JP2007130072A - Body fat measuring instrument and measuring unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a body fat measuring instrument and measuring unit capable of accurately measuring a visceral fat amount without being affected by the shape of the abdominal part of a subject. <P>SOLUTION: The body fat measuring instrument is provided with an at least a pair of first electrodes to be arranged respectively at two parts at positions across the abdominal part, and a belt-like member 19 having the shape of rounding a planar body so as to reach one side abdominal part from the other side abdominal part through an umbilical part and to be along the surface of the abdominal part. On the inner surface of the belt-like member 19, a pair of second electrodes and a pair of third electrodes are arranged. A first potential difference between a prescribed pair of electrodes of the first abdominal part electrodes is detected when a current is impressed through the first electrodes, and a second potential difference between the second electrodes is detected when a current is impressed through the third electrodes. On the basis of two kinds of the detected potential differences and the physique information of the subject, the visceral fat amount of the subject is calculated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a body fat measuring device and a measuring unit, and more particularly to a body fat measuring device capable of measuring visceral fat mass using an impedance method and a measuring unit used for measuring visceral fat mass.

  Conventionally, the visceral fat mass is measured from an abdominal tomographic image by X-ray CT (Computed Tomography). Therefore, there is a problem that the visceral fat amount can be measured only at a medical institution having an X-ray CT facility. In MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), it is possible to take an abdominal tomographic image similar to X-ray CT, but a large facility is still necessary.

  For this reason, proposals for measuring visceral fat mass without requiring a large facility have been made. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that the visceral fat amount is calculated based on the body specifying information of the subject and the whole body impedance measured by arranging electrodes on the limbs. Patent Document 2 discloses that the visceral fat mass is calculated based on the body information (waist length, sex, etc.) of the measurer and the voltage value of the abdomen.

There is also an invention for facilitating contact of a plurality of electrodes with a human body. Patent Document 2 discloses that a subject can touch an electrode on the abdomen by winding a belt on which a plurality of electrodes are arranged in advance on the abdomen. Patent Document 3 discloses that measurement of human body impedance is facilitated by attaching a plurality of sets of four-terminal electrodes to predetermined locations inside clothing. Patent Document 4 includes a housing having a contact surface that is applied to one part of the body (for example, the forearm or the lower leg), and a pair of measurement current application electrodes and a pair of voltage measurement electrodes are provided on the contact surface. An disposed bioelectrical impedance measurement device is disclosed.
JP 7-79938 A JP 2002-369806 A JP 2000-14655 A JP 2001-276007 A

  However, in the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the visceral fat mass is estimated from the impedance of the whole body measured by placing electrodes on the extremities, and the visceral fat mass is positively used by using information on the subcutaneous fat mass. It is not disclosed that is calculated. In addition, the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a problem in that since the current flows only in the abdomen, the influence of subcutaneous fat is unavoidable and the visceral fat mass cannot be measured accurately.

  Further, in the methods disclosed in Patent Documents 3 and 4, even though the contact of a plurality of electrodes to the human body can be facilitated, the method for calculating the visceral fat mass is not disclosed or suggested.

  Furthermore, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, just by wrapping the belt around the abdomen of the body to be measured, if the subject has a high degree of obesity, the shape of the abdomen is not fixed, and the visceral fat mass may not be accurately measured. . Moreover, since the clothing disclosed in Patent Document 3 is a stretchable clothing, there is a high possibility that the distance between the electrodes changes during measurement.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a body fat measurement device and a measurement unit capable of accurately measuring visceral fat mass.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a body fat measurement device and a measurement unit that can accurately measure the visceral fat mass without being affected by the shape of the abdomen of the subject.

  A body fat measuring device according to an aspect of the present invention is a pair of different parts separated from a subject's abdomen, and is disposed at a first part and a second part, respectively, in a position sandwiching the abdomen. At least one pair of first electrodes and a shape obtained by rounding the plate-like body so as to reach the other side abdomen from one side abdomen of the abdomen via the navel and along the surface of the abdomen The abdominal electrode group disposed on the inner surface of the belt-shaped member, and the abdominal electrode group includes a pair of second electrodes and a pair of third electrodes, and any one of the first electrode and the third electrode An application means for applying a current to the subject via the pair, a first case of applying a current through the first electrode, and a second case of applying a current through the third electrode And detecting means for detecting two kinds of potential differences. The detection means detects a first potential difference between a predetermined pair of electrodes in the abdominal electrode group in the first case, and detects a second potential between the second electrodes in the second case. Visceral fat amount calculating means for calculating the visceral fat amount of the subject based on the detected first potential difference and the second potential difference and the physique information of the subject.

  Here, the “abdomen” is a portion of the trunk other than the chest. In addition, the “part away from the abdomen” means the upper limb including the upper arm, the forearm, the wrist, and the fingers, the chest separated from the diaphragm by a predetermined distance (for example, approximately 10 cm) or more, and the upper body including the shoulder, the neck, and the head. And a lower limb consisting of a thigh, a lower leg, an ankle, and a toe. The “umbilical portion” is a portion located inside the papillary line and located between the pyloric plane and the nodule plane. The “flank” is a portion located outside the nipple line and between the pyloric plane and the internodal plane.

  Further, “visceral fat amount” refers to an amount relating to visceral fat, and includes, for example, at least one of visceral fat weight, visceral fat area and visceral fat volume.

  Preferably, the second electrode and the third electrode are arranged with the direction substantially perpendicular to the winding direction of the belt-shaped member as the alignment direction.

Preferably, the belt-shaped member is made of resin.
Preferably, the belt-shaped member has a portion in which a part of the inner surface is formed in a flat shape, and the abdominal electrode group is provided in a portion in which a part of the inner surface is formed in a flat shape.

  Preferably, the belt-shaped member further includes a casing in which a part of the outer surface facing a part of the inner surface is formed in a planar shape, and the application unit and the detection unit are accommodated, and the casing is a part of the outer surface. Is provided in a portion formed in a planar shape.

  Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a casing for housing the applying means and the detecting means provided on the outer surface of the belt-like member, and a display means for displaying the calculated visceral fat mass. Provided.

  Preferably, the belt-shaped member includes a correction member for correcting the shape of the abdomen when mounted, and a cover body for fixing the correction member to the abdomen of the subject.

  Preferably, the third electrode is disposed at a position sandwiching the second electrode in the alignment direction.

Preferably, the predetermined pair of electrodes is the second electrode.
Alternatively, preferably, the predetermined pair of electrodes is a pair of electrodes other than the pair of the second electrodes in the abdominal electrode group. It is preferable that the third electrode is disposed at a position sandwiching the second electrode in the alignment direction, and the predetermined pair of electrodes is the third electrode.

  Preferably, the apparatus further comprises impedance calculation means for calculating two types of impedances based on each of the first potential difference and the second potential difference, and the visceral fat mass calculation means includes the two types of calculated impedances, The visceral fat mass is calculated based on the physique information of the subject.

  Preferably, the visceral fat mass calculating means calculates the visceral fat mass according to a predetermined correlation formula of the relationship between the two types of impedance and the visceral fat mass.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes a subcutaneous fat mass calculating means for calculating the subcutaneous fat mass of the subject based on the detected second potential difference and the physique information of the subject.

