Device for performing non-invasive multi-analysis of biological tissues such as skin

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a device for performing non-invasive multi-analysis of biological tissues such as skin. The device according to an aspect may comprise: a first body portion including a plurality of first electrodes; a second body portion including a plurality of second electrodes; a connecting portion which rotatably couples the first body portion and the second body portion to each other; and a power supply unit which supplies power to at least some of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes.

Description

A device that performs non-invasive multiple analyses on biological tissues such as skin

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a device for performing non-invasive multiple analysis on biological tissues such as skin.

[0002] Devices capable of non-destructively or non-invasively measuring and analyzing skin condition and characteristics are being developed for various purposes, including skin health assessment, cosmetics development, medical diagnosis, and research. These devices can be used to measure physiological, chemical, and morphological properties of living organisms, such as skin.

[0003] Skin bioimpedance measurement measures the electrical properties of the skin, which can be used to determine moisture content and skin condition. Changes in moisture levels and skin impedance can provide important information about skin health, and can be used to assess, for example, epidermal moisture content and other physiological parameters.

[0004] The electrical measurement technology described above, despite its simplicity, has the disadvantage of large deviations depending on the measurement environment, and the problem of insufficient analysis of resistance in the direction of skin penetration as it is an analysis at the level of 10 μm thickness from the surface.

[0005] Meanwhile, Transepithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) measurement is a key tool for assessing the barrier function of cell layers and is a representative non-destructive testing method. Conventional TEER measurement methods only allow for global measurements of a single target, making it difficult to accurately identify local differences on the target surface or the location of cell layer damage. For example, conventional TEER measurement devices suffer from issues such as error-causing factors in the measurement environment, inconvenience due to complex protocols required for measurement environment preparation, and low repeatability and reproducibility.

[0006] In addition, for products that use dedicated plates, despite advantages such as the convenience of multi-channel measurement, there are problems such as difficulty in using them for purposes other than performing TEER measurements on cultured biological tissues and the need to set separate culture conditions for dedicated containers.

[0007] Furthermore, existing commercial equipment does not have spatial resolution, so it is tens of mm. 2 hundreds of mm in 2 There was a problem that only the average measurement value could be provided for the transwell format biomodel with a level of width, and that measurements of non-uniformity and local changes were impossible.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a device capable of precisely performing spatial analysis of electrical characteristics of skin can be provided.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a device capable of simultaneously measuring electrical characteristics in a direction penetrating the skin and electrical characteristics in a direction along the surface of the skin can be provided.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a device capable of estimating and imaging the spatial configuration of electrical conductivity and permittivity of skin tissue can be provided.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a device can be provided that can obtain information on the thickness and elasticity of a measurement target and apply it to characteristic analysis.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a device capable of detecting changes in skin condition and spatially identifying locations of damage and improvement can be provided, thereby being used for analyzing the skin system of a human or animal.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a device can be provided that enables measurement of skin condition with simple operation, thereby improving user convenience.

[0014] A device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a device for analyzing a biological tissue, and may include: a first body part including a plurality of first electrodes; a second body part including a plurality of second electrodes; a connecting part that rotatably connects the first body part and the second body part to each other; and a power supply part that supplies power to at least some of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes.

[0015] In a device according to one embodiment, at least some of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes may be silver-silver chloride reference electrodes.

[0016] In a device according to one embodiment, each of the plurality of first electrodes may be formed to extend from a surface of the first body portion, and each of the plurality of second electrodes may be formed to extend from a surface of the second body portion.

[0017] In a device according to one embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes may be formed on one side of the first body portion, and the plurality of second electrodes may be formed on one side of the second body portion.

[0018] In a device according to one embodiment, the device may further include an elastic member located at the connecting portion and providing elasticity to the first body portion and the second body portion so that one side of the first body portion and one side of the second body portion are spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

[0019] In a device according to one embodiment, the first body part further includes a first base part including a plurality of first through holes, the second body part further includes a second base part including a plurality of second through holes, and one of the plurality of first electrodes may be positioned in each of the plurality of first through holes, and one of the plurality of second electrodes may be positioned in each of the plurality of second through holes.

[0020] In a device according to one embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes may be positioned so that each end protrudes from the surface of the first base portion by a first length, and the plurality of second electrodes may be positioned so that each end protrudes from the surface of the second base portion by a second length.

[0021] In a device according to one embodiment, the first length and the second length may each independently be 0.01 mm to 2 mm.

[0022] In a device according to one embodiment, each end of the plurality of first electrodes and each end of the plurality of second electrodes may be blunt.

[0023] In a device according to one embodiment, each of the plurality of first electrodes may form an elastic structure at a portion in contact with the first body portion, and each of the plurality of second electrodes may form an elastic structure at a portion in contact with the second body portion.

[0024] In a device according to one embodiment, the surface of the first body portion on which the plurality of first electrodes are formed and the surface of the second body portion on which the plurality of second electrodes are formed may face each other.

[0025] In a device according to one embodiment, the analysis can be performed by bringing the biological tissue into contact with the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes.

[0026] In a device according to one embodiment, the power supply unit includes a first terminal and a second terminal, the power supply unit supplies power to at least some of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes through the first terminal and the second terminal, and the device may further include a multiplexing circuit that selects at least some of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes and connects them to the first terminal and the second terminal; and a controller that provides an electrode selection signal including information on electrodes to be connected to the first terminal and the second terminal to the multiplexing circuit.

[0027] In a device according to one embodiment, the first terminal may include a first voltage terminal and a first current terminal, and the second terminal may include a second voltage terminal and a second current terminal.

[0028] In a device according to one embodiment, the multiplexing circuit can connect at least some of the plurality of first electrodes to one of the first terminal and the second terminal, and can connect at least some of the plurality of second electrodes to the remaining one of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0029] In a device according to one embodiment, the multiplexing circuit may connect at least some of the plurality of first electrodes to the first terminal and at least some of the remaining portions of the plurality of first electrodes to the second terminal, or may connect at least some of the plurality of second electrodes to the first terminal and at least some of the remaining portions of the plurality of second electrodes to the second terminal.

[0030] In a device according to one embodiment, the controller can control the multiplexing circuit to change at least one of the electrodes connected to the first terminal and the second terminal according to a preset order.

[0031] In one embodiment, the device may further include an impedance measuring unit that measures impedance by measuring voltage or current generated by power supplied from the power unit; a calculating unit that calculates electrical characteristics according to a location of the biological tissue based on the measured impedance and the locations of electrodes connected to the first terminal and the second terminal; and an image generating unit that generates an image representing the electrical characteristics of the biological tissue based on the electrical characteristics according to the location.

