JP4065066B2 - Body fat scale - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a body fat scale having a simple and compact structure.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The body fat percentage has attracted attention from the viewpoint of maintaining health. If the body fat percentage increases, it causes adult diseases and the like, and therefore, adult disease can be prevented by measuring the body fat percentage.
[0003]
As a body fat scale for measuring the body fat percentage, there is a body fat scale described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-49050. In this publication, an electrode for measuring a bioimpedance, which is the impedance of a human body, is provided on the surface of a body weight measurement unit on which the subject is placed in order to measure the body weight. The weight and bioelectrical impedance can be measured simultaneously. Then, the body fat percentage is calculated by the calculation unit provided in the body fat scale from the personal data such as gender and height input by the operation on the body fat scale, and the measured weight and bioelectrical impedance. Yes.
[0004]
In addition, there is a body fat scale described in Japanese Patent No. 2667337. With respect to what is described in this publication, the body fat percentage is calculated by the calculation unit from the input personal data such as height, gender, and weight and the bioelectrical impedance. The body fat scale is provided with a pair of grips (probes) that are gripped by the left hand and the right hand, and the grips are placed so that the palms of both hands are in contact with the electrodes provided on the surface thereof. The bioimpedance can be measured by grasping. This body fat scale is convenient because the bioimpedance can be easily measured by grasping the grasping part by hand.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, with the body fat scale described in the above Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-49050, the body fat percentage can be easily measured by simultaneously measuring the body weight and the bioelectrical impedance on the spot, and is permanently installed on the floor of a bathroom or the like. It can be used at any time and is convenient, but has the following problems.
[0006]
This body fat scale is configured to have a function to measure bioimpedance by integrating electrodes into a conventional scale so that weight measurement and bioimpedance measurement can be performed simultaneously. ing. Therefore, in order to maintain the function as a scale, there are restrictions on the size, shape, strength, etc. of the main body. For example, the size including the thickness of the main body cannot be made smaller than the storage space of the body weight measurement unit, or the size and shape of the measurement surface need to be an area and shape on which a foot can be stably placed. Further, since it is necessary to maintain the space of the weight measuring unit and the function as the weight scale, it becomes difficult to combine or integrate with members having other functions.
[0007]
Furthermore, in such a body fat scale, when performing an operation for inputting personal data, it is impossible to perform the posture while standing, and it is necessary to sit on or sit down on the body weight measurement unit. . Further, when reading the measurement result of the body fat percentage from the display unit, visual confirmation is not always easy in a standing posture, and there is a possibility of causing a reading mistake. In order to avoid these problems, the operation unit and the display unit can be provided at a certain height position with respect to the weight scale from the body of the weight scale through the support column, but this makes the structure complicated. There is a problem of becoming.
[0008]
On the other hand, with respect to the body fat scale described in Japanese Patent No. 2667337, in order to prevent measurement error of the impedance when grasping the grasping part with both hands in order to measure bioelectrical impedance, Therefore, it is necessary to raise both hands horizontally to keep the body fat scale body at the shoulder height. Therefore, it cannot be said that the measurement is performed in a natural posture, and it cannot be easily operated and measured by any person.
[0009]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a body fat scale that has a more compact structure and can easily perform various operations in the measurement of body fat percentage.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the body fat scale of the present invention includes an operation unit for inputting personal data of a subject,
An electrode group that consists of two sets of one current path forming electrode and one voltage measuring electrode as a set, and the subject can measure bioimpedance by bringing both hands into contact with the set of electrodes separately;
The body fat scale body on which the subject can press both hands and the measurement surface on which the electrode group is disposed is formed on the surface;
A calculation unit for calculating a body fat percentage based on the personal data and bioelectrical impedance;
A display unit displaying at least the body fat percentage,
The body fat scale main body is stretched forward with both hands of the subject on the wall of the building so that the arm of the subject does not come into contact with other parts of the body. Installation means for installing the hands at the height position of the subject's shoulder capable of pressing both hands against the measurement surface is provided (Claim 1). The installation means may be a concave hooking hole formed on the back surface of the body fat meter main body so as to fit into a convex hook member provided on the wall.
[0011]
In the body fat scale of the present invention, the body fat scale body does not include a weight scale. That is, the body fat scale main body is not built in a weight scale, and is formed to have a size, strength, etc. that can incorporate the electrode group that can measure the bioimpedance by touching the hand. It can be made compact without being restricted by size, shape, strength, etc. based on the need to maintain the functions of
[0012]
In addition, since the body fat scale of the present invention can be installed with the back surface of the body fat scale body hung on the wall of the building by the above-mentioned installation means, operations to the body fat scale such as measurement of bioimpedance can be easily performed with an easy posture It can be installed at a predetermined position. Here, the position of the wall of the building where the body fat meter main body is installed can be relatively measured without extending the hands and bringing the arm into contact with other parts of the body when measuring the bioimpedance. Any place where measurement can be performed with an easy posture is acceptable. More specifically, it is the position of the height of the subject's shoulder in the wall of the building.
