JP3917741B2 - Body fat scale - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a body fat scale, and more particularly to a body fat scale that allows a person to be measured to easily measure a body fat percentage by bringing the fingertip into contact with an electrode.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, the body fat percentage has attracted attention from the viewpoint of maintaining health. If the body fat percentage increases, it can cause adult diseases and so on, and by measuring this, it is possible to prevent adult diseases. As a body fat percentage measuring device, two electrodes that form a current path at a position where the foot of the scale is placed, and electrodes for voltage measurement for measuring impedance between two points of the current path And are provided. Use of such a body fat percentage measuring apparatus is convenient because data of weight necessary for obtaining the body fat percentage can be simultaneously measured.
[0003]
An apparatus for measuring body fat percentage by holding the handle with both hands has also been developed. This body fat scale has an advantage that the body fat percentage can be measured relatively easily unlike the one attached to the above-described weight scale.
[0004]
Furthermore, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-2164 discloses an internal fat meter in which two pairs of electrodes in which a current path forming electrode and a voltage measuring electrode are arranged in close proximity to each other are provided on the surface of the card. . In this internal fat meter, one finger of one hand is brought into contact with both the current path forming electrode and the voltage measuring electrode of one electrode pair, and the current path forming electrode and the voltage measuring electrode of the other electrode pair One finger is brought into contact with both electrodes. This card-type body fat scale has the advantage of simply measuring the body fat percentage.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional body fat scale attached to the weight scale as described above is suitable for bathrooms, etc., but it is necessary to measure at least by removing socks, so the body fat percentage can be easily measured. It cannot be measured. In addition, there is a problem that the position of the foot when the person to be measured is placed on the base is not always constant, and the distance between impedance measurement points on the current path changes every measurement, resulting in different measurement results.
[0006]
On the other hand, since the body fat scale of the type that grips the handle does not have the trouble of taking off the socks, the body fat percentage can be measured relatively easily. However, even in a handle type body fat scale, there is a problem in that the distance between impedance measurement points on the current path changes depending on how it is gripped, resulting in different measurement results. In addition, since this type of body fat scale is not portable, there is a problem that the body fat percentage cannot be easily measured, and therefore, only the family that purchased it can use it.
[0007]
Further, the card-type body fat scale must have one finger in contact with the two current path forming electrodes and the voltage measuring electrode constituting one electrode pair, and therefore the electrode area needs to be reduced. There is a problem that the measurement result is necessarily inaccurate. In addition, since the two current path forming electrodes and the voltage measuring electrodes constituting one electrode pair must be arranged very close to each other, the leakage current generated between them becomes large, and the measurement result further increases. There is a problem of inaccuracy.
[0008]
The present invention solves such problems of the conventional fat meter in the body, and the object of the present invention is that the distance between impedance measurement points on the current path does not change with each measurement, and is easy and relatively To provide a small body fat meter capable of accurately measuring the body fat percentage.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The body fat meter of the present invention measures body fat percentage using fingers of both hands. That is, a current path through the human body is formed between one finger in each of both hands, and the impedance between two points on the current path other than the one finger is measured. Thus, by setting it as the structure which can measure a body fat meter with the finger of a hand, it can be set as the body fat meter which is easy and easy to carry. Further, since the length of the formed current path is constant, the variation in the impedance value obtained for each measurement is reduced. Moreover, it has an advantage that the body fat percentage can be accurately measured by a simple operation of bringing the fingers of both hands into contact with the electrodes.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The internal fat meter of the present invention has two electrode pairs each consisting of a current path forming electrode and a measurement electrode. That is, the first electrode pair includes a first current path forming electrode and a first measurement electrode, and the second electrode pair includes a second current path forming electrode and a second measurement electrode. have. A current is passed between the first current path forming electrode of the first electrode pair and the second current path forming electrode of the second electrode pair, thereby forming a current path in the human body. The first measurement electrode of the first electrode pair and the second measurement electrode of the second electrode pair are provided to measure the impedance between two points in the middle of the current path formed in the human body. ing. The four electrodes are provided in this way by forming a current path between the two current path forming electrodes and measuring the impedance between two points in the middle to thereby contact the electrode with the human skin. This is to eliminate the influence of impedance in the circuit.