[0032] In a device according to one embodiment, a sensor unit may further include at least one of an angle sensor for sensing an angle formed by the first body part and the second body part and a torque sensor for sensing a torque applied to the elastic member.

[0033] In a device according to one embodiment, the device may further include a display unit that displays information related to at least one of the angle and the torque sensed from the sensor unit.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, a device capable of precisely performing spatial analysis of electrical characteristics of skin can be provided.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, a device capable of simultaneously measuring electrical characteristics in a direction penetrating the skin and electrical characteristics in a direction along the surface of the skin can be provided.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, a device capable of estimating and imaging the spatial configuration of electrical conductivity and permittivity of skin tissue can be provided.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, a device can be provided that can obtain information on the thickness and elasticity of a measurement target and apply it to characteristic analysis.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, a device capable of detecting changes in skin condition and spatially identifying locations of damage and improvement can be provided, thereby being used for analyzing the skin system of a human or animal.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present invention, a device can be provided that enables measurement of skin condition with simple operation, thereby improving user convenience.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an example of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention viewed from one direction.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one direction.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one direction.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing another example of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of areas A and B of Figure 3.

[0046] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining the multiplexing circuit of Figure 7 in more detail.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining an example of the operation of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining another example of the operation of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example of an image generated by a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] The embodiments described herein may be modified in many different forms, and thus the technology according to one implementation is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, throughout the specification, the terms "comprises," "includes," "contains," or "has" a component do not exclude other components unless specifically stated to the contrary, but rather imply that other components may be included, and do not exclude additional elements, materials, or processes that are not listed.

[0052] As used herein, "identical" or "uniform" may mean identical or uniform within an acceptable margin of error, unless otherwise specified. For example, "identical" in certain components or material property measurements may mean that the two compared objects are not only completely identical but also identical within a margin of error. Meanwhile, "identical" in certain material property measurements may mean that the difference in the measured values ​​between objects is approximately less than 5%, specifically less than 3%, or more specifically less than 1%.

[0053] In this specification, the angle formed by two objects being perpendicular, or parallel or parallel to each other may include not only being geometrically perpendicular or parallel, but also being within a slight margin of error.

[0054] A numerical range as used herein includes a lower bound and an upper bound and all values ​​within that range, increments logically derived from the shape and width of the defined range, all doubly delimited values, and all possible combinations of upper and lower bounds of numerical ranges delimited in different shapes.

[0055] Unless otherwise specified herein, “about” may be considered a value within 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10% or 5% of the stated value.

[0056] The use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in front of certain components in this specification is solely to avoid confusion regarding the components they refer to, and is unrelated to the order, importance, or dominant-subordinate relationship between the components. For example, an invention can be implemented that includes only a second component without a first component.

[0057] In this specification, “X direction”, “Y direction”, and “Z direction” may be described based on a spatial rectangular coordinate system by the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. Unless otherwise specified, the Z direction (or third direction) may mean the height direction, the X direction (or first direction) may mean any one of the directions perpendicular to the height direction, and the Y direction (or second direction) may mean a direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction. However, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction mentioned below are for the purpose of explaining so that the present invention can be clearly understood, and it goes without saying that each direction may be defined differently depending on where the standard is set.

[0058] In this specification, “electrically connected” may mean, without limitation, any connection method by which a plurality of objects can be connected to each other so as to be electrically connected, and may be implemented in various ways, such as by directly connecting the plurality of objects to each other, or by connecting them via a third object.

[0059] The configuration defined as “part” in this specification may mean, without limitation, a single component or a set of two or more identical or similar components that have something in common in a functional aspect, and the set of components may be configured by a non-limiting combination of hardware and / or software.

[0060] The present invention will be described in detail below. However, the following description is merely exemplary, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0061] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an example of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, a device (10) according to one aspect of the present invention is a device for analyzing a biological tissue, and may include a first body part (100) including a plurality of first electrodes (110); a second body part (200) including a plurality of second electrodes (210); a connecting part (300) that rotatably connects the first body part (100) and the second body part (200); and a power supply part (500) that supplies power to at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210).

[0063] Meanwhile, the shape, size, color, thickness, shade, width, number, etc. of each component illustrated in the above drawing 1 are arbitrarily illustrated for the convenience of explanation, and may be configured in various ways as needed without departing from the scope defined in the present invention, and the scope of the patent claims is not limited thereby.

[0064] In one embodiment, the device (10) may be a device capable of noninvasively analyzing electrical characteristics according to location within a biological tissue. The device (10) may be used to noninvasively precisely measure and analyze the state and spatial characteristics of a biological tissue. In an exemplary embodiment, by measuring the impedance of the biological tissue, information related to the bonding of the biological tissue can be quantitatively measured according to location within the biological tissue.

[0065] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention viewed from one direction.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the device (10) may include a first body portion (100) and a second body portion (200).

[0067] In one embodiment, the first body portion (100) and the second body portion (200) may each be formed in a shape extending in one direction.

[0068] In one embodiment, the first body portion (100) may include a plurality of first electrodes (110), and the second body portion (200) may include a plurality of second electrodes (210).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, each of the plurality of first electrodes (110) may be formed to extend from the surface of the first body portion (100), and each of the plurality of second electrodes (210) may be formed to extend from the surface of the second body portion (200). Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, the plurality of first electrodes (110) may be formed to extend in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the first body portion (100), and the plurality of second electrodes (210) may be formed to extend in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the second body portion (200). In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes (110) may be formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first body portion (100), and the plurality of second electrodes (210) may be formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the second body portion (200), but are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0070] In one embodiment, as described with reference to the drawings to be described later, the plurality of first electrodes (110) may form a first electrode portion (150) together with the first base portion (120), and the plurality of second electrodes (210) may form a second electrode portion (250) together with the second base portion (220). Meanwhile, in one embodiment, the first electrode portion (150) may be formed in at least a portion of the first body portion (100), and the second electrode portion (250) may be formed in at least a portion of the second body portion (200).

[0071] In one embodiment, the number of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) is not necessarily limited thereto, but may be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 or more. Meanwhile, the number of the first electrodes (110) and the second electrodes (210) may each be 7, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and as will be described later, an appropriate number of the first electrodes (110) and the second electrodes (210) may be provided in order to implement a high level of spatial resolution.

