JP3496331B2 - Subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to subcutaneous fat thickness measuring device that measure the thickness and the like of the subcutaneous fat.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, the thickness of subcutaneous fat is used as an index for evaluating the degree of obesity and nutritional status. In recent years, there has been a tendency toward obesity due to changes in eating habits, adult diseases and heart
There is increasing interest in obesity because it can cause a variety of diseases such as the vascular system. Also, as a measure against obesity, exercise therapy for improving proportions has been gaining popularity, not by simply losing weight but by removing fat from specific parts. Therefore, it is desired that the subcutaneous fat amount can be easily measured by oneself. Conventionally, as a device for measuring the thickness of the subcutaneous fat, there is an Eiken-type skin fat thickness meter (caliper) or an ultrasonic skin fat thickness meter for making a measurement by bringing a measuring device called a probe into contact with the measuring portion.

[0003]

Among the above-mentioned conventional subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instruments, the measurement with a caliper is generally widely used and is inexpensive and easy to perform the measuring operation.
The measurement part is limited to the part between the skin and the subcutaneous fat, and the posture at the time of measurement is restricted, so that self-measurement is impossible. In addition, in obese people who need to be measured most,
The skin is so tight that it is difficult to pinch it and the measurement error is large. Further, the measurement subject may be distressed because the measurement site is pinched.

Although the measurement error is small in the ultrasonic method, the apparatus is considerably large and expensive, and a gel-like contact member has to be installed between the probe and the measurement section at the time of measurement. The operation is complicated and gives an unpleasant feeling to the person to be measured.
In recent years, a small subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument using ultrasonic waves has been released, but again a contact member such as soap water is required between the probe part and the measurement site, and the reproducibility of the measurement result is low, It seems to be unreliable.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument which is easy to operate, can be self-measured without causing pain, and can be measured with high accuracy. The purpose is to do.

[0006]

A subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument according to claim 1 of the present application comprises an oscillating section for oscillating a high frequency signal, a sensor section including a resonance circuit and a detection coil. , Between the oscillator and the sensor
Before the signal transmitted from the oscillator to the sensor
And the reflected wave sensor section for detecting a reflected wave from the serial sensor unit,
The signal converter for converting the signal from the reflected wave sensor unit into the thickness of subcutaneous fat, and the detection coil leaving a part thereof
Oscillator, the sensor, the reflected wave sensor, the signal
A box containing the converter and the surface of this box,
And a display unit for displaying the signal output from the signal converter.

With this subcutaneous fat thickness measuring device, the surface of the living body is
Sensor unit, and the sensor unit from the oscillation unit through the transmission unit.
Send a high frequency signal to.

Reflection from the sensor section in correlation with subcutaneous fat thickness
The signal returns and is detected by the detector. This detection signal is a signal
Converted to subcutaneous fat thickness with the converter and displayed on the display
It

[0009]

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples. FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a basic circuit configuration of a subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument of this embodiment, a sensor unit 1, an oscillating unit 2 for transmitting a high frequency signal to the sensor unit 1 via a transmission path 4, and a high frequency signal supplied to the sensor unit 1 are transmitted by the sensor unit 1. A reflected wave sensor unit 3 that detects a reflected signal that is reflected back to the oscillation unit 2, a signal converter 5 that converts the detected reflected signal into a subcutaneous fat thickness, and a display unit 6 that displays the subcutaneous fat thickness, It is composed of a detection circuit 8 and a negative feedback circuit 9.

The sensor unit 1 is here a detection coil 11
And a resonance capacitor 12 that forms a series resonance circuit with the detection coil 11, and a transformer 13 for real numbers, the primary side of which is connected to the resonance circuit of the input side and the secondary side of which is connected to the high frequency input terminal 14 and the ground GND. It consists of However, a parallel resonance circuit may be used as the resonance circuit. The oscillating unit 2 uses an oscillating circuit using a crystal here, but the oscillating circuit itself may be another circuit as long as it is a known high-frequency oscillating circuit, for example, an LC oscillator or a PLL. May be. The reflected wave sensor unit 3 is a parallel circuit of a capacitor 31 connected to the transmission line 4, a resistor 32 connected to one end of this capacitor, and a coil 33. The coil 33 is M-coupled to the transmission line 4 and connected in parallel. The other end of the circuit is connected to the anode of the diode 34, the cathode of the diode 34 is GND-connected via the capacitor 35, and an output signal is derived from the cathode. The reflected wave sensor used here is the CM coupled one as described above, but another sensor such as one using the MM coupled method may be used.

