JP2008228989A - Bioimpedance measurement attachment unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bioimpedance measurement attachment unit by which a bioimpedance is measured with a high degree of precision and with high reproducibility. <P>SOLUTION: The abdominal part attachment unit 100 is mounted to an abdominal part 301 of a subject to measure a biological impedance. The abdominal part attachment unit 100 includes a belt-like member 60 wound around the abdominal part 301, a supporting member 73 which is provided on the belt-like member 60 and is a rigid body, and abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 which are disposed at spaced intervals and make contact with a subject's body surface. The abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 are supported to be movable in the direction to be parallel with respect to each other by the supporting member 73. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention generally relates to a bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit, and more particularly to a bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit mounted on a torso of a subject.

  Regarding a conventional bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-124914 discloses an impedance measurement device intended to enable highly accurate measurement that stabilizes the contact state (patent) Reference 1). In patent document 1, an electrode support part is attached to the belt with which an abdominal part is mounted | worn. The electrode support portion includes a base portion attached to the belt and an electrode portion having an electrode. The electrode portion is supported so as to be swingable with respect to the base portion. When the electrode follows the movement of the human body surface, the change in the contact state between the electrode and the human body is suppressed.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-61677 discloses a body composition meter for simply measuring the impedance of a specific part of the body and estimating an index relating to body composition with high accuracy (Patent Document). 2). In Patent Document 2, a plurality of pairs of current electrodes for generating a current between the electrodes and a pair of measurement electrodes for detecting a voltage between the electrodes are arranged inside the support. A spring or rubber may be disposed between the support and the electrode so that the electrode group contacts more closely along the circumference of the abdomen when the support is applied to the abdomen of the body.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-320549 discloses a sensor built-in switch that is convenient for users and is intended to meet user needs (Patent Document 3). The sensor built-in switch disclosed in Patent Document 3 detects contact of a living body, outputs a contact detection signal, and measures given information of the living body using the signal as a start trigger.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-124914 JP 2006-61677 A JP 2006-320549 A

  In recent years, body fat mass has attracted attention as one index for knowing the health condition of a subject. In particular, visceral fat mass is attracting attention as an index for determining whether or not it is visceral fat type obesity. This visceral fat-type obesity is said to induce lifestyle-related diseases that easily cause arteriosclerosis such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, and utilization of the above index is expected from the viewpoint of prevention of these diseases. Here, the visceral fat is fat accumulated around the viscera inside the abdominal muscles, and is distinguished from subcutaneous fat accumulated in the surface layer of the abdomen. In general, as an index indicating the visceral fat amount, an area occupied by visceral fat in the abdominal cross section corresponding to the umbilicus position (hereinafter referred to as visceral fat area) is adopted.

  Usually, in order to measure the visceral fat mass, an image analysis method using a tomographic image of the abdomen taken by X-ray CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is employed. In this image analysis method, the visceral fat area is calculated from the acquired abdominal tomographic image. However, in order to use such a method, large equipment such as the X-ray CT and MRI as installed in a medical facility is necessary, and it is very difficult to measure the visceral fat amount on a daily basis. It is. In addition, when X-ray CT is used, there is a problem of exposure, which is not necessarily a preferable measurement method.

  Application of the bioimpedance method has been studied as an alternative measurement method. The bioimpedance method is a method for measuring the amount of body fat that is widely used in body fat measuring devices. By contacting electrodes with the extremities and measuring the bioimpedance using these electrodes, the bioimpedance is measured. The body fat mass is calculated. The above-mentioned body fat measuring device can accurately measure the accumulation degree of body fat for each part of the body such as the whole body, limbs, and torso, and is widely used in homes and the like.

  However, the above-mentioned body fat measuring device is for measuring the body fat accumulation degree for each part of the body such as the whole body, limbs, and torso, and can extract and accurately measure only the visceral fat accumulation degree. It is not a thing. This is because, as described above, the torso includes not only visceral fat but also subcutaneous fat. Therefore, it is possible to measure the visceral fat amount and the subcutaneous fat amount individually and accurately. Is difficult. Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, bioimpedance is measured by using both the electrode in contact with the torso and the electrode in contact with each limb, and the visceral fat mass and subcutaneous fat are measured based on the measured values. It is being considered to measure quantities individually.

  By the way, in the measurement of bioimpedance, a pair of current application electrodes for passing a current to the subject and a pair of potential difference detection electrodes for detecting a potential difference using the applied current are pressed against the body surface of the subject. Used in state. However, it is difficult to always bring the electrodes into contact with the body surface of the subject in a constant contact state, and the distance between the electrodes may change with each measurement. Further, depending on the body shape and measurement site of the subject, there is a possibility that all the electrodes are not sufficiently adhered to the body surface of the subject. In these cases, the bioelectrical impedance cannot be measured with high accuracy and good reproducibility. Moreover, although the apparatus and switch for measuring bioimpedance and biometric information are indicated by the above-mentioned patent documents 1-3, the above-mentioned problem cannot be solved by these.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and to provide a bioimpedance measurement mounting unit that measures bioimpedance with high accuracy and good reproducibility.

  The bioimpedance measurement mounting unit according to the present invention is mounted on a predetermined part of a subject in order to measure bioimpedance. The bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit includes a belt-like member wound around a predetermined portion, a support member that is a rigid body, and a plurality of electrodes that are arranged at intervals from each other and that are in contact with the body surface of the subject. With. The plurality of electrodes are supported by the support member so as to be movable in directions parallel to each other.

  According to the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit configured as described above, the support member that supports the plurality of electrodes is a rigid body. Further, when the belt-like member is wound around a predetermined part of the subject in order to attach the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit, the plurality of electrodes come into contact with the subject's body surface while moving in parallel directions. Thereby, the contact state between the electrode and the body surface of the subject and the distance between the electrodes can be kept constant. As a result, bioimpedance can be measured with high accuracy and good reproducibility.

  Preferably, each of the plurality of electrodes includes an end face that contacts the body surface of the subject. The plurality of electrodes are supported so as to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the end face. According to the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit configured as described above, the effect of keeping the contact state between the electrode and the body surface of the subject constant can be more effectively obtained.