[0072] Meanwhile, the first electrode (110) and the second electrode (210) may not be specifically distinguished in terms of function or material, and may be distinguished according to the position where they are formed within the device (10). Accordingly, the first electrode (110) and the second electrode (210) may perform the same purpose or include the same material, but may be distinguished according to whether the position where they are formed is the first body part (100) or the second body part (200).

[0073] Meanwhile, as will be described later, at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) may be in contact with a biological tissue that is a target of bioimpedance measurement, and thereby may be electrically connected to the biological tissue. By connecting at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) to the biological tissue, power may be supplied to the biological tissue, or data on electrical characteristics within the biological tissue may be provided to the device (10).

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the biological tissue may refer to a portion of tissue of a living organism. In an exemplary embodiment, the living organism may be a human, and in an exemplary embodiment, the biological tissue may refer to tissue including skin of the living organism.

[0075] Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment, the biological tissue may be a tissue isolated from a living organism or a cultured cell culture. For example, the cell culture may be a spheroid or an organoid.

[0076] Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment, the biological tissue may be a bio-mimetic tissue that artificially mimics a living organism, such as artificial skin or a 3D skin model.

[0077] In one embodiment, at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) may be silver-silver chloride (Ag / AgCl) reference electrodes. In a specific embodiment, all of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) may be silver-silver chloride reference electrodes, but are not necessarily limited thereto. Meanwhile, in one embodiment, when at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) are silver-silver chloride reference electrodes, at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) may implement low interface impedance when in contact with the biological tissue.

[0078] Referring back to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes (110) may be formed on one side of the first body portion (100), and the plurality of second electrodes (210) may be formed on one side of the second body portion (200). As described above, the first body portion (100) and the second body portion (200) may each be formed in a form extending in one direction, and in the first body portion (100) extending in one direction, the plurality of first electrodes (110) may be formed on one side, and in the second body portion (200) extending in one direction, the plurality of second electrodes (210) may be formed on one side.

[0079] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the device (10) may include a connecting portion (300). The connecting portion (300) may rotatably couple the first body portion (100) and the second body portion (200) to each other.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first body part (100) can be coupled to the second body part (200) via the connecting part (300). In other words, the second body part (200) can be coupled to the first body part (100) via the connecting part (300). The connecting part (300) can couple the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) as described above, but can be coupled so that the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) can rotate. That is, the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) can each independently rotate with the connecting part (300) as the rotation axis.

[0081] Meanwhile, in one embodiment, the connecting portion (300) may be provided so that the first body portion (100) and the second body portion (200) rotate around the same circumference.

[0082] Accordingly, when a predetermined external force is applied to at least one of the first body part (100) and the second body part (200), at least one of the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) can rotate about the connection part (300) as the rotation axis, and accordingly, the angle formed by the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) extending in each direction can change. Meanwhile, the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) can rotate about the same circumference about the connection part (300) as the rotation axis.

[0083] In one embodiment, the connecting portion (300) may be coupled with the first body portion (100) at the other side of the one side of the first body portion (100), and may simultaneously be coupled with the second body portion (200) at the other side of the one side of the second body portion (200), but is not necessarily limited thereto. If necessary, the connecting portion (300) may be coupled with the first body portion (100) at any position between the one side and the other side of the first body portion (100), and / or may be coupled with the second body portion (200) at any position between the one side and the other side of the second body portion (200).

[0084] In this embodiment, the device (10) according to the present invention may have a forceps-like structure due to the combined structure of the first body part (100), the connection part (300), and the second body part (200). Accordingly, the user can adjust the angle formed by the first body part (100) and the second body part (200), and as described later, by adjusting the angle of the first body part (100) and the second body part (200), the user can manipulate the device to position the biological tissue between the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) (specifically, between the first electrode part (150) and the second electrode part (250)).

[0085] Meanwhile, in the structure described above, the distance between the one side of the first body part (100) and the one side of the second body part (200) can be adjusted by adjusting the angle formed by the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) as described above. This may mean that the distance between the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) can be adjusted by adjusting the angle formed by the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) as described above.

[0086] In one embodiment, the device (10) may include an elastic member (not shown). In one embodiment, the elastic member (not shown) is positioned at the connecting portion (300) and may provide elasticity to the first body portion (100) and the second body portion (200) such that one side of the first body portion (100) and one side of the second body portion (200) are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0087] In one embodiment, the elastic member (not shown) can provide elastic force to the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) so that the one side of the first body part (100) and the one side of the second body part (200) are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. That is, in one embodiment, the elastic member (not shown) can provide elastic force to the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) so that the one side of the first body part (100) and the one side of the second body part (200) are maintained in a state where they are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. According to this embodiment, when no particular external force is applied to the device (10), the one side of the first body part (100) and the one side of the second body part (200) can be maintained in a state where they are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0088] Meanwhile, when an external force is applied to the device (10), specifically, when an external force is applied in a direction in which at least one of the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) can rotate about the connecting part (300) as an axis of rotation, the angle formed by the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) can be adjusted as described above. To facilitate such angle adjustment operation, the elastic member (not shown) may have an appropriate degree of elasticity.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the elastic member (not shown) may not be particularly limited in material or structure for the purpose of providing the elastic force as described above to the first body part (100) and the second body part (200). For example, the elastic member (not shown) may include a spring made of a metal, non-metal, or plastic material, and may provide the elastic force as described above to the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) by having one end coupled to the first body part (100) and the other end of the one end coupled to the second body part (200), but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0090] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one direction.

[0091] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one direction.

[0092] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing another example of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, in one embodiment, the first body part (100) further includes a first base part (120) including a plurality of first through holes, and the second body part (200) further includes a second base part (220) including a plurality of second through holes, and one of the plurality of first electrodes (110) may be positioned in each of the plurality of first through holes, and one of the plurality of second electrodes (210) may be positioned in each of the plurality of second through holes.

[0094] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, a configuration is disclosed in which the first electrode (110) is positioned in the first through-hole and the second electrode (210) is positioned in the second through-hole.

[0095] In one embodiment, the first base portion (120) may include a plurality of first through holes penetrating the first base portion (120). Meanwhile, the first base portion (120) may be formed on at least a portion of the surface of the first body portion (100).

[0096] In each of the plurality of first through-holes, one of the plurality of first electrodes (110) may be positioned. Accordingly, each of the plurality of first through-holes may extend in the same direction as the extension direction of the plurality of first electrodes (110). In this embodiment, the first base portion (120) may also extend in the same direction as the extension direction of the plurality of first electrodes (110).

