Bolus analysis device and relative analysis method

Abstract

Described is a device for analysing a bolus, comprising: - a first body (10) having a first surface (11) designed to support the bolus and a second body (20) having a second surface (21) designed to come into contact with the bolus, - movement means (30) configured for constraining the second body (20) to the first body (10) in such a way as to allow a relative movement of the second body (20) with respect to the first body (10) between a non-operating configuration (C1), at which the first surface (11) and the second surface (21) are spaced apart for allowing an access to the first surface (11) and an operating configuration (C2), at which the first surface (11) and the second surface (21) are positioned facing and parallel to define a gap (40) designed to compress the bolus, the first surface (11) is intended to come into contact with a first face of the bolus and the second surface (21) is intended to come into contact with a second face of the bolus, the analysis device being characterised in that the first body (10) comprises a first means (50) for acquiring images oriented towards the first surface (11) in such a way as to detect a first face of the bolus and configured to generate a first signal as a function of at least a first image acquired.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] BOLUS ANALYSIS DEVICE AND RELATIVE ANALYSIS

[0003] METHOD

[0004] Technical field

[0005] This invention relates to a device and a method for analysing a bolus for assessing the chewing function of an individual.

[0006] Background art

[0007] One of the known diagnostic tests regarding the human chewing function is called a “two-colour mixing test” which involves chewing a non-nutritious plastic sample, usually consisting of two chewing gums of two different colours; depending on how well the two chewing gums are mixed in a bolus, an individual’s chewing function is determined.

[0008] The diagnostic test comprises a step of preparing and compressing the bolus, followed by a step of digitising the compressed or sample bolus, and a subsequent analysing step.

[0009] Although this test is one of the best methods for objectifying the chewing function, there are several drawbacks in the step of manipulating the samples obtained, especially in the step in which the faces of the sample must be surveyed.

[0010] In effect, in the prior art devices the step of surveying the faces of the sample is performed separately from the compression step.

[0011] It is particularly inconvenient to have to change the type of device and / or move the sample to perform the surveying step, after having compressed the bolus, exposing the sample to possible contamination.

[0012] Aim of the invention

[0013] In this context, the need has therefore been felt of making a device for analysing boluses and a relative analysis method which allows the sampling of a bolus, surveying at least one of the faces of the sample in a simpler and more practical manner. This is possible by means of a device comprising the technical features described in independent claim 1 and a relative method comprising the technical features described in independent claim 21.

[0014] Advantageously, this solution makes it possible to obtain samples of boluses which are repeatable at least in terms of their thickness, facilitating the surveying of the images of the compressed bolus without manipulating the sample.

[0015] The dependent claims refer to preferred, advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0016] Brief description of the drawings

[0017] The features of the invention are clearly described in the claims below and its advantages are more apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred, non-limiting example embodiment of the invention and in which:

[0018] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a schematic representation of a device for analysing a bolus according to the invention in a first configuration;

[0019] - Figure 2 is a perspective view of a schematic representation of a device for analysing a bolus according to the invention in a second configuration;

[0020] - Figure 3 shows a schematic cross section view of the device of Figure 1 ;

[0021] - Figure 4 shows a schematic cross section view of the device of Figure 2.

[0022] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0023] With reference in particular to Figure 1 , the numeral 1 denotes a device for analysing a bolus.

[0024] The bolus to be analysed is generally formed by two chewing gums having, respectively, a first colour (for example blue) and a second colour (for example pink), which, following a chewing action, are mixed.

[0025] The chewed and compressed bolus from the device 1 defines a sample.

[0026] It should be noted that in this description the terms compressed bolus and sample will be used without distinction.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the device 1 has the shape of a truncated pyramid. The device 1 preferably has a height of between 140 mm and 155 mm, preferably 147 mm.

[0028] In the first configuration of the device 1 as illustrated in Figure 1 , it has a first side face 1 A, a second side face 2A, a third side face 3A, a fourth side face 4A, an upper face 5A and a lower face 6A.

[0029] The upper face 5A preferably has an extension less than the lower face 6A.

