KR20210045021A - Weight bearing analyzer for veterinary and control method for weight bearing analyzing system for veterinary - Google Patents

Abstract

A weight load analyzing device of the present invention comprises: a first guide and a second guide; a first upper body weight sensing device and a second upper body weight sensing device; a first lower body weight sensing device and a second lower body weight sensing device; and a controller. The first guide and the second guide vary relative positions for each other, and individually include a guide groove on an upper surface and a guide groove extended in one direction. The first upper body weight sensing device and the second upper body weight sensing device individually vary relative positions for each other to the one direction in the guide groove formed in the first guide, and individually sense weights applied from a pair of upper bodies of an animal. The first lower body weight sensing device and the second lower body weight sensing device individually vary relative positions for each other to the one direction in the guide groove formed in the second guide, and individually sense weights applied from a pair of lower bodies of the animal. The controller generates an output indicating a weight distributed to four legs of the animal based on sensing values of the first upper body weight sensing device, the second upper body weight sensing device, the first lower body weight sensing device, and the second lower body weight sensing device. At least one among the first upper body weight sensing device, the second upper body weight sensing device, the first lower body weight sensing device, and the second lower body weight sensing device comprises: a base which guides movement in the one direction by the guide groove; a stand which is arranged above the base, and on which one foot of the animal is placed on an upper surface positioned above an opening unit of the guide groove; and a load cell which connects the base and the stand, and outputs a signal to the controller in response to a weight applied from the stand. The present invention can reduce manufacturing costs.

Description

Control method of animal weight bearing analyzer and weight bearing analysis system {WEIGHT BEARING ANALYZER FOR VETERINARY AND CONTROL METHOD FOR WEIGHT BEARING ANALYZING SYSTEM FOR VETERINARY}

The present invention relates to a device capable of analyzing an abnormality of musculoskeletal disorders by measuring weight-bearing values of limb animals such as dogs, cats, horses, cattle, sheep, and a control method of a system including such devices.

Four-legged animals (limb animals) such as dogs, cats, horses, cows, sheep, etc. have disabilities or discomforts in their claws, feet, or legs, making it difficult to communicate with humans even if they are suffering from balance disorders or pain. As a manager or owner of these animals, it is only possible to estimate that a disability or discomfort has occurred from the fact that the animal's gait is abnormal, and it is difficult to accurately analyze the specific cause of the gait abnormality. For this reason, in the field of veterinary medicine or animal rehabilitation, a technique for diagnosing the disability or discomfort currently experienced by analyzing the standing posture of limb animals is being studied.

US 9,186,091 B2 (hereinafter referred to as'prior art') discloses a posture analyzer for analyzing the posture of a limb animal. The posture analyzer includes pressure plates on which four legs of an animal stand on first to fourth quadrants on a flat platform surface, respectively, and a plurality of pressure transducers under one pressure plate ( pressure transducer) is installed to output a signal according to the pressure transmitted through the pressure plate.

In the prior art, pressure transducers are installed at each of the four corners of the pressure plate so that even if the pressure is applied at different positions on the pressure plate, there is little variation in the detection result. The load applied to the pressure plate is determined. However, since this method requires a total of 16 pressure transducers for 4 pressure plates, there is a problem that excessive manufacturing costs are required.

On the other hand, in order to accurately measure the load distributed to each pressure plate, the animal to be tested must be in an immobile position while the measurement is being made, but it is not easy to do so. In particular, in the posture analyzer according to the prior art, since four pressure plates form a common plane, there is no restriction on the movement of the animal within the plane, and there is a problem that the animal frequently descends from the pressure plate to the platform surface. .

FIG. 10 shows that in order to restrain the movement of the animal while the measurement is being made using a conventional posture analyzer, one person is holding the animal to be measured from the rear, and the other is hovering with food from the front of the animal, and the measurement is made. It is shown that the animal is being attracted to maintain an immobile posture while feeding.

From the same point of view, the prior art according to US 9,186,091 B2 discloses a food holder for placing food in front of a subject animal, and further discloses a fence member that prevents the animal from leaving the pressure plates. have.

However, restraining the movement of animals in this manner has a problem of transferring weight to the forelimbs (batteries) because animals generally have the characteristic of pushing their head forward during the process of feeding.

In addition, when an animal is trapped in a fence, not only may he be more restless due to stress, but also attempt to escape under the fence or beyond the fence, causing greater difficulty in measurement.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is, first, to provide a weight-bearing analyzer capable of inducing an animal to instinctively maintain an immobile posture during a weight-bearing measurement process. In particular, to provide a weight-bearing analyzer that allows an animal to visually recognize a height difference between a portion on which its leg is stepped on and an area around it so that the animal's behavior is naturally restricted.

Second, it is possible to separate the stands supporting each leg of the limb animal from each other, so that the spacing of the stands can be adjusted according to the length of the animal. It is to provide a weight-bearing analyzer so that the animal instinctively recognizes that it has to put only one foot on each stand.

Third, it is to provide a weight load analyzer that can accurately measure the weight (load) applied to one leg using only one sensor.

Fourth, it is to provide a weight-bearing analyzer with less deviation of the measured weight value no matter which part of the stand the animal stepped on.

Fifth, it is to provide a weight bearing analyzer with improved measurement accuracy while simplifying the structure and reducing the manufacturing cost compared to the prior art.

Sixth, it is to provide a control method of a weight-bearing analysis system for animals capable of diagnosing the presence or absence of abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system of limb animals only by measuring weight-bearing without imaging (for example, radiography) or gait test.