[0013]
When the said position of the height of the subject's shoulder in the wall of the building body fat meter main body is Ru is installed by the installation unit, carrying out the measurement of the impedance, the subject, the standing position You can extend both hands forward at the shoulder height and press both hands against the measurement surface. Thereby, it is possible to measure impedance with high accuracy in a particularly easy posture without fear of bringing the arm into contact with other parts of the body.
[0014]
Further, the operation unit and the display unit can be integrated with the body fat meter main body (Claim 3), thereby including the body fat meter main body on which the electrode group is disposed and the other parts. It is convenient for maintenance etc.
[0015]
On the other hand, you may isolate | separate the said operation part and a display part from the body fat meter main body (Claim 4). This is convenient when the body fat scale body is desired to be more compact.
[0016]
Further, the current path forming electrode and the voltage measuring electrode included in the set are disposed so that the current path forming electrode is in contact with the finger in the palm of the subject's hand, and the voltage measuring electrode is provided. When arranged so as to come into contact with the side of the palm of the hand close to the wrist (claim 5), the following significance is obtained. That is, when the two electrodes included in the set are arranged so as to have the above-described relative positional relationship in the palm, in the measurement of bioimpedance with the palms of both hands as both ends, The measurement electrode is disposed inside. As a result, the potential difference due to the bioimpedance can be measured via the voltage measurement electrode disposed inside the current path formed via the current path forming electrode, so that the bioimpedance can be accurately measured.
[0017]
And about two electrodes contained in this set, it can arrange | position so that an electric current path formation electrode can be made to contact the area | region ranging from the base of the index finger to the base of a little finger in a subject's palm (Claim 6). ), And the voltage measuring electrode can be disposed so as to be in contact with a region extending from the base of the thumb to the base of the little finger in the subject's palm (claim 7). The electrode can be disposed so as to be in contact with the region of the base of the thumb in the palm (Claim 8), and the electrode for voltage measurement is disposed so as to be in contact with the region of the base of the little finger in the palm of the subject. (Claim 9). The area extending from the base of the index finger to the base of the little finger, the base area of the thumb, or the base area of the pinky in the subject's palm is relatively swollen in the palm of the hand, so that these areas are in contact with each other. If the electrodes included in the set are arranged, the contact of the electrodes with the palm can be further increased. Thereby, bioimpedance can be measured with higher accuracy.
[0018]
Moreover, about the said electrode group, also by making the surface of each electrode into the shape which protruded a little with respect to the said measurement surface (Claim 10), the contact of the electrode with respect to a palm can be improved more, and with higher precision. Bioimpedance can be measured.
[0019]
In addition, a member having a function different from the measurement of the body fat percentage can be incorporated into the body fat meter main body (claim 11). Examples of such members include a watch, a thermometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a game machine, and the like.
[0020]
In addition, a cover that covers at least the measurement surface on which the electrode group is disposed may be provided. By covering at least the measurement surface on which the electrode group is disposed, the electrode group can be protected from damage and dirt. Thereby, the measurement error of the bioimpedance due to the electrode group being soiled or corroded can be prevented, and the bioimpedance can be measured with higher accuracy.
[0021]
When such a cover is attached, a member having a function different from the measurement of the body fat percentage can be incorporated into the cover (claim 13).
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a body fat scale 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The body fat scale 10 is configured such that the operation panel portion 5 formed in a plate shape and the body fat scale main body 1 are integrally incorporated. An operation unit 6 and a display unit 7 are provided on the surface of the operation panel unit 5, and a measurement surface 4 is formed on the surface of the body fat scale main body 1.
[0023]
The operation unit 6 is for inputting the personal data of the subject necessary for obtaining the body fat percentage, and includes a number of keys for inputting the personal data. The personal data includes subject height data, gender, weight data, and the like. The operation unit 6 has a selection key for selecting items of personal data and a numerical key for inputting numerical data. And is equipped. The operation unit 6 is also provided with an on / off switch for turning on or off the power to operate the body fat scale 10 (not shown) and a measurement start switch for starting measurement of bioimpedance. It has been.
