JP3396677B2 - Body fat measurement device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a body fat measuring device for easily and highly accurately measuring subcutaneous fat existing in layers near the surface of a human body and visceral fat existing inside a human body.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a method for deriving the spatial distribution of a medium in a three-dimensional object by utilizing the difference in electrical impedance of the medium, a potential distribution induced on the surface of the object by applying a current to the object to be measured. An impedance CT method for imaging an impedance distribution inside an object is known. This technique is being applied to the measurement of the distribution of blood, lungs, fat, etc. in the living body (BME Vol.8, No.8 (199) of the ME Society of Japan.
4) p.49).

In addition to the impedance CT method, as a device for measuring the subcutaneous fat amount and the visceral fat amount by measuring the electric impedance, a body fat measuring device (prior art 1) described in JP-A-11-113870 and JP-A-11-138870 are disclosed. 11
There is a body fat meter (prior art 2) described in Japanese Patent No. 123182. The body fat measurement device described in Related Art 1 is
Attach multiple electrodes on the body surface, measure the impedance between the electrodes, generate an impedance matrix of the electrode attachment site cross section, and calculate the product with the coefficient matrix according to the attachment site information from the input means The body fat distribution of the cross section is calculated. Further, the internal fat meter described in the prior art 2 is provided with electrode pairs each having a current path forming electrode and a measuring electrode at substantially equal intervals inside a winding band wrapped around the abdomen of a subject, and two selected pairs are provided. An alternating current is passed between the current path forming electrodes of the electrode pair to form a current path, and the measuring electrode measures the impedance in the formed current path. By appropriately selecting two electrode pairs, the subcutaneous fat at the measurement site is mainly measured between the adjacent electrode pairs, and the visceral fat at the measurement site is mainly measured between the opposing electrodes.

[0004]

In an apparatus in which the impedance CT method is applied to the measurement of body fat, the spatial resolution capable of estimating the fat distribution in the body from the potential induced on the body surface is not sufficient, so that the body fat amount can be quantitatively determined. Difficult to calculate, and
A large-scale numerical calculation was necessary for the calculation.

The body fat measuring apparatus of the prior art 1 describes a specific method of generating a coefficient matrix according to the wearing site and a specific method of generating a body fat distribution image of a target cross section from the product of the impedance matrix and the coefficient matrix. There is no.

The internal fat meter of the prior art 2 can measure the amount of subcutaneous fat at the measurement site. However, the measured amount includes the influence of the amount and distribution of other media existing inside the human body, and the accuracy is poor. Was enough. Further, even when trying to measure the visceral fat inside the human body, the effect of subcutaneous fat existing in layers near the surface of the human body was so great that the visceral fat amount could not be measured with sufficient accuracy.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can easily and highly accurately measure the thickness of subcutaneous fat existing in layers near the surface of the human body, the amount of subcutaneous fat such as the cross-sectional area, and the amount of visceral fat present inside the human body.
Moreover, it is an object to provide a body fat measuring device that can be easily worn.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the body fat measuring device of the present invention determines the position of disposition on the abdominal surface of the measured body with reference to the navel position of the measured body. A first electrode group consisting of one or more electrodes to be determined, a second electrode group consisting of one or more electrodes arranged on the back surface of the object to be measured, and a first electrode on the surface of the object to be measured. Electrode group selected from the first electrode group and one electrode selected from the third electrode group, which is composed of two or more electrodes arranged at a position approximately midway between the second electrode group and the second electrode group Current between them,
The measuring unit has a measuring unit that measures a voltage generated between two electrodes in the third electrode group, and a calculating unit that calculates the fat mass of the abdomen of the body to be measured based on the voltage value.

Alternatively, a first electrode group consisting of one or more electrodes whose position on the abdominal surface of the object to be measured is determined with reference to the navel position of the object to be measured, and the back of the object to be measured. A second electrode group consisting of three or more electrodes arranged on the surface, and a current flowing between two electrodes selected from the second electrode group to form one electrode and the second electrode group selected from the first electrode group. It has a measuring means for measuring the voltage generated between the one electrodes selected from the above, and a calculating means for calculating the fat mass of the abdomen of the body to be measured based on the voltage value.

In addition, the body fat measuring device of the present invention is designed to improve the calculation accuracy in consideration of sex and / or age when calculating the abdominal fat mass of the body to be measured.

[0011]

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION (First Embodiment) The body fat measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment measures the amount of visceral fat such as the cross-sectional area of visceral fat existing inside the human body.

The body fat measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a first electrode group 1 composed of one electrode which is arranged on the abdominal surface of the human body as a reference, based on the navel position of the human body.
And a second electrode group 2 consisting of one electrode arranged on the back surface of the human body, and two electrodes arranged at an intermediate position between the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 on the surface of the human body Become the third
An electrode group 3, a navel position marker 4 indicating a reference position when arranging the first electrode group 1 on the abdominal surface, a substantially non-stretchable belt 5, and a belt 5 for fixing the belt 5 around the human abdomen. The buckles 6 and 7 and the control unit 8 are provided. Each of the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 may be two or more electrodes, and the third electrode group 3 may be three or more electrodes. The body fat measurement belt according to the present invention includes the first electrode group 1, the second electrode group 2, the third electrode group 3, and the navel position marker 4.

The control unit 8 supplies a current between the electrodes of the first electrode group 1 and the electrodes of the second electrode group 2 to measure the voltage generated between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3, And a calculating means for calculating the fat mass of the human abdomen based on the measured voltage value. Further, the control unit 8 outputs an input device for inputting physical information such as the abdominal outer circumference length (waist length) of the measurer, sex, and age as necessary, and the input physical information and the calculated fat mass. The display device 9 may be provided. The calculating means at this time calculates the fat amount of the human abdomen using the measured voltage value and the input abdominal circumference and sex (and age as necessary) of the measurer. Also,
Control unit 8 and first electrode group 1, second electrode group 2, third electrode group 3
And are electrically connected to each other by electric wiring. At this time, the wiring (electric cord) can be embedded inside the belt 5 so as not to interfere with the measurement.

Next, a body fat measuring method will be described. First,
As shown in FIG. 2, the measurer winds the belt 5 around the abdomen (waist) so that the navel position marker 4 comes to the navel position,
While adjusting the length of the belt 5 with the buckle 6, the belt 5 is squeezed and the buckle 6 is inserted into the buckle 7 to fix the belt 5 to the abdomen.

Next, the control unit 8 is operated to input body information such as the waist length and sex (and age as required) of the measurer, and then the measurement start button or the like provided in the control unit 8 is input. With the input as a signal, the measuring means measures the voltage generated between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3 by passing a current between the electrodes of the first electrode group 1 and the electrodes of the second electrode group 2, and the calculating means The fat amount in the abdomen of the measurer is calculated based on the measured voltage value and the input physical information and the like. The calculated fat amount is output to the display device 9. The posture of the measurer at the time of measurement can be standing, sitting, or supine, but the standing position is preferable from the viewpoint of measurement simplicity and stability, and the posture of abdominal tomographic imaging by X-ray CT is preferable. The supine position is preferable from the viewpoint of adjusting to. Further, as the breathing state at the time of measurement, natural exhalation, natural inhalation, maximum exhalation, maximum inhalation, etc. can be taken, but from the viewpoint of convenience and stability of measurement, natural exhalation or natural inspiration is preferable. Moreover, the measurement can be usually performed in a room temperature environment. For example, it can be performed at a temperature of 0 to 40 ° C., but 10 to 35 ° C. is preferable from the viewpoint of maintaining good comfort and good electrical contact between the electrode and the skin.

