JP2012021845A - Biological measurement apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten time required for measurement.SOLUTION: When a load cell for detecting load applied to a mounting surface 3 and load detected by the load cell in a state that a subject gets on the mounting surface 3 are stabilized, the load is acquired as a load value. When determining that the subject gets down from the mounting surface 3, the weight of the subject is calculated from the load detected by the load cell and the acquired load value and displayed on a display part 4.

Description

  The present invention relates to a biological measurement apparatus and method for measuring biological information of a subject, and more particularly to a biological measurement apparatus and method for measuring body weight.

  As a conventional biometric apparatus, an apparatus having a function of a weight scale that measures body weight as biometric information has been proposed. A load cell corresponding to a load sensor is used for the scale. The strain gauge (sensor) of the load cell expands and contracts due to the load, and the load, that is, the body weight is calculated (measured) based on the resistance value (output value) corresponding to the expansion and contraction.

  It is known that the stretch rate of a strain gauge changes with time or with ambient temperature. Therefore, at the time of measurement, a so-called zero point detection is performed in which a weight scale is installed so as to be horizontal and the load cell is not loaded at all, such as the weight of the subject, and the load cell output value at the time of no load is set to zero. Needed. This means that the weight of the subject is measured by being calculated based on the difference between the output value of the load cell when the subject's weight (load) is applied to the load cell and the output value of the load cell when there is no load. Is due to. In the present specification, detection (zero point detection) of the output value of the load cell at no load is also referred to as calibration (or calibration).

  In a conventional biological measurement apparatus, there are a type in which calibration is periodically performed while the power is turned off, and a type in which calibration is performed at the start of measurement.

  As an example of a type in which calibration is periodically performed during the former power-off period, a weight measuring device described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. In Patent Document 1, since calibration is performed during a period when the biological measurement apparatus is not used, power consumption increases, and the battery is consumed faster than a normal apparatus.

  In order to solve the problem of power consumption of Patent Document 1, in the latter type, calibration is executed at the start of measurement for each measurement. Specifically, at the start of measurement, first, after performing calibration, body weight is measured, then bioimpedance is measured, and then body composition values are calculated based on the measured values.

JP 2009-68984 A

  In the conventional type in which calibration is executed at the start of measurement, it is necessary to execute calibration after the power is turned on until the measurement is started. That is, even if the power is turned on, measurement cannot be started immediately. That is, the subject needs to wait for completion of calibration before starting the measurement after riding on the biometric device after turning on the power. If a test subject accidentally gets on the living body measurement device during calibration and a load is applied to the load cell, the zero point cannot be detected and correct measurement cannot be performed. Therefore, it is desirable to shorten the period from when the power is turned on until the start of weight measurement becomes possible, thereby omitting the waiting period of the subject.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a biological measurement apparatus and method that shorten the time required for measurement.

  A biological measurement apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a placement surface on which a load can be applied, a load sensor for detecting a load applied to the placement surface, and a load sensor in a state where a subject is on the placement surface. Load value acquisition means for acquiring the load as a load value when the load detected by the apparatus is stable; determination means for determining that the subject has descended from the placement surface; and Weight calculating means for calculating the weight of the subject from the load detected by the load sensor when it is determined that the load is detected and the load value acquired by the load value acquiring means.

  Preferably, after the load value is acquired by the load value acquisition means, the notification means for notifying the subject of information that prompts the subject to descend from the placement surface until the determination means determines that the subject has descended from the placement surface. Further prepare.

  Preferably, the body composition information calculation for calculating the body composition information of the subject using the impedance acquisition means for acquiring the biological impedance of the subject, the biological impedance acquired by the impedance acquisition means, and the weight calculated by the weight calculation means Means.

  Preferably, it is determined that the load is stable when the variation of the load detected by the load sensor converges within a predetermined range while the subject is on the placement surface.

  Preferably, the impedance acquisition means includes a bioimpedance measurement electrode that can contact the body surface of the subject on the placement surface, and when the load detected by the load sensor is stable, the bioimpedance measurement electrode Is used to calculate the bioimpedance.