[0024]
The operation unit 6 can input the weight data of the subject. Since this body fat scale 10 is configured not to have a weight scale as will be described later, the body weight data of the subject is input from the operation unit 6.
[0025]
The display unit 7 displays various data input via the operation unit 6 and also displays the body fat percentage as a final measurement result. The measurement surface 4 is a portion for pressing the subject's hand 9 to measure bioimpedance.
[0026]
On the measurement surface 4, an electrode group composed of four electrodes 2, 2, 3, 3 for obtaining bioimpedance is arranged. In this embodiment, the bioimpedance can be measured by pressing the palm side of the subject's hand against the measurement surface 4 by contacting the palm with the electrode group.
[0027]
Each electrode is provided with a portion that comes into contact with the palm so as to slightly protrude from the measurement surface 4 so that the electrode can be easily brought into contact with the palm. As a result, the contact area of the electrode with respect to the palm can be reliably and stably brought into contact with the palm, and measurement errors caused by fluctuations in the contact area, poor contact, insufficient contact, etc. can be eliminated, and impedance can be increased with higher accuracy. It can be measured.
[0028]
For each electrode, the electrodes 2 and 2 are current path forming electrodes for forming a current path between two points on the body of the subject, and the electrodes 3 and 3 measure a voltage between the two points in the current path. It is the electrode for voltage measurement for doing. Then, one electrode 2 and one electrode 3 corresponding to each one of the palms of the left and right hands are set as one set. Of the pair of electrodes 2 and 3, as shown in FIG. 1, the electrode 2 is disposed on the palm side near the finger, and the electrode 3 is disposed on the palm side near the wrist. . As shown in FIG. 1, when the electrode 2 for forming a current path is disposed outside the electrode 3 for voltage measurement, a potential difference measurement due to bioimpedance via the electrode 3 is formed via the electrode 2. Since it can be performed inside the current path, bioimpedance can be accurately measured.
[0029]
Here, a specific example of a palm region to be brought into contact with the electrodes 2 and 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the left and right palms. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 18 denotes a region extending from the base of the index finger to the base of the little finger in the palm. Reference numeral 28 denotes an area of the base of the thumb in the palm. Reference numeral 38 denotes a region of the base of the little finger in the palm. The regions 18, 28, and 38 shown in FIG. 2 are relatively swollen in the palm. If the electrodes 2 and 3 are disposed so as to contact these regions, the contact of the electrodes with the palm can be further increased. Thereby, impedance can be measured with higher accuracy.
[0030]
The electrodes 2 and 3 shown in FIG. 1 are arranged so that the electrode 2 can be in contact with the region 18 shown in FIG. 2, and the electrode 3 can be in contact with the region 28 to 38 shown in FIG. This is an example of the arrangement. A different example of the arrangement of the electrodes 2 and 3 is shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of an example of the configuration of the body fat scale 10 and includes a portion provided with a pair of electrodes 2 and 3 corresponding to the right hand. FIG. 3A shows the electrode 2 disposed so as to be in contact with the region 18, and the electrode 3 disposed so as to be in contact with the region 28. FIG. 3B shows the electrode 2 disposed so as to be in contact with the region 18 and the electrode 3 disposed so as to be in contact with the region 38.
[0031]
It should be noted that a figure such as a handprint may be displayed on the part to be pressed against the palm side of the measurement surface 4 so that the hand can be accurately positioned with respect to the electrodes 2 and 3, thereby measuring impedance with high accuracy. Can be made possible.
[0032]
The measurement of the bioelectrical impedance via these electrodes 2 and 3 is performed by an impedance measuring means (not shown) well known in the body fat scale provided inside the body fat scale 10. That is, in the body fat scale 10, an element constituting a constant current source that outputs a constant current so as to form the current path, and a voltmeter for measuring a voltage between two points in the current path are provided. The component etc. which comprise are provided.
[0033]
Further, inside the body fat scale 10, each element such as a CPU constituting a calculation unit for performing various calculations for obtaining the body fat percentage including the calculation of the bioelectric impedance, the operation unit 6 and the display unit 7. Various elements are also provided for performing the required operation. FIG. 4 is a block diagram related to the measurement of the body fat percentage. Various calculations for obtaining the body fat percentage are performed by a calculation unit including the storage unit 11 and the CPU 12. The storage unit 11 stores personal data such as weight data input through the operation of the operation unit 6 and a measured value of bioimpedance obtained through the electrode group. The storage unit 11 stores various arithmetic expressions and coefficients necessary for obtaining a body fat percentage based on the bioelectrical impedance and personal data.