The fat mass to be calculated is typically the visceral fat mass in the abdomen of the human body, particularly the visceral fat cross-sectional area in the belt-rolled body section. In addition, there is a correlation that a person with a large amount of visceral fat generally has a large amount of total fat (the sum of visceral fat amount and subcutaneous fat amount). Therefore, the total fat amount of the human body should be approximately calculated by the measuring device of the present invention. You can also

The measuring means in the control unit 8 comprises a current source and a voltmeter. The current source is preferably an alternating current from the viewpoint of easy handling, and the frequency of the alternating current is usually 10 to 500 k.
Hz can be used, and it is particularly preferable to use 50 to 200 kHz. The current value at this time is usually 0.3.
~ 3 mA can be used. The phase delay may be measured at the same time when the voltage value (voltage amplitude or effective value) is measured by the voltmeter, and in that case, the measured phase delay can be used for data analysis.

The voltage V measured between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3 is the first voltage when a current is applied to the abdomen of the human body through the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 substantially transversely. The spatial change rate of the potential generated at the intermediate position between the electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 is reflected. The spatial change rate of this potential strongly correlates with the amount of visceral fat. When the absolute value of the spatial change rate is large, the visceral fat amount is large, and when it is small, the visceral fat amount is small. Moreover, since the spatial change rate is hardly affected by the distribution and amount of subcutaneous fat, the amount of visceral fat can be calculated easily and with high accuracy.

To quantitatively calculate the amount of visceral fat, the voltage V
And a correlation equation relating the visceral fat amount m with
It is input to the calculation means in the control unit 8. In particular,
A plurality of subjects having various amounts m were prepared, and the voltage value V measured by the above-mentioned method for them and the actual visceral fat amount m
Create a correlation equation for. In the measurement of the voltage value V, all the subjects are made to have the same current, or different currents are made to flow for each subject, and the obtained voltage value is converted into a voltage value generated when the same amount of current is made to flow. To do. As a method of measuring the visceral fat mass m, there is a method of obtaining a cross-sectional area and a volume from a tomographic image obtained by an X-ray CT method or an MRI method. In addition,
When calculating the cross-sectional area from a tomographic image, taking into account the spread of the current, not only the cross-section but also a tomographic image in the vicinity of the cross-sectional image is taken, and the cross-sectional area of visceral fat is calculated from the average of these multiple tomographic images. The accuracy improves when calculated. When the total fat amount (sum of visceral fat amount and subcutaneous fat amount) is calculated by the voltage value V, the correlation equation may be created by a similar method.

The correlation equation can be expressed by approximation using, for example, a linear polynomial using a multivariate analysis method, and m = a0 + a using the regression coefficients a0 and a1 and the input abdomen outer circumference U of the measurer.
And so on 1 · V · ^{U n.} n is an exponent of a power that takes a value of 0 or a positive real number, and the value can be determined so that the correlation is highest. Typically, when the amount m represents an absolute value such as the cross-sectional area of visceral fat, n = 3, and when the amount m represents a relative value such as the ratio of the cross-sectional area of visceral fat to the total cross-sectional area of the abdomen, n = 1. The number of explanatory variables can be increased to improve the accuracy of the correlation equation. For example, m = a0 + a1 · V · U ⁿ + a2 · U ⁿ 'or m =
such as ^{a0 + a1 · V · U n} + a2 · V · U n ' is illustrated. Here, a2 is a regression coefficient, n'is an exponent of a power of 0 or a positive real number, and the value can be determined so that the correlation becomes highest. Alternatively, it is also possible to improve the calculation accuracy by creating a correlation equation with a non-linear polynomial. Various forms of non-linear polynomials can be created. For example, with a0, a1, a2, and a3 as regression coefficients, a0 · m ³ + a1 · m ² + a2 · m + a3 = V ·
^{Un and the} like are given as examples. Further, in order to improve the accuracy of calculation, it is possible to properly use the correlation equation depending on the sex of the measurer. That is, the correlation equation for men and the correlation equation for women are created, and the correlation equation to be used is selected based on the information of the sex of the measurer input to the input device. If the correlation formula is set, the visceral fat mass m is calculated according to the correlation formula from the voltage value V measured with respect to the unknown measurer of the visceral fat mass.
Can be calculated.

The belt 5 can be made of a substantially non-stretchable material such as vinyl, synthetic resin, synthetic leather, natural leather, woven cloth, and non-woven cloth. The first to third electrode groups may be fixed directly on the belt 5, or the first to third electrode groups may be arranged on a support body that can be curved along the body surface, and the support body may be attached to the belt 5. The structure may be fixed to. The support can be made of, for example, synthetic resin or rubber. The control unit 8, the first to third electrode groups, the wiring, etc. are made detachable from the belt 5 so that only the belt 5 can be removed from the measuring device so that the belt 5 can be easily washed or replaced with a new belt 5. You can also Further, a scale indicating the length may be added to the belt 5 so that the measurer can measure his / her waist length using the belt 5. Further, in order to make the strength of tightening the belt 5 on the abdomen constant regardless of the measurer, the position of the buckle 6 is
It is also possible to add a scale to the belt 5 so that it can be set at an appropriate position on the belt 5 according to the waist length of the measurer. A stretchable material such as synthetic rubber or natural rubber may be used for the belt portion other than between the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2. Further, in order to make sufficient contact between the electrodes and the skin, a double belt structure in which a second belt is arranged outside the belt 5 can be adopted. By tightening the second belt, the electrodes on the belt 5 are strongly pressed against the skin, and the contact between the electrodes and the skin is ensured.

When the measuring device of the present invention is attached to the abdomen,
The second electrode group 2 is arranged on the back and the third electrode group 3 is arranged on the flank, but since the first to third electrode groups are fixed to the non-stretchable belt 5, the second electrode group is arranged on the waist. Group 2 and 3
The position where the electrode group 3 is arranged changes depending on the waist length of the measurer. At this time, in order to realize high measurement accuracy, the distance L1 between the first electrode group 1 and the third electrode group 3
Each electrode group is fixed on the belt 5 so that the distance L2 between the electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 becomes substantially equal. As a result, the third electrode group 3 always detects the voltage generated at the intermediate point between the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 regardless of the waist length of the measurer. When mainly measuring a waist length 60-110 cm measurer, it is preferable to set the distance between the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 measured along the belt 5 to 35 to 50 cm, particularly It is preferably set to 40 to 45 cm.

In the measuring device of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the third electrode group 3 may have a structure in which it hits the right flank of the human abdomen, or has a symmetrical structure and hits the left flank. It may be structured. Third on the right flank far from the stomach
In the structure in which the electrode group 3 hits, the measured value tends to be less affected by food.

The distance between the two electrodes in the third electrode group 3 is preferably set in an optimum range. If the distance between the electrodes is too small, a sufficient potential difference does not occur between the electrodes, which is not preferable in terms of measurement sensitivity. From this viewpoint, the distance between the electrodes (center-to-center distance) is usually preferably 3 cm or more. On the other hand, when the inter-electrode distance is too large, the distribution and amount of subcutaneous fat affect the measurement voltage, so the inter-electrode distance is preferably ⅙ or less of the abdominal circumference. For example, when the measurement target is a measurer having a waist length of 60 to 110 cm, the distance between the electrodes is preferably 3 to 10 cm.

As the shape of the electrode, for example, a disk shape or a rectangular shape can be used. The size of the electrode is, for example, a diameter of 0.6 when the electrode is disk-shaped.
Electrodes of ~ 3.5 cm can be used, especially with a diameter of 1.
It is preferable to use electrodes of 5 to 2.5 cm. When the electrode shape is rectangular, for example, an electrode having a horizontal width of 0.6 to 3 cm and a vertical width of 1.5 to 7 cm can be used. The surface shape of the electrodes can be flat, concave or convex. If the radius of curvature of the electrode surface is too small, the electrode will not come into contact with the skin, or the contact area between the skin and the electrode will change depending on the applied pressure.
It is preferably m or more. As a material for the electrodes, a synthetic resin plate plated with metal, a metal plate or a conductive resin plate can be used. In addition, in order to reduce the contact resistance, a conductive liquid or gel on the contact surface between the skin and the electrode,
It is possible to apply a cream or sandwich a sheet-shaped conductive gel. Examples of the conductive liquid include tap water, water containing lotions, salt water, and other ions. Further, in order to reduce the contact resistance, it is preferable that after the electrode is mounted on the body surface, the measurement is started (the measurement start button is input) after waiting for several seconds to several tens of seconds until the electrode and the skin become compatible.