The present invention relates to a weight-bearing analyzer for analyzing the weight (or weight-bearing) distributed to the legs of an animal. The weight-bearing analyzer has a first guide and a second guide each having an opening in an upper surface and a guide groove extending in one direction, each of which has an opening in an upper surface, and a guide groove formed in the first guide. A first battery weight sensor and a second battery weight sensor each detecting the weight applied from the pair of batteries of the animal, each of which is capable of varying relative positions with respect to each other in the one direction, and each of the second A first Fuji weight sensor and a second Fuji weight sensor each detecting the weight applied from the pair of Fujis of the animal, wherein the relative positions of each other in the one direction are variable within the guide groove formed in the guide, Generates an output indicating the weight distributed to the four legs of the animal based on the detected values of the first battery weight sensor, the second battery weight sensor, the first Fuji weight sensor, and the second Fuji weight sensor. Includes a controller.

At least one of the first battery weight sensor, the second battery weight sensor, the first Fuji weight sensor, and the second Fuji weight sensor includes a base that is guided in the one direction by the guide groove, and the base is A stand disposed on the upper side and on the upper surface of the animal located above the opening of the guide groove, the base and the stand are connected, and a signal is transmitted to the controller in response to a load applied from the stand. Includes an output load cell.

The stand may be positioned higher than the upper surface of the guide.

At least one of the first battery weight sensor, the second battery weight sensor, the first Fuji weight sensor, and the second Fuji weight sensor is coupled to the bottom surface of the stand, and the front end of the load cell is coupled to the bottom surface. It may further include a first support plate, and a second support plate coupled to the upper surface of the base, the rear end of the load cell is coupled to the upper surface.

The weight load analyzer may further include a display displaying weight distribution of the legs of the animal based on a signal output from the controller. The weight load analyzer further includes first to fourth light sources each flashing according to detection values of the first battery weight detector, the second battery weight detector, the first Fuji weight detector, and the second Fuji weight detector. can do. The first to fourth light sources may be turned on when a detection value of a corresponding weight sensor does not reach a preset threshold value.

At least one of the first guide and the second guide may include a separation preventing portion fixedly disposed in the opening so that at least a portion thereof contacts the upper surface of the base.

The control method of the weight load analysis system of the present invention includes a left battery weight sensor and a right battery weight sensor that respectively detect the weight applied from a pair of batteries of a limb animal, and the weight applied from the pair of fujis of the animal. It relates to a control method of a weight load analysis system including a left Fuji weight sensor and a right Fuji weight sensor for sensing weight, respectively, comprising: (a) the left battery weight sensor, the right battery weight sensor, the left Fuji weight sensor, and Acquiring the measurement values of the right Fuji weight sensor, (b) a left battery weight load measured by the left battery weight sensor and a right battery weight load detected by the right battery weight sensor with a preset battery threshold value Comparing, (c) comparing the left Fuji weight load measured by the left Fuji weight sensor and the right Fuji weight load detected by the right Fuji weight sensor with a preset Fuji threshold value, and (d) the ( and diagnosing the symptom of incomplete paralysis of the animal based on the comparison results in step b) and step (c), and displaying the result.

The control method may further include the step of (e) selecting a group, and at least one of the battery threshold value and the Fuji threshold value may be set according to the group selected in step (e).

The weight bearing analyzer of the present invention makes it possible to recognize that the animals to be tested must instinctively place their four legs on each stand, since the stands on which the test animals are stepped on are provided independently of each other, and thus, It is possible to prevent the animal to be examined from crossing the border between the stands.

In addition, since the stand is in a position raised to a predetermined height by the guide, the base and the load cell, the animal visually recognizes that its position is higher than the floor on which the guide is mounted, and instinctively restrains its behavior. There is.

In addition, it is possible to control the behavior of animals without the assistance of an inspector or a separate person, so it is convenient and accurate measurement is possible.

In addition, since the body weight (load) applied to one leg is measured using only one sensor (load cell), the structure is simple and the manufacturing cost can be reduced compared to the prior art.

In addition, since the distance between the stands can be adjusted, it is possible to measure accurately in response to the body length of the animal.

The weight-bearing analysis system for limb animals of the present invention has the effect of accurately diagnosing the presence or absence of an abnormality in the musculoskeletal system of a limb animal only by measuring weight-bearing without imaging (eg, radiographic imaging) or a gait test.

1 to 2 show a weight load analyzer for limb animals according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a perspective view showing the weight sensor shown in FIGS. 1 to 2.
4 is a left side view of the weight sensor shown in FIG. 3.
5 is a right side view of the weight sensor shown in FIG. 3.
6 shows a state in which the horizontal movement prevention bar is applied to the weight sensor.
7 illustrates an example of a screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. 2.
8 is a flow chart showing a method of performing a diagnosis using a weight-bearing analyzer for limb animals according to embodiments of the present invention.
9 illustrates screens displayed on a mobile terminal.
10 shows a state of measuring a limb animal using a conventional posture analyzer.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and a method of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in a variety of different forms, and only these embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and are common knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to completely inform the scope of the invention to those who have, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the specification.

1 to 2 show a weight load analyzer 1 for a limb animal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a perspective view showing the weight sensor 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 2. 4 is a left side view of the weight sensor 10 shown in FIG. 3. 5 is a right side view of the weight sensor 10 shown in FIG. 3. 6 shows a state in which the horizontal movement prevention bar is applied to the weight sensor. 7 illustrates an example of a screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. 2.