  “Subcutaneous fat amount” refers to an amount relating to subcutaneous fat, and includes, for example, at least one of subcutaneous fat weight, subcutaneous fat area, and subcutaneous fat volume.

  Preferably, the physique information includes at least one of a subject's abdominal circumference, abdominal width, abdominal thickness, height, and weight.

  “Abdominal circumference” represents the length of the outer circumference of the cross section in the abdomen, and preferably represents the length of the outer circumference of the cross section in the middle abdomen (near the navel). Also called waist length. “Abdominal width” represents the left and right width (length) of the abdomen, and preferably represents the left and right width of the middle abdomen. “Abdominal thickness” refers to the thickness (length) before and after the abdomen, preferably the thickness before and after the middle abdomen.

Preferably, the first part and the second part each include an upper limb and a lower limb.
A measurement unit according to another aspect of the present invention is a measurement unit for measuring a potential difference generated on the body surface of a subject in a state where a current is applied to the subject under the control of an arithmetic unit that calculates visceral fat mass. A pair of different parts separated from the abdomen of the subject, and at least one pair of first electrodes to be placed on each of the first part and the second part in a position sandwiching the abdomen, Arranged on the inner surface of the band-shaped member and a band-shaped member having a shape obtained by rounding a plate-like body so as to reach the other side of the abdomen from the side of the flank through the umbilicus An abdominal electrode group, and the abdominal electrode group includes a pair of second electrodes and a pair of third electrodes, and one of the first electrode and the third electrode based on a signal from the arithmetic unit Apply current to the subject via Detection means for detecting two kinds of potential differences in each of an application means for applying a current and a second case of applying a current through a third electrode and a first case of applying a current through a first electrode Means for detecting a first potential difference between a predetermined pair of electrodes of the abdominal electrode group in the first case, and between the second electrodes in the second case. Transmission means for detecting the second potential difference and transmitting information on the detected first potential difference and second potential difference to the arithmetic unit is further provided.

  According to the present invention, the visceral fat mass is calculated based on two kinds of potential differences between the electrodes arranged on the inner surface of the belt-shaped member. Thereby, an accurate amount of visceral fat can be measured.

  Or, because the strip-shaped member has a shape obtained by rounding the plate-like body so as to reach the other side abdomen from the one side abdomen via the navel, and along the surface of the abdomen, It becomes possible to remove the influence of the shape of the abdomen of the subject.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

[Embodiment 1]
<Configuration and Appearance of Body Fat Measuring Device>
(About configuration)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a body fat measurement device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The body fat measurement device 100 includes a measurement unit 1 and an arithmetic unit 2. The measurement unit 1 includes an electrode unit 10 and a measurement processing device 11. The measurement unit 1 is an apparatus for measuring a potential difference generated on the body surface of the subject while being controlled by the arithmetic unit 2 and applying a current to the subject.

  The electrode unit 10 includes an abdominal electrode unit 10.1 and a limb electrode unit 10.2. The limb electrode section 10.2 includes electrodes H1 and H2 for placement on the subject's upper limb and electrodes F1 and F2 for placement on the subject's lower limb. In addition, although it demonstrates as what contains two pairs of electrodes H1, H2, F1, and F2 here, at least one pair of electrodes should just be included. Therefore, it is only necessary to include a pair consisting of one of the electrode H1 and the electrode H2 arranged on the upper limb and one of the electrode F1 and the electrode F2 arranged on the lower limb. In addition, here, description will be made on the assumption that at least one electrode is disposed on each of the upper limb and the lower limb, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the pair of the upper limb and the lower limb, and a pair of different ones apart from the abdomen of the subject. What is necessary is just a site | part and the site | part in the position which pinches | interposes an abdomen.

  The abdominal electrode portion 10.1 includes four abdominal electrode rows E1, E2, E3, E4. The abdominal electrode row E1 has four electrodes A1, B1, C1, and D1, and the abdominal electrode row E2 has four electrodes A2, B2, C2, and D2. The abdominal electrode row E3 has four electrodes A3, B3, C3, and D3, and the abdominal electrode row E4 has four electrodes A4, B4, C4, and D4. Here, the abdominal electrode section 10.1 includes four abdominal electrode arrays E1, E2, E3, and E4, but may include at least one abdominal electrode array.

  In the present embodiment, the measurement unit 1 is arranged (wrapped) so as to reach the other side abdomen from one side abdomen of the abdomen via the umbilicus and along the surface of the abdomen. A band-shaped member 19 is further included, and the abdominal electrode part 10.1 is fixed to the band-shaped member 19 in advance. A specific configuration example of the belt-like member 19 and a specific arrangement example of each abdominal electrode array will be described in detail later.

  The measurement processing device 11 includes a constant current generator 12 for generating a high-frequency constant current (for example, 50 kHz, 500 μA), and a voltage detector 13 for detecting a potential difference between a pair of energized electrodes. A terminal switching unit 14 for selecting a current electrode and a voltage electrode from a plurality of electrodes included in the electrode unit 10 and an I / F 15 for performing communication with the arithmetic unit 2 are included.

  The terminal switching unit 14 is connected to the constant current generation unit 12 and the voltage detection unit 13, and is connected to each electrode included in the electrode unit 10. The terminal switching unit 14 is controlled by the arithmetic unit 2 and switches and selects at least one pair of current electrodes among the electrodes included in the electrode unit 10. As a result, the constant current generated by the constant current generator 12 is applied to the subject via the selected electrode. The terminal switching unit 14 is controlled by the arithmetic unit 2 and switches and selects a pair of voltage electrodes among the electrodes included in the electrode unit 10. Thereby, the voltage detection part 13 can detect the electrical potential difference for every selected electrode. Information on the detected potential difference is given to the arithmetic unit 2 via the I / F 15. The terminal switching unit 14 is configured by a plurality of switches, for example.

  Here, two pairs of electrodes H1, H2, F1, F2, one pair of electrodes A1, D1, one pair of electrodes A2, D2, and one pair of electrodes A3, D3 are performed by the constant current generating unit 12 and the terminal switching unit 14. A current is applied to the subject via any one of the pair of electrodes A4 and D4. Moreover, between the pair of electrodes B1 and C1, between the pair of electrodes B2 and C2, between the pair of electrodes B3 and C3, and between the pair of electrodes B4 and C4 by the voltage detection unit 13 and the terminal switching unit 14 Are detected.

  In the present embodiment, the terminal switching unit 14 is connected to both the constant current generation unit 12 and the voltage detection unit 13 and selects both the current electrode and the voltage electrode. The configuration is not limited. For example, instead of the terminal switching unit 14, a first switching unit that is connected to the constant current generation unit 12 and selects only the current electrode, and a second switching unit that is connected to the voltage detection unit 13 and selects only the voltage electrode. It is good also as providing this switching part.

  In the present embodiment, the current electrode and the voltage electrode are selected via the terminal switching unit 14, but the terminal switching unit 14 may not be provided. In this case, for example, a current generator may be provided for each pair of electrodes functioning as current electrodes, and each current generator may be controlled by the arithmetic unit 2. Thereby, the current electrodes can be sequentially switched without going through the terminal switching unit 14. Similarly, a voltage detector may be provided for each pair of electrodes functioning as voltage electrodes, and each voltage detector may be controlled by the arithmetic unit 2. Thereby, the voltage electrodes can be sequentially switched without going through the terminal switching unit 14.