  Preferably, the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit further includes a biasing member that biases the plurality of electrodes toward the body surface of the subject. According to the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit configured as described above, all of the plurality of electrodes can be sufficiently brought into close contact with the body surface of the subject regardless of the body shape of the subject or the wearing state of the belt-like member.

  Preferably, the urging member is any one of a spring member, a rubber member, a solenoid, a low repulsion urethane foam, and an air bag. According to the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit configured as described above, the plurality of electrodes are urged toward the body surface by using the elastic force, electromagnetic force, and air pressure generated by the urging member.

  Preferably, the plurality of electrodes include at least one of a pair of current application electrodes for applying a current to the subject and a pair of potential difference detection electrodes for detecting a potential difference using the applied current. According to the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit configured as described above, the distance between the pair of current application electrodes or the distance between the pair of potential difference detection electrodes can be kept constant.

  Preferably, the plurality of electrodes are arranged in the winding axis direction of the belt-shaped member. According to the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit configured as described above, since the body surface of the subject is generally flat in the winding axis direction of the belt-like member, the contact state between the electrode and the body surface of the subject is kept constant. The effect of keeping can be obtained more effectively.

  Preferably, the plurality of support members are arranged in the winding direction of the belt-shaped member. A plurality of electrodes supported by each support member are combined to measure bioimpedance. According to the bioimpedance measurement mounting unit configured as described above, the contact state between the electrode and the body surface of the subject and the distance between the electrodes are kept constant for each of the plurality of electrodes that measure bioimpedance as a set. Can do.

  Preferably, each of the plurality of electrodes includes an end face that contacts the body surface of the subject. The end surface has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the movable direction of the plurality of electrodes. According to the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit configured as described above, the contact resistance between the electrode and the body surface of the subject can be reduced by increasing the area of the end face.

  Preferably, the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit further includes a detent mechanism for restricting each electrode from rotating about an axis along which the plurality of electrodes are movable. According to the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit configured as described above, the distance between the electrodes can be prevented from changing due to the rotation of the electrodes. Moreover, it can prevent that adjacent electrodes contact.

  Preferably, the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit further includes a contact state detection unit that detects a contact state between the plurality of electrodes and the body surface of the subject. According to the bioimpedance measurement mounting unit configured as described above, the measurement accuracy of the bioimpedance can be improved by detecting an abnormality in the contact state between the electrode and the body surface of the subject.

  Preferably, the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit described above is mounted on the torso of the subject. According to the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit configured as described above, the contact state between the electrode and the body surface can be kept constant.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bioimpedance measurement mounting unit that measures bioimpedance with high accuracy and good reproducibility.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the same or corresponding members are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the embodiments described below, not only the visceral fat mass, but also the fat mass of the whole body and the fat mass for each specific part of the body (the fat mass of each of the upper limb and the lower limb, the fat mass of the trunk (trunk)), the abdomen A body fat measuring device configured to be able to measure the amount of subcutaneous fat, etc.) is illustrated, and the body fat measuring device is configured and an abdominal mounting unit mounted on a subject is illustrated as an example.

  First, terms used to describe each part of the body are defined. The “torso (trunk)” is a portion excluding the head, neck and limbs of the body, and includes the chest and abdomen. The “abdomen” is a part located on the lower limb side of the trunk divided into a part located on the neck side (that is, the chest) and a part located on the lower limb side, and includes the front of the abdomen and the back of the abdomen. . “Abdomen front” refers to the body surface of the surface of the subject's abdomen that is visible when the subject is observed from the front side. “Abdomen rear surface” refers to the body surface of a portion of the surface of the subject's abdomen that is visible when the subject is observed from the back side. The “part away from the abdomen” means the upper limb consisting of the upper arm, forearm, wrist and fingers, the chest more than a predetermined distance (for example, approximately 10 cm) from the portion where the diaphragm is located, the neck and head, and the thigh , Lower leg composed of lower leg, ankle and toe. Further, the “body axis” refers to an axis extending in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the cross section of the abdomen of the subject.

<Functional blocks of body fat measurement device>
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the body fat measurement device. With reference to FIG. 1, the body fat measurement device 1 includes a control unit 10, a constant current generation unit 21, a terminal switching unit 22, a potential difference detection unit 23, a physique information measurement unit 24, and a subject information input unit 25. A display unit 26, an operation unit 27, a power supply unit 28, a memory unit 29, and a plurality of electrodes A11, A12, A21, A22, H11, H12, H21, H22, F11, F12, F21 and F22 are included. The control unit 10 includes an arithmetic processing unit 11. The arithmetic processing unit 11 includes an impedance calculation unit 12 and various fat mass calculation units 13. The various fat mass calculation units 13 include, for example, a body fat mass calculation unit 14, a part-specific fat mass calculation unit 15, a visceral fat mass calculation unit 16, and a subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit 17.

  The control part 10 is comprised by CPU (central processor unit), for example, and performs the whole control of the body fat measuring device 1. FIG. Specifically, the control unit 10 sends commands to the various functional blocks described above, and performs various arithmetic processes based on the obtained information. Among these, various arithmetic processes are performed by the arithmetic processing unit 11 provided in the control unit 10.

  The plurality of electrodes include abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22 attached to the subject's abdomen, upper limb electrodes H11, H12, H21, and H22 attached to the subject's upper limbs, and a lower limb attached to the subject's lower limbs. Including electrodes F11, F12, F21, and F22.

  The abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22 are attached to the surface of the abdomen of the subject in a state where the respective electrodes are aligned along the body axis direction. Abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22 may be attached to the front surface of the abdomen of the subject or may be attached to the back side of the abdomen of the subject. Further, a plurality of abdominal electrode groups each including the four abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22 as a set may be mounted in parallel to each other. In that case, all sets of abdominal electrode groups may be attached only to either the front or back of the abdomen, or some sets of abdominal electrodes may be attached to the front of the abdomen and the remaining sets of abdominal electrodes. A group may be attached to the back of the abdomen.

