JP2007068777A - Optimal electrode position automatic identification method and apparatus for measuring trunk visceral fat and subcutaneous fat - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an apparatus which enable the automatic retrieval of the optimal position of an electrode placed in a trunk in a method for acquiring information on a visceral fat tissue of the trunk and/or a subcutaneous fat tissue layer based on the impedance of the trunk determined by impressing current to a current impressing electrode couple for running current through the trunk for measuring a potential difference generated in a voltage measuring electrode couple. <P>SOLUTION: A multi-electrode comprising a plurality of electrodes as one current impressing electrode block is kept in contact with the trunk and current is impressed across it and the other current impressing electrode block switching the electrodes of the multi-electrode sequentially to measure the impedance with the voltage measuring electrode couple thereby determining the optimum electrode out of those of the multi-electrode from changes in the values indicated by the impedance measured. When current is impressed across the optimum electrode thus determined and the voltage measuring electrode on the other side, the information on the visceral fat tissue of the trunk and/or the subcutaneous fat tissue layer can be obtained from the impedance measured by the voltage measuring electrode couple. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring trunk visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous adipose tissue layer, and a health guide advice device using measurement information.

  The estimation technique of body adipose tissue using bioelectrical impedance has spread to the world as a technique for measuring body adipose tissue and body fat percentage, but in reality, it does not directly measure adipose tissue. In other words, it is an electrical measurement of lean tissue in which water other than fat tissue is dominant. In particular, the whole body (Whole Body) measurement is modeled as a single cylinder between one hand and one leg in the supine position in the conventional type (one hand-one leg guidance method). Measure between both palms to be measured, guide between both legs integrated with weight scale, upper and lower limbs, upper and lower limbs and trunk, or left and right upper limbs, left and right lower limbs, trunk The technique of measuring the impedance by making it possible to apply a cylindrical model separately has also become apparent. In addition, a patent application has been filed for a measurement technique that simplifies the impedance CT measurement technique, arranges current application / voltage measurement electrodes in the trunk umbilical girdle, measures the impedance of the abdomen, and estimates the visceral fat tissue mass. (See Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent No. 3396677 Japanese Patent No. 3396684

  However, the information on body adipose tissue is particularly useful for screening of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and visceral adipose tissue attached and accumulated in the vicinity of internal organ tissue. The importance of measurement is increasing day by day for the subcutaneous fat tissue layer.

  In particular, the visceral adipose tissue is a body adipose tissue concentratedly distributed in the vicinity of the abdomen of the trunk, and has been determined based on the cross-sectional area of the adipose tissue in an abdominal cross-sectional image by X-ray CТ or MRI. However, the apparatus is large-scale, and in the case of X-rays, there is a problem of exposure, and there is a cost, which is not suitable for measurement in the field and home. Therefore, the visceral adipose tissue is generally estimated from the correlation with the whole body adipose tissue or the correlation with the whole body lean tissue, and it has not been possible to secure sufficient reliability even for screening.

  Recently, a method for estimating visceral adipose tissue information by placing electrodes around the umbilical girth of the trunk and measuring the internal impedance of the trunk is also under development. However, this method is based on the fact that there is a significant correlation among the skeletal muscle tissue layer, the subcutaneous fat tissue layer, and the visceral adipose tissue. It is assumed that For this reason, good results can be expected for healthy subjects with high independence where a very significant correlation can exist, but subjects with different correlations between tissues, such as visceral adipose tissue, are significantly enlarged. In addition, the measurement result in the subject having a remarkably low correlation with the subcutaneous fat tissue layer or the skeletal muscle tissue layer can include a large error. In other words, even if this method is under development, if it is a subject who can live a healthy independent life, it is possible to measure somehow regardless of where the electrodes are placed around the entire umbilicus. In particular, the problem is large when measurement is performed on a bedridden patient on a bed.

  In addition, this method under development can be said to be a high technology in that the impedance value related to the internal tissue is obtained by applying current from the abdominal surface to the tissue site to be measured. The fact is that the measured impedance information itself has little useful sensitivity to visceral adipose tissue due to problems in the internal structure of the trunk, which is the part. That is, the trunk that is the measurement site is thick and short, the multi-layer structure, that is, the visceral fat tissue that is the measurement target is covered with a skeletal muscle tissue layer that exhibits very good conductivity together with the internal organ tissue and the spine tissue, This skeletal muscle tissue layer has a structure in which it is covered with a subcutaneous fat tissue layer having very poor electrical conductivity. In particular, the visceral adipose tissue area to be measured is a complex structure in which visceral adipose tissue with poor conductivity, which is attached and accumulated on the internal organ tissue, which is less conductive than the skeletal muscle tissue layer, is mixed. The internal conductivity is estimated to be considerably inferior to that of the skeletal muscle tissue layer. For this reason, even if the current application electrode is simply arranged around the abdomen, the majority is energized through the skeletal muscle tissue layer, and the current density distribution is also a potential distribution dominant to the skeletal muscle tissue layer from the surface measurement electrode. Will be observed. Furthermore, the distribution of the applied current density is determined by the surface area of the electrode to which the current is applied or the electrode width in the abdominal circumference direction, and the observation of information in the spreading resistance region where the current density is high in the subcutaneous fat tissue layer immediately below the electrode becomes dominant. End up.

  Furthermore, since the trunk, which is the measurement site, is thick and short, the sensitivity in the subcutaneous fat tissue layer in the current density concentration (spreading resistance) region directly under the current application electrode is high, and the skeletal muscle tissue is more in comparison with the fat tissue. Since the conductivity is considerably high, a route in which most of the current passing through the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer returns through the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer to the opposing current application electrode side through the skeletal muscle tissue layer is taken. The internal potential distribution is greatly distorted in this skeletal muscle tissue layer. Therefore, in the conventional method, most of the measured potential is information of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer, and the visceral fat tissue to be measured, that is, the visceral fat tissue that adheres to and accumulates in the internal organ tissue and its surroundings. It is almost impossible to energize the battery, and only information with extremely low measurement sensitivity of 10% or less of the entire impedance measurement section can be captured.

  In order to avoid these problems, a method for preventing an increase in the estimation error by incorporating an abdominal circumference that is highly correlated with the area of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer into the estimation formula has been considered. It is nothing but indirect estimation based on the correlation between the constituent tissues, and it is difficult to say that it is a measurement method that secures the necessary energization sensitivity at the center of the abdomen. In other words, individual errors that deviate from the statistical correlation design cannot be guaranteed, especially when there are many subcutaneous or visceral adipose tissues pathologically or when there are many / small intermediate skeletal muscle tissue layers. . It should be noted that the area of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer is highly correlated with the abdominal circumference, because the human trunk has a concentric tissue arrangement design, and the subcutaneous fat tissue layer is the outermost arrangement, This is because the area is determined by the length and the thickness of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer.

  Usually, the four-electrode method is also used for the electrode arrangement on the trunk. In this method, a current is applied to the body of the subject, and a potential difference generated in the measurement region of the subject by the applied current is measured to measure the bioelectrical impedance of the measurement region. When the four-electrode method is applied to a thick and short measurement site such as the trunk, the current density concentration at which the current begins to spread (ie, the spreading resistance region) is, for example, directly under the current application electrode, so that it is near the subcutaneous fat tissue layer. A large potential difference is generated and accounts for most of the potential difference measured between the voltage measurement electrodes. In order to reduce the influence of the spreading resistance, it is important to have an arrangement that ensures a sufficient distance between the current application electrode and the voltage measurement electrode. In general measurement, since the measurement interval is long and the distance between the voltage measurement electrodes can be sufficiently secured, so-called S / N sensitivity (N is the influence of spreading resistance (noise), and S is between the voltage measurement electrodes). The signal to be measured) should be sufficiently secured. However, in the case of a thick and short measurement site such as the trunk, if the voltage measurement electrode is moved away from the current application electrode in order to reduce N, the voltage measurement electrode section distance becomes smaller. As a result, S becomes smaller and eventually the S / N becomes worse. Further, the spreading resistance portion having a high current density is a subcutaneous fat tissue layer portion, and is generally a subject with a tendency to obesity with a large thickness. Therefore, the N is considerably large, and the S / N is doubled. End up. As described above, when the four-electrode method is used for a short and short measurement site such as the trunk, a useful S / N sensitivity to visceral adipose tissue can be obtained simply by placing an electrode on the circumference of the umbilicus. It is speculated that it is quite impossible to secure. The S / N will be described in more detail in the description of the embodiments described later.

In order to solve these problems, the present inventors ensure the sensitivity necessary for measurement even in the region of internal organ tissue and visceral adipose tissue with poor conductivity, adipose tissue accumulated in the trunk, particularly, In order to be able to measure adipose tissue attached and accumulated around the internal organ tissue and subcutaneous adipose tissue layer information accumulated in the subcutaneous layer simultaneously by switching only, a method and apparatus for arranging electrodes on the extremities and the trunk have been developed. It was.
However, as long as the electrodes are arranged on the trunk, the tissue structure inside the trunk is complicated, and the sweet spot (optimum position of the electrode) is narrow because the measurement object is thick and short, so the electrode deviates from the optimum electrode position. It is presumed that the influence is large.

  In order to perform highly reliable and useful measurement, it is necessary to find the optimum position of the electrode to be placed on the trunk.

The present inventors have invented a method of searching for the optimum position of the electrode by sliding the electrode on the trunk. However, a method for automatically and optimally searching for the optimum position of the electrode is desired.
In addition, as a simple measurement method, a simple optimum alignment means is necessary for spreading to consumers.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for arranging a plurality of electrodes and automatically determining an optimum electrode from among a plurality of electrodes arranged on the trunk.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an electric current is applied to a current application electrode pair in order to pass a current through the trunk, and a potential difference generated in the voltage measurement electrode pair is measured, thereby obtaining an impedance of the trunk, A method for obtaining visceral fat tissue information and / or subcutaneous fat tissue layer information of a trunk,
A multi-electrode composed of a plurality of electrodes that are one current application electrode is brought into contact with the trunk, and the other current application electrode is disposed at a position away from the one current application electrode,
Place one voltage measurement electrode and the other voltage measurement electrode,
While sequentially switching the multi-electrode, apply a current between the other current application electrode, measure the impedance with the voltage measurement electrode pair, from the change of the value indicating the measured impedance, from among the multi-electrode Determine the best electrode,
When a current is applied between the determined optimal electrode and the other current application electrode, the visceral fat tissue information and / or subcutaneous fat tissue layer information of the trunk from the impedance measured by the voltage measurement electrode pair A method for measuring trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat is provided.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-electrode includes an array electrode in which a plurality of elongated electrodes are arranged adjacent to each other in an array.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the multi-electrode includes a matrix electrode in which a plurality of small electrodes are arranged in a matrix in the vertical and horizontal directions.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the electrode selection unit includes sequentially switching a multi-electrode to which a current is applied while simultaneously applying a current to the plurality of adjacent multi-electrodes.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, each voltage measurement electrode of the voltage measurement electrode pair is disposed at a position sufficiently separated from the multi-electrode and the other current application electrode, and the multi-electrode switching is switched. The method includes determining an optimum electrode from the multi-electrode based on a change in a value indicating a trunk impedance, and obtaining trunk trunk visceral adipose tissue information. The sufficiently separated position may be a trunk or a position protruding from a trunk such as a limb.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the method includes disposing the other current application electrode and each voltage measurement electrode at a portion protruding from the trunk.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, one voltage measurement electrode of the voltage measurement electrode pair is disposed in proximity to the multi-electrode in contact with the trunk, and the other voltage measurement electrode is connected to the multi-electrode. An optimal electrode is determined from among the multi-electrodes from a change in the value indicating the impedance of the torso accompanying switching of the multi-electrodes, and is separated from the other current application electrode, and the trunk subcutaneous adipose tissue layer Including obtaining information.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the method includes disposing the other current application electrode and the other voltage measurement electrode at a portion protruding from the trunk.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, when the measured impedance takes a predetermined value, it is determined that the electrode is the optimum electrode.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, when the measured impedance takes a maximum value or a minimum value, it is determined that the electrode is the optimum electrode.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, when the determination of the optimum electrode is completed, it is displayed on the display for notification.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, it includes notifying with a buzzer when the determination of the optimum electrode is completed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the voltage measurement electrode pair includes a current application electrode pair for applying a current to the trunk and a voltage measurement electrode pair for measuring a potential difference generated in the trunk. Measuring the potential difference generated in the body to determine the impedance of the trunk, thereby obtaining visceral fat tissue information of the trunk and / or subcutaneous fat tissue layer information,
One current application electrode is a multi-electrode composed of a plurality of electrodes,
A switching unit that sequentially switches the multi-electrode and applies a current to the other current application electrode;
An optimum electrode determination means for obtaining an optimum electrode from among the multi-electrodes based on the impedance measured by the voltage measurement electrode pair;
Visceral fat tissue information and / or subcutaneous fat tissue layer information is obtained from the impedance between the voltage measurement electrode pair measured when a current is applied between the optimum electrode and the other current application electrode. A trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus is provided.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-electrode includes an array electrode in which a plurality of elongated electrodes are arranged adjacent to each other in an array.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the multi-electrode includes a matrix electrode in which a plurality of small electrodes are arranged in a matrix in the vertical and horizontal directions.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the electrode selection unit includes sequentially switching a multi-electrode to which a current is applied while simultaneously applying a current to the plurality of adjacent multi-electrodes.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the optimum electrode determination means includes determining that the electrode is the optimum electrode when the measured impedance has a predetermined value.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the optimum electrode determination means includes determining that the electrode is the optimum electrode when the measured impedance has a maximum value or a minimum value.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the optimum electrode determination means includes displaying and notifying on the display when the optimum electrode is determined.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the optimum electrode determination means includes notifying with a buzzer when the optimum electrode is determined.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the voltage measurement electrode pair includes a current application electrode pair for applying a current to the trunk and a voltage measurement electrode pair for measuring a potential difference generated in the trunk. Measuring the potential difference generated in the body, to determine the impedance of the trunk, thereby obtaining visceral fat tissue information of the trunk and / or subcutaneous fat tissue layer information,
A main body part, and a pair of grip electrode parts connected to the main body part by electric wires,
The contact surface for contacting the trunk part of at least one grip electrode part includes a multi-electrode composed of a plurality of electrodes that are current application electrodes,
The grip portion for gripping with the hand of each grip electrode portion includes at least one of a current application electrode and a voltage measurement electrode,
The main body portion sequentially switches the multi-electrode and applies a current between the other current application electrodes, and a switching portion,
An optimum electrode determination means for obtaining an optimum electrode from among the multi-electrodes based on the impedance measured by the voltage measurement electrode pair;
Visceral fat tissue information and / or subcutaneous fat tissue layer information is obtained from the impedance between the voltage measurement electrode pair measured when a current is applied between the optimum electrode and the other current application electrode. There is provided a trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring device characterized in that it can be obtained.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, a grip electrode portion is connected to each side of the main body portion so as to be bendable, and the main body portion and the pair of grip electrode portions are integrated.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the body portion is a scale type,
The portion on the upper surface of the main body portion on which both feet are placed includes a left foot current application electrode and a voltage measurement electrode, and a right foot current application electrode and a voltage measurement electrode.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the multi-electrode is an array electrode in which a plurality of elongated electrodes are adjacently arranged in an array.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the multi-electrode is a matrix electrode in which a plurality of small electrodes are arranged in a matrix in the vertical and horizontal directions.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the electrode selection unit sequentially switches multi-electrodes to which current is applied while simultaneously applying current to the plurality of adjacent multi-electrodes.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the grip portion for gripping by the hand of each grip electrode portion includes a current application electrode and a voltage measurement electrode.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, a voltage measurement electrode is provided in the vicinity of the multi-electrode provided in the grip electrode portion.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately measure the trunk visceral adipose tissue and simultaneously measure the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer by increasing the energization amount and sensitivity to the composite tissue layer composed of the internal organ tissue and the visceral adipose tissue. Further, the S / N characteristic can be improved by arranging the voltage measurement electrode at the position where the muscle abdominal control region is removed from the N component due to the disturbance of the potential due to the skeletal muscle tissue layer which becomes noise.