[0030] As better illustrated in Figure 2, the device comprises a first body 10 and a second body 20.

[0031] The first body 10 comprises the lower face 6A of the device 1 and the second body 20 comprises the upper face 5A of the device 1 .

[0032] The side surfaces of the first body 10 and of the second body 20 define the above-mentioned first side face 1 A, a second side face 2A, a third side face 3A, a fourth side face 4A of the device 1 .

[0033] The first body 10 preferably has a height of between 60 mm and 80 mm, preferably 68 mm.

[0034] The second body 20 preferably has a height of between 75 mm and 85 mm, preferably 79 mm.

[0035] The first body 10 has a first surface 1 1 intended to come into contact with a first face of the bolus and the second body 20 has a second surface 21 intended to come into contact with a second face of the bolus.

[0036] The first face of the bolus is therefore opposite the second face of the bolus.

[0037] The first surface 11 defines a surface for supporting the bolus, whilst the second surface 21 defines a surface for compressing the bolus.

[0038] The first body 10 and the second body 20 are connectable by movement means 30.

[0039] Movement means 30 are configured to allow a relative movement of the second body 20 with respect to the first body 10 between a non-operating configuration C1 , at which the first surface 11 and the second surface 21 are spaced apart for allowing an access to the first surface 11 and an operating configuration C2, at which the first surface 11 and the second surface 21 are positioned facing and parallel to define a gap 40. Preferably, the gap is between 1 mm and 2 mm, preferably 1 .5 mm.

[0040] The gap 40 is shaped in such a way as to compress the bolus.

[0041] According to an example, the movement means 30 comprise a hinge 31 .

[0042] The hinge 31 allows a relative rotation of the second body 20 with respect to the first body 10.

[0043] According to an example, the movement means 30 are configured to allow a relative translation of the second body 20 with respect to the first body 10.

[0044] The movement means 30 define a mutual connection between the first body 10 and the second body 20.

[0045] In other words, the movement means 30 connect the first body 10 and the second body 20.

[0046] Considering the device in use, when the first body 10 and the second body 20 are in the non-operating configuration C1 , the bolus may be positioned on the first surface 11 .

[0047] Considering the device in use, when the first body 10 and the second body 20 are in the operating configuration C2, the bolus is in the gap 40 and is compressed between the first surface 11 and the second surface 21 .

[0048] Advantageously, the operating position C2 allows the compressed bolus to be flattened to the desired thickness, preferably 1 mm, using the second body 20 connected to the first body 10.

[0049] Advantageously, the device 1 allows the compression of the bolus to be standardised and simplified.

[0050] The first body 10 and the second body 20 have, respectively, a first contact surface 12 and a second contact surface 22.

[0051] In the operating configuration C2, the first contact surface 12 is intended to come into contact with the second contact surface 22. The contact between the two contact surfaces 12 and 22 therefore defines an end of stroke for the relative movement of the second body 20 with respect to the first body 10.

[0052] Advantageously, the contact surfaces guarantee the repeatability of the bolus compression procedure, since, if the two contact surfaces 12 and 22 are in contact, the gap 40 is formed which is delimited above and below, respectively, by the second surface 21 of the second body 20 and by the first surface 11 of the first body 10.

[0053] According to an embodiment, in the operating configuration C2, the first contact surface 12 is coplanar with the first surface 11 .

[0054] In this case, as illustrated in Figure 3, the second body 20 therefore has a protrusion relative to the second surface 21 and the distance between the contact surface 22 and the second surface 21 defines the gap 40.

[0055] According to an alternative embodiment, in the operating configuration C2, the first contact surface 12 is equidistant from the first surface 11 and from the second surface 21 .

[0056] In this case, the first body 10 and the second body 20 have, respectively, a protrusion relative to the first surface 11 and relative to the second surface 21 .

[0057] The device preferably comprises a locking element 35 for locking the second body 20 to the first body 10 or vice versa in the operating position C2.

[0058] Preferably, the movement means 30 are positioned on the opposite side to the locking element 35.