The measuring device of the present invention, as shown in FIG.
The control unit 8 and the belt 5 may be separated and connected to each other by a wiring cord (electric cord) 10. At this time, the wiring cord 10 may be detachable from the control unit 8 or the belt 5 by a connector.

In the body fat measuring device of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the non-stretchable belt 5 of the first embodiment is replaced by the stretchable belt 11.
And the buckle 6 is attached to the end of the belt 11. Other than this, the body fat measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment has substantially the same configuration. The elastic belt 11 is made of an elastic material such as synthetic rubber, natural rubber, elastic nonwoven fabric, or synthetic resin folded in a bellows shape. The entire belt may be made of a stretchable material, or a part of the belt may be made of a stretchable material and the rest may be made of a non-stretchable material.

The measurement of body fat in the second embodiment is carried out in the same manner as in the first embodiment except that the elasticity of the belt 11 is used and the belt 11 is stretched and wrapped around the waist.

In the body fat measuring device of this embodiment, the belt 1 is used.
Since 1 is made of a stretchable material, the distance between the electrode groups can be adjusted, and the distance between the electrode groups changes according to the waist length of the measurer. Therefore, the 1st-3rd electrode groups are arrange | positioned in the position on the substantially corresponding waist also with respect to the person who has a different waist length. The distance from the first electrode group to the second electrode group is preferably ⅓ to ⅔ of the length of the belt 11 (the length in the state where the belt 11 is not stretched). Further, the distance L1 between the first electrode group 1 and the third electrode group 3 and the second
It is preferable to arrange the electrode groups 1 to 3 on the belt 11 so that the distance L2 between the electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 becomes equal. When measuring a person having a waist length of 60 to 90 cm, the length of the belt 11 (the length in a state without stretching) can be set to 56 to 59 cm, for example. The measured distance between the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 can be 20 to 40 cm.

The relationship between the visceral fat mass m and the measured voltage V is given by the same correlation equation as in the first embodiment. Typical values of the exponent n in the correlation equation are n = 3 and n = as in the first embodiment when the distance between two electrodes in the third electrode group 3 is kept constant. 1 and n = 2 and n = 0 when the inter-electrode distance changes with the waist length, respectively.

Also in the measuring apparatus of the present invention, as in the measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 3, the control section 8 and the belt 11 may be separated and connected by a wiring cord (electric cord). .

In the body fat measuring device of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5, two movable rails 12 are provided on the non-stretchable belt 5, and the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 are arranged along the movable rail 12. The feature is that it is slidable. Other than this, the body fat measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment has substantially the same configuration. In addition, in the body fat measurement of the third embodiment, the measurer uses the movable rail 12 in advance except that the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 are set at the optimum positions according to their waist lengths. The same method as in the first embodiment is used.

In the body fat measuring device of this embodiment, since the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 can slide along the movable rail 12, the distance between the electrode groups can be adjusted and the measurer The electrode group can be set at the optimum position on the belt 5 according to one's waist length. The distance from the first electrode group to the second electrode group is 1/3 to 2/3 of the waist length of the measurer.
The distance between the first electrode group 1 and the third electrode group 3 and the distance between the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 are preferably equal. For example, the distance from the first electrode group to the second electrode group is ½ of the waist length,
The distance between the electrode group 1 and the intermediate position of the third electrode group 3 can be set to 1/4 of the waist length. It is preferable that the rule for setting the position of the electrode group is common to all the measurers. In addition, a scale is provided around the movable rail 12, and the measurer matches the scale with the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3
The position may be set.

Also in the measuring apparatus of the present invention, as in the measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 8 and the belt 5 may be separated and connected by a wiring cord (electrical cord). .

The body fat measuring device according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is provided with a second electrode group fitting hole 13 and a third electrode group fitting hole 14 on the belt 5, and is fitted into the fitting holes 13 and 14. The second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 are configured to be detachable from the belt 5. Other than this, the body fat measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment has substantially the same configuration. In addition, in the body fat measurement of the fourth embodiment, the measurer previously selects an appropriate hole from the fitting holes 13 and 14,
The same method as in the first embodiment is performed except that the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 are fitted in the optimum positions according to the waist length of the user. Second electrode group 2 and third electrode group 3 are fitted holes 1
When it is fitted into the electrodes 3 and 14, the respective electrode groups are electrically connected to the control section 8 through the electric wirings.

In the body fat measuring device of this embodiment, an appropriate fitting hole is selected, and the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 are placed therein.
The distance between the electrode groups can be adjusted by fitting the electrode group, and the measurer can set the electrode group to the optimum position on the belt 5 according to his / her waist length. First electrode group 1
And the distance between the second electrode group 2 and the second waist length of the measurer is 1 /
The distance between the first electrode group 1 and the third electrode group 3 and the distance between the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 are preferably equal. For example,
The distance between the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 is the waist length of 1
The distance between the first electrode group 1 and the intermediate position between the third electrode group 3 can be set to ¼ of the waist length. It is preferable that the rule for setting the position of the electrode group is common to all the measurers. Further, it is preferable that a scale be provided around the fitting holes 13 and 14 so that the measurer can set the positions of the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 according to the scale.

The body fat measuring device of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 7 has a first electrode group 1 consisting of one electrode arranged on the surface of the abdomen of the human body based on the navel position, and a back surface of the human body. A second electrode group 2 composed of one electrode to be arranged, and a third electrode group 3 composed of two electrodes arranged at an intermediate position between the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 on the surface of the human body, A navel position marker 4 that indicates a reference position when the first electrode group 1 is placed on the abdominal surface, an arm 15 that connects the first electrode group 1 and the third electrode group 3, a second electrode group 2, and a second electrode group 2. An arm 16 for connecting the three-electrode group 3; a slide-type length varying part 17 for adjusting the length of the arm 15; and a slide-type length varying part 18 for adjusting the length of the arm 16. And a control unit 8. The control unit 8 supplies a current between the electrodes of the first electrode group 1 and the electrodes of the second electrode group 2 to measure the voltage generated between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3, and the measured means. And a calculating unit that calculates the amount of fat in the abdomen of the human body based on the voltage value.

Further, the control unit 8 has an input device for inputting physical information such as the abdominal outer circumference (waist length) of the measurer, sex, and age as necessary, and the input physical information and calculated fat. A display device 9 for outputting the quantity may be provided. The calculating means at this time calculates the fat amount of the human abdomen using the measured voltage value and the input abdominal circumference and sex (and age as necessary) of the measurer. Also,
Control unit 8 and first electrode group 1, second electrode group 2, third electrode group 3
And are electrically connected to each other by electric wiring. At this time, the wiring (electrical cord) can be embedded inside the arms 15 and 16 so as not to interfere with the measurement.

Next, the body fat measuring method will be described. After inputting physical information such as the waist length and sex (and age as required) of the measurer by operating the control unit 8, as shown in FIG. 8, the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 are The measuring device is inserted from the right flank so that it comes to the abdomen and back respectively, and it is attached to the body. Next, the length varying parts 17 and 18 are operated to operate the arm 1
The lengths of the electrodes 5 and 16 are adjusted to bring the third electrode group 3 into close contact with the flank. While making the navel position marker 4 hit the navel position, press the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 against the skin,
At the same time, the measurement start button provided in the control unit 8 is input. By this input, the measuring means measures the voltage generated between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3 by passing a current between the electrodes of the first electrode group 1 and the electrodes of the second electrode group 2, and the calculating means measures the voltage. The fat amount in the abdomen of the measurer is calculated based on the input voltage value and the input physical information and the like. The calculated fat amount is output to the display device 9.