  The arithmetic unit 2 includes a control unit 20 that performs overall control of the body fat measurement device 100, a display unit 21 that displays measurement results and the like, an input unit 22 that inputs subject information described later, A drive device 23a capable of reading and writing data recorded in the recording medium 23b and an I / F 25 for performing communication with the measurement processing device 11 are provided.

  Here, “subject information” is information about the subject's body including at least physique information, such as waist length (abdominal circumference), abdominal width, abdominal thickness, height, weight, age, sex, and the like. At least one of them. In the present embodiment, the physique information will be described as information corresponding to the waist length.

  The physique information is not limited to the waist length, but is other information related to the abdomen (eg, abdomen width, abdomen thickness), information related to the whole body (eg, height, weight), etc. Also good. Further, the physique information is not limited to one piece of information, and may include two or more pieces of information.

  Control unit 20 includes a calculation processing unit 26 for performing various calculations and a storage unit 27 for storing programs and data. Note that the body fat measurement program recorded in the recording medium 23b may be read out by the drive device 23a, and the body fat measurement process described below may be executed.

  The display unit 21 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal. For example, the input unit 22 includes a plurality of keys that can be pressed by the user.

  The arithmetic unit 2 may be a general PC (Personal Computer). Therefore, the description of the basic operation of the arithmetic unit 2 is omitted.

Next, the functional configuration of the arithmetic processing unit 26 is shown in FIG.
Referring to FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, calculation processing unit 26 includes an impedance calculation unit 261 for calculating two types of impedance of the subject, and a body fat calculation unit for calculating the body fat of the subject. 262. In the present embodiment, the body fat includes at least visceral fat mass, and preferably includes subcutaneous fat mass and body fat mass in addition to visceral fat mass. “Body fat mass” refers to an amount related to body fat, and includes, for example, at least one of body fat weight, body fat volume, and body fat percentage. The body fat mass includes visceral fat mass and subcutaneous fat mass.

  The impedance calculation unit 261 calculates two types of impedance based on the current value generated by the constant current generation unit 12 and the two types of potential differences obtained from the measurement processing device 11 via the I / F 25. One of the two types of impedance is an impedance reflecting the total fat mass (that is, the sum of visceral fat mass and subcutaneous fat mass) in the cross section of the abdomen of the subject. The other is impedance that reflects the amount of subcutaneous fat in the cross section of the subject's abdomen. In the following description, the impedance that reflects the total fat mass is represented by “Zt”, and the impedance that reflects the subcutaneous fat mass is represented by “Zs”.

  The body fat calculating unit 262 includes a visceral fat amount calculating unit 262A for calculating the visceral fat amount, a subcutaneous fat amount calculating unit 262B for calculating the subcutaneous fat amount, and a body fat amount for calculating the body fat amount. It has a calculation unit 262C.

The visceral fat amount calculation unit 262A calculates the visceral fat amount of the subject, for example, the visceral fat area (unit: cm ² ) based on the calculated two types of impedances Zt and Zs and the physique information (waist length) of the subject. calculate. Specifically, for example, the visceral fat area Sv is calculated by the following equation (1) representing the relationship between the two types of impedances Zt and Zs and the waist length of the subject and the visceral fat mass.

^{Sv = a * W 2 -b *} (1 / Zt) -c * W * Zs-d ... (1)
(However, a, b, c, d: coefficient, W: waist length).

The subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit 262B calculates the subcutaneous fat mass of the subject, for example, the subcutaneous fat area (unit: cm ² ) based on the calculated impedance Zs and the physique information (waist length) of the subject. Specifically, for example, the subcutaneous fat area Ss is calculated by the following equation (2) representing the relationship between the impedance Zs and the waist length of the subject and the subcutaneous fat mass.

Ss = e * W * Zs + f (2)
(However, e, f: coefficient, W: waist length).

  The body fat mass calculation unit 262C calculates the body fat mass of the subject, for example, the body fat percentage (%), based on the calculated impedance Zt and at least one piece of information (for example, body weight) included in the subject information. Specifically, for example, the body fat percentage is calculated by the following equation (3) based on the lean mass FFM and the weight of the subject.

Body fat percentage = (Wt−FFM) / Wt * 100 (3)
(Wt: body weight).

  The lean mass FFM (unit: kg) is calculated by the following equation (4) representing the relationship between the impedance Zt and one piece of information (for example, height) included in the subject information and the lean mass.

FFM = i * H ² / Zt + j (4)
(Where i, j are coefficients, H is height).

  The correlation equations (1), (2), and (4) as described above are determined by correlation with a reference measured by, for example, MRI. Moreover, such a correlation formula may be predetermined for every age and / or sex.

(About appearance)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an appearance of the body fat measurement device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  FIG. 3A is a first diagram showing an appearance of the body fat measurement device 100, and FIG. 3B is a second diagram showing an appearance of the body fat measurement device 100. FIG. In these drawings, the illustration of the electrode unit 10 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the measurement processing device 11 and the arithmetic unit 2 perform wired communication via the wiring 4, for example. The measurement processing device 11 is installed on the outer surface of the belt-like member 19 (the surface facing the surface that contacts the abdomen of the subject). On the inner surface of the belt-like member 19, an abdomen electrode portion 10.1 (not shown) is disposed.

  As described above, the measurement processing device 11 installed on the belt-like member 19 and the arithmetic unit 2 are separated from each other, whereby the measurement processing device 11 can be reduced in size.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3B, the measurement processing device 11 and the arithmetic unit 2 may communicate wirelessly via a communication device 29. As a result, the measurement can be easily performed. In this case, it is assumed that the communication device 29 and the arithmetic unit 2 are connected via the I / F 25. In this case, the measurement processing device 11 is connected to the I / F 15, and transmits a detected potential difference information to the communication device 29 and receives a control signal from the communication device 29 ( (Not shown) may be incorporated.

  FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the body fat of the subject is measured using the body fat measuring device 100. FIG. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a state in which a subject with a high degree of obesity wears the belt-like member 19. In these drawings, it is assumed that the subject 300 is facing the front direction. The measurement posture of the subject 300 may be a supine position or a standing position.

  With reference to FIG. 4A, the electrode H <b> 1 is disposed on the right arm 301 of the subject 300. The electrode H2 is disposed on the left arm 302 of the subject 300. The electrode F1 is disposed on the right leg 304 of the subject 300. The electrode F2 is disposed on the left leg 305 of the subject 300. The belt-like member 19 is wound so as to cover the entire circumference of the abdomen 303 of the subject 300.

  The band-shaped member 19 has a function of correcting the shape of the abdomen, as will be described in detail later. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, it is desirable that the band-shaped member 19 is mounted and measured so as to bite into the surface of the abdomen 303 of the subject 300 to some extent.

  The electrodes H1, H2, F1, and F2 disposed on the upper and lower limbs may be of a type that is attached to the surface of each part, or may be of a clip shape.

