JP2012115608A - Body composition measurement device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a body composition measurement device capable of accurately measuring body composition even when girths of prescribed regions of bodies are different in size for every subjects to be measured.SOLUTION: The body composition measurement device 1 includes a current electrode pair 20, a voltage electrode pair 30A, and an adjustment mechanism 4 to adjust the position of the voltage electrode pair 30A. The cross-section of a region when the prescribed region of the body is sliced into rounds is set as a reference cross-section, while two reference cross-sections similar to each other but different in the girth are set as a first reference cross-section and a second reference cross-section. When the voltage electrode pair 30A is positioned in a position corresponding to the perimeter of the first reference cross-section, the ratio of the distance between the voltage electrodes 31 and 32 against the entire perimeter of the first reference cross-section is set as a first ratio, while when the voltage electrode pair 30A is positioned in a position corresponding to the outer perimeter of the second reference cross-section, the ratio of the distance between the voltage electrodes 31 and 32 against a length of the outer perimeter of the second reference cross-section is set as a second ratio. The adjustment mechanism 4 adjusts the positions of the voltage electrode pair 30A so that the first and second ratios becomes the same.

Description

  The present invention relates to a body composition measuring apparatus including a current electrode pair including a first current electrode and a second current electrode, and a voltage electrode pair including a first voltage electrode and a second voltage electrode.

  2. Description of the Related Art A body fat measuring device that measures body composition using the fact that the electrical resistance of the body composition of a human body such as fat and muscle is different is known. As the body fat measuring device, Patent Document 1 describes a device in which an electrode is incorporated in a band. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561 describes a structure configured such that each of the casing portions having electrodes can be separated.

JP-A-11-309123 JP 2001-190513 A

  By the way, when measuring a body composition, it is necessary to appropriately contact a voltage electrode pair for measuring a voltage with a predetermined part of a human body. However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the body composition cannot be measured with high accuracy as described below due to the difference in body shape.

  As shown in FIG. 27, for example, in the body composition measuring apparatus 101 that measures the body composition in the abdomen 191, when the measurement subject's abdominal circumference is large, the current electrode pair 120 and the voltage electrode pair 130 are connected to the front surface of the human body 109. It is provided near. As shown in FIG. 28, for example, when the measurement subject's abdominal circumference is small, the current electrode pair 120 and the voltage electrode pair 130 are provided closer to the side surface of the human body 109. Thus, if the size of the abdominal circumference is different, there is a problem that the body composition measured using the voltage electrode pair 130 does not match the body shape, and an error occurs in the measurement of body fat.

  Moreover, although what is described in patent document 2 can provide the electrode which comprises a voltage electrode pair in the measurement subject's arbitrary positions, since the freedom degree of the arrangement | positioning is too high, a voltage electrode pair is appropriate. May not be deployed. Therefore, even the one described in Patent Document 2 may not be able to accurately measure the body composition.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to accurately measure the body composition even when the circumference of a predetermined part of the human body is different for each person to be measured. An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for measuring body composition.

Hereinafter, means for achieving the above object will be described.
The body composition measuring apparatus of the present invention comprises a body composition measurement comprising a current electrode pair including a first current electrode and a second current electrode, and a voltage electrode pair including a first voltage electrode and a second voltage electrode. In the apparatus, a cross section of the same part when a predetermined part of the human body is cut into a circular section as a reference cross section, two reference cross sections having different peripheral lengths and similar to each other are defined as a first reference cross section and a second reference cross section, An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the voltage electrode pair, and the voltage electrode pair is located at a position corresponding to the outer periphery of the first reference cross section. The ratio of the distance between one voltage electrode and the second voltage electrode is a first ratio, and the second reference when the voltage electrode pair is at a position corresponding to the outer periphery of the second reference cross section The first voltage electrode and the front of the outer circumference of the cross section When the ratio of the distance to the second voltage electrode is the second ratio, the adjustment mechanism is arranged such that the position of the voltage electrode pair is such that the first ratio and the second ratio are the same. It is characterized by adjusting.

-In the above-mentioned body composition measuring device, it is preferred that the adjustment mechanism includes an elastic material, and the position of the voltage electrode pair is adjusted by the deformation of the elastic material.
In the body composition measuring apparatus, the adjustment mechanism includes a belt-shaped shape memory alloy as the stretchable material, and of the reference cross sections, a cross section having a large perimeter is the first reference cross section, When the cross section having a small length is the second reference cross section, the shape memory alloy is deformed by applying an electric current to the shape memory alloy, and the voltage is connected via the shape memory alloy. It is preferable that the position of the electrode pair changes from a position corresponding to the first reference cross section to a position corresponding to the second reference cross section.

  In the body composition measuring apparatus, the adjustment mechanism includes an electric field responsive polymer as the stretchable material, and of the reference cross section, a cross section having a large peripheral length is the first reference cross section, and the peripheral length When the cross section having a small width is the second reference cross section, the electric field responsive polymer is contracted by applying a voltage to the electric field responsive polymer, and the voltage connected through the electric field responsive polymer is It is preferable that the position of the electrode pair changes from a position corresponding to the first reference cross section to a position corresponding to the second reference cross section.

  In the body composition measuring apparatus, the adjustment mechanism includes a tube having elasticity as the stretchable material, and of the reference cross sections, a cross section having a large circumference is the first reference cross section, and the circumference length When the second reference cross section is a small cross section, the tube expands when gas is injected into the tube, and the position of the voltage electrode pair provided on the tube is the first reference section. It is preferable to change from a position corresponding to the reference cross section to a position corresponding to the second reference cross section.

  In the body composition measuring apparatus, the adjustment mechanism includes a base and an extendable / contractible mechanism supported by the base and provided with the voltage electrode pair. The distance from the base to the voltage electrode pair is changed to adjust the position of the voltage electrode pair, and the expansion / contraction mechanism expands / contracts so that the first ratio and the second ratio are the same. Is preferred.

-It is preferable that the said body composition measuring apparatus is provided with the sensor which detects the position of the said voltage electrode pair.
-It is preferable that the said body composition measuring apparatus is equipped with the sensor for measuring an abdominal circumference.

