JP5122266B2 - Biometric device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a biometric apparatus that acquires and evaluates a body shape of a user.

  Conventionally, as for measuring the body shape (obesity / slimming and posture), for example, a camera, a laser displacement meter, a moire topography device, or the like can be used to measure the body shape from the front, side, back, etc. There are those that measure the user's body shape by acquiring (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-11-76207

  However, many conventional apparatuses for measuring a user's body shape are large-scale and require a wide space for installing the apparatus. For example, in the case of an apparatus that captures the user's body in three dimensions with the device such as the camera described above, since such a device is three-dimensionally arranged according to the user's physique, the apparatus tends to be large. . In addition, 3D analyzers that capture a user's body in a three-dimensional manner using relatively complex devices used in specialized institutions such as the medical field are very large in size and require operation by skilled personnel. It is.

  Therefore, it is difficult for conventional devices to satisfy the user's needs to easily measure and evaluate body shapes on a daily basis in the same way as personally measuring biological information such as body weight.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a biometric apparatus that allows a user to easily perform body shape measurement and evaluation while reducing the overall size of the apparatus. There is.

In order to solve the above problems, the biometric apparatus of the present invention is acquired by a body shape image acquisition unit that acquires a body shape image of a user placed on the upper surface of the apparatus body from the upper surface side, and the body shape image acquisition unit. And a body shape evaluation means for evaluating the body shape of the user based on a body shape image.

  In the biometric apparatus of the present invention, the body shape image is an image capable of discriminating a body contour when the user is viewed from below.

  In the biometric apparatus of the present invention, the body shape image is a body shape image obtained by capturing the body shape of the user in two dimensions.

  Further, in the biometric device of the present invention, the body shape image acquisition means displays the shadow of the user projected on the upper surface when the user is placed on the upper surface of the apparatus body. It is acquired as follows.

  In the biometric apparatus of the present invention, the body shape evaluation means evaluates the user's body shape based on the area occupied by the user's body in the body shape image acquired by the body shape image acquisition means. It is characterized by.

  In the biometric apparatus of the present invention, the body shape evaluated by the body shape evaluating means is the degree of obesity of the user's body and / or the posture of the user's body.

  Moreover, in the biometric apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus main body has biometric information acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of the user, and the body shape evaluation means is the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition means. And the body shape of the user is evaluated based on the body shape image acquired by the body shape image acquiring means.

  The biometric apparatus of the present invention further includes storage means for storing a body shape image sample, and the body shape evaluation means is acquired by the body shape image sample stored in the storage means and the body shape image acquisition means. The user's body shape is evaluated by comparing the body shape image.

  According to the biometric apparatus of the present invention, the body shape image acquisition unit acquires the body shape image of the user when the user is viewed from above or below, or the user placed on the upper surface of the apparatus body Since the body shape image is acquired from the upper surface side, the entire apparatus can be reduced in size, and the user can easily perform daily life in the home in the same manner as biological information such as weight. Body shape can be measured and evaluated.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, as an example, an embodiment in which the biometric device of the present invention is applied to a so-called body composition meter capable of measuring various biological information such as a user's weight and fat percentage will be described. To do.

  The configuration of the biometric apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a biometric apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration of the biometric apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the biometric device 10 includes a device main body 11 formed in a substantially box shape, and legs (not shown in FIG. 1) that are provided on the back side of the device main body 11 and support the device main body 11. (See member 12 in FIG. 9). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus main body 11 includes a display unit 21, an operation unit 22, an imaging unit 25, an electrode member 32, a control unit 40, a storage unit 41, and a calculation unit 42. A timer unit 43, a power source unit 44, a weight measuring unit 45, a current supply unit 46, and a voltage measuring unit 47 are provided. Below, the detailed structure of each member is demonstrated.

  The apparatus main body 11 is formed in a substantially box shape by combining, for example, a cover member 11a and a bottom plate member 11b formed by molding ABS resin (acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer), glass or the like. In the case of a modification described later, the cover member 11a is preferably composed of a transparent member.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, four thin plate-like electrode members 32 (biological information acquisition means) are held on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 11, that is, the upper surface 11a1 of the cover member 11a in the present embodiment. These are spaced apart from each other on the upper surface 11a1 of the cover member 11a. The structure for holding the electrode member 32 can be appropriately selected. For example, a recess (not shown) into which the electrode member 32 can be fitted is formed in the cover member 11a, and the electrode member 32 and the upper surface 11a1 of the cover member 11a Is preferably fitted and held so as to be flush with each other (see FIG. 1). The electrode member 32 is electrically connected to the control unit 40 via the current supply unit 46 or the voltage measurement unit 47 as described later. In addition to these electrode members 32, a grip-type electrode member (hand electrode) that can be gripped by both hands of the user may be provided. In addition, in the case of the modified example demonstrated later, it is suitable for the electrode 32 to comprise a transparent member.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 11 is provided with a display unit 21 and an operation unit 22 in addition to the electrode member 32. The display unit 21 is a data display unit for displaying data sent from the control unit 40. The display unit 21 mainly displays various types of biological information of the user, operation guidance display, display of body shape evaluation described later, and the like. Do. As an example, the display unit 21 may be a liquid crystal display panel such as a full-dot LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 21 and the operation unit 22 may be a liquid crystal display panel having a touch panel function, for example. May be configured integrally. A display example of the display unit 21 in the present embodiment will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The operation unit 22 is data input means for inputting biometric information such as the height of the user and setting items of the biometric apparatus 10. Here, the biological information input by the operation unit 22 includes height, age, or gender. Further, the setting items are setting items when the user uses the biometric device 10, for example, the name of the individual user, the size of characters or symbols of the biometric information displayed on the display unit 21, For example, the display order for displaying biometric information. The biometric information and setting items of the user input in this way are stored in the storage unit 41 (see FIG. 2) or displayed on the display unit 21. In the present embodiment, as an example, the operation unit 22 is configured as three button types on the front side of the display unit 21, but the number, shape, and operation method are not particularly limited thereto, and the touch sensor type, dial type, and the like are not limited thereto. Etc. can be adopted as appropriate.