The signal converter 5 includes an A / D converter 51 and a CP.
The U52 is built in, receives an analog output signal from the reflected wave sensor 3, converts it into a subcutaneous fat thickness signal, and outputs it digitally. The detection circuit 8 includes a capacitor 81 and a diode 8
2, the capacitor 83, and the coil 84. One end of the capacitor 81 is connected to the terminal 14 of the sensor unit 1, and the other end is connected to the anode of the diode 82. The cathode of the diode 82 is the capacitor 8
3, and is connected to GND and is also connected to one end of the coil 84. The negative feedback circuit 9 is a capacitor 9
1, capacitor 92, transistor 94, and coil 9
5, the capacitor 91, the resistor 93, and the capacitor 92 are connected in series, and are connected between the oscillator 2 and the reflected wave sensor 3. Transistor 94 across resistor 93
Is connected to the base of the transistor 94, and the base of the transistor 94 is connected to the other end of the coil 94. A coil 95 is connected between the collector of the transistor 94 and the power supply.

The stability of the detector is important when dealing with weak signals such as subcutaneous fat thickness measurement. In addition, since the temperature characteristics of the used parts affect the accuracy of the detector, it is necessary to stabilize the detector. Therefore, the detection circuit 8
The output signal is extracted, detected, and fed back by the negative feedback circuit 9 to stabilize the output signal. An AGC circuit may be used instead of the negative feedback circuit 9. Further, an FET or a PIN diode may be used instead of the transistor 94.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument of the embodiment. On the surface of the box 71, the display 6, a hold button 78, a calibration button 79
Is equipped with. Here, the size of the box 71 is defined as length × width × height of 8.5 cm × 9.5 cm × 3.5 cm. When measuring the thickness of subcutaneous fat using the subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument of this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The detection coil 11 is placed toward the skin surface of the living body 80.

In this subcutaneous fat thickness measuring device, a high frequency signal is supplied from the oscillating unit 2 to the sensor unit 1 via the transmission line 4. Now, for example, the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit is set to match the frequency of the oscillating unit 2, and when the surroundings where no detection substance is present are air, the impedance of the sensor unit 1 and the impedance of the transmission line 4 are matched. If it is taken, the reflection of the transmitted high frequency signal is almost zero, and the output from the reflected wave sensor 3 is zero. However, when the living body 80 is brought into contact with the detection coil 1 as shown in FIG. 3, the flow of magnetic flux changes due to the permeability of the living body, the impedance of the sensor unit 1 deviates from the matching impedance, and a reflected signal is generated. The change in the flow of the magnetic flux, that is, the level of the reflection signal is correlated with the thickness of the skin as shown in FIG. 4, and the reflection signal is converted into a corresponding subcutaneous fat thickness signal by the signal converter 5. , Is displayed on the display unit 6.

Since the subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument of this embodiment can perform measurement only by pressing the detection coil against the measurement site,
It does not involve the discomfort and discomfort of the measurements that are found in conventional methods. Further, since no contact member or the like is required, the running cost is low and the operation is easy. However, the signal output from the reflected wave sensor unit 3 changes depending on the distance between the detection coil 11 and the measurement site of the living body, that is, the pressure applied to the detection coil. FIG. 5 shows data in which the measured value changes depending on the pressing force. According to this data, the measured data becomes inconsistent when the pressure exceeds a certain range (about 600 g). It is considered that this is because the detection coil is embedded in the measurement site. Therefore, the measurement accuracy and reproducibility can be improved by providing the main body with the spring or the pressure sensor.

FIG. 6 is a view showing another embodiment of the subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument having a spring according to the present invention. The subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument of this embodiment has a substrate 74 on which a sensor unit 1, an oscillating unit 2, a reflected wave sensor unit 3, a detection circuit 8, a negative feedback circuit 9 and the like are mounted.
However, the springs 72 and 73 support the box 71. In this subcutaneous fat thickness measuring device, when the detection coil 11 is pressed against the measurement site, the substrate 74 slides inside the box 71. With the slides 72 and 73,
The pressure applied to the measurement site by the detection coil 11 increases. Eventually, when it slides to reach a predetermined pressure, the micro switch 75 is turned on, and at the same time, the hold switch 78 is turned on. Then, the subcutaneous fat thickness measurement value at that time is held.

Further, as another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a fixed guide 77 may be provided at the tip of the detection coil 11. The fixed guide 77 has a flat plate shape and is arranged so as to be perpendicular to the detection coil 11 of the box 71.
Note that 11a and 11b are one ends of the detection coils. By providing the fixed guide 77, the pressing method against the measurement site becomes constant, so that the measurement accuracy and reproducibility can be improved.

The fixed guide 77 may be housed in a carrying case or a box. By making it storable, it is possible to store it when not measuring and to pull out the fixed guide only when measuring. Specifically, for example, the fixed guide constitutes a part of the box, and a part of the box can be slid out. At the time of measurement, the fixed guide is removed and joined to the tip of the sensor to function as the fixed guide.