For the arms 15 and 16, members formed in a C shape from plastic (synthetic resin), rubber, wood, ceramics or the like can be used. Variable length section 17,
It is preferable that the arm length is adjusted by 18 so that the distance between the first electrode group 1 and the third electrode group 3 and the distance between the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 become equal. In addition, a scale is provided around the length varying portions 17, 18 so that the measurer can measure the waist varying lengths 17, 18 in advance based on his / her waist length before measurement.
It is also possible to allow adjustment of In addition, the connecting portion between the support body supporting the second electrode group 2 and the arm 16 has a structure in which the support body of the second electrode group 2 is rotatable with respect to the arm 16, so that the second electrode group The direction of 2 can be made flexible, and the contact between the second electrode group 2 and the skin can be improved. First electrode group 1 (control unit 8) and arm 15
The same applies to the connection part with.

The calculated fat mass is typically the visceral fat mass in the human abdomen, especially the visceral fat cross-sectional area in the body cross-section where the first to third electrode groups are arranged. In addition, people with large amounts of visceral fat generally have total fat content (sum of visceral fat and subcutaneous fat).
Since there is a large amount of correlation, the total fat content of the human body can be approximately calculated by the measuring device of the present invention.

Posture and respiratory condition at the time of measurement, characteristics of current source and voltmeter, method of creating correlation equation, placement position of third electrode group 3,
The description in the first embodiment regarding the distance between the two electrodes in the third electrode group 3, the shape and the material of the electrodes, etc. is directly applied to the fifth embodiment.

The body fat measuring device according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 9 has a first electrode group 19 composed of two electrodes arranged on the abdominal surface of the human body with reference to the navel position, and a back surface of the human body. A second electrode group 20 composed of two electrodes to be arranged, and a third electrode group 3 composed of two electrodes arranged at an intermediate position between the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 20 on the surface of the human body,
Navel position marker 21 indicating the reference position when arranging the first electrode group 19 on the abdominal surface, and spine position marker 2 indicating the reference position when arranging the second electrode group 20 on the back surface.
2, a control unit 8, and a wiring cord 23 that electrically connects the control unit 8 and the first to third electrode groups.

The control unit 8 selects one from the two electrodes in the first electrode group 19 and selects one from the two electrodes in the second electrode group 20, and the first electrode. Measuring means for measuring the voltage generated between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3 by passing an electric current between the selected electrodes of the group 19 and the selected electrodes of the second electrode group 20, and the measured voltage value. And a calculating means for calculating the amount of fat in the abdomen of the human body. Further, the control unit 8 outputs an input device for inputting physical information such as the abdominal outer circumference length (waist length) of the measurer, sex, and age as necessary, and the input physical information and the calculated fat mass. The display device 9 may be provided. The calculating means at this time calculates the fat amount of the human abdomen using the measured voltage value and the input abdominal circumference and sex (and age as necessary) of the measurer. Further, the first to third electrode groups can be attached to the human body surface by an adhesive substance or a suction cup.

Next, a method for measuring body fat will be described. The measurer attaches the first electrode group 19 to the surface of the abdomen of the body 24 with the navel position marker 21 at the navel position, and the second electrode group 20 with the spine position marker 22 at the spine position. Then, the third electrode group 3 is attached to an intermediate position between the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 20. At this time, it is preferable that the height position where the second electrode group 20 and the third electrode group 3 are attached to be the same as the height of the first electrode group 19, for example, by irradiating the body surface with laser light with a laser pointer or the like. The electrode groups 3 and 20 can be attached while confirming the attachment height. The height position of attachment can be selected to be the same height as the navel, for example. In addition, when the third electrode group 3 is attached to an intermediate position between the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 20, the body 24 is attached with a tape measure or the like.
The intermediate position may be determined by measuring the distance between the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 20 measured along. next,
Operate the control unit 8 to input the physical information such as the waist length and sex (and age if necessary) of the measurer, and then select the measurement start button or the like provided in the control unit 8 as a signal. The means selects one electrode from each of the two electrodes in the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 20, and the measuring means selects the selected electrode of the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 2.
A current is caused to flow between the selected electrodes of 0 to measure the voltage generated between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3, and the calculating means calculates the voltage based on the measured voltage value and the inputted physical information. Calculate the abdominal fat mass. The calculated fat amount is output to the display device 9.

The calculated fat mass is typically the visceral fat mass in the human abdomen, especially the visceral fat cross-sectional area in the body cross-section where the first to third electrode groups are arranged. In addition, people with large amounts of visceral fat generally have total fat content (sum of visceral fat and subcutaneous fat).
Since there is a large amount of correlation, the total fat content of the human body can be approximately calculated by the measuring device of the present invention.

With this measuring device, the measurer may not only measure his own body fat mass, but may also measure the body fat mass of a third party (subject). At this time, the body 24 shown in FIG. 9 represents the body of the subject whose body fat mass is measured.

The electrode groups 3, 19, 20 used in the measuring apparatus of this embodiment have a portion made of an adhesive substance or a suction cup, and have a structure that can be attached to the surface of the body 24.
For example, a structure in which an adhesive conductive gel is applied to the electrode surface that comes into contact with the skin, a structure in which an adhesive conductive gel sheet is attached to the electrode surface, a structure in which the electrode itself or its surroundings are in a suction cup shape, or an electrode An example is a structure in which the group is brought into contact with the skin and then attached and held from above with an adhesive tape. Further, like the measuring device shown in FIG. 9, two electrodes in each electrode group may be connected and supported by a thin plastic plate 25 that can be curved along the body surface. Since the plastic plate 25 has almost no elasticity, the distance between the electrodes is kept constant, and the plastic plate 2
Due to the bendability of No. 5, the electrode is stably attached on the body surface. Furthermore, if the plastic plate 25 is made of a transparent material, the surface of the body 24 can be visually recognized through the plastic plate 25, so that the navel position marker 21 and the spine position marker 22 can be easily aligned when the electrode group is attached. . Also, each electrode 3, 19, 20 and the wiring cord 23
The structure may be removable. When each electrode group is attached to the body surface, the wiring cord 23 is removed from the electrode group, and the wiring cord 23 is connected after the attachment so that the wiring cord 23 does not get in the way when the electrode group is attached. The paste operation becomes easy. In order to make the electrode group and the wiring cord 23 detachable, the connection between them may be made by, for example, a clip (mechanical sandwiching) or a magnet (magnetic adhesion).

Posture and respiratory condition at the time of measurement, characteristics of current source and voltmeter, method of creating correlation equation, placement position of third electrode group,
The description in the first embodiment regarding the distance between the two electrodes in the three-electrode group, the shape and material of the electrodes, and the like also applies to the sixth embodiment.

When the number of electrodes of the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 20 is set to plural as in the measuring device shown in FIG. 9, the current is passed in plural directions depending on which electrode is selected. You can If the current is sequentially applied to these plural directions and the voltage generated between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3 is sequentially measured, the visceral fat amount can be calculated more accurately using the plurality of measured voltage values. . A plurality of measured voltage values (V1, V2, ... Vp) and visceral fat mass m used in the calculation
The correlation equation with is, for example, m = a using a multivariate analysis method.
0+ (a1 · V1 + a2 · V2 + ... + ap · Vp) U n
And so on. Here, a0, a1, ... Ap are regression coefficients,
U is the input abdominal circumference of the subject. Further, n is an exponent of a power that takes a value of 0 or a positive real number, and the value can be determined so that the correlation becomes highest. Typically, when the amount m represents an absolute value such as the cross-sectional area of visceral fat, n = 3, and when the amount m represents a relative value such as the ratio of the cross-sectional area of visceral fat to the total cross-sectional area of the abdomen, n = 1. At this time, in order to improve the accuracy of the calculation, it is possible to use different correlation expressions depending on the sex of the measurer.

