Bolus analyzer and related analytical methods
The bolus analyzer apparatus addresses the challenges of manipulating and inspecting the bolus by enabling simultaneous compression and imaging within a single device, ensuring reproducible and contamination-free evaluation of chewing function.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QUB3 SRL
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing diagnostic tests for evaluating chewing function, such as the two-color mixing test, face challenges in manipulating and inspecting the surface of the bolus sample, leading to contamination risks and inconvenience due to the need for separate devices and handling steps.
A bolus analyzer apparatus and method that allows simultaneous inspection and compression of the bolus within a single device, using a frustum-shaped configuration with movable bodies and integrated imaging and light sources to capture and analyze both sides of the compressed bolus without manual manipulation.
Ensures reproducible bolus thickness and eliminates contamination risks by allowing inspection of both sides of the compressed bolus within a single apparatus, enhancing the objectivity and efficiency of chewing function evaluation.
Smart Images
Figure 2026519774000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for analyzing a bolus to evaluate an individual's chewing function.
Background Art
[0002] One of the known diagnostic tests related to human chewing function is called the "two-color mixing test", which involves chewing a non-nutritive plastic sample, usually consisting of two chewing gums of two different colors. The individual's chewing function is determined by how well the two chewing gums are mixed within the bolus.
[0003] The diagnostic test includes steps of preparing and compressing the bolus, subsequently digitizing the compressed bolus or the bolus of the sample, and a subsequent analysis step.
[0004] This test is one of the best ways to objectively evaluate chewing function, but there are some drawbacks in the steps of manipulating the obtained sample, especially in the steps where the surface of the sample has to be inspected.
[0005] In fact, in the prior art devices, the step of inspecting the surface of the sample is performed separately from the compression step.
[0006] It is particularly inconvenient that the type of device has to be changed and / or the sample has to be moved in order to perform the inspection step after compressing the bolus, as this exposes the sample to the risk of contamination.
Summary of the Invention
[0007] In this regard, there has thus been a felt need to create an apparatus for analyzing a bolus and a related analysis method that allows sampling of the bolus while inspecting at least one surface of the sample in a simple and more practical manner.
[0008] This is made possible by an apparatus having the technical features described in independent claim 1 and an associated method having the technical features described in independent claim 21.
[0009] Advantageously, this solution makes it possible to obtain bolus samples that are at least reproducible in terms of thickness, and facilitates the examination of compressed bolus images without manipulating the samples.
[0010] The dependent claims illustrate preferred advantageous embodiments of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0011] The features of the present invention are clearly described in the following claims, and its advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred, non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view representing a first configuration apparatus for analyzing a bolus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view showing a second configuration apparatus for analyzing a bolus according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus. [Figure 4] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0012] Referring specifically to Figure 1, the number 1 indicates the apparatus for analyzing the bolus.
[0013] The bolus to be analyzed is typically formed from two pieces of chewing gum, each having a first color (e.g., blue) and a second color (e.g., pink), which are mixed together through chewing.
[0014] The chewed and compressed bolus from device 1 defines the sample.
[0015] It should be noted that in this specification, the terms "compressed bolus" and "sample" are used interchangeably without distinction.
[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the device 1 has the shape of a frustum of a pyramid.
[0017] The device 1 preferably has a height between 140 mm and 155 mm, preferably 147 mm.
[0018] In the first configuration of the device 1 as shown in FIG. 1, the device 1 has a first side surface 1A, a second side surface 2A, a third side surface 3A, a fourth side surface 4A, an upper surface 5A and a lower surface 6A.
[0019] The upper surface 5A preferably has a smaller expansion than the lower surface 6A.
[0020] As better shown in FIG. 2, the device comprises a first body 10 and a second body 20.
[0021] The first body 10 comprises the lower surface 6A of the device 1, and the second body 20 comprises the upper surface 5A of the device 1.
[0022] The side surfaces of the first body 10 and the side surfaces of the second body 20 define the above-mentioned first side surface 1A, second side surface 2A, third side surface 3A and fourth side surface 4A of the device 1.
[0023] The first body 10 preferably has a height between 60 mm and 80 mm, preferably 68 mm.
[0024] The second body 20 preferably has a height between 75 mm and 85 mm, preferably 79 mm.
[0025] The first body 10 has a first surface 11 for the purpose of contacting the first surface of the bolus, and the second body 20 has a second surface 21 for the purpose of contacting the second surface of the bolus.
[0026] Therefore, the first surface of the plunger is on the opposite side of the second surface of the plunger.