(Regarding the specific configuration of the strip member 19)
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the belt-like member 19 taken along the line VV shown in FIG. The VV line is assumed to be a line passing through the electrodes B1, B2, B3, and B4.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the belt-like member 19 is mainly configured by a correction member 170 for correcting the shape of the abdomen of the subject and a cover body 140 for fixing the correction member 170 to the abdomen of the subject. . Each of the cover body 140 and the correction member 170 extends with the winding direction of the belt-shaped member 19 as a longitudinal direction.

  The cover body 140 is formed in a bag shape by overlapping the inner cover 141 and the outer cover 142 and joining the peripheral edges thereof. The cover body 140 is formed of a member that is sufficiently lower in rigidity than the straightening member 170 and has poor stretchability, for example, synthetic fibers such as nylon (registered trademark).

  In order to enable the correction member 170 to be disposed so as to reach the other side abdomen from the one side abdomen of the subject via the umbilicus and along the surface of the abdomen, It has a shape rounded along the surface of the abdomen. That is, the correction member 170 is formed so as to follow the surface of the abdomen while maintaining its own form, and is formed of a flexible elastic member such as resin or metal. The correction member 170 in the present embodiment is made of polypropylene which is a kind of synthetic resin.

  A surface fastener 175 is provided on the outer surface of one end in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 140, and a surface fastener 176 that engages with the surface fastener 175 is attached to the inner surface of the other end in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 140. It is attached. By providing the hook and loop fasteners 175 and 176 in this manner, the belt-like member 19 is stably fixed to the subject's abdomen. In the present embodiment, in order to stably fix the belt-like member 19 to the abdomen, the surface fasteners 175 and 176 are provided at both ends of the cover body, but the belt-like member 19 is stably fixed to the abdomen. If possible, it is not limited to these.

  Each electrode of the abdominal electrode part 10.1 is bonded to the inner cover 141 via an adhesive material, for example. The inner cover 141 and the correction member 170 are each provided with a through-hole at a position where each electrode is bonded, and the wiring 50 extending from the back surface of each electrode passes through the through-hole and passes through the through-hole. 14). In addition, although each electrode of the abdominal part electrode part 10.1 shall be adhere | attached on the inner side cover 141 here, you may adhere | attach on the correction member 170. FIG. In this case, the inner cover 141 is provided with an opening at a position where each electrode is bonded. Further, the length and thickness of each wiring 50 may be adjusted so that the impedance of the wiring 50 becomes uniform.

  Thus, when the strip | belt-shaped member 19 is formed in a corset shape, when the strip | belt-shaped member 19 is mounted | worn with a test subject, the shape of a test subject's abdomen can be corrected uniquely.

  However, since there is a limit to the deformation of the shape of the abdomen of the subject, it is preferable to prepare a plurality of sizes of the belt-like member 19. In the present embodiment, for example, an M size belt-like member 19 and an L size belt-like member 19 for adults are prepared. The M-sized strip-shaped member 19 can have a length (vertical width) in the thickness direction D1 of approximately 20 cm and a length (horizontal width) in the lateral width direction D2 of approximately 25 cm. Further, the L-shaped strip-shaped member 19 can have a length (vertical width) in the thickness direction D1 of approximately 30 cm and a length (horizontal width) in the lateral width direction D2 of approximately 35 cm.

  Although the measurement processing device 11 is provided on the outer surface of the band-shaped member 19, the measurement processing apparatus 11 may be incorporated in the band-shaped member 19. That is, the measurement processing apparatus 11 may be installed between the correction member 170 and the outer cover 142.

(Regarding the arrangement example of the abdominal electrode part 10.1)
FIG. 6 is a development view showing a state in which the belt-like member 19 is extended in a planar shape. In FIG. 6, it is assumed that only the portion of the inner surface of the belt-like member 19 where the abdominal electrode portion 10.1 is disposed (hereinafter referred to as “electrode placement region”) is shown. In addition, as for an electrode arrangement | positioning area | region, it is desirable that it is an area | region which contacts a test subject's umbilical part.

  The abdominal electrode row E1 is linearly arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped member 19 (winding direction around the abdomen). Further, the electrodes A1 and D1 are arranged at positions sandwiching the electrodes B1 and C1, respectively. Similarly, the other three abdominal electrode rows E2, E3, E4 are also linearly arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped member 19, and the electrodes A2 (A3, A4), D2 (D3, D4) ) Are disposed at positions sandwiching the electrodes B2 (B3, B4) and C2 (C3, C4), respectively.

  Each electrode A (A1,..., A4), B (B1,..., B4), C (C1,..., C4), D (D1,..., D4) is a first surface in contact with the abdominal surface of the subject. And a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surfaces of these electrodes have, for example, a 20 mm square shape. In each row, the distances between the electrode A and the electrode B, the electrode B and the electrode C, and the electrode C and the electrode D are each 10 mm, for example. The distance between the center point of the electrode A and the center point of the electrode D is, for example, 90 mm. The distance between the center point of the electrode A1 (B1, C1, D1) and the center point of the electrode A2 (B2, C2, D2) is, for example, 50 mm. Similarly, the distance between the center point of electrode A3 (B3, C3, D3) and the center point of electrode A4 (B4, C4, D4) is, for example, 50 mm. The distance between the center point of electrode A2 (B2, C2, D2) and the center point of electrode A3 (B3, C3, D3) is, for example, 100 mm.

The length of the short side of the strip-shaped member 19 is, for example, 130 mm.
By arranging each electrode on the belt-like member 19 in the positional relationship as described above, each electrode can be positioned on the surface of the subject's abdomen only by attaching the belt-like member 19 to the abdomen of the subject. Will be placed. That is, the four electrodes A,..., D included in the abdominal electrode array E are arranged on the surface of the abdomen with the direction substantially perpendicular to the cross section of the abdomen of the subject (hereinafter referred to as “longitudinal direction”) as the alignment direction. Will be.

  Moreover, by arranging each electrode on the belt-shaped member 19, a user (such as a doctor or a subject) can easily arrange each electrode at a predetermined position on the abdomen of the subject. Further, not only the linear distance between the electrodes but also the spatial positional relationship between the electrodes is fixed, so that the measurement accuracy can be improved.

  For this reason, the above correlation equations (1), (2), and (4) are in a state where the shape of the abdomen of the subject is corrected, that is, in a state where the linear distance between the electrodes and the spatial positional relationship are fixed. Preferably, it is a taken reference. Thereby, the error of the measured value by the difference in the shape of the abdominal part for every test subject can be reduced.

  Note that the size of the belt-like member 19 and the specific distance between the electrodes shown in FIG. 6 are merely examples, and are not limited to such values. For example, the distances between the electrodes in the abdominal electrode row E are all 10 mm, but may not be equal in this way. The shape of each electrode is not limited to a quadrangle, and may be a circle, for example.

<Operation of body fat measuring device>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the body fat measurement process in the first embodiment of the present invention. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is stored in advance in the storage unit 27 as a program, and the function of the body fat measurement processing is realized by the arithmetic processing unit 26 reading and executing this program.

  Referring to FIG. 7, arithmetic processing unit 26 receives input of subject information including physique information (waist length) (step S <b> 2). The subject information received here is temporarily recorded in the storage unit 27, for example.