[0097] Meanwhile, as described above, the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the first base portion (120) can constitute the first electrode portion (150).

[0098] Accordingly, referring to the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first base portion (120) may be formed on one side of the first body portion (100) as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the first electrode portion (150) may be formed on one side of the first body portion (100).

[0099] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first base portion (120) may be formed on the surface of one side of the first body portion (100).

[0100] In one embodiment, the second base portion (220) may include a plurality of second through holes penetrating the second base portion (220). Meanwhile, the second base portion (220) may be formed on at least a portion of the surface of the second body portion (200).

[0101] In each of the plurality of second through holes, one of the plurality of second electrodes (210) may be positioned. Accordingly, each of the plurality of second through holes may extend in the same direction as the extension direction of the plurality of second electrodes (210). In this embodiment, the second base portion (220) may also extend in the same direction as the extension direction of the plurality of second electrodes (210).

[0102] Meanwhile, as described above, the plurality of second electrodes (210) and the second base portion (220) can constitute the second electrode portion (250).

[0103] Accordingly, referring to the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the second base portion (220) may be formed on one side of the second body portion (200) as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the second electrode portion (250) may be formed on one side of the second body portion (200).

[0104] Meanwhile, the first base part (120) and the second base part (220) may not be particularly distinguished in terms of function or material, and may be distinguished according to the position where they are formed within the device (10). Accordingly, the first base part (120) and the second base part (220) may perform the same function or include the same material, but may be distinguished according to whether the position where they are formed is the first body part (100) or the second body part (200).

[0105] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the second base portion (220) may be formed on the surface of one side of the second body portion (200).

[0106] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, in one embodiment, at least a portion of one side of the first body portion (100) may be sunken, and the first base portion (120) may be formed on the surface of the first body portion (100) in the sunken area. Similarly, in one embodiment, at least a portion of one side of the second body portion (200) may be sunken, and the second base portion (220) may be formed on the surface of the second body portion (200) in the sunken area.

[0107] Meanwhile, the matters illustrated in FIG. 5 are drawings that illustrate separately each of the first body part (100) on which the first electrode part (150) is formed and the second body part (200) on which the second electrode part (250) is formed in the device (10) of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the device (10) may include seven first electrodes (110) and seven second electrodes (210), but this is merely an example and the scope of the patent claims is not necessarily limited to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0108] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of areas A and B of Figure 3.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, in one embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes (110) may be positioned so that each end protrudes from the surface of the first base portion (120) by a first length (L1), and the plurality of second electrodes (210) may be positioned so that each end protrudes from the surface of the second base portion (220) by a second length (L2).

[0110] Figure 6 (a) is an enlarged view of area A of Figure 3.

[0111] In one embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes (110) may be positioned so that each end protrudes from the surface of the first base portion (120) by the first length (L1).

[0112] Accordingly, as described above, each of the first electrode parts (150) positioned in each of the plurality of first through holes can be positioned so that its end protrudes from the surface of the first base part (120) by the first length (L1).

[0113] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6, the first base portion (120) may have a surface, specifically, a surface intersecting the extension direction of each of the plurality of first electrodes (110), and more specifically, a surface perpendicular to the extension direction of each of the plurality of first electrodes (110).

[0114] The plurality of first electrodes (110) may be positioned so that their ends protrude from the surface of the first base portion (120) as described above along the first length (L1).

[0115] Likewise, in one embodiment, the plurality of second electrodes (210) may be positioned so that each end protrudes from the surface of the second base portion (220) by the second length (L2).

[0116] Accordingly, as described above, each of the second electrode parts (250) positioned in each of the plurality of second through holes can be positioned so that its end protrudes from the surface of the second base part (220) by the second length (L2).

[0117] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6, the second base portion (220) may have a surface, specifically, a surface intersecting the extension direction of each of the plurality of second electrodes (210), and more specifically, a surface perpendicular to the extension direction of each of the plurality of second electrodes (210).

[0118] The plurality of second electrodes (210) may be positioned so that their ends protrude from the surface of the second base portion (220) as described above by the second length (L2).

[0119] Meanwhile, the first length (L1) may refer to the length by which each end of the plurality of first electrodes (110) protrudes from the surface of the first base portion (120). This may refer to the length when each end of the plurality of first electrodes (110) protrudes from the surface of the first base portion (120) by the same length, and when the protruding length of at least one end among the plurality of first electrodes (110) is different, it may refer to the average of the protruding lengths of each end.

[0120] Likewise, the second length (L2) may refer to a length by which each end of the plurality of second electrodes (210) protrudes from the surface of the second base portion (220). This may refer to a length when each end of the plurality of second electrodes (210) protrudes from the surface of the second base portion (220) by the same length, and when the protruding length of at least one end among the plurality of second electrodes (210) is different, it may refer to an average of the protruding lengths of each end.

[0121] In one embodiment, the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) may each independently be 0.01 mm to 2 mm. In a specific embodiment, the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) may each independently be 0.05 mm or more, 0.1 mm or more, 0.15 mm or more, 0.2 mm or more, 0.25 mm or more, 0.3 mm or more, 0.35 mm or more, 0.4 mm or more, 0.45 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, 0.55 mm or more, 0.6 mm or more, 0.65 mm or more, 0.7 mm or more, 0.75 mm or more, 0.8 mm or more, 0.85 mm or more, 0.9 mm or more, or 0.95 mm or more, or 1.9 mm or less, 1.8 mm or less, 1.7 mm or less, 1.6 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less, 1.4 mm or less, or 1.3 mm or less.

[0122] In an exemplary embodiment, the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) may be independent within the numerical range described above. In another exemplary embodiment, the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) may be the same.

[0123] Referring again to FIGS. 3 to 6, in one embodiment, each end of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and each end of the plurality of second electrodes (210) may be blunt.

[0124] That is, in one embodiment, each of the ends may be blunt. In other words, each of the ends may have at least a portion of a rounded shape, or in other words, each of the ends may not be pointed.

[0125] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of first electrodes (110) can form an elastic structure at a portion where it comes into contact with the first body portion (100), and each of the plurality of second electrodes (210) can form an elastic structure at a portion where it comes into contact with the second body portion (200).

[0126] In this embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) can be compressed due to their respective elastic structures when force is applied in their respective extension directions, specifically, in the direction connecting the first body portion (100) from each end of the plurality of first electrodes (110) or in the direction connecting the second body portion (200) from each end of the plurality of second electrodes (210).

