JP2004321268A - Ultrasonic sebum thickness meter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic sebum thickness meter that can measure the sebum thickness etc., of a subject without requiring any specialist for image analysis, can calculate the body fatness and the quantities of the body fat, subcutaneous fat, and visceral fat of the subject based on the measured sebum thickness, and can plainly display the measured or calculated results to the subject and, in addition, is improved in carrying and operating convenience. <P>SOLUTION: When the positions of the skin and the boundary between subcutaneous fat and muscle of the subject are instructed by using a mouse etc., by referring to a situation under the skin, this ultrasonic sebum thickness meter numerically displays the thickness of the subcutaneous fat. Then the meter calculates and displays the body fatness or the quantity of body fat, subcutaneous fat, or visceral fat of the subject based on the numerically displayed thickness of the subcutaneous fat and the value of a separately inputted parameter. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is used for measuring the sebum thickness. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique for measuring a body fat percentage, a body fat mass, a subcutaneous fat mass, or a visceral fat mass based on a measured value of sebum thickness.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A device for displaying an image of a subcutaneous state using an ultrasonic probe is widely used mainly in medical institutions. An image obtained by such a device is subjected to image analysis by a specialist and used for various treatments.
[0003]
For example, by observing the degree of obesity by measuring the thickness of sebum, or by performing a health check by measuring the body fat percentage, body fat mass, subcutaneous fat mass, visceral fat mass, etc. from the numerical value of the sebum thickness Can be.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In facilities other than medical institutions, such as so-called fitness clubs, there is a demand to measure the sebum thickness using such a subcutaneous condition display device using an ultrasonic probe. However, it has not yet been widely used in such facilities.
[0005]
Further, even if the sebum thickness can be measured by such an image display device, measuring the body fat percentage, the body fat mass, the subcutaneous fat mass, the visceral fat mass, etc. from the measurement result is also a specialized technique. Because of the knowledge required, it is difficult to handle these measurements in facilities other than medical or research institutions.
[0006]
Furthermore, devices developed for medical use have many functions in addition to those required in fitness clubs and the like, and their miniaturization, weight reduction, and simplification tend to be neglected. For this reason, convenience in carrying and operating is low.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in such a background, it is possible to measure the sebum thickness and other without the need for image analysis specialists, further, based on the measured sebum thickness, body fat percentage, Body fat mass, subcutaneous fat mass, visceral fat mass can be calculated, and these measurement results or calculation results can be displayed to the subject in an easy-to-understand manner, and are highly convenient to carry and operate. It is an object to provide an ultrasonic sebaceometer.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides an ultrasonic probe having a contact surface with the skin, a means for displaying an image of a subcutaneous state based on an output of the ultrasonic probe, and a skin indicated by an operation on a display screen of the image displaying means. Means for numerically displaying the position and the distance between the boundary position between the subcutaneous fat and the muscle as the sebum thickness.
[0009]
According to this, the operator simply refers to the displayed subcutaneous situation and indicates the skin position and the boundary position between the subcutaneous fat and the muscle (hereinafter simply referred to as the boundary position) using a mouse or the like. The subsequent processing is automatically performed by the apparatus of the present invention, and the sebum thickness is numerically displayed. More specifically, the apparatus of the present invention recognizes the scale on the screen, and converts the distance between the indicated skin position and the boundary position on the screen into the actual distance using the scale. Thereby, even a user who does not have specialized knowledge can measure the sebum thickness.
[0010]
Further, there is provided a means for calculating and displaying a body fat percentage, a body fat mass, a subcutaneous fat mass, or a visceral fat mass based on the sebum thickness indicated numerically by the numerical display means and the value of a parameter separately input. It is characterized by.
[0011]
That is, not only the sebum thickness is simply measured, but also data required in a fitness club or the like can be obtained by an operator having no specialized knowledge. Here, the parameters are, for example, gender, age, height, weight, and circumference of the navel (the waist including the navel). The body fat percentage, the body fat mass, the subcutaneous fat mass, or the visceral fat mass is calculated and displayed based on these parameters and the sebum thickness.