  The imaging unit 25 is a body shape image acquisition unit that acquires a body shape image of the user. Here, in the present invention, the body shape image is an image showing the body shape of the user when the user is seen from above or below, and at least the body when the user is seen from above or below. As long as it is an image that can discriminate the contour, it is not limited as to whether the body shape image is acquired from above or from below. In the present invention, the user's body shape includes at least one of the degree of obesity of the user (whether it is obesity or slimming) or the posture of the user. The degree of obesity of the user is mainly based on whether the user's body is “obese”, “lean” or “standard” in the middle. It is an index from the viewpoint of obesity. On the other hand, the posture of the user is mainly an index from the viewpoint of the balance of the user's body, such as the user's body is stooped, the upper body is warped, or tilted left and right. is there.

  In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 25 serving as a body image acquisition unit is configured by a total of four cameras (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) arranged one by one at the four corners of the apparatus main body 11, as an example. These four cameras 25a, 25b, 25c and 25d are installed inside the apparatus main body 11, and as shown in FIG. 1, only the respective lens portions are on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 11 (the upper surface 11a1 of the cover member 11a). Exposed. When the cover member 11a is formed of a transparent member, it is not always necessary to expose the lens portion, and it is sufficient that the cover member 11a is installed inside the apparatus main body 11 so that the lens portion faces upward. By configuring the imaging unit 25 in this way, it is possible to acquire a body shape image when the user placed on the upper surface 11a1 of the cover member 11a of the apparatus main body 11 is viewed from below. That is, a user's body image placed on the upper surface 11a1 of the cover member 11a of the apparatus body 11 is photographed from below by photographing the user from below with the four cameras 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d. It is possible to acquire a user's body shape image when viewed from above.

  As shown in FIG. 1, since the cameras 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d are arranged one by one at the four corners of the apparatus main body 11, each of the cameras 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d was photographed right above. If a total of four images are appropriately combined by the control unit 40, a user's body shape image can be acquired. The cameras 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d acquire a plurality of photographed images while sequentially shifting the focus by the same amount sequentially from the lower body to the upper body of the user (or in the opposite direction). Be able to. As a result, of the body images obtained by synthesizing the captured images for each focus, the body image in which the contour of the user's body part appears most clearly, in other words, the area of the user's body part is the largest. By selecting a body shape image that appears widely and clearly, it is possible to specify the body shape image of the user when viewed from below. The captured images captured by the cameras 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d are sent to the control unit 40 and stored in the storage unit. Note that the body shape image acquisition means in the present embodiment is a total of four cameras 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d arranged at the four corners of the apparatus main body 11, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. Instead, the number and arrangement method of the cameras can be changed as appropriate, and imaging means other than the cameras may be used. This point will be described later as a modified example.

  The time measuring unit 43 measures the passage of a predetermined time or determines whether or not the predetermined time has passed, and for example, measures the number of days / months / years elapsed since the previous measurement date, body image acquisition date, etc. Is possible. In the present embodiment, the timing unit 43 is an independent component, but is configured to be integrated with the control unit 40 as a timing circuit, and the control unit 40 itself determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. You may make it perform.

  As the power supply unit 44, a battery or an external power supply that supplies power for operating the biometric device 10 can be used.