[0027] The first surface 11 defines a surface for supporting the plunger, and the second surface 21 defines a surface for compressing the plunger.
[0028] The first body 10 and the second body 20 can be connected by the moving means 30.
[0029] The moving means 30 is configured to enable relative movement of the second body 20 with respect to the first body 10 between a non-operating configuration C1 in which the first surface 11 and the second surface 21 are separated to allow access to the first surface 11, and an operating configuration C2 in which the first surface 11 and the second surface 21 are arranged facing each other and parallel so as to define a gap 40.
[0030] Preferably, the gap 40 is between 1 mm and 2 mm, preferably 1.5 mm.
[0031] The gap 40 is shaped to compress the plunger.
[0032] According to an example, the moving means 30 comprises a hinge 31.
[0033] The hinge 31 enables relative rotation of the second body 20 with respect to the first body 10.
[0034] According to an example, the moving means 30 is configured to enable relative translation of the second body 20 with respect to the first body 10.
[0035] The moving means 30 defines the interconnection between the first body 10 and the second body 20.
[0036] In other words, the moving means 30 connects the first body 10 and the second body 20.
[0037] Considering the equipment in use, the bolus can be placed on the first surface 11 when the first body 10 and the second body 20 are in a non-operating configuration C1.
[0038] Considering the equipment in use, when the first body 10 and the second body 20 are in operating configuration C2, the bolus is within the gap 40 and compressed between the first surface 11 and the second surface 21.
[0039] Advantageously, the operating position C2 allows the compressed bolus to be flattened to a desired thickness, preferably 1 mm, using the second body 20 connected to the first body 10.
[0040] Advantageously, device 1 enables the standardization and simplification of bolus compression.
[0041] The first body 10 and the second body 20 each have a first contact surface 12 and a second contact surface 22, respectively.
[0042] At operating position C2, the first contact surface 12 is intended to come into contact with the second contact surface 22.
[0043] Therefore, the contact between the two contact surfaces 12 and 22 defines the end of the stroke of the relative movement of the second body 20 with respect to the first body 10.
[0044] Advantageously, the contact surfaces ensure the repeatability of the bolus compression procedure because when the two contact surfaces 12 and 22 come into contact, a gap 40 is formed, separated above and below by the second surface 21 of the second body 20 and the first surface 11 of the first body 10, respectively.
[0045] According to one embodiment, at the operating position C2, the first contact surface 12 is on the same plane as the first surface 11.
[0046] In this case, as shown in Figure 3, the second body 20 therefore protrudes from the second surface 21, and the distance between the contact surface 22 and the second surface 21 defines the gap 40.
[0047] According to an alternative embodiment, in operating configuration C2, the first contact surface 12 is equidistant from the first surface 11 and the second surface 21.
[0048] In this case, the first body 10 and the second body 20 protrude from the first surface 11 and the second surface 21, respectively.
[0049] The device preferably includes a locking element 35 for locking the second body 20 to the first body 10, or for locking the first body 10 to the second body 20, in the operating position C2.
[0050] Preferably, the moving means 30 is positioned on the opposite side of the locking element 35.
[0051] According to the embodiment shown in the attached drawings, the moving means 30 is located on side 1A, and the locking element 35 is located on side 3A opposite to side 1A.
[0052] According to one embodiment, the first body 10 has a first cavity 13.
[0053] The first cavity 13 is demarcated by a bottom surface 13A, a side surface 13B, and an upper wall 14.
[0054] The upper wall 14 has an inner surface 14A facing the first cavity 13 and an outer surface 14B that is at least partially defined by the first surface 11, i.e., a surface intended to contact the first surface of the bolus.
[0055] Preferably, the first cavity 13 has a depth between 33 mm and 37 mm, preferably 35 mm.
[0056] The term "depth" refers to the distance between the inner surface 14A and the bottom surface 13A.
[0057] For example, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the first body 10 comprises a first plate 15 made of a transparent material, and the first plate 15 defines the first upper wall 14.
[0058] According to one embodiment, the second body 20 has a second cavity 23.
[0059] The second cavity 23 is separated by a top surface 23A, a side surface 23B, and a bottom wall 24.
[0060] The bottom wall 24 has an inner surface 24A facing the second cavity 23 and an outer surface 24B that is at least partially defined by the second surface 12, i.e., the surface intended to contact the second surface of the bolus.
[0061] Preferably, the second cavity 23 has a depth between 33 mm and 37 mm, preferably 35 mm.