[0034]
And the calculation which calculates | requires the body fat percentage based on the said data and arithmetic expression memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 11 is performed based on operation | movement of CPU12. In addition, the input / output of the data between the respective units in the course of the respective data processing for obtaining the body fat percentage is performed via the input / output (I / O) unit 13. That is, input of personal data to the storage unit 11 via the operation of the operation unit 6 is performed via the input / output unit 13, and the finally obtained body fat percentage is displayed via the input / output unit 13. It is output to the unit 7 and displayed.
[0035]
Further, the body fat scale 10 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with installation means (not shown) on the main body 1 so that the body fat scale 10 can be installed at a predetermined height on the wall as will be described later. Has been. As a specific example of installing the body fat scale 10 on the wall via the installation means, a concave hooking hole that can be fitted to a convex hook member provided at a predetermined height of the wall is provided on the back surface of the body fat scale 10. The body fat scale 10 is hung on a wall through the hanging hole and installed. Alternatively, the body fat scale 10 may be installed by being embedded in a wall or installed by being embedded in a wall. In addition, the body fat scale 10 is installed at a predetermined height position on the wall with a velcro tape, or the body fat scale 10 is hung from the wall or ceiling with a string or the like, so that the predetermined height on the wall is set. It may be installed at the position.
[0036]
Since this body fat scale 10 is not configured to be incorporated in the weight scale, it is not necessary to maintain the function as a weight scale, and thus is not restricted by the size, shape, strength, etc. of the main body 1. That is, the body fat scale main body 1 may be sized so as to incorporate an electrode group capable of measuring bioimpedance by touching the hand. Therefore, the body fat scale main body does not need to be formed in a size and strength similar to that of a body fat scale incorporated in a weight scale, and can be made compact, and can be easily installed on the wall via the installation means. . Moreover, since it can be installed on the wall by the installation means, the body fat scale 10 can be permanently installed on the wall, and a specific storage location is required every time the body fat percentage is measured, which is required for the conventional body fat scale. It is possible to eliminate the trouble of having to move to the place where the measurement is performed.
[0037]
In addition, a space other than the portion where the electrodes 2 and 3 are disposed on the measurement surface 4 of the body fat scale 10 is used, and a member (not shown) having a function other than the measurement of body fat percentage, such as a watch, is provided in the space. It can also be incorporated. Thereby, it is convenient not only to measure the body fat percentage but also to be used as a clock or the like. Since the body fat scale 10 does not have a weight scale as described above, it can be easily combined with a member having such other functions.
[0038]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a cover that covers the measurement surface 4 and the operation panel unit 5 can be attached. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a body fat scale 20 that is an example in which a cover 15 that covers the measurement surface 4 and the surface of the operation panel unit 5 is attached. If the cover 15 is closed except when the body fat percentage is measured by the body fat scale, the operation unit 6, the display unit 7, and the electrodes 2 and 3 can be protected from damage and dirt. In particular, if the electrodes 2 and 3 are contaminated or corroded, it may cause a measurement error of bioimpedance, so it is desirable to attach a cover that can cover at least the measurement surface 4. If this cover is provided, the body fat scale can be prevented from being contaminated by dust or the like even if it is permanently installed on the wall without being stored in a specific storage location.
[0039]
The cover that covers the measurement surface 4 and the like is configured to be openable and closable by one opening like the cover 15 shown in FIG. Any structure such as a single-open or double-open structure may be used. In addition, a member having a function different from the measurement of the body fat percentage such as the watch (not shown) can be incorporated in the cover. As a member having a function different from the measurement of the body fat percentage, a thermometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a game machine, and the like can be cited in addition to a watch.
[0040]
Next, the use of the body fat scale of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. First, the body fat scale 10 is set so that both hands can be horizontally extended forward with shoulder height while the subject 8 is standing and the palm side of the hand 9 can be pressed against the electrodes 2 and 3 of the measurement surface 4. Is placed at a predetermined height on the wall. FIG. 6A shows a state in which the body fat scale 10 is installed at the predetermined height position on the wall.
[0041]
Then, after operating the operation unit 6 of the body fat scale 10 to input various personal data, the subject 8 places the palm of the hand 9 on the measurement surface 4 as shown in FIG. Press and measure bioimpedance. And a body fat percentage is calculated | required based on the personal data input by the operation part 6, and the measured bioelectrical impedance. The obtained body fat percentage is displayed on the display unit 7, and the subject can know his / her own body fat percentage by visually confirming the display. Note that personal data may be input by the operation unit 6 after measuring the bioelectrical impedance.
