JP2002369806A - Body fat measurement device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To easily and accurately measure the thickness of subcutaneous fat existing in a layer near the surface of a human body, the amount of subcutaneous fat such as cross-sectional area, and the amount of visceral fat present inside the human body, Moreover, a body fat measurement device that can be easily worn is provided. SOLUTION: A first electrode group 1 composed of one or more electrodes whose position on the abdominal surface of the human body is determined with reference to the navel position of the human body, and disposed on the back surface of the human body. A second electrode group 2 composed of one or more electrodes, and a third electrode composed of two or more electrodes arranged at a substantially intermediate position between the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 on the surface of the human body A current flows between the group 3 and one electrode selected from the first electrode group 1 and one electrode selected from the second electrode group 2, and a voltage generated between two electrodes of the third electrode group 3 is generated. And a control unit 8 for measuring and calculating the fat amount of the human abdomen based on the measured voltage value.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a body fat measuring device for simply and accurately measuring subcutaneous fat existing in a layer near the surface of a human body and visceral fat present inside the human body.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a method for deriving a spatial distribution of a medium in a three-dimensional object by utilizing a difference in electric impedance of the medium, a potential distribution induced on a surface of the object by applying a current to the object to be measured. There is known an impedance CT method for imaging an impedance distribution inside an object. This technique is being applied to the measurement of distribution of blood, lungs, fats, etc. in a living body (Japanese Society for ME Studies, BME Vol. 8, No. 8 (199)
4) p.49).

In addition to the impedance CT method, as a device for measuring subcutaneous fat mass and visceral fat mass by measuring electric impedance, a body fat measuring device (prior art 1) described in JP-A-11-113870 and JP-A-Hei 11-113870 are known. 11
There is a body fat meter (prior art 2) described in JP-A-123182. The body fat measurement device described in Prior Art 1
A plurality of electrodes are mounted on the body surface, the impedance between the electrodes is measured, an impedance matrix of the cross section of the electrode mounting part is generated, and the calculating means calculates a product of the coefficient matrix according to the mounting part information from the input means, and The body fat distribution of the cross section is calculated. In addition, the body fat meter described in the prior art 2 is provided with an electrode pair having a current path forming electrode and a measurement electrode at substantially equal intervals inside a cuff wound around the abdomen of the subject, and the selected two An alternating current flows between the current path forming electrodes of the electrode pair to form a current path, and the measurement electrode measures the impedance in the formed current path. By appropriately selecting two electrode pairs, the subcutaneous fat at the measurement site is mainly measured between adjacent electrode pairs, and the visceral fat at the measurement site is mainly measured between the opposing electrodes.

[0004]

In an apparatus in which the impedance CT method is applied to the measurement of body fat, the spatial resolution for estimating the fat distribution in the body from the potential induced on the body surface is not sufficient. It is difficult to calculate, and
A large-scale numerical calculation was required for the calculation.

[0005] The body fat measurement device of the prior art 1 describes a specific method of generating a coefficient matrix according to a wearing part and a specific method of generating a body fat distribution image of a target cross section from a product of an impedance matrix and a coefficient matrix. There is no.

[0006] The body fat meter of the prior art 2 can measure the subcutaneous fat mass at the measurement site, but the measured amount includes the influence of the amount and distribution of other media present inside the human body, and the accuracy is inaccurate. Was enough. Further, even if an attempt is made to measure visceral fat inside the human body, the effect of subcutaneous fat existing in a layer near the surface of the human body is extremely large, and the amount of visceral fat cannot be measured with sufficient accuracy.

The present invention can easily and accurately measure the thickness of subcutaneous fat existing in a layer near the surface of a human body, the amount of subcutaneous fat such as cross-sectional area, and the amount of visceral fat present inside the human body,
Moreover, it is an object to provide a body fat measurement device that can be easily worn.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a body fat measuring device according to the present invention is arranged such that the position of the body to be measured on the abdominal surface is determined with reference to the navel position of the body to be measured. A first electrode group consisting of one or more electrodes to be determined, a second electrode group consisting of one or more electrodes arranged on the back surface of the object to be measured, and a first electrode group on the surface of the object to be measured A third electrode group consisting of two or more electrodes arranged at a substantially intermediate position between the group and the second electrode group, and one electrode selected from the first electrode group and one electrode selected from the second electrode group A current between them,
The measuring device includes measuring means for measuring a voltage generated between two electrodes in the third electrode group, and calculating means for calculating abdominal fat mass of the measured object based on the voltage value.

Alternatively, a first electrode group consisting of one or more electrodes for determining the position of the measurement object on the abdominal surface with reference to the navel position of the measurement object, and a back of the measurement object A second electrode group consisting of three or more electrodes arranged on the surface, and a current flowing between two electrodes selected from the second electrode group, one electrode selected from the first electrode group and a second electrode group Measuring means for measuring a voltage generated between one of the electrodes selected from the above, and calculating means for calculating an abdominal fat mass of the measured object based on the voltage value.

Further, the body fat measuring device of the present invention is designed to increase the calculation accuracy in consideration of gender and / or age when calculating the abdominal fat mass of the measured body.

Further, the body fat measuring belt of the present invention
A navel position marker that indicates the navel position of the measured object, and a position where the position of the arrangement of the measured object on the abdominal surface is determined based on the navel position of the measured object indicated by the navel position marker. A first electrode group consisting of the above electrodes, a second electrode group consisting of one or more electrodes arranged on the back surface of the object to be measured, and the first electrode group on the surface of the object to be measured. And a third electrode group including two or more electrodes arranged at a substantially intermediate position with respect to the second electrode group.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) A body fat measuring device according to a first embodiment measures a visceral fat amount such as a cross-sectional area of a visceral fat present inside a human body.

The body fat measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has a first electrode group 1 composed of one electrode disposed on the surface of the abdomen of a human body with reference to the navel position of the human body to be measured.
And a second electrode group 2 composed of one electrode arranged on the back surface of the human body, and two electrodes arranged at a position intermediate between the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 on the surface of the human body The third
An electrode group 3, a navel position marker 4 indicating a reference position when the first electrode group 1 is arranged on the surface of the abdomen, a substantially non-stretchable belt 5, and a device for winding and fixing the belt 5 around the human abdomen. It includes buckles 6 and 7 and a control unit 8. Note that each of the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 may be two or more electrodes, and the third electrode group 3 may be three or more electrodes. The body fat measurement belt according to the present invention includes the first electrode group 1, the second electrode group 2, the third electrode group 3, and the navel position marker 4.

The control section 8 includes a measuring means for flowing a current between the electrodes of the first electrode group 1 and the electrodes of the second electrode group 2 and measuring a voltage generated between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3. Calculating means for calculating the fat amount of the human abdomen based on the measured voltage value. Further, the control unit 8 outputs an input device for inputting physical information such as the abdomen circumference (waist length), gender, and, if necessary, the age of the measurer, and outputs the input physical information and the calculated fat amount. Display device 9 may be provided. The calculating means at this time calculates the fat amount of the human abdomen using the measured voltage value and the input abdomen circumference length and gender (and age if necessary) of the measurer. Also,
Control unit 8, first electrode group 1, second electrode group 2, and third electrode group 3
Are electrically connected by electric wiring. At this time, the wiring (electrical cord) can be embedded in the belt 5 so as not to interfere with the measurement.

Next, a method of measuring body fat will be described. First,
As shown in FIG. 2, the measurer wraps the belt 5 around the abdomen (waist) so that the navel position marker 4 comes to the navel position,
The belt 5 is squeezed while adjusting the length of the belt 5 with the buckle 6, and the buckle 6 is inserted into the buckle 7 to fix the belt 5 to the abdomen.