  Preferably, the notification means includes display means for displaying information using a load value obtained by the load value acquisition means.

  Preferably, each time it is determined by the determination means that the subject has descended from the placement surface, the storage means for storing the load detected by the load sensor is further provided, and the information is acquired by the load value acquisition means. The load value calculated based on the load value and the load stored in the storage means is included.

  Preferably, the load value included in the information and the weight calculated by the weight calculating means are displayed in different modes.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biometric measurement method using a device including a placement surface to which a load can be applied and a load sensor for detecting a load applied to the placement surface. And when the load detected by the load sensor is stabilized, the step of acquiring the load as a load value, the step of determining that the subject has descended from the placement surface, and the subject having descended from the placement surface Calculating the weight of the subject from the load detected by the load sensor when determined and the load value acquired in the acquiring step.

  According to this invention, the load value is acquired in a state where the subject is on the placement surface. Thereafter, the weight of the subject is calculated from the load (calibration result) detected by the load sensor when the judgment means judges that the subject has fallen from the placement surface, and the acquired load value.

  Thereby, since it is not necessary to provide time for calibrating the load sensor prior to the start of weight measurement, the subject can start measurement without waiting time.

It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the bioinstrumentation apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the living body measuring device concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure which shows typically the state in which a load is applied with respect to the mounting surface of the biological measuring device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of a living body measuring device concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the bioinstrumentation apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining zero point detection of the living body measuring device concerning an embodiment of the invention. (A)-(C) are the figures which compare and show the measurement procedure which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and the conventional measurement procedure. It is a processing flowchart concerning an embodiment of the invention.

  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.

  The living body measurement apparatus in the present embodiment has at least a function of measuring body weight. In the present embodiment, “weight” refers to the weight (mass) of a person who is a measurement target (hereinafter referred to as a subject). The living body measurement apparatus according to the present embodiment has a function of measuring the body weight of the subject and the body composition of the subject based on the body weight.

  “Body composition” represents the ratio or amount of the components constituting the body (tissue constituting the body), for example, body fat percentage, muscle percentage, lean mass, body fat mass, muscle mass, etc. At least one of the following.

  1 to 3, the biological measurement apparatus 1 includes a placement surface 3, a plurality of electrodes provided on the placement surface 3, and a plurality of load cells (11 to 14) disposed below each electrode. Including. The plurality of electrodes includes electrodes 5 and 7 for applying a constant current to the living body in order to measure the biological impedance of the subject, and electrodes 6 and 8 for measuring a voltage derived from the living body when the current is applied.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the subject rides on the placement surface 3 with the left sole on the electrodes 5 and 6 and the right sole on the electrodes 7 and 8 at the time of measurement. At this time, the electrodes 5 and 7 are in contact with the subject's sole (toe), and the electrodes 6 and 8 are in contact with the subject's sole (heel).

  FIG. 3 schematically shows how a load is applied to the placement surface 3 when measuring the biological information of the subject. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the biological measurement apparatus 1 is used while being placed on a horizontal floor surface. Therefore, it is assumed that the mounting surface 3 is level with the floor surface and is applied to the horizontal mounting surface 3 in the direction of the load arrow.

  The living body measuring apparatus 1 includes load cells 11 to 14 for measuring a load applied to the placement surface 3. Since each of the load cells 11 to 14 is disposed below each electrode, when the subject rides on the placement surface 3, the load cells 11 to 14 are loaded with the weight of the subject. The load cells 11 to 14 include a strained body made of a metal member that deforms according to a load applied to the placement surface 3 and a strain gauge stretched on the strained body. When the strain body is distorted, the strain gauge expands and contracts and the resistance value changes according to the expansion and contraction of the strain gauge, and the resistance change is derived as a load signal output. Therefore, when the subject rides on the placement surface 3 and both feet are applied to the load cells 11 to 14, when the strain body is distorted by the weight of the subject applied to the load cell, the weight is measured as the change in the load signal output described above.

  In this embodiment, a load cell is used as a load sensor for detecting a load. However, any load sensor can be used as long as it can detect the amount of force applied to the mounting surface 3. It may be a sensor using a film, a compression element, a displacement sensor, or the like.