[0062] The term "depth" refers to the distance between the inner surface 24A and the upper surface 23A.
[0063] According to one embodiment, the second body comprises a second plate 25 made of a transparent material, and the second plate 25 defines the bottom wall 24.
[0064] The first body 10 includes a first means 50 for acquiring an image directed at a first surface 11 to inspect a first surface of a compressed bolus.
[0065] The first acquisition means 50 is configured to generate a first signal in accordance with at least a first acquired image of the first surface of the compressed bolus.
[0066] Preferably, the first acquisition means 50 faces the first cavity 13 and is directed toward the bottom wall 14, and particularly toward the first surface 11.
[0067] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 equipped with the first acquisition means 50 allows for the compression of the bolus and inspection of at least the first surface in a single apparatus, while avoiding sample manipulation.
[0068] According to one embodiment, the device 1 includes an output peripheral device configured to transmit at least a first signal to an external processing unit (e.g., a PC, tablet, or smartphone).
[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the second body 20 includes a second means 60 for acquiring an image directed toward the first surface 21 to inspect the second surface of the compressed bolus.
[0070] Preferably, the second acquisition means 60 faces the second cavity 23 and is directed toward the bottom wall 24, and particularly toward the second surface 21.
[0071] The second acquisition means 60 is configured to generate a second signal in accordance with at least a second acquired image on the second surface of the compressed bolus.
[0072] According to one embodiment, the output peripheral device is configured to transmit a second signal to the processing unit.
[0073] The acquisition means 50, 60 are preferably video cameras, which enable inspection of the first and second surfaces of the compressed bolus.
[0074] Advantageously, the device 1 is able to acquire both sides of the compressed bolus simultaneously thanks to two acquisition means 50, 60 located in the first body 10 and the second body 20, respectively.
[0075] Therefore, device 1 avoids the need for the operator to turn the sample over.
[0076] Advantageously, the biological risks to operators who may come into contact with the sample, as well as the handling of the sample, are eliminated.
[0077] The first surface 11 and the second surface 21 each include at least one portion made of a transparent material, so as to enable the acquisition means 50, 60 to inspect an image of the surface of the sample.
[0078] Cavities 13 and 23 define acquisition chambers for acquisition means 50, 60.
[0079] According to one embodiment, the first body 10 and the second body 20 each include a first light source 70 and a second light source 80 configured to illuminate the first cavity 13 and the second cavity 23, respectively.
[0080] Preferably, the first light source 70 and the second light source 80 face the first cavity 13 and the second cavity 23, respectively, so as to face the first surface 11 and the second surface 21.
[0081] Preferably, the first light source 70 and the second light source 80 are arranged next to the image acquisition means 50 and 60, respectively.
[0082] According to one embodiment, the first light source 70 and the second light source 80 are integrated with the image acquisition means 50 and 60, respectively.
[0083] Advantageously, the first light source 70 and the second light source 80 ensure a constant and standardized brightness state during the acquisition of compressed bolus images by the acquisition means 50, 60.
[0084] According to one embodiment, the apparatus 1 includes a computation and processing unit U configured to receive at least a first signal, estimate data from the received first signal, and generate compressed bolus state information items from the estimated data.
[0085] Preferably, the calculation and processing unit U is configured to receive a first signal and a second signal, estimate data from the received first signal and second signal, and generate compressed bolus state information items from the estimated data.
[0086] The term "bolus state" refers to a numerical value associated with the degree to which two chewing gums mix to form a bolus, depending on the chewing function.
[0087] Preferably, information regarding the state of the bolus is defined by a number between 0 and 1, where 0 represents that the two chewing gum colors forming the bolus are completely mixed, and a value of 1 represents that the two colors are completely separated.
[0088] Advantageously, the computing and processing unit U makes it possible to analyze compressed boluses and process estimated data directly within the device 1 without the need to transfer data to external electronic devices such as computers, tablets, or smartphones.
[0089] According to one embodiment, the apparatus 1 includes a display means 100 configured to display information about the state of at least a compressed bolus in the output from the calculation and processing unit U.
[0090] According to a preferred embodiment, the information item is numerical information.
[0091] According to an alternative embodiment, the information displayed may be of alphabetic or alphanumeric type.
[0092] Therefore, the display means 100 communicates with the calculation and processing unit U.
[0093] Therefore, the display means 100 makes it possible to directly display the analysis results on the device.
[0094] Preferably, the display means 100 is positioned on the upper surface 5A.
[0095] According to one embodiment, the display means 100 includes a screen 101.