[0127] In an exemplary embodiment, when compressed as described above, each of the plurality of first electrodes (110) may be inserted at least partially or entirely into the first through-holes where they are respectively positioned, and each of the plurality of second electrodes (210) may be inserted at least partially or entirely into the second through-holes where they are respectively positioned. In such an embodiment, each end of the plurality of first electrodes (110) may not protrude from the surface of the first base portion (120), and each end of the plurality of second electrodes (210) may not protrude from the surface of the second base portion (220).

[0128] Meanwhile, the elastic structure formed on each of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and / or the plurality of second electrodes (210) may not be particularly limited in material or structure for the purpose of providing elasticity as described above to the first electrode (110) and the second electrode (210). For example, the elastic structure may include a spring structure, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0129] Through the structure of the first electrode part (150) and the second electrode part (250) described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, and the first base part (120), the plurality of first electrodes (110), the second base part (220), and the plurality of second electrodes (210) constituting the first electrode part (150), the device (10) can effectively contact the biological tissue in a non-invasive manner, and thus can more smoothly perform non-invasive multi-analysis on the biological tissue.

[0130] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 6, in one embodiment, the surface of the first body portion (100) on which the plurality of first electrodes (110) are formed and the surface of the second body portion (200) on which the plurality of second electrodes (210) are formed may face each other.

[0131] As described above, the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) can rotate with the connecting part (300) as the rotation axis, and accordingly, the angle formed by the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) can be adjusted. In one embodiment, as the angle formed by the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) decreases, the surface of the first body part (100) and the surface of the second body part (200) can come closer to each other while facing each other.

[0132] Meanwhile, in an embodiment like this, the surface of the first base portion (120) and the surface of the second base portion (220) may also face each other, and accordingly, as the angle formed by the first body portion (100) and the second body portion (200) decreases, the ends of each of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the ends of each of the plurality of second electrodes (210) may also become closer.

[0133] In this embodiment, by adjusting the angle formed by the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) as described above, the ends of each of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the ends of each of the plurality of second electrodes (210) can be moved farther apart or closer together.

[0134] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining the multiplexing circuit of Figure 7 in more detail.

[0136] Referring also to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the power supply unit (500) includes a first terminal (510) and a second terminal (520), and the power supply unit (500) supplies power to at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) through the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520), and the device (10) may further include a multiplexing circuit (620) that selects at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) and connects them to the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520); and a controller (610) that provides an electrode selection signal including information on electrodes to be connected to the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520) to the multiplexing circuit (620).

[0137] In one embodiment, the power supply (500) can supply power to at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210).

[0138] In one embodiment, the power supply unit (500) may include a first terminal (510) and a second terminal (520). In such an embodiment, the power supply unit (500) may supply power to at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) through the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520).

[0139] In one embodiment, at least one electrode may be electrically connected to each of the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520). That is, at least one electrode among a plurality of first electrodes (110) and a plurality of second electrodes (210) may be connected to the first terminal (510), and at least one electrode among the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210), excluding the electrode (or electrodes) connected to the first terminal (510), may be connected to the second terminal (520). The power supply unit (500) can supply power through the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520), and the power supplied from the power supply unit (500) can be supplied to the biological tissue to be measured through the electrode (or electrodes) connected to the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520), respectively.

[0140] In an exemplary embodiment, the power source may be current or voltage, and the current or voltage may be direct current or alternating current, respectively.

[0141] In one embodiment, the first terminal (510) may include a first voltage terminal and a first current terminal, and the second terminal (520) may include a second voltage terminal and a second current terminal.

[0142] In an exemplary embodiment, the first voltage terminal and the first current terminal may be connected to the same electrode, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and different electrodes may be connected to the first voltage terminal and the first current terminal if necessary. Meanwhile, in an exemplary embodiment, the second voltage terminal and the second current terminal may be connected to the same electrode, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and different electrodes may be connected to the second voltage terminal and the second current terminal if necessary.

[0143] In an exemplary embodiment, at least some of the electrodes not connected to the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520) may be electrically insulated, and / or at least some may be applied with a separate reference voltage as a protective electrode for noise shielding.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 8 together, in one embodiment, the multiplexing circuit (620) can select at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) and connect them to the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520).

[0145] In one embodiment, the multiplexing circuit (620) can select at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) and connect them to the power supply unit (500), specifically, can connect them to the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520) included in the power supply unit (500). The multiplexing circuit (620) can receive an electrode selection signal from the controller (610) and can select an electrode (or electrodes) to be connected to each terminal based on the received electrode selection signal.

[0146] In one embodiment, the multiplexing circuit (620) can connect at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (110) to one of the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520), and can connect at least some of the plurality of second electrodes (210) to the other one.

[0147] In such an embodiment, the multiplexing circuit (620) can connect at least a portion of one group among the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) to the first terminal (510), and can connect at least a portion of another group among the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) other than the group connected to the first terminal (510) to the second terminal (520).

[0148] For example, the multiplexing circuit (620) can connect at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (110) to the first terminal (510). Accordingly, at least some of the plurality of second electrodes (210) can be connected to the second terminal (520). Alternatively, the multiplexing circuit (620) can connect at least some of the plurality of second electrodes (210) to the first terminal (510). Accordingly, at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (110) can be connected to the second terminal (520).

[0149] In such an embodiment, when the biological tissue to be measured is in contact with both the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210), the current or voltage applied to the biological tissue may have a path connecting at least one of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and at least one of the plurality of second electrodes (210). Accordingly, as will be described later, electrical characteristic information according to the penetration direction of the biological tissue may be obtained.

[0150] In one embodiment, the multiplexing circuit (620) may connect at least a portion of the plurality of first electrodes (110) to the first terminal (510) and at least a portion of the remaining portion of the plurality of first electrodes (110) to the second terminal (520), or may connect at least a portion of the plurality of second electrodes (210) to the first terminal (510) and at least a portion of the remaining portion of the plurality of second electrodes (210) to the second terminal (520).

[0151] In one embodiment, the multiplexing circuit (620) can connect at least a portion of the plurality of first electrodes (110) to the first terminal (510) and connect at least a portion of the remaining portions of the plurality of first electrodes (110) to the second terminal (520).

[0152] In one embodiment, the multiplexing circuit (620) can connect at least a portion of the plurality of second electrodes (210) to the first terminal (510) and connect at least a portion of the remaining portion of the plurality of second electrodes (210) to the second terminal (520).

