JP2011067351A - Body composition measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a body composition measuring device measuring a wide range of body composition continuously and precisely, and measuring the body composition with further precision. <P>SOLUTION: The pannicule measuring device 10 includes an optical measuring part 30 to measure pannicule, and a unit body 21 provided with the measuring part 30. It also includes a ball member 22 movable on the body surface, and a pressure measuring part 40 to measure pressing force of the optical measuring part 30 onto the body surface. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a body composition measuring apparatus for measuring body composition.

As a body composition measuring device, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a device for measuring the amount of subcutaneous fat in a living body.
This body composition measuring device includes a body composition measuring unit that irradiates light to the living body and receives light from the living body, and a sensor that measures the pressing pressure of the body composition measuring unit against the living body. Then, the measurement result of the body composition measurement unit is corrected with the measurement result of the sensor to calculate the subcutaneous fat mass, thereby increasing the measurement accuracy of the subcutaneous fat mass.

JP 2003-310575 A

  (Problem 1) When attempting to measure a wide range of distribution of subcutaneous fat mass with the body composition measurement device of Patent Document 1, the body composition measurement unit is separated from the living body every time measurement of subcutaneous fat mass for one location is completed, The user is required to perform an operation of pressing the body composition measurement unit on the next measurement site. For this reason, it is difficult to accurately measure the distribution of the body composition over a wide range.

  (Problem 2) In the body composition measurement device of Patent Document 1, the measurement result of the body composition measurement unit is corrected by the measurement result of the sensor to improve the measurement accuracy of the subcutaneous fat mass. It is not always done. For this reason, in order to measure the subcutaneous fat mass more accurately, it is desirable that the pressing pressure of the body composition measuring unit by the user is maintained at an appropriate level, but for now, a body composition measuring apparatus having such a function Has not been proposed.

  The present invention has been made to solve at least one of the above-described problems, and a first object thereof is to provide a body composition measuring apparatus capable of continuously and accurately measuring a wide range of body compositions. There is. A second object is to provide a body composition measuring apparatus capable of measuring body composition with higher accuracy.

  (1) The invention according to claim 1 is a body composition measuring device comprising a body composition measuring unit for measuring a body composition and a measuring device body provided with the measuring unit, and is movable for moving on the body surface. And a pressing force measuring unit for measuring the pressing force of the body composition measuring unit on the body surface.

  In this invention, since the pressing force measurement unit is provided, the measurement accuracy of the body composition can be increased by using the measurement result of the measurement unit. Moreover, since the movable part for moving on a body surface is provided, the measurement location of a body composition can be changed by moving the said body composition measuring apparatus with respect to a biological body. Therefore, a wide range of body compositions can be measured continuously and accurately. That is, the first object can be achieved.

  (2) In the invention according to claim 2, in the body composition measuring device according to claim 1, measurement of the body composition is started when the pressing force of the body composition measuring unit against the body surface is within an appropriate range. This is the gist.

  In this invention, since the measurement of the body composition is started when the pressing force of the body composition measuring unit with respect to the body surface is within the appropriate range, the measurement is performed when the pressing force is outside the appropriate range. Therefore, it can suppress that the measurement accuracy of a body composition falls.

  (3) The gist of the invention described in claim 3 is the body composition measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a transmission unit that informs the user of the result of measurement by the pressing force measurement unit.

  According to the present invention, since the transmission unit that informs the user of the measurement result by the pressing force measuring unit is provided, the user can operate the body composition measuring unit while checking the pressing force of the measuring unit on the living body. Can do. Thereby, since it becomes easy to measure the body composition in a state where the pressing force is appropriately maintained, the measurement accuracy of the body composition can be further increased.

  (4) The invention according to claim 4 is a body composition measuring device comprising a body composition measuring unit for measuring a body composition and a measuring device body provided with the measuring unit, and the body composition measuring unit on the body surface. The gist of the present invention is to include a pressing force measuring unit for measuring the pressing force and a transmission unit that informs the user of the result of measurement by the pressing force measuring unit.