Next, the control section 8 is operated to input physical information such as the waist length and the gender (and age if necessary) of the measurer, and thereafter, a measurement start button provided on the control section 8 is provided. When the input is signaled, the measuring means measures the voltage generated between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3 by flowing a current between the electrodes of the first electrode group 1 and the electrodes of the second electrode group 2, and calculating means The fat amount of the abdomen of the measurer is calculated based on the measured voltage value and the input physical information and the like. The calculated fat amount is output to the display device 9. The posture of the measurer at the time of measurement can be in a standing position, a sitting position, a supine position, etc., but from the viewpoint of simplicity and stability of the measurement, the standing position is preferable, and an abdominal tomographic imaging position by X-ray CT From the viewpoint of adjusting to the supine position, the supine position is preferable. In addition, spontaneous expiration, spontaneous inspiration, maximum expiration, maximum inspiration, and the like can be taken as the respiratory state at the time of measurement, but spontaneous expiration or spontaneous inhalation is preferable from the viewpoint of measurement simplicity and stability. The measurement can be usually performed in a room temperature environment. For example, it can be carried out at a temperature of 0 to 40 ° C, but is preferably 10 to 35 ° C from the viewpoint of maintaining comfort and good electrical contact between the electrode and the skin.

The calculated fat mass is typically the visceral fat mass of the abdomen of the human body, in particular, the visceral fat cross-sectional area in the cross section of the torso with a belt. In addition, since there is a correlation that a person having a large amount of visceral fat generally has a large total fat amount (the sum of the visceral fat amount and the subcutaneous fat amount), the total fat amount of the human body should be approximately calculated by the measuring device of the present invention. Can also.

The measuring means in the control unit 8 includes a current source and a voltmeter. The current source is preferably an alternating current from the viewpoint of ease of handling, and the frequency of the alternating current is usually 10 to 500 k.
Hz can be used, and it is particularly preferable to use 50 to 200 kHz. The current value at this time is usually 0.3
３3 mA can be used. When measuring the voltage value (voltage amplitude or effective value) with a voltmeter, the phase delay may be measured simultaneously, and in that case, the measured phase delay can be used for data analysis.

The voltage V measured between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3 is equal to the voltage V when the current flows substantially transversely to the abdomen of the human body through the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2. This reflects the spatial change rate of the potential generated at an intermediate position between the electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2. The spatial change rate of this potential strongly correlates with the amount of visceral fat. When the absolute value of the spatial change rate is large, the amount of visceral fat is large, and when the absolute value of the spatial change rate is small, the visceral fat amount is small. Moreover, the spatial change rate is hardly affected by the distribution and amount of subcutaneous fat, so that the amount of visceral fat can be calculated easily and with high accuracy.

For quantitative calculation of the amount of visceral fat, the voltage V
And a correlation formula relating the amount m of visceral fat is created in advance,
It is input to the calculation means in the control unit 8. In particular,
A plurality of subjects having various amounts m were prepared, and the voltage value V measured by the above-described method and the actual visceral fat mass m were prepared.
Create a correlation equation for In the measurement of the voltage value V, the same current is applied to all subjects, or a different current is applied to each subject, and the obtained voltage value is converted into a voltage value generated when the same amount of current is applied. I do. As a method of measuring the visceral fat mass m, there is a method of obtaining a sectional area or a volume from a tomographic image obtained by an X-ray CT method or an MRI method. In addition,
When calculating the cross-sectional area from the tomographic image, taking into account the spread of the current, not only the cross-section but also tomographic images in the vicinity thereof are taken, and the cross-sectional area of visceral fat is calculated from the average of the plurality of tomographic images. The calculation improves the accuracy. When calculating the total fat mass (the sum of the visceral fat mass and the subcutaneous fat mass) based on the voltage value V, a correlation formula may be created in a similar manner.

The correlation equation can be expressed by approximation using, for example, a linear polynomial using a multivariate analysis technique, and m = a0 + a using the regression coefficients a0 and a1 and the input abdominal circumference U of the measurer.
And so on 1 · V · ^{U n.} n is a power exponent that takes a value of 0 or a positive real number, and the value can be determined so that the correlation becomes highest. Typically, when the amount m represents an absolute value such as the cross-sectional area of visceral fat, n = 3, and when the amount m represents a relative value such as a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the visceral fat to the total cross-sectional area of the abdomen, n = 1. The number of explanatory variables can be increased to improve the accuracy of the correlation equation. For ^{example, m = a0 + a1 · V} · U n + a2 · U n ' and m =
such as ^{a0 + a1 · V · U n} + a2 · V · U n ' is illustrated. Here, a2 is a regression coefficient, n 'is an exponent of a power to take a value of 0 or a positive real number, and the value can be determined so that the correlation becomes highest. Alternatively, a correlation equation can be created by a non-linear polynomial to improve the calculation accuracy. It can be made non-linear polynomials of various forms, for example, a0, a1, a2, a3 as the regression ^{coefficients, a0 · m 3 + a1 ·} m 2 + a2 · m + a3 = V ·
Such as U ⁿ can be cited as examples. Further, in order to improve the accuracy of calculation, a correlation formula can be properly used depending on the gender of the measurer. That is, a correlation formula for men and a correlation formula for women are created, respectively, and the correlation formula to be used is selected based on the information on the gender of the measurer input to the input device. When the correlation formula is set, the visceral fat mass m is calculated according to the correlation formula from the voltage value V measured for an unknown measurer of the visceral fat mass.
Can be calculated.

The belt 5 can be made of a substantially non-stretchable material such as, for example, vinyl, synthetic resin, synthetic leather, natural leather, woven cloth and non-woven cloth. The first to third electrode groups may be fixed directly on the belt 5, or the first to third electrode groups may be respectively arranged on supports that can bend along the body surface, and the supports may be attached to the belt 5. It may be a structure to be fixed to. The support can be made of, for example, synthetic resin or rubber. The control unit 8, the first to third electrode groups, wiring, and the like are configured to be detachable from the belt 5, and only the belt 5 is removed from the measuring device so that the belt 5 can be easily cleaned or replaced with a new belt 5. You can also Further, a scale indicating the length may be added to the belt 5 so that the measurer can measure his / her waist length using the belt 5. Further, in order to make the strength of fastening the belt 5 to the abdomen constant without depending on the measurer, the position of the buckle 6 is
A scale which can be set at an appropriate position on the belt 5 according to the waist length of the measurer can be added to the belt 5. Further, an elastic material such as synthetic rubber or natural rubber may be used for the belt portion other than between the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2. Further, a double belt structure in which a second belt is arranged outside the belt 5 can be used in order to make sufficient contact between the electrode and the skin. By tightening the second belt, the electrodes on the belt 5 are pressed strongly against the skin, and the contact between the electrodes and the skin is ensured.

When the measuring device of the present invention is mounted on the abdomen,
The second electrode group 2 is arranged on the back, and the third electrode group 3 is arranged on the flanks. Since the first to third electrode groups are fixed to the non-stretchable belt 5, the second electrode group 2 is placed on the waist. Group 2 and 3
The position where the electrode group 3 is arranged changes depending on the waist length of the measurer. At this time, in order to realize high measurement accuracy, the distance L1 between the first electrode group 1 and the third
Each electrode group is fixed on the belt 5 such that the distance L2 between the electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 is substantially equal. Thus, the third electrode group 3 always detects a voltage generated at an intermediate point between the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 regardless of the waist length of the measurer. In the case where a measurer having a waist length of 60 to 110 cm is to be measured, the distance between the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 measured along the belt 5 is preferably set to 35 to 50 cm, particularly It is preferable to set it to 40 to 45 cm.

In the measuring apparatus of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the third electrode group 3 may have a structure corresponding to the right flank of the human abdomen, or a symmetrical structure corresponding to the left flank. It may be structured. Third on right flank far from stomach
The structure to which the electrode group 3 is applied tends to be less affected by a meal in the measured value.