FIG. 9 shows an example in which the fixed guide 77 is pulled out from the box 71. Miniaturization can be realized and it is easy to carry. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing a subcutaneous fat thickness measuring device according to still another embodiment. The subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument of this embodiment is attached to a box 71 to form a control sample 8
1 is provided. As a result, it has a calibration function. Here, the box 82 is connected to the box 71, but when not in use, it can be prevented from disappearing by incorporating the control sample 81 in a carrying case or a part of the box. In each calibration, the control sample 81 is first pressed against the tip of the detection coil 11 of the sensor unit and the calibration button 79 is pressed during each measurement. The display value is reset to 0 by this operation. Then, the sensor is pressed against the target measurement site and the displayed value is read.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of a subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument showing another embodiment of the present invention. In the subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument of this embodiment, an attenuator 10 is used in place of the detection circuit 8 and the negative feedback circuit 9 shown in FIG.
It is provided between the two. Attenuator 10 has resistance 1
Although a π-type circuit composed of 01, 102, 103 is used, other types may be used.

When the impedance of the sensor unit 1 changes greatly depending on the object to be measured, the signal of the reflected wave sensor 3 increases. At this time, since the load impedance of the oscillation unit 2 and the input impedance of the sensor unit 1 are not matched,
The oscillator 2 operates in an unstable manner. In order to prevent this unstable operation, the attenuator 10 is arranged on the output side of the oscillating unit 2 so that a part of the output of the oscillating unit 2 is always consumed by the resistance, and even when the impedance change is severe and the matching cannot be achieved. By stabilizing the load impedance of 2 to some extent, the oscillation unit 2 operates stably.

The above embodiments have been described by taking the subcutaneous fat thickness measuring device as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the subcutaneous fat thickness measuring device, and the depth of homogeneous solids for measuring the depth of homogeneous solids can be measured. It can be widely applied as a container.

[0023]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is an oscillating unit for oscillating a high frequency signal, a sensor unit including a resonance circuit and a detection coil, and an interposing unit between the oscillating unit and the sensor unit.
Before the signal transmitted from the oscillator to the sensor
And the reflected wave sensor section for detecting a reflected wave from the serial sensor unit,
The signal converter for converting the signal from the reflected wave sensor unit into the thickness of subcutaneous fat, and the detection coil leaving a part thereof
Oscillator, the sensor, the reflected wave sensor, the signal
A box containing the converter and the surface of this box,
A display unit for displaying a signal output from the signal converter, so that the measurement operation is simple, the cost can be reduced, the contact member is unnecessary, and the running cost is low, and the size is small. There is an effect such as realization. In addition, there is an effect that the measurement is not accompanied by pain and discomfort, and self-measurement is possible.

[0024]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a basic circuit configuration of a subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the measurement principle of the subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument of the same Example.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a relationship between a fat thickness and an output value in the subcutaneous fat thickness measuring device of the example.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship between a pressing force and an output value in the subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument of the same Example.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view for explaining a subcutaneous fat thickness measuring device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an external perspective view for explaining a subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view seen from the front upper part of the fixed guide of the subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a partial external perspective view showing a subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing a subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 sensor 2 oscillation coil 3 Reflection sensor section 4 transmission lines 5 Signal converter 6 Display

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Akinori Kato 24 Yamanouchi Yamanoshitamachi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City Omron Life Science Research Institute (56) Reference JP-A-54-85586 (JP, A) ( 58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61B 5/107

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. An oscillating section for oscillating a high frequency signal, a sensor section including a resonance circuit and a detection coil, the oscillating section and the sensor.
Between the oscillator section and the sensor section.
And the reflected wave sensor section for detecting a reflected wave from the sensor unit of the feed signal, and a signal converter for converting the signal from the reflected wave sensor section to the thickness of subcutaneous fat, the sensing coil
The oscillator, the sensor, and the reflected wave
Sensor unit, a box housing the signal converter, and this box
Provided on a surface, and a display unit for displaying a signal output from the signal converter, the size of the box making body carry
An instrument for measuring subcutaneous fat thickness, characterized in that it is easy and miniaturized . 2. The subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a spring for urging the sensor portion so that the measuring pressure is constant. 3. The subcutaneous fat thickness measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor for measuring the measuring pressure, and means for fixing the measured value of the subcutaneous fat thickness when the measuring pressure reaches a predetermined value. 4. The subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument according to claim 1, wherein a fixed guide is provided at least at an appropriate position above and below the detection coil of the sensor unit so that the detection coil and the measurement site can be made vertical. 5. The subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument according to claim 1, further comprising means for calibrating the display value of the display section. 6. The subcutaneous fat thickness measuring instrument according to claim 5, wherein a calibration sample is attached to the measuring instrument body.