[0012]
In addition, one or a plurality of sebum thickness measurement sites are determined in advance, and the means for calculating and displaying is based on the sebum thickness and a separately input parameter value according to the one or a plurality of sebum thickness measurement sites. Means for calculating and displaying the percentage of fat, the amount of body fat, the amount of subcutaneous fat, or the amount of visceral fat may be provided.
[0013]
This makes it possible to switch the measurement method between a case where measurement is to be quickly performed on many subjects and a case where accurate measurement is to be performed on a small number of subjects. In the case of the former, for example, one place in the body that is relatively easy to measure is selected, and the body fat percentage or body fat amount or subcutaneous fat amount or visceral fat amount is calculated from the result of measuring the sebum thickness there. indicate. In the latter case, a plurality of different sites are selected, and the body fat percentage, the body fat mass, the subcutaneous fat mass, or the visceral fat mass is calculated and displayed from the result of measuring the sebum thickness there.
[0014]
Further, a means for displaying a sebum thickness value for each of the plurality of sebum thickness measurement sites actually measured for each of the plurality of sebum thickness measurement sites may be provided. According to this, the measurement results at a plurality of locations can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner, and can be used for detailed analysis.
[0015]
Further, the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter of the present invention is characterized in that the body fat percentage, body fat mass, subcutaneous fat mass, visceral fat mass are measured and displayed from the measurement result of the sebum thickness, It is possible to measure and display a body mass index, which is calculated from the thickness, muscle mass, lean body mass, which is the body weight excluding fat, height and weight, and indicates the degree of body mass.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An ultrasonic sebum thickness meter according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an ultrasonic sebum thickness meter according to the present embodiment. 2, 3, and 4 are flowcharts showing the procedure for using the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a subcutaneous image displayed on the image display unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the sebum thickness lower limit displayed on the image display unit and a marker indicating the lower limit. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data display status in mode 1 (three-point method) displayed on the data display unit. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a data display state in mode 1 (one-point method) displayed on the data display unit. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a data display state in mode 2 displayed on the data display unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data display status in mode 3 displayed on the data display unit. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a graph display status in mode 3 displayed on the data display unit. 12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining measurement of muscle thickness by the ultrasonic sebaceometer according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a mounting mode of the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter according to the present embodiment.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter according to the present embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 1 having a contact surface with the skin, and an image display unit that displays a subcutaneous state based on an output of the ultrasonic probe 1. 2. An ultrasonic sebum thickness meter including a data display unit 3 for numerically displaying the distance between the skin position and the boundary position designated by operating the mouse 5 on the display screen of the image display unit 2 as the sebum thickness. It is.
[0018]
Here, the feature of this embodiment is that the body fat percentage, the subcutaneous fat amount, or the visceral fat amount is determined based on the sebum thickness numerically displayed by the data display unit 3 and the parameter value separately input by the keyboard 4. There is a means for calculating and displaying. In the configuration example of FIG. 1, the body fat percentage, the subcutaneous fat amount, and the visceral fat amount are displayed on the data display unit 3 together with the sebum thickness. The control unit 6 controls the ultrasonic probe 1, the image display unit 2, the data display unit 3, the keyboard 4, and the mouse 5 as a whole.
[0019]
In the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter according to the present embodiment, one or a plurality of sebum thickness measurement sites are determined in advance. For example, there are a case where only the back of the upper arm is used as a sebum thickness measurement site, and a case where the back of the upper arm and the front of the thigh are used as the skin oil thickness measurement site. When only the back of the upper arm is used as the sebum thickness measurement site, measurement can be quickly performed on many subjects. In addition, when the back of the upper arm and the front of the thigh are used as the sebum thickness measurement site, it is used when accurate measurement is performed on a small number of subjects.
[0020]
The data display unit 3 displays the body fat percentage or the body fat amount, the subcutaneous fat amount, or the visceral fat amount based on the sebum thickness and the value of the parameter separately input according to one or a plurality of the sebum thickness measurement sites. Calculate and display. Further, the sebum thickness value of each of the plurality of sebum thickness measurement sites actually measured for each of the plurality of sebum thickness measurement sites can also be displayed.