  In the present embodiment, four load cells are provided. However, if the load applied in the direction of the arrow can be detected as shown in FIG. 3, the number of load cells may be two or one.

  The mounting surface 3 includes a display unit 4 including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for displaying measurement results and various information related to the measurement, and an operation unit 9. The operation unit 9 includes a switch 91 that is operated to turn on / off the power source of the biological measurement apparatus 1, a switch 92 that is operated to identify a subject when the biological measurement apparatus 1 is shared by a plurality of persons, and A switch 93 is provided which is operated to accept input of attribute information (eg, sex, age, height, etc.) of the subject.

  Here, the operation unit 9 is provided on the placement surface 3, but the installation position is not limited thereto as long as the subject can operate the operation unit 9. For example, you may provide in the side part surrounding surface of the housing | casing of the biological measurement apparatus 1. FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 4, the hardware configuration of the biological measurement apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. In addition to the above-described configuration, the biological measurement apparatus 1 includes an impedance measurement unit 24 for measuring a biological impedance of a subject, an A / D (analog to digital) circuit unit 26 for converting an analog signal into a digital signal, and a battery. A power supply unit 30, a storage unit 36 for storing various data and programs, a communication I / F (interface) unit 38, and a CPU 100 for controlling each unit and performing various calculations.

  When the switch 91 is turned on, the power supply unit 30 starts supplying power to each unit of the biological measurement apparatus 1 and when the switch 91 is turned off, the power supply unit 30 stops supplying power to each unit.

  The impedance measuring unit 24 is controlled by the CPU 100 and measures bioimpedance using the electrodes 5 to 8. The electrodes 5 to 8 and the impedance measurement unit 24 constitute a bioimpedance measurement sensor. The impedance measuring unit 24 has a constant current generating unit (not shown) and allows a constant current to flow through the electrodes 5 and 7. In a state where a constant current is applied to the subject via the electrodes 5 and 7, the potential difference between the voltage measuring electrodes 6 and 8 is detected, and the bioimpedance is calculated based on the detected potential difference. A signal indicating the bioimpedance calculated by the impedance measurement unit 24 is output to the A / D circuit unit 26.

  The A / D circuit unit 26 receives the output signal from the impedance measurement unit 24, converts the input signal into a digital signal, and outputs the converted signal to the CPU 100. In addition, output signals from the load cells 11, 12, 13, and 14 are input, converted into digital signals, and the converted signals are output to the CPU 100.

Storage unit 36 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory.
The communication I / F unit 38 transmits / receives data and programs to / from an external device. In addition, instead of / in addition to the communication I / F unit 38, the living body measurement apparatus 1 reads out data and programs stored in a removable recording medium and writes them in the storage unit 36 (not shown). ) May be provided.

  FIG. 5 shows a functional configuration of the biological measurement apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, CPU 100 includes convergence detection unit 101, load calculation unit 102, determination unit 103 for determining whether or not the subject has descended from placement surface 3, and weight calculation unit 104. A body composition calculation unit 105 and an output processing unit 106. These functions are realized by a program and / or a circuit. The program is stored in the storage unit 36 in advance, and the function of each unit is realized by the CPU 100 reading and executing the instructions of the program.

  The convergence detection unit 101 determines whether or not the load detected by the load cells 11 to 14 is stable when the subject is on the placement surface 3. Specifically, it is detected whether or not the load variation detected by the load cells 11 to 14 converges within a predetermined range. Hereinafter, “the fluctuation of the load detected by the load cells 11 to 14 converges within a predetermined range” is also simply referred to as convergence.

  The load calculation unit 102 corresponds to a load value acquisition unit that acquires, as a load value, a load detected by the load cells 11 to 14 when convergence is detected by the convergence detection unit 101. The load calculation unit 102 includes a predicted load calculation unit 107 described later.

  The determination unit 103 determines whether or not the subject has descended from the placement surface 3 after the load value is acquired by the load calculation unit 102 after the weight measurement is started. Specifically, based on the output signals of the load cells 11 to 14, it is determined whether or not there is no load that can be applied to the placement surface 3, that is, whether or not the load cell 11 is in an unloaded state.