It is preferable that the distance between two electrodes in the third electrode group 3 is set in an optimum range. If the distance between the electrodes is too small, a sufficient potential difference does not occur between the electrodes, which is not preferable in terms of measurement sensitivity. From this viewpoint, the distance between the electrodes (center-to-center distance) is usually preferably 3 cm or more. On the other hand, if the distance between the electrodes is too large, the distribution and amount of the subcutaneous fat appear on the measurement voltage, so the distance between the electrodes is preferably 1/6 or less of the abdominal outer peripheral length. For example, when a measurer with a waist length of 60 to 110 cm is to be measured, the distance between the electrodes is preferably 3 to 10 cm.

As the shape of the electrode, for example, a disk shape or a rectangular shape can be used. In addition, as for the size of the electrode, when the electrode shape is a disk shape, for example, the diameter is 0.6.
~ 3.5 cm electrodes can be used, especially with a diameter of 1.
It is preferable to use an electrode of 5 to 2.5 cm. When the electrode shape is rectangular, for example, an electrode having a width of 0.6 to 3 cm and a height of 1.5 to 7 cm can be used. The surface shape of the electrode can be flat, concave, or convex. If the radius of curvature of the electrode surface is too small, a portion where the electrode does not contact the skin occurs, or the contact area between the skin and the electrode changes depending on the applied pressure.
m or more. As a material of the electrode, a material obtained by applying a metal plating to a synthetic resin plate, a metal plate or a conductive resin plate can be used. In addition, in order to reduce the contact resistance, conductive liquid or gel,
A cream can be applied or a sheet-like conductive gel can be sandwiched. Examples of the conductive liquid include water containing ions such as tap water, lotion, and saline. In addition, in order to reduce the contact resistance, it is preferable to start measurement after inputting the electrode on the body surface, waiting a few seconds to several tens of seconds until the electrode and the skin fit together (inputting a measurement start button).

The measuring device of the present invention, as shown in FIG.
The control unit 8 and the belt 5 may be separated from each other and may be connected by a wiring cord (electric cord) 10. At this time, the wiring cord 10 can be made detachable from the control unit 8 or the belt 5 by a connector.

The body fat measuring device of the second embodiment shown in FIG.
And the buckle 6 is attached to the end of the belt 11. Otherwise, the configuration is substantially the same as the body fat measurement device of the first embodiment. The elastic belt 11 is made of, for example, an elastic material such as synthetic rubber, natural rubber, elastic nonwoven fabric, or synthetic resin folded in a bellows shape. The entire belt may be made of a stretchable material, or a part may be made of a stretchable material and the rest may be made of a non-stretchable material.

The measurement of body fat in the second embodiment is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment except that the belt 11 is stretched using the elasticity of the belt 11 and wound around the waist while being worn.

In the body fat measuring device of this embodiment, the belt 1
Since 1 is made of a stretchable material, the distance between the electrode groups can be adjusted, and the distance between the electrode groups changes according to the waist length of the measurer. Therefore, the first to third electrode groups are arranged at substantially corresponding positions on the waist even for persons having different waist lengths. It is preferable that the distance from the first electrode group to the second electrode group is １ ／ to ／ of the length of the belt 11 (the length in a state where there is no elongation). Further, the distance L1 between the first electrode group 1 and the third electrode group 3 and the distance L1
It is preferable that the electrode groups 1 to 3 are arranged on the belt 11 so that the distance L2 between the electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 is equal. When a measurer having a waist length of 60 to 90 cm is to be measured, the length of the belt 11 (the length in a state where there is no elongation) can be set to, for example, 56 to 59 cm. The measured distance between the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 can be 20 to 40 cm.

The relationship between the visceral fat mass m and the measured voltage V is given by the same correlation equation as in the first embodiment. A typical value of the exponent n in the correlation equation is n = 3 and n = 3 as in the first embodiment when the distance between the two electrodes in the third electrode group 3 is kept constant. 1, and n = 2 and n = 0 when the distance between the electrodes changes with the waist length.

Also, in the measuring apparatus of the present invention, similarly to the measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 3, the control section 8 and the belt 11 may be separated and connected to each other by a wiring cord (electric cord). .

In the body fat measuring device of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5, two movable rails 12 are provided on the non-stretchable belt 5, and the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 are arranged along the movable rail 12. And a slidable configuration. Otherwise, the configuration is substantially the same as the body fat measurement device of the first embodiment. Further, the body fat measurement of the third embodiment is performed except that the measurer previously sets the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 at the optimum positions according to his / her waist length using the movable rail 12. This is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

In the body fat measuring device of this embodiment, since the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 can slide along the movable rail 12, the distance between each electrode group can be adjusted, and The electrode group can be set to an optimum position on the belt 5 according to the waist length of the user. The distance from the first electrode group to the second electrode group is １ ／ to ／ of the waist length of the measurer.
It is preferable that the distance between the first electrode group 1 and the third electrode group 3 and the distance between the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 be equal. For example, the distance from the first electrode group to the second electrode group is set to の of the waist length,
The distance between the electrode group 1 and the intermediate position between the third electrode group 3 can be set to ウ ェ ス ト of the waist length. It is preferable that the rule for setting the position of the electrode group is common to all the operators. In addition, a scale is provided around the movable rail 12, and the measurer adjusts the scale to the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 according to the scale.
May be configured to be able to set the position.

Also, in the measuring apparatus of the present invention, similarly to the measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 3, the control section 8 and the belt 5 may be separated and connected to each other by a wiring cord (electric cord). .

In the body fat measuring device of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a fitting hole 13 for the second electrode group and a fitting hole 14 for the third electrode group are provided on the belt 5, and fitted into the fitting holes 13, 14. The second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 are configured to be detachable from the belt 5. Otherwise, the configuration is substantially the same as the body fat measurement device of the first embodiment. In the body fat measurement of the fourth embodiment, the measurer selects an appropriate hole from the fitting holes 13 and 14 in advance,
The procedure is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 are fitted at the optimum positions according to their own waist length. The second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 have the fitting holes 1
When the electrodes are inserted into the terminals 3 and 14, the respective electrode groups are electrically connected to the control unit 8 through electric wires.

In the body fat measuring device of this embodiment, an appropriate fitting hole is selected, and the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3
The distance between the electrode groups can be adjusted by fitting the electrode group, so that the measurer can set the electrode group at an optimum position on the belt 5 according to his / her waist length. First electrode group 1
And the distance between the second electrode group 2 and the waist length of the measurer are 1 /
The distance is preferably 3 to 2/3, and more preferably, the distance between the first electrode group 1 and the third electrode group 3 and the distance between the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 are equal. For example,
The distance between the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 is set to 1 of the waist length.
/ 2, and the distance between the first electrode group 1 and the intermediate position between the third electrode group 3 can be set to １ ／ of the waist length. It is preferable that the rule for setting the position of the electrode group is common to all the operators. It is preferable that a scale is provided around the fitting holes 13 and 14 so that the measurer can set the positions of the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3 according to the scale.

The body fat measuring device of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 7 comprises a first electrode group 1 consisting of one electrode arranged on the surface of the abdomen of the human body with reference to the position of the navel, and a device on the back surface of the human body. A second electrode group 2 composed of one electrode to be arranged, a third electrode group 3 composed of two electrodes arranged at a position intermediate between the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 on the surface of the human body, A navel position marker 4 indicating a reference position when the first electrode group 1 is arranged on the abdominal surface, an arm 15 connecting the first electrode group 1 and the third electrode group 3, a second electrode group 2 and a second An arm 16 for connecting the three-electrode group 3, a sliding-type variable length unit 17 for adjusting the length of the arm 15, a sliding-type variable length unit 18 for adjusting the length of the arm 16, And a control unit 8. The control unit 8 causes a current to flow between the electrodes of the first electrode group 1 and the electrodes of the second electrode group 2 to measure a voltage generated between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3, and Calculating means for calculating the fat amount of the human abdomen based on the voltage value.

Further, the control unit 8 includes an input device for inputting physical information such as the abdomen circumference (waist length), gender, and, if necessary, the age of the measurer, the input physical information and the calculated fat. A display device 9 for outputting the quantity may be provided. The calculating means at this time calculates the fat amount of the human abdomen using the measured voltage value and the input abdomen circumference length and gender (and age if necessary) of the measurer. Also,
Control unit 8, first electrode group 1, second electrode group 2, and third electrode group 3
Are electrically connected by electric wiring. At this time, the wiring (electrical cord) can be embedded in the arms 15 and 16 so as not to interfere with the measurement.