[0011]
In the internal fat meter of the present invention, each one finger of both hands of the subject is in electrical contact with the first and second measurement electrodes, respectively, and the one of each hand of the subject is measured. The first and second current path forming electrodes and the first and second measurement electrodes are located at positions where fingers other than the finger can be in electrical contact with the first and second current path forming electrodes, respectively. Each is provided. By providing these electrodes at such positions, a current path is formed from both fingers and the torso other than the one finger of each hand of the person to be measured, and in the middle of the current path The impedance of the human body is measured at two points, that is, current paths from the one finger of both hands through both arms and torso. This impedance measurement is performed by the impedance measuring means. In the internal fat meter of the present invention, since the contact with the current path forming electrode and the measurement electrode is performed by the fingertip, the position where the fingertip comes into contact is almost constant for each measurement, and therefore the length of the current path formed. Becomes constant, and as a result, variation in the impedance value obtained for each measurement is reduced.
[0012]
In addition, data related to the subject necessary for calculating the body fat percentage, such as weight, height, age, sex, etc., is input from the data input means. Further, the body fat percentage is calculated in the calculating means based on the impedance obtained by the impedance measuring means and the data relating to the subject input from the data input means.
[0013]
In one embodiment of the body fat scale of the present invention, the one finger is a thumb and the other finger is a finger other than the thumb. In this embodiment, the thumbs of both hands of the measurement subject are in electrical contact with the first and second measurement electrodes, respectively, and the fingers other than the thumbs of both hands of the measurement subject are the first and first fingers. The first and second current path forming electrodes and the first and second measurement electrodes are provided at positions where they can be in electrical contact with the two current path forming electrodes, respectively. By providing these electrodes at such positions, a current path is formed from the fingers other than the thumbs of both hands of the subject via both arms and the torso, and two points in the middle of the current path, that is, both hands Impedance in the current path from both thumbs to both arms and torso is measured.
[0014]
In one embodiment of the present invention, the body fat scale is of a card type, and a first current path forming electrode and a second current path forming electrode are provided on one surface of the card type body fat scale, The measurement electrode and the second measurement electrode are provided on the other surface of the card-type internal fat meter. The first measurement electrode is disposed at a position directly behind the first current path forming electrode, and similarly, the second measurement electrode is disposed at a position directly behind the second current path forming electrode. . With this configuration, it is possible to easily measure the body fat percentage simply by holding the card-type internal fat meter with both hands. In addition, since each measurement electrode is arranged at a position directly behind the corresponding current path forming electrode, electrical contact between the finger and each electrode is ensured.
[0015]
In another embodiment of the present invention, the internal fat meter is of a card type, and the first current path forming electrode and the second current path forming electrode are provided on one end face of the card type fat meter. The first measurement electrode and the second measurement electrode are provided on the other end face of the card-type internal fat meter. When the card-type internal fat scale is held by hand, the thumbs of both hands become the positions of the first measurement electrode and the second measurement electrode, and the fingers other than the thumbs of both hands are the first current. The first measuring electrode, the first current path forming electrode, the second measuring electrode, and the second current path forming electrode are arranged so as to be the positions of the path forming electrode and the second current path forming electrode. ing. Even in this configuration, the body fat percentage can be measured simply by holding the card-type body fat scale with both hands, and the electrical contact between the finger and each electrode is ensured. It can be carried out.
[0016]
Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the internal fat meter is a card type, and the first current path forming electrode and the first measurement electrode are provided on one end face of the card type internal fat meter, A second measurement electrode and a second current path forming electrode are provided on the other end face of the card-type internal fat meter. In this embodiment, the body fat percentage can be easily measured by supporting the card-type body fat scale with both fingers so as to sandwich the card-type body fat scale.
[0017]
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the internal fat meter is a card type, and the first and second current path forming electrodes and the first and second measurement electrodes are the card type. It is provided on one side of the body fat scale. In this embodiment, the card-type body fat scale is placed on a table or the like so that these electrodes are on the upper surface, and the two fingers of one hand are connected to the first current path forming electrode and the first measuring electrode. The body fat percentage can be easily measured by bringing the two fingers of the other hand into contact with the second current path forming electrode and the second measuring electrode.