As a current path for selecting one electrode from each of the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 20 and flowing a current, for example, the flow paths shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B are used. It is possible.

<< Difference in Correlation According to Gender >> FIG. 20 is a characteristic diagram showing the results of experiments conducted by the present inventor. This figure shows the abdomen photographed by X-ray CT on the horizontal axis and measured voltage × (waist) ³ . The visceral fat area calculated from the tomographic image is taken and measured for a male case (FIG. (A)) and a female case (FIG. (B)). The number of black circles indicates the number of subjects. In the experiment, the body fat measuring device shown in FIG.
An alternating current of 0 kHz and 1 mA was applied in the current path shown in FIG. 10 (a), and the voltage V was measured at room temperature.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 20, it was found that there was a clear difference in correlation between males and females.
Therefore, in the body fat measurement device of the present invention, a correlation formula for men and a correlation formula for women are respectively created, and the correlation formula to be used is selected based on the sex information of the measurer input to the input device. Preferably.

<Calculation of Body Fat (Visceral Fat Amount) Considering Age> In the body fat measuring device of the present invention, the accuracy of calculation of visceral fat amount (weight The correlation coefficient R) is further improved.

FIG. 22 shows the experimental results showing the correlation between the visceral fat mass (area) measured by X-ray CT and the visceral fat mass (area) S measured by the body fat measuring device of the present invention. For the experiment, 100 kH was used using the body fat measurement device shown in FIG.
An alternating current of z and 1 mA was applied in the current path shown in FIG. 10 (a), and the voltage was measured. The measurement was performed at room temperature, and a male was used as the measurement subject. The horizontal axis of FIG. 22 is the visceral fat area S calculated using the correlation formula S = a0 + a1 · V · U ³ composed of the measured voltage V and the waist length U, and the multiple correlation coefficient at this time is R = 0. It was 0.856.

On the other hand, in FIG. 23, the correlation formula S = a0 + a1 composed of the measured voltage V, the waist length U and the age Z on the horizontal axis.
-The visceral fat area S calculated using V · U ³ + b · Z is taken and the correlation with the visceral fat mass area measured by X-ray CT is shown. The multiple correlation coefficient at this time is R = 0.92.
It was 8. In addition, a0, a1, and b are regression coefficients.

As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 22 and 23,
In the case of FIG. 23 in which the age of the measured object is added to the correlation formula, the multiple correlation coefficient R approaches “1”, and the calculation accuracy of the visceral fat mass is improved. As shown in FIG. 21, the age Z of the measurement object used in the experiment and the visceral fat area measured by X-ray CT have only a very weak correlation with a multiple correlation coefficient R = 0.0424, and the age Z is It was unexpected that the correlation was significantly improved by combining with the measured voltage V and the waist length U. Probably in estimating the visceral fat area,
It is presumed that the age dependency of the human body's electrical impedance is well corrected.

As described above, in the first to sixth embodiments, the accuracy Z of the correlation equation is improved by inputting the age Z of the object to be measured from the input device and adding the input age Z to the explanatory variables. Can be made. Correlation equation at that time, using the regression coefficient b for example, m = a0 + a1 · V · U n
+ B ・ Z and m = a0 + a1 ・ V ・ U ⁿ + a2 ・ U ⁿ '+
b · Z, a0 · m ³ + a1 · m ² + a2 · m + a3 = V
.U ⁿ + b.Z. In the sixth embodiment, m = a0 + (a1.V1 + a2.V2 + ... + ap.multidot.
Vp) U ⁿ + b · Z may be used.

When the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 20 have a plurality of electrodes as in the measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 9, the current applying electrode and the voltage measuring electrode are appropriately selected, Various voltages can be measured and used to calculate the amount of body fat. For example, the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 2
Select one electrode each from 0 and apply current,
By measuring the voltage V'between the non-selected electrodes in the first electrode group 19 and the non-selected electrodes in the second electrode group 20, the total fat mass m'in the abdominal section.
Can be asked. The total amount of fat includes the sum of the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area and the visceral fat cross-sectional area in the cross section.
The correlation expression between the voltage value V ′ and the total fat mass m ′ used in the calculation is, for example, m ′ = a0 + a1 using a multivariate analysis method.
・ V '・ U ⁿ and m' = a0 + a1 ・ V '・ U ⁿ + b ・ Z
And so on. Where a0, a1 and b are regression coefficients, U is the abdominal circumference of the input subject, n is a power exponent taking a value of 0 or a positive real number, and the values are set so that the correlation becomes highest. I can decide.

(Second Embodiment) A body fat measuring apparatus according to a second embodiment is a body fat measuring apparatus such as the thickness and cross-sectional area of subcutaneous fat existing in layers near the surface of the human body and the inside of the human body. The amount of visceral fat, such as the cross-sectional area of visceral fat present in, is measured.

The body fat measuring device of the first embodiment of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is a first electrode group 2 composed of three electrodes arranged on the abdominal surface of the human body with reference to the navel position.
8. A second electrode group 29 composed of three electrodes arranged on the back surface of the human body, a navel position marker 30 indicating a reference position when the first electrode group 28 is arranged on the abdominal surface, and a second electrode group. Spine position marker 31 indicating the reference position when arranging 29 on the back surface, first electrode group 28 and second electrode group 2
The control unit 8 includes a cord 32 that connects the control unit 9 and the control unit 8. The control unit 8 causes a current to flow between the two electrodes selected from the second electrode group 29, and the one electrode and the second electrode selected from the first electrode group 28.
The measuring unit includes a measuring unit that measures the voltage generated between the electrodes selected from the electrode group 29, and a calculating unit that calculates the fat mass of the human abdomen based on the measured voltage value. Furthermore, the control unit 8 outputs an input device for inputting physical information such as the abdominal outer circumference (waist length) of the measurer, sex and age as necessary, and the input physical information and the calculated fat mass. The display device 9 may be provided. The calculating means at this time calculates the fat amount of the human abdomen using the measured voltage value and the input abdominal circumference and sex (and age as necessary) of the measurer. In addition, the control unit 8 and the first electrode group 28,
The second electrode group 29 is electrically connected by electric wiring. At this time, the wiring (electrical cord) connecting the control unit 8 and the second electrode group 29 can be embedded inside the cord 32. The cord 32 may be a C-shaped arm formed of plastic (synthetic resin), rubber, wood, ceramic, or the like.

Next, a method for measuring body fat will be described. After operating the control unit 8 to input the physical information such as the waist length and sex (and age if necessary) of the measurer, the first electrode group 28 is abdomen with one hand while the navel position marker 30 is aligned with the navel position. The second electrode group 2 is pressed against the surface and at the same time, the spine position marker 31 is aligned with the spine position by the other hand.
9 is pressed against the back, and while keeping this state, the measurement start button provided in the control unit 8 is input. By this input, the measuring means causes a current to flow between the two electrodes selected from the second electrode group 29, and is generated between one electrode selected from the first electrode group 28 and one electrode selected from the second electrode group 29. The voltage V1 to be measured is measured, and the calculating means calculates the fat amount in the abdomen of the measurer based on the measured voltage value V1 and the input physical information and the like. The calculated fat amount is output to the display device 9. Since the electrode group can be arranged on the body surface by using the navel position marker 30 and the spine position marker 31 as a guide, it is possible to stably arrange the electrodes at substantially the same positions for persons having any waist length. it can. FIG. 12 shows an example of forming a current path when measuring the voltage V1.

