Classification and characterization of tissue through features related to adipose tissue
US6587702B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG16H50/20
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A non-invasive system for characterizing and classifying the state and structure of a tissue sample operates on a near infrared absorbance spectrum of in vivo tissue. A method that uses near-infrared spectral measurements to characterize and classify the state and structure of tissue sampled based on absorbance features related to fat in adipose tissue is provided. Also provided is a method of estimating skin fold thickness. The approach provides information about sources of tissue variability and is therefore useful for establishing the general category of the tissue structure. Categorization of subjects on the basis of the determination is suitable for further spectral analysis and the measurement of biological and chemical compounds, such as blood analytes. The invention further provides a method of estimating percent body fat based on a skin fold thickness estimate. The invention also provides an apparatus for measuring the absorbance spectra coupled with a digital processor for performing the required analyses.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.