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to start measurement (step S4). Arithmetic processor 26 waits for an instruction to start measurement (NO in step S4). When an instruction to start measurement is detected (YES in step S4), arithmetic processing unit 26 sets an electrode (step S8). More specifically, the terminal switching unit 14 is controlled to connect the two pairs of electrodes H1, H2, F1, and F2 to the constant current generating unit 12 as current electrodes. In addition, the terminal switching unit 14 is controlled to connect the pair of electrodes B1 and C1 to the voltage detection unit 13 as a voltage electrode.

  Subsequently, the arithmetic processing unit 26 controls the constant current generation unit 12 to apply a constant current from the electrode H1 and the electrode H2 to the electrode F1 and the electrode F2 (step S10). In this state, the arithmetic processing unit 26 detects the potential difference between the electrode B1 and the electrode C1, between the electrode B2 and the electrode C2, between the electrode B3 and the electrode C3, and between the electrode B4 and the electrode C4. (Step S12). In step S12, it is assumed that the voltage electrodes are sequentially switched to the pair of electrodes B2 and C2, the pair of electrodes B3 and C3, and the pair of electrodes B4 and C4.

  In step S10, it is preferable to short-circuit the electrode H1 and the electrode H2 and short-circuit the electrode F1 and the electrode F2 when a current is passed from the upper limb to the lower limb. In step S10, for example, a current may be applied from one of the electrodes H1 and H2 to one of the electrodes F1 and H2.

  The impedance calculator 261 calculates the impedances Zt1, Zt2, Zt3, Zt4 based on the respective potential differences detected in step S12 (step S14). The values of impedances Zt1,..., Zt4 calculated here are temporarily recorded in the storage unit 27, for example.

  Next, the arithmetic processing unit 26 performs electrode switching (step S16). More specifically, the terminal switching unit 14 is controlled to switch the current electrode from the electrodes H1, H2, F1, and F2 to the electrodes A1 and D1. Accordingly, in the terminal switching unit 14, the connection between the electrodes H1, H2, F1, and F2 and the constant current generating unit 12 is disconnected, and the electrode A1 and the electrode D1 and the constant current generating unit 12 are connected. In addition, the arithmetic processing unit 26 controls the terminal switching unit 14 to switch the voltage electrode from the electrodes B4 and C4 to the electrodes B1 and C1. As a result, in the terminal switching unit 14, the connection between the electrodes B <b> 4 and C <b> 4 and the voltage detection unit 13 is disconnected, and the electrodes B <b> 1 and C <b> 1 are connected to the voltage detection unit 13.

  Subsequently, the arithmetic processing unit 26 causes the constant current generating unit 12 to apply a current between the electrode A1 and the electrode D1 (step S18). In that state, the arithmetic processing unit 26 causes the voltage detection unit 13 to detect a potential difference between the electrode B1 and the electrode C1 (step S20). The impedance calculator 261 calculates the impedance Zs1 based on the potential difference detected in step S20 (step S22). The value of the impedance Zs1 calculated here is temporarily recorded in the storage unit 27, for example.

  Next, the arithmetic processing unit 26 performs electrode switching (step S24). More specifically, the terminal switching unit 14 is controlled to switch the current electrode from the electrodes A1 and D1 to the electrodes A2 and D2. Thereby, in terminal switching part 14, connection with electrodes A1 and D1 and constant current generating part 12 is cut, and electrode A2 and electrode D2 and constant current generating part 12 are connected. Further, the arithmetic processing unit 26 controls the terminal switching unit 14 to switch the voltage electrode from the electrodes B1 and C1 to the electrodes B2 and C2. As a result, in the terminal switching unit 14, the connection between the electrodes B1 and C1 and the voltage detection unit 13 is disconnected, and the electrodes B2 and C2 are connected to the voltage detection unit 13.

  Subsequently, the arithmetic processing unit 26 causes the constant current generating unit 12 to apply a current between the electrode A2 and the electrode D2 (step S26). In this state, the arithmetic processing unit 26 causes the voltage detection unit 13 to detect a potential difference between the electrode B2 and the electrode C2 (step S28). The impedance calculator 261 calculates the impedance Zs2 based on the potential difference detected in step S28 (step S30). The value of the impedance Zs2 calculated here is temporarily recorded in the storage unit 27, for example.

  Next, the arithmetic processing unit 26 performs electrode switching (step S32). More specifically, the terminal switching unit 14 is controlled to switch the current electrode from the electrodes A2 and D2 to the electrodes A3 and D3. Thereby, in terminal switching part 14, connection with electrodes A2 and D2 and constant current generating part 12 is cut, and electrode A3 and electrode D3 and constant current generating part 12 are connected. The arithmetic processing unit 26 controls the terminal switching unit 14 to switch the voltage electrode from the electrodes B2 and C2 to the electrodes B3 and C3. Accordingly, in the terminal switching unit 14, the connection between the electrodes B <b> 2 and C <b> 2 and the voltage detection unit 13 is disconnected, and the electrodes B <b> 3 and C <b> 3 are connected to the voltage detection unit 13.

  Subsequently, the arithmetic processing unit 26 causes the constant current generating unit 12 to apply a current between the electrode A3 and the electrode D3 (step S34). In that state, the arithmetic processing unit 26 detects the potential difference between the electrode B3 and the electrode C3 in the voltage detection unit 13 (step S36). The impedance calculator 261 calculates the impedance Zs3 based on the potential difference detected in step S36 (step S38). The value of the impedance Zs3 calculated here is temporarily recorded in the storage unit 27, for example.

  Next, the arithmetic processing unit 26 performs electrode switching (step S40). More specifically, the terminal switching unit 14 is controlled to switch the current electrode from the electrodes A3 and D3 to the electrodes A4 and D4. Thereby, in terminal switching part 14, connection with electrodes A3 and D3 and constant current generating part 12 is cut, and electrode A4 and electrode D4 and constant current generating part 12 are connected. The arithmetic processing unit 26 controls the terminal switching unit 14 to switch the voltage electrode from the electrodes B3 and C3 to the electrodes B4 and C4. As a result, in the terminal switching unit 14, the connection between the electrodes B3 and C3 and the voltage detection unit 13 is disconnected, and the electrodes B4 and C4 are connected to the voltage detection unit 13.

  Subsequently, the arithmetic processing unit 26 causes the constant current generating unit 12 to apply a current between the electrode A4 and the electrode D4 (step S42). In this state, the arithmetic processing unit 26 causes the voltage detection unit 13 to detect a potential difference between the electrode B4 and the electrode C4 (step S44). The impedance calculator 261 calculates the impedance Zs4 based on the potential difference detected in step S44 (step S46). The value of the impedance Zs4 calculated here is temporarily recorded in the storage unit 27, for example.

  Next, the visceral fat amount calculation unit 262A calculates the visceral fat area Sv from the physique information (waist length) input in step S2, the impedances Zt1,..., Zt4, and the impedances Zs1,. S48). The visceral fat area Sv is calculated by the above formula (1). When four abdominal electrode rows E1, E2, E3, E4 are provided as in the present embodiment, the average value of the four impedances Zt1,..., Zt4 is the impedance Zt in the correlation equation (1). And the average value of the four impedances Zs1,..., Zs4 may be substituted for the impedance Zs in the correlation equation (1).