  The weight calculation unit 104 calculates the weight using the load value acquired by the load calculation unit 102 and the zero point. The zero point is acquired in response to the determination unit 103 determining that the subject has descended from the placement surface 3 (determining no load), or acquired when the determination is made. The load indicated by 14 output signals.

  The body composition calculation unit 105 is a living body based on a value (potential difference between the electrodes 6 and 8) measured using the electrodes 5 to 8 in contact with the body surface of the subject when the convergence detection unit 101 detects convergence. Impedance is input from the impedance measurement unit 24. Then, the body composition value is calculated using the input bioelectrical impedance. The body composition calculation unit 105 includes a predicted body composition calculation unit 108 described later.

  More specifically, the body composition calculation unit 105 calculates the body composition for the whole body or each part of the subject according to a known algorithm based on the load or the weight of the subject and the bioelectrical impedance. Specifically, for example, the body fat percentage (% FAT) of the whole body is calculated using the following formulas (1) and (2). In the case of calculating the body fat percentage, the subject's attribute information (for example, age, height, etc.) may be further used.

% FAT = (W−FFM) / W · 100 (1)
FFM = a.H2 / Zw + b.W + c.Ag + d (2)
(However, FFM: lean body mass, W: body weight (load value), H: height, Zw: impedance, Ag: age, a to d: constant)
The output processing unit 106 outputs information related to measurement, measurement results, and the like to the display unit 4. The output processing unit 106 includes an output mode changing unit 109. The output processing unit 106 uses the output mode change unit 109 to display the load calculated by the load calculation unit 102 and the weight calculated by the weight calculation unit 104 in different display modes.

  The biological measurement apparatus 1 includes a data storage unit 361 associated with each functional unit of the CPU 100. The data storage unit 361 corresponds to the nonvolatile memory of the storage unit 36. The data storage unit 361 stores data CV and PRV. The data CV indicates a zero point based on a load signal output from the load cells 11 to 14 obtained when the determination unit 103 detects that the subject has descended from the placement surface 3. The data PRV indicates data CV acquired at the previous measurement (that is, the zero point detected at the previous measurement). It is assumed that a predetermined initial value (for example, 0 (zero)) is set in the data PRV and the data CV when the biological measuring device 1 is shipped from the factory.

  A predicted load calculation unit 107 included in the load calculation unit 102 predicts the weight of the subject as a load value. Specifically, the load value based on the output signals of the load cells 11 to 14 acquired when the convergence detection unit 101 detects the convergence and the load value based on the data PRV read from the data storage unit 361 are calculated. Since the calculation uses data CV acquired at the previous measurement (that is, the zero point detected at the previous measurement), the calculated load value indicates the predicted weight of the subject.

  The predicted body composition calculation unit 108 included in the body composition calculation unit 105 is based on the potential difference between the electrodes 6 and 8 provided so as to be able to contact the body surface of the subject when the convergence detection unit 101 detects convergence. The obtained bioimpedance is input from the impedance measuring unit 24, and the body composition information according to the above formulas (1) and (2) using the input bioimpedance and the predicted weight calculated by the predicted load calculating unit 107. Is calculated. Since the predicted body weight is used for this calculation, the calculated body composition information indicates the predicted body composition information.

  With reference to FIG. 6, the zero point which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated. The vertical axis in FIG. 6 indicates the load based on the load signal from the load cell, and the horizontal axis indicates the load applied to the load cell. In a state in which no characteristic has changed, such as at the time of factory shipment, the correlation between the load applied to the load cell and the load based on the load signal from the load cell corresponding to the load is, for example, the characteristic of the straight line L indicated by a bold line Follow. The characteristic of the straight line L indicates that the load detected when there is no load, that is, the zero point ZE is zero.

  The characteristics of the load cell change as time elapses after shipment or due to the use environment conditions (temperature, etc.). For example, even under the same condition of no load, the zero point changes to values α1, α2, and α3, and the characteristics also change from the straight line L to straight lines L1 to L3.