[0018]
【Example】
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a body fat meter according to the present invention. The internal fat meter of the present embodiment is a card type, and a card-type calculator is added with a function for measuring body fat percentage. As shown in the figure, the internal fat meter 10 of the present embodiment is provided with the first electrode pair 1 on the upper right surface 11a and the back surface 11b of the card body 11, and the upper left surface 11a of the card body 11 and A second electrode pair 2 is provided on the back surface 11b. The first electrode pair 1 is constituted by a first measurement electrode 1a provided on the front surface 11a of the card body 11 and a first current path forming electrode 1b provided on the back surface 11b of the card body 11. A first current path forming electrode 1b is disposed directly behind the first measurement electrode 1a. Similarly, the second electrode pair 2 is formed by a second measurement electrode 2a provided on the front surface 11a of the card body 11 and a second current path forming electrode 2b provided on the back surface 11b of the card body 11. The second current path forming electrode 2b is arranged directly behind the second measurement electrode 2a. The impedance between the first measuring electrode 1a and the second measuring electrode 2a is measured by an impedance measuring means (not shown) provided in the card body 11. The impedance measuring means can be realized by a known impedance measuring device.
[0019]
The internal fat meter 10 of the present embodiment has a large number of keys 3. These keys 3 realize the function of a calculator, and also provide data such as the weight, height, age, and sex of the person being measured. It also functions as a data input means for inputting. The card body 11 is provided with calculation means for calculating the body fat percentage based on the impedance obtained by the impedance measurement means and the data relating to the subject input using the key 3. This calculation means can be realized by a CPU and a memory for realizing a function as a calculator. In the present embodiment, a display unit 4 is provided for confirming the input numerical value and displaying the finally obtained body fat percentage. The display unit 4 is also used to show a calculation value and a calculation result when used as a calculator.
[0020]
The measurement of body fat percentage using the internal fat meter 10 of the present embodiment is performed by the person to be measured holding the internal fat meter 10 with both thumbs and, for example, the index finger, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. be able to. That is, the internal fat meter 10 is held so that the left thumb presses the first measurement electrode 1a, and the left index finger presses the first current path forming electrode 1b. Similarly, the internal fat meter 10 is held such that the thumb of the right hand presses the second measurement electrode 2a and the index finger of the right hand presses the second current path forming electrode 2b.
[0021]
Next, the subject's weight, height, age, sex, etc. are input using the key 3. When the input of these data is completed, the calculating means calculates the body fat percentage based on the impedance obtained by the impedance measuring means and the data relating to the subject input using the key 3. Various known formulas can be used in this case. This calculation formula can be stored in advance in a storage means such as a ROM of the card body 11 in advance. When the body fat percentage is finally obtained, the result is displayed on the display unit 4.
[0022]
Thus, in the internal fat meter 10 of the present embodiment, the first current path forming electrode 1b is disposed directly behind the first measurement electrode 1a, and the second current is directly behind the second measurement electrode 2a. Since the path forming electrode 2b is arranged, a current path through both arms and the torso is formed between the index fingers of both hands only by holding the body fat scale 10 with both hands, and in the middle of this current path The impedance of the measurer can be measured on the thumbs of both hands. In addition, since the electrical contact between the finger and each electrode is reliably performed, the contact position with the electrode at the fingertip is constant for each measurement, and the variation in the measured value can be reduced. Further, since the body fat percentage can be measured by a natural operation of holding the body fat scale 10 with both hands and bringing the fingertip into contact with the electrode, the body fat percentage can be easily obtained. In addition, since the body fat percentage can be known at any time by carrying it, the body fat percentage can be measured without being limited to a specific place such as a bathroom as in a conventional body fat meter. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a secondary effect that the measurement subject can always be conscious of the body fat, and that the measurement subject can always acquire a posture to pay attention to health maintenance.