In the body fat measuring device of this embodiment, the subcutaneous fat amount such as the thickness and the cross sectional area of the subcutaneous fat in the body cross section in which the first and second electrode groups 28 and 29 are arranged, and the visceral fat cross section in the cross section, etc. The visceral fat content of can be measured.

Since the two electrodes for applying the current are selected from the electrodes of the second electrode group 29 applied to the back surface, the current mainly flows around the subcutaneous fat on the back, so that the measured voltage value V1 is Reflects the subcutaneous fat thickness on the back surface. Therefore, the average subcutaneous fat thickness d on the back surface to which the second electrode group 29 is applied can be calculated from the voltage value V1. Also,
The subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area S in the body cross section can be approximately obtained from the voltage value V1.

In order to calculate the subcutaneous fat thickness d and the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area S, a correlation equation relating these amounts to the voltage V1 is created in advance and input to the calculating means in the control unit 8. Specifically, a plurality of subjects having various subcutaneous fat amounts are prepared, and the voltage value V measured by the above-mentioned method is applied to them.
A correlation equation between 1 and the actual thickness d or the cross-sectional area S is created.
In the measurement of the voltage value V1, all the subjects are made to have the same current, or different currents are made to flow for each subject, and the obtained voltage value is converted into a voltage value generated when the same amount of current is made to flow. To do. As a method of measuring the thickness d and the cross-sectional area S, there is a method of obtaining the thickness and cross-sectional area of subcutaneous fat from a tomographic image obtained by the X-ray CT method or the MRI method.

The correlation equation can be expressed by using, for example, a linear polynomial using a multivariate analysis method, and for the subcutaneous fat thickness d, the regression coefficients a0 and a1 and the input abdomen outer circumference U of the subject are used. Te, for example, d = a0 + a1 · V1 · U n
Can be expressed as n is an exponent of a power that takes a value of 0 or a positive real number, and the value can be determined so that the correlation is highest. Typically n = 1. Similarly, for the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area S, for example, S = a0 + a1 · V1
-A correlation equation called U ⁿ can be set. If the amount S represents the cross-sectional area (absolute value) of subcutaneous fat, then typically n = 2,
When the amount S represents the ratio (relative value) of the cross-sectional area of subcutaneous fat to the total cross-sectional area of the abdomen, n = 0. The number of explanatory variables can be increased to improve the accuracy of the correlation equation. For ^{example, d = a0 + a1 · V1} · U n + a2 · U n ' and S
= Like ^{a0 + a1 · V1 · U n} + a2 · U n ' is illustrated. Here, a2 is a regression coefficient, and n'is an exponent of exponentiation taking a value of 0 or a positive real number, and the value can be determined so that the correlation becomes highest. Alternatively, it is possible to improve the calculation accuracy by creating a correlation equation with a non-linear polynomial.

The accuracy of the correlation equation can be improved by inputting the age of the measurer from the input device and adding the input age Z to the explanatory variable. The correlation coefficient at that time is, for example, d = a0 + a using the regression coefficient b.
^{1 · V1 · U n + b} · Z and d = a0 + a1 · V1 · U n
^{+ A2 · U n '+ b} · Z, S = a0 + a1 · V1 · U n
+ B · Z, S = a0 + a1 · V1 · U n + a2 · U n '
+ B · Z, etc.

Furthermore, in order to improve the accuracy of calculation, it is possible to use different correlation expressions depending on the sex of the measurer.
That is, the correlation equation for men and the correlation equation for women are created, and the correlation equation to be used is selected based on the information of the sex of the measurer input to the input device. If the correlation equation is set, the thickness d and the cross-sectional area S of the subcutaneous fat are calculated according to the correlation equation from the voltage value V1 measured for a person who has unknown subcutaneous fat mass.
Can be calculated.

When the number of electrodes of the first electrode group 28 is 3 or more as in the body fat measuring device shown in FIG. 11, the measuring means adds the voltage value V1 and the two selected from the first electrode group 28. The subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area S of the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area S is measured by applying a current between the electrodes and measuring the voltage value V2 generated between one electrode selected from the first electrode group 28 and one electrode selected from the second electrode group 29. It is also possible to improve the calculation accuracy. At this time, a regression coefficient a2 is added to the calculation means, for example, S = a0 +
(A1 · V1 + a2 · V2) · ^Un , or +
Create and enter a correlation equation in the form of adding an age term of b · Z. FIG. 13 shows an example of forming a current path when measuring the voltage V2.

In the body fat measuring apparatus of this embodiment, the visceral fat in the body cross section in which the first and second electrode groups 28 and 29 are arranged is determined from the measured voltage V1 and the input abdominal outer circumference (waist length) U. Visceral fat mass such as cross-sectional area can also be measured. Since the voltage V1 reflects the subcutaneous fat amount and the abdominal outer peripheral length reflects the total fat amount (the sum of the visceral fat amount and the subcutaneous fat amount), the visceral fat amount can be derived by taking the difference between the two.

To quantitatively calculate the amount of visceral fat, the voltage V
1 and a correlation equation relating the abdominal outer circumference length U and the visceral fat amount m are created in advance and input to the calculation means in the control unit 8. The method of creating the correlation equation is as described in the first example of the first embodiment. The correlation equation can be expressed by, for example, a linear polynomial approximation using a multivariate analysis method, and the regression coefficient a
0, a1, using abdominal circumferential length U of a2 and input measurer for example ^{m = a0 + a1 · U n} '-a2 · V1
・^Un, etc. n and n ′ are exponents of powers of 0 or positive real numbers, and the values can be determined so that the correlation becomes highest. Typically, when the amount m represents an absolute value such as a cross-sectional area of visceral fat, n ′ = 1 to 2, n
= 2. It is also possible to improve the calculation accuracy by creating a correlation equation with a non-linear polynomial.

Further, the accuracy of the correlation equation can be improved by inputting the age Z of the measurer from the input device and adding the input age Z to the explanatory variables. The correlation equation at that time is, for example, m = a0 + a1 using the regression coefficient b.
· ^{U n} 'and so on ^{-a2 · V1 · U n + b} · Z. Further, in order to improve the accuracy of calculation, it is possible to properly use the correlation equation depending on the sex of the measurer. That is, the correlation equation for men and the correlation equation for women are created, and the correlation equation to be used is selected based on the information of the sex of the measurer input to the input device.

When the correlation equation is set, the voltage value V1 and the abdominal outer circumference U measured for a person who has an unknown visceral fat mass.
From, the visceral fat mass m can be calculated according to the correlation equation.

As in the body fat measuring device shown in FIG.
When the number of electrodes of the electrode group 28 is 3 or more, the measuring means
It is also possible to improve the calculation accuracy of the visceral fat cross-sectional area m by measuring the above-mentioned voltage V2 in addition to the voltage value V1. The calculation means at this time, add a regression coefficient a3 example ^{m = a0 + a1 · U n} '- (a2 · V1 +
a3 · V2) · ^{U n} and ^{m = a0 + a1 · U n} '- (a
2 · V1 + a3 · V2) · U n + b · Z to create a correlation equation of the form previously entered.

As in the body fat measuring device shown in FIG.
When the number of electrodes of the electrode group 28 is 2 or more, the measuring means
Select one from each of the first electrode group 28 and the second electrode group 29.
Current is applied between the selected electrodes, and selected in the first electrode group 28.
No electrode and not selected in the second electrode group 29
The voltage V3 generated between the electrodes is also measured so that
It is also possible to improve the calculation accuracy of the visceral fat cross-sectional area m.
FIG. 14 shows an example of forming a current path when measuring the voltage V3.
You At this time, for example, m = a0 + a1 ·
Uⁿ‘+ (A2 ・ V3-a3 ・ V1） ・ UⁿOr
m = a0 + a1 · Uⁿ‘+ (A2 ・ V3-a3 ・ V1
-A4 / V2) / UⁿOr these are called + b · Z
Create and enter a correlation equation with the age term added.
The voltage V3 reflects the total amount of fat as well as the abdominal circumference U.
Therefore, in the above correlation equation, a1 · U ⁿOmitting the term '
Good.