[0021]
Next, a procedure for using the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. FIG. When the operator turns on the power and starts the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter of the present embodiment, the operator sets the mode (S1). There are three modes, Mode 1, Mode 2 and Mode 3, and Mode 1 is a mode for calculating and displaying the body fat percentage and the body fat mass. Further, there are two types of the sebum thickness measuring method in mode 1, a one-point method and a three-point method. The one-point method is a measurement method in which gender, age, height, and weight are input as data from the keyboard 4 and sebum thickness is measured only on the back of the upper arm. The three-point method is a measurement method in which gender, age, height, weight, and circumference of the navel are input as data from the keyboard 4 as parameters, and the sebum thickness is measured at two locations: the upper arm back and the front thigh.
[0022]
Mode 2 is a mode for calculating and displaying the body fat percentage, body fat mass, subcutaneous fat mass, and visceral fat mass. Mode 3 measures the eight points of the upper arm back, back, waist, rear lower leg, rear thigh, front thigh, side abdomen, and abdomen sequentially, enumerates and displays the sebum thickness measurement values, and further displays the body fat percentage. In this mode, the body fat amount, subcutaneous fat amount and visceral fat amount are calculated and displayed. Note that the measurement site can be arbitrarily selected other than this example.
[0023]
(Mode 1: Explanation of the three-point method)
The case where mode 1 is set by the operator (S2) and the three-point method is set as the measurement method setting will be described (S3, S4). Gender, age, height, weight, and girth are input as parameters from the keyboard 4 (S5). These input data are displayed on the data display unit 3 as shown in FIG. Subsequently, when the operator brings the ultrasonic probe 1 into contact with the back of the upper arm, the subcutaneous state of the back of the upper arm is displayed on the image display unit 2 (S6). This display state is shown in FIG. The operator reads the skin position and the boundary position from the image shown in FIG. 5 and operates the mouse 5 to place the marker 8 at the skin position, the marker 7 at the boundary position, and the skin position as shown in FIG. The designation and the boundary position designation are performed (S7). The data display unit 3 recognizes the scale of the image displayed on the image display unit 2 and converts the distance between the skin position and the boundary position on the image into an actual distance, as shown in FIG. This is displayed as a measured value of the upper arm sebum thickness (S8).
[0024]
Note that the skin position designation using the marker 8 is performed on the surface of the skin in the example of FIG. The structure of the skin is composed of the epidermis and the dermis, and strictly speaking, it is desirable that the boundary between the dermis and the subcutaneous fat be the starting point of the measurement of the sebum thickness. However, from the viewpoint of the use of the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter of the present embodiment, such precise position designation is not required. Therefore, in consideration of the convenience of the operation, the surface of the skin where the position can be easily specified is set as the starting point of the measurement of the sebum thickness.
[0025]
Similarly, the sebum thickness at the front of the thigh is measured and displayed as shown in FIG. 7 (S9, S10, S11). Calculation processing is performed based on these data (S12), and the body fat percentage and the body fat mass are displayed as shown in FIG. 7 (S13).
[0026]
Note that the calculation processing (S12) performed here includes the parameters (gender, age, height, weight, and waist circumference) obtained as a result of previously performing statistics on a large number of samples, and the upper arm back and front thigh. Is performed based on the relational expression between the measured value of the sebum thickness and the body fat percentage and the amount of body fat.
[0027]
(Description of Mode 1: One-Point Method)
The case where mode 1 is set by the operator (S2) and the one-point method is set as the measurement method setting will be described (S3, S4). Gender, age, height, and weight are input as parameters from the keyboard 4 (S14). These input data are displayed on the data display unit 3 as shown in FIG. Subsequently, when the operator brings the ultrasonic probe 1 into contact with the back of the upper arm, the subcutaneous state of the back of the upper arm is displayed on the image display unit 2 (S15). This display state is shown in FIG. The operator reads the skin position and the boundary position from the image shown in FIG. 5 and operates the mouse 5 to place the marker 8 at the skin position, the marker 7 at the boundary position, and the skin position as shown in FIG. The designation and the boundary position designation are performed (S15). The data display unit 3 recognizes the scale of the image displayed on the image display unit 2 and converts the distance between the skin position and the boundary position on the image into an actual distance, as shown in FIG. This is displayed as an upper arm sebum thickness measurement value (S17). An arithmetic process is performed based on these data (S12 '), and the body fat percentage and the body fat mass are displayed as shown in FIG. 8 (S13).