[0096] According to one embodiment, the display means 100 has an indicator 102 of the operating status of the calculation and processing unit.
[0097] Indicator 102 is, for example, a light-emitting indicator.
[0098] Indicator 102 is, for example, a symbol for analyzing informational states.
[0099] For example, indicator 102 is a symbol for analyzing the information state, and is in the form of a traffic light code, namely, red indicates that the analysis state should be started, yellow indicates that the analysis state is in progress, and green indicates that the analysis state is completed.
[0100] For example, indicator 102 is integrated into screen 101.
[0101] In another example, indicator 102 is separated from screen 101.
[0102] According to one embodiment, the device 1 includes a plurality of control means 110.
[0103] At least one control means 110A is configured to activate or deactivate the functions of the calculation and processing unit U.
[0104] At least one control means 110B is configured to control the display of information using the display means 100.
[0105] According to one embodiment, the control means 110 is incorporated into the display means 100.
[0106] For example, screen 101 is a touchscreen, and the control means is an icon that can be selected by touching the screen.
[0107] For example, the control means 110B is defined by navigation buttons, preferably identified by arrows, which allow movement within the display means 100.
[0108] At least one control means 110C is configured to activate or deactivate the device 1.
[0109] The apparatus 1 preferably includes a power supply 200 configured to supply power to at least the first image acquisition means 50.
[0110] Preferably, the power supply 200 is configured to supply power to the calculation and processing unit U.
[0111] Preferably, the power supply 200 is configured to also supply power to the second image acquisition means 60.
[0112] The power supply 200 is preferably located in the first main body 10.
[0113] According to alternative embodiments not shown, the power supply 200 may be located in the second body 20.
[0114] The power supply 200 is configured to supply power to the first light source 70 and the second light source 80.
[0115] According to one embodiment, the device 1 includes a socket 201 configured to accept power supply charging peripherals and / or data export peripherals.
[0116] The socket 201 may be located on the first body 10 or the second body 20.
[0117] The socket 201 may be located on the first body 10 or the second body 20.
[0118] According to one embodiment, the device 1 includes a housing 202 for a memory card.
[0119] Preferably, the socket 201 is located on the second body 20.
[0120] Preferably, the socket 201 and the housing 202 for the memory card are located on the surface 2A of the device 1.
[0121] The housing 202 may be placed in the first body 10 or the second body 20.
[0122] The present invention relates to a method for analyzing a bolus using the analytical apparatus 1 described above.
[0123] This method, - The step of placing the bolus on the first surface 11 of the first body 10, - A step of compressing the bolus by moving the second body 20 relative to the first body 10 from a non-operating position to an operating position, - The step of activating the first image acquisition means 50 to detect the first surface of the bolus, -Includes the step of generating a first signal in accordance with at least a first image acquired.
[0124] This method includes the steps of receiving a first signal from a first acquisition means 50, estimating data from the received first signal, and generating information items of the bolus state from the estimated data.
[0125] The signal may be received by a processing unit located outside of device 1, or by a calculation and processing unit U incorporated into device 1.
[0126] The step of estimating data from a received first signal includes estimating the received pixels from a first image of the received first surface and determining information about the bolus state from the pixel analysis.
[0127] This method, - The step of activating the second image acquisition means 60 to inspect the second surface of the bolus, -Includes the step of generating a second signal in accordance with at least a second image acquired.
[0128] This method includes the steps of receiving a first signal and a second signal from first and second acquisition means 50 and 60, estimating data from the received first and second signals, and generating information items of the bolus state from the estimated data.
[0129] The step of estimating data from the received first and second signals includes estimating pixels from the received images of the first and second surfaces (i.e., the first and second images) and determining information about the bolus state from the pixel analysis.
[0130] The information is processed based on the acquired data from both the first and second faces of the bolus.
[0131] Preferably, the step of estimating pixels from the image of the first surface and the image of the second surface to generate information is: - A step of dividing the estimated pixels into at least a first group and a second group, wherein the first group is identified by pixels having a first color, - The steps include identifying the second color of the pixels in the second group and associating a numerical value with the pixels in the second group according to the second color, - A step of calculating a final value between 0 and 1 depending on a numerical value and a reference value associated with a bolus, wherein the final value defines information about the state of the bolus.
[0132] A final value of 0 indicates that the two pieces of chewing gum forming the bolus are completely mixed together.
[0133] A final value of 1 indicates that the two chewing gums forming the bolus are not mixed at all.
[0134] Therefore, the information about the state of the bolus will be the value between these two ends.