  According to this invention, since the pressing force measuring unit is provided, the user can operate the body composition measuring unit while confirming the pressing force of the measuring unit against the living body. Thereby, since it becomes easy to measure the body composition in a state where the pressing force is appropriately maintained, the body composition can be measured with higher accuracy. That is, the second object can be achieved.

  (5) The invention according to claim 5 is the body composition measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressing force of the body composition measuring unit against the body surface is maintained within an appropriate range. The gist is to provide a pressure adjusting unit.

  In this invention, since the pressing force adjusting unit that maintains the pressing force of the body composition measuring unit with respect to the body surface is within an appropriate range is provided, in order to accurately measure the body composition, it is excessive for the user. It is possible to suppress the need for precise operation.

(6) The invention according to claim 6 is the body composition measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an auxiliary part for causing the movable part to follow the deformation of the body surface. And
When the body composition measurement unit is in a portion having an uneven shape on the body surface, the body composition measurement unit is inclined with respect to the body surface, and it is difficult to properly contact the entire measurement surface of the measurement unit with the body surface. Become. In the above invention, since the movable portion is provided with the auxiliary portion for following the deformation of the body surface, the influence of the uneven shape of the body surface on the body composition measuring portion is absorbed by the movable portion. Thereby, a body composition measurement part can be appropriately made to contact with a body surface also in a site | part with the uneven | corrugated shape of a body surface.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the body composition measuring apparatus which can measure a wide body composition continuously and accurately can be provided. Or the body composition measuring apparatus which can measure a body composition more accurately can be provided.

The block diagram which shows the structure about the subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The bottom view which shows the bottom face structure about the subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus of the embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the cross-sectional structure which follows the AA line of FIG. 2 about the subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus of the embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows typically the cross-section of the trunk | drum of a biological body. Sectional drawing which shows the cross-sectional structure which follows the BB line of FIG. 2 about the subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus of the embodiment. The front view which shows a user's state when measuring subcutaneous fat mass using the subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus of the embodiment. The top view which shows a user's state when measuring a subcutaneous fat mass using the subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus of the embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows typically the cross-sectional structure about the subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The top view which shows typically the external appearance of the transmission part about the subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows typically the cross-sectional structure about the subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus of 4th Embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows typically the cross-sectional structure about the subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus of 5th Embodiment of this invention.

(First embodiment)
With reference to FIG. 1, the structure of the subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the subcutaneous fat measurement device 10 irradiates the body surface 4 with light and receives the light propagated through the living body 1, and the subcutaneous fat based on the measurement data of the unit 20. The main body unit 100 for calculating the fat mass is included.

  The measurement unit 20 includes a unit main body 21 constituting the main body, an optical measurement unit 30 including a light emitting element 31, a first light receiving element 32, and a second light receiving element 33, and pressing of the optical measurement unit 30 against the body surface 4. A pressing force measuring unit 40 for measuring pressure (hereinafter referred to as “pressing force”) and a sphere 22 for smoothly moving the unit 20 on the body surface 4 are configured.

  The pressing force measuring unit 40 includes a strain gauge 41 that deforms according to the pressing force of the optical measuring unit 30 against the body surface 4, a detection circuit 42 that detects a change in an electrical signal accompanying the deformation of the gauge 41, and a gauge 41 And a lead wire 43 connecting the detection circuit 42. When the pressing force of the pressing force measuring unit 40 increases as the user operates the measuring unit 20, the detection circuit 42 detects a change in the electrical signal corresponding to the increase in the pressing force. When the pressing force of the pressing force measuring unit 40 decreases, the detection circuit 42 detects a change in the electrical signal corresponding to the decrease in pressing force.

  The main unit 100 includes a control unit 101 that calculates the subcutaneous fat mass based on the measurement result of the measurement unit 20 and transmits a control command to the measurement unit 20, and a display unit 102 that displays the subcutaneous fat mass as the calculation result. It is configured to include. The control unit 101 has a signal corresponding to the received light amount of each element, which is a measurement result of the optical measurement unit 30, and a signal corresponding to the pressing force of the optical measurement unit 30, which is a measurement result of the pressing force measurement unit 40. Each is sent.