The distance between each electrode in the second electrode group 29 is preferably set in an optimum range. The distance between the two electrodes for applying a current is preferably less than ⅙ of the outer circumference of the abdomen of the measurer, and more preferably ⅛ or less. If the distance between the electrodes is too large, a large amount of current also flows into the human body, and the measured voltage value V1 is affected by the distribution and amount of muscles and visceral fat inside the body. If the distance between the electrodes is too small, the measurement sensitivity becomes poor when the thickness of the subcutaneous fat is large, and moreover the influence of the shape and size of the electrodes appears in the measured voltage value V1, which is not preferable. The distance between the current application electrode and the voltage measurement electrode is preferably about 0.5 to 3 times the subcutaneous fat thickness of the subject. If the distance between the electrodes is too large, the ratio of the voltage drop in the subcutaneous fat to the measurement voltage V1 decreases, and the measurement accuracy deteriorates. Also,
The measurement sensitivity deteriorates for subjects with thin subcutaneous fat. If the distance is too small, the measurement sensitivity will be poor for subjects with thick subcutaneous fat, and the shape and size of the electrodes or the contact state between the electrodes and the human body will be the measured voltage value V.
It is not preferable because it affects 1. For example, waist length is 60
When measuring a subject having a subcutaneous fat thickness of ~ 90 cm and a subcutaneous fat thickness of 1 to 4 cm, it is preferable to set the distance between the electrodes for current application (the distance between the centers of the electrodes) to 1 to 15 cm, 2 to 10 cm.
Is more preferable. The distance between the current application electrode and the voltage measurement electrode (distance between the centers of the electrodes) is 0.6 to
The length is preferably 10 cm, more preferably 1 to 6 cm. The same applies to the distance between the electrodes in the first electrode group 28.

Regarding the posture and breathing state at the time of measurement, the characteristics of the current source and the voltmeter, the shape and material of the electrodes, etc., the description of the first example of the first embodiment is also applied to this example.

The body fat measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 15 includes a first electrode group 28 composed of three electrodes arranged on the surface of the abdomen of the human body on the basis of the navel position, and a back surface of the human body. A second electrode group 29 including three electrodes to be arranged, a navel position marker 30 indicating a reference position when the first electrode group 28 is arranged on the abdominal surface, and a second electrode group 29 are arranged on the back surface. Spine position marker 31 indicating the reference position in case of
And a wiring cord 23 that electrically connects the control unit 8, the first electrode group 28, the second electrode group 29, and the control unit 8. The control unit 8 causes a current to flow between two electrodes selected from the second electrode group 29, and a voltage generated between one electrode selected from the first electrode group 28 and one electrode selected from the second electrode group 29. And a calculating means for calculating the fat mass in the human abdomen based on the measured voltage value. Further, the control unit 8 outputs an input device for inputting physical information such as the abdominal outer circumference (waist length) of the measurer, sex and age as necessary, and the input physical information and the calculated fat mass. The display device 9 may be provided. The calculating means at this time calculates the fat amount of the human abdomen using the measured voltage value and the input abdominal circumference and sex (and age as necessary) of the measurer. Also, the first and second electrode groups 2
8, 29 can be attached to the human body surface by an adhesive substance or a suction cup.

Next, the body fat measuring method will be described. The measurer attaches the first electrode group 28 to the abdominal surface of the body 24 with the navel position marker 30 at the navel position, and the second electrode group 29 with the spine position marker 31 at the spine position. Stick it on the back surface of. At this time, it is preferable that the height position where the second electrode group 29 is attached is the same as the height of the first electrode group 28. For example, laser light is applied to the body surface with a laser pointer or the like to confirm the attachment height. However, the electrode group can be attached.
The height position of attachment can be selected to be the same height as the navel, for example. Next, the control unit 8 is operated to input the physical information such as the waist length and sex (and age if necessary) of the measurer, and then the measurement start button or the like provided in the control unit 8 is signaled. In addition, the measuring means applies a current between two electrodes selected from the second electrode group 29, and a voltage generated between one electrode selected from the first electrode group 28 and one electrode selected from the second electrode group 29. Is calculated, and the calculating means calculates the amount of fat in the abdomen of the measurer based on the measured voltage value, the input physical information and the like. The calculated fat amount is output to the display device 9.

With this measuring device, the measurer may not only measure his own body fat mass, but may also measure the body fat mass of a third party (subject). At this time, the body 24 shown in FIG. 15 represents the body of the subject whose body fat mass is measured.

The first example of the second embodiment relating to the amount of body fat that can be measured by the body fat measurement device and its measurement principle, the method of creating the correlation formula, the distance between the electrodes in each electrode group, etc. The description is applied to this embodiment as it is. It should be noted that an example of forming the electrode paths in this embodiment when measuring the voltages V1, V2, and V3 described in the first embodiment is shown in FIG.
It shows in FIG. 17, FIG. The description in the sixth example of the first embodiment regarding the configuration of the electrode group having the portion made of the adhesive substance or the suction cup is also applied to this example almost as it is. The posture and breathing state at the time of measurement, the characteristics of the current source and the voltmeter, the shape and material of the electrodes, etc. are as described in the first example of the first embodiment.

The present invention can also be realized as a device in which the body fat measuring device according to the first embodiment and the body fat measuring device according to the second embodiment are combined. FIG. 19 shows an example of a body fat measurement device in which the sixth example of the first embodiment and the second example of the second embodiment are combined.

In the present measuring apparatus, the measuring means in the control unit 8 is one electrode selected from the three electrodes in the first electrode group 28 and one electrode selected from the three electrodes in the second electrode group 29. A current is passed between the two electrodes, the voltage V generated between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3 is measured, and a current is passed between the two electrodes selected from the second electrode group 29. The voltage V1 generated between one electrode selected from the above and one electrode selected from the second electrode group 29 is measured. Control unit 8
In addition to calculating the visceral fat amount from the voltage value V according to the method described in the first embodiment,
The visceral fat amount is calculated from the voltage value V1 according to the method described in the second embodiment. Then, the visceral fat amount calculated by these two methods is output to the display device 9, respectively.

By thus comparing the values of the visceral fat mass calculated by the two measurement methods, the reliability of the calculated value can be improved. In the unlikely event that the two calculated values greatly differ, an instruction display prompting re-measurement may be displayed on the display device.

Further, in the present invention, the reliability of the measurement result can be improved by measuring the currents at a plurality of frequencies and comparing the measurement results.

In the body fat measuring devices according to the first and second embodiments, the measurement voltage is corrected using the time when the body fat is measured, taking into consideration that the electrical impedance of the human body fluctuates during the day. However, the measurement error of the body fat mass due to the diurnal variation of the electrical impedance may be corrected.
Alternatively, taking into consideration that the condition of the abdomen changes before and after meals, the measurement voltage is corrected using the elapsed time from the meal to the measurement of body fat, and the measurement error of the body fat amount due to the meal is corrected. You can also It is also possible to input a certain standard voltage range into the calculating means and display an error display on the display device 9 when the measured voltage value deviates from the voltage range due to a contact failure between the electrode and the skin. it can.

When displaying the measured body fat mass such as the visceral fat cross-sectional area and the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area, the absolute value of the area can be displayed in cm ² , or the area value is multiplied by an appropriate coefficient. It can also be displayed as a standard value. Area value is cm ²
When displaying in units, the step size is 1 cm ²
2 cm ² steps, 5 cm ² steps, 10 cm ² steps, 20 c
Examples are m ² increments and the like. 10 cm ² steps, 20 cm
^{When the} step size is large, such as in ^two steps, the standard value or the measured voltage value with a small step size that allows the weight reduction effect to be sensitively detected may be simultaneously displayed in addition to the absolute value of the area. Further, the value of the measured body fat amount can be correlated with the body fat percentage used in the display of the conventional body fat meter, and the body fat percentage can be displayed on the display device.
In addition, from the medical viewpoint that visceral fat is a source of lifestyle-related diseases such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension, health advice can be displayed on the display device based on the measured amount of visceral fat. .