  Moreover, even in a paralyzed patient and a subject who is bedridden due to care or the like, the tester and the subject can easily perform measurement by setting the measurement part as the front surface of the abdomen excluding the back part. Furthermore, since the subject can be aware of the measurement site by attaching electrodes to the abdomen, it is beneficial to improve measurement accuracy and to ensure motivation by conscious restraint.

  Furthermore, it is possible to easily and accurately measure the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue adhering to the vicinities of internal organ tissues.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the trunk visceral adipose tissue and the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer can be accurately measured with a small and simple device, so that it can be optimized for home use. Moreover, an abdominal condition check prior to measurement, that is, early check of inflammation or pathological abnormal fluid distribution in internal organ tissues or the like is possible, and appropriate health guide advice can be given accordingly. Therefore, it is possible for the user to obtain various information useful for self-management for maintaining and promoting sustainable health by appropriately performing daily diet and exercise and maintaining motivation for it. Can be very useful.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the optimum electrode can be automatically recognized from a plurality of electrodes, and measurement can be performed with the optimum electrode, so that the measurement reliability is improved and the measurement can be easily performed. it can.
Moreover, no matter who measures it, it can measure at an optimal electrode position.

  Before describing in detail the embodiments and examples of the present invention, the principle of measuring the amount of visceral adipose tissue in the trunk will be described. The present invention basically uses bioelectrical impedance information and body specific information for each segment obtained by limb guidance methods such as upper limbs (arms), lower limbs (legs), trunk (middle trunk), etc. Visceral adipose tissue information (cross-sectional area volume, volume or weight) of trunk abdominal (middle), ratio of trunk visceral fat tissue volume to subcutaneous fat tissue volume (V / S), and subcutaneous fat tissue volume and visceral fat It is possible to estimate the total adipose tissue amount (trunk abdominal adipose tissue amount) of the tissue amount.

For this reason, the present invention makes full use of the following technique.
(1) Assume that the tissue information included in the bioelectrical impedance information of the trunk is an equivalent circuit model in which the skeletal muscle tissue layer, the internal organ tissue, and the visceral fat tissue are in series and parallel. Here, the internal organ tissue and the visceral adipose tissue are considered in series (therefore, a change in energization amount can be expected depending on the size of the visceral adipose tissue).

(2) When the abdominal circumference can be secured as body specific information, the subcutaneous fat tissue layer, the skeletal muscle tissue layer, the internal organ tissue, and the visceral fat are included as a high-accuracy model including the subcutaneous fat tissue amount in the equivalent circuit model. Assuming an equivalent circuit model in series-parallel in the organization.

(3) Subcutaneous fat tissue mass estimation is made up of multiple regression equations with the abdominal circumference in the body specifying information as the main explanatory variable. Furthermore, put the square of the waist circumference as the main explanatory variable.

(4) The determination of internal organ tissue information is made up of multiple regression equations with height information as the main explanatory variable in the body specific information, and is used to determine uncertain information for visceral fat tissue information estimation. .

(5) The standard measurement of the tissue used for the multiple regression analysis (calibration curve creation method) for quantifying each tissue is the tissue cross-sectional area (CSA) from the X-ray CT tomographic image at the umbilical position or the CSA by the MRI method. Tissue volume and weight using the DEXA method and MRI method (integration processing for each slice in the length direction) for the entire trunk can be calculated from the tissue density information from previous studies. ). In the DEXA method, the total adipose tissue information of the total of the abdominal visceral adipose tissue and the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer can be measured as a reference.

(6) In order to be able to capture visceral adipose tissue information with high accuracy using the method as described above, it is necessary to replace the fluctuation of the measured impedance information of the trunk due to respiration with a constant condition value, Impedance measurement Sampling cycle is within 1/2 of general respiratory cycle, respiratory change is monitored in time series, maximum value and minimum value for each respiratory cycle are determined for each respiratory cycle, and rest breathing Be able to capture the median of

(7) Further, it is also possible to check in advance of adverse effects caused by eating and drinking before the measurement and retention of bladder and urine from the measured impedance information. Generally, the information on the skeletal muscle tissue layer is dominantly reflected in the impedance value of the trunk in a general healthy subject group. In addition, the information on the skeletal muscle tissue layer of the trunk is very small as a measured value, and no great difference is recognized between individuals. The reason is that the design is highly correlated with anti-gravity muscles that support and develop their own weight under the gravity of the earth, so subjects who are specially bedridden and not affected by gravity, or athletes who are subject to several times the stress of their own weight This is because it is almost determined by the body size except for special groups. Here, the influence on the impedance of the trunk other than the skeletal muscle tissue layer and the respiratory fluctuation is an adverse effect due to food and drink and urinary bladder urine storage. Therefore, when the impedance values of the trunk are collected as collective data and viewed as the mean value [mean] and deviation [SD], it can be seen that the effects of food and drink and bladder urine retention are in the range exceeding 2SD. It was. However, considering even a semi-general group such as athletes to a certain extent, 3SD can be used as a criterion to screen for this effect.

  Next, the measurement principle of the present invention based on the above-described method will be described in detail step by step.

1. Electrical equivalent circuit modeling of trunk tissue (1) The trunk mainly consists of subcutaneous fat tissue layer, skeletal muscle tissue layer (abdominal muscle group, back muscle group), internal organ tissue and visceral fat attached to the gap It can be thought of as an organization. The reason why the bone tissue is not listed as a constituent tissue is that the bone tissue has a very high quantitative correlation with the skeletal muscle tissue layer and can be considered as an integral tissue body. The volume resistivity is considered to have a property that is considerably good in conductivity by including bone marrow tissue and the like in a living body, and has characteristics close to those of a skeletal muscle tissue layer and internal organ tissue. Therefore, when these four tissues are represented by an electrical equivalent circuit model, the internal organ tissue and the visceral fat tissue are configured in series, and the subcutaneous fat tissue layer and the skeletal muscle tissue layer are respectively parallel to the serial composite tissue. Configured. The equivalent circuit model will be described in detail in the description of the embodiment described later. According to this model, current flows predominantly through the skeletal muscle tissue layer when energized in the longitudinal direction of the trunk. Since visceral adipose tissue adheres to the gaps around the internal organ tissue, when there is no visceral adipose tissue, or when there is little visceral adipose tissue, the internal organ tissue exhibits conductivity close to that of the skeletal muscle tissue layer. Also, a current is applied. Further, as the visceral adipose tissue increases, the energization amount to the composite tissue layer as a complex of the internal organ tissue and the visceral adipose tissue decreases. The model impedance when the measured impedance of the trunk and the four tissues constituting it are expressed by an equivalent circuit model can be expressed as follows.
Ztm = ZFS // ZMM // (ZVM + ZFV) Equation 1
here,
Impedance of the whole trunk: Ztm
Impedance of subcutaneous adipose tissue layer: ZFS: Volume resistivity is large.
Impedance of skeletal muscle tissue layer: ZMM: Volume resistivity is small.
Impedance of internal organ tissue: ZVM ... It is considered as volume resistivity close to the skeletal muscle tissue layer.
Impedance of visceral adipose tissue: ZFV: Volume resistivity is considered to be equal to or slightly smaller than the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer. Since the synthetic decomposition of adipose tissue is faster than that of the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer, it is considered that the blood vessels and blood volume in the tissue are large.

The electrical characteristics between tissues are determined by volume resistivity ρ [Ωm] rather than impedance.
From the above relationship, the electrical characteristic values of each tissue are generally explained by the following relationship.
ρMM << ρ (VM + FV) << ρFS
ρVM << ρFV
ρMM = ρMV or ρMM <ρMV
ρFV = ρFS or ρFV <FS
here,
Volume resistivity of subcutaneous adipose tissue layer: ρFS
Volume resistivity of composite tissue layer of internal organ tissue and visceral adipose tissue inside skeletal muscle tissue layer:
ρ (VM + FV)
Volume resistivity of skeletal muscle tissue layer: ρMM
Therefore, due to the relationship with Equation 1, the electrical property comparison relationship between the tissues is
ZFS >> (ZVM + ZFV) >> ZMM ... Equation 2
It becomes.

2. Estimation of trunk skeletal muscle tissue cross-sectional area (AMM) and trunk skeletal muscle tissue layer impedance (ZMM) (2) Visceral adipose tissue volume can be expressed in terms of cross-sectional area and volume. In the case of the cross-sectional area amount, the cross-sectional area amount based on the CT (X-ray-CT, MRI) method is considered as a general measurement standard in the measurement at the umbilical circumference. On the other hand, in the case of the volume amount, it can be obtained by integrating the cross-sectional area amount by the slice by the CT method with a plurality of slice information in the length direction. The amount of skeletal muscle tissue (skeletal muscle mass) is considered to have a high correlation with both the cross sectional area and volume. Here, the cross-sectional area is considered. The amount of cross-sectional area (AMM) of the skeletal muscle tissue layer can be roughly estimated by body specific information. This is because the developmental design of the body's skeletal muscle tissue layer is almost determined by the development and adaptation to support its own weight under the earth's gravity. Therefore, except for non-gravity adaptors such as athletes, paralysis nurses, and caregivers, it is possible to estimate with body specifying information. This estimation is performed by substituting height H, weight W, and age Age into the following equations.
AMM = a * H + b * W + c * Age + d Equation 3
Here, a, b, c, and d are constants.
(3) Trunk skeletal muscle tissue layer impedance (ZMM) can also be estimated from body specific information. For convenience, the cross sectional area (AMM) obtained above is used here. This estimation can be performed using the following equation.
ZMM = a0 * H / AMM + b0 Formula 4
Here, a0 and b0 are constants.

3. From the relational expressions of the estimation formulas 1 and 2 of the visceral fat tissue impedance (ZFV) and the visceral fat tissue amount (AFV), there can be considered a technique that enables the visceral fat tissue information to be estimated by the following two approaches.
(4) Approach 1
Since the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer has a higher volume resistivity than other constituent tissues, it is omitted from the viewpoint of the equivalent circuit of the trunk. That is, it can be considered that the information of lean tissue including visceral fat tissue excluding the subcutaneous fat tissue layer of the trunk is measured in the impedance value measured in the trunk. Therefore, this relational expression can be expressed as follows.
Ztm ≒ ZMM // (ZVM + ZFV) ... Formula 5
When formula 5 is transformed,
1 / Ztm ≒ 1 / ZMM + 1 / (ZVM + ZFV) ... Formula 6
By revealing the impedance ZMM of the skeletal muscle tissue layer and the impedance ZVM of the internal organ tissue in this equation by means described below, the impedance ZFV of the visceral fat tissue can be calculated. The visceral fat tissue amount can be estimated from the impedance information of the visceral fat tissue. When ZFV is derived from Expression 6, the following Expression 7 is obtained, and impedance information having information on visceral adipose tissue can be obtained.
ZFV = 1 / [1 / Ztm-1 / ZMM]-ZVM ... Equation 7

(5) Approach 2
In approach 1, the subcutaneous fat tissue layer is omitted, but it can be an error factor for a subject having a large amount of subcutaneous fat tissue layer.
In this formula, the impedance ZMM of the skeletal muscle tissue layer and the impedance ZVM of the internal organ tissue are the same as those described above, and the impedance information for the impedance ZFS of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer is the same as that of other tissues. There is a useful relationship with the amount of tissue. Here, it is generally reported that the amount of subcutaneous adipose tissue has a very high correlation with the perimeter of the tissue surface, that is, the abdominal circumference (particularly for subjects with many subcutaneous adipose tissue layers). Therefore, the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer can be estimated from the abdominal circumference information. Therefore, the impedance of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer can be estimated from information on the abdominal circumference. Hereinafter, the impedance ZFV of the visceral adipose tissue can be calculated by a method similar to the above approach. The visceral fat tissue amount can be estimated from the impedance information of the visceral fat tissue.
When Equation 1 is transformed,
1 / Ztm = 1 / ZFS + 1 / ZMM + 1 / (ZVM + ZFV)
ZFV = 1 / [1 / Ztm−1 / ZMM−1 / ZFS] −ZVM ・ ・ ・ Equation 9

(6) Visceral adipose tissue volume (AFV) is treated here as the visceral adipose tissue cross-sectional area. The visceral adipose tissue volume (AFV) can be calculated from the impedance information and the height information in Equation 10,
AFV = aa * H / ZFV + bb ... Formula 10
Here, aa and bb are constants.