  At the same time, the subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit 262B calculates the subcutaneous fat area Ss from the physique information (waist length) input in step S2 and the impedances Zs1, ..., Zs4 (step S50). The subcutaneous fat area Ss is calculated by the above equation (2). In this case, the average value of the four impedances Zs1,..., Zs4 may be substituted for the impedance Zs in the correlation equation (2).

  Further, the body fat mass calculation unit 262C calculates the body fat percentage based on the subject information (height, weight) and the impedances Zt1,..., Zt4 input in step S2 (step S52). The body fat percentage is calculated by the above formulas (3) and (4). In this case, the average value of the four impedances Zt1,..., Zt4 may be substituted for the impedance Zt in the correlation equation (4).

Finally, the arithmetic processing unit 26 displays the measurement result on the display unit 21 (step S54).
Above, the body fat measurement process in Embodiment 1 of this invention is complete | finished.

  Note that typical values of the impedances Zt1,..., Zt4 are about 5Ω, respectively. Further, typical values of the impedances Zs1,..., Zs4 are about 80Ω, respectively.

  As described above, by providing a plurality of abdominal electrode rows E1, E2, E3, E4 and averaging a plurality of potential differences, it is possible to remove the influence of fat distribution and fat thickness.

  In the above flowchart, the impedance is calculated every time a potential difference is detected, but may be calculated all at once after all potential differences are detected. The order of electrode setting / switching and potential difference detection is not limited to the order described above. That is, the order of steps S8 to S14, steps S16 to S22, steps S24 to S30, steps S32 to S38, and steps S40 to S46 may be any order.

  Further, when calculating body fat, the impedances Zt1,..., Zt4 and the impedances Zs1,..., Zs4 are averaged, but the present invention is not limited to such a method. The impedance Zt is calculated based on the average value of the plurality of potential differences detected by flowing current from the limbs, and the impedance Zs is calculated based on the average value of the plurality of potential differences detected by flowing current from the abdomen. You may keep it.

  Further, here, impedances Zt1,..., Zt4, impedances Zs1,..., Zs4 are averaged and used for calculation of visceral fat mass and subcutaneous fat mass. Good. For example, a correlation formula may be provided for each impedance, and the visceral fat mass and subcutaneous fat mass may be calculated.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the visceral fat mass (visceral fat area), the subcutaneous fat mass (subcutaneous fat area) and the body fat mass (body fat percentage) are calculated as the body fat of the subject, but at least the visceral fat mass What is necessary is just to calculate. In this case, only physique information (waist length) may be input in step S2.

(About display examples)
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of measurement results in step S54 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 8, display unit 21 displays and calculates “visceral fat area 110 cm ² ”, “subcutaneous fat area 90 cm ² ”, and “body fat percentage 30%” in predetermined areas, respectively. Each value is displayed as a number. Thereby, a test subject and / or a doctor can grasp | ascertain the specific numerical value of a test subject's visceral fat area, subcutaneous fat area, and body fat percentage. Moreover, the balance of a test subject's fat can further be grasped | ascertained by displaying these simultaneously.

  Note that the display example is not limited to the display example as shown in FIG. 8, and the measurement result may be displayed as follows.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example in which only the visceral fat area is displayed, and FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example in which the visceral fat area and the subcutaneous fat area are displayed.

In addition to the measurement result, subject information may be further displayed.
FIG. 10A is a first diagram illustrating an example in which subject information is further displayed in addition to the measurement result. Here, as subject information, for example, information on patient ID, age, sex, height, and weight is displayed in addition to waist length as physique information. Moreover, as a measurement result, the visceral fat area, the subcutaneous fat area, and the body fat percentage are displayed.

  FIG. 10B is a second diagram illustrating an example in which subject information is further displayed in addition to the measurement result. Here, as the subject information, for example, information on the patient ID, age, sex, height, and weight is displayed in addition to the waist length that is the physique information. Moreover, as a measurement result, the visceral fat area and the subcutaneous fat area are displayed.

Further, when displaying the measurement result, a reference value of the visceral fat area may be further displayed. The “reference value for visceral fat area” is a value used by the Japanese Obesity Society as a criterion for determining visceral fat obesity, and specifically corresponds to 100 cm ² .

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the reference value of the visceral fat area is further displayed. Referring to FIG. 11, the display unit 21, the same measurement as FIG. 8 is displayed, further, the reference value of the visceral fat area (100 cm ²⁾ is arranged measurements of visceral fat area and (110 cm ²⁾ It is displayed. Thus, by displaying the reference value together with the measurement value of the visceral fat area, the subject and / or the doctor can easily determine whether or not the visceral fat type obesity has a high risk of causing a lifestyle-related disease. I can grasp it. Moreover, as FIG. 11 shows, the standard value (for example, 10-20%) may be further displayed along with the measured value (30%) of the body fat percentage.

Moreover, it is good also as displaying a past measured value with a graph with a measurement result. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example in which past measurement values are displayed together with measurement results in a graph. Referring to FIG. 12, the display unit 21 displays a graph representing a trajectory (transition) of a measurement value with an area (unit: cm ² ) on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. At this time, the position of the reference value (100 cm ² ) of the visceral fat area may be displayed together. In this figure, the polygonal line L1 indicates the trajectory of past measurement values of the visceral fat area, and the polygonal line L2 indicates the trajectory of past measurement values of the subcutaneous fat area. A straight line L3 parallel to the horizontal axis is a reference line indicating a reference value for the visceral fat area. Here, the information on the visceral fat area and the subcutaneous fat area is displayed, but only the information on the visceral fat area may be displayed. Moreover, the graph of the broken line L1 regarding the visceral fat area and the graph of the broken line L2 regarding the subcutaneous fat area may be displayed separately.

  In the first embodiment described above, among the electrodes A, B, C, and D included in the abdominal electrode row E (E1, E2, E3, E4), a case where a current flows from the limbs and a case where a current flows in the abdomen In both cases, the pair of electrodes B and C located inside is commonly used as a voltage electrode. However, in this case, the pair of electrodes B and C may not be commonly used in any case. For example, when a current is passed from the extremities, a pair other than the pair of electrodes B and C may be used as the voltage electrode. For example, a pair of electrodes A and D located outside may be used as a voltage electrode. It may be a pair of electrodes A and B or a pair of electrodes B and D.

  In the present embodiment, among the four electrodes A, B, C, and D, the pair of electrodes A and D located on the outside functions as a current electrode, and the pair of electrodes B and C located on the inside is defined as Although it was made to function as a voltage electrode, these may be reversed. That is, the pair of electrodes A and D may function as a voltage electrode, and the pair of electrodes B and C may function as a current electrode.

  Further, although the abdominal electrode row E includes four electrodes A, B, C, and D, it may include a pair of electrodes arranged in the same alignment direction. In this case, in steps S18, S26, S34, and S42, for example, a current is applied through a pair of electrodes located on the outermost side among the six electrodes. In this state, the potential difference between the two pairs of electrodes located inside is detected (steps S20, S28, S36, S44). In addition, when a current is supplied from the extremities, for example, the potential difference between two pairs of electrodes positioned inside is detected in each column. In each column, the two detected potential differences are averaged to calculate each impedance. Note that the two detected potential differences need only be averaged when calculating body fat.