  The upper limb electrodes H11, H12, H21, and H22 are preferably attached to the surface of the wrist of the right hand and the surface of the wrist of the left hand, respectively. A pair of lower limb electrodes F11, F12, F21, and F22 are preferably mounted on the surface of the ankle of the right foot and the surface of the ankle of the left foot, respectively. The abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, A22, the upper limb electrodes H11, H12, H21, H22 and the lower limb electrodes F11, F12, F21, F22 are electrically connected to the terminal switching unit 22, respectively.

  The terminal switching unit 22 is configured by a relay circuit, for example. The terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects a specific electrode selected from the plurality of electrodes and the constant current generation unit 21 based on a command input from the control unit 10, and among the plurality of electrodes A specific electrode selected from the above and the potential difference detection unit 23 are electrically connected. Thereby, the electrode electrically connected to the constant current generating unit 21 by the terminal switching unit 22 functions as a current application electrode, and the electrode electrically connected to the potential difference detecting unit 23 by the terminal switching unit 22 is the potential difference. Functions as a detection electrode. Various electrical connections by the terminal switching unit 22 are switched during the measurement operation. Normally, the current application electrode and the potential difference detection electrode are each constituted by a pair of electrodes, but each of the pair of electrodes referred to here includes both a single electrode or a plurality of electrodes. In other words, each of the pair of electrodes may be configured by treating the electrodes provided separately and independently in an electrically equivalent manner.

  The constant current generation unit 21 generates a constant current based on a command input from the control unit 10 and supplies the generated constant current to the current application electrode via the terminal switching unit 22. As the constant current generated in the constant current generator 21, a high-frequency current (for example, 50 kHz, 500 μA) that is preferably used for measuring body composition information is selected. Accordingly, a constant current is applied to the subject via the current application electrode.

  The potential difference detection unit 23 detects a potential difference between electrodes (that is, potential difference detection electrodes) electrically connected to the potential difference detection unit 23 by the terminal switching unit 22, and outputs the detected potential difference to the control unit 10. Thereby, the potential difference between the potential difference detection electrodes in a state where the above-described constant current is applied to the subject is detected.

  The physique information measurement unit 24 and the subject information input unit 25 are parts for obtaining subject information used for arithmetic processing performed in various fat mass calculation units 13 included in the arithmetic processing unit 11. Here, “subject information” means information about the subject, and includes at least one of information such as age, gender, or physique information. In addition, “physique information” refers to information regarding the size of a specific part of the subject's body (for example, information including at least one of waist length (abdominal circumference), abdominal width, abdominal thickness, height, etc.) Includes information such as weight. The physique information measurement unit 24 is a part that automatically measures the physique information of the subject, and outputs the detected physique information to the control unit 10. On the other hand, the subject information input unit 25 is a part for inputting subject information, and outputs the input subject information to the control unit 10.

  The functional block diagram shown in FIG. 1 illustrates the case where both the physique information measurement unit 24 and the subject information input unit 25 are provided in the body fat measurement device 1, but these physique information measurement unit 24 The subject information input unit 25 is not an essential component. The selection as to whether or not to provide the physique information measuring unit 24 and / or the subject information input unit 25 is appropriately performed based on the type of subject information used in the arithmetic processing performed in the arithmetic processing unit 11 of the control unit 10. It is. Of the above-described subject information, the physique information may be automatically measured using the physique information measurement unit 24 and the measurement data may be used, or the physique information measurement unit 24 may not be provided. The subject may input information in the subject information input unit 25 and use the input data.

  The arithmetic processing unit 11 includes the impedance calculation unit 12 and various fat mass calculation units 13 as described above. The impedance calculation unit 12 calculates various bioimpedances based on the current value of the constant current generated by the constant current generation unit 21 and the potential difference information detected by the potential difference detection unit 23 and input to the control unit 10. . The various fat mass calculation units 13 calculate various fat masses based on the bioelectrical impedance obtained by the impedance calculation unit and the subject information input from the physique information measurement unit 24 and / or the subject information input unit 25. The various fat mass calculation units 13 include, for example, a body fat mass calculation unit 14 that calculates the body fat mass of the whole body of the subject, a part-specific fat mass calculation unit 15 that calculates a fat mass for each specific part of the subject's body, and the internal organs of the subject It includes at least one of a visceral fat amount calculation unit 16 that calculates the fat amount and a subcutaneous fat amount calculation unit 17 that calculates the subcutaneous fat amount in the abdomen of the subject.

  The display unit 26 displays information on various fat amounts calculated by the fat amount calculating unit 13. As the display unit 26, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) can be used. The fat amount displayed on the display unit 26 includes, for example, the body fat amount of the subject's whole body, the fat amount for each specific part of the subject's body, the visceral fat amount, the subcutaneous fat amount in the abdomen, and the like. Here, “fat mass” means an index indicating the amount of fat represented by, for example, fat weight, fat area, fat volume, fat level, etc. In particular, “visceral fat mass” means visceral fat mass, It means an index expressed by at least one of visceral fat area, visceral fat volume and visceral fat level.

  The operation unit 27 is a part for the subject to input a command to the body fat measurement device 1, and is configured by, for example, a key that can be pressed by the subject.

  The power supply unit 28 is a part for supplying power to the control unit 10, and includes an internal power supply such as a battery, an external power supply such as a commercial power supply, and the like.

  The memory unit 29 is a part for storing various data and programs related to the body fat measurement device 1. For example, the subject information described above, the calculated visceral fat mass, and a body for executing a body fat measurement process described later. A fat measurement program and the like are stored.

<Calculation processing when measuring visceral fat area>
Next, an example of arithmetic processing performed in the body fat measurement device will be described. As described above, in the body fat measuring device 1, various fat masses can be measured by the various fat mass calculating units 13, but in the following, when calculating the visceral fat area as an index indicating the visceral fat mass. An example of the arithmetic processing performed will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 1, impedance calculation unit 12 calculates two types of biological impedances based on the current value of the constant current generated in constant current generation unit 21 and the potential difference detected in potential difference detection unit 23. To do. One of the two types of bioimpedances is bioimpedance Zt that reflects the lean mass in the abdomen of the subject. The other bioimpedance is bioimpedance Zs that reflects the amount of subcutaneous fat in the abdomen of the subject.

