first received PN code generator. . The PN code generator included in the second signal generator 120b may be referred to as a second transmit PN code generator and a PN code generator included in the second signal detector 140b as a second received PN code generator. The PN code generator included in the third signal generator 120c may be referred to as a third transmit PN code generator and a PN code generator included in the third signal detector 140c as a third received PN code generator. The PN code generator included in the fourth signal generator 120d may be referred to as a fourth transmit PN code generator, and the PN code generator included in the fourth signal detector 140d may be referred to as a fourth received PN code generator.

In addition, the frequency synthesized oscillator included in the first signal generator 120a may be expressed as a first transmit frequency synthesized oscillator and a frequency synthesized oscillator included in the first signal detector 140a. The frequency synthesized oscillator included in the second signal generator 120b may be expressed as a second transmit frequency synthesized oscillator and the frequency synthesized oscillator included in the second signal detector 140b. The frequency synthesized oscillator included in the third signal generator 120c may be referred to as a third transmit frequency synthesized oscillator, and the frequency synthesized oscillator included in the third signal detector 140c may be referred to as a third received frequency synthesized oscillator. The frequency synthesized oscillator included in the fourth signal generator 120d may be expressed as a fourth transmit frequency synthesized oscillator, and the frequency synthesized oscillator included in the fourth signal detector 140d may be referred to as a fourth received frequency synthesized oscillator.

According to the present apparatus 100, the components of five frequency signals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) to which the first PN code is applied and the five to which the second PN code is applied are provided through the plurality of electrodes 20. Component of frequency signal (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), component of five frequency signals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) to which the third PN code is applied and five frequency signal to which the fourth PN code is applied Components of (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) may be applied, and a plurality of frequency signals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) are applied to the integrated output signal S3 output from the plurality of electrodes 20. As four different PN codes are applied to, 20 (5 × 4 = 20) components of frequency signals are included.

That is, the measurement unit 130 may generate different PN codes (first PN code ', second PN code', generated through the plurality of signal detection units 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d with respect to the integrated output signal S3). By applying the third PN code 'and the fourth PN code', the components of the 20 frequency signals may be detected through the plurality of signal detectors 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d. Therefore, the measurement unit 130 may measure (calculate) the bioimpedance of the components of the 20 frequency signals from the integrated output signal S3. In other words, the measurement unit 130 is applied to the integrated output signal S3 as different PN codes generated by the plurality of signal detection units 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, respectively, the integrated output signal (S3) The bioimpedance of the subject with respect to the plurality of frequency signals corresponding to may be measured.

The measurement unit 130 corresponds to the product of the number of the plurality of frequency signals and the number of electrodes (particularly, the number of channels of the plurality of electrodes) by the plurality of signal detection units 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d as the bioimpedance of the examinee. The number of bio impedances can be measured. That is, the apparatus 100 may simultaneously measure the number of bioimpedances corresponding to the product of the number of the plurality of frequency signals and the number of electrodes (particularly, the number of channels of the plurality of electrodes).

In the example referring to FIG. 11, since the number of the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 is five, and the number of electrodes 21, 22, 23, and 24 is four, the measuring unit 130 has 20 units. The bioimpedance with respect to the component of the frequency signal of (5x4 = 20) can be measured. In another example, when the number of the plurality of frequency signals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 is five, and the number of the electrodes 21, 22, 23, and 24 is six, the measurement unit 130 may include 30 ( The bioimpedance of the component of the frequency signal of 5x6 = 30 can be measured.

On the other hand, the plurality of electrodes may be attached to the portion of the arm, both legs, the body of the subject 10, but is not limited thereto.

In the apparatus 100, a plurality of signal generators 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d and a plurality of signal detectors 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d correspond to the number of the plurality of electrodes (the number of channels of a plurality of electrodes). Each may be provided in sets (pairs) between the signal generator and the signal detector. At this time, in the apparatus 100, the PN code generator (PN code generator) used in each set (that is, four sets as the first signal generator and the first signal detector, the second signal generator and the second signal detector, etc.) Since the random numbers are different (in other words, using different PN codes), even if each of the four sets uses the same plurality of frequency signals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), they will not interfere with each other. Will not.