Hereinafter, the weight bearing analyzer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

The weight bearing analyzer 1 includes four weight sensors 10: 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d for analyzing the weight (weight) distributed to each leg of an animal with four legs (ie, a limb). Hereinafter, sensing the amount of body weight applied to the animal's left battery (or left forelimb) is referred to as the first battery weight detector (10a, or, left battery weight detector), and applied to the right battery (or right forelimb). Detecting the amount of losing weight is referred to as a second battery weight sensor (10b, or, right battery weight sensor), and sensing the amount of weight applied to the left Fuji (or left hind leg) is referred to as the first Fuji weight sensor ( 10c, or, the left Fuji weight sensor), and detecting the amount of weight applied to the right Fuji (or the right hind leg) is referred to as a second Fuji weight sensor (10d, or the right Fuji weight sensor).

In addition to supporting the first battery weight sensor 10a and the second battery weight sensor 10b, the first battery weight sensor 10a and the second battery weight sensor 10b are in one direction (or perpendicular to the elongation of the nest). The first guide 20a is provided to guide the movement in the left-right direction in the embodiment). The first guide 20a includes a guide groove 20h extending in the one direction with an opening in the upper surface. Since this structure is the same as the second guide 20b, it is specified that the description of the first guide 20a mentioned below applies to the second guide 20b as it is.

The first battery weight detector 10a and the second battery weight detector 10b are inserted into the guide groove 20h through the opening of the guide groove 20h. The first battery weight detector 10a and the second battery weight detector 10b can be moved along the one direction (or the length direction of the guide groove 20h) within the guide groove 20h. It slides along the bottom of the groove 20h, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

Each of the weight sensors 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d includes a base 110, a stand 120 and/or a load cell 130. The base 110 is guided in the one direction by the guide groove 20h. The base 110 is formed substantially flat so that at least a portion thereof is located in the guide groove 20h, and the bottom surface of the base 110 is in contact with the bottom of the guide groove 20h.

The height of the base 110 is not limited thereto, but is lower than the opened upper end of the guide groove 20h. In this case, even if the base 110 is shaken, a separation prevention unit 140 may be provided to prevent separation from the guide groove 20h.

The separation prevention part 140 may be detachable from the guide 20 and may extend long in the longitudinal direction of the guide groove 20h. In a state fixed to the guide 20, the bottom surface of the departure prevention part 140 may face the upper surface of the base 110, and is preferably finely spaced from the upper surface of the base 110.

The first battery weight sensor 10a and the second battery weight sensor 10b can be independently displaced with respect to each other within the area limited by the guide groove 20h, and thus, between the left and right legs of the subject animal The distance between the first battery weight sensor 10a and the second battery weight sensor 10b may be adjusted according to the interval.

In addition, since the first battery weight sensor 10a and the second battery weight sensor 10b are guided by a common guide 20a, the first battery weight sensor 10a and the second battery weight sensor 10b Even if the spacing is variable, it is possible to maintain the aligned state at all times even if there is no separate operation in the left and right directions (or the lengthwise direction of the guide groove 20h).

In addition, since the first battery weight sensor 10a and the second battery weight sensor 10b are accommodated together in the guide groove 20h, it is easy to move and store the battery weight sensors 10a and 10b.

On the other hand, since the first guide 20a and the second guide 20b are independent of each other, their relative positions may be variable. That is, the distance between the first guide 20a and the second guide 20b may be adjusted according to the height of the test animal or the distance between the battery and the fuji.

3 to 5, in the weight sensor 10, the stand 120 is disposed above the base 110, and a load cell 130 is provided between the base 110 and the stand 120. The load cell 130 is preferably a shear beam type as in the embodiment, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

In response to the height of the load cell 130, the stand 120 is spaced upward from the base 110, and is positioned further above the opening of the guide groove 20h. Preferably, the upper end of the load cell 130 protrudes upward from the opening, and the stand 120 is coupled to the protruding upper end.

The top surfaces of the stands 120 may form a common plane. In addition, a friction pad 170 may be attached to the upper surface of each stand 120 to provide a friction surface having a predetermined particle size so that the animal's foot does not slide.

The load cell 130 extends long in the front-rear direction (or the width direction of the guide groove 20h), the stand 120 is connected to the upper side of the front end 131, and the base ( 110) is connected. The load cell 130 may be directly connected to the stand 120, but is preferably coupled to the stand 120 via the first support plate 150 as in the embodiment.

The first support plate 150 is a plate body having sufficient rigidity, and is preferably made of metal (eg, stainless steel), and the upper surface is in contact with the bottom surface of the stand 120. The front end 131 of the load cell 130 may be coupled to the first support plate 150 by at least one front end fastening member (eg, a bolt or screw). A fastening member such as a nut or a washer is fastened to the front end fastening member so that the load cell 130 and the first support plate 150 may maintain a constant distance. For example, as in the embodiment, two nuts 191 and 192 are fastened to one front end fastening member (hereinafter, referred to as'first front end fastening member'), and these two nuts 191, The first support plate 150 may be spaced apart from the load cell 130 by an interval corresponding to the thickness of the 192.

A plurality of the front end fastening members may be installed along the length direction of the load cell 130. However, it is preferable that any of the plurality of front end fastening members be fastened with the load cell 130 in front of the length intermediate point M of the load cell 130. For reference, in the embodiment, the two nuts 193 and 194 are fastened to the second front end fastening member located behind the first front end fastening member.

In a state in which the load cell 130 and the first support plate 150 are coupled by the front end fastening members, the first support plate 150 may be coupled to the stand 120. In the embodiment, the first support plate 150 is fixed to the bottom surface of the stand 120 by an adhesive, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be coupled using a fastening means such as screws or bolts.