The visceral fat amount calculation unit 16 calculates the visceral fat area Sv (unit: cm ² ) of the subject based on the two types of calculated bioelectrical impedances Zt and Zs and the waist length W that is one of the physique information of the subject. Is calculated. Specifically, for example, the visceral fat area Sv is calculated by the following equation (1) representing the relationship between the two types of bioelectrical impedances Zt and Zs and the waist length W of the subject and the visceral fat area Sv.

^{Sv = a × W 2 -b ×} (1 / Zt) -c × W × Zs-d ... (1)
(Where a, b, c, d are coefficients)
The subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit 17 calculates the subcutaneous fat area Ss (unit: cm ² ) of the subject based on the calculated bioelectrical impedance Zs and the waist length W that is one of the physique information of the subject. . Specifically, for example, the subcutaneous fat area Ss is calculated by the following equation (2) representing the relationship between the bioelectrical impedance Zs and the waist length W of the subject and the subcutaneous fat area Ss.

Ss = e × W × Zs + f (2)
(Where e, f are coefficients)
Further, the body fat mass calculation unit 14 calculates the lean body mass FFM (unit: kg) based on the calculated bioelectrical impedance Zt and the height H which is one of the physique information of the subject. Specifically, for example, the fat free mass FFM is calculated by the following equation (3) representing the relationship between the bioelectrical impedance Zt and the subject's height H and the fat free mass FFM.

FFM = i × H ² / Zt + j (3)
(Where i, j are coefficients)
The coefficients in each of the above formulas (1), (2), and (3) are determined by, for example, a regression formula based on a measurement result by MRI. Moreover, the coefficient in each of Formula (1), (2), (3) may be defined for every age and / or sex.

  Although not directly related to the calculation of the visceral fat area Sv described above, when calculating the body fat mass of the whole body of the subject, the body fat mass calculating unit 14 calculates the calculated lean mass FFM and the physique information. Based on the body weight Wt, the body fat mass of the subject, for example, the body fat percentage (%) is calculated. Specifically, for example, the body fat percentage is calculated by the following equation (4) based on the lean mass FFM and the weight Wt of the subject.

Body fat percentage = (Wt−FFM) / Wt × 100 (4)
Although specific explanation is omitted, the body fat mass by body part is also determined based on the bioimpedance obtained by variously switching the current application electrode and the potential difference detection electrode and the physique information of the subject. Calculation is possible.

<Operation procedure when measuring visceral fat area>
Next, the operation of the body fat measurement device when measuring the visceral fat area using the body fat measurement device will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart defining the operation procedure of the body fat measurement device when measuring the visceral fat area using the body fat measurement device. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is stored in advance in the memory unit 29 as a program, and the function of the visceral fat area measurement processing is realized by the control unit 10 including the arithmetic processing unit 11 reading and executing this program. Is done. The operation procedure shown below is a configuration in which four sets of abdominal electrode groups each including four illustrated abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22 are arranged in parallel in the body fat measurement device shown in FIG. It is an operation procedure in the case of.

  Referring to FIG. 2, control unit 10 receives input of subject information including waist length W, height H, weight Wt, and the like as physique information (step S1). The subject information received here is temporarily stored in the memory unit 29, for example. In addition, when the structure which measures the specific physique information of test subject information automatically using the physique information measurement part 24 is employ | adopted, the physique information measured in the physique information measurement part 24 is with respect to the control part 10. Entered.

  Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not there is an instruction to start measurement (step S2). Control unit 10 waits for an instruction to start measurement (NO in step S2). Control unit 10 sets an electrode when an instruction to start measurement is detected (YES in step S2) (step S3).

  Here, in step S3, the control unit 10 selects, for example, the pair of upper limb electrodes H11 and the lower limb electrodes F11 and the pair of upper limb electrodes H21 and the lower limb electrodes F21 as current application electrode pairs, and among the four sets of abdominal electrode groups, A pair of abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in one abdominal electrode group is selected as a potential difference detection electrode pair. The terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects the pair of upper limb electrodes H11, the lower limb electrode F11, the pair of upper limb electrodes H21, and the lower limb electrode F21 to the constant current generating unit 21 based on the control of the control unit 10, and The abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 are electrically connected to the potential difference detector 23. Here, the terminal switching unit 22 disconnects the electrical connection between the non-selected electrode and the constant current generation unit 21 and the potential difference detection unit 23 based on the control of the control unit 10.

  The constant current generation unit 21 causes a constant current to flow between the upper limb and the lower limb based on the control of the control unit 10. For example, the constant current generation unit 21 causes a constant current to flow from the upper limb electrode H11 and the upper limb electrode H21 to the lower limb electrode F11 and the lower limb electrode F21 (step S4). In this case, the terminal switching unit 22 is preferably configured to short-circuit the upper limb electrode H11 and the upper limb electrode H21 and to short-circuit the lower limb electrode F11 and the lower limb electrode F21. The constant current generation unit 21 and the terminal switching unit 22 may be configured to flow a constant current from any one of the upper limb electrodes H11 and H21 to any one of the lower limb electrodes F11 and F21.

  In this state, the potential difference detection unit 23 detects a potential difference between the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S5).

  Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the detection of the potential difference is completed for all predetermined combinations of electrode pairs (step S6). When the control unit 10 determines that the detection of the potential difference has not been completed for all combinations of predetermined electrode pairs (NO in step S6), the control unit 10 proceeds to step S3 described above. When it is determined that the detection of the potential difference has been completed for all combinations of predetermined electrode pairs (YES in step S6), control unit 10 proceeds to step S7 described later.

  In this way, the control unit 10 sequentially selects the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in the other abdominal electrode groups as potential difference detection electrode pairs. That is, the terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in the other abdominal electrode groups in order with the potential difference detection unit 23 based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S3). Then, the potential difference detector 23 sequentially detects the potential difference between the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in the other abdominal electrode groups based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S5).