  In the body composition measuring apparatus, the adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the current electrode pair, and the first reference when the current electrode pair is at a position corresponding to the outer periphery of the first reference cross section. The ratio of the distance between the first current electrode and the second current electrode to the length of the outer periphery of the cross section is a third ratio, and the current electrode pair is at a position corresponding to the outer periphery of the second reference cross section. When the ratio of the distance between the first current electrode and the second current electrode to the length of the outer circumference of the second reference cross section is a fourth ratio, the adjustment mechanism is It is preferable to adjust the position of the current electrode pair so that the third ratio and the fourth ratio are the same.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if it is a case where the circumference length of the predetermined | prescribed site | part of a human body differs for every measuring object person, the body composition measuring apparatus which can measure a body composition accurately can be provided.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the body composition measuring apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the usage condition of the body composition measuring apparatus of the embodiment. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the body composition measuring apparatus of the embodiment. The top view which shows the body composition measuring apparatus of the embodiment, and the schematic diagram which shows the structure of a connection body. The top view which shows the body composition measuring apparatus of the embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows typically the positional relationship of the electrode and human body with which the body composition measuring apparatus of the embodiment is provided. The schematic diagram which shows typically the positional relationship of the electrode and human body with which the body composition measuring apparatus of the embodiment is provided. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the body composition measuring apparatus of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The top view which shows the body composition measuring apparatus of the embodiment. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the body composition measuring apparatus of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The top view which shows the body composition measuring apparatus of the embodiment, and the schematic diagram which shows the structure of a connection body. The top view which shows the body composition measuring apparatus of the embodiment. The top view which shows the body composition measuring apparatus of 4th Embodiment of this invention, and the schematic diagram which shows the structure of a connection body. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the body composition measuring apparatus of 5th Embodiment of this invention. The top view which shows the body composition measuring apparatus of the embodiment. The top view which shows the body composition measuring apparatus of the embodiment. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the body composition measuring apparatus of 6th Embodiment of this invention. The top view which shows the external appearance of the body composition measuring apparatus of the embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows typically the expansion-contraction mechanism with which the body composition measuring apparatus of the embodiment is provided. The top view which shows the body composition measuring apparatus of the embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the modification of the body composition measuring apparatus of this invention. The top view which shows the modification of the body composition measuring apparatus of this invention. About the modification of the body composition measuring apparatus of this invention, (a) is a perspective view which shows a body composition measuring apparatus, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the measure for abdominal circumference measurement with which a body composition measuring apparatus is provided. The schematic diagram which shows the modification of the body composition measuring apparatus of this invention. The top view which shows the modification of the body composition measuring apparatus of this invention. The top view which shows the modification of the body composition measuring apparatus of this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the usage condition of the conventional body composition measuring apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows the usage condition of the conventional body composition measuring apparatus.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, a body composition measuring apparatus 1 includes an electrode group 2 for measuring body composition, a control unit 11 for controlling a body composition measuring operation using the electrode group 2, and a body composition measurement. An operation unit 12 for operating the operation and a display unit 13 for displaying the measurement result of the body composition are provided.

  The electrode group 2 includes a plurality of electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34. Specifically, the electrode group 2 includes a first current electrode 21 and a second current electrode 22 as current electrodes for applying a current. The first current electrode 21 and the second current electrode 22 constitute a current electrode pair 20. Each of the current electrodes 21 and 22 is connected to the control unit 11 via an electrode line.

  The electrode group 2 includes a first voltage electrode 31, a second voltage electrode 32, a third voltage electrode 33, and a fourth voltage electrode 34 as voltage electrodes for measuring a voltage. The first voltage electrode 31 and the second voltage electrode 32 constitute a first voltage electrode pair 30A, the second voltage electrode 32 and the third voltage electrode 33 constitute a second voltage electrode pair 30B, and the third voltage electrode 33 and the fourth voltage electrode 34 constitute a third voltage electrode pair 30C. Each of the voltage electrodes 31, 32, 33, and 34 is connected to the control unit 11 via an electrode line.

  The control unit 11 is an integrated circuit configured by, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 11 receives a signal instructing the start of body fat measurement, a signal indicating the abdominal circumference, and the like. The control unit 11 starts measurement of body fat, which is a body composition, when a signal instructing the start of measurement of body fat is input. When starting measurement of body fat, the control unit 11 starts application of current by the current electrode pair 20. In this way, a current flows between the current electrodes 21 and 22. And the control part 11 measures a voltage using the voltage electrode pairs 30A-30C. That is, the control unit 11 measures the voltage between the voltage electrodes 31 and 32, the voltage electrodes 32 and 33, and the voltage electrodes 33 and 34. Moreover, the control part 11 calculates a body fat rate and a body fat distribution based on the measurement result of the said voltage, and measures body fat. And the measurement result of body fat is output to the display part 13 as a signal. When a signal indicating the abdominal circumference is input, the control unit 11 calculates the body fat percentage and the body fat distribution based on the measurement result of the abdominal circumference and the voltage.

  The operation unit 12 is an input man-machine interface configured by switches, buttons, and the like. The operation unit 12 is connected to the control unit 11 via a signal transmission line. When the operation unit 12 is operated, a signal instructing the start of body fat measurement and a signal indicating the abdominal circumference are input to the control unit 11.

  The display unit 13 is an output man-machine interface configured by a liquid crystal panel, for example. The display unit 13 is connected to the control unit 11 via a signal transmission line. The display unit 13 displays the measurement result of the body fat based on the signal indicating the measurement result of the body fat input from the control unit 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the body composition measurement device 1 that is a body fat measurement device is used by being applied to an abdomen 91 that is a predetermined part of the human body 9 in the human body 9 of the measurement subject. That is, the body fat measurement target site by the body composition measuring apparatus 1 is the abdomen 91. The position of the body composition measuring apparatus 1 with respect to the human body 9 can be determined using, for example, the navel 92 in the abdomen 91.

The arrangement and the like of the electrode group 2 provided on the abdomen 91 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 3, the body composition measuring apparatus 1 includes a main body portion 41 and electrode support portions 42 </ b> A to 42 </ b> F that support the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34.

  The main body 41 is provided with an operation unit 12 and a display unit 13, and a control unit 11 is built therein. The main body 41 is provided with an index portion 14 that is aligned with the umbilicus 92 that is the positioning reference of the human body 9.

The electrode support portions 42 </ b> A to 42 </ b> F are connected to the main body portion 41 using a connection body 43.
As shown in FIG. 4, an electrode support portion 42 </ b> A that supports the first current electrode 21 and an electrode support portion 42 </ b> B that supports the first voltage electrode 31 are connected by a connection body 43. In addition, the electrode support part 42 </ b> B that supports the first voltage electrode 31 and the electrode support part 42 </ b> C that supports the second voltage electrode 32 are connected by the connection body 43. In addition, the electrode support portion 42 </ b> F that supports the second current electrode 22 and the electrode support portion 42 </ b> E that supports the fourth voltage electrode 34 are connected by the connection body 43. Further, the electrode support portion 42 </ b> E that supports the fourth voltage electrode 34 and the electrode support portion 42 </ b> D that supports the third voltage electrode 33 are connected by the connection body 43. Each of the electrode support portions 42 </ b> C and 42 </ b> D is connected to the main body portion 41 by a connection body 43. With such a configuration, the first current electrode 21, the first voltage electrode 31, the second voltage electrode 32, the third voltage electrode 33, the fourth voltage electrode 34, and the second current electrode 22 are arranged in this order. 2 is provided in the abdomen 91.

  The connection body 43 is composed of, for example, a cylinder and includes a rack and pinion structure 43A. The rack and pinion structure 43A includes a rack 43B and a pinion 43C that mesh with each other. As the pinion 43C rotates using the electric motor 43D as a drive source, the pinion 43C moves on the rack 43B. Thus, the connection body 43 provided with the rack and pinion structure 43A is an extendable / contractible mechanism.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the connecting body 43 expands and contracts, the positional relationship between the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C provided in the electrode support portions 42A to 42F changes. . At this time, four angles formed by three adjacent electrodes among the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 are constant. That is, the angle formed by the electrodes 21, 31, 32, the angle formed by the electrodes 31, 32, 33, the angle formed by the electrodes 32, 33, 34, and the angle formed by the electrodes 33, 34, 22 do not change. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the connection body 43 is extended, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the connection body 43 is contracted. Therefore, the adjustment mechanism 4 that adjusts the positions of the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C is configured by the main body portion 41, the electrode support portions 42A to 42F, and the connection body 43.

  The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, a region surrounded by a broken line is modeled by cutting the abdomen 91 which is a predetermined part of the human body 9 into a circle. In the present embodiment, a region surrounded by a broken line in FIG.