  The control unit 101 calculates the amount of subcutaneous fat based on the received light amount of the first light receiving element 32, the received light amount of the second light receiving element 33, and the pressing force of the optical measuring unit 30. As the subcutaneous fat amount, at least one of the subcutaneous fat area, the subcutaneous fat volume, the subcutaneous fat thickness, and the subcutaneous fat weight can be calculated. In addition, at least one of abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness, abdominal muscle thickness, abdominal subcutaneous fat area, and visceral fat area can also be calculated.

  Based on the signal transmitted from the control unit 101, the display unit 102 displays various types of information including the subcutaneous fat mass. The user of the subcutaneous fat measuring device 10 can grasp the measurement result of the subcutaneous fat mass and the like through information displayed on the display unit 102.

FIG. 2 shows the bottom structure of the measurement unit 20.
As shown in the figure, the measurement unit 20 is provided with four spheres 22. The light emitting element 31, the first light receiving element 32, and the second light receiving element 33 are arranged in a line on the bottom surface of the unit body 21.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional structure taken along line AA in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the optical measuring unit 30 and each sphere 22 are provided in the main body 21 in a state in which a part thereof protrudes from the unit main body 21. The pressing force measurement unit 40 is provided in the unit main body 21 at a location corresponding to the optical measurement unit 30.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional structure of the body 2 of the living body 1.
As shown in the figure, subcutaneous fat 5 is present in the body 2 so as to surround the muscle 7. The periphery of the subcutaneous fat 5 is covered with the skin 3. Visceral fat 6 exists in the portion surrounded by the muscle 7.

  In the abdomen 2A, subcutaneous fat 5 is present throughout. On the other hand, in the back 2B, since the muscle 7 is present at the portion corresponding to the spine 8, the amount of the subcutaneous fat 5 in the central portion is smaller than that in the abdomen 2A.

The principle of measuring the subcutaneous fat mass will be described with reference to FIG.
The light emitted from the light emitting element 31 to the living body 1 propagates through the living body 1 while being scattered and absorbed, and appears on the body surface 4 again. This light is received by the first light receiving element 32 or the second light receiving element 33.

  Since the subcutaneous fat 5 becomes resistant to the movement of light, the amount of light transmitted from the living body 1 to the body surface 4 decreases when the amount of the subcutaneous fat 5 in the living body 1 is large. The amount of light received by the two light receiving elements 33 is reduced. On the other hand, when the subcutaneous fat 5 is small, the amount of light that propagates from the living body 1 to the body surface 4 increases, so the amount of light received by the first light receiving element 32 or the second light receiving element 33 increases. In the first light receiving element 32, among the light irradiated from the light emitting element 31 into the living body 1, the light propagated to the body surface 4 before reaching the muscle 7 is received. In the second light receiving element 33, among the light irradiated from the light emitting element 31 into the living body 1, the light propagated to the body surface 4 after having mainly passed through the skin 3 and the subcutaneous fat 5 and reached the muscle 7 is received. It is done.

  The control unit 101 calculates a received light amount ratio that is a ratio (B / A) of the received light amount ZB of the second light receiving element 33 to the received light amount ZA of the first light receiving element 32, and this ratio is further calculated by the pressing force measuring unit 40. Correction is performed based on the measured pressing force, and the result is calculated as the subcutaneous fat mass.

  The control unit 101 stores information that is confirmed in advance through a test or the like as the relationship between the received light amount ratio and the subcutaneous fat amount and the relationship between the pressing force and the subcutaneous fat amount. The relationship between the pressing force and the subcutaneous fat mass is based on the fact that the curve indicating the relationship between the received light amount ratio and the subcutaneous fat mass (fat mass curve) differs for each pressing force. A curve is stored.

  For example, when the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the pressing force allowable in the actual body composition are the upper limit pressing force Pmax and the lower limit pressing force Pmin, respectively, the control unit 101 has an upper limit pressing force Pmax and a lower limit pressing force Pmin. A fat mass curve for each constant pressing force during the period is stored. Then, when the pressing force is measured by the pressing force measuring unit 40, the one closest to the measured pressing force among the plurality of pressing forces corresponding to the fat amount curve is selected, and the fat amount curve corresponding to the pressing force is selected. The amount of subcutaneous fat is calculated based on the received light amount ratio calculated separately.