  Inside the apparatus main body 11, a weight measurement unit 45 (biological information acquisition unit) that measures a load (weight) by a user mounted on the apparatus main body 11 is provided. More specifically, the weight measuring unit 45 may use, for example, a load cell including a strain body made of a metal member that deforms in response to a load and a strain gauge attached to the strain body. The apparatus main body 11 is supported by one end of a strain generating body, and the other end of the strain generating body is supported by a leg portion (not shown in FIG. 1, refer to the member denoted by reference numeral 12 in FIG. 9). As a result, when the strain generating body bends due to the load when the user is placed on the apparatus main body 11, the strain gauge expands and contracts, and the output value according to the expansion and contraction of the strain gauge changes, and this change changes the load signal output. Measure body weight as That is, the control unit 40 calculates the weight based on the difference between the output value from the weight measurement unit 45 when the device body 11 is not loaded (so-called zero point) and the output value when the load is applied. The user's weight is determined and determined. The weight of the user acquired in this way is stored in the storage unit 41 and displayed on the display unit 21. Note that the control unit 40 calculates the weight based on the load signal after the output value of the load signal from the weight measurement unit 45 is stabilized in order to increase the accuracy of the weight value.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electrode member 32 includes four electrode members 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d. When the user is placed so as to face the display unit 21 and the operation unit 22, the electrode members 32a and 32d with which the user's toes contact are energized electrodes, and the electrode members 32b and 32c with which the heel contacts are used as measurement electrodes. . A current supply unit 46 is connected to the energization electrodes 32a and 32d, and a predetermined weak constant current is supplied in accordance with an instruction signal from the control unit 40. On the other hand, a voltage measurement unit 47 is connected to the measurement electrodes 32b and 32c, and a potential difference (voltage) at the measurement electrodes 32b and 32c is measured. In this way, a current flows between the toes of both feet via both legs (lower body), and a potential difference (voltage) generated in this current path can be measured between the heels.

  The storage unit 41 is a storage unit configured by a ROM (nonvolatile memory), a RAM (volatile memory), and the like, and stores various data. Examples of the data include various data and programs used in the processing by the control unit 40 and the calculation unit 42, the user's biological information and body shape image, and the date on which these are acquired or evaluated, Data representing the relationship between the body shape image sample for evaluating the body shape of the user and the posture of the user can be given. The control unit 40 reads and writes data as described above.

  Here, the body image sample will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the body shape image sample and the posture of the user. Here, the body shape image sample is a generalized body shape image used for evaluating a user's body shape from the viewpoint of the degree of obesity (obesity / leanness) of the user and posture. Therefore, the body shape image sample sets the body shape viewed from above or below the person in the standing state for each normal posture and various abnormal postures, and stores them in the storage unit 41 in advance. Keep it. For example, when a person in a correct posture stands up (see the upper part of FIG. 3A), the shape feature of the contour of the body shape when the person is viewed from above or below is substantially streamlined. Therefore, the body shape image sample as shown in the middle part of FIG. 3A is stored in association with the “correct posture”. In addition, when a person with a posture in which the pelvis moves backward as seen in relatively elderly people is standing (see the upper part of FIG. 3 (e)), when the person is viewed from above or below The shape feature of the body shape is that the head portion protrudes forward, and the buttock and both arm portions protrude rearward. Therefore, the body shape image sample shown in the middle of FIG. It is associated and stored as “movement”. Similarly, FIG. 3B shows a case where the right hip joint is inverted and the left hip joint is abducted, and FIG. 3C shows a case where the left hip joint is inverted and the right hip joint is abducted. 3 (d) shows a case where the pelvis is moving forward, FIG. 3 (f) shows a case where the pelvis is turning right, FIG. 3 (g) shows a case where the pelvis is turning left, and FIG. When the left hip joint is abducted in the upper position of the hipbone, each body image sample that captures the characteristics when taking various postures is set. The body image samples shown in FIGS. 3A to 3H are merely examples, and other body image samples may be set.

  Further, according to the area occupied by the body of various body shape image samples, the degree of obesity or slimming of the body (a distinction between obesity and slimming) may be set in advance. For example, the abdomen protrudes in the case of a person with a large amount of subcutaneous fat, such as in the vicinity of the abdomen, even if it is close in shape to the “correct posture” body shape image sample in the middle of FIG. The substantially streamlined body shape image has a body shape that swells greatly in the forward direction (see FIG. 8). Therefore, when the area occupied by the body image sample of the “correct posture” in the middle stage of FIG. 3A is “standard type”, if the area is larger than this, it is “obese type”. In some cases, it is preferable to determine the degree of obesity step by step according to the area ratio of the various body shape image samples to the area occupied by the body so that it can be determined to be “lean”. The area is not limited to the above, and the vertical and / or horizontal size of the contour of the body part of the body shape image may be used as a reference.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the display unit 21, the operation unit 22, the storage unit 41, the calculation unit 42, the time measurement unit 43, the power supply unit 44, the weight measurement unit 45, the current supply unit 46, and the voltage measurement unit 47 are included in the control unit 40. The operation is controlled by the control unit 40. It is preferable that the control unit 40 and the calculation unit 42 are each configured by an integrated circuit. Furthermore, the control unit 40 and the calculation unit 42 can be configured by separate integrated circuits, but a common integrated circuit may be used. In addition, the control unit 40 sends the data sent from the operation unit 22, the time measuring unit 43, the weight measuring unit 45, and the voltage measuring unit 47 to the computing unit 42. The calculation unit 42 as a calculation unit processes data under the control of the control unit 40, and the calculation result is stored in the storage unit 41.