  The first reference section L1 shown in FIG. 5 (a), the second reference section L2 shown in FIG. 5 (b), and the third reference section L3 shown in FIG. 5 (c) have different peripheral lengths. The shapes are similar to each other. As the connection body 43 of the adjustment mechanism 4 expands and contracts, the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 are in contact with the reference sections L 1 to L 3 that are similar to each other.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are in contact with the outer periphery of the first reference cross section L1. By contracting the connecting body 43 from the state shown in FIG. 5A, as shown in FIG. 5B, a pair of current electrodes is formed on the outer periphery of the second reference cross section L2, which is a reduced shape of the first reference cross section L1. 20 and voltage electrode pairs 30A-30C are in contact. By further shrinking the connecting body 43 from the state shown in FIG. 5B, as shown in FIG. 5C, a current electrode is formed on the outer periphery of the third reference section L3, which is a reduced shape of the second reference section L2. The pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are in contact with each other.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 in contact with the reference cross sections L1 to L3 when the centers C of the reference cross sections L1 to L3 are overlapped. As shown in FIG. 6, each of the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 whose positions are adjusted by the adjusting mechanism 4 is displaced on a straight line indicated by a one-dot chain line passing through the center C. The number of teeth of the pinion 43C and the number of rotations of the electric motor 43D are set so that the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 are displaced on the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. It is configured as follows. The expansion / contraction of the connection body 43 is such that when the operation unit 12 is operated and a signal for operating the adjustment mechanism 4 is input to the control unit 11, the control unit 11 causes the electric motor 43 </ b> D corresponding to each of the connection bodies 43. This is done by driving.

  By adjusting the positions of the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 as described above, the ratio between the electrodes with respect to the length of the outer periphery of the reference cross section is maintained in the reference cross section where the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 are in contact. Be drunk.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the ratio of the distance D1 between the voltage electrodes 31 and 32 to the length of the outer periphery of the first reference section L1 and the distance between the voltage electrodes 31 and 32 to the length of the outer periphery of the second reference section L2. The ratio of the distance E1 is the same. Further, the ratio of the distance D1 between the voltage electrodes 31 and 32 to the outer peripheral length of the first reference cross section L1 is the same as the ratio of the distance F1 between the voltage electrodes 31 and 32 to the outer peripheral length of the third reference cross section L3. It is. The distances D1, E1, and F1 are lengths along the outer periphery of the reference cross section.

  The ratio of the distance D2 between the voltage electrodes 32 and 33 to the outer peripheral length of the first reference cross section L1 and the ratio of the distance E2 between the voltage electrodes 32 and 33 to the outer peripheral length of the second reference cross section L2 are the same. It is. Further, the ratio of the distance D2 between the voltage electrodes 32 and 33 to the length of the outer periphery of the first reference section L1 is the same as the ratio of the distance F2 between the voltage electrodes 32 and 33 to the length of the outer periphery of the third reference section L3. It is. The distances D2, E2, and F2 are lengths along the outer periphery of the reference cross section.

  Further, the ratio of the distance D3 between the voltage electrodes 33 and 34 to the outer peripheral length of the first reference cross section L1 is the same as the ratio of the distance E3 between the voltage electrodes 33 and 34 to the outer peripheral length of the second reference cross section L2. It is. Further, the ratio of the distance D3 between the voltage electrodes 33 and 34 to the outer peripheral length of the first reference cross section L1 is the same as the ratio of the distance F3 between the voltage electrodes 33 and 34 to the outer peripheral length of the third reference cross section L3. It is. The distances D3, E3, and F3 are lengths along the outer periphery of the reference cross section.

  The ratio of the distance D4 between the first current electrode 21 and the first voltage electrode 31 to the length of the outer periphery of the first reference cross section L1, and the first current electrode 21 with respect to the length of the outer periphery of the second reference cross section L2 The ratio of the distance E4 between the first voltage electrodes 31 is the same. Furthermore, the ratio of the distance D4 between the first current electrode 21 and the first voltage electrode 31 to the length of the outer periphery of the first reference cross section L1, and the first current electrode 21 to the length of the outer periphery of the third reference cross section L3, The ratio of the distance F4 between the first voltage electrodes 31 is the same. The distances D4, E4, and F4 are the lengths along the outer periphery of the reference cross section.

  Further, the ratio of the distance D5 between the fourth voltage electrode 34 and the second current electrode 22 to the outer peripheral length of the first reference cross section L1, and the fourth voltage electrode 34 to the outer peripheral length of the second reference cross section L2 The ratio of the distance E5 between the second current electrodes 22 is the same. Further, the ratio of the distance D4 between the fourth voltage electrode 34 and the second current electrode 22 to the outer peripheral length of the first reference cross section L1, and the fourth voltage electrode 34 to the outer peripheral length of the third reference cross section L3, The ratio of the distance F5 between the second current electrodes 22 is the same. Note that the distances D5, E5, and F5 are lengths along the outer periphery of the reference cross section.

  Therefore, in other words, the ratio of “distance D4: distance D1: distance D2: distance D3: distance D5”, ratio of “distance E4: distance E1: distance E2: distance E3: distance E5”, and “distance F4: The ratio of “distance F1: distance F2: distance F3: distance F5” is the same. That is, the ratio of the distance between adjacent electrodes among the current electrodes 21 and 22 and the voltage electrodes 31 to 34 is constant.

  Therefore, the ratio of the distance between the adjacent voltage electrodes among the voltage electrodes 31 to 34 is constant, and in the reference cross section where the voltage electrodes 31 to 34 are in contact with each other, the length from the first voltage electrode 31 with respect to the length of the outer periphery of the reference cross section. The ratio of the distance to the fourth voltage electrode 34 is constant. That is, for example, the ratio of the distance between the voltage electrodes 31 and 34 to the length of the outer periphery of the first reference section L1 (that is, the sum of the distances D1 to D3) and the voltage electrode to the length of the outer periphery of the second reference section L2 The ratio of the distances 31 and 34 (that is, the sum of the distances E1 to E3) is the same. In other words, the ratio of the distance from the first voltage electrode 31 to the fourth voltage electrode 34 with respect to the length of the outer periphery of the reference cross section is constant in the reference cross section where the voltage electrodes 31 to 34 are in contact.

  Further, in the reference cross section where the current electrodes 21 and 22 are in contact, the ratio of the distance from the first current electrode 21 to the second current electrode 22 to the length of the outer periphery of the reference cross section is also constant. That is, for example, the ratio of the distance between the current electrodes 21 and 22 to the length of the outer periphery of the first reference section L1 (that is, the sum of the distances D1 to D5) and the current electrode with respect to the length of the outer periphery of the second reference section L2 The ratio of the distances 21 and 22 (that is, the sum of the distances E1 to E5) is the same.

  In the plane including the reference cross section, when the ratio of the distance between adjacent electrodes among the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 (that is, the distance between the electrodes) becomes constant as described above, the electrodes 21, 22, 31 Four angles formed by three adjacent electrodes with respect to .about.34 are also determined. However, the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 provided at positions corresponding to the outer peripheries of the reference cross sections L <b> 1 to L <b> 3 are necessarily provided at positions that contact the surface of the human body 9. Thus, when the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 are provided at positions corresponding to the outer circumferences of the reference cross sections L1 to L3, the angles formed by the three adjacent electrodes with respect to the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 are determined. Therefore, the angle formed between the adjacent electrodes when the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 are not in contact with the reference cross section is equal to the angle formed between the adjacent electrodes when the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 are in contact with the reference cross section. It may be different from the angle. Therefore, for example, the connection body 43 may be rotatably connected to each of the main body portion 41 and the electrode support portions 42A to 42F.