[0059] According to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the movement means 30 are positioned in the face 1A, whilst the locking element 35 is positioned in the face 3A, opposite the face 1 A.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the first body 10 has a first cavity 13.

[0061] The first cavity 13 is delimited by a bottom surface 13A, a side surface 13B and by a top wall 14.

[0062] The top wall 14 has an inner surface 14A facing the first cavity 13 and an outer surface 14B defined at least partly, respectively, by the first surface 11 , that is, the surface intended to make contact with the first face of the bolus.

[0063] Preferably, the first cavity 13 has a depth of between 33 mm and 37 mm, preferably 35 mm.

[0064] The term “depth” refers to the distance between the inner surface 14A and the bottom surface 13A.

[0065] According to an embodiment, illustrated for example in Figure 4, the first body 10 comprises a first plate 15 made of transparent material; the first plate 15 defines the first top wall 14.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the second body 20 has a second cavity 23. The second cavity 23 is delimited by a top surface 23A, a side surface 23B and a bottom wall 24.

[0067] The bottom wall 24 has an inner surface 24A facing the second cavity 23 and an outer surface 24B defined at least partly, respectively, by the second surface 12, that is, the surface intended to come into contact with the second face of the bolus.

[0068] Preferably, the second cavity 23 has a depth of between 33 mm and 37 mm, preferably 35 mm.

[0069] The term “depth” refers to the distance between the inner surface 24A and the top surface 23A.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the second body comprises a second plate 25 made of transparent material; the second plate 25 defines the bottom wall 24.

[0071] The first body 10 comprises first means 50 for acquiring images oriented towards the first surface 11 so as to survey a first face of the compressed bolus.

[0072] The first acquisition means 50 are configured to generate a first signal as a function of at least a first acquired image of the first face of the compressed bolus.

[0073] Preferably, the first acquisition means 50 face the first cavity 13 and are oriented towards the bottom wall 14, in particular towards the first surface 11.

[0074] Advantageously, the device 1 equipped with the first acquisition means 50 allows the bolus to be compressed and to survey at least the first face in a single device, avoiding manipulations of the sample.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the device 1 comprises an output peripheral device configured for transmitting at least the first signal to an external processing unit (for example, a PC, tablet, smartphone).

[0076] According to a preferred embodiment, the second body 20 comprises a second means 60 for acquiring images oriented towards the first surface 21 so as to survey a second face of the compressed bolus.

[0077] Preferably, the second acquisition means 60 faces the second cavity 23 and is oriented towards the bottom wall 24, in particular towards the second surface 21 .

[0078] The second acquisition means 60 are configured to generate a second signal as a function of at least a second acquired image of the second face of the compressed bolus.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the output peripheral device is configured for transmitting the second signal to a processing unit.

[0080] The acquisition means 50, 60 are preferably video cameras and allow the first face and the second face of the compressed bolus to be surveyed.

[0081] Advantageously, the device 1 , thanks to the two acquisition means 50, 60 positioned, respectively, in the first and second body 10, 20, allows the simultaneous acquisition of both faces of the compressed bolus.

[0082] The device 1 therefore avoids the sample having to be overturned by an operator.

[0083] Advantageously, the possible biological risks for the operator who might come into contact with the sample, and any manipulation of the sample, are eliminated.

[0084] The first surface 11 and the second surface 21 comprise at least one portion made of transparent material, to allow the acquisition means 50, 60 to survey images of the faces of the sample.

[0085] The cavities 13 and 23 define acquisition chambers for the acquisition means 50, 60.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the first body 10 and the second body 20 comprise, respectively, a first light source 70 and a second light source 80 configured to illuminate, respectively, the first cavity 13 and the second cavity 23.

[0087] Preferably, the first and second light sources 70, 80 face, respectively, the first cavity 13 and the second cavity 23 in such a way as to be oriented towards the first surface 11 and towards the second surface 21 .

[0088] Preferably, the first and second light sources 70, 80 are positioned alongside the image acquisition means 50, 60, respectively.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the first and second light sources 70, 80 are integrated respectively with the image acquisition means 50, 60.