[0023]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the body fat scale of the present invention. In the internal fat meter 20 of the present embodiment, the first electrode pair 1 is provided on the left side of the upper end face and the left side of the lower end face of the card body 11, and on the right side of the upper end face and the lower side of the lower end face. Except that the second electrode pair 2 is provided, it is the same as the above-described internal fat meter 10 of FIG. 1, and corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the internal fat meter 20 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the first electrode pair 1 includes a first current path forming electrode 1 b provided on the left end face on the upper side of the card body 11, and the card body 11. And the first measuring electrode 1a provided on the left side of the lower end face. Similarly, the second electrode pair 2 includes a second current path forming electrode 2b provided on the right side of the upper end face of the card body 11 and a second measurement provided on the right side of the lower end face of the card body 11. And the electrode 2a. With this arrangement of electrodes, when the card-type internal fat meter 20 is held by hand, the thumbs of both hands become the positions of the first measuring electrode 1a and the second measuring electrode 2a, and the index fingers of both hands Is the position of the first current path forming electrode 1b and the second current path forming electrode 2b.
[0024]
The measurement of the body fat percentage using the internal fat meter 20 of the present embodiment can also be performed in the same manner as in the case of FIG. That is, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2, the left thumb of the measurement subject presses the first measurement electrode 1a, and the left index finger presses the first current path forming electrode 1b. Thus, the internal fat meter 20 is held. Similarly, the internal fat meter 20 is held such that the thumb of the right hand presses the second measurement electrode 2a and the index finger of the right hand presses the second current path forming electrode 2b. By holding the internal fat scale 20 with both hands in this way, a current path is formed between the index fingers of both hands, and the impedance of the body of the measurer is measured at the thumbs of both hands located in the middle of the current path. It is measured.
[0025]
Next, data such as weight, height, age, sex, etc. are input by the measured person using the key 3, the impedance obtained by the impedance measuring means, and the data relating to the measured person input using the key 3; Based on the above, the calculation means calculates the body fat percentage. When the body fat percentage is finally obtained, the result is displayed on the display unit 4.
[0026]
Even when the internal fat meter 20 of the present embodiment is used, the fingertip comes in contact with the electrode just by holding with both hands, and the body fat percentage is measured by this, so the body fat percentage is easily measured very easily. In addition, the contact position of the fingertip with the electrode is constant for each measurement, and the variation in the measured value can be reduced. In addition, the body fat percentage can be easily obtained, and the body fat percentage can be known at any time by carrying. Therefore, the body fat percentage can be measured at a place other than a specific place such as a bathroom like a conventional body fat meter.
[0027]
In each of the above embodiments, data relating to the subject is input after the impedance is measured. Conversely, the data may be measured after inputting the data relating to the subject.
[0028]
FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the body fat scale of the present invention. In the internal fat meter 30 shown in the figure, a first measurement electrode 1a and a first current path forming electrode 1b are provided on the surface 11a of the card body 11, and a second measurement electrode is provided on the back surface 11b of the card body 11. An electrode 2a and a second current path forming electrode 2b are provided. In the internal fat meter of the present embodiment, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3, the card body 11 is supported by the index and middle fingers of both hands from the front surface 11a and the back surface 11b, thereby measuring the body fat percentage. Done.
[0029]
FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the internal fat meter of the present invention in which an electrode is provided only on one surface of the card body 11. That is, the first and second measurement electrodes 1a and 2a and the first and second current path forming electrodes 1b and 2b are all provided on the surface 11a of the card body 11. In this embodiment, the first and second measurement electrodes 1 a and 2 a are provided in the lower part of the card body 11, and the first and second current path forming electrodes 1 b and 2 b are the upper part of the card body 11. Is provided.
[0030]
The body fat scale 40 of this embodiment is used by placing the electrodes 1a, ab, 2a, 2b on the table or the like. That is, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4, the internal fat meter 40 placed on the table is connected to the first and second measuring electrodes 1a and 1a with the index finger and the middle finger of one hand. The body fat percentage is measured by bringing the index finger and middle finger of the other hand into contact with the second current path forming electrode 2b and the second measuring electrode 2a.
[0031]
In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the positions of the measurement electrodes 1a and 2a are moved inward so that the current path forming electrodes 1b and 2b and the measurement electrodes 1a and 2a can be easily contacted with a finger. is there. The method of using the internal fat meter of this embodiment is the same as that of the embodiment of FIG.