  Therefore, at the time of weight measurement according to the present embodiment, the zero point (values α1 to α3) is detected each time and output from the load cells 11 to 14 with the detected zero point and the subject on the placement surface 3 By calculating the body weight according to a predetermined formula using the load value based on the load signal, the accurate body weight can be calculated regardless of the characteristic change of the load cells 11-14.

  With reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C, the measurement procedure according to the present embodiment is compared with the conventional measurement procedure. Here, the measurement period refers to a period from when a measurement start instruction (for example, power-on operation) is performed until the subject gets on the apparatus and then gets off the apparatus. The measurement start indicates when the subject gets on the apparatus after the measurement start instruction is given, that is, when the output of the load cell starts to increase.

  FIG. 7A shows a case where the zero point is detected from when the power is turned on as in the prior art to when measurement is started. In FIGS. 7B and 7C showing the procedure according to the present embodiment, unlike the conventional case, the zero point is set after the start of measurement.

  In FIG. 7A, when the subject performs a power-on operation, zero point detection is started. Here, in the period from when the power is turned on until the zero point detection is started, it is necessary to have a period until the vibration of the device itself is settled and a stable state is determined in order to accurately detect the zero point. Become. Furthermore, until the zero point detection is completed, the subject cannot enter the apparatus and enters a waiting state. However, as a general tendency of the subject, it is assumed that the zero point detection is not completed because the user gets on the apparatus immediately after the power-on operation. Thus, since the conventional procedure is to detect the zero point between the measurement start instruction and the measurement start, it takes time until the measurement can be started. In addition, when the zero point cannot be detected, there remains a problem that an accurate weight cannot be measured.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, the zero point detection is performed when the subject descends from the placement surface 3 instead of before the start of measurement as shown in FIG. As a result, no waiting period is required, so that the time required to start measurement can be shortened and the measurement period can be shortened.

  Also, the time required to start impedance measurement can be made shorter than before according to the procedure of the present embodiment. Specifically, in the conventional procedure of FIG. 7 (A), when it is determined that there is no change in load after the start of measurement and the subject's body movement on the apparatus is in a stable state, the weight is determined ( Measurement is completed), and then the bioimpedance determined that the bioimpedance does not fluctuate and the subject is in a stable state without any body movement is determined. As described above, since the period for determining the stable state is individually required for each of the body weight measurement and the bioelectrical impedance measurement, the measurement period is prolonged.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, when there is no movement of the subject on the placement surface 3 and the stable state is determined, that is, the convergence is detected by the convergence detection unit 101. When the body weight is determined and the stable state is determined, the bioimpedance is determined. That is, by using the determination of the stable state for weight measurement to the determination of the stable state for bioelectrical impedance measurement, the period for determining the stable state can be shortened, and as a result, the measurement period can be shortened.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, the zero point is determined when the measurement is completed and the subject has descended from the placement surface 3. In the present embodiment, the weight value is calculated using the zero point detected immediately after the end of the measurement, thereby enabling more accurate weight measurement.

  In addition, since zero point detection is performed for each measurement, it is not necessary to perform zero point detection during an unused period of the apparatus, and power consumption during the unused period can be reduced.

  Further, when the load detected by the load cells 11 to 14 is stable while the subject is on the placement surface 3, that is, when the subject is on the placement surface without any body movement on the placement surface. The weight is calculated using the load value acquired when the determination is made. As a result, it is possible to calculate an accurate body weight by eliminating variation due to body movement.

  In the present embodiment, the determination unit 103 determines that the subject has descended from the placement surface 3. In order to explain this determination, in FIG. 7 (C), changes with time of loads measured by the load cells 11 to 14 are schematically shown by curves in association with the procedure of FIG. 7 (B).

  With reference to FIG.7 (C), when a test subject begins to get off from the mounting surface 3, a load will begin to reduce, and when it gets off, a load will point to the minimum value. In addition, the slope of the curve changes to zero when it gets off. Therefore, the determination unit 103 determines that the subject has fallen from the placement surface 3 when detecting that the load indicates a minimum value or when detecting that the load curve has changed to zero inclination. When it is determined that the determination unit 103 has been lowered, the placement surface 3 becomes unloaded, and the load calculated by the load calculation unit 102 is determined as a zero point. Thereby, the zero point is detected.