[0042]
When this body fat scale 10 is used, the subject 8 can measure impedance by extending both hands forward at the height of the shoulder and pressing the palm against the measurement surface 4 in a standing posture, and the arm is in the body. It is possible to measure impedance with high accuracy under a comfortable posture without fear of touching other parts. In addition, since the body fat scale 10 is installed at the position of the predetermined height, the subject 8 operates the operation unit 6 while standing and confirms the contents displayed on the display unit 7 by visual observation. And can easily operate the body fat scale with a comfortable posture.
[0043]
In the above description, the body fat scale 10 is described as being installed at a predetermined height on the wall. However, the body fat scale 10 is placed on a desk or table other than the wall. It may be used. In other words, if the subject can accurately measure bioimpedance without stretching their hands in a relatively easy posture and bringing their arms into contact with other parts of the body, it can be placed on a desk or table surface. And may be used.
[0044]
In the above description, the body fat meter main body 1 and the operation panel unit 5 are integrated. However, the operation panel unit 5 and the body fat meter main body 1 are separated, and only the body fat meter main body 1 is separated. May be installed on a wall or the like, and the operation panel unit 5 and the main body 1 may be connected with a cable or wirelessly communicated to function as a body fat scale.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the body fat scale of the present invention can be configured compactly without having a weight scale. Moreover, in addition to being able to easily perform various operations on the body fat scale with an easy posture, there is an effect that the body fat percentage can be measured with higher accuracy. Further, it is easy to incorporate a member having another function such as a timepiece, and there is an effect that it is easy to use.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a body fat scale.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a region where electrodes on the palm are in contact with each other. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of a body fat scale.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram related to measurement of body fat percentage.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of a body fat scale provided with a cover.
FIG. 6 (a) is a perspective view of a body fat scale hung on a wall.
FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the impedance of the subject is measured.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Body fat meter main body 2 Current path formation electrode 3 Voltage measurement electrode 4 Measurement surface 5 Operation panel part 6 Operation part 7 Display part 8 Subject 9 Subject's hand 10 Body fat scale 11 Storage part 12 CPU
13 Input / Output (I / O) Unit 15 Cover 18 Region where Electrode in Palm Contact 20 Body Fat Meter 28 Region where Electrode in Palm Contact 38 Region where Electrode in Palm Contact

Claims (13)

An operation unit for inputting the personal data of the subject;
An electrode group that consists of two sets of one current path forming electrode and one voltage measuring electrode, and the subject can measure bioimpedance by bringing both hands into contact with the set of electrodes separately,
The body fat scale body on which the subject can press both hands and the measurement surface on which the electrode group is disposed is formed on the surface;
A calculation unit for calculating a body fat percentage based on the personal data and bioelectrical impedance;
A display unit displaying at least the body fat percentage,
The body fat scale main body is stretched forward with both hands of the subject on the wall of the building so that the arm of the subject does not come into contact with other parts of the body. A body fat scale provided with an installation means for installing both hands at the height position of the subject's shoulder capable of pressing both hands against the measurement surface . The body fat scale according to claim 1, wherein the installation means is a concave hooking hole formed in a back surface of the body fat scale main body so as to fit into a convex hook member provided on the wall . The body fat scale according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation section and the display section are integrated with the body fat scale main body. The body fat scale according to claim 1, wherein the operation section and the display section are separated from the body fat scale main body. The current path forming electrode and the voltage measuring electrode included in the set are arranged so that the current path forming electrode is in contact with the finger in the palm of the subject's hand, and the voltage measuring electrode is The body fat scale according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body fat scale is disposed so as to come into contact with a side of the palm close to the wrist. The body fat scale according to claim 5, wherein the current path forming electrodes included in the set are arranged so as to be in contact with a region extending from the base of the index finger to the base of the little finger in the subject's palm. The body fat according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the electrode for measuring voltage included in the set is disposed so as to be in contact with a region extending from the base of the thumb to the base of the little finger in the subject's palm. Total. The body fat scale according to claim 5 or 6, wherein voltage measuring electrodes included in the set are arranged so as to be in contact with a region of a base of a thumb in a subject's palm. The body fat scale according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the voltage measurement electrodes included in the set are disposed so as to be in contact with a region of a base of a little finger in a subject's palm. The body fat scale according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electrode group has a shape in which a surface of each electrode slightly protrudes from the measurement surface. The body fat scale according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a member having a function different from the measurement of body fat percentage is incorporated in the body fat scale main body. The body fat scale according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a cover that covers at least a measurement surface on which the electrode group is disposed. The body fat scale according to claim 12, wherein a member having a function different from the measurement of body fat percentage is incorporated in the cover.

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