[0135] More specifically, after estimating pixels from the received image, RGB values are associated with each pixel according to its color.
[0136] This makes it possible to divide the pixels into at least two groups. - The first group contains pixels that identify the background of the received image, and all pixels probably have the first color. - The second group includes pixels that identify the first and second faces of the bolus, and therefore the pixels have a different color from the first color that characterizes the background.
[0137] Therefore, preferably, the first numerical value is associated with a first color of a first group of pixels, for example, according to an RGB code, and similarly, the second numerical value is associated with a second group, for example, according to an RGB code.
[0138] For example, a pixel that identifies the background of a received image has the RGB value (0,0,0).
[0139] The method includes the step of reconstructing a received image by removing a first group of pixels, i.e., pixels related to the background, and retaining only a second group of pixels, i.e., pixels related to the first and second faces of the bolus.
[0140] According to one embodiment, the method includes the step of grouping the estimated pixels into four groups. That is, - A first group including pixels having a first color for identifying pixels belonging to the background of the received image, - A second group of pixels having a second color for identifying a portion of the pixels belonging to the first and / or second faces of the bolus, - A third group including pixels having a third color to identify a portion of the pixels belonging to the first and / or second faces of the bolus, -Includes the step of grouping into a fourth group, which includes pixels having a fourth color, obtained as a mixture of a second color and a third color, for identifying a portion of the pixels belonging to the first and / or second faces of the bolus.
[0141] According to this embodiment, pixels belonging to the first group are removed, and pixels belonging to the second, third, and fourth groups are grouped together.
[0142] Preferably, the grouped pixels are associated with a single color and a single numerical code (e.g., RGB).
[0143] Next, the numerical values associated with the pixel groups on the first and second faces are converted to HSV (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) values.
[0144] In other words, if a group of pixels is associated with a numerical value according to an RGB code, this value is converted to an HSV code.
[0145] In particular, values related to hue are taken into consideration.
[0146] The hue component is associated with color and represents the dominant color in the color spectrum of an image.
[0147] Generally, hue values are expressed in degrees.
[0148] Preferably, the hue value is converted from degrees to radians.
[0149] Finally, according to one embodiment, the method includes the step of calculating the SD-HUE value, which is displayed as information on the screen 101, as the final value.
[0150] The term "SD-HUE" refers to the standard deviation of the hue component in an image.
[0151] The standard deviation of the hue component indicates how much the colors of an image deviate from the image's mean or dominant color. In this case, the standard deviation is calculated against a reference value associated with the bolus, which is defined by the value corresponding to the color obtained by completely mixing the two colors of the two chewing gums that make up the bolus of chewing material.
[0152] This method preferably includes a step of indicating an evaluation of chewing function in accordance with the information.
[0153] For example, evaluation can be represented by a status message or a color index.
[0154] In 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.
[0155] According to one embodiment, the method includes the step of activating light sources 70 and 80 associated with image acquisition means 50 and 60.
[0156] This method preferably includes the step of inserting a bolus into a transparent packaging material, the transparent packaging material preferably being made of a non-reflective material.
[0157] Advantageously, the aforementioned analytical device 1 and analytical method make it possible to evaluate an individual's chewing ability more objectively.
Claims
1. A device for analyzing boluses, - 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 contact the bolus, - A moving means (30) configured to allow relative movement of the second body (20) with respect to the first body (10) between a non-operating configuration (C1) in which the first surface (11) and the second surface (21) are separated to allow access to the first surface (11) and an operating configuration (C2) in which the first surface (11) and the second surface (21) are positioned opposite and parallel to each other to define a gap (40) designed to compress the bolus, The first surface (11) is intended to contact the first surface of the bolus, and the second surface (21) is intended to contact the second surface of the bolus. The apparatus comprises a first body (10) for acquiring an image directed toward the first surface (11) to detect the first surface of the bolus, the first means (50) configured to generate a first signal in accordance with at least the acquired first image.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving means (30) defines the interconnection between the first body (10) and the second body (20).
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an output peripheral device configured to transmit the first signal to an external processing unit.
4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a calculation and processing unit (U) configured to receive the first signal, estimate data from the received first signal, and generate information items of the bolus state from the estimated data.
5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second body (20) comprises a second image acquisition means (60) directed toward the second surface (21) to detect the second surface of the bolus, and configured to generate a second signal in accordance with at least the acquired second image.
6. The apparatus according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the calculation and processing unit (U) is configured to receive the first signal and the second signal, to estimate data from the received first signal and the second signal, and to generate information items of the bolus state from the estimated data.