[0090] Advantageously, the first and second light sources 70 and 80 guarantee constant and standardised brightness conditions during acquisition of the images of the compressed bolus by the acquisition means 50, 60.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the device 1 comprises a calculating and processing unit U configured to receive at least the first signal, extrapolating data from the first signal received and generating an information item of a state of the compressed bolus from the extrapolated data.

[0092] Preferably, the calculating and processing unit U is configured to receive the first signal and the second signal, extrapolate data from the first signal and from the second signal received and generate an information item of a status of the compressed bolus from the extrapolated data.

[0093] The term “status of the bolus” means a numerical value, linked to the degree of mixing of the two chewing gums which form the bolus, which depends on the chewing function.

[0094] Preferably, the information on the status of the bolus is defined by a number between 0 and 1 , in which 0 expresses the complete mixing of the colours of the two chewing gums which form the bolus, while the value 1 expresses the complete separation of the two colours.

[0095] Advantageously, the calculating and processing unit U allows the compressed bolus to be analysed and the extrapolated data directly processed inside the device 1 , without it being necessary to transfer data to an external electronic device, such as, for example, a computer, tablet or smartphone.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the device 1 comprises display means 100 configured to show at least the information of the status of the compressed bolus at the output from the calculation and processing unit U.

[0097] According to a preferred embodiment, the item of information is numerical information.

[0098] The information displayed, according to alternative embodiments, may be of the alphabetic or alphanumeric type.

[0099] The display means 100 are therefore in communication with the calculation and processing unit U.

[0100] The display means 100 therefore allow the results of the analyses to be displayed directly on the device 1 .

[0101] Preferably, the display means 100 are positioned on the upper face 5A.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the display means 100 comprise a screen 101.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the display means 100 have an indicator 102 of the operating status of the calculating and processing unit.

[0104] The indicator 102, according to an example, is a luminous indicator.

[0105] The indicator 102, according to an example, is a symbol for analysing the information status.

[0106] According to an example, the indicator 102 is a symbol for analysing the information status and is in the form of a traffic light code wherein: a red color indicates an analysis status to be started, a yellow color corresponds to an analysis status in progress, and a green color corresponds to an analysis status completed. According to an example, the indicator 102 is integrated in the screen 101. According to another example, the indicator 102 is separated from the screen 101 .

[0107] According to an embodiment, the device 1 comprises a plurality of control means 110.

[0108] At least one control means 110A is configured for activating or deactivating a respective function of the calculation and processing unit U. At least one control means 110B is configured for controlling the display of the information using the display means 100.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the control means 110 are integrated in the display means 100.

[0110] According to an example, the screen 101 is of the touch screen type and the control means are icons which can be selected by touching the screen. According to an example, the control means 110B are defined by a navigation button, preferably identified by an arrow, which allows it to move in the display means 100.

[0111] At least one control means 110C is configured for activating or deactivating the device 1 .

[0112] The device 1 preferably comprises a power supply source 200 configured for powering at least the first image acquisition means 50.

[0113] Preferably, the power supply source 200 is configured for powering the calculation and processing unit U.

[0114] Preferably, the power supply source 200 is configured for also powering the second image acquisition means 60.

[0115] The power supply source 200 is positioned preferably in the first body 10. According to an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the power supply source 200 may be positioned in the second body 20.

[0116] The power supply source 200 is configured for also powering the first light source 70 and the second light source 80.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the device 1 comprises a socket 201 configured to receive a recharging peripheral of the power supply source and / or a data export peripheral.

[0118] The socket 201 may be positioned at the first body 10 or the second body 20.

[0119] The socket 201 may be positioned at the first body 10 or the second body 20.

[0120] According to an embodiment, the device 1 comprises a housing 202 for a memory card.

[0121] Preferably, the socket 201 is positioned on the second body 20.

[0122] Preferably, the socket 201 and the housing 202 for the memory card are positioned on the face 2A of the device 1 .

[0123] The housing 202 may be positioned at the first body 10 or the second body 20.

[0124] The invention relates to an method for analysis of a bolus, using the analysis device 1 as described above.