[0153] In this embodiment, the multiplexing circuit (620) may connect at least a portion of the plurality of first electrodes (110) to the first terminal (510), and may connect at least a portion of the remaining electrodes, excluding the electrodes connected to the first terminal (510), among the plurality of first electrodes (110), to the second terminal (520). Alternatively, the multiplexing circuit (620) may connect at least a portion of the plurality of second electrodes (210) to the first terminal (510), and may connect at least a portion of the remaining electrodes, excluding the electrodes connected to the first terminal (510), among the plurality of second electrodes (210), to the second terminal (520).

[0154] In this embodiment, for example, all of the electrodes connected to the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520) may be first electrodes (110), or all of the electrodes connected to the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520) may be second electrodes (210).

[0155] In such an embodiment, when the biological tissue to be measured is in contact with the plurality of first electrodes (110) and / or the plurality of second electrodes (210), the current or voltage applied to the biological tissue may have a path connecting any two or more of the plurality of first electrodes (110) or a path connecting any two or more of the plurality of second electrodes (210). Accordingly, as will be described later, electrical characteristic information according to the surface direction of the biological tissue can be obtained.

[0156] In such an embodiment, the degree of freedom in the combination of electrodes for connection to the biological tissue can be maximized compared to the prior art.

[0157] In one embodiment, the controller (610) can control the multiplexing circuit (620) to change at least one of the electrodes connected to the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520) according to a preset order.

[0158] In one embodiment, the controller (610) can control the multiplexing circuit (620). In one embodiment, the controller (610) can provide an electrode selection signal to the multiplexing circuit (620), and the electrode selection signal can include information about electrodes to be connected to each terminal of the power supply (500) (e.g., the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520)).

[0159] In one embodiment, the controller (610) may control the multiplexing circuit (620) to change the electrodes connected to each of the terminals. For example, the controller (610) may provide the multiplexing circuit (620) with a new electrode selection signal including information about electrodes to be newly connected to each of the terminals, and the multiplexing circuit (620) may select new electrodes accordingly and connect them to each of the terminals.

[0160] Referring again to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the device (10) may further include an impedance measuring unit (550) that measures impedance by measuring voltage or current generated by power supplied from the power supply unit (500); a calculating unit (700) that calculates electrical characteristics according to the location of a biological tissue to be investigated based on the measured impedance and the locations of electrodes connected to the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520); and an image generating unit (800) that generates an image representing the location based on the electrical characteristics according to the location.

[0161] In one embodiment, the device (10) may further include an impedance measuring unit (550). In one embodiment, the impedance measuring unit (550) may measure impedance by measuring voltage or current generated by power supplied from the power supply unit (500).

[0162] As described above in the description of the power supply unit (500), the power supply unit (500) can supply power to at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) through the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520), and the supplied power can be supplied to the biological tissue to be measured. Meanwhile, the power can be current or voltage.

[0163] In this embodiment, the impedance measuring unit (550) can measure the impedance of the biological tissue by measuring the electrical signal between the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520).

[0164] In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply unit (500) can apply current through the first current terminal and the second current terminal, and the impedance measurement unit (550) can measure the voltage between the first voltage terminal and the second voltage terminal according to the applied current, thereby measuring the impedance of the biological tissue.

[0165] In an exemplary embodiment, the current applied to the biological tissue may be 10 mA or less, and may be exemplarily 0.5 μA to 20 μA, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and an appropriate range of current may be applied depending on the size and condition of the measurement object.

[0166] In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply unit (500) can apply voltage through the first voltage terminal and the second voltage terminal, and the impedance measurement unit (550) can measure the current between the first current terminal and the second current terminal according to the applied voltage, thereby measuring the impedance of the biological tissue.

[0167] In an exemplary embodiment, the voltage applied to the biological tissue may be 30 V or less, and may be exemplarily 50 mV to 10 V, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and an appropriate range of voltage may be applied depending on the size and condition of the measurement object.

[0168] In an exemplary embodiment, for AC power, the frequency may be from 1 Hz to 100 kHz, for example, 12.5 Hz, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be adjusted to an appropriate range depending on the size and condition of the measurement object.

[0169] In one embodiment, the device (10) may further include a calculation unit (700). In one embodiment, the calculation unit (700) may calculate electrical characteristics according to the location of the biological tissue to be investigated based on the impedance measured by the impedance measurement unit (550) and the locations of the electrodes connected to the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520).

[0170] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical characteristics according to the position may be expressed as impedance values, electrical conductivity values, etc., but are not limited to such examples.

[0171] In an exemplary embodiment, in one measurement sequence in which any combination of a plurality of first electrodes (110) and a plurality of second electrodes (210) is connected to the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520), the positions of the electrodes connected to the first terminal (510) and the second terminal (520) and the impedance values ​​measured in the corresponding measurement sequence can be stored. By repeating the measurement sequence multiple times while changing the combination of the electrodes as described above, a plurality of impedance values ​​and the positions of the electrodes corresponding thereto can be stored, and the calculation unit (700) can calculate electrical characteristics according to the position in the biological tissue based on the plurality of impedance values ​​stored as described above and the positions of the electrodes corresponding thereto, respectively.

[0172] In one embodiment, the calculation unit (700) may further calculate the electrical characteristics using a correction factor to take into account the asymmetrical and non-uniform shape of the biological tissue.

[0173] In one embodiment, the device (10) may further include an image generating unit (800). In one embodiment, the image generating unit (800) may generate an image representing the electrical characteristics according to the location.

[0174] In one embodiment, the image generated from the image generating unit (800) may include a physical quantity or a scored index corresponding to an electrical characteristic.

[0175] The image generated by the image generating unit (800) may be provided to the user by being displayed by a separate display means configured separately from the device (10), and / or may be provided to the user by being displayed by a display means formed in the device (10).

[0176] Meanwhile, in an exemplary embodiment, at least some of the impedance measurement unit (550), calculation unit (700), and image generation unit (800) may exist as separate components connected to the device (10) by wire or wirelessly.

[0177] Referring again to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the device (10) may further include a sensor unit (900) including at least one of an angle sensor for sensing an angle formed by the first body portion (100) and the second body portion (200) and a torque sensor for sensing a torque applied to the elastic member (not shown).

[0178] In one embodiment, the device (10) may further include the sensor unit (900). The sensor unit (900) may include at least one of the angle sensor and the torque sensor.

[0179] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (900) may include an angle sensor. In one embodiment, the angle sensor may sense an angle formed by the first body unit (100) and the second body unit (200).