With reference to FIG.6 and FIG.7, the measuring method of the body composition by the measurement unit 20 is demonstrated.
When measuring the amount of subcutaneous fat around the abdomen 2A, the user holds the measurement unit 20 on one arm, for example, while standing, and moves the unit 20 along the body surface 4 while pressing the unit 20 against the body surface 4. At this time, the measurement unit 20 moves with respect to the body surface 4 in a state where each sphere 22 and the optical measurement unit 30 are in contact with the body surface 4. Then, the measurement unit 20 irradiates and receives light, and the amount of subcutaneous fat calculated based on the measurement result is displayed on the display unit 102.

According to the subcutaneous fat measurement device of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) According to the present embodiment, the pressing force measurement unit 40 is provided. Thereby, the measurement accuracy of the subcutaneous fat mass can be increased using the measurement result of the measurement unit 40. Further, a sphere 22 for moving on the body surface 4 is provided. Thereby, the measurement location of the subcutaneous fat 5 can be changed by moving the said subcutaneous fat measuring apparatus 10 with respect to the biological body 1. FIG. Therefore, a wide range of subcutaneous fat mass can be continuously and accurately measured.

  (2) According to this embodiment, the measuring unit 20 is provided with four spheres 22 for moving on the body surface 4 at the four ends. This makes it easier to move the sphere 22 in all directions, for example, up, down, left, and right, compared to the case where two spheres are provided, and the user can smoothly move the subcutaneous fat measurement device 10.

  (3) According to the present embodiment, the control unit 101 calculates a received light amount ratio that is a ratio (B / A) of the received light amount ZB of the second light receiving element 33 to the received light amount ZA of the first light receiving element 32. The ratio is further corrected based on the pressing force measured by the pressing force measuring unit 40, and the result is calculated as the subcutaneous fat mass. As a result, the amount of subcutaneous fat can be measured systematically.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the changes from the configuration of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the components common to the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, a pressing force measurement unit 50 including a pressure sensor 51 is provided instead of the pressing force measurement unit 40 including the strain gauge 41 of the first embodiment.
The pressing force measuring unit 50 includes an air bag 52 that deforms according to the pressing force of the optical measuring unit 30 against the body surface 4, a pressure sensor 51 that detects a change in pressure in the bag accompanying the deformation of the bag 52, And a detection circuit 53 that receives a signal related to the pressure from the sensor 51. When the pressing force of the pressing force measuring unit 50 increases with the operation of the measurement unit 20 by the user, the internal pressure of the air bladder 52 increases and the increase in the internal pressure is detected by the pressure sensor 51. Further, when the pressing force of the pressing force measuring unit 50 decreases, the internal pressure of the air bladder 52 decreases, and the decrease in the internal pressure is detected by the pressure sensor 51.

  According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effect (1) of the previous first embodiment, that is, the effect that a wide range of subcutaneous fat mass can be measured continuously and accurately, the first embodiment. The effects (2) and (3) described above can be achieved.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the changes from the configuration of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the components common to the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

  The subcutaneous fat measurement device 10 of the present embodiment is further provided with a pressure display unit 60 for transmitting the measurement result of the pressing force measurement unit 40 to the user. The pressure display unit 60 is connected to the control unit 101 of the main unit 100 through the transmission line 64. Further, the pressure display unit 60 includes a first indicator lamp 61 indicating that the pressing force is within the proper range, a second indicator lamp 62 indicating that the pressing force exceeds the proper range, and the pressing force is below the proper range. A third indicator lamp 63 indicating the effect is provided.

  When the control unit 101 receives the measurement result from the pressing force measurement unit 40, the control unit 101 turns on one of the first display lamp 61 to the third display lamp 63 based on the measurement result. That is, it is determined whether or not the pressing force measured by the pressing force measuring unit 40 is within an appropriate range set in advance. When it is determined that the pressing force is within the appropriate range, the first indicator lamp 61 is turned on. On the other hand, when it is determined that the pressing force measured by the pressing force measuring unit 40 is outside the proper range, it is determined whether the pressing force is above or below the proper range. When it is determined that the pressing force exceeds the appropriate range, the second indicator lamp 62 is turned on. When it is determined that the pressing force is below the appropriate range, the third indicator lamp 63 is turned on.