[0125] The method comprises:

[0126] - a step of positioning the bolus on the first surface 11 of the first body 10,

[0127] - a step of moving, relatively, the second body 20 with respect to the first body 10 from the non-operating position to the operating position to compress the bolus,

[0128] - a step of activating the first image acquisition means 50 for detecting the first face of the bolus,

[0129] - a step of generating the first signal as a function of at least a first image acquired.

[0130] The method comprises a step of receiving the first signal from the first acquisition means 50, extrapolating data from the first signal received and generating an information item of a status of the bolus from the extrapolated data.

[0131] The signal may be received by a processing unit external relative to the device 1 or by a calculation and processing unit U integrated in the device 1.

[0132] The step of extrapolating data from the first signal received comprises a step of extrapolating the pixels received from the first image received of the first face and determining the information on the status of the bolus from the analysis of the pixels.

[0133] The method comprises:

[0134] - a step of activating the second image acquisition means 60 for surveying the second face of the bolus,

[0135] - a step of generating the second signal as a function of at least a second image acquired.

[0136] The method comprises a step of receiving the first signal and the second signal from the first and second acquisition means 50, 60, extrapolating data from the first signal and from the second signal received and generating an information item of a status of the bolus from the extrapolated data.

[0137] The step of extrapolating data from the first signal and from the second signal received comprises a step of extrapolating the pixels from the images received (that is, first image and second image) of the first face and of the second face and determining the information on the status of the bolus from the analysis of the pixels.

[0138] The information is processed as a function of the data acquired both of the first face and of the second face of the bolus.

[0139] Preferably, the step of extrapolating pixels from the images of the first face and of the second face and generating information comprises:

[0140] - a step of subdividing the extrapolated pixels into at least a first group and a second group, the first group being identified by pixels having a first colour,

[0141] - identifying a second colour for the second group of pixels and associating a numerical value with the second group of pixels depending on the second colour,

[0142] - calculating a final value of between 0 and 1 as a function of the numerical value and a reference value associated with the bolus, said final value defining the information of the status of the bolus. A final value of 0 indicates the complete mixing of the two chewing gums which form the bolus.

[0143] A final value of 1 indicates the total absence of mixing of the two chewing gums which form the bolus.

[0144] The information of the status of the bolus will therefore be a value between these two ends.

[0145] In more detail, after extrapolating from the images received the pixels, an RGB value is associated with each pixel depending on a colour of the pixel.

[0146] This allows pixels to be divided into at least two groups:

[0147] - the first group comprises the pixels which identify the background of the images received, which all probably have a first colour,

[0148] - the second group comprises the pixels which identify the first and the second face of the bolus, which therefore have different colours relative to the first colour characterising the background.

[0149] Preferably, therefore, a first numerical value is associated with the first colour of the first group of pixels, for example according to an RGB code and similarly a second numerical value, for example according to an RGB code, is associated with the second group.

[0150] According to an example, the pixels which identify the background of the images received have an RGB value of (0,0,0).

[0151] The method comprises a step of reconstructing the images received by eliminating the pixels of the first group, that is to say, those relative to the background, keeping only the pixels of the second group, that is to say, those relative to the first and second face of the bolus.

[0152] According to an embodiment, the method comprises a step of grouping together the pixels extrapolated in four groups:

[0153] - a first group which comprises pixels having a first colour to identify the pixels belonging to the background of the images received,

[0154] - a second group which comprises pixels having a second colour for identifying part of the pixels belonging to the first and / or the second face of the bolus,

[0155] - a third group which comprises pixels having a third colour for identifying part of the pixels belonging to the first and / or the second face of the bolus,

[0156] - a fourth group which comprises pixels having a fourth colour, obtained as a mix of the second and third colours, for identifying part of the pixels belonging to the first and / or the second face of the bolus.

[0157] According to this embodiment, the pixels belonging to the first group are eliminated, whilst pixels belonging to the second, third and fourth groups are grouped together.

[0158] Preferably, the pixels grouped together are associated with a single colour and a single numeric coding (for example RGB).