  The control unit 40 has at least an input information processing unit, a biological information processing unit, a body shape information processing unit, and a display processing unit when various processes are viewed from a functional aspect. Input / output of classes is performed as appropriate.

  The input information processing unit of the control unit 40 distributes data input from various devices connected to the control unit 40 to the biological information processing unit, the body shape information processing unit, and the display processing unit. The display processing unit controls the display of various data (for example, the user's biological information, body shape information, and measurement date) sent from the input information processing unit, the biological information processing unit, and the body shape information processing unit. The display data is sent to the display unit 21.

  The biometric information processing unit of the control unit 40 includes biometric information such as the user's height, age or gender input by the operation unit 22, an output value based on a load sent from the weight measurement unit 45, and a current supply unit 46 from the power supply unit 44. A living body that mainly handles the processing of the amount of current sent to the electrode members (conducting electrodes 32a, 32d) via the voltage, the voltage sent from the voltage measuring unit 47, and the like, together with the computing unit 42 It functions as information acquisition means. The biological information processing unit of the control unit 40 outputs a signal instructing the amount of current to be applied to the energizing electrodes 32a and 32d to the current supplying unit 46, and the current supplying unit 33 that receives the signal supplies the current supplying unit 46 with the energizing electrodes 32a and 32d. A constant current is output to The voltage generated in the user's body by this current application is measured by the voltage measurement unit 47 between the measurement electrodes 32b and 32c, and the measured voltage value is sent to the biological information processing unit of the control unit 40. Further, the output value obtained from the load cell (not shown) of the weight measuring unit 45 when the user is placed on the apparatus main body 11 is sent to the biological information processing unit of the control unit 40. The biological information processing unit of the control unit 40 uses the voltage value measured by the voltage measurement unit 47 and the current value applied by the current supply unit 46 in accordance with the program stored in the storage unit 41 with respect to the calculation unit 42. The user is instructed to obtain the weight of the user from the bioelectrical impedance of the whole body or a predetermined part of the body and the output value measured by the weight measuring unit 45.

  The biometric information processing unit of the control unit 40 further provides the computing unit 42 with biometric impedance and weight as biometric information, and biometric information acquired by input using the operation unit 22 (for example, gender, age, and height). Etc. are used as parameters, and a fat percentage or other biological information is calculated and used as an estimated value. Biological information obtained by such calculation includes fat percentage, visceral fat level (visceral fat area), body water content, muscle mass, basal metabolism, bone mass, lean mass, somatic cell mass, blood pressure, BMI There are various types such as (Body Mass Index), obesity level, intracellular fluid volume, extracellular fluid volume, and the like, which may be appropriately selected according to the purpose of use of the biometric device 10 according to the present invention. The biometric information acquired as described above is stored in the storage unit 41.

  In this embodiment, the body shape information processing unit of the control unit 40 performs a necessary process on the captured image sent from the imaging unit 25 and functions as a body image acquisition unit that acquires a body shape image of the user. It also functions as a body shape evaluation means for evaluating a user's body shape.

  The body information processing unit of the control unit 40 performs necessary image processing (for example, image correction processing) on a set of four captured images respectively sent from the cameras 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d of the imaging unit 25. By combining them into one, a body shape image that captures the user in two dimensions from below is acquired. In this case, the contour of the user's body is extracted from the synthesized user's body shape image by using general-purpose image processing software. Thus, the area occupied by the user's body in the user's body shape image can be calculated. In addition, you may process what processed the inner side of the said outline by coloring black and the outer side with white as a user's body shape image. The body shape image of the user acquired in this way is stored in the storage unit 41 together with the acquisition date and time.

  The body shape information processing unit of the control unit 40 evaluates the user's body shape based on the user's body shape image acquired as described above. More specifically, the acquired body shape image is collated with which of the body shape information samples stored in advance in the storage unit 41 to identify the body shape information sample with the closest shape. Therefore, the user's body shape is evaluated. The posture of the user is evaluated as a posture (for example, “correct posture” or “backward movement of the pelvis”) associated with the specified body shape information sample. It is also preferable to evaluate the posture age of how old the user's posture is. For example, basically, when the body shape information sample determined to be the closest in the above is related to an abnormal posture, the higher the posture age, the higher the posture age, the higher the posture age If it is related to a normal posture, it is better to evaluate the posture age as the shape feature in the posture becomes more prominent, but in addition, the transition from the actual age of the user and past body shape evaluation data Etc. may be determined in consideration of the above. Furthermore, the area occupied by the user's body in the user's body image is calculated, and compared with the area of the body information sample determined to be closest in the above, if it is similar, the “standard”, this When the area is larger than that, the “obesity type” is evaluated, and when the area is smaller, the “lean type” is evaluated. Further, the body shape image acquired in the current measurement is compared with past data related to the body shape evaluation of the same user before the previous time stored in the storage unit 41 to evaluate the transition of the body shape of the user. May be.

  Since the present embodiment also has a body composition meter, it is possible to simultaneously acquire biological information such as the user's age, height, and weight, so the body information processing unit of the control unit 40 The body shape may be more specifically evaluated by combining the biological information and the body shape image. For example, the waist may be derived as an estimated value from the width of the portion occupied by the body of the body shape image.