4). Estimating internal organ tissue volume [AVM] and internal organ tissue impedance [ZVM] (7) Estimating internal organ tissue volume [VM] of the trunk from body (individual) specific information such as height, weight, sex, and age I can do it. Among the explanatory variables, the influence of the height term is large.
Internal organ tissue volume [AVM] = a1 * Height [H] + b1 * Weight [W] + c1 * Age [Age] + d1 Formula 11
Here, a1, b1, c1, and d1 are constants that give different values for men and women.
In addition, the measurement of the reference amount of the internal organ tissue amount VM used in this calibration curve (regression equation) is performed by integrating the CSA (tissue cross-sectional area) for each slice obtained by the MRI method or the X-ray CТ method in the length direction. The calculated tissue volume or CSA from one slice such as the umbilical position. The tissue volume can be converted into a tissue amount by converting the tissue density information known in prior research papers into weight.

(8) Next, the impedance ZVM of the internal organ tissue is estimated.
The internal organ tissue impedance [ZVM] can be estimated from body (individual) specifying information such as height, weight, sex, and age. Among the explanatory variables, the influence of the height term is large. For convenience, the internal organ tissue volume [AVM] obtained above is used here. This estimation can be performed using the following equation.
ZVM = a2 * H / AVM + b2 Equation 12
Here, a2 and b2 are constants.

5. Estimation of subcutaneous fat tissue volume [AFS] (9) The subcutaneous fat tissue volume [AFS] of the trunk can be estimated from the square of the abdominal circumference [Lw] ² . Furthermore, accuracy improvement can be expected by adding other body specific information as an explanatory variable to obtain a multiple regression equation.
For men: Subcutaneous adipose tissue volume [AFS] = a10 * abdominal circumference [Lw] ² + b10 * height [H] + c10 * body weight [W]
+ d10 * Age [Age] + e10 ... Formula 13
For women: Subcutaneous fat tissue mass [AFS] = a11 * abdominal circumference [Lw] ² + b11 * height [H] + c11 * body weight [W]
+ d11 * Age [Age] + e11 ... Formula 14
Here, a10, a11, b10, b11, c10, c11, d10, d11, e10, e11 are regression coefficients and constants.
The standard amount of subcutaneous fat tissue volume FS used in this calibration curve (regression equation) is measured by integrating the CSA (tissue cross-sectional area) for each slice obtained by the MRI method or X-ray CТ method in the length direction. The calculated tissue volume or CSA from one slice such as the umbilical position. The tissue volume can be converted into a tissue amount by converting the tissue density information known in prior research papers into weight.

6). Estimating the trunk visceral fat / subcutaneous fat ratio [V / S] (10) The visceral fat / subcutaneous fat ratio [V / S] is calculated based on the amount of subcutaneous fat tissue [AFS] from equations 13 and 14 and the viscera from equation 10 It can be obtained from the amount of adipose tissue [AFV].
V / S = AFV / AFS Equation 15

7). Concept of internal organ tissue abnormality judgment by trunk (middle) impedance (11) Trunk impedance Ztm necessary for visceral adipose tissue mass estimation is a part that fluctuates greatly due to breathing and eating and drinking, stability and Measurement of highly reliable information is required. Therefore, highly reliable impedance information of the trunk can be secured by applying the following processing. Further, it is possible to determine a tissue abnormality of the trunk from the viewpoint as information relating to the disturbance of the body fluid distribution in the partial trunk.

(12) Removal of influence of fluctuation due to respiration (a) The impedance of the trunk is measured at a sampling cycle shorter than 1/2 of a general respiration cycle time.
(B) A smoothing process such as moving average is performed on the measurement data for each sampling.
(C) From the time series data after processing, the periodicity of respiration and the maximum and minimum values for each cycle are detected.
(D) A maximum value and a minimum value for each period are averaged separately.
(E) The average value of the maximum value and the minimum value is averaged, and the median value of respiration is calculated.
(F) When the median respiratory rate for each respiratory cycle enters a stable range within the prescribed number of times, it is determined that the median respiratory rate is confirmed, and the determined median impedance value is registered as the impedance value of the trunk. Complete the measurement.

(13) Abnormal value determination processing due to eating and drinking and water retention (such as urine) in the bladder (a) As for the impedance of the trunk, 26.7 ± 4.8Ω (mean ± SD) is a general value of the group.
(B) On the other hand, the value at the time of constipation and urinary bladder retention and fullness of food and drink in the stomach exceeds the range of mean ± 3SD.
(C) Therefore, when a measured value exceeding 3SD is obtained, the subject is informed of the possibility of effects such as eating and drinking and urinary bladder, and is encouraged to meet the measurement in the best environment. However, in a subject whose development of the skeletal muscle tissue layer and internal organ tissue is different from the standard size without actually having these effects, the measurement should be continued.
(D) Further, as a method of increasing the determination sensitivity, the specified values are subdivided according to sex, weight, and height. Alternatively, the specified value is defined as a value per unit by dividing by weight or by height.

Next, features of the optimum measurement position searching method and apparatus of the present invention will be described.
(1) The present inventors have invented a method of searching for the optimum position of the electrode by sliding the electrode on the trunk. In the present invention, instead of sliding the electrodes, a plurality of multi-electrodes are arranged, and the measurement information at the electrode located at the optimum position is selected as the measurement result from the measurement information measured by sequentially switching the multi-electrodes. Thus, the measurement can be performed more simply and accurately.

(2) The region where the electrode is arranged is a aponeurosis region, a region where the skeletal muscle layer is thin or small, or a region where the aponeurosis is dominant.

(3) The optimal electrode position (sweet spot) in the trunk abdomen, such as the left and right aponeurosis parts, uses a multi-electrode with a large overall area even if the electrode is placed aiming at a rough position. The optimum electrode position is well within the multi-electrode range.

(4) The arrangement of the electrodes may be an array electrode having a single column, or a matrix electrode having a plurality of rows and columns.

(5) It has an optimum electrode determination means that performs measurement by sequentially switching the drive of the subdivided electrodes and adopts the measurement value at the optimum electrode position as the optimum measurement value.

(6) The most preferable electrode arrangement for measuring visceral adipose tissue is to arrange only one current application electrode among the four electrodes in the trunk abdomen, and the other current application electrode and two voltage measurement electrodes to the extremities. Is to place in. With this arrangement, even if the multi-electrodes in the trunk abdomen are subdivided, the influence of crosstalk between the electrodes can be minimized.

(7) It is preferable to reduce the size of the current application electrode, reduce the pitch of the multi-electrode, and increase the optimum alignment accuracy. Therefore, a required electrode area can be obtained by simultaneously applying current to a plurality of electrodes among the subdivided multi-electrodes (driving the plurality of electrodes simultaneously). The shift of the current application electrode is performed at the subdivided multi-electrode pitch, so that the optimum electrode can be easily and accurately found while avoiding the influence of the spreading resistance. When the multi-electrode is a matrix electrode, the electrodes can be switched while simultaneously driving a plurality of electrodes.

  Next, based on the measurement principle of the present invention as described above, the optimal position of the electrode is searched, and the trunk visceral / subcutaneous of the present invention for measuring the trunk visceral adipose tissue and / or subcutaneous fat tissue layer of the present invention. An embodiment of a fat measurement method and apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a state in which the grip electrode of the trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring device of FIG. 1 is gripped and the electrode on the contact surface is pressed against the trunk abdomen. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the main body included in the trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring device 1 includes a main body part 11 and two grip electrode parts 130 and 140 connected to the main body part 11 via electric wires 120L and 120R. The grip electrode parts 130 and 140 are held in the left and right hands, respectively, and they are pressed against the measurement site of the subject, for example, the abdomen, for measurement.

  An operation display panel 5 having an operation / input unit 51 and a display unit 52 and a notification buzzer 22 are provided on the front surface of the main body 11. For example, the notification buzzer 22 generates a buzzer sound when the measurement is completed.

  The operation / input unit 51 can be used to input body specifying information including height and weight, and various measurement results, advice information, and the like are displayed on the display unit 52 of the operation display panel 5. The operation display panel 5 may be formed as a touch panel type liquid crystal display in which the operation / input unit 51 and the display unit 52 are integrated. The display unit 52 may display the measured impedance.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a calculation / control unit 30, a power supply unit 18, a storage unit (memory) 4, a printing unit 31, and the like are provided inside the main body unit 11. The calculation / control unit 30 determines the amount of visceral fat tissue and the amount of subcutaneous fat tissue in the trunk based on the body identification information (weight, etc.) input from the operation / input unit 51, the measured impedance, the above-described formulas, and the like. In addition, the visceral fat / subcutaneous fat ratio, etc. are calculated, the influence removal processing due to respiration, the internal organ tissue abnormality determination, etc. are performed, and various other input / output, measurement, calculation, and the like are performed.

The power supply unit 18 supplies power to each part of the electrical system of the present apparatus.
The storage unit 4 stores body specifying information such as height and trunk manager, the above-described formula, and the like, and also stores an appropriate message for health guide advice as described later.

  The printing unit 31 prints various results, advice information, and the like displayed on the display unit 52.

  The impedance measurement unit of the main body 11 is configured to measure a potential difference in the current application electrode 10a for applying a current to the measurement site of the subject, a plurality of array electrodes A1 to n for current application, and the measurement site of the test subject. Voltage measurement for selecting a plurality of voltage measurement electrodes 11a to 11n, a current source 12 for supplying a current between the current application electrode 10a and the array electrodes A1 to n, and a predetermined voltage measurement electrode 11a to 11n depending on the usage mode An electrode selection unit 20 and a switching unit 21B for switching the array electrodes A1 to n are included. In addition, a differential amplifier 23 that amplifies the measured potential difference, a band-pass filter 24 for filtering, a detector 25, an amplifier 26, and an A / D converter 27 are included. The number of voltage measurement electrodes 11a to 11n is determined according to the usage mode and is not particularly limited. The number of array electrodes A1 to n is not particularly limited.

Referring to FIG. 1 again, the contact surface for making contact with the trunk of the grip electrode part 130 is provided with a plurality of array electrodes A1 to n as current application electrodes in the upper stage, and the voltage measurement electrode 11e in the lower stage. Is provided.
A plurality of array electrodes A′1 to n, which are current application electrodes, are provided on the upper surface of the contact surface for contacting the trunk of the grip electrode portion 140, and a voltage measurement electrode 11f is provided on the lower portion. .
A current application electrode 10c and a voltage measurement electrode 11c are provided in the grip portion for gripping with the hand of the grip electrode portion 130. Alternatively, one of the current application electrode 10c and the voltage measurement electrode 11c can be provided.
A current applying electrode 10d and a voltage measuring electrode 11d are provided in the grip portion for gripping with the hand of the grip electrode portion 140. Alternatively, one of the current application electrode 10d and the voltage measurement electrode 11d can be provided.

FIG. 2 shows a state in which the grip electrode part of the trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring device of FIG. 1 is gripped and the electrode on the contact surface is pressed against the abdominal aponeurosis part to perform measurement.
In the first embodiment, measurement for obtaining visceral adipose tissue information can be performed. The array electrodes A1 to n (or A′1 to n) are pressed near the aponeurosis. A current is passed in sequence between any of the current application electrodes 10c and 10d of the grip portion and the array electrodes A1 to n (or A′1 to n) of the contact surface, and a potential difference between the two voltage measurement electrodes is detected. The two voltage measurement electrodes are on the contact surface of the grip electrode part 140 with one of the voltage measurement electrodes 11c and 11d of the grip part on the arm side opposite to the energization use side of any of the current application electrodes 10c and 10d of the grip part. The voltage measurement electrode 11f (the voltage measurement electrode 11e on the contact surface of the grip electrode portion 130 when the array electrodes A′1 to n are used) is used. Based on the measured potential difference, an optimum electrode is determined from the array electrodes arranged on the aponeurosis. Next, a current is passed between the current application electrode and the optimum electrode of the grip part, and the impedance between the voltage measurement electrodes can be measured to obtain visceral fat tissue information.
The impedance can be measured by arbitrarily switching the voltage measuring electrode.

In the first embodiment, since the array electrodes A′1 to n and the voltage measurement electrode 11f are close to each other, measurement for obtaining subcutaneous fat tissue layer information can be performed. The array electrodes A′1 to n and the voltage measuring electrode 11f on the contact surface of one grip electrode 140 are pressed against the abdomen, and the current electrodes 10c and 10d of the grip portion are switched while switching the array electrodes A′1 to n. A current is passed between them to detect a potential difference between the voltage measurement electrode 11f and another voltage measurement electrode. The other voltage measurement electrode is either one of the current application electrodes 10c and 10d of the grip part, the voltage measurement electrode 11c and 11d of the grip part on the arm side opposite to the energization use side, or the contact surface of the grip electrode part 130. A certain voltage measuring electrode 11e is used. Based on the measured potential difference, an optimum electrode for the subcutaneous fat tissue layer measurement is determined from the array electrodes A′1 to n. After determining the optimum electrode, a current is passed between the optimum electrode and the other current application electrode, the potential difference between the voltage measurement electrode 11f and the other voltage measurement electrode is measured, and the subcutaneous fat tissue layer information is obtained. Obtainable.
It is possible to measure the impedance by arbitrarily switching the current application electrode and applying a current and arbitrarily switching the voltage measurement electrode.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the main body included in the trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring device. Another embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, in addition to the array electrode, not only one current application electrode 10a for applying a current to the measurement site of the subject but also n current application electrodes 10a to 10n. And a current application electrode selection unit 21A for selecting the current application electrodes 10a to 10n according to the usage mode.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring device according to the second embodiment, the left and right grip electrode portions 130 and 140 are integrally connected to the main body portion 11 ′. The body portion 11 ′ and the left and right grip electrode portions 130, 140 are connected so as to be bendable, and fit to the curved surface of the human abdomen for measurement. An operation display panel 5 is provided in the main body 11 ′.
The contact surface for bringing the grip electrode portions 130 and 140 into contact with the trunk portions and the electrode arrangement of the grip portions are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, on the contact surface of the grip electrode portion 130, a plurality of array electrodes A1 to n as current application electrodes are provided on the upper stage, and voltage measurement electrodes (not shown) are provided on the lower stage. A current application electrode 10c and a voltage measurement electrode 11c are provided in the grip portion for gripping with the hand of the grip electrode portion 130. On the contact surface of the grip electrode part 140, a plurality of array electrodes A′1 to n as current application electrodes are provided on the upper stage, and voltage measurement electrodes (not shown) are provided on the lower stage. The grip portion for gripping with the hand of the grip electrode portion 140 is provided with a current applying electrode 10d and a voltage measuring electrode 11d.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of a trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement device according to the third embodiment includes a main body 11 and one grip electrode part 135. The grip electrode portion 135 is a combination of the left and right grip portions.
The grip portion for gripping with the left hand of the grip electrode portion 135 is provided with a current application electrode 10c and a voltage measurement electrode 11c. Alternatively, one of the current application electrode 10c and the voltage measurement electrode 11c can be provided.
The grip portion for gripping with the right hand of the grip electrode portion 135 is provided with a current application electrode 10d and a voltage measurement electrode 11d. Alternatively, one of the current application electrode 10d and the voltage measurement electrode 11d can be provided.
A plurality of array electrodes A1 to n (current application electrodes) and a voltage measurement electrode 11e are provided on the contact surface for contacting the trunk of the grip electrode portion 135.