On the other hand, the first support plate 150 is fastened with the front end fastening member in a region in front of the length intermediate point M of the load cell 130, but the first support plate 150 reaches the rear of the intermediate point M As a result, it is configured to support the bottom surface of the stand 120 even in the area behind the intermediate point (M).

Since the first support plate 150 reaches the front as well as the rear centering on the intermediate point M, even if pressure is applied to any part of the stand 120, it can be transmitted to the load cell 130 through the first support plate 150. have. In addition, since the pressure acting on the first support plate 150 is evenly distributed, the durability of the product is improved. In particular, the deformation of the first support plate 150 is prevented, so that the first support plate 150 and the stand 120 are It is prevented from being separated from each other.

On the other hand, the second support plate 160, as a plate body having sufficient rigidity, like the first support plate 150, is preferably made of metal (for example, stainless steel), the bottom surface and the upper surface of the base 110 Touch. The rear end 132 of the load cell 130 may be coupled to the second support plate 160 by at least one rear end fastening member (eg, a bolt or screw). A fastening member such as a nut or a washer is fastened to the rear end fastening member so that the load cell 130 and the second support plate 160 may maintain a constant distance. For example, as in the embodiment, two nuts 195 and 196 are fastened to one rear end fastening member (hereinafter, referred to as'first rear end fastening member'), and these two nuts 195, The load cell 130 may be spaced apart from the second support plate 160 by an interval corresponding to the thickness of 196.

A plurality of the rear end fastening members may be installed along the length direction of the load cell 130. However, it is preferable that any of the plurality of rear end fastening members be fastened with the load cell 130 from the rear of the load cell 130 rather than the intermediate length M of the load cell 130. For reference, in the embodiment, the two nuts 197 and 198 are fastened to the second rear end fastening member positioned in front of the first rear end fastening member.

In a state where the first guide 20a and the second guide 20b are spaced apart from each other, the floor on which the guides 20a and 20b are mounted is exposed through the spaced apart from each other. . At this time, since the stands 120 protrude to a higher height than the guide 20, the animal standing on the stands 120 is in a state of being raised to a considerable height from the floor, that is, where it is located. There is a tendency to recognize that the place is a distinct area from the floor, and thus maintain the current position without instinctively moving to the floor.

In particular, since the floor is exposed through the spaced gap between the first guide 20a supporting the battery of the animal and the second guide 20b supporting the fuji, the movement of the animal in the anteroposterior direction is limited. It works.

Furthermore, two weight detectors (e.g., 10a, 10b) supported by one guide 20 can be spaced apart from each other, in this case, two stands (e.g., 120a, 120b) Since the space is separated, there is an effect that the movement of the animal in the left and right directions is limited.

In addition, the bases 110 of the two weight detectors (for example, 10a, 10b) supported by one guide 20 are adjacent to each other, or the bases 110 are maximally approached to each other to contact each other. Even in a state in which the weight sensors 10a and 10b are provided with a pair of stands 110 may be maintained in a state spaced apart from each other.

In other words, the structure in which the first guide 20a and the second guide 20b are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction functions to limit the movement of the animal in the front-rear direction, and stands (for example, 120a) in the left-right direction. , 120b) The structure that is separated from each other functions to limit the movement of the animal in the left and right direction, and this function is based on the instinct based on the information that the animal accepts through his or her vision. Therefore, it is possible to induce the animal to easily maintain an immobile posture without feeding or holding the animal as in the prior art while the measurement is being made, and as a result, the accuracy of the measurement is improved.

Referring to FIG. 6, a horizontal movement prevention bar 210 may be further provided to suggest that a pair of weight detectors 10a, 10b or 10c, 10d move within the guides 20a and 20b. For example, in a state in which one side of the first Fuji weight sensor 10c is in close contact with one side of the guide groove 20h, and the second Fuji weight sensor 10d is in close contact with the other side of the first Fuji weight sensor 10c. , By inserting the horizontal movement prevention bar 210 between the other side of the guide groove (20h) and the second Fuji weight sensor (10d), the first Fuji weight sensor (10c) and the second Fuji weight sensor (10d) is moved. Can be restrained.

Meanwhile, each of the load cells 130 outputs a signal by a load applied from the stands 120, and the output signal is transmitted to the controller 31. The controller 31 may be an operation device that processes a received signal and processes a load sensed by each load cell 130.

Each load cell 130 may be connected to the controller 31 through corresponding cables 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d. 4, each of the cables 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d is a power supply line 511 that supplies power to the load cell 130, and at least one output signal line that transmits an output signal of the load cell 130 ( 512, 513) and/or a ground wire 514 may be included.

The controller 31 may process a signal received through the at least one output signal line to obtain the weight sensed through the load cell 130, and the obtained weight may be output through the display 32. The display 32 may include an LCD or LED panel.

Indicators representing weights and/or weight loads sensed through the load cells 130 may be displayed on the screen of the display 32. The indicators may be weights (eg, g) sensed through each load cell 130. In addition, the indicators may include a ratio (%) of the weight sensed through each load cell 130 to the total weight.

For example, referring to FIG. 7, on the screen 32a of the display 32, the weight applied from the left battery is 2245g (321), the weight applied from the right battery is 2859g (322), and the weight applied from the left Fuji is 640g ( 323), a weight of 1307g (324) and a total weight of 7051g applied from the right Fuji may be displayed.