  The appropriate range here indicates the range of the pressing force that can ensure the accuracy required for measuring the subcutaneous fat by the subcutaneous fat measuring device 10, and is set in advance through a test or the like. Is done. As an example, there are the upper limit pressing force Pmax and the lower limit pressing force Pmin in the first embodiment.

  According to this embodiment, in addition to the effect (1) of the previous first embodiment, that is, the effect that a wide range of subcutaneous fat mass can be continuously and accurately measured, the following effect is obtained. Can play.

  (4) According to the present embodiment, the pressure display unit 60 that notifies the user of the result of measurement by the pressing force measurement unit 40 is provided. Thereby, the user can operate the measurement unit 20 while confirming the pressing force of the pressing force measuring unit 40 against the living body 1. Thereby, since it becomes easy to measure the subcutaneous fat 5 in a state where the pressing force is appropriately maintained, the measurement accuracy of the subcutaneous fat mass can be further increased.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the changes from the configuration of the second embodiment will be mainly described, and the components common to the second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

  The subcutaneous fat measuring device 10 of this embodiment is further provided with an adjusting mechanism 70 for automatically adjusting the pressing force of the pressing force measuring unit 50. The adjustment mechanism 70 includes a pump 71 that supplies air to the air bladder 52 via a supply passage 72 and a valve 73 that discharges air in the air bladder 52 via a discharge passage 74. Yes. When the valve 73 is in the closed state, the air is not discharged from the air bag 52. On the other hand, when the valve 73 is in the open state, the air in the air bladder 52 is discharged to the outside through the valve 73.

  When the control unit 101 receives the measurement result from the pressing force measurement unit 50, the control unit 101 controls the pump 71 and the valve 73 based on the measurement result, thereby maintaining the pressing force of the pressing force measurement unit 50 within an appropriate range. . That is, it is determined whether or not the pressing force measured by the pressing force measuring unit 50 is within an appropriate range set in advance. When it is determined that the pressing force is within the appropriate range, the valve 73 is maintained in a closed state and the pump By stopping the supply of air by 71, the internal pressure of the air bladder 52 is maintained. On the other hand, when it is determined that the pressing force measured by the pressing force measuring unit 50 is outside the appropriate range, it is determined whether the pressing force is above or below the appropriate range. When it is determined that the pressing force exceeds the appropriate range, the valve 73 is opened, the air in the air bag 52 is discharged, and the supply of air by the pump 71 is stopped, so that the internal pressure of the air bag 52 is within the appropriate range. To lower. On the other hand, when it is determined that the pressing force falls below the appropriate range, the internal pressure of the air bladder 52 is increased to the appropriate range by maintaining the valve 73 in the closed state and executing the supply of air by the pump 71.

  According to this embodiment, in addition to the effect (1) of the previous first embodiment, that is, the effect that a wide range of subcutaneous fat mass can be continuously and accurately measured, the following effect is obtained. Can play.

  (5) In the present embodiment, an adjustment mechanism 70 that maintains the pressing force of the optical measurement unit 30 against the body surface 4 within an appropriate range is provided. Thereby, in order to measure the amount of subcutaneous fat with high accuracy, it is possible to suppress an excessively precise operation from being required for the user.

(Fifth embodiment)
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the changes from the configuration of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the components common to the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

  The subcutaneous fat measurement device 10 of this embodiment is further provided with a sphere following mechanism 80 for causing the sphere 22 to follow the shape of the body surface 4 when the user moves the measurement unit 20 along the body surface 4. Yes. The sphere following mechanism 80 includes a spring 81 that applies a pressing force to the sphere 22 toward the body surface 4 and a support portion 82 that supports the end of the spring 81 opposite to the sphere 22. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the measurement unit 20 is brought into contact with the uneven surface portion of the body surface 4, the spring 81 corresponding to each sphere 22 is deformed according to the pressing force. Further, between the sphere 22 (right side in the figure) corresponding to the convex portion of the body surface 4 and the sphere 22 (left side in the figure) corresponding to the portion depressed from the convex portion, the deformation of each spring 81 is performed. The amount varies as follows. That is, the deformation amount of the spring 81 of the sphere 22 corresponding to the convex portion is larger than the deformation amount of the spring 81 of the sphere 22 corresponding to the recessed portion. And since the difference arises in the deformation amount of the spring 81 in this way, the influence of the uneven shape of the body surface 4 on the optical measuring unit 30 is absorbed. As a result, the entire measurement surface of the optical measurement unit 30 is maintained in contact with the body surface 4 even in a portion having an uneven shape.