[0028]
The arithmetic processing (S12 ') performed here includes the parameters (gender, age, height, weight) and the measured values of the sebum thickness of the back of the upper arm and the body obtained as a result of statistically analyzing a large number of samples in advance. The determination is performed based on a relational expression between the fat percentage and the body fat amount. Comparing the calculation processes (S12) and (S12 '), the three-point calculation process based on a plurality of sebum thickness measurement sites (S12) is the one-point calculation process based on a single sebum thickness measurement site. It is clear that the accuracy is higher than (S12 ').
[0029]
(Explanation of mode 2)
A case where mode 2 is set by the operator will be described (S2). Gender, age, height, weight, and girth are input as parameters from the keyboard 4 (S18). These input data are displayed on the data display unit 3 as shown in FIG. Subsequently, when the operator brings the ultrasonic probe 1 into contact with the upper arm back, the subcutaneous state of the upper arm back is displayed on the image display unit 2 (S19). This display state is shown in FIG. The operator reads the skin position and the boundary position from the image shown in FIG. 5 and operates the mouse 5 to place the marker 8 at the skin position, the marker 7 at the boundary position, and the skin position as shown in FIG. The designation and the boundary position designation are performed (S20). The data display unit 3 recognizes the scale of the image displayed on the image display unit 2 and converts the distance between the skin position and the boundary position on the image into an actual distance, as shown in FIG. This is displayed as an upper arm sebum thickness measurement value (S21). Similarly, the sebum thickness of the front thigh, abdomen, and waist is measured in the same manner, and displayed as shown in FIG. 9 (S22 to S30). The arithmetic processing is performed based on these data (S31), and as shown in FIG. 9, the body fat percentage, the body fat mass, the subcutaneous fat mass, and the visceral fat mass are displayed (S32).
[0030]
Note that the arithmetic processing performed here includes the parameters (gender, age, height, weight, waist circumference) obtained as a result of taking statistics on a large number of samples in advance, and the upper arm back, front thigh, abdomen, The measurement is performed based on a relational expression between the measured value of the waist sebum thickness and the body fat percentage, the body fat mass, the subcutaneous fat mass, and the visceral fat mass.
[0031]
(Explanation of mode 3)
A case where mode 3 is set by the operator will be described (S2). Gender, age, height, weight, and girth are input as parameters from the keyboard 4 (S33). These input data are displayed on the data display unit 3 as shown in FIG. Subsequently, when the operator brings the ultrasonic probe 1 into contact with the upper arm back, the subcutaneous state of the upper arm back is displayed on the image display unit 2 (S34). This display state is shown in FIG. The operator reads the skin position and the boundary position from the image shown in FIG. 5 and operates the mouse 5 to place the marker 8 at the skin position, the marker 7 at the boundary position, and the skin position as shown in FIG. The designation and the boundary position designation are performed (S35). The data display unit 3 recognizes the scale of the image displayed on the image display unit 2 and converts the distance between the skin position and the boundary position on the image into an actual distance, as shown in FIG. This is displayed as an upper arm sebum thickness measurement value (S36). Similarly, the sebum thickness of the back, the waist, the back of the lower leg, the back of the thigh, the front of the thigh, the side abdomen, and the abdomen are measured, and displayed as shown in FIG. 10 (S37 to S57). An arithmetic process is performed based on these data (S58), and as shown in FIG. 10, the body fat percentage, the body fat mass, the subcutaneous fat mass, and the visceral fat mass are displayed (S32).
[0032]
The arithmetic processing performed here includes the parameters (gender, age, height, weight, and waist circumference) obtained as a result of taking statistics on a large number of samples in advance and the upper arm back, back, waist, and lower leg. The measurement is performed based on the relational expression between the measured values of the sebum thickness of the rear thigh, the front thigh, the side abdomen, and the abdomen and the body fat percentage, the body fat mass, the subcutaneous fat mass, and the visceral fat mass.
[0033]
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, any sebum thickness measurement site can be set as FREE1 and FREE2. FREE1 and FREE2 are irrelevant to the above relational expression, and are used merely for reference display of the sebum thickness.
[0034]
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a graph can be displayed on the data display unit 3. According to this, the measurement result can be displayed to the subject visually easily.