  In the present embodiment, the impedance is calculated from the detected potential difference, and the visceral fat amount is calculated based on the calculated impedance. However, the visceral fat amount is directly calculated from the detected potential difference. May be. That is, for example, the above-described correlation equation (1) is an equation using two types of impedances Zt and Zs, but may be an equation using two types of potential differences.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the cross section in the longitudinal direction of the correction member 170 (band member 19) has a substantially C-shaped shape, but is limited to such a shape. Is not to be done. FIG. 13 is a view showing another example of the cross section of the belt-like member 19.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the correction member 170 may have a portion 190 (hereinafter, referred to as “planar portion”) having at least an inner surface formed in a planar shape. The plane portion 190 is provided in the electrode arrangement region. Therefore, the contact property to the surface of the umbilical part of the abdominal electrode part 10.1 can be further improved. Moreover, the influence of the change in the shape of the abdomen that occurs during breathing can be more sufficiently removed. As a result, the potential difference can be detected more stably, and the measurement accuracy can be improved.

  In addition, the plane part 190 may not be provided in the whole electrode arrangement | positioning area | region, and may be provided only in the area | region where the electrode corresponding to a test subject's umbilical vicinity is arrange | positioned in a part of electrode arrangement | positioning area | region. In the present embodiment, for example, only the region where the abdominal electrode rows E2 and E3 are arranged may be formed in a planar shape. The shape of the abdomen in the vicinity of the umbilicus (the degree of protrusion in the direction parallel to the cross section of the abdomen) varies greatly between individuals, but by forming a plane corresponding to at least the vicinity of the umbilicus in this way, the surface of the abdomen The electrode can be contacted reliably.

  The planar portion 190 is preferably formed in a planar shape on the outer surface side. By doing so, it becomes possible to install the measurement processing apparatus 11 more stably.

  Since other shapes and configurations are the same as those of band member 19 described above, description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In the present embodiment, the band-shaped member 19 has been described as being configured by the correction member 170 and the cover body 140, but is not limited to such a form. For example, specifically, the band-shaped member 19 does not have the cover body 140, and reaches the other side abdomen from one side abdomen of the abdomen via the umbilical part and along the surface of the abdomen. It may be formed as described above. The material may be formed of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene as in the case of the correction member 170. In this case, the band-shaped member 19 which is an elastic body having the same shape as the correction member 170 is fitted into the abdomen of the subject, and the body fat is measured.

  In the present embodiment, the cover body 140 is configured to wrap the correction member 170 by the inner cover 141 and the outer cover 142, but is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the cover body 140 may be an integrally formed cloth or the like.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the shape of the correction member 170 was formed so that it might reach | attain the other side abdominal part via the umbilical part from one side abdominal part among abdominal parts. However, the abdominal electrode part 10.1 may be fixed to a member made of the same material as that of the correction member 170, in order to bring the abdominal electrode part 10.1 into close contact with the surface of the abdominal part. Such a member should just be formed in the substantially planar shape so that the electrode arrangement | positioning area | region corresponding to an umbilical part may be included at least. In this case, at the time of measurement, it is desirable that the cover body 140 is firmly wound around the entire circumference of the abdomen. By doing so, it becomes possible to fully maintain the contact property to the surface of the abdominal part of the abdominal part electrode part 10.1, and there can exist the same effect as the above-mentioned strip-shaped member 19. FIG.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, a body fat measurement device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.

  In the body fat measurement device 100 according to the first embodiment described above, the measurement processing device 11 and the arithmetic unit 2 are provided separately. However, the body fat measurement device according to the second embodiment includes the measurement processing device 11 and the arithmetic unit. 2 are integrally provided. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a body fat measurement device 200 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 14, body fat measurement device 200 includes electrode unit 10 and measurement calculation device 3. The measurement calculation device 3 includes a constant current generation unit 12, a voltage detection unit 13, a terminal switching unit 14, an I / F 15 ′, a control unit 20, a display unit 21, an input unit 22, and a drive device 23a.

  The I / F 15 ′ is connected to the constant current generation unit 12, the voltage detection unit 13, the terminal switching unit 14, and the control unit 20.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the measurement calculation device 3 in the body fat measurement device 200 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 15, a display unit 21 and an input unit 22 are provided on the front surface of the measurement arithmetic device 3. The input unit 22 includes a numeric keypad, a determination key, a backspace key, a cursor key for moving the cursor on the screen up, down, left, and right. The input unit 22 further includes a measurement start key 31 for instructing measurement start and a measurement stop key 32 for instructing measurement stop.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing how the body fat of a subject is measured using the body fat measuring device 200. In this figure, it is assumed that the subject 300 is facing the front direction. The measurement posture of the subject may be a supine position or a standing position.

  In the measurement arithmetic device 3, the surface side of the band-shaped member 19 and the back surface (surface opposite to the front surface) side of the measurement arithmetic device 3 are in contact with each other. Thereby, a doctor etc. can confirm a measurement result in the state where beltlike member 19 was equipped in abdominal part 303 of subject 300.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of two batteries built in the measurement arithmetic device 3. As shown in FIG. 17, it is desirable that the two batteries 71 are respectively built in left and right or up and down equal positions from the center of the measurement arithmetic device 3. Thereby, the balance of the weight of the measurement arithmetic unit 3 main body can be improved. This also makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the measurement arithmetic device 3 (downsizing). Here, since the display part 21 is provided in the left-right equal position from the center of the measurement calculation apparatus 3, the example in which the battery 71 was incorporated in the left-right both sides of the display part 21 is shown. In addition, it is not limited to the two batteries 71, One or three or more batteries should just be incorporated so that the balance of the measurement calculating apparatus 3 can be maintained.

  In addition, in order that the test subject 300 can confirm a measurement result easily, it is good also as a thing as shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the measurement calculation device 3 in the body fat measurement device 200 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 18, the measurement arithmetic device 3 </ b> A is described due to the difference in form.

  Referring to FIG. 18, in measurement operation device 3 </ b> A, hinge 33 is provided between first housing 34 including display unit 21 and second housing 35 including, for example, terminal switching unit 14 and input unit 22. Is provided. The position and shape of the hinge 33 are not particularly limited. The first housing 34 may be tilted so that the test subject can confirm the measurement result in the measurement posture. In this case, it is preferable that the first housing 34 is disposed on the subject's leg side and the second housing 35 is disposed on the subject's head side.

  Further, since the belt-like member 19 has a certain degree of rigidity, it is installed so that the front surface of the measurement arithmetic device 3 (the surface on which the display unit 21 and the input unit 22 are provided) itself faces the subject's head side. May be. That is, the measurement arithmetic device 3 may be installed on the belt-like member 19 so that the lower surface of the measurement arithmetic device 3 and the surface of the belt-like member 19 are in contact with each other.