  FIG. 6 (b) shows the measurement of the gripping electrode of the trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring device according to the third embodiment, and pressing the electrode on the contact surface near the abdominal aponeurosis. Indicates the state.

FIG. 7A is a schematic view of a trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, in the trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring device, a body part 11 having a weight scale and pullable grip electrode parts 130 and 140 are connected by electric wires 120L and 120R, respectively.
The grip portion for gripping with the left hand of the grip electrode portion 130 is provided with a current application electrode 10c and a voltage measurement electrode 11c. Alternatively, one of the current application electrode 10c and the voltage measurement electrode 11c can be provided.
A current application electrode 10d and a voltage measurement electrode 11d are provided in the grip portion for gripping with the right hand of the grip electrode portion 140. Alternatively, one of the current application electrode 10d and the voltage measurement electrode 11d can be provided.
FIG. 7B shows an enlarged view of one grip portion 140. One end of one grip electrode part 140 is provided with array electrodes A1 to n for applying a pressing current to the trunk.
On the upper surface of the main body 11, a current application electrode 10a for the left foot, a voltage measurement electrode 11a, a current application electrode 10b for the right foot, and a voltage measurement electrode 11b are provided. An operation display panel 5 is also provided.

In the fourth embodiment, first, the array electrodes A1 to n at the tip of one grip electrode portion 140 are pressed against the abdomen, and between any one of the current application electrodes 10a to 10d and the array electrodes A1 to n. A current is applied in sequence to detect a potential difference between the two voltage measurement electrodes, and an optimum electrode is determined from the array electrodes. A current is applied between the determined optimal electrode and another current application electrode, and measurement for obtaining visceral adipose tissue information is performed.
The potential difference can be measured by arbitrarily switching the current application electrode to apply a current and arbitrarily switching the voltage measurement electrode.
Although not shown in FIG. 7, if a voltage measurement electrode is provided in the vicinity of the array electrodes A1 to n, measurement for obtaining subcutaneous fat tissue information can be performed.

The current application electrode 10 and the voltage measurement electrode 11 may be realized by performing metal plating on the surface of the SUS material and the resin material. This type of electrode is used by coating a water-retaining polymer film on the surface of a metal electrode to wipe off moisture before measurement or wet it with water. By soaking in water, the stability of the electrical contact with the skin can be ensured.
Alternatively, an adhesive sticking type electrode can be used. In this method, a replaceable adhesive pad is attached to the base electrode surface of each electrode to improve the contact stability with the skin. This type is often used in, for example, a low-frequency treatment device, an electrocardiogram electrode, and the like, and there are a disposable type that is removed after the measurement and discarded, and a type that is repeatedly used.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8, an aspect of electrode arrangement in the case of measuring trunk impedance among the measurement of bioimpedance between various body parts by the limb guidance method used in this apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 8A shows a case where the trunk impedance is measured by energizing between the right hand and the right foot and measuring the potential difference between the left hand and the left foot (the energization route between the upper right limb and the right lower limb). The trunk abdomen bioimpedance Ztmrr is shown). In this case, the right hand current application electrode 10d and the right foot current application electrode 10b are used as current application electrodes, and the left hand voltage measurement electrode 11c and the left foot voltage measurement electrode 11a are used as voltage measurement electrodes.

  FIG. 8B shows a case where the trunk impedance is measured by energizing between the left hand and the left foot and measuring the potential difference between the right hand and the right foot (the energization route between the left upper limb and the left lower limb). The trunk abdomen bioimpedance Ztmll is shown). In this case, the left hand current application electrode 10c and the left foot current application electrode 10a are used as current application electrodes, and the right hand voltage measurement electrode 11d and the right foot voltage measurement electrode 11b are used as voltage measurement electrodes.

  FIG. 8C shows a case where the trunk impedance is measured by energizing between the right hand and the left foot and measuring the potential difference between the left hand and the right foot (the energization route between the upper right limb and the left lower limb). The trunk abdomen bioimpedance Ztmrl is shown). In this case, the right hand current application electrode 10d and the left foot current application electrode 10a are used as current application electrodes, and the left hand voltage measurement electrode 11c and the right foot voltage measurement electrode 11b are used as voltage measurement electrodes.

  FIG. 8D shows a case where the trunk impedance is measured by energizing between the left hand and the right foot and measuring the potential difference between the right hand and the left foot (the energization route between the left upper limb and the right lower limb). Trunk abdominal bioimpedance Ztmlr is shown). In this case, the left hand current application electrode 10c and the right foot current application electrode 10b are used as current application electrodes, and the right hand voltage measurement electrode 11d and the left foot voltage measurement electrode 11a are used as voltage measurement electrodes. The electrode switching in the measurement of bioimpedance between various body parts by such limb guidance method is performed under the control of the calculation / control unit 7 under the control of the person to be measured (user) touching each electrode. This is performed by the application electrode switching unit 21A and the voltage measurement electrode switching unit 20.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the trunk abdomen (middle part). The tissues constituting the trunk abdomen are subcutaneous fat tissue layer (FS), skeletal muscle tissue layer (MM), internal organ tissue ( VM), visceral adipose tissue (FV) adhering to the gap. When energizing the trunk, most of the current is considered to be energized to the skeletal muscle tissue layer. This is because the electrical conductivity of the skeletal muscle tissue layer is better than that of other tissues. The internal organ tissue is considered in series with the visceral adipose tissue, and it can be seen that the amount of energization can be expected to change depending on the size of the visceral adipose tissue.

FIG. 10 shows the structure of the trunk abdomen of FIG. 9 as an electrical equivalent circuit, and shows a simplified trunk abdomen equivalent circuit in which the subcutaneous fat tissue layer is omitted, as described above (4). This is a trunk abdominal equivalent circuit considered in the approach 1 approach. FIG. 11 similarly shows the structure of the trunk abdomen of FIG. 9 as an electrical equivalent circuit, and shows an equivalent circuit of the trunk abdomen considered without omitting the subcutaneous fat tissue layer, It is an equivalent circuit of the trunk abdomen considered by the method of approach 2 in (5). Note that, as described above, Ztm is the impedance of the entire trunk, ZFS is the impedance of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer, ZMM is the impedance of the skeletal muscle tissue layer, and ZVM is as described above. The internal organ tissue impedance, ZFV, represents the visceral fat tissue impedance. As described above, in the equivalent circuit of FIG.
Ztm ≒ ZMM // (ZVM + ZFV)
In the equivalent circuit of FIG. 11, a relational expression of Ztm = ZFS // ZMM // (ZVM + ZFV) is established.

<Subcutaneous adipose tissue layer measurement or selective measurement of subcutaneous adipose tissue layer and visceral adipose tissue>
In particular, a technique used for subcutaneous fat tissue layer measurement or selective measurement of subcutaneous fat tissue layer and visceral fat tissue will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram in which the schematic diagram of the trunk shown in FIG. 9 is modeled by the abdominal circumference cross section at the umbilical height. As shown in this figure, the trunk cross section includes the outermost subcutaneous adipose tissue layer (FS), the skeletal muscle tissue layer (MM) just inside, and the inner organ tissue (VM) inside. It includes visceral adipose tissue (FV) surrounding it.

  FIG. 13 shows the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 12 as an electrical equivalent circuit. For example, when the current (I) is applied at the current application electrodes 10e and 10f and the potential difference (V) is measured by the voltage measurement electrodes 11e and 11f, the electrical resistance in this equivalent circuit is mainly around the umbilicus. Impedance of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer (ZFS1, ZFS2), Impedance of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer around the abdomen (ZFS0), Impedance of the skeletal muscle tissue layers on the left and right sides of the navel (ZMM1, ZMM2), Visible as visceral fat tissue impedance (ZFV1, ZFV2), and further as internal organ tissue impedance near the trunk center (ZVM).

  FIG. 14 shows a circuit obtained by further simplifying FIG. Since ZFS1 and ZFS2 are considered to have substantially the same size, they are represented as ZFS having the same value, and ZMM1 and ZMM2 or ZFV1 and ZFV2 are represented as ZMM and ZFV, respectively. In addition, ZFS0, which is considered to be significantly lower in conductivity than other regions, is omitted. The point where this can be omitted will be apparent from the description in “1. Modeling of electrical equivalent circuit of trunk structure” (1).

  Next, the relationship between the interelectrode distance and the spreading resistance in the four-electrode method will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 shows the relationship between the distance between the electrodes and the spreading resistance. In the drawing, a portion 30 surrounded by a round dotted line indicates a spreading resistance region. The current from the current application electrode gradually spreads in the subject's body after application, but does not spread so much in the region immediately after application, i.e., in the spreading resistance region. Very high compared to other areas. Therefore, when the current application electrodes 10e and 10f and the voltage measurement electrodes 11e and 11f are arranged too close to each other, the potential difference measured at the voltage measurement electrodes 11e and 11f spreads and is greatly affected by the current in the resistance region. .

For example, as is apparent from the above-described formula 2, the impedance (ZFS) of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer near the umbilicus, the impedance (ZFS0) of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer around the abdomen, the impedance (ZMM) of the skeletal muscle tissue layer, viscera Between the impedance of the fat tissue (ZFV) and the impedance of the internal organ tissue near the center of the trunk (ZVM),
ZFS >> (ZVM + ZFV) >> ZMM
There is a relationship.
Therefore, the potential difference measurement impedance ΣZ1 when arranged close to each other with almost no distance between the IV electrodes is as follows:
ΣZ1 = 2 * ZFS + ZMM // (ZVM + ZFV) ≈2 * ZFS
It becomes. As is clear from this, ZFS is amplified several times under the influence of spreading resistance, and information by ZFS is dominant here.

In order to reduce the influence of the spreading resistance, it is necessary to increase the distance between the current application electrode and the voltage measurement electrode. For example, the potential difference measurement impedance ΣZ2 when the distance between the IV electrodes is secured to about 10 cm is
ΣZ2≈2 * ZFS + ZMM // (ZVM + ZFV)
It is. As is apparent, the influence of the spreading resistance is somewhat reduced by increasing the distance between the I and V electrodes. However, the ZFS information is still dominant only by being separated by this degree.

In order to examine the influence of the spreading resistance in detail, as shown in FIG. 16, the distance between the IV electrodes and between the VV electrodes at the electrodes 11e, 11f, 11g, and 11h is about 1/3 each. Consider a case where about 10 cm is secured and arranged. However, the electrodes 10e and 11e and the electrodes 10f and 11h are arranged close to each other with almost no IV-electrode distance. In this case, the potential difference measurement impedance ΣZ3 is
ΣZ3≈2 * ZFS + ZMM // (ZVM + ZFV).
At this time, the relationship between the voltage drop (potential difference) measured between the electrodes is approximately as follows.
V1 = I * ZMM // (ZVM + ZFV)
V2 = V3 = I * 2 * ZFS
V1: (V2 + V3) ≈1-2: 10-20 = S: N
Variations in S 1-2 and N 10-20 in the above formula are due to individual differences in the thickness of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer and the development of the skeletal muscle tissue layer. As can be seen from this result, it is difficult to say that a sufficient S / N can be secured even if the distance between the electrodes is adjusted.

In addition, since most of the current is predominantly energized in the skeletal muscle tissue layer, it is not possible to sufficiently secure energization sensitivity to the composite tissue layer of internal organ tissue and visceral adipose tissue. That is, if the current flowing in the skeletal muscle tissue layer is I1, and the current flowing in the composite tissue layer of the internal organ tissue and visceral fat tissue to be measured is I2,
V1 = I * ZMM // (ZVM + ZFV) = I1 * ZMM = I2 * (ZVM + ZFV)
I = I1 + I2
And therefore
ZMM: (ZVM + ZFV) = I2: I1≈1: 2-5
It becomes. As is clear from this, even if the influence of spreading resistance can be eliminated, the current flowing through the skeletal muscle tissue layer reaches 2-5 times the current flowing through the internal organ tissue and visceral adipose tissue. The S / N characteristic is further deteriorated. In this way, in a thick and short measurement site such as the trunk, even if the inter-electrode distance is adjusted, the upper limit is determined by the distance between the current application electrodes, so there is a limit to improving the S / N characteristics. is there.