Next, a method of measuring body fat will be described. After operating the control unit 8 and inputting physical information such as the waist length and gender (and age if necessary) of the measurer, as shown in FIG. 8, the first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 The measurement device is inserted from the right flank so as to come to the abdomen and back, respectively, and attached to the torso. Next, the arm 1 is operated by operating the length variable sections 17 and 18.
The lengths of the electrodes 5 and 16 are adjusted to bring the third electrode group 3 into close contact with the flanks. The first electrode group 1 and the second electrode group 2 are pressed against the skin while the navel position marker 4 hits the navel position,
At the same time, the user inputs a measurement start button provided in the control unit 8. In response to this input, the measuring means measures the voltage generated between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3 by flowing a current between the electrodes of the first electrode group 1 and the electrodes of the second electrode group 2, and the calculating means The fat amount of the abdomen of the measurer is calculated based on the input voltage value and the input physical information and the like. The calculated fat amount is output to the display device 9.

For the arms 15 and 16, for example, a member formed in a C shape using plastic (synthetic resin), rubber, wood, ceramic, or the like can be used. Variable length section 17,
The adjustment of the arm length by 18 is preferably performed so that the distance between the first electrode group 1 and the third electrode group 3 is equal to the distance between the second electrode group 2 and the third electrode group 3. In addition, a scale is provided around the length-variable sections 17 and 18 so that the measurer can preliminarily measure the length-variable sections 17 and 18 based on his / her waist length before measurement.
Can be adjusted. Further, the connecting portion between the support supporting the second electrode group 2 and the arm 16 has a structure in which the support of the second electrode group 2 is rotatable with respect to the arm 16 so that the second electrode group can be rotated. 2 can be made flexible, and the contact between the second electrode group 2 and the skin can be improved. First electrode group 1 (control section 8) and arm 15
The same applies to the connection portion.

The calculated fat mass is typically the visceral fat mass of the human abdomen, particularly the visceral fat cross-sectional area in the torso cross-section where the first to third electrode groups are arranged. People with high visceral fat generally have total fat (sum of visceral fat and subcutaneous fat).
Therefore, the total fat amount of the human body can be approximately calculated by the measuring device of the present invention.

The posture and respiratory condition at the time of measurement, the characteristics of the current source and the voltmeter, the method of creating the correlation formula, the arrangement position of the third electrode group 3,
The description in the first embodiment regarding the distance between the two electrodes in the third electrode group 3, the shape and the material of the electrodes, and the like is applied to the fifth embodiment as it is.

The body fat measuring device of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 9 has a first electrode group 19 composed of two electrodes arranged on the surface of the abdomen of the human body with reference to the position of the navel, and a device on the back surface of the human body. A second electrode group 20 composed of two electrodes to be arranged; a third electrode group 3 composed of two electrodes arranged at a position on the surface of the human body between the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 20;
Navel position marker 21 indicating the reference position when the first electrode group 19 is arranged on the abdominal surface, and spine position marker 2 indicating the reference position when the second electrode group 20 is arranged on the back surface
2, a control unit 8, and a wiring cord 23 for electrically connecting the control unit 8 to the first to third electrode groups.

The control unit 8 selects one of the two electrodes in the first electrode group 19 and selects one of the two electrodes in the second electrode group 20. A measuring means for flowing a current between the selected electrode of the group 19 and the selected electrode of the second electrode group 20 to measure a voltage generated between two electrodes of the third electrode group 3, and a measured voltage value Calculating means for calculating the fat amount of the human abdomen based on Further, the control unit 8 outputs an input device for inputting physical information such as the abdomen circumference (waist length), gender, and, if necessary, the age of the measurer, and outputs the input physical information and the calculated fat amount. Display device 9 may be provided. The calculating means at this time calculates the fat amount of the human abdomen using the measured voltage value and the input abdomen circumference length and gender (and age if necessary) of the measurer. Further, the first to third electrode groups can be attached to the surface of the human body with an adhesive substance or a suction cup.

Next, a method of measuring body fat will be described. The measurer attaches the first electrode group 19 to the abdominal surface of the torso 24 with the navel position marker 21 at the navel position, and attaches the second electrode group 20 to the torso 24 with the spine position marker 22 at the spine position. , And the third electrode group 3 is attached to an intermediate position between the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 20. At this time, it is preferable that the height position where the second electrode group 20 and the third electrode group 3 are stuck is the same as the height of the first electrode group 19, for example, by irradiating a laser beam to the body surface with a laser pointer or the like. The electrode groups 3 and 20 can be attached while checking the attachment height. As the height position of the attachment, for example, the same height as the navel can be selected. Further, when the third electrode group 3 is attached at an intermediate position between the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 20, the body 24 is attached with a tape measure or the like.
The distance between the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 20 measured along the distance may be measured, and the intermediate position may be determined. next,
Operate the control unit 8 to input physical information such as the waist length and the gender (and age if necessary) of the measurer, and then select an input such as a measurement start button provided in the control unit 8 as a signal. The means selects one electrode from each of the two electrodes of the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 20, and the measuring means selects the selected electrode of the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 2
A current is applied between the 0 selected electrodes to measure the voltage generated between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3, and the calculating means calculates the voltage based on the measured voltage value and the input physical information and the like. Calculate the fat content of the abdomen. The calculated fat amount is output to the display device 9.

The fat mass to be calculated is typically the visceral fat mass of the human abdomen, particularly the visceral fat cross-sectional area in the torso cross-section where the first to third electrode groups are arranged. People with high visceral fat generally have total fat (sum of visceral fat and subcutaneous fat).
Therefore, the total fat amount of the human body can be approximately calculated by the measuring device of the present invention.

With the present measuring device, the measurer may measure not only his / her own body fat mass but also the body fat mass of a third party (subject). At this time, the body 24 shown in FIG. 9 represents the body of the subject whose body fat amount is measured.

The electrode groups 3, 19, and 20 used in the measuring apparatus of this embodiment have a portion made of an adhesive substance or a suction cup, and have a structure that can be attached to the surface of the body 24.
For example, a structure in which an adhesive conductive gel is applied to the surface of an electrode that comes into contact with the skin, a structure in which an adhesive conductive gel sheet is attached to the electrode surface, a structure in which the electrode itself or its surroundings have a suction cup shape, or an electrode An example is a structure in which a group is brought into contact with the skin and then attached and held from above with an adhesive tape. Further, as in the measuring device shown in FIG. 9, two electrodes in each electrode group may be connected and supported by a thin plastic plate 25 that can bend along the body surface. Since the plastic plate 25 has almost no elasticity, the distance between the electrodes is kept constant, and the plastic plate 2
Due to the bendability of 5, the electrode is stably stuck on the body surface. Furthermore, if the plastic plate 25 is made of a transparent material, the surface of the body 24 can be visually recognized through the plastic plate 25, so that when the electrode group is attached, the positioning by the navel position marker 21 and the spine position marker 22 becomes easy. . In addition, each of the electrodes 3, 19, 20 and the wiring cord 23
May be a detachable structure. When attaching each electrode group to the body surface, the wiring cords 23 are detached from the electrode groups, and the wiring cords 23 are connected after the attachment. Paste operation becomes easy. In order to make the electrode group and the wiring cord 23 detachable, the connection between them may be made by, for example, a clip (mechanical clamping) or a magnet (magnetic adhesion).

The posture and respiratory state at the time of measurement, the characteristics of the current source and the voltmeter, the method of creating the correlation equation, the arrangement position of the third electrode group,
The description in the first embodiment regarding the distance between the two electrodes in the three-electrode group, the shape and material of the electrodes, and the like also applies to the sixth embodiment.