  According to this embodiment, in addition to the effect (1) of the previous first embodiment, that is, the effect that a wide range of subcutaneous fat mass can be continuously and accurately measured, the following effect is obtained. Can play.

  (6) When the subcutaneous fat measuring device 10 is in a portion having an uneven shape on the body surface 4, the optical measuring unit 30 is tilted with respect to the body surface 4, so that the entire measurement surface of the optical measuring unit 30 is Proper contact with the surface 4 becomes difficult. In the present embodiment, a sphere following mechanism 80 for causing the sphere 22 to follow the deformation of the body surface 4 is provided. Thereby, the influence of the uneven shape of the body surface 4 on the optical measuring unit 30 is absorbed by the sphere 22, and the subcutaneous fat measuring device 10 is attached to the body surface 4 even in the uneven surface portion of the body surface 4. Can be properly contacted.

(Other embodiments)
Embodiments of the body composition measuring apparatus of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments exemplified in the above embodiments, and can be modified as shown below, for example. Moreover, each modification shown below is not applied only to corresponding embodiment, A different modification can also be implemented in combination with each other.

  In the third embodiment, the pressure display unit 60 and the sphere 22 are included in the measurement unit 20, but the sphere 22 can be omitted from the unit 20. Also in this case, since the user can operate the measurement unit 20 while confirming the pressing force, it becomes easier to measure the subcutaneous fat 5 in a state where the pressing force is appropriately maintained. It is possible to realize the subcutaneous fat measuring device 10 that enables measurement of a high amount of subcutaneous fat. In each of the embodiments other than the third embodiment, the sphere 22 is omitted from the measurement unit 20 and a pressure display unit 60 is newly added, so that the subcutaneous fat measurement device 10 that exhibits at least the same effects as described above can be obtained. Can be realized.

  In the third embodiment, the pressure display unit 60 for notifying the user of the detected pressing force is provided. However, the configuration for notifying the user of the pressing force is not limited thereto. That is, instead of transmitting the pressing force through the display on the pressure display unit 60, the measurement result of the pressing force measuring unit 40 can be transmitted to the user by sound, light, or vibration. For example, in the configuration in which the pressing force is transmitted by sound, the first sound indicating that the pressing force is within the appropriate range, and the first sound indicating that when the pressing force is a strong pressure exceeding the appropriate range. If the voice of No. 2 is a weak pressure that falls below the appropriate range, a third voice indicating that effect is output from the speaker, so that the user can confirm that the current pressing pressure is within the appropriate range. Whether or not can be notified.

  In the third embodiment, the pressure display unit 60 is further provided to the subcutaneous fat measurement device 10 of the first embodiment. Instead of or in addition to this, the main body unit 100 includes a pressing force measurement unit. Forty measurement results can also be displayed. Alternatively, the display unit 102 may be provided in the measurement unit 20, and the measurement result of the pressing force measurement unit 40 may be displayed on the display unit 102.

  In the third embodiment, the control unit 101 controls the pressure display unit 60. However, the control unit 101 may be omitted together with the main unit 100, and the pressure display unit 60 may be controlled as follows. it can. That is, a control circuit for controlling the pressure display unit 60 based on the pressing force is provided on the detection circuit 42, and the control circuit and the pressure display unit 60 are connected to each other. In this case, when the pressing force measured by the pressing force measuring unit 40 is within an appropriate range, a signal indicating that the first indicator lamp 61 is lit is transmitted from the control circuit to the indicator lamp 61. Further, when the pressing force measured by the pressing force measuring unit 40 exceeds the appropriate range, a signal indicating that the second indicator lamp 62 is lit is transmitted from the control circuit to the indicator lamp 62. Further, when the pressing force measured by the pressing force measuring unit 40 falls below the appropriate range, a signal to light the third indicator lamp 63 is transmitted from the control circuit to the indicator lamp 63.