  According to the present invention, not only subcutaneous fat tissue layer information but also visceral fat tissue information can be simultaneously measured as information separated from each other. The apparatus of the present invention has both a voltage measurement electrode for measuring visceral adipose tissue and a voltage measurement electrode for measuring a subcutaneous adipose tissue layer, and these electrode arrangements are selectively switched by a switching means. Thus, it is possible to measure both visceral fat tissue information and subcutaneous fat tissue layer information. The purpose of both simultaneous measurements is to measure the error factors during measurement due to breathing etc. at a sampling timing faster than the fluctuation of breathing, etc., so that both error factors can be relatively eliminated by measuring them simultaneously in the same environment. There is to do. Therefore, in addition to breathing, the influence of heartbeat and other body movements can be considered. In addition to speeding up, the same purpose can be achieved by smoothing processing in the same measurement environment.

  Next, a basic concept for measuring the trunk visceral / subcutaneous adipose tissue according to the present invention will be briefly described.

  In the present invention, the concept of the four-electrode method is used. Regarding the basic four electrodes used in the four-electrode method, one of the current-applying electrode side necessary for energization is a limb or head that protrudes from the trunk (for example, a clip electrode on the ear of the head) And the other current application electrode is placed on the trunk abdomen. According to this configuration, for example, since it is possible to perform measurement between the trunk and a clip electrode portion attached to the ear, it is possible to measure a subject who is bedridden and has both hands free (in this case) For example, the ear clip electrode portion may be pulled out from the apparatus main body with a lead wire). Further, according to the present invention, the electrode to be arranged on the trunk is only one of the current application electrodes, and the other electrodes, that is, two voltage measurement electrodes, are the remaining limbs other than the other current application electrode arrangement or You may make it arrange | position to a head. Here, a new induction method applying the induction method of Organ et al. Can also be introduced. According to this method, the restriction on the side of the voltage measurement electrode disposed on the trunk abdomen can be significantly improved by using only one current application electrode disposed on the trunk abdomen.

  In the present invention, in order to easily measure the visceral fat tissue and subcutaneous fat tissue layer information of the trunk abdomen, energization to the trunk is simplified. For example, when measuring the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer, the other current application electrode is arranged on the trunk abdomen to be measured, and the current application electrode is arranged as a voltage measurement electrode arrangement for measuring the spreading resistance component immediately below the electrode. One of the voltage measurement electrodes is disposed in proximity to the electrode. The voltage measurement electrode on the other side is the information on the subcutaneous fat tissue layer (thickness) from the potential difference obtained with the voltage measurement electrode that is arranged with a distance to the extent that it is not affected by the spreading resistance from the current application electrode. Secure. The other voltage measurement electrode may be arranged on the trunk abdomen, or may be arranged on the extremities by a new induction method applying the induction method of Organ et al.

  In the voltage measurement electrode placement during subcutaneous fat tissue layer measurement, it is placed at a close position where the influence of the spreading resistance under the electrode is dominant from the current application electrode placed on the trunk, and the other can be almost ignored Securing the electrode. Both electrodes may be on the circumference of the umbilical cord, or one may be in the longitudinal direction of the trunk.

  Since the subcutaneous fat tissue thickness distribution on the circumference of the umbilical cord varies from person to person, it is advantageous to improve the estimation accuracy of the amount of subcutaneous fat tissue that can secure measurement information of a plurality of parts having individual characteristics. A plurality of current application electrodes arranged on the trunk side corresponding to one of the current application electrodes arranged on the limbs and the head are arranged near the circumference of the umbilical cord, and subcutaneous fat tissue layer information immediately below the current application electrode is obtained. The necessary number of voltage measurement electrodes that can be measured are arranged.

  In the present invention, when measuring visceral adipose tissue, the arrangement of the other current application electrode on the trunk abdomen to be measured is poor in electrical conductivity except for the skeletal muscle tissue layer constituting the trunk abdomen. By using the aponeurosis (connective tissue with skeletal muscle), the current from the limbs and the head is prevented from becoming dominant in the skeletal muscle tissue layer on the surface of the trunk, deep internal organ tissue + visceral fat Improves the sensitivity of the visceral adipose tissue by improving the ratio of the current applied to the composite tissue layer of the tissue.

In more detail, here
1) One of the current-applying current application electrodes is disposed on a protruding portion (for example, limb or head) from the trunk, and the other is disposed on the trunk abdomen.
2) The other is arranged in the aponeurosis part excluding the muscle abdomen on the skeletal muscle tissue layer of the trunk abdomen.
3) The optimal aponeurosis is the connecting section between the left and right abdominal rectus muscles and the external oblique muscles.
4) When a current is applied from the upper limbs and the head, the other current application electrode is disposed in the vicinity of the umbilical circumference in the aponeurosis.
5) When a current is applied from the lower limb part, the other current application electrode is arranged in the vicinity of the greater diaphragm near the upper limb than the umbilical circumference in the aponeurosis.
6) The electrode to be arranged on the trunk is only one of the current application electrodes, and the other electrodes, that is, the voltage measurement electrodes, are both arranged on the remaining limbs or head other than the other current application electrode arrangement. I can do it. Again, a new guidance method can be introduced that applies the guidance method of Organ et al.

  FIGS. 17 and 18 are schematic diagrams illustrating a state in which the optimum position of the current application electrode is searched while the current application electrode is moved in obtaining the visceral adipose tissue information of the trunk abdomen.

In FIG. 17A, in order to apply the current I, one current application electrode 10e is provided in the vicinity of the right aponeurosis 15R around the trunk of the umbilicus A, and the other current application electrode 10d is sufficiently separated from the trunk. It is provided on the upper right limb side, for example, the palm of the right hand. In order to measure the potential difference V, one voltage measurement electrode 11c is provided on the left upper limb side, for example, the palm of the left hand, and the other voltage measurement electrode 11b is disposed on the right lower limb, for example, the right foot sole. The virtual electrode position on the trunk when the voltage measurement electrode is provided on the upper limb or the lower limb is indicated by SA.
In this state, the current application electrode 10e is brought into contact with the trunk abdomen near the aponeurosis, and a current is applied between the current application electrodes 10d and 10e while being moved laterally on the circumference of the umbilicus as indicated by an arrow. The impedance is measured between the voltage measuring electrodes 11b and 11c to obtain visceral fat tissue information.

FIG. 17B is a diagram showing the relationship between the position of one current application electrode 10e on the trunk abdomen and the impedance. In the aponeurosis, the impedance is higher than that of the right lateral oblique and rectus abdominis muscles. Impedance is measured while moving one current application electrode 10e on the trunk abdomen. It can be easily identified that the position with high impedance is the position of the aponeurosis.
Thus, the current application electrode 10e can be reliably positioned on the aponeurosis.

  Further, FIG. 18 (a) shows a case where one current applying electrode 10e is provided on the right aponeurosis 15R of the trunk and the other current applying electrode 10b is sufficiently separated from the trunk, For example, it is provided on the sole of the right leg. In order to measure the potential difference V, one voltage measurement electrode 11a is provided on the left lower limb side, for example, the sole of the left leg, and the other voltage measurement electrode 11c is provided on the left upper limb side sufficiently separated from the trunk, for example, Set on the palm of your left hand. In this state, the current application electrode 10e is brought into contact with the trunk abdomen near the aponeurosis, and the impedance is measured while moving around the aponeurosis in the vertical direction as indicated by an arrow.

  FIG. 18B is a diagram showing the relationship between the position of one current application electrode 10e on the trunk side and the impedance. It can be seen that the aponeurosis part below the upper external oblique muscle has higher impedance, and the pelvic iliac part below it has higher impedance. One current application electrode is measured while moving on the trunk abdomen. It can be easily specified that the position where the impedance becomes a predetermined constant value is the position of the aponeurosis. Thus, the current application electrode 10e can be reliably positioned on the aponeurosis.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the optimum position of the electrode is searched while holding and moving the integrated current application electrode and voltage measurement electrode when obtaining the subcutaneous fat tissue layer information of the trunk abdomen. is there.
In FIG. 19 (a), in order to apply the current I, one current application electrode 10e is provided at the height of the umbilicus A in the trunk abdomen, and the other current application electrode 10b is separated from the trunk by the right lower limb side. For example, it is provided on the sole of the right leg. In order to measure the potential difference V, one voltage measurement electrode 11a is provided on the left lower limb side, for example, the sole of the left leg, and the other voltage measurement electrode 11f is placed close to the current application electrode 10e on the trunk abdomen. The electrode arrangement which arrange | positions and obtains subcutaneous fat tissue layer information is shown. In this state, a current is applied between the current application electrodes 10b and 10e while the current application electrode 10e and the voltage measurement electrode 11f are brought into contact with the trunk abdomen and moved laterally at the umbilical height as indicated by an arrow. Then, the impedance is measured by the voltage measuring electrodes 11a and 11f.

FIG. 19B is a schematic diagram of a cross section at the umbilicus position. The subcutaneous adipose tissue layer is almost not in the vicinity of the umbilical cavity, but is maximized at the front of the abdominal circumference, is reduced at the aponeurosis, has a maximum at the back, and is reduced at the position of the spine. FIG. 19 (c) shows the electrode position and impedance when the current applying electrode 10e and the voltage measuring electrode 11f are moved from the navel A to the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 19 (b) at the height of the umbilical cord in the trunk abdomen. It is a figure which shows the relationship. FIG. 19 (d) is a diagram showing the relationship between the electrode position and the distribution of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer. From these figures, it can be seen that there is a correlation between impedance and fat thickness. The impedance reaches its maximum at the maximum subcutaneous fat thickness at the front of the abdominal circumference, reaches a minimum at the maximum of the thickness of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer at the back, and decreases toward the spine.
Impedance is measured while moving the current application electrode 10e and the voltage measurement electrode 11f on the trunk abdomen. It can be easily identified that the position where the impedance is highest is the maximum thickness of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer and the position where the impedance is lowest is the minimum thickness of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer. In this way, the maximum and minimum parts of the thickness of the subcutaneous fat tissue layer can be easily found.

Next, using FIGS. 20 to 24, the current application electrode is held by hand and measured while moving on the trunk abdomen. A method for obtaining the current application electrode at the measurement position will be described.
FIG. 20 shows a state in which the multi-electrodes that are current application electrodes are array electrodes A1 to A8, and the array electrodes are arranged on the aponeurosis. While switching the array electrodes A1 to A8, a current is applied between the current applying electrode 10d arranged on the right hand, and the impedance is measured by the voltage measuring electrode 11b on the right foot and the 11c on the left hand. From the array electrodes A1 to A8, the electrode having the highest impedance can be selected as the optimum electrode. The number of electrodes of the array electrode is not limited to eight.

  FIG. 21 shows another electrode arrangement. An abdominal voltage measurement electrode 11e is provided instead of the right foot voltage measurement electrode 11b. The other electrode arrangement is the same as the electrode arrangement in FIG. Since the voltage measurement electrode 11e is provided close to the array electrodes A1 to A8, this electrode arrangement is suitable for obtaining subcutaneous fat tissue layer information.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the multi-electrodes are matrix electrodes arranged in a matrix of 8 rows and 3 columns, and the current application electrodes can be switched vertically and horizontally. Therefore, an optimal electrode can be selected in a two-dimensional plane. Other electrode arrangements are the same as in the embodiment of FIG. The number of vertical and horizontal matrix electrodes is not limited to that illustrated.

  FIG. 23 shows a state in which the array electrodes A1 to A8 are sequentially switched by the switching unit 21B in the embodiment of FIG. The drive 1 applies current to the electrodes A1 to A3, the drive 2 applies current to the electrodes A2 to A4, and the electrodes to which the current is applied are sequentially shifted. The drive 7 returns to the electrodes A1 to A3 and applies current. In this embodiment, current is applied to three electrodes at the same time, but the number of electrodes to which current is applied simultaneously is not limited to this. Further, the method of switching the electrodes is not limited to the illustrated one.

  FIG. 24 shows a state in which the matrix electrodes A1 to 8, B1 to 8, and C1 to 8 are sequentially switched in the embodiment of FIG. The switching unit 21B includes a row switching unit 21a and a column switching unit 21b, and can sequentially switch the rows and columns of electrodes arranged in a matrix. A current is applied to the electrodes A1 to 3 and B1 to 3 by the drive 1, a current is applied to the electrodes A2 to A4 and B2 to 4 by the drive 2, and the electrodes to which the current is applied are sequentially shifted. The drive 7 applies current to the electrodes B1 to B3 and C1 to C3, and sequentially shifts the electrodes to which the current is applied. The drive 13 returns to the original and the current is applied in the same manner as the drive 1. In the present embodiment, current is applied to 6 electrodes of 2 × 3 at the same time, but the number of rows and columns of electrodes to which current is applied is not limited to this. Further, the method of switching the electrodes is not limited to the illustrated one.

<Combination of electrode arrangement positions>
Next, referring to FIG. 25 to FIG. 30, an electrode for measuring adipose tissue, in particular, visceral adipose tissue, by the combined electrode arrangement of the extremities and the trunk, which can use the multi-electrode of the present invention. The arrangement will be described. According to the present invention, one of the current application electrodes arranged on the trunk can be a multi-electrode.

  25A to 25C, one of the current application electrodes for energization is provided in the palm (as the grip electrode part), the other current application electrode is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis), and the other two voltage measurement electrodes The electrode arrangement | positioning which arrange | positions a pair on a trunk abdomen is shown.

  FIG. 25A particularly relates to right arm-trunk abdomen energization measurement, and in order to apply current I1, one current application electrode 10d of the current application electrode pair is provided on the palm of the right hand (as a grip electrode part). For the abdomen, the other current application electrode 10e is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis), and the voltage measurement electrode pairs 11e and 11g and the voltage measurement electrode pair 11f are used to measure the potential differences V1 and V1 ′. , 11 g are respectively arranged on the trunk abdomen, and an electrode arrangement for measuring visceral adipose tissue is shown. In particular, the voltage measurement electrode 11f can be disposed anywhere as long as it can secure a distance from the current application electrode 10e on the circumference of the umbilicus that can avoid the influence of spreading resistance and can measure an equivalent potential. . Note that substantially the same measurement result can be obtained by either the potential difference V1 or the potential difference V1 '.

  FIG. 25B relates to the left arm-trunk abdomen energization measurement for measuring the potential difference V2, V2 ′ by applying the current I2. FIG. 46A shows the arrangement position of the electrodes symmetrically. is there.