  Next, measurement examples using the biometric apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a measurement example using the biometric apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, and FIGS. 5 to 8 are diagrams showing a display example of the display unit 21.

  First, when a predetermined measurement start switch (start button) (not shown) is pressed by the user and the biometric device 10 is activated, a measurement start instruction is sent to the control unit 40 (step S10 in FIG. 4).

  Upon receiving the measurement start instruction, the control unit 40 performs initial settings for measurement (step S11). Specifically, a guidance display that prompts the user to input biometric information such as height and gender is displayed on the display unit 21. The user inputs biological information such as his / her height, age, and sex through the operation unit 22 in accordance with the display on the display unit 21. The biological information input by the operation unit 22 is sent to the control unit 40.

  When the initial setting of the biometric device 10 is completed, a display that prompts the user to place the biometric device 10 on the device body 11 is displayed on the display unit 21. When the user rests on the apparatus main body 11 according to the display on the display unit 21, the weight and bioimpedance are measured (step S12). Specifically, when the output value obtained by the load cell of the body weight measurement unit 45 is stabilized, the control unit 40, based on the output value, instructs the calculation unit 42 according to a predetermined calculation program. Let your weight be calculated. At the same time, the control unit 40 instructs the current supply unit 46 to supply current to the energization electrodes 32a and 32d, and performs measurement from the energization electrodes 32a and 32d via both legs of the measurement subject. The voltage measurement unit 47 measures the voltage generated when current flows through the electrodes 32b and 32c, and causes the calculation unit 42 to calculate bioimpedance based on the current value and the voltage value.

  The control unit 40 stores in advance the calculation unit 42 and the storage unit 41 in advance using the weight and biological impedance, which are biological information acquired by measurement, and the gender, age, and height, which are biological information acquired by input, as parameters. Other biological information (for example, fat percentage, visceral fat level (visceral fat area), body water content, muscle mass, basal metabolism, bone mass, lean mass) Volume, somatic cell volume, blood pressure, BMI, obesity level, intracellular fluid volume, extracellular fluid volume, etc.) are calculated (step S13).

  Further, a body image of the user placed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 11 is acquired (step S14). Specifically, the user is photographed by the cameras 25 a, 25 b, 25 c, and 25 d of the imaging unit 25, and the photographed image is sent to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 performs the required image processing, combines them into one, and obtains the user's body shape image. In addition, you may make it image | photograph a user's body shape image by the imaging part 20 in parallel with the above-mentioned weight measurement and measurement of a bioimpedance.

  Next, the control unit 40 evaluates the user's body shape based on the user's body shape image acquired in step S14 (step S15). In the present embodiment, evaluation of the posture of the user and evaluation of the degree of obesity or slimming of the user's body (a distinction between obesity and slimming) are performed.

  When the measurement of the biological information such as the fat percentage of the user and the evaluation of the body shape are completed in the control unit 40, display data based on these measurement results and evaluation results are sent to the display unit 21, and as an example, FIG. 5 to FIG. Is displayed on the display unit 21 (step S16).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the date of measurement and evaluation, body weight, body fat percentage, posture determination, posture age, and body shape image are displayed on the display unit 16. FIG. 5 is evaluated as “correct posture”, and a double circle and a posture age “20 years” are displayed. FIG. 6 is a display example of a user different from the case of FIG. 5, and the display items are the same as in FIG. 5, but the user in the case of FIG. 6 evaluates that the pelvis is shifted backward. In addition, “rear pelvis” and body shape age “60 years old” are displayed. The display examples shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are not limited to those described above, and other biological information (visceral fat level (visceral fat area), body water content, muscle mass, etc.) is sequentially or You may make it display simultaneously.

  Further, as another display example of the evaluation result of the body shape, it is also preferable to perform as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the result of posture determination is displayed over time on coordinates determined by forward and backward tilt (vertical axis) and left and right tilt (horizontal axis). “Front”, “Back”, “Left”, “Right” This means the inclination direction of the posture. In the case where the body shape is continuously evaluated as described above, the direction in which the user's body shape is distorted at each predetermined elapsed time, such as monthly or yearly, and the distortion The plotted coordinates of how it is changing are displayed. Although the method of performing the plot as described above can be adopted as appropriate, for example, a program that can specify the position of the center of gravity of the user's body in the user's body image acquired at that time every predetermined time. For example, the center of gravity position may be plotted. By performing such display, the user is warned about distortion of his / her body shape which is difficult to notice in daily life, and can be used for improvement in later life.

  As yet another display example of the evaluation result of the body shape, it is also preferable to perform as shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows the user's body shape image displayed over time on the coordinates where the vertical axis represents the area occupied by the body of the user's body shape image and the age as the elapsed time is set on the horizontal axis. An example is shown. In the case where the body shape is continuously evaluated as described above, for example, the area occupied by the body in the body shape image of the user is calculated for each predetermined elapsed time such as a year unit. Plot on the indicated coordinates. In this case, if the plot points are displayed as the user's body image at that time, the body image and the transition of the area can be grasped at a glance. Furthermore, using such display examples, the user's abdominal shape (the degree of overhanging the abdomen and the degree of obesity) may be evaluated at the same time.