  In the fourth embodiment, the pressing force of the optical measurement unit 30 is adjusted by changing the internal pressure of the air bag 52. However, instead of the air bag 52, a liquid bag filled with liquid is used. It can also be adopted. In this case, a liquid channel connecting the outlet of the valve and the inlet of the pump, and a liquid storage part for storing the liquid in the middle of the channel are newly provided. When the control unit 101 determines that the pressing force measured by the pressing force measurement unit 50 falls below the appropriate range, the control unit 101 supplies the liquid in the liquid storage unit to the liquid bag by the pump, and thereby the pressing force measurement unit 50 presses the liquid. Increase pressure. On the other hand, when it is determined that the pressing force measured by the pressing force measurement unit 50 exceeds the appropriate range, the valve is opened to return the liquid in the liquid bag to the liquid storage unit, thereby the pressing force of the pressing force measurement unit 50 Reduce.

  In the fourth embodiment, the control unit 101 controls the pump 71 and the valve 73. However, the control unit 101 is omitted together with the main unit 100, and the pump 71 and the valve 73 are controlled as follows. You can also. That is, a control circuit for controlling the pump 71 and the valve 73 based on the pressing force is provided on the detection circuit 53, and the control circuit and the pump 71 and the valve 73 are connected to each other. In this case, when the pressing force measured by the pressing force measuring unit 50 is within an appropriate range, a signal for stopping the pump 71 and a signal for closing the valve 73 are transmitted from the control circuit to the pump 71 and the valve 73, respectively. The Further, when the pressing force measured by the pressing force measuring unit 50 exceeds the appropriate range, a signal for stopping the pump 71 and a signal for opening the valve 73 are transmitted from the control circuit to each of the pump 71 and the valve 73. When the pressing force measured by the pressing force measuring unit 50 falls below the appropriate range, a signal for driving the pump 71 and a signal for closing the valve 73 are transmitted from the control circuit to the pump 71 and the valve 73, respectively.

  In the fifth embodiment, the sphere following mechanism 80 is provided as a structure for causing the sphere 22 to follow the body surface 4, but the configuration of the sphere following mechanism 80 is not limited to this. For example, instead of the spring 81, another elastic body (rubber or the like) can be employed.

  The following control can be added to the above embodiments. In other words, the control unit 101 can perform control to permit measurement of the body composition by the measurement unit 20 only when the pressing force measured by the pressing force measurement unit 40 (or 50) is within the appropriate range. Specifically, when the measurement unit 20 is pressed against the body surface 4 by the user, the pressing force is measured and light irradiation by the optical measurement unit 30 is suspended, and the pressing force measured by the control unit 101 is Judge whether it is within the proper range. Then, when it is determined that the pressing force is within the appropriate range, light is irradiated from the optical measurement unit 30. On the other hand, when it is determined that the pressing force is outside the proper range, light irradiation is suspended until it is determined that the pressing force is within the proper range. That is, when the pressing force is outside the proper range, the measurement of the subcutaneous fat mass by the optical measuring unit 30 is prohibited. According to such a configuration, the frequency of measurement of the subcutaneous fat mass is reduced in a state where the pressing force of the optical measuring unit 30 is out of the proper range, so that a decrease in the measurement accuracy of the subcutaneous fat mass is suppressed. be able to.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the four spheres 22 are provided in the measurement unit 20 is adopted. However, the number of the spheres 22 provided in the measurement unit 20 can be appropriately changed as long as the number is one or more.

  In each of the above embodiments, the sphere 22 is employed as a structure for smoothly moving the measurement unit 20 along the body surface 4, but the specific contents of the structure are not limited to this. For example, a roller may be provided in the measurement unit 20 instead of or in addition to the sphere 22.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the subcutaneous fat 5 of the abdomen 2A is measured as an example of the measurement mode using the subcutaneous fat measuring device 10 is described. ) Subcutaneous fat 5 can also be measured.