[0159] The numerical value associated with the group of the pixels of the first and second face is then converted into HSV (HUE, SATURATION, VALUE) values.

[0160] In other words, if the groups of pixels have been associated with numerical values according to an RGB code, this value is converted into an HSV code.

[0161] In particular, the values relative to the HUE are taken into consideration.

[0162] The HUE component is associated with the color and describes the dominant colour of the image in the colour spectrum.

[0163] Generally, the HUE values are expressed in degrees.

[0164] Preferably, the HUE values are converted from degrees into radians.

[0165] Lastly, according to an embodiment, the method comprises a step of calculating as the final value a SD-HUE value which will be displayed as information on the screen 101.

[0166] The term "SD-HUE" refers to the standard deviation of the HUE component within an image.

[0167] The standard deviation of the HUE component indicates how much the colours in the image deviate from the average or dominant colour of the image. In this case, the standard deviation is calculated with respect to the reference value associated with the bolus defined by a value corresponding to a colour obtainable from the complete mixing of the two colours of the two chewing gums constituting the bolus to be chewed.

[0168] The method preferably comprises a step of showing an evaluation of a chewing function depending on the information. For example, the evaluation may be expressed with a status message or a colour index.

[0169] According to a preferred embodiment, the step of activating the first image acquisition means 50 is simultaneous with the step of activating the second image acquisition means 60. According to an embodiment, the method comprises a step of activating the light sources 70, 80 associated with the image acquisition means 50, 60.

[0170] The method preferably comprises a step of inserting the bolus inside a transparent wrapper, preferably made of non-reflective material. Advantageously, the analysis device 1 and the analysis method described above allow a more objective evaluation of the chewing performance of an individual.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A device for analysing a bolus, comprising:- a first body (10) having a first surface (11 ) designed to support the bolus and a second body (20) having a second surface (21 ) designed to come into contact with the bolus,- movement means (30) configured to allow a relative movement of the second body (20) with respect to the first body (10) between a nonoperating configuration (C1 ), at which the first surface (11 ) and the second surface (21 ) are spaced apart for allowing an access to the first surface (11 ) and an operating configuration (C2), at which the first surface (11 ) and the second surface (21 ) are positioned facing and parallel to define a gap (40) designed to compress the bolus, the first surface (11 ) is intended to come into contact with a first face of the bolus and the second surface (21 ) is intended to come into contact with a second face of the bolus, the analysis device being characterised in that the first body (10) comprises a first means (50) for acquiring images oriented towards the first surface (11 ) in such a way as to detect a first face of the bolus and configured to generate a first signal as a function of at least a first image acquired.

2. The device according to claim 1 , characterised in that the movement means (30) define a mutual connection between the first body (10) and the second body (20).

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that it comprises an output peripheral configured to transmit the first signal to an external processing unit.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a calculating and processing unit (U) configured to receive the first signal, extrapolate data from the first signal received and generate an information item of a status of the bolus from the extrapolated data.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second body (20) comprises a second image acquisition means (60) oriented towards the second surface (21 ), so as to detect a second face of the bolus and configured to generate a second signal as a function of at least a second image acquired.

6. The device according to claim 4 and 5, characterised in that the calculating and processing unit (U) is configured to receive the first signal and the second signal, extrapolate data from the first signal and from the second signal received and generate an information item of a status of the bolus from the extrapolated data.

7. The sampling device according to claim 4 or 6, characterised in that it comprises display means (100) configured to show at least the status information of the bolus at the output from the calculating and processing unit (U).

8. The sampling device according to claim 7, characterised in that the display means (100) have an indicator (102) indicating the operating status of the calculating and processing unit (U).

9. The sampling device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that comprising a plurality of control means (110) of which at least one control means (110A) is configured to activate or deactivate a respective function of the calculating and processing unit (U) and of which at least one control means (110B) is configured to control the displaying of the information by means of the display means (100).

10. The sampling device according to claim 9, wherein the control means (110) are integrated in the display means (100).

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a power supply source (200) configured for powering at least the first image acquisition means (50).