  FIG. 25C relates to both arm-trunk abdomen energization measurement combining FIG. 25A and B, and in order to apply the current I3, one current application electrode 10d of the current application electrode pair (as a grip electrode part). Provided in the palm of the right hand, and further, one current application electrode 10c of the current application electrode pair is provided in the palm of the left hand (as the grip electrode part) and the other in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis) for the abdomen Current measurement electrode 10e, and in order to measure the potential differences V3 and V3 ′, the voltage measurement electrode pairs 11e and 11g and the voltage measurement electrode pairs 11f and 11g are arranged on the trunk abdomen, respectively. The electrode arrangement | positioning which measures is shown.

  26D to 26F, one of the current application electrodes for energization is provided on the sole (as the foot electrode part), the other current application electrode is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis), and the other two voltage measurements. The electrode arrangement | positioning which arrange | positions an electrode pair on a trunk abdomen is shown.

  FIG. 26D particularly relates to right leg-trunk abdomen energization measurement. In order to apply the current I4, one current application electrode 10b of the current application electrode pair (as a foot electrode part) is applied to the right leg. Provided on the back, the other current application electrode 10e is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis), and in order to measure the potential difference V4, V4 ′, the voltage measurement electrode pair 11f, 11g and the voltage measurement electrode pair 11e, 11 g is arranged on the trunk abdomen, and electrode arrangement for measuring visceral adipose tissue is shown.

  FIG. 26E relates to left leg-trunk abdomen energization measurement for measuring the potential difference V5, V5 ′ by applying the current I5. FIG. 26D is symmetrical with respect to the electrode placement position. It is what.

  FIG. 26F relates to both leg-trunk abdomen energization measurement by combining FIGS. 26D and 26E. In order to apply the current I6, one current application electrode 10b of the current application electrode pair is set to the right (as the foot electrode part). Provided on the soles of the legs, and further, one current application electrode 10a of the current application electrode pair (provided as a foot electrode part) is provided on the soles of the left leg and the other current application electrode 10e is provided in the trunk abdomen (tendon In addition, in order to measure the potential differences V6 and V6 ′, the voltage measurement electrode pairs 11e and 11g and the voltage measurement electrode pairs 11f and 11g are arranged on the trunk abdomen to measure the visceral adipose tissue. An electrode arrangement is shown.

  In FIGS. 27G to I, one of the current application electrodes for energization is provided in the head ear part (as a clip electrode part sandwiched between ear lobes and the like), and the other current application electrode is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis), The electrode arrangement | positioning which arrange | positions one or several voltage measurement electrode pairs on a trunk abdominal part etc. is shown.

  FIG. 27G particularly relates to the right ear-trunk abdomen energization measurement, and in order to apply the current I7, one current application electrode 10f of the current application electrode pair (as a clip electrode part sandwiched between the earlobe or the like). Provided on the right ear and head, the other current application electrode 10e is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis), and further, voltage measurement electrode pairs 11e and 11f are provided on the trunk abdomen to measure the potential difference V7. , Each showing an electrode arrangement for measuring visceral adipose tissue.

  FIG. 27H relates to left ear-trunk abdomen energization measurement for measuring the potential difference V8 by applying the current I8. FIG. 27G shows the left and right electrodes arranged symmetrically. It is.

  FIG. 21I relates to right ear-trunk abdomen energization measurement by the method of Organ et al. In which G and H in FIG. 21 are combined. In order to apply current I7, one current of the current application electrode pair The application electrode 10f is provided on the right ear part (as a clip electrode part sandwiched between ear lobes, etc.), the other current application electrode 10e is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis), and potential differences V9, V9 ′, In order to measure V9 ″ and V9 ′ ″, the electrode arrangement for measuring the visceral adipose tissue by arranging the voltage measurement electrode pair 11e, 11d, 11c and the voltage measurement electrode pair 11f, 11d, 11c on the trunk abdomen, respectively. Indicates.

  28J and 28K, one of the current application electrodes for energization is provided in the palm part (as a grip electrode part), and the other current application electrode is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis). An electrode arrangement is shown in which one is provided on the palm part (as a grip electrode part) opposite to the current application electrode and the other is arranged on the trunk abdomen.

  FIG. 28J relates in particular to the right arm-trunk abdomen energization measurement by the method of Organ et al., In order to apply the current I1, one current application electrode 10d of the current application electrode pair (as a grip electrode part). One voltage measurement common to each voltage measurement electrode pair is provided in the palm of the right hand, the other current application electrode 10e is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis), and the potential differences V10 and V10 ′ are measured. The electrode 11c is provided on the palm part (as a grip electrode part) opposite to the current application electrode 10d, and the other voltage measurement electrodes 11e and 11f of the two voltage measurement electrode pairs are respectively disposed on the trunk abdomen. The electrode arrangement for measuring visceral adipose tissue is shown.

  FIG. 28K relates to left arm-trunk abdomen energization measurement by the method of Organ et al. For measuring the potential difference V11, V11 ′ by applying the current I2, and FIG. It is symmetrical.

  In FIGS. 29L and M, one of the current application electrodes for energization is provided on the sole (as the foot electrode part), and the other current application electrode is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis). An electrode arrangement is shown in which one of the pair is provided on the sole part (as a foot electrode part) facing the current application electrode on the left and right, and the other is arranged on the trunk abdomen.

  FIG. 29L particularly relates to the right leg-trunk abdomen energization measurement by the method of Organ et al., And in order to apply the current I4, one current application electrode 10b of the current application electrode pair is (the foot electrode part). And the other current application electrode 10e is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis), and the potential difference V12, V12 ′ is measured to be common to each voltage measurement electrode pair. One voltage measurement electrode 11a is provided on the sole part that is opposite to the current application electrode 10b (as a foot electrode part), and the other voltage measurement electrode 11e, 11f of the two voltage measurement electrode pairs is disposed on the trunk abdomen. The electrode arrangement | positioning which each arrange | positions and measures a visceral fat tissue is shown.

  FIG. 29M relates to left leg-trunk abdomen energization measurement by the method of Organ et al. For measuring the potential difference V13, V13 ′ by applying the current I5. Are arranged symmetrically.

  30N to 30R, one of the current application electrodes for energization is provided in any one of the limbs (and the head), and the other current application electrode is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis). One of the voltage measurement electrode pairs is provided in the left and right limbs that are opposite to the current application electrode provided in one place of the limbs, and the other is provided between the electrodes on the left and right limbs of the upper and lower limbs that are not provided with the current application electrodes. The electrode arrangement | positioning arrange | positioned by electrically short-circuiting is shown.

  FIG. 30N particularly relates to the right arm-trunk abdomen energization measurement by the method of Organ et al., In order to apply the current I1, one current application electrode 10d of the current application electrode pair (as a grip electrode part). Provided in the palm of the right hand, the other current application electrodes 10e (left side) and 10f (right side) are provided on the left and right sides centered on the umbilicus A, and a voltage is measured to measure a common potential difference V14 with respect to the current application. One voltage measurement electrode 11c of the measurement electrode pair is provided on the palm portion (as a grip electrode portion) opposite to the current application electrode 10d, and the other voltage measurement electrodes 11a and 11b are electrically short-circuited so that the left and right legs The electrode arrangement | positioning which arrange | positions to a sole part (as a foot electrode part) and measures a visceral fat tissue is shown.

  FIG. 30O relates to the left arm-trunk abdomen energization measurement by the method of Organ et al. For applying the current I2 to measure the potential difference V15. FIG. It is symmetric.

  FIG. 30P relates to the right ear-trunk abdomen energization measurement by the method of Organ et al., In order to apply the current I7, one current application electrode 10h (left side) or 10g (right side) of the current application electrode pair. ) (As clip electrode portions sandwiched between ear lobes, etc.) on the left and right head ear portions, and correspondingly to the other current application electrodes 10f (left side) or 10c (right side) in the trunk abdomen ( In order to measure the potential difference V16, 16 ', one voltage measurement electrode 11d of one voltage measurement electrode pair is placed on the palm of the right hand and the other left and right leg voltage measurement electrodes 11b and 11a are placed on the aponeurosis. Electrically shorted to the sole, one voltage measuring electrode 11c of the other voltage measuring electrode pair to the palm of the left hand, and the other left and right leg voltage measuring electrodes 11b and 11a Place each on the sole Shows an electrode arrangement for measuring the visceral fat tissue.

  FIG. 30Q relates to the right leg-trunk abdomen energization measurement by the guidance method of Organ et al. In order to apply the current I4, one current application electrode 10b of the current application electrode pair is set to the right (as the foot electrode part). Provided on the sole of the leg, the other current application electrodes 10e, 10f are provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis), and one voltage measurement electrode 11a of the voltage measurement electrode pair is placed on the left to measure V17. An electrode arrangement is shown in which the visceral adipose tissue is measured by arranging the voltage measuring electrodes 11c and 11d of the other left and right palms electrically short-circuited and arranged on the soles of the legs (as foot electrode parts).

  FIG. 30R relates to the left leg-trunk abdomen energization measurement by the method of Organ et al. For applying the current I5 to measure the potential difference V18. The arrangement position of the electrodes is symmetrical with respect to FIG. 30N. It is what.

  Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 31 thru | or FIG. 34, the electrode arrangement | positioning for measuring the fat tissue by the limb and trunk | drum combined electrode arrangement | positioning which can use a multi-electrode, especially a subcutaneous fat tissue layer is demonstrated here. According to the present invention, one of the current application electrodes arranged on the trunk can be a multi-electrode.

  31S to 31U, one of the current application electrodes for energization (grip electrode part) is provided in the palm, the other current application electrode is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis), and the other two voltage measurement electrode pairs. The guidance method which arrange | positions on a trunk abdomen is shown.

  FIG. 31S particularly relates to right arm-trunk abdomen energization measurement, and in order to apply currents I1a and I1b, one current application electrode 10d of a common current application electrode pair is used as a right electrode (as a grip electrode part). Provided in the palm part, provided on the left and right sides centered on the umbilicus A in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis) as the other current application electrode 10e (right side), 10f (left side) for the abdomen, In order to measure the potential difference V1, V1 ′, one voltage measurement electrode 11e common to each voltage measurement electrode pair is provided on the trunk abdomen so as to be separated from the current application electrodes 10e, 10f. The other voltage measurement electrodes 11f (right side) and 11g (left side) are arranged close to the current application electrodes 10e and 10f, respectively, and the subcutaneous fat tissue layer or the subcutaneous fat tissue layer and the visceral fat tissue are selected. It shows an electrode arrangement for measuring the.

  FIG. 31T relates to the left arm-trunk abdomen energization measurement for measuring the potential differences V2a, V2a ′ by applying the currents I2a, I2b. The arrangement positions of the electrodes are symmetrical with respect to FIG. 31S. Is.

  FIG. 31U relates to both arm-trunk abdomen energization measurement. In order to apply currents I3a and I3b, one current application electrode 10d and 10c of the current application electrode pair is short-circuited (short-circuit wiring), 10d is provided on the palm of the right hand (as the grip electrode) and 10c is provided on the palm of the left hand (as the grip electrode), and the other current application electrode 10f corresponding to the applied current I3b is used for the abdomen. Provided on the left side around the umbilicus A in the abdomen (on the aponeurosis), the other current application electrode 10e corresponding to the applied current I3a is used for the abdomen, and the umbilicus A in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis) is centered Furthermore, in order to measure V3b and V3b ′, one voltage measurement electrode 11e common to each of the voltage measurement electrode pairs is separated from the current application electrodes 10e and 10f and provided on the trunk abdomen. The other voltage measurement electrodes 11f (right side) and 11g (left side) of the two voltage measurement electrode pairs are arranged close to the current application electrodes 10e and 10f, respectively, to form a subcutaneous fat tissue layer or subcutaneous fat tissue. Fig. 4 shows an electrode arrangement for selectively measuring layers and visceral adipose tissue.

In FIG. 32, one of the current application electrodes for energization is provided on the sole (as the foot electrode part), the other current application electrode is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis), and the other two voltage measurement electrode pairs. The guidance method which arrange | positions on a trunk abdomen is shown.
FIG. 32 particularly relates to right leg-trunk abdomen energization measurement, and in order to apply currents I4a and I4b, one current application electrode 10b common to each of the current application electrode pairs is connected to the sole of the right leg. The other current application electrodes 10e (right side), 10f (left side) are provided on the left and right sides of the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis) centered on the left and right sides, In order to measure V4a, one voltage measurement electrode 11e of the voltage measurement electrode pair is separated from the current application electrodes 10e and 10f and provided on the trunk abdomen, and the other voltage measurement electrode 11f is brought close to the current application electrode 10e. In order to measure V4b, one voltage measurement electrode 11e of the voltage measurement electrode pair is separated from the current application electrodes 10e and 10f on the trunk abdomen, and the other voltage measurement electrode 11g is Current application power Further, in order to measure V4c on the left side in the vicinity of 10e, one voltage measurement electrode 11e of the voltage measurement electrode pair is separated from the current application electrodes 10e and 10f and provided on the trunk abdomen, and the other voltage measurement is performed. The electrode 11h is placed close to the current application electrode 10f and on the right side thereof. Further, in order to measure V4d, one voltage measurement electrode 11e of the voltage measurement electrode pair is separated from the current application electrodes 10e and 10f, and the trunk abdomen. The other voltage measurement electrode 11i is provided on the left side of the current application electrode 10f in the vicinity thereof, and the subcutaneous fat tissue layer or the subcutaneous fat tissue layer and the visceral fat tissue are selectively measured. An electrode arrangement is shown.

In FIG. 33, one of the current application electrodes for energization is provided in the palm (as the grip electrode part), and the other current application electrode is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis), and one of the two voltage measurement electrode pairs. Is shown on the palm part (as a grip electrode part) opposite to the current application electrode, and the other is placed on the trunk abdomen.
FIG. 33 particularly relates to the right arm-trunk abdomen energization measurement by the method of Organ et al. In order to apply the current I1, one current application electrode 10d of the current application electrode pair is used as a right hand (as a grip electrode). In order to measure the potential differences V5 and V5 ′, one voltage measurement electrode common to each voltage measurement electrode pair is provided in the palm of the body and the other current application electrode 10e is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis). 11c is provided on the palm of the left hand opposite to the current application electrode 10d (as a grip electrode), and the other is placed on the left and right sides of the trunk abdomen in close proximity to the current application electrode 10e. An electrode arrangement for selectively measuring layers is shown.