  The impedance calculation unit 12 generates a constant current generated by the constant current generation unit 21 and applied to the body after the detection of the potential difference with respect to the combination of the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in all abdominal electrode groups is completed (YES in step S6). The bioelectrical impedances Zt1 to Zt4 are calculated on the basis of the current values and the potential differences detected by the potential difference detection unit 23 (step S7). The values of the biological impedances Zt1 to Zt4 calculated by the impedance calculation unit 12 are temporarily stored in the memory unit 29, for example.

  Next, the control unit 10 sets electrodes again (step S8). More specifically, the control unit 10 selects a pair of abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in one abdominal electrode group among the four abdominal electrode groups as a current application electrode pair, and is included in the abdominal electrode group. A pair of abdominal electrodes A12, A22 are selected as a potential difference detection electrode pair. The terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects the pair of abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 to the constant current generation unit 21 and electrically connects the pair of abdominal electrodes A12 and A22 to the potential difference detection unit 23 based on the control of the control unit 10. Connect. Here, the terminal switching unit 22 disconnects the electrical connection between the abdominal electrode, the upper limb electrode, and the lower limb electrode that are not selected and the constant current generation unit 21 and the potential difference detection unit 23 based on the control of the control unit 10. To do.

  The constant current generator 21 causes a constant current to flow between the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 based on the control of the controller 10 (step S9).

  In this state, the potential difference detector 23 detects a potential difference between the abdominal electrodes A12 and A22 based on the control of the controller 10 (step S10).

  Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the detection of the potential difference is completed for all predetermined combinations of electrode pairs (step S11). When the control unit 10 determines that the detection of the potential difference has not been completed for all combinations of predetermined electrode pairs (NO in step S11), the control unit 10 proceeds to step S8 described above. When it is determined that the detection of the potential difference has been completed for all predetermined combinations of electrode pairs (YES in step S11), control unit 10 proceeds to step S12 described later.

  In this way, the control unit 10 selects the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in the other abdominal electrode groups as current application electrodes, and sequentially selects the abdominal electrodes A12 and A22 included in the abdominal electrode group. Choose as a pair. That is, the terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in the other abdominal electrode groups to the constant current generation unit 21 in order based on the control of the control unit 10, and the abdominal electrode group Are sequentially electrically connected to the potential difference detection unit 23 (step S8). Then, the potential difference detection unit 23 causes a constant current to flow between the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in the other abdominal electrode group based on the control of the control unit 10, and between the abdominal electrodes A12 and A22 included in the abdominal electrode group. Are sequentially detected (step S10).

  The impedance calculation unit 12 generates the constant current generated by the constant current generation unit 21 and flows to the body after the application of current to the combination of electrode pairs included in all abdominal electrode groups and the detection of the potential difference are completed (YES in step S11). Based on the current value of the current and each potential difference detected by the potential difference detection unit 23, bioimpedances Zs1 to Zs4 are calculated (step S12). The values of the biological impedances Zs1 to Zs4 calculated by the impedance calculation unit 12 are temporarily stored in the memory unit 29, for example.

  Next, the visceral fat mass calculation unit 16 is based on the waist length W in the physique information received by the control unit 10 in step S1, and the calculated bioelectrical impedances Zt1 to Zt4 and the bioelectrical impedances Zs1 to Zs4. The fat area Sv is calculated (step S13). The visceral fat area Sv is calculated by the above formula (1). In addition, when it is set as the structure which has arrange | positioned 4 sets of abdominal electrode group which makes 4 sets of abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22 in parallel mutually as mentioned above, for example, four bioimpedances Zt1-Zt4 The average value and the average value of the four bioelectrical impedances Zs1 to Zs4 are respectively substituted into the equation (1).

  Next, the subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit 17 calculates the subcutaneous fat area Ss based on the waist length W in the physique information received by the control unit 10 in step S1 and the calculated bioelectrical impedances Zs1 to Zs4. (Step S14). The subcutaneous fat area Ss is calculated by substituting the waist length W and the calculated bioelectric impedance Zs into the above equation (2). In addition, when it is set as the structure which has arrange | positioned 4 sets of abdominal electrode groups which make 4 sets of abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22 in parallel mutually as mentioned above, for example, four bioimpedances Zs1-Zs4 Is substituted into the bioelectrical impedance Zs in the equation (2).

  Next, the body fat mass calculation unit 14 calculates the lean body mass FFM based on the height H of the physique information received by the control unit 10 in step S1 and the calculated bioelectrical impedance Zt (step S15). ). The lean mass FFM is calculated by the above equation (3).

  Further, the body fat mass calculation unit 14 is based on the weight Wt in the physique information received by the control unit 10 in step S1 and the lean body mass FFM calculated by the body fat mass calculation unit 14 in step S15. The fat percentage is calculated (step S16). The body fat percentage is calculated by the above equation (4).

  And the display part 26 displays each measurement result based on control of the control part 10 (step S17).

  Thus, the body fat measurement device 1 ends the body fat mass measurement process including the visceral fat area measurement process. The typical values of the bioelectrical impedances Zt1 to Zt4 are about 5Ω each. Further, typical values of the bioelectrical impedances Zs1 to Zs4 are about 80Ω respectively.

<Configuration of body fat measuring device>
Next, the configuration of the body fat measurement device 1 will be specifically described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the bioimpedance of a subject is measured using the body fat measuring device in FIG. The body fat measurement device 1 shown below includes four sets of abdominal electrode groups each including four abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22 illustrated in the body fat measurement device 1 in FIG. 1 in parallel. It has the arranged configuration.

  Referring to FIG. 3, when measuring various fat amounts, subject 300 takes a supine position (that is, lying on his back) on bed surface 400. The body fat measurement device 1 includes an abdomen attachment unit 100, electrode clips 172A, 172B, 173A, 173B, and a device body 165.

  The abdomen attachment unit 100 is attached to the abdomen 301 of the subject 300. The electrode clips 172A and 172B are attached to the upper limbs (preferably wrists 302A and 302B) of the subject 300. The electrode clips 173A and 173B are attached to the lower limbs (preferably ankles 303A and 303B) of the subject 300. The apparatus main body 165 is connected to the abdomen attachment unit 100 and the electrode clips 172A, 172B, 173A, 173B via the connection cable 180. The apparatus main body 165 includes the control unit 10, the constant current generation unit 21, the terminal switching unit 22, the potential difference detection unit 23, the subject information input unit 25, the display unit 26, the operation unit 27, the memory unit 29, and the like in FIG.