When the number of electrodes of the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 20 is plural as in the measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 9, current flows in a plurality of directions depending on which electrode is selected. Can be. If current is sequentially passed in these multiple directions and the voltage generated between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3 is sequentially measured, the visceral fat mass can be calculated more accurately using a plurality of measured voltage values. . A plurality of measured voltage values (V1, V2,... Vp) and visceral fat mass m used for calculation.
Is calculated using a multivariate analysis method, for example, m = a
0+ (a1 · V1 + a2 · V2 + ... + ap · Vp) U n
And so on. Where a0, a1,... Ap are regression coefficients,
U is the input abdominal circumference length of the subject. Further, n is an exponent of a power to take a value of 0 or a positive real number, and the value can be determined so that the correlation becomes highest. Typically, when the amount m represents an absolute value such as the cross-sectional area of visceral fat, n = 3, and when the amount m represents a relative value such as a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the visceral fat to the total cross-sectional area of the abdomen, n = 1. At this time, in order to improve the accuracy of the calculation, the correlation formula can be properly used depending on the gender of the measurer.

As a current path for selecting one electrode from each of the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 20 and allowing a current to flow, for example, the flow shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B is used. It is possible.

<< Difference in Correlation by Gender >> FIG. 20 is a characteristic diagram showing the experimental results of the present inventor. In this figure, the horizontal axis represents the measured voltage × (waist) ³ , and the vertical axis represents the abdomen photographed by X-ray CT. The visceral fat area calculated from the tomographic image is taken and measured for a male (FIG. (A)) and a female (FIG. (B)). The number of black circles indicates the number of subjects. In the experiment, the body fat measurement device shown in FIG.
An alternating current of 0 kHz and 1 mA was applied through the current path shown in FIG. 10A, and the voltage V was measured at room temperature.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 20, it was found that there is a clear difference in correlation between male and female.
Therefore, in the body fat measurement device of the present invention, a correlation formula for men and a correlation formula for women are created, and the correlation formula to be used is selected based on the information on the gender of the measurer input to the input device. Is preferred.

<< Calculation of Body Fat (Visceral Fat Mass) Considering Age >> In the body fat measurement device of the present invention, the calculation accuracy (weight) of the visceral fat mass is calculated by adding the age Z of the body to be measured to the correlation equation. The correlation coefficient R) is further improved.

FIG. 22 is an experimental result showing the correlation between the visceral fat mass (area) measured by X-ray CT and the visceral fat mass (area) S measured by the body fat measuring device of the present invention. The experiment was performed using the body fat measurement device shown in FIG.
An alternating current of 1 mA was applied through the current path shown in FIG. 10A, and the voltage was measured. The measurement was performed at room temperature, and a male was used as a test object. The horizontal axis of FIG. 22 is a measured voltage V and the waist length U correlation equation was constructed from S = a0 + a1 · V · U 3 visceral fat area S calculated using a multiple correlation coefficient in this case R = 0 .856.

On the other hand, FIG. 23 shows a correlation equation S = a0 + a1 composed of measured voltage V, waist length U and age Z on the horizontal axis.
A visceral fat area S calculated using V · U ³ + b · Z is taken, and shows a correlation with a visceral fat mass area measured by X-ray CT. The multiple correlation coefficient at this time is R = 0.92
It was 8. Note that a0, a1, and b are regression coefficients.

As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 22 and 23,
In the case of FIG. 23 in which the age of the measured object is added to the correlation equation, the multiple correlation coefficient R approaches “1”, and the calculation accuracy of the visceral fat amount is improved. As shown in FIG. 21, the age Z of the subject used in the experiment and the visceral fat area measured by X-ray CT have only a very weak correlation with a multiple correlation coefficient R of about 0.0424. It was unexpected that the correlation was greatly improved by combining with the measurement voltage V and the waist length U. Perhaps in estimating visceral fat area,
It is presumed that the age dependence of the electrical impedance of the human body is properly corrected.

As described above, in the first to sixth embodiments, the accuracy of the correlation equation is improved by inputting the age Z of the measured object from the input device and adding the input age Z to the explanatory variable. Can be done. Correlation equation at that time, using the regression coefficient b for example, m = a0 + a1 · V · U n
+ B · Z and ^{m = a0 + a1 · V ·} U n + a2 · U n '+
b · Z, a0 · m ³ + a1 · m ² + a2 · m + a3 = V
· ^Un + b · Z etc. In the sixth embodiment, m = a0 + (a1 · V1 + a2 · V2 + ... + ap ·
Vp) U ⁿ + b · Z or the like.

When the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 20 have a plurality of electrodes as in the measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 9, the current applying electrode and the voltage measuring electrode are appropriately selected. Various voltages can be measured and used for calculating body fat mass. For example, the first electrode group 19 and the second electrode group 2
Select an electrode one by one from 0 and let current flow,
By measuring the voltage V ′ between the unselected electrodes in the first electrode group 19 and the unselected electrodes in the second electrode group 20, the total fat mass m ′ in the abdominal section is measured.
Can be requested. The total fat amount includes the sum of the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area and the visceral fat cross-sectional area in the cross section.
The correlation equation between the voltage value V ′ and the total fat mass m ′ used in the calculation is, for example, m ′ = a0 + a1 using a multivariate analysis method.
· V '· ^{U n} and m' = a0 + a1 · V '· U n + b · Z
And so on. Here, a0, a1, and b are regression coefficients, U is the length of the abdomen circumference of the input subject, and n is an exponent of a power which takes a value of 0 or a positive real number. You can decide.

(Second Embodiment) A body fat measuring device according to a second embodiment comprises a subcutaneous fat amount such as a thickness and a cross-sectional area of subcutaneous fat existing in a layer in the vicinity of the surface of a human body, and the inside of the human body. The amount of visceral fat, such as the cross-sectional area of visceral fat, is measured.

The body fat measuring device according to the first embodiment of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11 has a first electrode group 2 composed of three electrodes arranged on the abdominal surface of a human body with reference to the navel position.
8. A second electrode group 29 composed of three electrodes arranged on the back surface of the human body, a navel position marker 30 indicating a reference position when the first electrode group 28 is arranged on the abdomen surface, and a second electrode group A spine position marker 31 indicating a reference position when arranging 29 on the back surface; a first electrode group 28 and a second electrode group 2
9 and a control unit 8. The control unit 8 allows a current to flow between the two electrodes selected from the second electrode group 29 and the one electrode selected from the first electrode group 28 and the second electrode.
The measuring device includes a measuring unit that measures a voltage generated between one of the electrodes selected from the electrode group 29, and a calculating unit that calculates a fat amount of a human abdomen based on the measured voltage value. Further, the control unit 8 is an input device for inputting physical information such as the circumference of the abdomen (waist length), gender, and, if necessary, the age of the measurer, and for outputting the input physical information and the calculated fat amount. May be provided. The calculating means at this time calculates the fat amount of the human abdomen using the measured voltage value and the input abdomen circumference length and gender (and age if necessary) of the measurer. Further, the control unit 8 and the first electrode group 28,
The second electrode group 29 is electrically connected by electric wiring. At this time, the wiring (electric cord) connecting the control unit 8 and the second electrode group 29 can be embedded inside the cord 32. The cord 32 may be a C-shaped arm formed of plastic (synthetic resin), rubber, wood, ceramic, or the like.

Next, a method of measuring body fat will be described. After operating the control unit 8 and inputting physical information such as the waist length and gender (and age if necessary) of the measurer, the first electrode group 28 is abdominally held with one hand while the navel position marker 30 is being adjusted to the navel position. The second electrode group 2 is pressed against the surface while simultaneously adjusting the spine position marker 31 with the other hand to the spine position.
9 is pressed against the back, and a measurement start button provided on the control unit 8 is input while maintaining this state. By this input, the measuring means causes a current to flow between the two electrodes selected from the second electrode group 29, and the current is generated between one electrode selected from the first electrode group 28 and one electrode selected from the second electrode group 29. Then, the calculating means calculates the fat amount in the abdomen of the measurer based on the measured voltage value V1 and the input physical information and the like. The calculated fat amount is output to the display device 9. Since the electrodes can be arranged on the body surface using the navel position marker 30 and the spine position marker 31 as a guide, it is possible to stably arrange the electrodes at almost the same position for a measurer of any waist length. it can. FIG. 12 shows an example of forming a current path when measuring the voltage V1.