In FIG. 34, one of the current application electrodes for energization is provided on the sole (as the foot electrode part), and the other current application electrode is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis). An induction method is shown in which one is provided on the sole (left and right) opposite to the current application electrode and the other is disposed on the trunk abdomen.
FIG. 34 particularly relates to the right leg-trunk abdomen energization measurement by the method of Organ et al., In order to apply the current I4, one current application electrode 10b of the current application electrode pair (the foot electrode part) And the other current application electrode 10e is provided in the trunk abdomen (on the aponeurosis), and the potential difference V6, V6 ′ is further measured to be common to the voltage measurement electrode pairs. One voltage measurement electrode 11a is provided on the sole (left and right) opposite to the current application electrode 10b (as a foot electrode part), and the other voltage measurement electrodes 11f and 11e are placed close to the current application electrode 10e on the trunk abdomen. An electrode arrangement for selectively measuring the subcutaneous fat tissue layer is shown on the left and right sides of the film.

<Flowchart>
Next, with reference to the basic flowchart shown in FIG. 35 and the subroutine flowcharts shown in FIGS. 36 to 42, the operation and operation of the trunk visceral adipose tissue measuring apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 will be described. To do.

  In the basic flowchart shown in FIG. 35, first, when a power switch (not shown) in the operation / input unit 51 is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 18 to each part of the electrical system, and the height and the like are displayed by the display unit 52. A screen for inputting body specifying information (height, weight, sex, age, etc.) including is displayed (step S1).

  Subsequently, according to this screen, the user inputs height, weight, sex, age, and the like from the operation / input unit 51 (step S2). In this case, the body weight may be input from the operation / input unit 51. However, the potential difference caused by the body identification information (body weight) is measured by the body weight measuring unit provided in the body unit 11 of the scale. It is also possible to measure and calculate the body identification information (weight) by the calculation / control unit 30. These input values are stored in the storage unit 4.

  Next, in step S3, it is determined whether or not morphometric measurement actual values such as trunk length and abdominal circumference length are input. If these morphometric measurement actual values are input, morphometric measurement is performed in step S4. The actual values such as trunk length and abdominal circumference are input from the operation / input unit 51, and the process proceeds to step S6. If it is determined in step S3 that the morphometric measurement actual value is not input, the process proceeds to step S5. These input values are also stored in the storage unit 4. Similarly, numerical information obtained in the following processing is stored in the storage unit 4.

  In step S <b> 5, the calculation / control unit 30 estimates the trunk length, abdominal circumference, and the like from the body specifying information such as height, weight, sex, and age stored in the storage unit 4 (for example, , Use calibration curve created from human body information database).

  Subsequently, in step S6, it is determined whether or not the optimum electrode position exploration process is to be performed. If it is determined that the optimum electrode position search process is to be performed, in step 7, an optimum electrode for measurement is determined from the array electrodes. Step 7 will be described in detail later with reference to a subroutine flowchart shown in FIG. If it is determined in step S6 that the optimum electrode position search process is not performed, the process proceeds to step S8.

  Subsequently, in step S8, the trunk impedance measurement process is performed by the impedance measurement unit. The trunk impedance measurement process will be described later with reference to a subroutine flowchart shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S9, the calculation / control unit 30 performs an estimation process of the trunk skeletal muscle tissue cross-sectional area (AMM). This calculation process is performed based on the above-described Expression 3 using, for example, the height H, the weight W, and the age Age stored in the storage unit 4.

  Next, in step S10, the calculation / control unit 30 performs trunk skeletal muscle tissue layer impedance (ZMM) estimation processing. This ZMM is performed based on the above-described equation 4 using the height H stored in the storage unit 4 and the AMM obtained in step S7.

  Next, in step 11, the calculation / control unit 30 performs a subcutaneous fat tissue volume (AFS) estimation process. Step 11 will be described in detail later with reference to a subroutine flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S12, the calculation / control unit 30 performs an estimation process of the internal organ tissue amount (AVM) and the internal organ tissue impedance (ZVM). Step 12 will be described in detail later with reference to a subroutine flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S13, the calculation / control unit 30 performs a visceral fat tissue impedance (ZFV) and visceral fat tissue volume (AFV) estimation process. Step 13 will be described in detail later with reference to the subroutine flowchart shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S14, the calculation / control unit 30 performs a calculation process of the visceral fat / subcutaneous fat ratio (V / S). This process is performed according to the above-described equation 15 stored in the storage unit 4.

Next, in step S15, the calculation / control unit 30 performs a calculation process of a physique index (BMI). This calculation process can be calculated from the weight W and the height H stored in the storage unit 4 by the following formula.
BMI = W / H ²

Furthermore, in step S16, the calculation / control unit 30 performs a calculation process of the trunk body fat percentage (% Fatt). This calculation processing is performed from the subcutaneous fat tissue volume (AFS), visceral fat tissue volume (AFV), trunk skeletal muscle cross-sectional area volume (AMM), and internal organ tissue volume (AVM) stored in the storage unit 4. It is calculated by the following formula.
% Fatt = (AFS + AFV) / [(AFS + AFV) + AMM + AVM] * 100

Next, in step S <b> 17, the calculation / control unit 30 performs a calculation process of the visceral fat rate (% VFat). This process is performed by the following formula from the trunk body fat percentage (% Fatt) and the visceral fat / subcutaneous fat ratio (V / S) calculated by the above-described calculation process and stored in the storage unit 4.
% VFat =% Fatt * (V / S) / [(V / S) +1]

  Finally, in step S18, the calculation / control unit 30 determines the visceral fat tissue information (AFV,% VFat), body composition information (% Fatt, AMM, AFS, AVM) obtained by the calculation process as described above, A display process is performed to display a physique index (BMI), advice guidelines obtained by a process described later, and the like on the display unit 52. As a result, the series of processing ends (step S19).

  Next, the subcutaneous fat tissue mass (AFS) estimation process in step S11 will be described in detail with reference to the subroutine flowchart of FIG. This estimation process is performed in step S20 using the numerical values stored in the storage unit 4 and the expressions 13 and 14 described above.

  Next, the internal organ tissue amount (AVM) and internal organ tissue impedance (ZVM) estimation processing in step S12 will be described in detail with reference to the subroutine flowchart of FIG. In this estimation process, the internal organ tissue amount (AVM) is calculated using the numerical values stored in the storage unit 4 and the above-described equation 8 in step S21, and the numerical values stored in the storage unit 4 in step S22. And using equation 12 above.

  Next, the visceral adipose tissue impedance (ZFV) and visceral adipose tissue volume (AFV) estimation processing in step S13 will be described in detail with reference to the subroutine flowchart of FIG. In this estimation process, the visceral adipose tissue impedance (ZFV) is calculated using the numerical values stored in the storage unit 4 and the above-described equation 7 in step S23, and the height H stored in the storage unit 4 in step S24. Then, the visceral fat tissue impedance (ZFV) and the above-described equation 10 are used to calculate the visceral fat tissue mass (AFV).

The optimum electrode position search process using the array electrode in step S7 will be described in detail with reference to the subroutine flowchart of FIG. By this processing, the optimum array electrode position for the measurement of the visceral fat tissue and the subcutaneous fat tissue layer is obtained as the optimum electrode from the plurality of array electrodes.
First, in step S25, initial settings such as a counter are performed. For example, m in Ztm _mx is an array electrode number, x is a time series number, and m = 0 and x = 0.
Next, in step S26, it is determined whether or not it is a measurement timing. As an example, the sampling period is Ts = 0.2 seconds. If it is determined that it is not the measurement timing, it is determined again in step S26 whether or not it is the measurement timing after a predetermined period. If it is determined that the measurement timing has been reached, a trunk exploration impedance (Ztm) measurement electrode arrangement setting process is performed in step 27.

The process proceeds to step S28 to perform array electrode (m = 1 to 8) selection processing.
m ← m + 1

  Next, the process proceeds to step S29 to drive the mth array electrode.

Next, the process proceeds to step S30, and trunk impedance (Ztm _x ) measurement processing is performed.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S31, where it is determined whether x> 1. If it is determined in step S31 that x> 1 is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S34.

If it is determined in step S31 that x> 1, the process proceeds to step S32, where the previously registered value of the trunk exploration impedance in the m-th array electrode arrangement is read and processed by the standard subroutine processing package. Therefore, the data replacement process is performed as follows.
Ztm _x-1 ← Ztm _mx-1

Next, the process proceeds to step S33, and exploration measurement impedance (Ztm _x ) data smoothing processing (moving average processing or the like) is performed.
Trunk exploration impedance: Ztm _x <-(Ztm _x-1 + Ztm _x ) / 2

Next, the process proceeds to step S34, where data replacement processing is performed as follows, and trunk exploration impedance measurement registration processing with the m-th array electrode arrangement is performed.
Ztm _mx ← Ztm _x

  Next, the process proceeds to step S35, where it is determined whether m ≧ 8. If it is determined in step S35 that m ≧ 8 is not satisfied, the process returns to step S26 to determine whether it is the measurement timing.

  If it is determined in step S35 that m ≧ 8, the process proceeds to step S36.

  Next, in step S36, optimal electrode arrangement position determination processing is performed. That is, the impedance between the eight array electrodes (m = 1 to 8) is compared with each other to find an arrangement that meets the conditions for the optimum electrode arrangement.

Next, the process proceeds to step S37, and the array electrode number corresponding to the optimum electrode arrangement and the exploration measurement impedance are registered by the following equation.
□ _x , Ztm _{□ x}

Next, the process proceeds to step S38, where it is determined whether x> the predetermined number n. If it is determined in step S38 that x> the predetermined number n is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S39.
x ← x + 1, m ← 0
And Next, it returns to step S26 and it is determined again whether it is a measurement timing.

  If it is determined in step S38 that x> the predetermined number of times n, the process proceeds to step S40, and the matching rate determination process of the array electrode numbers registered in the optimum electrode arrangement is performed. That is, it is determined whether the same number continues the specified number of times or is in the adjacent number range.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S41, and it is determined whether or not the optimum electrode arrangement determination condition is satisfied. If it is determined in step S41 that the optimum electrode arrangement determination condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S39, where x ← x + 1 and m ← 0.

  If it is determined in step S41 that the optimum electrode arrangement determination condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S42, and the stability determination process of the exploration measurement impedance measured with the optimum electrode arrangement array electrode number is performed. That is, a determination process is performed to determine whether the exploration measurement impedance is within a predetermined fluctuation value, for example, ± 1Ω.

Next, the process proceeds to step S43, and it is determined whether or not Ztm _{□ x} satisfies the stability condition. If it is determined in step S43 that the stability condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S39, where x ← x + 1 and m ← 0.

If it is determined in step S43 that Ztm _{□ x} satisfies the stability condition, the process proceeds to step S44, and the exploration measurement completion notification process is performed. That is, a buzzer or the like informs that the exploration measurement is completed, and completes this subroutine.

  Next, the trunk impedance measurement process in step S8 will be described in detail with reference to the subroutine flowchart of FIG. In this embodiment, the aforementioned 7. As described in (12) and (13), the “removal effect removal processing due to respiration” and the “abnormal value determination processing due to food and drink and water retention (urine etc.) in the bladder” are performed. First, in step S45, the calculation / control unit 30 sets the number of samples of measurement data of the impedance Ztm of the initial setting trunk such as a counter and the initial setting of the flag F based on an instruction from the operation / input unit 51 or the like. Do. F is a flag of “1” and “0”.

Subsequently, in step S46, the calculation / control unit 30 determines whether or not it is the measurement timing. If the measurement timing is determined, in step S47, the calculation / control unit 30 performs a trunk impedance (Ztm) measurement electrode arrangement setting process and performs a trunk impedance (Ztm _x ) measurement process.

  Next, when it is determined in step S46 that it is not the measurement timing, the process proceeds to step S48, and measurement impedance (Zx) data smoothing processing (moving average processing or the like) is performed. Then, in step 49, trunk impedance measurement data breathing fluctuation correction processing is performed. This correction processing will be described later with reference to the subroutine flowchart of FIG.

  Subsequently, in step S50, the calculation / control unit 30 performs time-series stability confirmation processing of the measurement impedance for each part. This is performed by determining whether or not each value after the trunk impedance measurement data breathing fluctuation correction process in step S47 has converged to a value within a predetermined fluctuation a predetermined number of times.

In step S51, the calculation and control unit 30, the measured Ztm _x it is judged whether or not to satisfy the stability condition. This determination is such that it is determined that the respiration median value is determined when the respiration median value for each respiration cycle enters a stable range within the specified number of times. If it is determined in step S51 that the stability condition has been satisfied, the process proceeds to step S52, where the determined median impedance value is used as the trunk impedance value, and the final stable condition determination value is used as the measurement value result. The value is registered in the storage unit 4 as a value. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S51 that the stability condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S46 and the same processing is repeated.

  Subsequent to step S52, in step S53, the calculation / control unit 30 performs an abnormal value determination process such as eating and drinking and urinary bladder retention, and in step S54, the notification buzzer 22 indicates the completion of the measurement (see FIG. 1). Using a buzzer or the like to notify the user, the measurement is completed. The abnormal value determination process in step 53 will be described later with reference to a subroutine flowchart of FIG.