In other words, the apparatus 100 measures the bioimpedance in a multi-channel (for example, four-channel) through (using) a plurality of electrodes, and the same plurality of frequency signals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). PN code applied to the multiplexed signal used in each channel, even if multiplexed signals (i.e., the same five frequency signals multiplexed) are used identically in each of the four channels (four channels) Since different PN codes are applied (that is, different PN codes are applied to each channel and different random numbers are applied to each channel), mixing between signals used in each channel may not occur.

That is, in the device 100, when the signal is applied to the object, the multiplexed signal considered in one channel, the multiplexed signal considered in two channels, the multiplexed signal considered in three channels and the multiplexed signal considered in four channels are applied to the object. Since different PN codes are applied and applied, and signals are detected by applying different PN codes identical to the different PN codes applied to each channel when detecting signals from the object, the same plurality of frequency signals (1) , 2, 3, 4, and 5) do not cause mixing between the signals used in each channel, thereby simultaneously generating multiple bioimpedances in a number corresponding to the product of the number of frequency signals and the number of channels. It can be measured. In other words, even if a multi-channel is used, the apparatus 100 may detect signals individually without using crosstalk between a plurality of frequency signals used for each channel by using different PN codes for each channel. .

In this case, since the apparatus 100 uses the same five frequency signals multiplexed on each of the four channels, even if frequency interference occurs in some time slots, the entire frequency signal to some frequency signals (specific example, Signal detection (analysis) is possible by using a frequency signal in a previous time slot and / or a later time slot of the generated time slot. That is, even if there is interference of a frequency signal in some time slots, the apparatus 100 cancels the frequency signal in which the interference occurs in the integrated signal with respect to the frequency signal in which interference occurs due to the characteristics of the PN code (ie, a random signal). can be canceled out).

Therefore, when the apparatus 100 is to measure bioimpedance by using five plural frequency signals as an example and four electrodes attached to the body of the examinee, 20 bio-impedances may be simultaneously measured. have.

In the foregoing description, the number of the plurality of frequency signals is five, and the number of the plurality of electrodes (the number of channels of the plurality of electrodes) is illustrated as four, but this is only one example to help the present disclosure, but is not limited thereto. The number of frequency signals and the number of electrodes can be variously set. In other words, when the number of frequency signals and the number of electrodes (the number of channels of a plurality of electrodes used in the apparatus) are increased, the number of living bodies is larger than the number of the 20 biological impedances mentioned in the previous example in proportion to the increasing number. The impedance can be measured in simultaneous bundles.

Also, by way of example, the present disclosure may provide an FHSS_BIA system in which two units use different random codes and use the same five frequencies (eg, 5K. 50K. 100K. 250K, 500k). . In addition, the present application as a demonstration system modeling the human body may include one unit, even if the two channels use the same frequency signal can be a cross-talk between the frequency signals only if the random code is different . At this time. In the demo system, for example, five frequency signals (eg, 5K. 50K. 100K. 250K, 500k) may be used as the same frequency signal.

Hereinafter, based on the details described above, the operation flow of the present application will be briefly described.

12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of measuring bioimpedance according to an embodiment of the present application.

The bioimpedance measuring method illustrated in FIG. 12 may be performed by the apparatus 100 described above. Therefore, even if omitted below, the description of the apparatus 100 may be equally applicable to the description of the method of measuring the bioimpedance.

Referring to FIG. 12, in step S11, the signal applying unit may apply an applied signal generated by randomly using a plurality of different frequency signals to measure the bioimpedance to an electrode attached to a body part of a subject.

At this time, the bioimpedance measuring method according to an embodiment of the present application, a plurality of frequencies randomly scrambled by the application of the PN code generated from the PN code generator (that is, the first transmission PN code generator) before step S11 The method may further include generating and generating a signal as an applied signal. Thereafter, in step S11, the signal applying unit may apply an application signal, which is a plurality of frequency signals scrambled randomly, to the electrode.

In this case, the applied signal includes a plurality of frequency slots in which components of one frequency signal randomly selected by application of a PN code among a plurality of frequency signals are divided into bandwidths corresponding to each of the plurality of frequency signals. It may be a signal generated to be located in a frequency slot corresponding to one of the randomly selected frequency signal.