  In addition, the measurement result of the above-mentioned biological information and body shape image, and the body shape evaluation result are sent to and stored in the storage unit 41, and can be used in subsequent measurements.

  As described above, according to the living body measurement apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the evaluation related to the user's body shape together with the biological information such as the weight and fat percentage of the user. Through the display as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to confirm at a glance about one's body shape. In particular, in the biometric device 10 of the present invention, the user's body image acquired by the body image acquisition unit is a user's body image when the user is viewed from above or below, Since the body shape image of the user placed on the upper surface (upper surface 11a1) is acquired from the upper surface side, it can be realized by a compact structure that does not require a wide installation space like a conventional device for acquiring body shape images. There is no need for expert operation, so it is extremely easy to evaluate body shape without going to a specialized institution, just like measuring biological information with a conventional weight scale or body composition meter. Can be displayed on the display unit 16, and is suitable for daily use in the home.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the user's body shape is evaluated from both the degree of obesity or slimming of the user's body and the posture of the user's body, the user is multifaceted with his / her own body shape. Can be grasped. In addition, it is possible to compare with past data, and furthermore, because it is possible to acquire body shape assessment that also takes into account biological information acquired at the same time, such as body weight and fat percentage, etc. It can be effectively used in the medical field such as rehabilitation that requires data on body shape changes.

  As mentioned above, although an example of embodiment of this invention was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, It is also possible to add various deformation | transformation. Hereinafter, modified examples will be described.

  [First Modification] In the above embodiment, the configuration including the biological information acquisition means has been described, but it is not necessarily required to include the biological information acquisition means. In this case, it is only necessary to have at least the body shape image acquisition unit and the body shape evaluation unit that evaluates the user's body shape based on the body shape image acquired thereby.

  [Second Modification] In the above embodiment, the evaluation result of the body shape is displayed on the display unit 21 provided in the apparatus main body 11. However, the body shape is displayed using a display unit different from the display unit 21. The evaluation result may be displayed. In this case, for example, a display of a personal computer owned by a user of the biometric apparatus according to the present invention may be used as the display means. More specifically, by providing a communication unit 27 (see FIG. 2) capable of data communication with a personal computer in the apparatus main body 11 in the above embodiment, the control unit 40 can provide a living body such as a fat percentage of the user. After the measurement of the information and the evaluation of the body shape are completed, display data based on the measurement results and the evaluation results are sent to the display of the personal computer via the communication unit 27, and the same display as in FIGS. 5 to 8 is performed. Like that. In this case, a predetermined program necessary for displaying the above-described evaluation result on the display of the personal computer is stored in the personal computer in advance. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 40 functions as body shape evaluation means, but a personal computer as an external device may function as body shape evaluation means. In this case, a predetermined program necessary for causing the personal computer to function as the body shape evaluation means in the embodiment, and a predetermined program necessary for displaying the evaluation result as described above on the display of the personal computer, By storing in advance in the personal computer, in the biometric device of the present invention, after the biometric information such as the fat percentage of the user is measured and the body shape image is acquired, these data are transmitted via the communication unit 27. It is sent to the display of the personal computer, the body shape is evaluated in the personal computer, and the same display as in FIGS. 5 to 8 is performed on the display. The communication unit 27 is preferably communication using radio waves, infrared rays, or the like. However, the communication unit 27 is not necessarily limited to this, and means such as a connection unit of a separate storage device (for example, a USB memory) or a cable connection unit may be adopted. Good.

  [Third Modification] In the above embodiment, as the body image acquisition means, the imaging unit 25 is configured by the four cameras 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d. However, as shown in FIG. You may comprise with one camera (imaging part 225). FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the internal structure of the biometric apparatus according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. 9 is represented as a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 1 in the biometric apparatus 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. For the sake of convenience, illustration of the weight measuring device 45, the current supply unit 46, the voltage measuring unit 47, etc. as internal structures is omitted. In addition, about what has the function thru | or structure which is common in the biometric apparatus 10 which concerns on the said embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the biometric apparatus 200 according to the third modification of the present invention has an imaging unit 225 provided inside the apparatus main body 11, and the upper surface (cover) of the apparatus main body 11 to the user. In this configuration, a body shape image of a user placed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 11 is acquired from the inside of the apparatus main body 11 on the upper surface 11a1) side of the member 11a. More specifically, for example, a camera as one imaging unit 225 is provided on the inner surface of the bottom plate member 11b of the apparatus main body 11, and the lens body including the lens portion is accommodated in the apparatus main body 11. This is different from the embodiment. Therefore, in the third modification, it is preferable that the cover member 11a (or at least the upper surface 11a1 thereof) and the electrode member 32 are made of a transparent member. As described above, the configuration as one imaging unit 225 is preferable in that it is possible to omit the composition processing of the captured images captured by the four cameras (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) as in the above-described embodiment. It is.