In the body fat measuring device of this embodiment, the subcutaneous fat such as the thickness and the cross-sectional area of the subcutaneous fat in the cross section of the body where the first and second electrode groups 28 and 29 are arranged, the visceral fat cross-sectional area in the cross section, and the like. Visceral fat content can be measured.

Since two electrodes for applying a current are selected from the electrodes of the second electrode group 29 applied to the back surface, the current mainly flows around the subcutaneous fat on the back, and thus the measured voltage value V1 is Reflects the subcutaneous fat thickness on the back surface. Therefore, the average subcutaneous fat thickness d on the back surface to which the second electrode group 29 is applied can be calculated from the voltage value V1. Also,
From the voltage value V1, the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area S in the torso cross section can be approximately obtained.

In order to calculate the subcutaneous fat thickness d and the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area S, a correlation formula that relates these amounts and the voltage V1 is created in advance and input to the calculation means in the control unit 8. Specifically, a plurality of subjects having various subcutaneous fat masses are prepared, and the voltage value V
Then, a correlation equation between 1 and the actual thickness d or cross-sectional area S is created.
In the measurement of the voltage value V1, the same current is applied to all subjects, or a different current is applied to each subject, and the obtained voltage value is converted into a voltage value generated when the same amount of current is applied. I do. As a method of measuring the thickness d and the cross-sectional area S, there is a method of obtaining the thickness and the cross-sectional area of subcutaneous fat from tomographic images obtained by the X-ray CT method or the MRI method.

The correlation equation can be expressed by approximation using, for example, a linear polynomial using a multivariate analysis technique. For the subcutaneous fat thickness d, the regression coefficients a0 and a1 and the input abdominal circumference U of the measurer are used. Te, for example, d = a0 + a1 · V1 · U n
And so on. n is a power exponent that takes a value of 0 or a positive real number, and the value can be determined so that the correlation becomes highest. Typically, n = 1. Similarly, for the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area S, for example, S = a0 + a1 · V1
- it can be set correlation formula of ^{U n.} When the amount S represents the cross-sectional area (absolute value) of subcutaneous fat, typically n = 2,
If the quantity S represents the ratio (relative value) of the cross-sectional area of subcutaneous fat to the total cross-sectional area of the abdomen, n = 0. The number of explanatory variables can be increased to improve the accuracy of the correlation equation. For ^{example, d = a0 + a1 · V1} · U n + a2 · U n ' and S
= Like ^{a0 + a1 · V1 · U n} + a2 · U n ' is illustrated. Here, a2 is a regression coefficient, n 'is an exponent of a power which takes a value of 0 or a positive real number, and the value can be determined so that the correlation becomes highest. Alternatively, a correlation equation can be created by a non-linear polynomial to improve the calculation accuracy.

Further, the accuracy of the correlation equation can be improved by inputting the age of the measurer from the input device and adding the input age Z to the explanatory variable. The correlation coefficient at that time is, for example, d = a0 + a using the regression coefficient b.
^{1 · V1 · U n + b} · Z and d = a0 + a1 · V1 · U n
^{+ A2 · U n '+ b} · Z, S = a0 + a1 · V1 · U n
+ B · Z, S = a0 + a1 · V1 · U n + a2 · U n '
+ BZ.

Further, in order to improve the accuracy of the calculation, the correlation formula can be properly used depending on the gender of the measurer.
That is, a correlation formula for men and a correlation formula for women are created, respectively, and the correlation formula to be used is selected based on the information on the gender of the measurer input to the input device. When the correlation formula is set, the thickness d and the cross-sectional area S of the subcutaneous fat are determined according to the correlation formula from the voltage value V1 measured for the person who has unknown subcutaneous fat mass.
Can be calculated.

When the number of electrodes of the first electrode group 28 is three or more as in the body fat measuring device shown in FIG. 11, the measuring means adds two voltages selected from the first electrode group 28 in addition to the voltage value V1. A current is passed between the electrodes, and a voltage value V2 generated between one electrode selected from the first electrode group 28 and one electrode selected from the second electrode group 29 is also measured. Calculation accuracy can also be improved. At this time, for example, S = a0 +
(A1 · V1 + a2 · V2) · U ⁿ or +
A correlation equation in a form to which an age term of b · Z is added is created and input. FIG. 13 shows an example of forming a current path when measuring the voltage V2.

In the body fat measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment, the visceral fat in the cross section of the body in which the first and second electrode groups 28 and 29 are arranged based on the measured voltage V1 and the inputted abdominal outer peripheral length (waist length) U. Visceral fat content such as cross-sectional area can also be measured. Since the voltage V1 reflects the subcutaneous fat amount and the abdominal circumference reflects the total fat amount (the sum of the visceral fat amount and the subcutaneous fat amount), the visceral fat amount can be derived by taking the difference between the two.

For quantitative calculation of the amount of visceral fat, the voltage V
1 and a correlation formula relating the abdominal circumference U to the amount m of visceral fat is created in advance and input to the calculation means in the control unit 8. The method of creating the correlation equation is as described in the first example of the first embodiment. The correlation equation can be expressed by approximation using, for example, a linear polynomial using a multivariate analysis method, and the regression coefficient a
0, a1, using abdominal circumferential length U of a2 and input measurer for example ^{m = a0 + a1 · U n} '-a2 · V1
^-Un etc. n and n ′ are exponents of powers that take values of 0 or positive real numbers, and the values can be determined so that the correlation becomes the highest. Typically, when the quantity m represents an absolute value such as a cross-sectional area of visceral fat, n ′ = 1 to 2, n ′
= 2. It is also possible to create a correlation equation using a nonlinear polynomial to improve the calculation accuracy.

Further, the accuracy of the correlation equation can be improved by inputting the age Z of the measurer from the input device and adding the input age Z to the explanatory variable. The correlation equation at that time is obtained by using, for example, m = a0 + a1 using the regression coefficient b.
· ^{U n} 'and so on ^{-a2 · V1 · U n + b} · Z. Further, in order to improve the accuracy of calculation, a correlation formula can be properly used depending on the gender of the measurer. That is, a correlation formula for men and a correlation formula for women are created, respectively, and the correlation formula to be used is selected based on the information on the gender of the measurer input to the input device.

When the correlation equation is set, the voltage value V1 and the abdominal outer circumference U measured for a person who has unknown visceral fat mass are measured.
From this, the visceral fat mass m can be calculated according to the correlation formula.

As shown in the body fat measuring device shown in FIG.
When the number of electrodes of the electrode group 28 is three or more, the measuring means
By measuring the above-described voltage V2 in addition to the voltage value V1, the calculation accuracy of the visceral fat cross-sectional area m can be improved. The calculation means at this time, add a regression coefficient a3 example ^{m = a0 + a1 · U n} '- (a2 · V1 +
a3 · V2) · ^{U n} and ^{m = a0 + a1 · U n} '- (a
A correlation equation of the form 2 · V1 + a3 · V2) · U ⁿ + b · Z is created and input.

As shown in the body fat measuring device shown in FIG.
When the number of electrodes of the electrode group 28 is 2 or more,
One by one from the first electrode group 28 and the second electrode group 29
A current flows between the electrodes, and the selected
No electrode and no selection in the second electrode group 29
The voltage V3 generated between the electrodes is also measured.
The calculation accuracy of the visceral fat cross-sectional area m can be improved.
FIG. 14 shows an example of forming a current path when measuring the voltage V3.
You. At this time, the calculating means includes, for example, m = a0 + a1 ·
Uⁿ'+ (A2 · V3-a3 · V1) · UⁿOr
m = a0 + a1 · Uⁿ′ + (A2 · V3-a3 · V1
−a4 ・ V2) ・ UⁿOr these are called + bZ
Create and enter a correlation formula with an age term added.
The voltage V3 reflects the total fat amount similarly to the abdominal circumference length U.
Therefore, in the above correlation equation, a1 · U ⁿ’
Is also good.