  Here, it is determined that the vehicle has been lowered based on the outputs of the load cells 11 to 14. When the test subject descends from the placement surface 3, the electrodes 5 to 8 and the living body are in a non-contact state, and the bioelectrical impedance changes rapidly. By detecting this change point, it can be determined that the vehicle has descended.

  Thereafter, the calibrated body weight is calculated and displayed using the confirmed body weight and the confirmed zero point, and the above-described (Expression 1) and (Expression 2) are performed using the confirmed bioelectrical impedance and the calibrated body weight. ) Body composition information is calculated and displayed.

  According to the procedure according to the present embodiment, it is difficult to assume a situation in which the subject moves the device immediately after getting off or places a thing on the placement surface 3, so when it is determined that the ride has finished, The zero point can be fixed immediately. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform a stable state determination without body movement for the zero point detection as in the conventional case, and the measurement period can be shortened.

  The process of the biological measurement apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Here, the measurement is started when the subject turns on the switch 91 of the biological measurement apparatus 1, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may be when it is detected that the subject gets on the mounting surface 3, that is, when the output of the load cells 11 to 14 starts to increase, or a measurement start switch (not shown) is displayed on the operation unit 9. ) May be added and the measurement start switch may be operated.

  It is assumed that data PRV and data CV are stored in the data storage unit 361 in advance. Further, subject attribute information (gender, age, height, etc.) for calculating body composition information is input in advance by the subject operating the switch 93 and stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 36. Suppose.

  In operation, first, the subject gives an instruction to start measurement by turning on the switch 91 and then gets on the placement surface 3. Thereby, the load concerning the mounting surface 3 increases, and the load cells 11 to 14 detect the load and output a load signal. When a measurement start instruction is given, the impedance measuring unit 24 applies a current to the human body from the electrodes 5 and 7, detects a potential difference from the electrodes 6 and 8, and measures a bioimpedance based on the potential difference. The bioimpedance to be measured is output to the CPU 100.

  The convergence detection unit 101 of the CPU 100 inputs the load signal output from the load cells 11 to 14 (step S3), and determines whether or not the load variation converges within a predetermined range (range) based on the input load signal. (Step S5). While it is determined not to converge (NO in step S5), the convergence detection unit 101 repeats the processes in steps S3 and S5. This detection of convergence corresponds to a determination (“stable determination” in FIG. 7B) whether or not the subject's body movement is lost and the measurement posture is stabilized.

  When the convergence detection unit 101 detects convergence (YES in step S5), the predicted load calculation unit 107 of the load calculation unit 102 predicts a load value (body weight of the subject) applied to the placement surface 3. Specifically, the predicted load calculation unit 107 reads the data PRV from the data storage unit 361 (step S7), and based on the read data PRV and the load signal input from the load cells 11 to 14 when converged, the load value ( The weight of the subject is calculated (step S9). Since the weight of the subject calculated here is calculated using the zero point (data PRV) detected at the time of the previous measurement, it cannot be said to indicate an accurate weight, but a so-called predicted weight.

  When the convergence detection unit 101 detects convergence, the predicted body composition calculation unit 108 of the body composition calculation unit 105 inputs the bioelectrical impedance output from the impedance measurement unit 24 (step S11). The predicted body composition calculation unit 108 is based on the bioelectrical impedance input from the impedance measurement unit 24, the attribute information input in advance by the subject operating the switch 93, and the predicted body weight calculated in step S9. Body composition information is calculated according to 2) (step S13). The body composition information calculated here refers to predicted body composition information calculated using the predicted body weight.

  When the convergence detection unit 101 detects convergence (YES in step S5), the CPU 100 uses the load based on the load signal from the load cells 11 to 14 at the time of convergence detection as data W, and the impedance measurement unit 24 acquired at the time of convergence detection. Is stored in the data storage unit 361 as data Z.