[0035]
(Other features)
By changing the display depth of the image display unit 2, the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter of the present embodiment can display even a portion of a bone deeper than a muscle as shown in FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, by placing the marker 9 at the boundary position between the muscle and the bone, the muscle thickness can be measured as the distance between the marker 7 and the marker 9. As a result, the ratio between the sebum thickness and the muscle can be determined, and the muscle mass can be determined.
[0036]
Further, as shown in the display examples of FIGS. 7 to 10, based on the measurement results of the subcutaneous fat mass, the body fat mass, and the visceral fat mass, the lean body mass obtained by subtracting the total fat mass from the body weight can be displayed. In addition, a physique index calculated from height and weight and indicating a degree of physique can be displayed together.
[0037]
(Mounting form)
As shown in FIG. 14, the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter according to the present embodiment mounts the data display unit 3, the keyboard 4, and the control unit 6 (inside the housing) on a single housing so that the operator can use the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter according to the present embodiment. The convenience when carrying or operating the ultrasonic sebum thickness gauge is improved. The keyboard 4 is specially designed to allow input necessary for the ultrasonic sebum thickness gauge of the present embodiment, and the number of key switches is minimized. Further, the data display unit 3 is specialized so that data necessary for the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter of the present embodiment can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner. Thereby, the convenience when the operator operates is improved. The mounting of the mouse 5 is not essential, and the operation of the keyboard 4 can replace the input operation of the mouse 5.
[0038]
Further, the image display unit 2 may be a television receiver for home use or a monitor for a personal computer. Therefore, in a case where the operator uses the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter of the present embodiment while going to the subject's home or office, the image display unit 2 is provided in advance at the subject's home or office without the operator carrying around. The television receiver or personal computer monitor that has been used can be used as it is, so that the convenience for the operator can be improved.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to measure the sebum thickness and the like without the need for an image analysis specialist, and further, based on the measured sebum thickness, the body fat percentage, the body fat amount, the subcutaneous Fat mass and visceral fat mass can be calculated. In addition, these measurement results or calculation results can be displayed to the subject in an easy-to-understand manner. This makes it possible to easily determine the effect at the site of rehabilitation or fitness. In addition, convenience in carrying and operation can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an ultrasonic sebum thickness meter according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure for using the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for using the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for using the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a subcutaneous image displayed on an image display unit.
FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a sebum thickness lower limit displayed on the image display unit and a marker indicating the lower limit.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data display status in mode 1 (three-point method) displayed on a data display unit.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a data display status in mode 1 (one-point method) displayed on a data display unit.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a data display status in mode 2 displayed on a data display unit.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data display status in mode 3 displayed on a data display unit.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a graph display status in mode 3 displayed on a data display unit.
FIG. 12 is a view for explaining muscle thickness measurement by the ultrasonic sebaceometer according to the embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining muscle thickness measurement by the ultrasonic sebaceometer according to the embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a mounting mode of the ultrasonic sebum thickness meter according to the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 Image display unit 3 Data display unit 4 Keyboard 5 Mouse 6 Control unit 7, 8, 9 Marker

Claims (3)

An ultrasonic probe having a contact surface with the skin,
Means for displaying an image of the subcutaneous state based on the output of the ultrasonic probe,
Means for numerically displaying the distance between the skin position and the boundary position between the subcutaneous fat and the muscle indicated by the operation on the display screen of the image display means as a sebum thickness. ,
A means for calculating and displaying a body fat percentage, a body fat mass, a subcutaneous fat mass, or a visceral fat mass based on the sebum thickness numerically displayed by the numerical display means and a separately input parameter value. Ultrasonic sebum thickness meter. One or more sebum thickness measurement sites are determined in advance,
The calculating and displaying means calculates the body fat percentage or the body fat mass, the subcutaneous fat mass, or the visceral fat mass based on the sebum thickness and the value of the parameter separately input according to the one or more sebum thickness measurement sites. The ultrasonic sebum thickness meter according to claim 1, further comprising means for calculating and displaying. The ultrasonic sebum thickness meter according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising means for displaying a sebum thickness value for each of the plurality of sebum thickness measurement sites actually measured for each of the plurality of sebum thickness measurement sites.

Images