[0180] Referring to FIG. 9, which will be described later, in an exemplary embodiment, the angle formed by the first body part (100) and the second body part (200) may mean an angle formed by the direction in which the first body part (100) extends and the direction in which the second body part (200) extends, in the configuration of the first body part (100) extending in one direction and the second body part (200) extending in one direction, as described above with respect to the device (10) with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0181] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (900) may include a torque sensor. In one embodiment, the torque sensor may sense a torque applied to the elastic member.

[0182] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (900) may include the angle sensor and the torque sensor.

[0183] Meanwhile, in an exemplary embodiment, the angle sensor and torque sensor may employ, without limitation, any known angle sensor and torque sensor capable of implementing the above-described technical configuration. Meanwhile, the angle sensor and torque sensor may be built into the device (10), or at least part of the angle sensor and torque sensor may be exposed to the outside of the device (10), or may exist as a separate configuration from the device (10) but may be connected to the device (10) via a wire or wireless connection.

[0184] In one embodiment, the device (10) may further include a display unit (400) that displays information related to at least one of the angle and torque sensed from the sensor unit (900).

[0185] In one embodiment, the display unit (400) may display information based on the measured values ​​(angle and / or torque) sensed from the sensor unit (900), i.e., information related to at least one of the angle and torque. Meanwhile, the information may refer to information related to the angle sensed from the angle sensor and / or information related to the torque sensed from the torque sensor.

[0186] The above information may be performed by a processor (not shown) included in the sensor unit (900), or by a processor (not shown) built into the device (10) or configured separately from the device (10).

[0187] In one embodiment, the information related to the angle may include information related to the thickness of the biological tissue being measured, calculated from the angle sensed by the angle sensor. Meanwhile, the thickness of the biological tissue here may refer to the thickness of the region located between the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) in the biological tissue.

[0188] For example, by calculating based on information such as the sensed angle, the length of the first body part (100) and the second body part (200), the distance from the connecting part (300) to the first electrode part (150), and the distance from the connecting part (300) to the second electrode part (250), information on the thickness of the biological tissue to be measured can be obtained.

[0189] In one embodiment, the information related to the torque may include information related to the pressure applied to the biological tissue from the device (10), calculated from the torque sensed by the torque sensor.

[0190] For example, by calculating based on the sensed torque, information about the length of the first body part (100) and the second body part (200), or the distance from the connection part (300) to the first electrode part (150) and the distance from the connection part (300) to the second electrode part (250), and information about the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) in the electrode extension direction, information about the pressure applied to the living tissue by the device (10) can be obtained.

[0191] The information about the above pressure can also be utilized to further increase the accuracy of the information about the above thickness.

[0192] Meanwhile, the information on the thickness and the information on the pressure can be used as a criterion for judging the suitability of the measurement protocol in operation in real time.

[0193] For example, the electrical characteristics according to the location of the biological tissue calculated by the calculation unit (700) can be compared with a predetermined database or algorithm to determine appropriateness or can be corrected as needed, and the thickness of the biological tissue to be measured can be exemplified as one of the criteria for determination. Accordingly, when information regarding the thickness is acquired, it can be determined whether the acquired thickness of the biological tissue is comparable from the database, suitable for the algorithm, or falls within the range of thickness that can be measured by the device (10).

[0194] For example, if the biological tissue is a tissue including skin as described above, a mathematical model may be established and mapped based on a layer structure composed of an epidermis layer, a dermis layer, and a portion of subcutaneous fat (or an epidermis layer, a dermis layer, a portion of subcutaneous fat, and then a dermis layer and an epidermis layer again), thereby designing a database or algorithm regarding the state of the skin or the state of the tissue based on electrical characteristic analysis. In this case, if the biological tissue to be measured during the operation includes a bone (in other words, if a bone is included in the path of the current and voltage within the biological tissue connecting at least two of the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) during the measurement process), inaccurate measurement results may be derived. In the example above, if the biological tissue includes a bone, the thickness is different compared to a case where the biological tissue includes only the layer structure of the skin, and thus, as described above, this can be utilized as one of the judgment criteria.

[0195] The information about the above pressure may be used as a criterion for judging or correcting the asymmetrical and non-uniform shape of the biological tissue to be measured, or as a criterion for judging information about the configuration of a portion in contact with a plurality of first electrodes (110) and / or a plurality of second electrodes (210).

[0196] The information regarding the above pressure may also be used as a criterion for evaluating skin elasticity, etc. when the biological tissue is a tissue including skin, as in the example described above.

[0197] In one embodiment, information related to at least one of the angle and torque described above may be displayed through the display unit (400). The user may determine in real time the suitability of the measurement protocol in operation based on the information displayed through the display unit (400).

[0198] In one embodiment, the display unit (400) may display information related to the progress of the measurement. In an exemplary embodiment, the information related to the progress of the measurement may be provided in the form of a progress bar, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0199] In an exemplary embodiment, the configuration of the display unit (400) is not particularly limited as long as it corresponds to a configuration capable of displaying information. For example, the information may be displayed visually or audibly, and accordingly, the display unit (400) may include a configuration capable of displaying the information visually or audibly.

[0200] In one embodiment, the device (10) may further include a memory (not shown). The memory (not shown) may store information or data necessary for the operation of the device (10) of the present invention, such as information related to the electrode selection signal provided to the multiplexing circuit (620).

[0201] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining an example of the operation of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0202] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining another example of the operation of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0203] As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, the biological tissue (20) may mean a portion of a tissue of a living organism as described above, and for example, the living organism may be a human, and in an exemplary embodiment, may mean a tissue including skin of the living organism.

[0204] Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment, the biological tissue (20) may be a tissue taken from a living organism or a cultured cell culture.

[0205] Figure 9 illustrates an example of operating the device on human skin. That is, Figure 9 illustrates an example of an operation for performing measurements in vivo.

[0206] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the living tissue (20), i.e., skin, may be positioned between the first electrode portion (150) and the second electrode portion (250), and specifically, the skin may be positioned so that the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) contact one side of the living tissue (20), i.e., skin, respectively, and the other side of the skin.

[0207] That is, the user can apply a predetermined external force to the device (10) to pinch the skin of the user or another person through the part where the first electrode part (150) and the second electrode part (250) are located, and measure the electrical characteristics as described above.

[0208] Figure 10 illustrates an example of operating the device on tissue isolated from a living organism or cultured cell culture. That is, Figure 10 illustrates an example of an operation that performs measurements in a non-in vivo state compared to Figure 9.

[0209] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the biological tissue, i.e., tissue taken from a living organism or a cultured cell culture, may be positioned between the first electrode portion (150) and the second electrode portion (250), and specifically, the skin may be positioned so that the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210) contact one side and the other side of the biological tissue (20), i.e., tissue taken from a living organism or a cultured cell culture, respectively.