  The predicted load calculation unit 107 and the predicted body composition calculation unit 108 output the calculated predicted body weight and predicted body composition information to the output processing unit 106. The output processing unit 106 displays the given predicted weight and predicted pair composition information on the display unit 4. At this time, the output mode is changed by the output mode changing unit 109 (step S15).

  By displaying the predicted body weight and the predicted body composition information in a blinking manner on the display unit 4, the subject can know the timing of getting off the placement surface 3 and is prompted to get off.

  Here, the display is blinked in order to prompt the subject to be informed of the predicted value and to get off the placement surface 3, but the display mode is not limited to blinking.

  When the display in step S15 is started, the determination unit 103 inputs the load signal from the load cells 11 to 14 (step S17), and detects a temporal change in the load based on the input load signal (FIG. 7 ( C)), it is determined whether or not the subject has descended from the placement surface 3 (step S19). In step S19, the determination is performed according to the procedure of FIGS. 7B and 7C described above.

  While it is not determined that the vehicle has been lowered (NO in step S19), the processes in steps S13 to S19 are repeated.

  When it is determined that the subject has descended from the placement surface 3 (YES in step S19), the placement surface 3 is in an unloaded state. Therefore, in response to the determination that the vehicle has been lowered, the load calculation unit 102 detects the zero point based on the load signal from the load cells 11 to 14 (step S21). The load calculation unit 102 calculates the weight of the subject according to a predetermined formula based on the detected zero point and the load indicated by the data W read from the data storage unit 361 (step S23). The calculated body weight is output to the body composition calculation unit 105 and the output processing unit 106.

  The body composition calculation unit 105 is based on the bioelectric impedance indicated by the data Z read from the data storage unit 361, the biometric information input in advance by the subject operating the switch 93, and the weight calculated in step S23 (Equation 1). Body composition information is calculated according to (Equation 2) (step S25).

  The weight and body composition information calculated in steps S23 and S25 are given to the output processing unit 106. The output processing unit 106 displays the given weight and body composition information on the display unit 4 (step S27). At this time, the weight and body composition information are lit and displayed by the output mode changing unit 109. As a result, the display unit 4 is switched from the blinking display of the predicted body weight and predicted body composition information to the lighting display of the body weight and body composition information calculated using the zero point detected this time in step S15.

  The lighting display in step S27 can notify the subject that the current measurement has been completed. Further, the lighting display can inform the subject that the displayed information is the weight and body composition information calculated using the zero point detected during the current measurement.

  The CPU 100 stores the zero point detected in step S21 in the data storage unit 361 as data PRV (step S29). Note that the detected zero point may be stored in the data storage unit 361 before the weight and body composition information is calculated. Thereby, when calculating predicted body weight and predicted body composition information at the next measurement, the zero point acquired at the current measurement can be used.

  The series of measurement processes is thus completed, and thereafter, the power is turned off automatically by turning off the switch 91 or automatically.

  The lighting display in step S27 may be automatically deleted when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of display, or is deleted in response to the subject giving any instruction via the operation unit 9. Also good.

(Modification)
In the present embodiment, the weight and body composition information calculated in steps S23 and S25 may be stored in the storage unit 36 for each subject. In this case, it may be read from the storage unit 36 by a call operation of the operation unit 9 and displayed on the display unit 4.

  Moreover, although both the predicted body weight and the predicted body composition information are displayed in step S15, one of them may be displayed. Alternatively, instead of displaying the predicted body weight or the predicted body composition information, or together with the display of the predicted body weight or the predicted body composition information, other types of information such as information for guidance regarding biological information may be displayed. .

  The guidance information may be, for example, the difference between the weight and body composition information predicted during the current measurement by reading the weight and body composition information calculated in steps S23 and S25 from the storage unit 36 at the previous measurement. The guidance information may be a result of execution of a predetermined determination process based on the predicted body weight or the predicted body composition information. That is, the predicted body composition information (body fat percentage and skeletal muscle percentage) is compared with the body composition information measured in step S25 at the previous measurement, and based on the comparison result, the body composition information is compared with the previous measurement. Results may be obtained by classifying whether the state is good or bad.