In addition, the weight distribution of the legs of the animal may be displayed on the screen 32a. That is, on the screen 32a, the weight ratio applied from the left battery (or weight load ratio) 32% (325), the weight ratio applied from the right battery 40% (326), the weight ratio applied from the left Fuji 9% (327), A weight ratio of 19% (328) applied from the right Fuji can be displayed.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, the controller 31 and the display 32 may be provided in the interface unit 30. The interface unit 30 has a substantially box shape, and a space in which the controller 31 is accommodated is provided, and a display 32 is provided on the upper surface thereof.

In addition, the interface unit 30 may include at least one operation key 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e, 36f operated by a user. In the embodiment, the operation keys 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e, and 36f are button-type, but need not be limited thereto, and various known input means are possible.

In addition, the interface unit 30 may include at least one flashing light 37a and 37b indicating an operating state of the interface unit 30.

The power key 36a turns on/off a power source supplied to the interface unit 30. The power applied to the controller 31 may be supplied or cut off according to the operation of the power key 36a. A power indicator 39 (refer to FIG. 1) that lights up when the power 36a is applied may be provided.

The reset key 36b is a button for resetting the interface unit 30. When there is an input through the reset key 36b, the measured values of the load cells 130 recorded in the memory may be deleted.

The group selection key 36c is for receiving a selection for a group to be measured. Boundary values (TC1, TC2, PC1, PC2, see Fig. 8) to be described later are defined according to the group selected through the group selection key 36c.

The user can control the overall operation of the weight-bearing analyzer 1 through the operation keys 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e, and 36f. A control signal input through each of the operation keys 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e, and 36f is input to the controller 31, and the controller 31 is operated according to the control signal.

In the embodiment, first and second groups are defined, and when there is an input through the group selection key 36c (that is, when BL=1 in S2 of FIG. 8), see also the first group (BL Group). ) Is selected, and at this time, two boundary values, namely, the battery boundary value and the Fuji boundary value, are set to TC1 and PC1, respectively. When there is an input through the group selection key 36c, the group selection indicator 37a may be turned on.

In a state in which the group selection key 36c is not input, the second group is selected as an initial value. At this time, two threshold values, that is, a battery threshold value and a Fuji threshold value, are set to TC2 and PC2, respectively. When the group selection key 36c is not input, the group selection indicator 37a may be turned off.

However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a larger number of groups may be defined according to embodiments, and in this case, the group selection key 36c may also be modified to select these groups.

The weight measurement key 36d is a key for acquiring the body weight (or total weight) of the subject to be examined. When there is an input through the weight measurement key 36d, the controller 31 may express the weight value (or the total weight (g)) based on the current measured values of the load cells 130. For Yelp, the controller 31 may obtain a weight value by summing the measured values of the four load cells 130 and display this on the screen 32a.

The data acquisition key 36e is a key for acquiring a measured value and/or a weight bearing value of the load cells 130. When there is an input through the data acquisition key 36d, the controller 31 provides information obtained based on the current measured values of the load cells 130, that is, information displayed on the screen 32a of the display 32 ( 7) may be stored in the memory.

In addition, when there is an input through the data acquisition key 36e, the information may be transmitted to the user's portable terminal 3 (refer to FIG. 2).

On the other hand, when the data acquisition key 36e is input again, the controller 31 configures the screen 32a again based on the measured values obtained by the load cells 130 at that time and displays it through the display 32. You can do it. That is, each time the data acquisition key 36e is pressed, the screen 32a displayed on the display 32 is updated. In this case, information displayed on the updated screen 32a may be transmitted to the user's portable terminal 3 (refer to FIG. 2 ).

Meanwhile, the interface unit 30 may further include input terminals 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d to which cables 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d connected to the load cells 130 are respectively connected. In addition, the interface unit 30 may include a power line 52 connected to an external power source.

The weight load analyzer 1 may further include a foot switch (not shown) connected to the interface unit 30. The foot switch applies a signal according to a user's foot operation, and may have the same function as the data selection key 36e. The foot switch may be attached to and detached from the foot switch connection terminal 35e.

A predetermined signal can be input through the footswitch connection terminal 35e in which the footswitch is pressed by the user's foot operation, and in this case, the controller 31 has the same method as when the data selection key 36e is input. The treatment can be done.

Meanwhile, the cables 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d may be detachably coupled to the corresponding input terminals 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d. Since the cables 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d can be separated from the input terminals 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d, it is easy to carry, move or store the weight load analyzer 1.

The interface unit 30 may include an unbalanced load indicator 40. Referring to FIG. 2, the unbalanced load indicator 40 detects the first battery weight sensor 10a, the second battery weight sensor 10b, the first Fuji weight sensor 10c, and the second Fuji weight sensor 10d. It may include first to fourth light sources 41, 42, 43, and 44 that blink according to a value.

The first to fourth light sources 41, 42, 43, and 44 may be turned on when the detection values of the corresponding weight sensors 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d do not reach a preset threshold value.

The first to fourth light sources 41, 42, 43, and 44 may be arranged in a square shape to correspond to the four legs of an animal. The controller 31 compares the measured value of the first battery weight sensor 10a with a battery threshold value (TC1 in the case of the first group, and TC2 in the case of the second group), and the measured value is greater than the battery threshold value. If it is small, the first light source 41 can be turned on.

The controller 31 compares the measured value of the second battery weight detector 10b with a battery threshold value (TC1 in the case of the first group, and TC2 in the case of the second group), and the measured value is greater than the battery threshold value. If it is small, the second light source 42 can be turned on.