  As described above, the measurement target range of the voltage measured using the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C can be changed according to the abdominal circumference of the measurement subject, and the body fat is measured according to the size of the abdomen 91. be able to. The body fat may be measured using at least one voltage electrode pair among the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.
(1) The ratio of the distance D1 between the voltage electrodes 31, 32 to the length of the outer periphery of the first reference section L1 when the first voltage electrode pair 30A is at a position corresponding to the outer periphery of the first reference section L1 The ratio is 1. Further, when the voltage electrode pair 30A is at a position corresponding to the outer periphery of the second reference cross section L2, the ratio of the distance E1 between the voltage electrodes 31, 32 to the length of the outer periphery of the second reference cross section L2 is the second ratio. And In the present embodiment, the body composition measuring apparatus 1 includes an adjustment mechanism 4 that adjusts the position of the first voltage electrode pair 30A so that the first ratio and the second ratio are the same. For this reason, the adjustment mechanism 4 allows the measurement object to be measured between the first voltage electrode 31 and the second voltage electrode 32 for the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference, regardless of whether the measurement subject is large or small. The distance ratio is the same. That is, the ratio of the distance between the first voltage electrode 31 and the second voltage electrode 32 with respect to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference is maintained. Accordingly, even when the length of the abdominal circumference, which is the length around the predetermined part of the human body, is different for each measurement subject, the body composition can be accurately measured using the first voltage electrode pair 30A.

  The adjustment mechanism 4 adjusts the positions of the voltage electrode pairs 30B and 30C in the same manner as the first voltage electrode pair 30A. For this reason, as in the above (1), the ratio of the distance between the second voltage electrode 32 and the third voltage electrode 33 with respect to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference and the first ratio with respect to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference. The ratio of the distance between the third voltage electrode 33 and the fourth voltage electrode 34 is maintained. Therefore, even when the length of the abdominal circumference is different for each person to be measured, the body composition can be accurately measured using the voltage electrode pairs 30B and 30C.

  (2) The ratio of the distance between the current electrodes 21 and 22 to the length of the outer periphery of the first reference cross section L1 when the current electrode pair 20 is at a position corresponding to the outer periphery of the first reference cross section L1 is the third ratio. And Further, when the current electrode pair 20 is at a position corresponding to the outer periphery of the second reference cross section L2, the ratio of the distance between the current electrodes 21 and 22 to the length of the outer periphery of the second reference cross section L2 is the fourth ratio. To do. In the present embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 4 adjusts the position of the current electrode pair 20 so that the third ratio and the fourth ratio are the same. For this reason, not only the position of the voltage electrode pairs 30 </ b> A to 30 </ b> C but also the position of the current electrode pair 20 is adjusted by the adjusting mechanism 4. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the current electrode pair 20 at an appropriate position by a mechanism separate from the adjusting mechanism 4.

  (3) The ratio of the distance F1 between the voltage electrodes 31 and 32 to the length of the outer periphery of the third reference section L3 when the first voltage electrode pair 30A is at a position corresponding to the outer periphery of the third reference section L3 The ratio is 5. In the present embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 4 adjusts the position of the first voltage electrode pair 30A so that the first ratio, the second ratio, and the fifth ratio are the same. Accordingly, in the three reference cross sections L1 to L3, the ratio between the voltage electrodes 31 and 32 with respect to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference is the same. Therefore, compared with the case where the ratio of the distance between the voltage electrodes 31 and 32 to the entire circumference of the abdominal circumference is the same only in the two reference cross sections, the distance between the voltage electrodes 31 and 32 to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference is larger. The ratio is reliably maintained.

  The adjustment mechanism 4 adjusts the position of the second voltage electrode pair 30B in the same manner as the first voltage electrode pair 30A. For this reason, the ratio of the distance between the voltage electrodes 32 and 33 with respect to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference is the same in the three reference cross sections L1 to L3, as in (3) above. Therefore, compared with the case where the ratio of the distance between the voltage electrodes 32 and 33 to the entire circumference of the abdominal circumference in the two reference sections is the same, the ratio of the distance between the voltage electrodes 32 and 33 to the entire circumference of the abdominal circumference of the measurement subject. Is reliably maintained. The adjustment mechanism 4 adjusts the position of the third voltage electrode pair 30C in the same manner as the voltage electrode pair 30A, 30B. For this reason, as in the above (3), the ratio of the distance between the voltage electrodes 33 and 34 with respect to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference is the same in the three reference cross sections L1 to L3. Accordingly, the ratio of the distance between the voltage electrodes 33 and 34 to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference is compared to the case where the ratio of the distance between the voltage electrodes 33 and 34 to the entire circumference of the abdominal circumference is the same in the two reference cross sections. Is reliably maintained. The adjustment mechanism 4 adjusts the position of the current electrode pair 20 in the same manner as the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C. For this reason, the ratio of the distance between the current electrodes 21 and 22 with respect to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference is the same in the three reference cross sections L1 to L3 as in the above (3).

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the structure similar to 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the body composition measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes two main body portions 41 that are belt fixing portions and an elastic belt 44 </ b> A that connects the two main body portions 41. That is, the main body 41 is provided at each end of the elastic belt 44A.

  The main body 41 to which the end of the elastic belt 44A is fixed is provided with a gripping portion 15 that is a handle for the measurement subject to grip. The operation unit 12 and the display unit 13 are provided in at least one of the two main body units 41, and the control unit 11 is built in.

  The elastic belt 44A having elasticity is made of an elastic material. As an elastic material constituting the elastic belt 44A, for example, a belt-like rubberized cloth can be used. In the center of the elastic belt 44A, an index portion 14 is provided that is aligned with the navel 92, which is a positioning reference for the human body 9. The indicator portion 14 of the present embodiment is configured by a hole formed in the elastic belt 44A.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the elastic belt 44 </ b> A has an order of the first current electrode 21, the first voltage electrode 31, the second voltage electrode 32, the third voltage electrode 33, the fourth voltage electrode 34, and the second current electrode 22. The electrode group 2 is provided so as to be aligned.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, when the elastic belt 44A expands and contracts, the positional relationship between the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C provided on the elastic belt 44A changes. In FIG. 9, the area surrounded by the broken line is a reference cross section modeled by cutting the abdomen 91, which is a predetermined part of the human body 9, in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  As the elastic belt 44A of the adjustment mechanism 4 expands and contracts, the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 are in contact with the reference sections L1 to L3 that are similar to each other. That is, as shown in FIG. 9A, the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are in contact with the outer periphery of the first reference cross section L1. By contracting the telescopic belt 44A from the state shown in FIG. 9A, as shown in FIG. 9B, a current electrode pair is formed on the outer periphery of the second reference cross section L2, which is a reduced shape of the first reference cross section L1. 20 and voltage electrode pairs 30A-30C are in contact. When the elastic belt 44A is further contracted from the state shown in FIG. 9B, as shown in FIG. 9C, a current electrode is formed on the outer periphery of the third reference cross section L3 which is a reduced shape of the second reference cross section L2. The pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are in contact with each other.