  Note that the imaging unit 225 can acquire a plurality of captured images while sequentially shifting the focus by the same amount sequentially from the user's lower body to the upper body (or in the opposite direction). As a result, among the body shape images acquired for each focus, the body shape image in which the outline of the user's body part appears most clearly, in other words, the area of the user's body part appears most widely and clearly. By selecting the body shape image, it is possible to specify the body shape image of the user when viewed from below. Further, an appropriate distance from the imaging unit 225 to the upper surface 11a1 is set by appropriately setting the height h of the apparatus main body 11 so that only the user's sole placed on the upper surface 11a1 is not photographed. It is preferable to make adjustments so that photographing can be performed at least in the range indicated by the broken line in FIG.

  As a specific example of the imaging unit 225 in the third modified example, the camera has been described above. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, when a user is viewed from below using a thermography device. A temperature distribution corresponding to the user's body temperature may be measured, and an image obtained by imaging the color distribution may be used as the body shape image. Furthermore, it is preferable to extract the contour of the user's body from the body shape image acquired by the thermography device by using general-purpose image processing software.

  [Fourth Modification] In the above embodiment, as the body image acquisition means, the imaging unit 25 has been configured with the four cameras 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d. However, as shown in FIG. You may comprise with a sensor unit (imaging part 325). FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a biometric apparatus according to a fourth modification of the embodiment of the present invention. In addition, about what has the function thru | or structure which is common in the biometric apparatus 10 which concerns on the said embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the biometric device 300 according to the fourth modification example of the present invention includes an imaging unit 325 provided inside the device main body 11, so that the user can The body shape image of the user placed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 11 is acquired from the inside of the apparatus main body 11 on the upper surface 11a1) side of the cover member 11a. More specifically, the imaging unit 325 is an optical sensor capable of sliding (driving) in the vicinity of the inner surface of the cover member 11a of the apparatus main body 11 in the direction of the arrow A along the vertical width W2 direction of the apparatus main body 11, for example. Provided as a unit. The imaging unit 325 as an optical sensor unit is formed in a substantially rod shape that is long in the lateral width W1 direction of the apparatus main body 11, and an optical sensor 325a is disposed along the longitudinal direction from the first optical sensor 325a1 to the nth optical sensor 325an. ing. Note that the number n of the optical sensors 325a can be set as appropriate. Further, in the apparatus main body 11 of the biometric apparatus 300, when the imaging unit 325 as the optical sensor unit slides in the direction of arrow A, the weight measuring apparatus 45, the current supply unit 46, and the internal structure of the biometric apparatus 300 are provided. The voltage measurement unit 47 and the like and the imaging unit 325 are configured not to interfere with each other. The imaging unit 325 as the optical sensor unit is not limited to the above-described configuration, and can be slid (driven) in the direction along the horizontal width W1 direction of the apparatus main body 11, and can be moved in the vertical width W2 direction of the apparatus main body 11. It is good also as a structure which forms in a long substantially rod shape and arrange | positions the optical sensor 325a from the 1st optical sensor 325a1 to the nth optical sensor 325an along the longitudinal direction.

  Each of the optical sensors 325a includes a light source unit that emits measurement light (for example, infrared light) in a direction directly above the apparatus body 11, and the measurement light reflected by (any part of) the user's body. Based on the intensity (weakness) of the received measurement light with respect to the emitted measurement light, the time required from emission to reception, etc., the user's body ( It is possible to calculate the length up to any one of the above. Therefore, in the fourth modification, it is preferable that the cover member 11a (or at least the upper surface 11a1 thereof) and the electrode member 32 are made of a transparent member. As shown in FIG. 10, the imaging unit 325 as an optical sensor unit is slid in the direction of the arrow A, and the measurement light is repeatedly emitted and received by the optical sensor 325a for each displacement, so that the surface of the upper surface 11a1. The presence or absence of the user's body part above is detected. Then, all the points where the detection is (or no points) on the coordinates where the first optical sensor 325a1 to the n-th optical sensor 325an are taken as the X axis and the displacement amount in the direction of the arrow A are taken as the Y axis. By plotting, it is possible to acquire a user's body shape image. In addition, it is preferable to extract the contour of the user's body from the body shape image obtained by the plot by using general-purpose image processing software.