7. The sampling apparatus according to claim 4 or 6, further comprising a display means (100) configured to display at least the state information of the bolus in the output from the calculation and processing unit (U).
8. The sampling apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the display means (100) has an indicator (102) that shows the operating status of the calculation and processing unit (U).
9. A sampling device according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a plurality of control means (110), wherein at least one of the control means (110A) is configured to activate or deactivate the functions of the calculation and processing unit (U), and at least one of the plurality of control means (110B) is configured to control the display of information by the display means (100).
10. The sampling apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control means (110) is incorporated into the display means (100).
11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a power supply (200) configured to supply power to at least the first image acquisition means (50).
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a socket (201) configured to receive peripheral devices for charging the power supply (200) and / or peripheral devices for exporting data from the first or second main body (10, 20).
13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the gap (40) is between 1 and 2 mm, preferably 1.5 mm.
14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first body (10) and the second body (20) each comprise a first contact surface (12) and a second contact surface (22), and the first contact surface (12) is designed to contact the second contact surface (22) in the operating configuration (C2).
15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein in the operating configuration (C2), the first contact surface (12) is coplanar with the first surface (11), or equidistant from the first surface (11) and the second surface (21).
16. The first body (10) and the second body (20) each have a first cavity (13) and a second cavity (23), the first cavity (13) being separated by a bottom surface (13A), a side surface (13B), and a top wall (14), and the second cavity (23) being separated by a top surface (23A), a side surface (23B), and a bottom wall (24). The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the upper wall (14) and the bottom wall (24) each have an inner surface (14A, 24A) facing the first cavity (13) and the second cavity (23), and an outer surface (14B, 24B) each at least partially defined by the first surface (11) and the second surface (21).
17. The first body (10) and the second body (20) each comprise a first plate (15) and a second plate (25) made of a transparent material, The first plate (15) defines at least a portion of the upper wall (14) of the first cavity (13) and at least a portion of the first surface (11), The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the second plate (25) defines at least a portion of the bottom wall (24) of the second cavity (23) and at least a portion of the second surface (21).
18. The apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the first body (10) and the second body (20) each comprise a first light source (70) and a second light source (80) configured to illuminate the first cavity (13) and the second cavity (14), respectively.
19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first body (10) or the second body (20) is provided with a housing (202) for a memory card.
20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a locking element (35) for locking the second body (20) to the first body (10) or for locking the first body (10) to the second body (20) in the operating position (C2).
21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the moving means (30) comprises a hinge (31) located on the opposite side of the locking element (35).
22. A method for analyzing a bolus using an analytical apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21, - The step of placing the bolus on the first surface (11) of the first body (10), - A step of moving the second body (20) relative to the first body (10) from the non-operating position (C1) to the operating position (C2) to compress the bolus, - The step of activating the first image acquisition means (50) to detect the first surface of the bolus, - A method comprising the step of generating the first signal in accordance with at least the acquired first image.
23. The method according to claim 22, comprising the steps of receiving the first signal from the first acquisition means (50), estimating data from the received first signal, and generating information items relating to the state of the bolus from the estimated data, wherein the step of estimating data from the received first signal includes the steps of estimating pixels from the first image of the first surface and determining the information items relating to the state of the bolus from an analysis of the pixels.
24. - The step of activating the second image acquisition means (60) to detect the second surface of the bolus, The method according to claim 22 or 23, comprising the step of generating the second signal in accordance with at least the acquired second image.
25. The method according to claims 22 and 24, comprising the steps of receiving the first signal and the second signal from the first acquisition means (50) and the second acquisition means (60), estimating data from the received first signal and the second signal, and generating information items relating to the state of the bolus from the estimated data, wherein the step of estimating data from the received first signal and the second signal includes the steps of estimating pixels from the image of the first surface and the image of the second surface, and determining the information items relating to the state of the bolus from the analysis of the pixels.
26. The step of determining the information by estimating pixels from the image of the first surface and the image of the second surface is: - A step of dividing the estimated pixels into at least a first group and a second group, wherein the first group is defined by pixels having a first color, - The steps of identifying a second color for the pixels of the second group and associating a numerical value with the pixels of the second group according to the second color, The analysis method according to claim 25, comprising the step of calculating a final value between 0 and 1 in accordance with the numerical value and a reference value associated with the bolus, wherein the final value defines the information of the state of the bolus.
27. The analytical method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, comprising the step of showing an evaluation of masticatory function in accordance with the aforementioned information.