  The abdomen attachment unit 100 is configured by a belt-like member that can be wound around the abdomen 301. The electrode clips 172A, 172B, 173A, 173B have a clip shape that can hold the upper limb or the lower limb of the subject 300. The abdomen attachment unit 100 and the electrode clips 172A, 172B, 173A, 173B each have an electrode that can be placed in contact with the body surface of the subject. Note that the constant current generation unit 21, the terminal switching unit 22, the potential difference detection unit 23, and the like provided in the apparatus main body 165 can be provided in the abdomen attachment unit 100 as necessary.

<Configuration of abdomen attachment unit>
Next, the configuration of the abdomen attachment unit 100 worn by the subject in FIG. 3 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the abdomen attachment unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the abdomen attachment unit viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow V in FIG.

  3 to 5, the abdomen attachment unit 100 includes a belt-like member 60, a support member 73, and abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21. The abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, and A21 are in contact with the body surface of the subject and function as the current application electrode or the potential difference detection electrode already described.

  The belt-like member 60 is wound around the abdomen 301 that is a predetermined part of the subject. The strip-shaped member 60 has flexibility. The belt-like member 60 is freely curved in the circumferential direction of the abdomen 301. The band-shaped member 60 includes an electrode base portion 61 and a belt portion 66.

  The electrode base part 61 is disposed on the front surface of the abdomen 301. A support member 73 is provided on the electrode base portion 61. The abdomen attachment unit 100 includes a belt locking part 63. The belt locking part 63 is fixed to the electrode base part 61. The belt locking part 63 includes an insertion part 63h, a pressing part 63j, and an operation part 63k. The electrode base portion 61 is formed with a positioning through-hole 72 that is aligned with the subject's umbilicus position in order to position the electrode with respect to the abdominal portion 301 when the belt-like member 60 is wound.

  The belt portion 66 includes one end 66m and the other end 66n. The belt portion 66 extends in a long shape between one end 66m and the other end 66n. One end 66 m is fixed to the electrode base 61. When the belt-like member 60 is wound, the other end 66 n side of the belt portion 66 is locked to the belt locking portion 63. The other end 66n side of the belt portion 66 is locked when the belt portion 66 inserted into the insertion portion 63h is pressed by the pressing portion 63j. When the belt-like member 60 is removed, the operation of the operation portion 63k is operated to release the engagement of the belt portion 66 by the belt engagement portion 63.

  With such a configuration, the belt-like member 60 is wound around the abdomen 301 with an appropriate tightening force. In addition, the strip | belt-shaped member 60 and its fastening structure are not restricted to the said structure, It changes suitably. For example, the belt-shaped member 60 may be integrally configured by a flexible belt. The fastening structure of the belt-shaped member 60 may be configured by a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners that are detachably coupled.

  The abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 are arranged at a distance from each other. The abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 are arranged in the winding axis direction of the belt-shaped member 60 with respect to the abdominal part 301 (the direction indicated by the arrow 101 in FIG. 5). Here, the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 are arranged in the body axis direction.

  The abdomen attachment unit 100 includes a plurality of sets of abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21. When the group of abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, and A21 of each set is referred to as abdominal electrode groups B1, B2, B3, and B4, the abdominal electrode groups B1, B2, B3, and B4 are spaced apart from each other. Yes. The abdominal electrode groups B1, B2, B3, and B4 are arranged in the winding direction of the belt-like member 60 (the direction indicated by the arrow 102 in FIG. 5). Here, the abdominal electrode groups B <b> 1, B <b> 2, B <b> 3, and B <b> 4 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the belt-shaped member 60.

  The abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 constituting the abdominal electrode group B1 function as a current application electrode or a potential difference detection electrode in combination with each other. The abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 constituting the abdominal electrode group B1 function as current application electrodes or potential difference detection electrodes independently of the abdominal electrodes constituting the abdominal electrode groups B2, B3, B4. The same applies to the electrodes constituting the abdominal electrode groups B2, B3, and B4.

  6 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounted state of the abdomen mounting unit along the line VI-VI in FIG. Hereinafter, the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, and A21 will be referred to as abdominal electrodes 51 unless particularly distinguished.

  With reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the support member 73 is fixed to the belt-like member 60. Further, the support member 73 is fixed to the electrode base portion 61. The abdomen attachment unit 100 includes a plurality of support members 73. The plurality of support members 73 are arranged at intervals from each other. The plurality of support members 73 are arranged in the winding direction of the band-shaped member 60. The plurality of support members 73 are connected by a belt-like member 60 having flexibility.

  The support member 73 is a rigid body and is an object whose volume and shape are not changed even when a sufficiently large force is applied. The support member 73 is an object whose volume and shape are not changed with respect to a force assumed to be applied when the abdomen attachment unit 100 is attached or when the fat amount after attachment is measured. The support member 73 is made of, for example, resin.

  The support member 73 includes a base portion 75 and a case portion 74. The base portion 75 is joined to the surface of the electrode base portion 61 facing the opposite side of the abdominal portion 301. The case portion 74 is attached to the base 75 for each of the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21. A space 76 is formed by the base portion 75 and the case portion 74.

  The abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 are supported by a support member 73. The abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 are supported so as to be movable in directions parallel to each other (direction shown by an arrow 103 in FIG. 6). The abdominal electrode groups B1, B2, B3, and B4 are separately supported by a plurality of support members 73. That is, the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 functioning as a current application electrode or a potential difference detection electrode in combination with each other are supported by the same support member 73 so as to be movable in directions parallel to each other.

  The abdominal part electrode 51 includes a shaft part 52. The shaft portion 52 extends in one direction. A shaft insertion hole 73h and a shaft insertion hole 73i are formed in the support member 73. The shaft insertion hole 73h and the shaft insertion hole 73i are formed in the base portion 75 and the case portion 74, respectively. The shaft portion 52 is inserted so as to be slidable with respect to the shaft insertion hole 73h and the shaft insertion hole 73i.