  In addition, the body fat measurement method or the body fat measurement method performed by the arithmetic unit of the present invention can be provided as a program. Such a program can be recorded on an optical medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM) or a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card and provided as a program product. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the body fat measuring apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of an arithmetic processing part. (A) And (B) is a figure which shows the external appearance of the body fat measuring device in Embodiment 1 of this invention. (A) is a figure which shows a mode that a test subject's body fat is measured using the body fat measuring device in Embodiment 1 of this invention, (B) is a test subject with a high obesity degree using a strip | belt-shaped member. It is a figure which shows the state mounted | worn. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the strip | belt-shaped member along the VV line shown to FIG. 3 (A). It is an expanded view which shows the state which extended the strip | belt-shaped member in Embodiment 1 of this invention in planar shape. It is a flowchart which shows the body fat measurement process in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a measurement result. (A) is a figure showing an example in which only a visceral fat area is displayed, and (B) is a figure showing an example in which a visceral fat area and a subcutaneous fat area are displayed. (A) And (B) is the 1st and 2nd figure showing the example by which subject information was further displayed in addition to the measurement result. It is a figure which shows the example in which the reference value of a visceral fat area is further displayed with a measurement result. It is a figure which shows an example in case the past measurement value is displayed with a graph with a measurement result. It is a figure which shows the other example of the cross section of a strip | belt-shaped member. It is a figure which shows the structure of the body fat measuring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows an example of the measurement calculating apparatus in the body fat measuring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows a mode that a test subject's body fat is measured using the body fat measuring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of two batteries incorporated in a measurement calculating device. It is the schematic which shows the other example of the measurement calculating apparatus in the body fat measuring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Measurement unit, 2 Arithmetic unit, 3,3A Measurement arithmetic device, 4,50 Wiring, 10 Electrode part, 10.1 Abdominal electrode part, 10.2 Limb electrode part, 11 Measurement processing apparatus, 12 Constant current generation part, 13 Voltage detection unit, 14 terminal switching unit, 19 strip member, 20 control unit, 21 display unit, 22 input unit, 23b recording medium, 23a driving device, 26 arithmetic processing unit, 27 storage unit, 29 communication device, 31 measurement start key 32, measurement stop key, 33 hinge, 71 battery, 100, 200 body fat measuring device, 140 cover body, 141 inner cover, 142 outer cover, 170 straightening member, 175, 176 surface fastener, 190 plane portion, 261 impedance calculation unit 262 Body fat calculation unit, 262A Visceral fat mass calculation unit, 262B Subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit, 262C Fat mass calculation unit, 300 subjects, 301 right arm, 302 left arm, 303 abdomen, 304 right leg, 305 left leg, A1, B1, C1, D1, A2, B2, C2, D2, A3, B3, C3, D3, A4 , B4, C4, D4, H1, H2, F1, F2 electrodes, E1, E2, E3, E4 abdominal electrode rows.

Claims (17)

A pair of different parts separated from the abdomen of the subject, and at least one pair of first electrodes to be placed on each of the first part and the second part in a position sandwiching the abdomen,
A belt-like member having a shape obtained by rounding a plate-like body so as to reach the other side abdomen via the umbilical part from one side abdomen of the abdomen, and along the surface of the abdomen,
An abdominal electrode group disposed on the inner surface of the belt-shaped member,
The abdominal electrode group includes a pair of second electrodes and a pair of third electrodes,
Applying means for applying a current to the subject via any one of the first electrode and the third electrode;
In each of a first case where a current is applied via the first electrode and a second case where a current is applied via the third electrode, a detection means for detecting two types of potential differences is further provided. ,
The detection means detects a first potential difference between a predetermined pair of electrodes in the abdominal electrode group in the first case, and detects a first potential difference between the second electrodes in the second case. 2 potential difference is detected,
A body fat measurement device further comprising visceral fat mass calculating means for calculating the visceral fat mass of the subject based on the detected first potential difference and the second potential difference and the physique information of the subject. .   2. The body fat measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode and the third electrode are arranged with a direction substantially orthogonal to a winding direction of the belt-shaped member as an alignment direction.   The body fat measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the belt-shaped member is formed of a resin. The band-shaped member has a portion in which a part of the inner surface is formed in a planar shape,
The body fat measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the abdominal electrode group is provided in the portion where a part of the inner surface is formed in a planar shape. The band-shaped member has a part of an outer surface facing a part of the inner surface formed in a planar shape,
A housing in which the application unit and the detection unit are housed;
The body fat measurement device according to claim 4, wherein the housing is provided in a portion in which a part of the outer surface is formed in a flat shape. A housing for housing the application means and the detection means provided on the outer surface of the belt-shaped member;
Display means for displaying the calculated visceral fat mass,
The body fat measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is provided in the housing. The strip member is
When worn, a correction member for correcting the shape of the abdomen,
The body fat measuring device according to claim 1, comprising a cover body for fixing the correction member to the abdomen of the subject.   The body fat measurement device according to claim 2, wherein the third electrode is disposed at a position sandwiching the second electrode in the alignment direction.   The body fat measurement device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined pair of electrodes is the second electrode.   The body fat measurement device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined pair of electrodes is a pair of electrodes other than the pair of the second electrodes in the abdominal electrode group. The third electrodes are respectively arranged at positions sandwiching the second electrode in the alignment direction,
The body fat measurement device according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined pair of electrodes is the third electrode. Further comprising impedance calculation means for calculating two types of impedances based on each of the first potential difference and the second potential difference;
The body fat measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the visceral fat mass calculation means calculates the visceral fat mass based on the calculated two types of impedance and the physique information of the subject.   The body fat measurement device according to claim 12, wherein the visceral fat mass calculating means calculates the visceral fat mass according to a predetermined correlation formula of a relationship between the two types of impedance and the visceral fat mass.   The body fat measurement according to claim 1, further comprising: a subcutaneous fat mass calculating means for calculating a subcutaneous fat mass of the subject based on the detected second potential difference and the physique information of the subject. apparatus.   The body fat measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the physique information includes at least one of an abdomen circumference, an abdomen width, an abdomen thickness, a height, and a weight of the subject.   The body fat measurement device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first part and the second part includes an upper limb and a lower limb. Control unit for calculating visceral fat mass, a measurement unit for measuring a potential difference generated on the body surface of the subject in a state where a current is applied to the subject,
A pair of different parts separated from the abdomen of the subject, and at least one pair of first electrodes to be placed on each of the first part and the second part in a position sandwiching the abdomen,
A belt-like member having a shape obtained by rounding a plate-like body so as to reach the other side abdomen via the umbilical part from one side abdomen of the abdomen, and along the surface of the abdomen,
An abdominal electrode group disposed on the inner surface of the belt-shaped member,
The abdominal electrode group includes a pair of second electrodes and a pair of third electrodes,
Applying means for applying a current to the subject via any one of the first electrode and the third electrode based on a signal from the arithmetic unit;
In each of a first case where a current is applied via the first electrode and a second case where a current is applied via the third electrode, a detection means for detecting two types of potential differences is further provided. ,
The detection means detects a first potential difference between a predetermined pair of electrodes in the abdominal electrode group in the first case, and detects a first potential difference between the second electrodes in the second case. 2 potential difference is detected,
A measurement unit further comprising a transmission means for transmitting information on the detected first potential difference and the second potential difference to the arithmetic unit.

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