Hitachi launches new device to measure changes in blood flow during saliva secretion

Hitachi, Ltd. and Hitachi International Electric Services will launch the "Wearable Optical Analysis Series WOT-S20" which can measure changes in blood flow during saliva secretion. It will be mainly used in food and beverage companies and research institutions, and orders will be accepted from November 1, 2012. Since it is a non-pharmaceutical product, it cannot be used for medical or diagnostic purposes.

The device uses the "optical topography" technology developed by Hitachi, Ltd. to measure changes in blood flow in the brain. This technology measures changes in blood flow in the brain and generates images by irradiating weak near-infrared light from above the scalp. Hitachi, Ltd. has been exploring the possibility of applying this technology to new uses, and this product was developed as part of that effort.

The previous methods of measuring saliva secretion were burdensome to the person being measured. For example, there were methods of spitting saliva into a beaker, measuring the weight by inserting a cotton ball into the mouth, and direct measurement by inserting a tube into the salivary gland. However, this product can measure the amount of saliva by simply placing a dedicated sensor near the salivary gland in the cheek, and can also measure changes in blood flow in real time. Therefore, it can be measured while eating.

The product consists of three parts: earmuffs worn on the head, a portable control box that stores measurement settings and measurement results, and a measurement controller that displays measurement results. The earmuffs are equipped with a near-infrared light-receiving sensor on each side, extending to the vicinity of the parotid glands on the left and right cheeks. The near-infrared light-receiving sensor can measure the changes in oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, and total hemoglobin in real time.

The portable control box and the measurement controller use two-way communication based on the wireless network, and the measurement results can be displayed in real time on the measurement controller. In addition, it is also possible to measure with the earmuffs and portable control box without using a wireless network. If additional devices are added, it is also possible to measure four people at the same time with one measurement controller.