  The abdominal electrode 51 includes an end face 53. The end surface 53 contacts the subject's body surface. The end surface 53 extends in a planar shape. The end surface 53 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the movable direction of the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21. With such a configuration, the contact area between the end surface 53 and the body surface of the subject can be increased, and the contact resistance between the two can be kept small. The end surface 53 may have a shape other than a rectangle. For example, the end surface 53 may have a non-circular shape. The abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 are supported so as to be movable in a direction substantially orthogonal to the end face 53.

  The abdomen attachment unit 100 includes a coil spring 78 as an urging member. The coil spring 78 is disposed in the space 76. The coil spring 78 is provided for each of the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21. The coil spring 78 is disposed in the space 76 in a compressed state. The coil spring 78 biases the abdominal electrode 51 toward the body surface of the subject. The coil spring 78 causes the elastic force in the movable axis direction of the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 to act on the abdominal electrode 51.

  7 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounted state of the abdomen mounting unit along the line VII-VII in FIG. With reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the mounting state of the abdomen mounting unit 100 will be described.

  When the abdomen attachment unit 100 is attached, the operator of the abdomen attachment unit 100 places the electrode base 61 on the front surface of the abdomen 301 and the belt part 66 is wound around the abdomen 301. The belt-like member 60 is wound around the abdomen 301 by the other end 66 n side of the belt portion 66 being locked to the belt locking portion 63. At this time, the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 constituting each abdominal electrode group are pushed in against the elastic force of the coil spring 78 while contacting the body surface of the subject. The abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 are pressed against the body surface of the subject by the tightening force of the belt-shaped member 60, the elastic force of the coil spring 78, and the weight of the electrode itself.

  In the present embodiment, the abdomen electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 are supported by the support member 73 so as to be movable in directions parallel to each other. For this reason, when the abdomen attachment unit 100 is attached, the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 are not pushed in different behaviors, and the contact state between each abdominal electrode and the body surface of the subject can be made uniform. In addition, since the support member 73 that supports the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 is a rigid body, the distance between the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 can be kept constant.

  The abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, and A21 are supported so as to be movable in a direction substantially orthogonal to the end face 53 that contacts the body surface of the subject. In this case, when the abdomen attachment unit 100 is attached, the abdomen electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 can be prevented from being pushed in with the end surface 53 hitting the subject's body surface. In particular, in the present embodiment, the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, and A21 are arranged in the winding axis direction of the belt-shaped member 60. The degree to which the subject's body surface is curved is generally large in the circumferential direction of the belt-shaped member 60 and small in the winding axis direction of the belt-shaped member 60. For this reason, the said effect can be acquired more effectively.

  Further, depending on the body shape of the subject, the manner in which the belt-like member 60 is attached, etc., there is a possibility that some of the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 are attached in a state of floating from the body surface of the subject. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a coil spring 78 that biases the abdominal electrode 51 toward the body surface of the subject is provided. For this reason, all the electrodes can be more reliably pressed against the subject's body surface to bring them into close contact with each other.

FIG. 8 is a graph for explaining an example of use of a coil spring provided in the abdomen attachment unit in FIG. Referring to FIG. 8, when the urging force by coil spring 78 is too large, when attaching abdomen attachment unit 100, belt-like member 60 is wound in a state of being largely separated from the body surface of the subject, and tightening force of belt-like member 60. Cannot sufficiently act on the electrode. In this case, the contact pressure between the abdominal electrode 51 and the body surface of the subject varies, and the measurement accuracy of fat mass may be reduced. For this reason, it is preferable to use a coil spring 78 having a spring constant k as small as possible. By incorporating the coil spring 78 by contracting from the natural length L0, it is possible to obtain a substantially constant urging force (F1 to F2) in a state close to the target load. Preferably, the contact pressure between the abdominal electrode 51 and the body surface of the subject is set to 50 gf / cm ² or less.

  In the present invention, the coil spring 78 as the biasing member is not an essential configuration. For example, the coil spring 78 may be omitted if the weight of the electrode is sufficiently large and the electrode can be reliably brought into close contact with the body surface of the subject by the tightening force of the belt-shaped member 60 and the weight of the electrode.

  9 is a cross-sectional view of the abdomen attachment unit along the line IX-IX in FIG. Referring to FIG. 9, the abdomen attachment unit 100 includes a rotation preventing mechanism that restricts the abdominal electrode 51 from rotating about the movable shafts of the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21. In the example shown in FIG. 9A, the shaft portion 52 has a D-shaped cross-sectional shape. The support member 73 is formed with a shaft insertion hole 73h corresponding to the D-shaped cross section. In the example shown in FIG. 9B, the shaft portion 52 has an elliptical cross-sectional shape. In the example shown in FIG. 9C, the shaft portion 52 has a square cross-sectional shape. The shaft portion 52 may have a cross-sectional shape other than a perfect circle.

  By regulating the rotation of the abdominal electrode 51, it is possible to prevent the interelectrode distances of the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 from changing. Moreover, in this Embodiment, in order to reduce the contact resistance between the abdominal part electrode 51 and a test subject's body surface, the end surface 53 has a substantially rectangular shape. In this case, the contact between the adjacent abdominal electrodes 51 can be prevented by restricting the rotation of the abdominal electrode 51.

  FIG. 10 is a view showing a modification of the urging member provided in the abdomen attachment unit in FIG. Referring to FIG. 10A, in this modification, the abdomen attachment unit 100 includes a solenoid 91 as an urging member. A solenoid 91 is disposed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 52. The shaft portion 52 is magnetized. By applying an electromagnetic force generated by the solenoid 91 to the shaft portion 52, the abdominal electrode 51 is biased toward the body surface of the subject.

  Referring to FIG. 10B, in this modification, the abdomen attachment unit 100 includes a low repulsion urethane foam 93 as an urging member. One end of the low repulsion urethane foam 93 is connected to the shaft portion 52, and the other end is supported by a cover member 94 that covers the low repulsion urethane foam 93. By applying the elastic force of the low repulsion urethane foam 93 to the shaft portion 52, the abdominal electrode 51 is urged toward the body surface of the subject. In this modification, the use of the low repulsion urethane foam 93 can prevent the contact pressure between the abdominal electrode 51 and the body surface of the subject from becoming excessively large.