The controller 31 compares the measured value of the first Fuji weight sensor 10c with a Fuji threshold (PC1 in the first group, PC2 in the second group), and the measured value is greater than the Fuji threshold. If it is small, the third light source 43 can be turned on.

The controller 31 compares the measured value of the second Fuji weight sensor 10d with a Fuji threshold (PC1 in the first group, PC2 in the second group), and the measured value is greater than the Fuji threshold. If it is small, the fourth light source 44 can be turned on.

According to the applicant's study, if one leg of an animal hurts or is uncomfortable, the pain follows when applying force to that leg, so there is a tendency to support the body with the other legs that are not sore. For example, when one or both of the batteries are painful, the detection values of the load cells 130 for measuring the load applied from the batteries are low, and the load cells 130 for measuring the load applied from the Fujis. ) Is measured relatively high.

That is, in order to determine the state of the legs of the animal, it is important to select a painful leg (that is, a leg with a low measurement value of the load cell), and in this aspect, the unbalanced load indicator 40 of the present invention is a weight detector 10 ) When the detection value does not reach the preset threshold values (TC1, TC2, PC1, PC2), the corresponding light source (41, 42, 43, 44) is turned on so that it is easy to determine which leg is abnormal. I did. In particular, since the light sources 41, 42, 43, and 44 are arranged in a square shape, it is possible to intuitively grasp which light sources 41, 42, 43, 44 visually indicate the state of which leg. In addition, since the present invention only needs four light sources (eg, diodes), the cost is lower compared to the case of displaying using an LCD or an LED panel.

In addition, the interface unit 30 may include an IR receiver 38. The IR receiver 38 receives an IR signal transmitted from the IR remote control 2. The IR receiver 38 may be rotatably installed on the interface unit 30 so that the receiving direction can be changed in response to the displacement of the IR remote control 2.

The IR remote control 2 generates a signal for controlling the weight load analyzer 1 according to the user's operation, and may include keys that have substantially the same function as the operation keys 36a to 36f described above. have.

Meanwhile, the weight-bearing analyzer 1 may further include a wireless communication module (not shown) capable of wirelessly communicating with a user's portable terminal 3 (for example, a mobile communication device, see FIG. 2 ). The wireless communication module may be provided in the interface unit 30. The wireless communication module may be a Wi-Fi, zigbee, Bluetooth, or near field communication (NFC) module. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and of course, the wireless communication module may be any other known wireless communication means.

In this case, the information displayed through the screen 32a of the above-described display (for example, information selected by the input of the data acquisition key 36e) is transmitted to the mobile terminal 3 through the wireless communication module. , May be displayed through the screen of the portable terminal 3.

9 illustrates information displayed through the screen of the mobile terminal 3 by way of example, and FIG. 9A shows a screen configured based on the measured values of No. 4.

Meanwhile, the interface unit 30 may include a blank key 36f (see FIG. 2 ). When there is an input through the blank key 36f, the controller 31 may transmit a blank signal through the wireless communication module. The portable terminal 3 may display a blank space on the screen according to the reception of the blank space signal. Figure 9(b) shows that two paragraphs of space (SP1, SP2) are displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 3, and these spaces (SP1, SP2) are by one input of the space key (36f). Alternatively, it may be configured such that a blank space of one paragraph is generated for each input of the blank key 36f.

8 is a flow chart showing a method of performing a diagnosis using a weight-bearing analyzer for limb animals according to embodiments of the present invention. Hereinafter, a method of controlling a weight-bearing analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 9.

The weight-bearing analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a weight-bearing analyzer (1) and a portable terminal (3). The weight-bearing analysis system may diagnose an animal to be tested based on weight values sensed through the weight detectors 10: 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. Specifically, paresis of a subject animal may be diagnosed based on weight bearings applied to each leg of the subject to be examined.

In general, animals have a tendency to lose weight acting on the leg when discomfort or disorder occurs in a leg due to a disease of the spine, skeletal or muscle. This is because the more the load is applied to the uncomfortable leg, the more the pain increases. Therefore, in an animal with a disease, when the measured values of the four weight sensors (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) have a lower value compared to the normal case, the lower value of the leg or organs such as the vertebrae related thereto It can be determined that discomfort has occurred.

Specifically, paresis can be classified into incomplete single paralysis, incomplete upper/lower half paraparesis, hemiparesis, and diagonal paralysis according to symptoms.

Monoparesis is incomplete paralysis in only one of the four legs.Three measurements of the four weight sensors (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) are within the normal range and only one is abnormal. .

Paraparesis This is a case of incomplete paralysis in both cells (or upper body) or both posteriors (or lower body). Incomplete upper/lower paraplegia can be further divided into incomplete paraplegia, in which the cells are normal and the fujis are abnormal, and incomplete upper paraplegia, where both cells are abnormal and both fujis are normal.

Hemiparesis is a case of incomplete paralysis in the ipsilateral anterior and posterior regions. Incomplete hemiplegia can be divided into a normal left anterior hemiplegia, a normal anterior and posterior left anterior and posterior hemiplegia, and a normal right anterior and posterior hemiplegia, and a normal left anterior and posterior hemiplegia.

Diagonal paresis is a case in which a pair of legs diagonally out of the four legs is abnormal, and the left and right posteriors are abnormal, and the right and left posteriors are normal, opposite to the case where the right and left posteriors are abnormal. It can be divided into a case where the left battery and the right Fuji are normal.

On the other hand, when determining various incomplete paralysis symptoms as described above, a border line value, which is a criterion for abnormality and normality, may be set differently depending on the group.