  In each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the measurement unit 20 includes two light receiving elements is adopted. However, even if one of the light receiving elements is omitted, the present invention can be applied in a manner according to each of the above embodiments.

  In each of the above embodiments, the body unit 100 and the measurement unit 20 are configured separately, and the subcutaneous fat measurement device 10 is provided with the control unit 101 in the body unit 100. The fat measuring device 10 can also be configured. In this case, by providing an equivalent to the control unit 101 in the detection circuit 42 (or the detection circuit 53) of the measurement unit 20, the same control as the control by the control unit 101 in each embodiment can be performed. . In addition, by providing the unit main body 21 with an equivalent to the display unit 102, the measurement result of the subcutaneous fat mass can be transmitted to the user as in each embodiment.

  In each of the above embodiments, the optical unit is used as the measurement unit 20, but if the body composition is measured by contacting the body surface 4, the measurement unit is different from the optical unit. It can also be adopted. For example, a measurement unit that measures body fat mass by a bioimpedance method can be provided. In this case, the following can be specifically calculated as the body fat mass. That is, at least one of the subcutaneous fat area, the subcutaneous fat volume, the subcutaneous fat thickness, and the subcutaneous fat weight can be calculated as the subcutaneous fat amount. Further, as the visceral fat amount, at least one of the visceral fat area, the visceral fat volume, the visceral fat thickness, and the visceral fat weight can be calculated. In addition, at least one of abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness, abdominal muscle thickness, abdominal subcutaneous fat area, and visceral fat area can also be calculated.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Living body, 2 ... Torso, 2A ... Abdomen, 2B ... Back, 3 ... Skin, 4 ... Body surface, 5 ... Subcutaneous fat, 6 ... Visceral fat, 7 ... Muscle, 8 ... Spine, 10 ... Subcutaneous fat measuring device ( Body composition measuring device), 20 ... measuring unit, 21 ... unit main body (measuring device main body), 22 ... sphere (movable part), 30 ... optical measuring part (body composition measuring part), 31 ... light emitting element, 32 ... first DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 light receiving element, 33 ... 2nd light receiving element, 40 ... Pressure measurement part, 41 ... Strain gauge, 42 ... Detection circuit, 43 ... Lead wire, 50 ... Pressure measurement part, 51 ... Pressure sensor, 52 ... Air bag, 53 ... Detection circuit, 60 ... Pressure display section (transmission section), 61 ... First display lamp, 62 ... Second display lamp, 63 ... Third display lamp, 64 ... Transmission line, 70 ... Adjustment mechanism (Pressure adjustment section) , 71 ... Pump, 72 ... Supply path, 73 ... Valve, 74 ... Discharge path, 80 ... Sphere follower (Auxiliary unit), 81 ... spring, 82 ... support portion, 100 ... main unit, 101 ... controller, 102 ... display unit.

Claims (6)

In a body composition measuring device comprising a body composition measuring unit for measuring body composition and a measuring device main body provided with the measuring unit,
A body composition measuring apparatus comprising: a movable part for moving on the body surface; and a pressing force measuring part for measuring the pressing force of the body composition measuring part on the body surface. The body composition measuring device according to claim 1,
The body composition measurement apparatus is characterized in that the body composition measurement is started when the pressing force of the body composition measuring unit against the body surface is within an appropriate range. The body composition measuring apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A body composition measuring apparatus comprising: a transmission unit that informs a user of a result of measurement by the pressing force measurement unit. In a body composition measuring device comprising a body composition measuring unit for measuring body composition and a measuring device main body provided with the measuring unit,
A body composition measuring device comprising: a pressing force measuring unit for measuring the pressing force of the body composition measuring unit on the body surface; and a transmission unit for notifying a user of a result of measurement by the pressing force measuring unit. . In the body composition measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A body composition measuring apparatus comprising: a pressing force adjusting unit that maintains a pressing force of the body composition measuring unit on the body surface within an appropriate range. In the body composition measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An apparatus for measuring body composition, comprising an auxiliary part for causing the movable part to follow the deformation of the body surface.

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