  Also in this embodiment, each of the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 whose positions are adjusted by the adjusting mechanism 4 is displaced on a straight line indicated by a one-dot chain line passing through the centers C (see FIG. 6) of the reference cross sections L 1 to L 3. To do. As described above, by adjusting the positions of the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34, as in the first embodiment, in the reference cross section where the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 contact, The ratio between the electrodes to the length is maintained.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects described in (1) to (3) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.
(4) The adjusting mechanism 4 includes an elastic belt 44A that is an elastic material, and the positions of the electrode pairs 20, 30A to 30C are adjusted when the elastic belt 44A is deformed, that is, expands and contracts. For this reason, by deforming the telescopic belt 44A, the ratio of the distance between the voltage electrodes 31, 32 with respect to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference becomes the same. Similarly, the ratio of the distance between the voltage electrodes 32 and 33 to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference is the same, and the ratio of the distance between the voltage electrodes 33 and 34 to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference is the same. It will be a thing. Similarly, the ratio of the distance between the current electrodes 21 and 22 to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference is the same.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the structure similar to 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the body composition measuring apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main body 41 that is not connected to the connection body 43. The main body portion 41 is connected to the electrode support portion 42 </ b> F via the cord 16. In the present embodiment, the illustration of the index portion that is aligned with the positioning reference of the human body 9 is omitted.

The electrode support portions 42 </ b> A to 42 </ b> F are connected in series using the connection body 43.
As shown in FIG. 11, the electrode support portion 42 </ b> C that supports the second voltage electrode 32 and the electrode support portion 42 </ b> D that supports the third voltage electrode 33 are connected by the connection body 43 without the main body portion 41. Yes.

  The connection body 43 of this embodiment includes a belt-shaped shape memory alloy 45. The shape memory alloy 45 has a characteristic of being deformed into a memorized shape by heat generated due to energization. Therefore, when the shape memory alloy 45 storing the wavy shape is stretched and then energized, when the shape memory alloy 45 is energized, the shape memory alloy 45 returns to the wavy shape as a whole. Is a deformable material that shrinks.

  As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, when a current is applied to the shape memory alloy 45 of the connection body 43, the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pair 30A provided in the electrode support portions 42A to 42F. The positional relationship of ˜30C changes. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a state before a current is applied to the shape memory alloy 45, and FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a state after a current is applied to the shape memory alloy 45. It is. Application of current to the shape memory alloy 45 is performed by, for example, the current application unit 17 provided in the main body 41 via the cord 16. Therefore, the adjustment mechanism 4 that adjusts the positions of the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C is configured by the main body portion 41 including the current application unit 17, the electrode support portions 42A to 42F, and the connection body 43.

  The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 12, the area surrounded by the broken line is a reference cross section modeled by cutting the abdomen 91, which is a predetermined part of the human body 9, in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  When the shape memory alloy 45 of the adjusting mechanism 4 is deformed, the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 are in contact with the reference cross sections L1 to L3 that are similar to each other. That is, as shown in FIG. 12A, the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are in contact with the outer periphery of the first reference cross section L1. By applying a predetermined amount of current to the shape memory alloy 45 from the state shown in FIG. 12A, as shown in FIG. 12B, the second reference cross section L2 is a reduced shape of the first reference cross section L1. The current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are in contact with the outer periphery. By applying a larger current to the shape memory alloy 45 from the state shown in FIG. 12 (b), as shown in FIG. 12 (c), the second reference cross section L3 is reduced in shape. The current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are in contact with the outer periphery.

  Also in this embodiment, each of the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 whose positions are adjusted by the adjusting mechanism 4 is displaced on a straight line indicated by a one-dot chain line passing through the centers C (see FIG. 6) of the reference cross sections L 1 to L 3. To do. As described above, by adjusting the positions of the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34, the reference cross section in which the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 are in contact with each other as in the first and second embodiments. The ratio between the electrodes with respect to the length of the outer periphery is maintained.

  The shape memory alloy 45 is a deformable material whose degree of deformation changes due to heat. Therefore, in order to maintain the shape of the shape memory alloy 45 in the process of deforming into the memorized shape, for example, based on the detection result of a temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the temperature generated in the shape memory alloy 45, The application of current to the shape memory alloy 45 is preferably controlled.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects described in (1) to (3) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.
(5) The adjustment mechanism 4 includes a shape memory alloy 45 that is an expandable material, and the shape memory alloy 45 is deformed to adjust the positions of the electrode pairs 20, 30A to 30C. For this reason, the effect according to said (4) can be acquired.

  (6) The adjusting mechanism 4 includes a belt-shaped shape memory alloy 45. By applying a current to the shape memory alloy 45, the shape memory alloy 45 is deformed, and the positions of the electrode pairs 20, 30A to 30C connected via the shape memory alloy 45 correspond to the first reference cross section L1. The position changes from the position to the position corresponding to the second reference cross section L2. Further, when the current is further applied to the shape memory alloy 45, the shape memory alloy 45 is deformed, and the electrode pairs 20, 30A to 30C correspond to the third reference section L3 from the position corresponding to the second reference section L2. Change to position. For this reason, the position of the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30 </ b> A to 30 </ b> C can be adjusted by applying a current to the shape memory alloy 45.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the structure similar to 1st and 3rd embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

As shown in FIG. 13, the body composition measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a main body 41 that is not connected to the connection body 43 as in the third embodiment.
The connection body 43 of this embodiment includes an EPAM (Electroactive Polymer Artificial Muscle) 46. The EPAM 46 is an actuator composed of an electric field responsive polymer 46A as a deformable material and an electrode 46B sandwiching the electric field responsive polymer 46A. The electric field responsive polymer 46A is a rubber-like thin electric field responsive polymer film, and when a voltage is applied to the electric field responsive polymer 46A, the electric field responsive polymer 46A, which is a stretchable material, has an applied voltage. Accordingly, it has a characteristic of extending so that the distance between the electrodes 46B becomes shorter.

  As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, a voltage is applied to the electric field responsive polymer 46A of the connection body 43 using the electrode 46B, whereby the current electrode pairs provided in the electrode support portions 42A to 42F. 20 and the positional relationship between the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C change. FIG. 13A shows a state before a voltage is applied to the electric field responsive polymer 46A, and FIG. 13B shows a state where a voltage is applied to the electric field responsive polymer 46A. FIG. Application of a voltage to the electric field responsive polymer 46 </ b> A using the electrode 46 </ b> B is performed by the voltage application unit 18 provided in the main body 41 through the cord 16, for example. Therefore, the adjustment mechanism 4 that adjusts the positions of the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C is configured by the main body portion 41 including the voltage application unit 18, the electrode support portions 42A to 42F, and the connection body 43.

The operation of the present embodiment conforms to the operation described with reference to FIG. 12 in the third embodiment.
That is, when the electric field responsive polymer 46A of the adjustment mechanism 4 is deformed, the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 are in contact with the reference cross sections L1 to L3 similar to each other shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 12A, the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are in contact with the outer periphery of the first reference cross section L1. By applying a predetermined voltage to the electric field responsive polymer 46A from the state shown in FIG. 12 (a), as shown in FIG. 12 (b), the second reference cross section L2 having a reduced size of the first reference cross section L1. The current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are in contact with the outer periphery. By applying a larger voltage to the electric field responsive polymer 46A from the state shown in FIG. 12B, as shown in FIG. 12C, the third reference section L3 having a reduced size of the second reference section L2 is obtained. The current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are in contact with the outer periphery.

  Also in this embodiment, each of the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 whose positions are adjusted by the adjusting mechanism 4 is displaced on a straight line indicated by a one-dot chain line passing through the centers C (see FIG. 6) of the reference cross sections L 1 to L 3. To do. As described above, by adjusting the positions of the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34, the reference cross section in which the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 are in contact as in the first to third embodiments. The ratio between the electrodes with respect to the length of the outer periphery is maintained.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects described in (1) to (3) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.
(7) The adjustment mechanism 4 includes an electric field responsive polymer 46A that is an elastic material, and the positions of the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are adjusted when the electric field responsive polymer 46A is deformed. For this reason, the effect according to said (4) can be acquired.