  Moreover, you may make it display the test subject's attitude | position balance parameter | index as guidance information. That is, the CPU 100 measures the time from when the measurement start instruction is issued by the power-on operation until the convergence is detected at step S5 by the internal timer, and sequentially displays the measured time on the display unit 4. The subject on the placement surface 3 can know the time required to stabilize the posture by checking the time displayed on the display unit 4, and obtain the posture balance index of the subject. Can do. If it takes time to stabilize the posture, it is a case where the subject's body movement / sway is large, so the subject can be urged to stand still, and as a result, the measurement time can be shortened. it can.

  In the present embodiment, the completion of measurement is notified by prompting the subject to descend from the placement surface 3. As a notification for this, a method of blinking and displaying a predicted value (predicted weight / predicted body composition information) is used, but the output mode for notification is not limited to this. For example, the message or mark “Please get off” may be displayed on the display unit 4 together with the predicted value or separately from the predicted value.

  Further, the output mode for notification is not limited to display, and sound (such as a buzzer) / sound (such as a message) may be output, or light (such as LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting) may be used. Good.

  In the present embodiment, the measurement result of step S27 is displayed on the display unit 4, but the output destination is not limited to the display unit 4. It may be transmitted to an external device (computer, television, portable terminal, etc.) via the communication I / F unit 38 and output from the external device.

  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.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Biological measuring device, 3 Placement surface, 4 Display part, 5-8 electrode, 9 Operation part, 11-14 Load cell, 24 Impedance measurement part, 36 Storage part, 101 Convergence detection part, 102 Load calculation part, 103 Determination part, 104 body weight calculation unit, 105 body composition calculation unit, 106 output processing unit, 107 predicted load calculation unit, 108 predicted body composition calculation unit, 109 output mode change unit, 361 data storage unit, CV, PRV, W, Z data, ZE Zero point.

Claims (9)

A mounting surface on which a load can be applied;
A load sensor for detecting a load applied to the placement surface;
A load value acquiring means for acquiring the load as a load value when the load detected by the load sensor is stable in a state where the test subject is on the placement surface;
Determining means for determining that the subject has descended from the placement surface;
The weight of the subject is calculated from the load detected by the load sensor when the determination means determines that the subject has fallen from the placement surface, and the load value acquired by the load value acquisition means. A biometric measuring device comprising:   After the load value is acquired by the load value acquisition unit, information that prompts the subject to get off the placement surface is notified until the determination unit determines that the subject has descended from the placement surface. The biological measurement apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notification means. Impedance acquisition means for acquiring bioelectrical impedance of the subject;
The body composition information calculating means for calculating body composition information of the subject using the bioelectrical impedance acquired by the impedance acquiring means and the weight calculated by the weight calculating means. Or the living body measuring apparatus according to 2;   4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the load is determined to be stable when the variation of the load detected by the load sensor converges within a predetermined range in a state where the subject is on the mounting surface. 5. The living body measuring device according to 1. The impedance acquisition means includes
Including a bioimpedance measuring electrode capable of contacting the body surface of the subject in a state of riding on the placement surface,
The biological measurement apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the load detected by the load sensor is stable, the biological impedance is calculated using the biological impedance measurement electrode.   The biological measurement apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the notification unit includes a display unit that displays the information using the load value obtained by the load value acquisition unit. A storage means for storing the load detected by the load sensor each time the determination means determines that the subject has fallen from the placement surface, further comprising:
The biometric measurement apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the information includes a load value calculated based on the load value acquired by the load value acquisition unit and a load stored in the storage unit.   The biological measurement apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the load value included in the information and the weight calculated by the weight calculation unit are displayed in different modes. A biological measurement method using an apparatus comprising: a placement surface capable of applying a load; and a load sensor for detecting a load applied to the placement surface.
A step of acquiring the load as a load value when the load detected by the load sensor is stable in a state where the subject is on the placement surface;
Determining that the subject has descended from the placement surface;
Calculating the weight of the subject from the load detected by the load sensor when it is determined that the subject has fallen from the placement surface, and the load value obtained by the obtaining step; A biological measurement method provided.

Images