It is preferable that the distance between the electrodes in the second electrode group 29 be set in an optimum range. The distance between the two electrodes for applying current is preferably less than 1/6 of the abdominal outer peripheral length of the measurer, more preferably 1/8 or less. If the distance between the electrodes is too large, a large amount of current will flow into the human body, and the measured voltage value V1 will be affected by the distribution and amount of muscle and visceral fat inside the body. If the distance between the electrodes is too small, the measurement sensitivity deteriorates when the thickness of the subcutaneous fat is large, and the shape and size of the electrodes undesirably appear in the measurement voltage value V1. It is preferable that the distance between the current application electrode and the voltage measurement electrode is approximately 0.5 to 3 times the subcutaneous fat thickness of the subject. If the distance between the electrodes is too large, the ratio of the voltage drop in the subcutaneous fat to the measurement voltage V1 decreases, and the measurement accuracy deteriorates. Also,
The measurement sensitivity deteriorates for a subject with a small thickness of subcutaneous fat. If the distance is too small, the measurement sensitivity becomes poor for a subject with a thick subcutaneous fat, and the shape and size of the electrode or the contact state between the electrode and the human body are measured voltage values V.
1 is not preferred. For example, if the waist length is 60
When measuring a subject having a subcutaneous fat thickness of 1 to 4 cm with a thickness of 90 cm, the distance between the electrodes for applying current (the distance between the centers of the electrodes) is preferably 1 to 15 cm, preferably 2 to 10 cm.
Is more preferable. The distance between the current applying electrode and the voltage measuring electrode (the distance between the electrode centers) is 0.6 to
It is preferably 10 cm, more preferably 1 to 6 cm. The same applies to the distance between the electrodes in the first electrode group 28.

The description of the first embodiment of the first embodiment is applied to the present embodiment with respect to the posture and respiratory state at the time of measurement, the characteristics of the current source and the voltmeter, and the shape and material of the electrodes.

The body fat measuring device of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 15 has a first electrode group 28 composed of three electrodes arranged on the surface of the abdomen of the human body with reference to the position of the navel, and a device on the back surface of the human body. A second electrode group 29 composed of three electrodes to be arranged, a navel position marker 30 indicating a reference position when the first electrode group 28 is arranged on the abdominal surface, and a second electrode group 29 are arranged on the back surface. Spine position marker 31 indicating the reference position at the time
, A control unit 8, and a wiring cord 23 for electrically connecting the first electrode group 28 and the second electrode group 29 to the control unit 8. The control unit 8 causes a current to flow between two electrodes selected from the second electrode group 29, and a voltage generated between one electrode selected from the first electrode group 28 and one electrode selected from the second electrode group 29. And a calculating means for calculating the fat content of the human abdomen based on the measured voltage value. Further, the control unit 8 outputs an input device for inputting physical information such as the abdominal circumference (waist length), gender, and, if necessary, the age of the measurer, and outputs the input physical information and the calculated fat amount. Display device 9 may be provided. The calculating means at this time calculates the fat amount of the human abdomen using the measured voltage value and the input abdomen circumference length and gender (and age if necessary) of the measurer. Also, the first and second electrode groups 2
Numerals 8 and 29 can be attached to the surface of the human body with an adhesive substance or a suction cup.

Next, a method of measuring body fat will be described. The measurer attaches the first electrode group 28 to the abdominal surface of the torso 24 with the navel position marker 30 at the navel position, and attaches the second electrode group 29 to the torso 24 with the spine position marker 31 at the spine position. Affix to the back surface. At this time, it is preferable that the height position where the second electrode group 29 is attached is the same as the height of the first electrode group 28. For example, a laser beam is applied to the body surface with a laser pointer or the like to check the attachment height. The electrode group can also be attached while doing so.
As the height position of the attachment, for example, the same height as the navel can be selected. Next, the operator operates the control unit 8 to input physical information such as the waist length and gender (and age if necessary) of the measurer, and then inputs a measurement start button or the like provided in the control unit 8. Then, a current flows between two electrodes selected from the second electrode group 29 by the measuring means, and a voltage generated between one electrode selected from the first electrode group 28 and one electrode selected from the second electrode group 29. And the calculating means calculates the fat amount of the abdomen of the measurer based on the measured voltage value and the input physical information and the like. The calculated fat amount is output to the display device 9.

With the present measuring device, the measurer may measure not only his / her own body fat mass but also the body fat mass of a third party (subject). At this time, the torso 24 shown in FIG. 15 represents the torso of the subject whose body fat amount is measured.

The first embodiment of the second embodiment relates to the amount of body fat measurable by the body fat measuring device, its measurement principle, a method of creating a correlation equation, the distance between electrodes in each electrode group, and the like. The description is applied to this embodiment as it is. FIGS. 16A and 16B show examples of forming the electrode paths in the present embodiment when measuring the voltages V1, V2, and V3 described in the first embodiment.
These are shown in FIGS. Further, the description in the sixth example of the first embodiment relating to the configuration of the electrode group having a portion made of an adhesive substance or a suction cup is applied to this example substantially as it is. The posture and respiratory state at the time of measurement, the characteristics of the current source and the voltmeter, the shape and material of the electrodes, and the like are as described in the first example of the first embodiment.

The present invention can also be realized as a device combining the body fat measuring device of the first embodiment and the body fat measuring device of the second embodiment. FIG. 19 shows an example of a body fat measurement device in which the sixth example of the first embodiment and the second example of the second embodiment are combined.

In the present measuring device, the measuring means in the control unit 8 includes one electrode selected from three electrodes in the first electrode group 28 and one electrode selected from three electrodes in the second electrode group 29. An electric current is applied between the two electrodes to measure a voltage V generated between the two electrodes of the third electrode group 3, and an electric current is applied between the two electrodes selected from the second electrode group 29 to cause the first electrode group 28. The voltage V1 generated between one electrode selected from the group of the electrodes and one electrode selected from the second electrode group 29 is measured. Control unit 8
Calculating means from the voltage value V according to the method described in the first embodiment, the visceral fat amount,
The visceral fat amount is calculated from the voltage value V1 according to the method described in the second embodiment. Then, the visceral fat amounts calculated by these two methods are output to the display device 9 respectively.

The reliability of the calculated value can be improved by comparing the values of the visceral fat mass calculated by the two methods as described above. In the unlikely event that the two calculated values are significantly different, an instruction to prompt re-measurement may be displayed on the display device.

Further, in the present invention, the reliability of the measurement result can be enhanced by measuring the current at a plurality of frequencies and comparing the measurement results.

In the body fat measuring devices of the first and second embodiments, the measurement voltage is corrected by using the time when the body fat is measured in consideration of the fact that the electric impedance of the human body fluctuates during the day. Then, the measurement error of the body fat mass due to the daily fluctuation of the electric impedance may be corrected.
Alternatively, taking into account that the state of the abdomen changes before and after a meal, the measurement voltage is corrected using the elapsed time from the meal to the measurement of body fat, and the measurement error of the body fat mass caused by the meal is corrected. You can also. In addition, a certain standard voltage range may be input to the calculating means, and an error display may be displayed on the display device 9 when the measured voltage value deviates from the voltage range due to poor contact between the electrode and the skin. it can.