Further, the application signal may be a signal generated such that each component of the plurality of frequency signals is located one by one in a time slot corresponding to the number of the plurality of frequency signals.

In addition, the applied signal may include a component of a first frequency signal randomly selected from among a plurality of frequency signals located in a first time slot, and a component of a second frequency signal randomly selected from among a plurality of frequency signals located in a second time slot. It may be a generated signal.

Next, in step S12, the measurement unit detects a current output through the electrode from the body part in response to the application signal as an output signal, and for the components of the plurality of frequency signals passing through the body part based on the detected output signal. The subject's bioimpedance can be measured.

To this end, step S12 may include detecting components of the plurality of frequency signals corresponding to the output signal.

At this time, in the detecting step, the current detected by the current detector is transmitted to the frequency detector as an output signal, and the frequency synthesized oscillator (ie, the first reception) is applied by applying the same PN code as the PN code considered in generating the applied signal. A plurality of frequency signals identical to a plurality of frequency signals (a plurality of frequency signals generated by the frequency generator) generated from the frequency synthesized oscillator may be transmitted to the frequency detector. In the detecting step, the frequency detector may detect components of the plurality of frequency signals corresponding to the output signals by using the same plurality of frequency signals and the output signals.

In the above description, steps S11 through S12 may be further divided into additional steps, or combined into fewer steps, according to embodiments herein. In addition, some steps may be omitted as necessary, and the order between the steps may be changed.

The bioimpedance measuring method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of program instructions that may be executed by various computer means and recorded in a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc. alone or in combination. Program instructions recorded on the media may be those specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the present invention, or they may be of the kind well-known and available to those having skill in the computer software arts. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape, optical media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, and magnetic disks, such as floppy disks. Magneto-optical media, and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include not only machine code generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like. The hardware device described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the present invention, and vice versa.

In addition, the above-described bioimpedance measuring method may be implemented in the form of a computer program or an application executed by a computer stored in a recording medium.

The above description of the present application is intended for illustration, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be easily modified in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present application. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined form.

The scope of the present application is indicated by the following claims rather than the above description, and it should be construed that all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents are included in the scope of the present application.

100: bioimpedance measuring device
110: signal applying unit
120: signal generator
130: measuring unit
140: signal detection unit
20: electrode

Claims (18)