Next, the trunk impedance measurement data respiration variation correction process in step S49 will be described in detail with reference to the subroutine flowchart of FIG. First, in step S55, the calculation / control unit 30 performs an inflection point detection process from the time-series data processed in step S48. In step S56, it is determined whether or not it is an inflection point. This is performed by detecting data of polarity change positions of the front and rear derivatives or difference values. If it is determined in step S56 that it is an inflection point, the process proceeds to step S57, and it is determined whether or not the maximum value is reached. This is a step of distributing the maximum value and the minimum value. When it is not the maximum value, the minimum value determination data moving average process is performed by the following equation stored in the storage unit 4 in step S58.
[Ztm] min _x ← ([Ztm] min _x-1 + [Ztm] min _x ) / 2

If the maximum value is determined in step S57, the maximum value determination data moving average process is performed in step S59 according to the following equation stored in the storage unit 4.
[Ztm] max _x ← ([Ztm] max _x-1 + [Ztm] max _x ) / 2

Subsequently, in step S60, it is determined whether the maximum value and the minimum value data for one breathing cycle are secured. If it is determined in step S60 that the data has been secured, in step S61, the respiration fluctuation median value calculation process (average value of maximum value and minimum value data) is calculated using the following equation stored in the storage unit 4. Operation).
Ztm _x ← ([Ztm] max _x + [Ztm] min _x ) / 2

Next, the abnormal value determination processing based on eating and drinking and urinary bladder retention in step S53 will be described in detail with reference to the subroutine flowchart of FIG. First, in step S62, the calculation / control unit 30 checks whether the trunk impedance (Ztm) is within a normal allowable range using the following equation stored in the storage unit 4.
Mean-3SD ≦ Ztm ≦ Mean + 3SD
Here, as an example of the allowable value, ± 3SD can be considered corresponding to 26.7 ± 4.8 (Mean ± SD).

  In step S63, it is determined whether the trunk impedance is within an allowable range. If it is determined that the value is not within the allowable range, the process proceeds to step S64, where the arithmetic / control unit 30 performs message notification processing regarding a trunk (abdomen) condition abnormality, and displays appropriate advice on the display unit 52. Etc. are made. As this advice, for example, notification such as “implementing preparatory processing such as defecation and urination for abnormal trunk condition” may be considered. Further, when the same determination result is obtained after the preparation process, the measurement can be completed using the abnormal value, and the measurement can be stopped.

  If it is determined in step S63 that it is within the allowable range, in step S65, the calculation / control unit 30 performs a message notification process regarding normal condition of the trunk (abdomen) condition, and displays appropriate advice on the display unit 52. Made. As this advice, for example, notification such as “normal condition of trunk” is conceivable.

  With such operations and operations, according to the present invention, visceral adipose tissue information of the trunk (trunk abdomen) can be obtained, and furthermore, the influence removal processing of fluctuation due to breathing, and the moisture in the bladder and the like It is possible to perform abnormality determination processing due to storage (such as urine) and provide advice information accordingly. In the above-described embodiments, the trunk visceral adipose tissue information is obtained as the fat percentage. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and by using an appropriate conversion equation or the like, the cross-sectional area amount or the volume amount is obtained. Or weight.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily and accurately measure the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue adhering to the vicinities of internal organ tissues.

  According to the present invention, the visceral adipose tissue of the trunk can be accurately measured with a small and simple device, so that it can be optimized for home use. Moreover, an abdominal condition check prior to measurement, that is, early check of inflammation or pathological abnormal fluid distribution in internal organ tissues or the like is possible, and appropriate health guide advice can be given accordingly. Therefore, it is possible for the user to obtain various information useful for self-management for maintaining and promoting sustainable health by appropriately performing daily diet and exercise and maintaining motivation for it. Can be very useful.

1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring device as a first embodiment of the present invention. It is an expansion perspective view of the grip electrode part used for the apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the other structure of the apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the apparatus of 2nd Embodiment of this apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state which hold | grips the grip electrode part of the apparatus of FIG. 6, presses the electrode of a contact surface to an abdomen, and is measuring. It is a perspective view which shows the apparatus of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged view of one grip electrode part of the apparatus of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the limb part guidance method. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of a trunk abdomen. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the structure of the trunk abdomen of FIG. 8 as an electrical equivalent circuit of the trunk abdomen, with the subcutaneous fat tissue layer omitted. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the structure of the trunk abdomen of FIG. 8 as an electrical equivalent circuit of the trunk abdomen without considering the subcutaneous fat tissue layer. It is the figure which modeled the schematic diagram of the trunk shown in FIG. 8 in the abdominal circumference cross section in umbilical height. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the model diagram of FIG. 12 as an electrical equivalent circuit. 13 is a simplified diagram of the circuit of FIG. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the distance between electrodes, and spreading resistance. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the distance between electrodes, and spreading resistance. It is the schematic which shows the state which searches the optimal position of the electric current application electrode in the case of measuring the visceral fat tissue of a trunk abdomen. It is the schematic which shows the state which searches the optimal position of the electric current application electrode in the case of measuring the visceral fat tissue of a trunk abdomen. It is the schematic which shows the state which searches the optimal position of the electric current application electrode in the case of measuring the subcutaneous fat tissue layer of a trunk abdomen. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the state measured while switching an array electrode. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the state measured while switching an array electrode. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the state measured while switching a matrix electrode. It is a conceptual diagram which shows switching of an array electrode. It is a conceptual diagram which shows switching of a matrix electrode. It is an example of the combination electrode arrangement | positioning of a limb part and a trunk. It is an example of the combination electrode arrangement | positioning of a limb part and a trunk. It is an example of the combination electrode arrangement | positioning of a limb part and a trunk. It is an example of the combination electrode arrangement | positioning of a limb part and a trunk. It is an example of the combination electrode arrangement | positioning of a limb part and a trunk. It is an example of the combination electrode arrangement | positioning of a limb part and a trunk. It is an example of the combination electrode arrangement | positioning of a limb part and a trunk. It is an example of the combination electrode arrangement | positioning of a limb part and a trunk. It is an example of the combination electrode arrangement | positioning of a limb part and a trunk. It is an example of the combination electrode arrangement | positioning of a limb part and a trunk. It is a figure which shows the specific measurement basic flow of the visceral fat tissue by the energization induction method to the trunk as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the estimation processing flow of the subcutaneous fat tissue quantity and subcutaneous fat tissue layer impedance as a subroutine of the basic flow of FIG. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an internal organ tissue quantity and internal organ tissue impedance estimation processing flow as a subroutine of the basic flow of FIG. It is a figure which shows the estimation processing flow of the visceral fat tissue impedance and visceral fat tissue amount as a subroutine of the basic flow of FIG. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a processing flow of electrode optimum position search as a subroutine of the basic flow of FIG. It is a figure which shows the limb part and trunk | body trunk impedance measurement processing flow as a subroutine of the basic flow of FIG. FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a trunk trunk impedance measurement data respiration variation correction process flow as a subroutine of the limb and trunk impedance measurement process flow of FIG. 40. It is a figure which shows the abnormal value determination processing flow by eating and drinking, urinary bladder urine storage, etc. as a subroutine of the limb part of FIG. 40, trunk trunk impedance measurement processing flow.

Explanation of symbols

1 Trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring device 4 Memory (memory)
5 Operation Display Panel 11 Main Body 10a-n Current Application Electrode 11a-n Voltage Measurement Electrode 15 Tendon Membrane 16 Side Abdomen 18 Power Supply Unit 20 Voltage Measurement Electrode Selection Unit 21A Current Application Electrode Selection Unit 21B Switching Unit 22 Notification Buzzer 23 Differential Amplifier 24 Bandpass filter 25 Detection unit 26 Amplifier 27 A / D converter 30 Calculation / control unit 31 Printing unit 51 Operation / input unit 52 Display unit 120 Electric wire 130, 140 Grip electrode unit A Umbilical A1-n, B1-n, C1-n Multi-electrode SA Virtual electrode position

Claims (28)

By applying a current to the current application electrode pair in order to pass a current through the trunk, and measuring the potential difference generated in the voltage measurement electrode pair, the impedance of the trunk is obtained, visceral fat tissue information of the trunk, and / or , A method for obtaining subcutaneous fat tissue layer information,
A multi-electrode composed of a plurality of electrodes that are one current application electrode is brought into contact with the trunk, and the other current application electrode is disposed at a position away from the one current application electrode,
Place one voltage measurement electrode and the other voltage measurement electrode,
While switching the multi-electrode in order, applying a current between the other current application electrode, measuring the impedance with the voltage measurement electrode pair, from the change of the value indicating the measured impedance, from among the multi-electrode Determine the best electrode,
When a current is applied between the determined optimal electrode and the other current application electrode, the visceral fat tissue information and / or subcutaneous fat tissue layer information of the trunk from the impedance measured by the voltage measurement electrode pair A method for measuring a visceral / subcutaneous fat of a trunk.   2. The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement method according to claim 1, wherein the multi-electrode is an array electrode in which a plurality of elongated electrodes are arranged adjacent to each other in an array.   2. The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement method according to claim 1, wherein the multi-electrode is a matrix electrode in which a plurality of small electrodes are arranged in a matrix in the vertical and horizontal directions.   4. The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement method according to claim 2, wherein the electrode selection unit sequentially switches the multi-electrode to which the current is applied while simultaneously applying the current to the plurality of adjacent multi-electrodes.   Each voltage measurement electrode of the voltage measurement electrode pair is disposed at a position sufficiently away from the multi-electrode and the other current application electrode, and from the change in value indicating the impedance of the trunk with the switching of the multi-electrode, The method according to claim 1, wherein an optimal electrode is determined from the multi-electrodes to obtain trunk visceral adipose tissue information.   The method according to claim 5, wherein the other current application electrode and each of the voltage measurement electrodes are arranged at a portion protruding from the trunk.   One voltage measurement electrode of the voltage measurement electrode pair is disposed in proximity to the multi-electrode in contact with the trunk, and the other voltage measurement electrode is disposed sufficiently separated from the multi-electrode and the other current application electrode. The method according to claim 1, wherein an optimum electrode is determined from the multi-electrodes based on a change in a value indicating the impedance of the trunk according to the switching of the multi-electrodes to obtain trunk subcutaneous fat tissue layer information.   The method according to claim 7, wherein the other current application electrode and the other voltage measurement electrode are arranged at a portion protruding from the trunk.   9. The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement method according to claim 1, wherein when the measured impedance takes a predetermined value, the electrode is determined to be the optimal electrode.   The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the measured impedance takes a maximum value or a minimum value, the electrode is determined to be the optimum electrode.   The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein when the determination of the optimal electrode is completed, the determination is made by displaying on the display.   The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein when the determination of the optimal electrode is completed, a notification is given by a buzzer. A current application electrode pair for applying a current to the trunk and a voltage measurement electrode pair for measuring a potential difference generated in the trunk, by measuring the potential difference generated in the voltage measurement electrode pair, A device for obtaining impedance of the trunk, thereby obtaining visceral fat tissue information of the trunk and / or subcutaneous fat tissue layer information,
One current application electrode is a multi-electrode composed of a plurality of electrodes,
A switching unit that sequentially switches the multi-electrode and applies a current to the other current application electrode;
An optimum electrode determination means for obtaining an optimum electrode from among the multi-electrodes based on the impedance measured by the voltage measurement electrode pair;
Visceral fat tissue information and / or subcutaneous fat tissue layer information is obtained from the impedance between the voltage measurement electrode pair measured when a current is applied between the optimum electrode and the other current application electrode. A trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring device characterized in that it is obtained.   14. The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement device according to claim 13, wherein the multi-electrode is an array electrode in which a plurality of elongated electrodes are arranged adjacent to each other in an array.   14. The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement device according to claim 13, wherein the multi-electrode is a matrix electrode in which a plurality of small electrodes are arranged in a matrix in the vertical and horizontal directions.   16. The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the electrode selection unit sequentially switches a multi-electrode to which a current is applied while simultaneously applying a current to the plurality of adjacent multi-electrodes.   17. The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein when the measured impedance takes a predetermined value, the optimal electrode determination means determines that the optimal electrode is the optimal electrode.   The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the optimum electrode determination means determines that the electrode is the optimum electrode when the measured impedance has a maximum value or a minimum value. .   19. The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein when the optimum electrode is determined, the optimum electrode determination means displays the notification on a display for notification.   19. The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein when the optimum electrode is determined, the optimal electrode determination means notifies the user with a buzzer. A current application electrode pair for applying a current to the trunk and a voltage measurement electrode pair for measuring a potential difference generated in the trunk, by measuring the potential difference generated in the voltage measurement electrode pair, A device for obtaining impedance of the trunk, thereby obtaining visceral fat tissue information of the trunk and / or subcutaneous fat tissue layer information,
A main body part, and a pair of grip electrode parts connected to the main body part by electric wires,
The contact surface for contacting the trunk part of at least one grip electrode part includes a multi-electrode composed of a plurality of electrodes that are current application electrodes,
The grip portion for gripping with the hand of each grip electrode portion includes at least one of a current application electrode and a voltage measurement electrode,
The main body portion sequentially switches the multi-electrode and applies a current between the other current application electrodes, and a switching portion,
An optimum electrode determination means for obtaining an optimum electrode from among the multi-electrodes based on the impedance measured by the voltage measurement electrode pair;
Visceral fat tissue information and / or subcutaneous fat tissue layer information is obtained from the impedance between the voltage measurement electrode pair measured when a current is applied between the optimum electrode and the other current application electrode. A trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring device characterized in that it can be obtained.   The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring device according to claim 21, wherein a grip electrode portion is flexibly connected to each side of the main body portion, and the main body portion and the pair of grip electrode portions are integrated. The main body is a weight scale,
The trunk internal organs / subcutaneous according to claim 21, wherein a current applying electrode and a voltage measuring electrode for a left foot, and a current applying electrode and a voltage measuring electrode for a right foot are provided on a portion on which both feet on the upper surface of the main body are placed. Fat measuring device.   The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement device according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the multi-electrode is an array electrode in which a plurality of elongated electrodes are adjacently arranged in an array.   The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measuring device according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the multi-electrode is a matrix electrode in which a plurality of small electrodes are arranged in a matrix in the vertical and horizontal directions.   26. The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement device according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the electrode selection unit sequentially switches the multi-electrode to which the current is applied while simultaneously applying the current to the plurality of adjacent multi-electrodes.   27. The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement device according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the grip portion for gripping with each hand of the grip electrode portion includes a current application electrode and a voltage measurement electrode.   The trunk visceral / subcutaneous fat measurement device according to any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein a voltage measurement electrode is provided in proximity to the multi-electrode provided in the grip electrode portion.

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