  In addition to the case where the optical sensor 325a is configured as described above, for example, the optical sensor 325a may be configured as an optical sensor including only a light receiving unit that detects light contrast. In this case, when the user is placed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 11 (the upper surface 11a1 of the cover member 11a), the user's shadow projected on the upper surface can be acquired as the body shape image of the user. Become. That is, when the living body measuring apparatus 300 is installed directly below the ceiling-mounted illumination as an existing facility in the home and the user is placed on the upper surface thereof, the shadow of the user on the upper surface (the upper surface 11a1 of the cover member 11a). Is projected. At this time, the light sensor unit 325 slides in the direction of the arrow A, and the light sensor 325a sequentially receives light at each displacement. It is detected as a dark part and a part not shaded as a bright part. Then, by plotting all the bright points (or dark points) on the coordinates with the displacement amount in the direction of arrow A as the X axis and the first optical sensor 325a1 to the nth optical sensor 325an as the Y axis, It becomes possible to acquire a user's body image. In addition, it is preferable to extract the contour of the user's body from the body shape image obtained by the plot by using general-purpose image processing software.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the biometric apparatus 300 of the fourth modified example, the apparatus main body 11 of the biometric apparatus 300 is configured so that even a user having a relatively large body shape can acquire the body shape image. It is preferable that the horizontal width W1 and the vertical width W2 of the optical sensor unit 325 are set larger, and accordingly, the length of the optical sensor unit 325 in the longitudinal direction and the moving distance in the direction of the arrow A are set longer. .

  [Fifth Modification] In the fourth modification described above, a configuration has been described in which the user's shadow projected on the upper surface of the apparatus main body is acquired as a body shape image. The user's shadow projected on the ceiling as an existing facility in the home may be obtained as a body shape image. More specifically, the biometric apparatus according to the fifth modification includes a cover member (or at least an upper surface thereof) and an electrode member of the apparatus main body made of a transparent member, and a light emitting unit on the inner surface side of the cover member inside the apparatus main body. A camera (imaging unit) with the lens portion facing upward is provided at the tip of the arm portion extending from the side surface of the apparatus main body. When the living body measuring apparatus of the fifth modification is installed directly below the flat part of the ceiling as an existing facility in the home, and the user is placed on the upper surface, light emission on the upper surface (the upper surface 11a1 of the cover member 11a) side Irradiation light is emitted from the unit, and the shadow of the user is projected onto the ceiling. The user's shadow projected on the ceiling is photographed by the camera and acquired as a user's body image.

  [Sixth Modification] In the above embodiment, the imaging unit 25 is configured by four cameras 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d as body shape image acquisition means, thereby acquiring body shape images from the lower side of the user. Although the thing was demonstrated, when the apparatus main body (11) of a biometrics apparatus (10) extends along a user's height direction like a height meter, a user's body shape image is acquired from an upper direction. Devices (cameras, laser devices, other sensors) may be arranged.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the biometric apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main function structures of the biometric apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the relationship between the body shape image sample which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a user's attitude | position. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the example of a measurement using the biometric apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display in the display part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display in the display part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display in the display part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display in the display part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the internal structure of the biometric apparatus which concerns on the 3rd modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the biometric apparatus which concerns on the 4th modification of embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Biometric apparatus 11 Apparatus main body 11a Cover member 11a1 Upper surface (Upper surface of apparatus main body)
11b Bottom plate member 12 Leg part 21 Display part 22 Operation part 25 Imaging part (body shape image acquisition means)
25a camera 25b camera 25c camera 25d camera 27 communication unit 32 electrode member (biological information acquisition means)
32a Energizing electrode 32b Measuring electrode 32c Measuring electrode 32d Energizing electrode 40 Control unit (body shape evaluation means)
41 Storage unit (storage means)
42 Calculation Unit 43 Timekeeping Unit 44 Power Supply Unit 45 Weight Measurement Unit (Biological Information Acquisition Unit)
46 Current supply unit (biological information acquisition means)
47 Voltage measurement unit (biological information acquisition means)
200 Biometric apparatus (second modification)
225 Imaging Unit 300 Biometric Device (Third Modification)
325 Imaging unit 325a Optical sensor 325a1 First optical sensor 325a2 Second optical sensor 325an nth optical sensor

Claims (8)

Body image acquisition means for acquiring a body shape image of a user placed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body from the upper surface side;
A biometric apparatus comprising: a body shape evaluation unit that evaluates the body shape of the user based on the body shape image acquired by the body shape image acquisition unit. The biometric apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the body shape image is an image capable of discriminating a body contour when the user is viewed from below. The body shape image biometric apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the body shape of the user is a body shape image captured in two dimensions. The body image acquisition means acquires the user's shadow projected on the upper surface as the body image of the user when the user is placed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body. of claims 1 to 3, biometric apparatus according to any one. The body shape evaluation means, among the forms images acquired by the body shape image acquiring unit, according to claim 1 to claim, characterized in that to evaluate the body shape of the user based on the area which the body occupied by the user The biometric apparatus according to any one of 4 . Wherein the body shape body shape evaluation means for evaluating the user of obesity or lean degree of the body, and / or, of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an orientation of the user's body, The biometric apparatus according to any one of the above. The apparatus main body includes biological information acquisition means for acquiring biological information of the user, and the body shape evaluation means is acquired by the biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition means and the body shape image acquisition means. wherein the body shape image of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that to evaluate the body shape of the user based on biometric apparatus according to any one was.   Storage means for storing a body shape image sample, wherein the body shape evaluation means compares the body shape image sample stored in the storage means with the body shape image acquired by the body shape image acquisition means; The biometric apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the body shape of the user is evaluated.

Images