The groups are classified according to predetermined criteria. For example, in the case of dog breeds, short-headed species such as Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Pug, Boston Terrier, and Bulldog. , brachycephalic breed) or long loin breeds such as Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel, Welsh corgi, and Beagle are classified as group 1, and other breeds It can be classified into a second group.

When the threshold value for determining the abnormality of the battery is referred to as the battery threshold value (TC), and the threshold value for determining the abnormality of the Fuji is referred to as the Fuji threshold value (PC), the battery threshold value of the first group (TC1, hereinafter, ' The first battery threshold value') may be set to a value greater than the battery threshold value TC2 of the second group (hereinafter, referred to as'second battery threshold value').

In the case of dog breeds, the battery threshold value (TC1) of the first group is 32 to 33 weight ratio (%, the ratio of the weight distributed to the leg to the total weight of the animal), preferably 32.5%, and the battery of the second group The threshold value TC2 is 29.5 to 30.5%, preferably 30.0%.

The Fuji boundary value PC1 of the first group may be set to a value smaller than the Fuji boundary value PC2 of the second group.

In the case of dog breeds, the Fuji boundary value (PC1) of the first group is 14.5 to 15.5%, preferably 15.0%, and the Fuji boundary value (PC2) of the second group is 17.0 to 18.0%, preferably 17.5%.

The control method of the weight load analysis system includes the steps of acquiring measurement values of the left battery weight sensor 10a, the right battery weight sensor 10b, the left Fuji weight sensor 10c, and the right Fuji weight sensor 10d. . Depending on the embodiment, measurement may be performed by a user inputting a data selection key 36e (see FIG. 2), inputting a function button of the IR remote control 2, or using a foot switch.

The measured values thus obtained, that is, the left battery weight load, the right battery weight load, the left Fuji weight load, and the right Fuji weight load, may be transmitted to the portable terminal 3 and displayed on the screen. For example,'A' shown in FIG. 9 denotes a left battery weight load 28 (hereinafter, the unit is %), a right battery weight load 41, a left Fuji weight load 19, and a right Fuji weight load 13.

Comparison of the left battery weight load (TL) measured by the left battery weight detector (10a) and the right battery weight load (TR) detected by the right battery weight detector (10b) with a preset battery threshold (TC1 or TC2) The steps (S31 to S32, or S41 to S42) are carried out.

The step of selecting a group (S1) may be further included. In this case, when the first group (BL Group) is selected in step S1 ('Yes' in step S1), the battery threshold value is TC1 (the first battery threshold value ), and when the second group is selected in step S1, the battery threshold may be set to TC2 (second battery threshold).

When the left battery weight load (TL) is less than the battery threshold value (TC1 or TC2), an abnormal display value ('L' in the embodiment) may be input to TL (S311 or S411), and in the opposite case, normal display A value ('_' in the embodiment) may be input (S312 or S412). These steps can be performed in the portable terminal 3, and display values can be displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 3 as shown in FIG. 9.

When the right battery weight load (TR) is less than the battery threshold value (TC1 or TC2), an abnormal display value ('L' in the embodiment) may be input to TR (S321 or S421), and in the opposite case, normal display A value ('_' in the embodiment) may be input (S322 or S422). These steps can be performed in the portable terminal 3, and display values can be displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 3 as shown in FIG. 9.

In addition, the left Fuji weight load (PL) measured by the left Fuji weight detector (10c) and the right Fuji weight load (PR) detected by the right Fuji weight detector (10d) are set to a preset Fuji threshold (PC1 or PC2). A step of comparing with (S33 to S34, or S43 to S44) is performed.

When the first group (BL Group) is selected in step S1 ('Yes' in step S1), the Fuji boundary value may be set to PC1 (the first Fuji boundary value), and when the second group is selected in step S1, The battery threshold may be set to PC2 (the second Fuji threshold).

When the left Fuji weight load (PL) is smaller than the Fuji threshold (PC1 or PC2), an abnormal display value ('L' in the embodiment) may be input to the PL (S331 or S431), and in the opposite case, the normal display A value ('_' in the embodiment) may be input (S332 or S432). These values can also be displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 3 as shown in FIG. 9. These steps can be performed in the portable terminal 3, and display values can be displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 3 as shown in FIG. 9.

When the right Fuji weight load (PR) is less than the Fuji threshold (PC1 or PC2), an abnormal display value ('L' in the embodiment) may be input to the PR (S341 or S441), and in the opposite case, the normal display A value ('_' in the embodiment) may be input (S342 or S442). These values can also be displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 3 as shown in FIG. 9. These steps can be performed in the portable terminal 3, and display values can be displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 3 as shown in FIG. 9.

Thereafter, a step S5 in which the values obtained in steps S311 to S342 or S411 to S442 are processed by the portable terminal 3 may be further performed. In this step, the controller (not shown) of the portable terminal 3 is the total weight (for example, '7916' in the portion A shown in Fig. 9A) and the sum of the weight ratios of both batteries (T=TL+TR). =68 (Hereinafter, an error of +-1 may occur in the values due to rounding to the nearest decimal point.), the sum of the weight ratios of both Fuji (P=PL+PR=31), and the sum of the weight ratio of the left and right front and back (L= TL+PL=46) and the sum of the right front and rear weight ratios (R=TR+PR=53) can be obtained, and the obtained values can be displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 3.

Thereafter, the step of diagnosing the symptoms of incomplete paralysis of the animal based on the comparison results in steps S31 to S34, or S41 to S44, and displaying the result (S61 to S65, S81 to S85, or S66 to S70, S86 to S90) can be implemented. These steps can be made in the portable terminal 3. (The same applies to the steps described below.)