[0210] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 10, measurements may be performed on an artificial skin or a 3D skin model. In such an embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes (110) may contact the epidermal layer, and the plurality of second electrodes (210) may contact the dermal layer, or the plurality of first electrodes (110) may contact the dermal layer, and the plurality of second electrodes (210) may contact the epidermal layer.

[0211] That is, the user can perform the analysis described above by applying an external force as described above and bringing the biological tissue (20) into contact with the plurality of first electrodes (110) and the plurality of second electrodes (210).

[0212] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example of an image generated by a device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 11, an example of an image generated by the image generation unit (800) when performing an operation of measuring electrical characteristics of a biological tissue using a device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be confirmed. Impedance and electrical conductivity values ​​are calculated for each location within the biological tissue, and can be displayed with different colors or different brightness depending on the electrical conductivity value.

[0214] In one embodiment, the device (10) may provide spatial resolution as described with reference to FIG. 11, thereby enabling measurement of non-uniform or localized changes within biological tissue.

[0215] Additionally, as illustrated in Fig. 11, the minimum and maximum impedance values ​​for each location within a biological tissue can be calculated, and the standard deviation of the impedance values ​​for each location within a biological tissue can also be calculated.

[0216] Meanwhile, information such as the minimum value of impedance at each location and the corresponding location, the maximum value of impedance at each location and the corresponding location, the average value and standard deviation of impedance within a biological tissue, etc., as described above, can be displayed by a display means and provided to the user.

[0217] The device (10) according to one aspect of the present invention as described above can be applied to analysis of the skin system of a human or animal.

[0218] A device (10) according to another aspect of the present invention can be applied to evaluations such as toxicity evaluation and efficacy evaluation using a biological model, and to production processes for cell therapy agents, biological models, organoids, etc.

[0219] A device (10) according to another aspect of the present invention can be applied to quality control of cultured meat through measurement of epithelial barrier formation of cultured biological tissue.

[0220] Although the present invention has been described through the embodiments of the present invention as described above, these are provided only to help a more general understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations based on these descriptions.

[0221] Accordingly, the idea of ​​the present invention is not only the scope of the patent claims described below, but also all things that are equivalent or equivalent to the scope of the patent claims are considered to fall within the scope of the idea of ​​the present invention.

Claims

1. As a device for analyzing biological tissue, A first body portion including a plurality of first electrodes; A second body portion including a plurality of second electrodes; A connecting portion that rotatably connects the first body portion and the second body portion to each other; and A device comprising a power supply unit that supplies power to at least some of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes.

2. In paragraph 1, A device, wherein at least some of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes are silver-silver chloride reference electrodes.

3. In paragraph 1, Each of the plurality of first electrodes is formed to extend from the surface of the first body portion, A device wherein each of the plurality of second electrodes extends from the surface of the second body portion.

4. In paragraph 3, The plurality of first electrodes are formed on one side of the first body portion, A device in which the plurality of second electrodes are formed on one side of the second body portion.

5. In paragraph 1, A device further comprising an elastic member located at the connecting portion and providing elasticity to the first body portion and the second body portion so that one side of the first body portion and one side of the second body portion are spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

6. In paragraph 3, The first body portion further includes a first base portion including a plurality of first through holes, The second body portion further includes a second base portion including a plurality of second through holes, One of the plurality of first electrodes is positioned in each of the plurality of first through holes, A device wherein one of the plurality of second electrodes is positioned in each of the plurality of second through holes.

7. In paragraph 6, The plurality of first electrodes are positioned so that each end protrudes from the surface of the first base portion by a first length, A device wherein the plurality of second electrodes are positioned so that each end protrudes from the surface of the second base portion by a second length.

8. In paragraph 7, A device wherein the first and second lengths are each independently 0.01 mm to 2 mm.

9. In paragraph 7, A device wherein each end of the plurality of first electrodes and each end of the plurality of second electrodes are blunt.

10. In paragraph 6, Each of the plurality of first electrodes forms an elastic structure at a portion in contact with the first body portion, A device wherein each of the plurality of second electrodes forms an elastic structure at a portion in contact with the second body portion.

11. In paragraph 3, A device in which the surface of the first body part on which the plurality of first electrodes are formed and the surface of the second body part on which the plurality of second electrodes are formed face each other.

12. In paragraph 11, A device that performs the analysis by bringing the biological tissue into contact with the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes.

13. In paragraph 1, The above power supply It includes a first terminal and a second terminal, and the power supply unit supplies power to at least some of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes through the first terminal and the second terminal, The above device, A multiplexing circuit that selects at least some of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes and connects them to the first terminal and the second terminal; and A device further comprising a controller providing an electrode selection signal including information about electrodes to be connected to the first terminal and the second terminal to the multiplexing circuit.

14. In paragraph 13, The above first terminal is, Includes a first voltage terminal and a first current terminal, The above second terminal is, A device comprising a second voltage terminal and a second current terminal.

15. In paragraph 13, The above multiplexing circuit, Connecting at least some of the plurality of first electrodes to one of the first terminal and the second terminal, A device that connects at least some of the plurality of second electrodes to the remaining one of the first terminal and the second terminal.

16. In paragraph 13, The above multiplexing circuit, Connecting at least some of the plurality of first electrodes to the first terminal, and connecting at least some of the remaining portions of the plurality of first electrodes to the second terminal, or A device that connects at least some of the plurality of second electrodes to the first terminal and connects at least some of the remaining portions of the plurality of second electrodes to the second terminal.

17. In paragraph 13, The above controller, A device that controls the multiplexing circuit to change at least one of the electrodes connected to the first terminal and the second terminal according to a preset order.

18. In paragraph 13, An impedance measuring unit that measures impedance by measuring voltage or current generated by power supplied from the power supply unit; A calculation unit that calculates electrical characteristics according to the location of the biological tissue based on the measured impedance and the locations of the electrodes connected to the first terminal and the second terminal; and A device further comprising an image generating unit that generates an image representing the electrical characteristics of the biological tissue based on the electrical characteristics according to the location.

19. In paragraph 5, A device further comprising a sensor unit including at least one of an angle sensor for sensing an angle formed by the first body portion and the second body portion and a torque sensor for sensing a torque applied to the elastic member.

20. In paragraph 19, A device further comprising a display unit that displays information related to at least one of the angle and the torque sensed from the sensor unit.

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