When displaying the measured body fat mass such as the visceral fat cross-sectional area or the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area, the absolute value of the area can be displayed in cm ² units, or the area value is multiplied by an appropriate coefficient. It can also be displayed as a standard value. Area value in cm ²
The step size of the case to be displayed in the unit, 1cm ² increments,
2cm ² increments, 5cm ² increments, 10cm ² increments, 20c
etc. m ² increments are exemplified. 10cm ² steps, 20cm
^{When the} step width is large, such as ^two steps, a standard value or a measured voltage value having a small step width so that the effect of weight loss can be detected sensitively may be displayed simultaneously in addition to the absolute value of the area. Further, the measured value of the body fat mass can be correlated with the body fat ratio used for displaying the conventional body fat meter, and the body fat ratio can be displayed on the display device.
Also, from a medical viewpoint that visceral fat is a source of lifestyle-related diseases such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and high blood pressure, health advice can be displayed on a display device based on the measured visceral fat amount. .

[0089]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Simple and highly accurate measurement of subcutaneous fat such as thickness and cross-sectional area of subcutaneous fat existing in a layer near the surface of the measured object, and visceral fat amount present inside the measured object, and can be easily mounted A simple body fat measuring device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of a body fat measurement device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a belt-type body fat measurement device is wound around the abdomen.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a body fat measurement device configured by connecting a control unit and a belt with a wiring cord.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of the body fat measurement device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a third example of the body fat measurement device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a fourth example of the body fat measurement device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a fifth example of the body fat measurement device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which an arm-type body fat measurement device is attached to a body.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a sixth example of the body fat measurement device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a current path in which one electrode is selected from each of a first electrode group and a second electrode group and current flows.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of the body fat measurement device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of forming a current path when measuring a voltage with the body fat measurement device according to the first example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of forming a current path when measuring a voltage with the body fat measurement device of the first example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of forming a current path when measuring a voltage with the body fat measurement device of the first example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of the body fat measurement device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of forming a current path when measuring a voltage with the body fat measurement device of the second example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of forming a current path when measuring a voltage with the body fat measurement device of the second example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example of forming a current path when measuring a voltage with the body fat measurement device according to the second example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a body fat measurement device obtained by combining the sixth example of the first embodiment and the second example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an explanation showing experimental results by the inventor showing the relationship between the visceral fat mass (area) measured by X-ray CT and the value measured by the body fat measurement device of the sixth example of the first embodiment. It is a figure, (A) shows a man and (B) shows a woman.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the experimental results of the present inventors showing the relationship between age and visceral fat mass (area) measured by X-ray CT.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing experimental results by the present inventor showing the relationship between visceral fat mass (area) measured by X-ray CT and visceral fat area measured value calculated by a correlation formula without considering age.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing experimental results by the present inventor showing the relationship between visceral fat mass (area) measured by X-ray CT and a visceral fat area measured value calculated by a correlation formula considering age.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 19, 28: first electrode group, 2, 20, 29: second electrode group, 3: third electrode group, 4, 21, 30, ... navel position marker, 5: non-elastic belt, 6, 7 ... Buckle, 8 ... control unit, 9 ... display device, 10, 23 ... wiring code, 11 ...
Elastic belt, 12: movable rail, 13: fitting hole for second electrode group, 14: fitting hole for third electrode group, 15, 1
6 ... arm, 17, 18 ... sliding type variable length part, 2
2, 31 ... spine position marker, 23 ... wiring code, 24
... torso, 25 ... plastic plate, 26 ... navel, 27 ... spine.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Junichi Nojima 2606 Akabane, Kaiga-cho, Haga-gun, Tochigi Kao Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Susumu Fujinami 2-3-1, Bunka, Sumida-ku, Tokyo Kao Co., Ltd. Inside the research institute (72) Inventor Kazuhiro Tashiro 1-14-10 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Kao Corporation F-term (reference) 4C027 AA06 BB03 EE01 EE03 KK03

Claims (16)

[Claims] A first electrode group including at least one electrode for determining a position of an arrangement of the measurement object on an abdominal surface with reference to a navel position of the measurement object; and the measurement object. A second electrode group consisting of one or more electrodes arranged on the back surface of the subject; and a second electrode group arranged at a substantially intermediate position between the first electrode group and the second electrode group on the surface of the measured object. A third electrode group consisting of two or more electrodes, and a current flowing between one electrode selected from the first electrode group and one electrode selected from the second electrode group;
A body fat measurement device comprising: a measurement unit that measures a voltage generated between two electrodes in an electrode group; and a calculation unit that calculates abdominal fat mass of the measured object based on the voltage value. 2. The body fat measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the position of the second electrode group on the back surface is determined based on the position of the spine. 3. An electrode group of the first to third electrode groups,
The distance between the first electrode group and the third electrode group and the distance between the third electrode group and the second electrode group are arranged on a substantially non-stretchable belt.
2. The body fat measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the electrode groups is fixed to be substantially equal. 4. An electrode group of the first to third electrode groups,
The body fat measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the body fat measurement device is disposed on an elastic belt, and the distance between the electrode groups is adjusted by the belt. 5. An electrode group of the first to third electrode groups,
The body fat measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment member that is disposed on a substantially non-stretchable belt and that adjusts a distance between the electrode groups on the belt. 6. The body according to claim 1, further comprising an arm connecting the first electrode group and the third electrode group and an arm connecting the second electrode group and the third electrode group. Fat measuring device. 7. The body fat measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising an adhesive member or a suction cup for attaching each electrode of the first to third electrode groups to the surface of the measured object. 8. A first electrode group consisting of one or more electrodes for determining a position of an arrangement of the measured object on an abdominal surface with reference to a navel position of the measured object; A second electrode group consisting of three or more electrodes disposed on the back surface of the first electrode group, a current flows between two electrodes selected from the second electrode group, and one electrode selected from the first electrode group; Body fat measurement comprising: measuring means for measuring a voltage generated between one electrode selected from the second electrode group; and calculating means for calculating an abdominal fat mass of the measured object based on the voltage value. apparatus. 9. The body fat measurement device according to claim 8, wherein the position of the second electrode group on the back surface is determined based on the position of the spine. 10. The body fat measurement device according to claim 8, further comprising an arm or a cord connecting the first electrode group and the second electrode group. 11. The body fat measurement device according to claim 8, further comprising an adhesive member or a suction cup for attaching each electrode of the first and second electrode groups to the surface of the measured object. 12. An input unit for inputting an outer peripheral length of an abdomen of the measurement object, wherein the calculating unit calculates the fat amount based on the voltage value and the input outer peripheral length. The body fat measurement device according to claim 11. 13. The body fat measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the fat amount is a visceral fat amount. 14. A first electrode group consisting of one or more electrodes arranged on the abdominal surface of the object to be measured, and a second electrode group consisting of one or more electrodes arranged on the back surface of the object to be measured. An electrode group, a third electrode group consisting of two or more electrodes arranged at a substantially intermediate position between the first electrode group and the second electrode group on the surface of the measured object; and the first electrode. Passing a current between one electrode selected from the group and one electrode selected from the second electrode group,
Measuring means for measuring a voltage generated between two electrodes in the electrode group; input means for inputting the girth and / or age of the outer circumference of the abdomen of the object to be measured; And a calculating means for calculating a visceral fat mass based on the voltage value, the input outer peripheral length and the sex and / or the age. 15. A first electrode group consisting of one or more electrodes arranged on the abdominal surface of the object to be measured, and a second electrode group consisting of three or more electrodes arranged on the back surface of the object to be measured. An electrode group, and a current flowing between two electrodes selected from the second electrode group, and a voltage generated between one electrode selected from the first electrode group and one electrode selected from the second electrode group. Measuring means for measuring, an outer peripheral length of the abdomen of the object to be measured, input means for inputting the sex and / or age of the object to be measured, the measured voltage value, the input outer peripheral length and sex and And / or calculating means for calculating visceral fat mass based on age. 16. A navel position marker for indicating a navel position of a measurement object, and a position of the measurement object on the abdominal surface with reference to a navel position of the measurement object indicated by the navel position marker. A first electrode group consisting of one or more electrodes to be determined; a second electrode group consisting of one or more electrodes arranged on a back surface of the object to be measured; and A body fat measurement belt, comprising: a third electrode group including two or more electrodes arranged at a substantially intermediate position between the first electrode group and the second electrode group.