  (8) The adjusting mechanism 4 includes an electric field responsive polymer 46A. By applying a voltage to the electric field responsive polymer 46A, the polymer 46A contracts, and the positions of the electrode pairs 20, 30A to 30C connected via the electric field responsive polymer 46A correspond to the first reference cross section L1. The position changes from the position to the position corresponding to the second reference cross section L2. Further, by further applying a voltage to the electric field responsive polymer 46A, the electric field responsive polymer 46A contracts, and the positions of the electrode pairs 20, 30A to 30C are shifted from the position corresponding to the second reference cross section L2 to the third reference cross section L3. It changes to the position corresponding to. For this reason, the position of the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C can be adjusted by applying a voltage to the electric field responsive polymer 46A.

(Fifth embodiment)
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the structure similar to 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the body composition measuring device 1 of the present embodiment includes two main body portions 41 as in the second embodiment. The body composition measuring apparatus 1 includes a curved base body 47 that connects the two main body portions 41, and a stretchable tube 48 provided on the curved inner surface of the base body 47. The operation unit 12 and the display unit 13 are provided in at least one of the two main body units 41, and the control unit 11 is built in. In addition, an index portion 14 that is aligned with the umbilicus 92 that is a positioning reference of the human body 9 is provided in the center of the base body 47.

  The hollow tube 48 is made of a stretchable material. As the stretchable material constituting the tube 48, for example, silicon rubber having elasticity can be used. As shown in FIG. 15, the tube 48 includes a first current electrode 21, a first voltage electrode 31, a second voltage electrode 32, a third voltage electrode 33, a fourth voltage electrode 34, and a second current electrode 22 in this order. An electrode group 2 is provided so as to be aligned.

  When the air is injected into the tube 48, the positional relationship between the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C provided in the tube 48 changes. The air is injected into the tube 48 by, for example, the air adjustment pump 19 provided in the main body 41. Therefore, the adjustment mechanism 4 that adjusts the positions of the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C is configured by the main body portion 41 including the air adjustment pump 19, the base body 47, and the tube 48.

  The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 16, a region surrounded by a broken line is a reference cross section modeled by cutting the abdomen 91 that is a predetermined part of the human body 9 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  When the tube 48 of the adjusting mechanism 4 expands or contracts, the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 are in contact with the reference cross sections L1 to L3 that are similar to each other. That is, as shown in FIG. 16A, the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are in contact with the outer periphery of the first reference cross section L1. When a predetermined amount of air is injected into the tube 48 from the state shown in FIG. 16A, as shown in FIG. 16B, the second reference cross section L2 having a reduced shape of the first reference cross section L1 is obtained. The current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are in contact with the outer periphery. When air is further injected into the tube 48 from the state shown in FIG. 16B, as shown in FIG. 16C, the outer periphery of the third reference section L3, which is a reduced shape of the second reference section L2, is formed. The current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are in contact with each other.

  Also in this embodiment, each of the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 whose positions are adjusted by the adjusting mechanism 4 is displaced on a straight line indicated by a one-dot chain line passing through the centers C (see FIG. 6) of the reference cross sections L 1 to L 3. To do. As described above, by adjusting the positions of the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34, the reference cross section in which the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 are in contact with each other as in the first and second embodiments. The ratio between the electrodes with respect to the length of the outer periphery is maintained.

  Note that the amount of displacement of each of the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 due to the injection of air into the tube 48 can vary depending on the shape of the internal space formed in the tube 48. Further, the tubes 48 may be divided into a plurality of parts so that the amount of air injected into each tube 48 is different or the elasticity of each tube 48 is different.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects described in (1) to (3) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.
(9) The adjustment mechanism 4 includes a tube 48 that is an elastic material, and the positions of the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are adjusted when the tube 48 is deformed. For this reason, the effect according to said (4) can be acquired.

  (10) The adjustment mechanism 4 includes a tube 48 having elasticity. When the gas is injected into the tube 48, the tube 48 expands, and the positions of the electrode pairs 20, 30A to 30C provided in the tube 48 from the position corresponding to the first reference section L1 to the second reference section. It changes to a position corresponding to L2. Further, when the gas is further injected into the tube 48, the tube 48 expands, and the positions of the electrode pairs 20, 30A to 30C change from the position corresponding to the second reference section L2 to the position corresponding to the third reference section L3. Change. For this reason, the position of the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30 </ b> A to 30 </ b> C can be adjusted by injecting gas into the tube 48.

(Sixth embodiment)
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the structure similar to 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the body composition measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a curved main body 41. The main body 41 is provided with an operation unit 12 and a display unit 13, and a control unit 11 is built therein. Further, in the center of the main body portion 41, an indicator portion 14 that is aligned with the umbilicus 92 that is a positioning reference for the human body 9 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the main body 41 is provided with a telescopic mechanism 5 supported by the main body 41 as a base. The expansion / contraction mechanism 5 is provided with current electrodes 21 and 22 and voltage electrodes 31 to 34.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, the expansion / contraction mechanism 5 includes a rod-shaped expansion / contraction member 52 that expands / contracts with respect to a fixed portion 51 fixed to the main body portion 41. An elastic body 53 that biases the elastic member 52 is provided between the fixed portion 51 and the elastic member 52. As shown in FIG. 19B, when the elastic member 52 is urged by the elastic body 53, the elastic member 52 protrudes from the main body portion 41 and the fixing portion 51, and the current electrode pair provided on the elastic member 52. 20 and the positional relationship between the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C change. Therefore, the main body 41 including the expansion / contraction mechanism 5 constitutes the adjustment mechanism 4 that adjusts the positions of the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C.

  Note that the extensible member 52 is provided with a stopper 54. The stopper 54 is locked to the fixed portion 51, so that the movement of the elastic member 52 is restricted. Accordingly, for example, when the operation unit 12 is operated and the movement restriction of the expansion / contraction member 52 by the stopper 54 is released, the expansion / contraction member 52 protrudes from the fixed portion 51.

  The telescopic mechanism 5 is provided with an optical sensor 61 that detects a change in the distance from the main body 41 to the voltage electrodes 31 and 32 that are the voltage electrode pair 30A. The optical sensor 61 detects the amount of protrusion of the telescopic member 52 from the fixed portion 51 by reading the optical sensor mark 55 provided on the telescopic member 52. The control unit 11 calculates the measurement subject's waist circumference based on the detection result of the protruding amount of the elastic member 52.

  The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 20, a region surrounded by a broken line is a reference cross section modeled by slicing the abdomen 91 that is a predetermined part of the human body 9 as in the first embodiment.

  As the expansion / contraction member 52 of the adjustment mechanism 4 expands / contracts, the electrodes 21, 22, 31-34 are in contact with the reference cross sections L1 to L3 that are similar to each other. That is, as shown in FIG. 20A, the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are in contact with the outer periphery of the first reference cross section L1. When the elastic member 52 extends from the state shown in FIG. 20A, a current electrode pair is formed on the outer periphery of the second reference cross section L2, which is a reduced shape of the first reference cross section L1, as shown in FIG. 20B. 20 and voltage electrode pairs 30A-30C are in contact. When the elastic member 52 further extends from the state shown in FIG. 20B, a current electrode is formed on the outer periphery of the third reference section L3, which is a reduced shape of the second reference section L2, as shown in FIG. The pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are in contact with each other.