Specifically, when TL=L and TR=L (S61) is a case where the left and right batteries are abnormal, it is determined as incomplete upper half paraparesis (Para_T.P: Thoracic limbs Paraparesis, S81), and the result is a portable terminal ( 3) can be displayed on the screen.

When PL=L and PR=L (S62) is a case in which the left and right fujis are abnormal, it is determined as incomplete paraplegia (Para_P.P: Pelvic limbs Paraparesis, S82), and the result is the portable terminal (3) Can be displayed on the screen of.

When TL=L and PL=L (S63) is a case in which the left battery and the left fuji are abnormal, it is determined as left side hemiparesis (Hemi_L.P: Left side Hemiparesis, S83), and the result is the portable terminal 3 ) Can be displayed on the screen.

When TR = L and PR = L (S64) is a case in which the right battery and the right back are abnormal, it is determined as right side hemiparesis (S84), and the result is the portable terminal 3 ) Can be displayed on the screen.

When TL=L and PR=L (S65) is a case where the left battery and right posterior are abnormal, it is judged as left-right side diagonal paresis (S85), and the result is portable. It can be displayed on the screen of the terminal 3.

When TR=L and PL=L (S66) is a case where the right battery and the left posterior are abnormal, it is judged as Right-Left side Diagonal paresis (S86), and the result is It can be displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 3.

In the case of TL=L, TR=_, PL=_, PR=_ (S67), since only the left cell is abnormal, it is determined as Left Thoracic Limb Monoparesis (S87), and that The result can be displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 3.

In the case of TL=_, TR=L, PL=_, PR=_ (S68), since only the right cell is abnormal, it is determined as right thoracic limb monoparesis (S88). The result can be displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 3.

In the case of TL=_, TR=_, PL=L, PR=_ (S69), since only the left posterior is abnormal, it is determined as Left Pelvic limb Monoparesis (S89). The result can be displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 3.

When TL=_, TR=_, PL=_, PR=L (S70) is a case where only the right posterior is abnormal, it is determined as right posterior incomplete monoparesis (Mono_PR.P: Right Pelvic limb Monoparesis, S90). The result can be displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 3.

Meanwhile, in the above case, when a value of'L' among TL, TR, PL, and PR is set, the light sources 41, 42, 43 and 43 corresponding thereto may be turned on.

Claims (7)

In the weight bearing analyzer for analyzing the weight distributed to the legs of the animal,
A first guide and a second guide having variable positions relative to each other, each having an opening on an upper surface and a guide groove extending in one direction;
A first battery weight sensor and a second battery each having a variable position relative to each other in the one direction within the guide groove formed in the first guide, respectively sensing the weight applied from the pair of batteries of the animal Battery weight detector;
The first and second Fuji weight detectors, each of which has a variable relative position with respect to each other in the one direction, within the guide groove formed in the second guide, and respectively detects the weight applied from the pair of Fujis of the animal. Fuji weight detector; And
Generating an output indicating the weight distributed to the four legs of the animal based on the detected values of the first battery weight sensor, the second battery weight sensor, the first Fuji weight sensor, and the second Fuji weight sensor. Includes a controller,
At least one of the first battery weight sensor, the second battery weight sensor, the first Fuji weight sensor, and the second Fuji weight sensor,
A base that is guided in the one direction by the guide groove;
A stand disposed above the base and on which one foot of the animal is placed on an upper surface positioned above the opening of the guide groove; And
And a load cell connecting the base and the stand and outputting a signal to the controller in response to a load applied from the stand. The method of claim 1,
The stand above,
Weight-bearing analyzer positioned higher than the upper surface of the guide. The method of claim 1,
At least one of the first battery weight sensor, the second battery weight sensor, the first Fuji weight sensor, and the second Fuji weight sensor,
A first support plate coupled to a bottom surface of the stand and coupled to a front end portion of the load cell to the bottom surface; And
A weight load analyzer that is coupled to an upper surface of the base and further comprises a second support plate to which a rear end of the load cell is coupled to the upper surface. The method of claim 1,
Weight load analyzer further comprising a display for displaying the weight distribution of the legs of the animal based on the signal output from the controller. The method of claim 4,
The first battery weight detector, the second battery weight detector, the first Fuji weight sensor and the second Fuji weight detector further comprises first to fourth light sources each flashing according to the detection value,
The first to fourth light sources are weight-bearing analyzers that are turned on when a detection value of a corresponding weight sensor does not reach a preset threshold value. Left and right battery weight sensors each detecting the weight applied from the pair of batteries of the limb animal, and the left Fuji weight sensor and right Fuji detecting the weight applied from the pair of Fujis of the animal, respectively. In the control method of the weight load analysis system equipped with a weight sensor,
(a) acquiring measurement values of the left battery weight detector, the right battery weight detector, the left Fuji weight detector, and the right Fuji weight detector;
(b) comparing the left battery weight load measured by the left battery weight sensor and the right battery weight load detected by the right battery weight sensor with a preset battery threshold value;
(c) comparing the left fuji weight load measured by the left fuji weight sensor and the right fuji weight load detected by the right fuji weight sensor with a preset fuji threshold value; And
(d) diagnosing the symptoms of incomplete paralysis of the animal based on the comparison results in step (b) and step (c), and displaying the result. The method of claim 6,
(e) further comprising the step of selecting a group,
At least one of the battery threshold value and the Fuji threshold value is set according to the group selected in step (e).

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