[0089]

As described above, according to the present invention,
You can easily and accurately measure the thickness of subcutaneous fat existing in layers near the surface of the object to be measured, the amount of subcutaneous fat such as the cross-sectional area, and the amount of visceral fat present inside the object to be measured, and it can be easily mounted. A different body fat measuring device can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of a body fat measurement device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a state where a belt type body fat measuring device is wrapped around an abdomen.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a body fat measurement device configured by connecting a control unit and a belt with a wiring cord.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of the body fat measurement device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a third example of the body fat measurement device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a fourth example of the body fat measurement device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a fifth example of the body fat measurement device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which an arm-type body fat measuring device is attached to a body.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a sixth example of the body fat measurement device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a current path in which a current is supplied by selecting one electrode from each of a first electrode group and a second electrode group.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of the body fat measurement device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of forming a current path when measuring a voltage with the body fat measurement device according to the first example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of forming a current path when measuring a voltage with the body fat measurement device according to the first example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of forming a current path when measuring a voltage with the body fat measurement device according to the first example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of the body fat measurement device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of forming a current path when measuring a voltage with the body fat measurement device according to the second example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of forming a current path when a voltage is measured by the body fat measurement device according to the second example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example of forming a current path when a voltage is measured by the body fat measurement device according to the second example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a body fat measurement device in which a sixth example of the first embodiment and a second example of the second embodiment are combined.

FIG. 20 is an explanation showing an experimental result by the present inventor showing the relationship between the visceral fat amount (area) measured by X-ray CT and the measurement value by the body fat measurement device according to the sixth example of the first embodiment. It is a figure, (A) shows a man and (B) shows a woman.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing experimental results of the present inventor showing the relationship between age and visceral fat mass (area) measured by X-ray CT.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an experimental result by the present inventor showing the relationship between the visceral fat mass (area) measured by X-ray CT and the visceral fat area measurement value calculated by a correlation formula without considering age.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an experimental result by the present inventor showing a relationship between a visceral fat amount (area) measured by X-ray CT and a visceral fat area measurement value calculated by a correlation formula considering age.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 19, 28 ... First electrode group, 2, 20, 29 ... Second electrode group, 3 ... Third electrode group, 4, 21, 30 ... Navel position marker, 5 ... Non-stretchable belt, 6, 7 ... Buckle, 8 ... Control unit, 9 ... Display device, 10, 23 ... Wiring cord, 11 ...
Stretchable belt, 12 ... Movable rail, 13 ... Fitting hole for second electrode group, 14 ... Fitting hole for third electrode group, 15, 1
6 ... Arm, 17, 18 ... Sliding type variable length part, 2
2, 31 ... Spine position marker, 23 ... Wiring cord, 24
... Body, 25 ... Plastic board, 26 ... Navel, 27 ... Spine.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Susumu Fujinami 2-3 Fumika, Sumida-ku, Tokyo Inside Kao Co. Ltd. (72) Inventor Kazuhiro Tashiro 1-14-10 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Kao Corporation (56) Reference JP 11-113870 (JP, A) JP 2000-175875 (JP, A) JP 11-123182 (JP, A) JP 2000-14655 (JP, A) ) JP 2002-85364 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61B 5/05

Claims (15)

(57) [Claims] 1. A first electrode group composed of one or more electrodes whose position on the abdominal surface of the object to be measured is determined with reference to the navel position of the object to be measured, and the object to be measured. A second electrode group composed of one or more electrodes arranged on the back surface of the body, and arranged on the surface of the object to be measured at a position approximately midway between the first electrode group and the second electrode group. A current is caused to flow between a third electrode group composed of two or more electrodes, one electrode selected from the first electrode group and one electrode selected from the second electrode group, and
A body fat measuring device comprising: a measuring unit that measures a voltage generated between two electrodes of an electrode group; and a calculating unit that calculates a fat amount in the abdomen of the body to be measured based on the voltage value. 2. The body fat measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the position of arrangement of the second electrode group on the back surface is determined with reference to the position of the spine. 3. The electrode groups of the first to third electrode groups,
The distance between the first electrode group and the third electrode group and the third electrode group and the second electrode are arranged on a substantially non-stretchable belt.
The body fat measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the body fat measurement device is fixed such that the distance between the electrode groups is substantially equal. 4. The electrode groups of the first to third electrode groups,
The body fat measurement device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device is arranged on a stretchable belt, and the distance between each electrode group is adjusted by the belt. 5. The electrode groups of the first to third electrode groups,
The body fat measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the body fat measuring device is arranged on a substantially non-stretchable belt, and an adjusting member for adjusting a distance between the electrode groups is provided on the belt. 6. The body according to claim 1, further comprising an arm connecting the first electrode group and the third electrode group and connecting the second electrode group and the third electrode group. Fat measuring device. 7. The body fat measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising an adhesive member or a suction cup for adhering each electrode of the first to third electrode groups to the surface of the object to be measured. 8. A first electrode group consisting of one or more electrodes whose position on the abdominal surface of the object to be measured is determined with reference to the navel position of the object to be measured, and the object to be measured. A second electrode group consisting of three or more electrodes arranged on the back surface of the, and a current flowing between two electrodes selected from the second electrode group, and one electrode selected from the first electrode group; Body fat measurement having a measuring unit that measures a voltage generated between one electrode selected from the second electrode group, and a calculating unit that calculates the abdominal fat mass of the body to be measured based on the voltage value. apparatus. 9. The body fat measurement device according to claim 8, wherein the position of the arrangement of the second electrode group on the back surface is determined with reference to the spine position. 10. The body fat measurement device according to claim 8, further comprising an arm or a cord that connects the first electrode group and the second electrode group. 11. The body fat measuring device according to claim 8, further comprising an adhesive member or a suction cup for sticking each electrode of the first and second electrode groups to the surface of the object to be measured. 12. An input device for inputting an outer peripheral length of the abdomen of the body to be measured, wherein the calculating means calculates a visceral fat amount based on the voltage value and the input outer peripheral length. The body fat measurement device according to claim 11. 13. The body fat measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the fat amount is a visceral fat amount. 14. A first electrode group composed of one or more electrodes arranged on the abdominal surface of the object to be measured, and a second electrode group composed of one or more electrodes arranged on the back surface of the object to be measured. An electrode group, a third electrode group composed of two or more electrodes arranged on the surface of the object to be measured, at a position substantially intermediate between the first electrode group and the second electrode group, and the first electrode A current is applied between one electrode selected from the group and one electrode selected from the second electrode group,
Measuring means for measuring the voltage generated between two electrodes of the electrode group, an outer circumference of the abdomen of the measured body, and an input means for inputting the sex and / or age of the measured body, A body fat measuring device comprising: the voltage value; and a calculating unit that calculates a visceral fat amount based on the input outer peripheral length and sex and / or age. 15. A first electrode group consisting of one or more electrodes arranged on the abdominal surface of the object to be measured, and a second electrode group consisting of three or more electrodes arranged on the back surface of the object to be measured. A current is caused to flow between the electrode group and two electrodes selected from the second electrode group to generate a voltage generated between one electrode selected from the first electrode group and one electrode selected from the second electrode group. Measuring means for measuring, an outer peripheral length of the abdomen of the measured object, an input means for inputting the sex and / or age of the measured object, the measured voltage value, the input outer peripheral length and sex and And / or a calculation means for calculating the amount of visceral fat based on the age, and a body fat measuring device.