  Also in this embodiment, each of the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 whose positions are adjusted by the adjusting mechanism 4 is displaced on a straight line indicated by a one-dot chain line passing through the centers C (see FIG. 6) of the reference cross sections L 1 to L 3. To do. As described above, by adjusting the positions of the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34, as in the first embodiment, in the reference cross section where the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 contact, The ratio between the electrodes to the length is maintained.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects described in (1) to (3) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.
(13) The expansion / contraction mechanism 5 provided with the first voltage electrode pair 30A expands / contracts so that the first ratio and the second ratio are the same. For this reason, the ratio of the distance between the voltage electrodes 31 and 32 to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference is the same by adjusting the distance from the main body 41 serving as the base to the first voltage electrode pair 30A by the expansion / contraction mechanism 5. It will be a thing.

  The expansion / contraction mechanism 5 provided with the second voltage electrode pair 30B also expands / contracts similarly to the expansion / contraction mechanism 5 provided with the first voltage electrode pair 30A. For this reason, the ratio of the distance between the voltage electrodes 32 and 33 to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference is the same by adjusting the distance from the main body 41 serving as the base to the second voltage electrode pair 30B by the expansion / contraction mechanism 5. It will be a thing. Further, the expansion / contraction mechanism 5 provided with the third voltage electrode pair 30C extends and contracts similarly to the expansion / contraction mechanism 5 provided with the voltage electrode pair 30A, 30B. Therefore, the ratio of the distance between the voltage electrodes 33 and 34 with respect to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference is the same by adjusting the distance from the main body portion 41 serving as the base to the third voltage electrode pair 30C by the expansion / contraction mechanism 5. It will be a thing. The expansion / contraction mechanism 5 provided with the current electrode pair 20 also expands / contracts similarly to the expansion / contraction mechanism 5 provided with the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C. For this reason, the ratio of the distance between the current electrodes 21 and 22 with respect to the entire circumference of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference is the same by adjusting the distance from the main body portion 41 which is the base body to the current electrode pair 20 by the expansion / contraction mechanism 5. Become.

  (14) The body composition measuring apparatus 1 includes an optical sensor 61 that detects the positions of the electrode pairs 20, 30A to 30C. For this reason, abdominal circumference can be measured based on the detection result of the optical sensor 61.

  (15) The body composition measuring apparatus 1 includes an optical sensor 61 as a sensor for measuring the abdominal circumference. For this reason, even when the measurement subject does not input the abdominal circumference information to the body composition measuring apparatus 1, the body composition can be accurately measured based on the measurement result of the measurement subject's abdominal circumference by the optical sensor 61. .

(Other embodiments)
Note that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as shown below, for example. The following modifications are not applied only to the above-described embodiments, and different modifications may be combined with each other.

  In the first embodiment, the connection body 43 is not limited to the one having the rack and pinion structure 43A. That is, if the connection body 43 is configured as an extendable / contractible mechanism, the connection body 43 may be configured by, for example, a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder.

  -In the said 1st, 3rd and 4th embodiment, the connection body 43 may be comprised by things other than a cylinder. For example, you may be comprised with the bellows-shaped cylinder member. In addition, the connection body 43 in the third and fourth embodiments may have a configuration in which the cylindrical member that houses the shape memory alloy 45 or the EPAM 46 is omitted.

  The body fat of the measurement subject in the supine position may be measured by the body composition measuring device 1. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, the body composition measuring apparatus 1 may include an indicator portion 14 configured by a weight 14 </ b> A suspended by a string 14 </ b> B. The body composition measuring apparatus 1 may include a force sensor 62 that detects the tension of the string 14 </ b> B, and the abdominal circumference may be measured based on the tension detection result by the force sensor 62.

  The body composition measuring apparatus 1 may be configured to cover the entire circumference of the reference cross section. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the two main body portions 41 of the second embodiment are provided with an elastic belt 44B made of an elastic material in the same manner as the elastic belt 44A, and the elastic belts 44A and 44B are formed in an annular shape. May be. In this case, as shown in FIG. 22, other electrodes 71 to 76 may be provided on the elastic belt 44B in the same manner as the voltage electrodes 31 to 34.

  In the first to fifth embodiments, the body composition measuring apparatus 1 measures the outer circumference of the reference cross section where the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A, 30B, and 30C are in contact with each other as in the sixth embodiment. You may provide the sensor for doing. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, an abdominal circumference measuring measure 63 including an optical sensor 63C may be provided on the elastic belt 44A of the second embodiment.

  The abdominal circumference measurement measure 63 includes a string 63A wound around the abdomen 91, an optical sensor 63C that reads a mark 63B for an optical sensor provided on the string 63A, and a winding mechanism 63D that winds the string 63A. The optical sensor 63C can detect the length of the string 63A wound around the measurement subject's abdominal circumference by reading the optical sensor mark 63B. The control unit 11 calculates the waist circumference of the measurement subject based on the detection result of the length of the string 63A by the optical sensor 63C. In this case, it is preferable that a strap fastener 44C for fastening the cord 63A is provided on the stretchable belt 44A so that the strap 63A is securely wound around the abdominal circumference along the stretchable belt 44A.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 24A, a force sensor 64 for detecting the tension of the elastic belt 44A is provided in the elastic belt 44A of the second embodiment, and based on the tension detection result by the force sensor 64. An abdominal circumference measurement may be performed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 24B, the elastic belt 44A of the second embodiment is provided with an optical sensor mark 44D, and the body composition measuring apparatus 1 includes an optical sensor 65 that reads the optical sensor mark 44D. It may be a configuration. The optical sensor 65 can detect the expansion / contraction amount of the elastic belt 44A by reading the optical sensor mark 44D, and the measurement of the abdominal circumference may be performed based on the detection result of the expansion / contraction amount by the optical sensor 65.

  Further, for example, in the third embodiment, a sensor (not shown) for detecting the amount of current applied to the shape memory alloy 45 may be provided, or a sensor for detecting the temperature of the shape memory alloy 45 may be provided. Since the amount of current applied to the shape memory alloy 45 and the temperature of the shape memory alloy 45 indicate the degree of deformation of the shape memory alloy 45, the abdominal circumference is measured based on the current amount detection result or the temperature detection result by the sensor. May be configured.

  Further, for example, in the fourth embodiment, a sensor (not shown) for detecting a voltage applied to the electric field responsive polymer 46A may be provided. Since the voltage applied to the electric field responsive polymer 46A indicates the degree of deformation of the electric field responsive polymer 46A, the abdominal circumference may be measured based on the voltage detection result by the sensor.

  Further, for example, in the fifth embodiment, a sensor (not shown) for detecting the amount of air injected into the tube 48 may be provided. Since the amount of air injected into the tube 48 indicates the degree of expansion and contraction of the tube 48, the abdominal circumference may be measured based on the air amount detection result by the sensor.

  As described above, the sensor for measuring not only the sixth embodiment but also the body composition measuring apparatus 1 measures the length of the outer circumference of the reference cross section where the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C are in contact, that is, the waist circumference. May be provided. According to such a configuration, the positions of the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30A to 30C can be adjusted, and the length of the waist circumference of the measurement subject can be measured. As a result, even when the measurement subject does not input the abdominal circumference information to the body composition measuring apparatus 1, the body composition can be accurately measured based on the measurement result of the abdominal circumference.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the body composition measuring apparatus 1 may include a plurality of distance measuring sensors 66 that detect the distance from the main body 41 to the human body 9. The distance measuring sensor 66 for detecting the distance can be constituted by, for example, an optical distance measuring sensor or an ultrasonic distance measuring sensor. Then, based on the distance detection result by the distance measuring sensor 66, the measurement of the abdominal circumference may be performed.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the body composition measuring apparatus 1 includes one distance measuring sensor 67 configured by, for example, an optical distance measuring sensor or an ultrasonic distance measuring sensor. The distance from the main body 41 to the human body 9 may be detected by moving as indicated by the dotted line arrow. Then, based on the distance detection result by the distance measuring sensor 67, the measurement of the abdominal circumference may be performed.