[0032]
In addition, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, the case where a function as a body fat meter is given to the calculator has been described. However, the body fat meter of the present invention can be used in other examples such as a clock, a pedometer, a pager, It can be attached to various portable items such as a total, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, it can also be configured as a card having the function of a body fat meter only.
[0033]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the internal fat meter of the present invention, the contact with the current path forming electrode and the measurement electrode is performed by the fingertip, so the position where the fingertip contacts is almost constant for each measurement, so The length of the current path is constant, and as a result, the variation in the impedance value obtained for each measurement is reduced. Further, in the internal fat meter of the present invention, each measurement electrode is arranged at the position directly behind each current path forming electrode, so that the fingertip touches the electrode simply by performing a natural operation of holding with both hands. In addition, body fat percentage can be measured. Moreover, the body fat percentage can be measured at any time by carrying it. Also, unlike the body fat scale that was used in a specific place such as a bathroom in the past, the body fat percentage can be measured at any place, so it always pays attention to the body fat. Awareness can be born, and by extension, the person to be measured can always take the attitude of maintaining health.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a body fat scale according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a body fat scale according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a body fat scale according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which all electrodes are provided on one surface of a body fat scale of the present invention.
5 is a perspective view showing a case where the position of the electrode of the embodiment of FIG. 4 is moved. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 2 electrode pair 1a first measurement electrode 2a second measurement electrode 1b first first current path forming electrode 2b second first current path forming electrode 3 key 4 display unit 10, 20 in the body Fat meter 30, 40 Body fat meter 11 Card body

Claims (4)

A card-type body fat scale that measures impedance by the fingertips of each finger of both hands of the subject and the fingertips of other fingers other than the one finger of each of the two hands,
A first electrode pair having a first current path forming electrode and a first measurement electrode provided in the vicinity of the first current path forming electrode;
The second current path for measuring impedance between the second current path forming electrode that forms a current path with the first current path forming electrode and the first measurement electrode. A second electrode pair having a second measurement electrode provided in the vicinity of the forming electrode;
Impedance measuring means for measuring impedance between the first measurement electrode and the second measurement electrode;
A data input means for inputting data related to the subject necessary for calculating the body fat percentage;
A calculation means for calculating a body fat percentage based on the impedance obtained by the impedance measurement means and data on the subject input to the data input means;
The first current path forming electrode and the second current path forming electrode are provided on one surface of the card-type internal fat meter, and the first measurement electrode and the second measurement electrode are An internal fat meter characterized by being provided on the other surface of the card-type internal fat meter. The first measurement electrode is arranged at a position of directly behind the first current path forming electrode, wherein the second measuring electrode which is arranged at a position of directly behind the second current path forming electrode Item 1. The body fat scale according to Item 1 . A card-type body fat scale that measures impedance by the fingertips of each finger of both hands of the subject and the fingertips of other fingers other than the one finger of each of the two hands,
A first electrode pair having a first current path forming electrode and a first measurement electrode provided in the vicinity of the first current path forming electrode;
The second current path for measuring impedance between the second current path forming electrode that forms a current path with the first current path forming electrode and the first measurement electrode. A second electrode pair having a second measurement electrode provided in the vicinity of the forming electrode;
Impedance measuring means for measuring impedance between the first measurement electrode and the second measurement electrode;
A data input means for inputting data related to the subject necessary for calculating the body fat percentage;
A calculation means for calculating a body fat percentage based on the impedance obtained by the impedance measurement means and data on the subject input to the data input means;
The first current path forming electrode and the second current path forming electrode are provided on one end face of the card-type internal fat meter, and the first measurement electrode and the second measurement electrode are An internal fat meter characterized by being provided on the other end face of the card-type internal fat meter. When the card-type internal fat meter is held by hand, the fingertips of the thumbs of both hands are the positions of the first measurement electrode and the second measurement electrode, and the fingertips of the other fingers other than the thumbs of both hands Is the position of the first current path forming electrode and the second current path forming electrode, the first measurement electrode, the first current path forming electrode, the second measurement electrode, The internal fat meter according to claim 3, wherein the second current path forming electrode is arranged.

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