12. The device according to claim 11 , characterised in that it comprises a socket (201 ) configured to receive a peripheral for charging the power supply source (200) and / or a peripheral for exporting data at the first or thesecond body (10, 20).

13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the gap (40) is between 1 and 2 mm, preferably 1 .5 mm.

14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first body (10) and the second body (20) comprise, respectively, a first contact surface (12) and a second contact surface (22), the first contact surface (12) being designed to come into contact with the second contact surface (22) in the operating configuration (C2).

15. The device according to claim 14, characterised in that, in the operating configuration (C2), the first contact surface (12) is coplanar with the first surface (11 ) or is equidistant from the first surface (11 ) and from the second surface (21 ).

16. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first body (10) and the second body (20) have, respectively, a first cavity (13) and a second cavity (23), the first cavity (13) being delimited by a bottom surface (13A), a lateral surface (13B) and a top wall (14) and the second cavity (23) being delimited by a top surface (23A), a lateral surface (23B) and a bottom wall (24), the top wall (14) and the bottom wall (24) having, respectively, an inner surface (14A, 24A) facing the respective first cavity (13) and second cavity (23) and an outer surface (14B, 24B) defined at least partly by the first surface (11 ) and by the second surface (21 ), respectively.

17. The device according to claim 16, characterised in that the first body (10) and the second body (20) comprise, respectively, a first plate (15) and a second plate (25) made of transparent material; the first plate (15) defines at least part of the top wall (14) of the first cavity (13) and at least part of the first surface (11 ); the second plate (25) defines at least part of the bottom wall (24) of the second cavity (23) and at least part of the second surface (21 ).

18. The device according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that the first body (10) and the second body (20) comprise, respectively, a first light source (70) and a second light source (80) configured to illuminate, respectively, the first cavity (13) and the second cavity (14).

19. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a housing (202) for a memory card at the first or the second body (10, 20).

20. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a locking element (35) for locking the second body (20) to the first body (10) or vice versa in the operating position (C2).

21. The device according to claim 20, characterised in that the movement means (30) comprise a hinge (31 ) positioned on the opposite side to the locking element (35).

22. A method for analysing a bolus, using the analysing device according to any one of claims 1 to 21 , comprising:- a step of positioning the bolus on the first surface (11 ) of the first body (10),- a step of moving, relatively, the second body (20) with respect to the first body (10) from the non-operating position (C1 ) to the operating position (C2) to compress the bolus,- a step of activating the first image acquisition means (50) for detecting the first face of the bolus,- a step of generating the first signal as a function of at least a first image acquired.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterised in that it comprises a step of receiving the first signal from the first acquisition means (50), extrapolating data from the first signal received and generating an item of information about a status of the bolus from the extrapolated data, the step of extrapolating data from the first signal received comprising a step of extrapolating the pixels from the first image of the first face anddetermining the item of information about the status of the bolus from the analysis of the pixels.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that it comprises:- a step of activating a second image acquisition means (60) for detecting a second face of the bolus,- a step of generating the second signal as a function of at least a second image acquired.

25. The method according to claims 22 and 24, characterised in that it comprises a step of receiving the first signal and the second signal from the first and second acquisition means (50, 60), extrapolating data from the first signal and the second signal received and generating an item of information about a status of the bolus from the extrapolated data, the step of extrapolating data from the first signal and from the second signal received comprising a step of extrapolating the pixels from the images of the first face and of the second face and determining the item of information about the status of the bolus from the analysis of the pixels.

26. The analysis method according to claim 25, characterised in that the step of extrapolating pixels from the images of the first face and of the second face and determining the information comprises:- a step of subdividing the extrapolated pixels into at least a first group and a second group, the first group being defined by pixels having a first colour,- identifying a second colour for the second group of pixels and associating a numerical value with the second group of pixels depending on said second colour,- calculating a final value of between 0 and 1 as a function of the numerical value and a reference value associated with the bolus, said final value defining the information of the status of the bolus.

27. The analysis method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterised in that it comprises a step of showing an assessment of achewing function according to the information.

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