  In the sixth embodiment, the expansion / contraction mechanism 5 may include an electric motor (not shown) that linearly moves the rod-shaped expansion / contraction member 52 instead of the elastic body 53. That is, when the expansion / contraction member 52 is driven by an electric motor, the expansion / contraction member 52 protrudes from the main body 41 and the fixed portion 51, and the positions of the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30 </ b> A to 30 </ b> C provided on the expansion / contraction member 52 The configuration may change the relationship.

  -In the said 6th Embodiment, while the expansion-contraction member 52 is comprised with an air cylinder, the expansion-contraction mechanism 5 is a structure provided with the air adjustment pump (illustration omitted) which inject | pours air into the rod-shaped expansion-contraction member which is an air cylinder. Also good. That is, when air is injected into the expansion / contraction member 52, the expansion / contraction member 52 protrudes from the main body 41 and the fixed portion 51, and the positional relationship between the current electrode pair 20 and the voltage electrode pairs 30 </ b> A to 30 </ b> C provided on the expansion / contraction member 52 It may be a configuration in which is changed.

  In the sixth embodiment, the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 may be configured to be manually adjusted without using a drive source such as an electric motor. Moreover, even if it is the structure by which each position of the electrodes 21,22,31-34 is adjusted independently, the structure by which the position of the electrodes 21,22,31-34 is adjusted interlockingly may be sufficient. .

  The positioning reference of the human body 9 is osteophyte, and a configuration may be provided in which the indicator portion 14 aligned with the osteophyte is provided. That is, the positioning reference of the human body 9 is not limited to the navel 92 but may be a site that becomes another mark such as the pelvis.

  The body composition measuring apparatus 1 may be configured to include a horizontal rod (not shown) including a horizontal sensor so that the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 are kept horizontal. According to such a configuration, the measurement subject can provide the electrodes 21, 22, 31 to 34 at more appropriate positions by referring to the horizon.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, the position of the voltage electrode pair 30A, 30B, 30C is adjusted. However, one or two of the voltage electrode pairs 30A, 30B, 30C are used. May be omitted. That is, the present invention can be applied to a body composition measuring apparatus provided with at least one voltage electrode pair.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, the position of the current electrode pair 20 is also adjusted. However, the position of the current electrode pair 20 may not be adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 4. That is, the position adjustment of the voltage electrode pair and the position adjustment of the current electrode pair may be performed separately, and the present invention is applied to at least a body composition measuring apparatus in which the position of the voltage electrode pair is adjusted. Can do.

  The present invention can be applied not only to measuring body fat but also to a body composition measuring apparatus that measures muscle mass as a body composition, for example.

  L1 to L3: Reference cross section, 1 ... Body composition measuring device, 4 ... Adjustment mechanism, 5 ... Expansion / contraction mechanism, 9 ... Human body, 91 ... Arm (predetermined part), 20 ... Current electrode pair, 21, 22 ... Current electrode, 30A-30C ... Voltage electrode pair, 31-34 ... Voltage electrode, 41 ... Body (base), 45 ... Shape memory alloy (deformation material), 46A ... Electric field responsive polymer (stretch material), 48 ... Tube (stretch material) ), 61... Optical sensor.

Claims (9)

In a body composition measurement apparatus comprising a current electrode pair including a first current electrode and a second current electrode, and a voltage electrode pair including a first voltage electrode and a second voltage electrode,
When a predetermined part of the human body is cut into a circular section, the cross section of the same part is used as a reference cross section, and two reference cross sections having different peripheral lengths and similar to each other are used as a first reference cross section and a second reference cross section,
An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the voltage electrode pair;
The distance between the first voltage electrode and the second voltage electrode with respect to the length of the outer periphery of the first reference cross section when the voltage electrode pair is at a position corresponding to the outer periphery of the first reference cross section The first ratio is
The distance between the first voltage electrode and the second voltage electrode with respect to the length of the outer circumference of the second reference cross section when the voltage electrode pair is at a position corresponding to the outer circumference of the second reference cross section When the ratio of is the second ratio,
The body composition measuring device, wherein the adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the voltage electrode pair so that the first ratio and the second ratio are the same. The body composition measuring device according to claim 1,
The adjustment mechanism includes a stretchable material,
The body composition measuring apparatus, wherein the position of the voltage electrode pair is adjusted by the deformation of the stretchable material. The body composition measuring apparatus according to claim 2,
The adjustment mechanism includes a belt-shaped shape memory alloy as the stretchable material,
Among the reference cross sections, when a cross section having a large perimeter is the first reference cross section, and a cross section having a small perimeter is the second reference cross section,
The shape memory alloy is deformed by applying an electric current to the shape memory alloy, and the position of the voltage electrode pair connected via the shape memory alloy is changed from the position corresponding to the first reference cross section. It changes to the position corresponding to the 2nd above-mentioned standard section. The body composition measuring device characterized by things. The body composition measuring apparatus according to claim 2,
The adjustment mechanism includes an electric field responsive polymer as the stretchable material,
Among the reference cross sections, when a cross section having a large perimeter is the first reference cross section, and a cross section having a small perimeter is the second reference cross section,
By applying a voltage to the electric field responsive polymer, the electric field responsive polymer contracts, and the position of the voltage electrode pair connected via the electric field responsive polymer corresponds to the first reference cross section. The body composition measuring apparatus is characterized in that the body composition changes from a position to a position corresponding to the second reference cross section. The body composition measuring apparatus according to claim 2,
The adjustment mechanism includes a tube having elasticity as the elastic material,
Among the reference cross sections, when a cross section having a large perimeter is the first reference cross section, and a cross section having a small perimeter is the second reference cross section,
When the gas is injected into the tube, the tube expands, and the position of the voltage electrode pair provided on the tube corresponds to the second reference cross section from the position corresponding to the first reference cross section. The body composition measuring device, wherein The body composition measuring device according to claim 1,
The adjustment mechanism includes a base and a telescopic mechanism supported by the base and provided with the voltage electrode pair.
When the expansion / contraction mechanism expands / contracts, the distance from the base body to the voltage electrode pair changes to adjust the position of the voltage electrode pair,
The body composition measuring device, wherein the expansion / contraction mechanism expands and contracts so that the first ratio and the second ratio are the same. The body composition measuring apparatus according to claim 6,
A body composition measuring apparatus comprising a sensor for detecting a position of the voltage electrode pair. In the body composition measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A body composition measuring device comprising a sensor for measuring an abdominal circumference. In the body composition measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the current electrode pair,
The distance between the first current electrode and the second current electrode with respect to the length of the outer circumference of the first reference cross section when the current electrode pair is at a position corresponding to the outer circumference of the first reference cross section The third ratio is
The distance between the first current electrode and the second current electrode with respect to the length of the outer circumference of the second reference cross section when the current electrode pair is at a position corresponding to the outer circumference of the second reference cross section When the ratio of is the fourth ratio,
The body composition measuring device, wherein the adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the current electrode pair so that the third ratio and the fourth ratio are the same.

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