A bioimpedance measuring apparatus using a frequency hopping spread spectrum method of code division multiple access,
A signal applying unit for applying an application signal generated by using a plurality of frequency signals randomly to an electrode attached to a body part of the subject; And
A bioimpedance of the subject with respect to components of a plurality of frequency signals that have passed through the body part based on the detected output signal, based on the detected output signal; Measuring unit for measuring,
Including,
The signal applying unit is a frequency synthesized oscillator for randomly scrambled each of the plurality of frequency signals having different frequency bands by the application of a frequency generator for generating the plurality of frequency signals and a PN code generated from the PN code generator. Including a signal generator comprising a,
The signal generator generates and generates a plurality of randomly scrambled frequency signals as the application signal,
The application signal is,
The component of any one frequency signal randomly selected by the application of the PN code among the plurality of frequency signals in each time slot so that each of the plurality of frequency signals can be detected without interference even when the plurality of frequency signals are added together. A frequency slot corresponding to any one of the randomly selected frequency signals among the plurality of frequency slots divided to have bandwidths corresponding to the plurality of frequency signals, wherein each component of the plurality of frequency signals is And a signal generated to be located one by one in a time slot corresponding to the number of frequency signals. delete delete delete The method of claim 1,
The application signal is,
A component generated such that a component of a first frequency signal randomly selected from among the plurality of frequency signals is located in a first time slot, and a component of a second frequency signal randomly selected from among the plurality of frequency signals is located in a second time slot That is, a bioimpedance measuring device. The method of claim 1,
The measurement unit includes a signal detector including a current detector for detecting a current output through the electrode as an output signal and a frequency detector for detecting components of a plurality of frequency signals corresponding to the output signal,
The frequency detector includes a plurality of sub-frequency detectors that detect respective components of the plurality of frequency signals.
And the current detector transfers the detected output signal to each of the plurality of sub-frequency detectors. The method of claim 6,
The signal detector,
A plurality of frequencies equal to a plurality of frequency signals generated through a frequency generator by applying a PN code generator that generates the same PN code as the PN code considered by the signal generator and a PN code generated by the PN code generator A frequency synthesized oscillator for generating a signal,
And the frequency synthesized oscillator transmits each of the generated plurality of identical frequency signals to each of the plurality of sub-frequency detectors. The method of claim 7, wherein
Each of the plurality of sub-frequency detectors is configured to synthesize the frequency with respect to the output signal based on one of the frequency signals of the output signal received from the current detector and the same plurality of frequency signals received from the frequency synthesized oscillator. Biometric impedance measuring apparatus for detecting a component of the frequency signal corresponding to any one of the frequency signal received from the oscillator. The method of claim 1,
The signal applying unit includes a plurality of signal generators provided corresponding to each of the plurality of electrodes when the plurality of electrodes are attached to the body part.
The signal applying unit applies an application signal generated by each of the plurality of signal generators to the plurality of electrodes by using the plurality of frequency signals at random,
Each of the applied signals applied to the plurality of electrodes,
And a plurality of PN codes generated from each of the PN code generators included in each of the plurality of signal generators are applied to a plurality of frequency signals applied to each of the plurality of electrodes. The method of claim 9,
When the plurality of electrodes are attached to the body part, the measurement unit is provided in correspondence with each of the plurality of signal generators in a 1: 1 manner, and generates the same PN code as the PN code considered in the corresponding signal generator. A plurality of signal detection units including a PN code generation unit
Each of the plurality of signal detectors detects current output through the plurality of electrodes as an integrated output signal, and different PN codes that are the same as different PN codes generated through the plurality of signal generators with respect to the integrated output signal. And detecting a component of a plurality of frequency signals corresponding to the integrated output signal. The method of claim 10,
The measuring unit,
And measuring the bioimpedance of the number corresponding to the product of the number of the plurality of frequency signals and the number of the electrodes as the bioimpedance of the subject by the plurality of signal detectors. In the bioimpedance measurement method using the frequency hopping spread spectrum method of code division multiple access (Code Division Multiple Access),
Applying an applied signal generated by randomly using a plurality of frequency signals having different frequency bands to an electrode attached to a body part of a subject; And
A biometric impedance of the subject with respect to components of a plurality of frequency signals passing through the body part on the basis of the detected output signal, based on the detected output signal; Measuring step,
Including,
The bioimpedance measurement method,
Before the applying step, further comprising the step of generating and generating a plurality of randomly scrambled frequency signals as the application signal by the application of the PN code generated from the PN code generator,
The applying may include applying the application signal, which is a plurality of randomly scrambled frequency signals, to the electrode,
The application signal is,
The component of any one frequency signal randomly selected by the application of the PN code among the plurality of frequency signals in each time slot so that each of the plurality of frequency signals can be detected without interference even when the plurality of frequency signals are added together. A frequency slot corresponding to any one of the randomly selected frequency signals among the plurality of frequency slots divided to have bandwidths corresponding to the plurality of frequency signals, wherein each component of the plurality of frequency signals is And a signal generated to be located one by one in a time slot corresponding to a number of frequency signals. delete delete delete The method of claim 12,
The application signal is,
A component generated such that a component of a first frequency signal randomly selected from among the plurality of frequency signals is located in a first time slot, and a component of a second frequency signal randomly selected from among the plurality of frequency signals is located in a second time slot That is, the method of measuring bioimpedance. The method of claim 12,
The measuring may include detecting a component of a plurality of frequency signals corresponding to the output signal,
In the detecting step,
The current detected by the current detection unit is transferred to the frequency detection unit as an output signal, and the plurality of frequency signals identical to the plurality of frequency signals generated by the application of the same PN code as the PN code considered in generating the application signal are generated. And transmitting the frequency signal to the frequency detector and detecting the components of the plurality of frequency signals corresponding to the output signal by using the same plurality of frequency signals and the output signals. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the method of any one of claims 12, 16 and 17.

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