  Referring to FIG. 10C, in this modification, the abdomen attachment unit 100 includes a rubber plate 97 as an urging member. The rubber plate 97 is connected to the shaft portion 52 via a connecting rod 96. By applying the elastic force of the rubber plate 97 to the shaft portion 52, the abdominal electrode 51 is urged toward the body surface of the subject. Referring to FIG. 10D, in this modification, the abdomen attachment unit 100 includes an air bag 98 as an urging member. The air bag 98 expands and contracts in the moving direction of the abdominal electrode 51. One end of the air bag 98 is connected to the shaft portion 52, and the other end is supported by a cover member 99 that covers the air bag 98. By applying the air pressure in the air bag 98 to the shaft portion 52, the abdominal electrode 51 is biased toward the body surface of the subject.

  The urging member provided in the abdomen attachment unit 100 is not limited to these structures, and may be a structure using, for example, a shape memory alloy, an artificial muscle, an elastomer, a flexible member, or the like.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining a contact state detection unit provided in the body fat measurement device. Referring to FIG. 11, body fat measurement device 1 may include a contact state detection unit that detects a contact state between the electrode and the body surface of the subject. Hereinafter, the control will be described by taking the abdominal electrode 51 as an example.

  A 50 Hz rectangular wave is input to the analog switch 120. The rectangular wave output from the analog switch 120 is passed through an LPF (Low-pass Filter) 130 and output as a sine wave. The abdominal electrode 51 designated by the electrode switching circuit 170 is selected, and a current is applied to the living body. A current is taken in from the abdominal electrode 51 via the electrode switching circuit 170 and is converted into a voltage by the current-voltage conversion circuit 160. After the voltage waveform is smoothed by the smoothing circuit 150, an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) control voltage is output from the integration circuit 140 to the analog switch 120. The amplitude of the rectangular wave output from the analog switch 120 is determined by the AGC control voltage. If the AGC control voltage is read by the CPU 110 and the value is equal to or greater than a preset value, it is determined that the contact state between the abdominal electrode 51 and the body surface of the subject is abnormal.

  An abdomen attachment unit 100 as an attachment unit for measuring bioimpedance according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to an abdomen 301 as a predetermined part of a subject in order to measure bioimpedance. The abdomen attachment unit 100 includes a belt-like member 60 wound around the abdominal part 301, a support member 73 that is provided on the belt-like member 60, and is spaced apart from each other, and is in contact with the body surface of the subject. Abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 as electrodes are provided. The abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 are supported by the support member 73 so as to be movable in directions parallel to each other.

  According to the abdomen attachment unit 100 in the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the contact state between the abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A22, A21 and the body surface of the subject and the distance between the electrodes are kept constant. Can do. Thereby, bioimpedance can be measured with high accuracy and good reproducibility, and the measurement accuracy of body fat mass can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the abdomen attachment unit 100 attached to the abdomen 301 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the bioelectrical impedance measurement attachment unit attached to the limbs or the chest. The present invention may be applied to. The layout in which the electrodes are arranged is not limited to that shown in FIG.

  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 functional block diagram of a body fat measuring device. It is the flowchart which defined the operation | movement procedure of the body fat measuring device at the time of measuring a visceral fat area using a body fat measuring device. It is a perspective view which shows a mode that a test subject's bioimpedance is measured using the body fat measuring apparatus in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the abdomen mounting | wearing unit in embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view which shows the abdomen mounting | wearing unit seen from the direction shown by the arrow V in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the mounting state of the abdomen mounting | wearing unit along the VI-VI line in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the mounting state of the abdomen mounting | wearing unit along the VII-VII line in FIG. It is a graph for demonstrating the usage example of the coil spring provided in the abdomen mounting | wearing unit in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the abdomen mounting | wearing unit along the IX-IX line in FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the urging member provided in the abdomen mounting | wearing unit in FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the contact state detection part provided in a body fat measuring device.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Body fat measuring device, 51, A11, A12, A22, A21 Abdominal electrode, 52 Shaft part, 53 End surface, 60 Band-shaped member, 73 Support member, 78 Coil spring, 91 Solenoid, 93 Low repulsion urethane foam, 97 Sheet rubber, 98 air bag, 100 abdomen attachment unit, 301 abdomen.

Claims (11)

A bioimpedance measurement mounting unit mounted on a predetermined part of a subject to measure bioimpedance,
A belt-like member wound around the predetermined portion;
A support member which is provided on the belt-like member and is a rigid body;
A plurality of electrodes arranged at a distance from each other and in contact with the body surface of the subject,
The bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit, wherein the plurality of electrodes are supported by the support member so as to move in parallel directions. Each of the plurality of electrodes includes an end surface that contacts the body surface of the subject,
The bioimpedance measurement mounting unit according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes are supported so as to be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the end surface.   The bioimpedance measurement mounting unit according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing member that biases the plurality of electrodes toward the body surface of the subject.   The bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit according to claim 3, wherein the biasing member is any one of a spring member, a rubber member, a solenoid, a low repulsion urethane foam, and an air bag.   The plurality of electrodes include at least one of a pair of current application electrodes for applying a current to a subject and a pair of potential difference detection electrodes for detecting a potential difference using the applied current. The bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit described in 1.   The bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of electrodes are arranged in a winding axis direction of the belt-shaped member. A plurality of the support members are arranged in the winding direction of the belt-shaped member,
The bioimpedance measurement mounting unit according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of electrodes supported by each of the support members are combined to measure bioimpedance. Each of the plurality of electrodes includes an end surface that contacts the body surface of the subject,
The bioimpedance measurement mounting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the end surface has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from a movable direction of the plurality of electrodes.   The bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an anti-rotation mechanism that restricts each electrode from rotating about an axis along which the plurality of electrodes are movable.   The bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a contact state detection unit that detects a contact state between the plurality of electrodes and the body surface of the subject.   The bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is mounted on a torso of a subject.

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