JP2008228996A - Attachment unit for bioimpedance measurement - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an abdominal part attachment unit for bioimpedance measurement which presses an electrode against the subject's abdominal part with high reproducibility by a certain load while being attached. <P>SOLUTION: The abdominal part attachment unit 110A for bioimpedance measurement includes a plurality of electrodes 122 disposed in contact with the subject's abdominal part while being attached and a long, belt-like member for supporting the plurality of electrodes 122. The long, belt-like member includes both an electrode supporting member 120 and a second belt member 135 which do not have a stretching property substantially in the longitudinal direction, a first belt member 130 which has a stretching property in the longitudinal direction, and hook-and-loop fasteners 133, 138 for winding and fixing the belt-like member around the subject's abdominal part with an arbitrary winding length. A mark 134a for showing a strained state of the first belt member 130 by the deformation according to the extension of the first belt member 130 is provided on the first belt member 130 in a manner to be visible. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a mounting unit for measuring bioimpedance that is wound around a torso or limb of a subject and mounted to measure bioimpedance.

  In recent years, body fat mass has attracted attention as an index for knowing the health condition of a subject. In particular, visceral fat mass is attracting attention as an index for determining whether or not it is visceral fat type obesity. This visceral fat-type obesity is said to induce lifestyle-related diseases that easily cause arteriosclerosis such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, and utilization of the above index is expected from the viewpoint of prevention of these diseases. Here, the visceral fat is fat accumulated around the viscera inside the abdominal muscles, and is distinguished from subcutaneous fat accumulated in the surface layer of the abdomen. In general, as an index indicating the visceral fat amount, an area occupied by visceral fat in the abdominal cross section corresponding to the umbilicus position (hereinafter referred to as visceral fat area) is adopted.

  Usually, in order to measure visceral fat mass, an image analysis method using an abdominal tomographic image taken using X-ray CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is employed. In this image analysis method, the visceral fat area is calculated from the acquired abdominal tomographic image. However, in order to use such a method, large equipment such as the X-ray CT and MRI as installed in a medical facility is necessary, and it is very difficult to measure the visceral fat amount on a daily basis. It is. In addition, when X-ray CT is used, there is a problem of exposure, which is not necessarily a preferable measurement method.

  Application of the bioimpedance method has been studied as an alternative measurement method. The bioimpedance method is a method for measuring the amount of body fat that is widely used in home body fat measuring devices, and is measured by bringing electrodes into contact with the extremities and measuring the bioimpedance using these electrodes. The body fat mass is calculated from the bioelectrical impedance. The above-described body fat measuring device can accurately measure the accumulation degree of body fat for each part of the body such as the whole body, limbs, and torso, and is widely used.

  However, the conventional body fat measuring device is for measuring the body fat accumulation degree for each body part such as the whole body, limbs, and torso, and can extract and measure only the visceral fat accumulation degree. It is not a thing. This is because, as described above, the torso includes not only visceral fat but also subcutaneous fat. Therefore, it is possible to measure the visceral fat amount and the subcutaneous fat amount individually and accurately. It was difficult.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, an electrode is directly brought into contact with the trunk, and the bioimpedance is measured using the electrode, and the visceral fat mass and the subcutaneous fat mass are individually and accurately measured based on the bioimpedance. It is being considered. For example, in JP-A-2002-369806 (Patent Document 1), an electrode is provided on an inner peripheral surface of a belt member, and the belt member is wound around and fixed to a body portion so that the electrode is attached to the body portion. A body fat measurement device configured to be placed in contact with each other is disclosed. Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-61677 (Patent Document 2) provides an electrode on the inner peripheral surface of an arm-shaped member, and directly presses the arm-shaped member against the body portion so that the electrode is A body fat measuring device configured to be placed in contact with the body is disclosed. In the body fat measurement devices disclosed in these Patent Documents 1 and 2, an electrode is directly brought into contact with the body of a subject using a bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit, and bioimpedance is made using the electrode brought into contact with the body. By measuring this, it is intended to enable measurement of visceral fat mass and subcutaneous fat mass with high accuracy, which has been difficult in the past.
JP 2002-369806 A JP 2006-61677 A

  By the way, when measuring the bioimpedance using the above-described bioimpedance method, the measurement is performed by directly contacting the electrode with a part of the body of the subject. It is important to keep it constant and stable. However, the shape and size of the subject's body varies from person to person, and it is not easy to achieve this.

  For example, in the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, since the work of mounting the belt member on the body is entrusted manually, the wrapping strength of the belt member varies with each mounting. As a result, the pressing strength of the electrode against the body surface is different for each wearing. In addition, in the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit disclosed in Patent Document 2, since the pressing operation of the arm-shaped member to the trunk is entrusted to human hands, the pressing strength varies with each mounting. As a result, the pressing strength of the electrode against the body surface is different for each wearing.

  When such a variation occurs in the pressing strength of the electrode against the body surface, the variation appears as a variation in contact resistance between the electrode and the body surface, which reduces the measurement accuracy. is there. Therefore, the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit is configured so that the electrode can be stably pressed against the subject's body surface with a constant load regardless of the subject for each measurement. Very important.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and provides a bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit in which an electrode can be pressed against a body surface of a subject with a certain load in a mounted state with high reproducibility. For the purpose.

  A bioimpedance measurement mounting unit according to the present invention is mounted on a part of a subject's body in order to measure bioimpedance, and is in contact with a part of the subject's body in a mounted state. An electrode, a long belt-like member that supports the plurality of electrodes and is wound around a part of the body of the subject in the mounted state, and the belt-like member is wound around a part of the body of the subject. A fixing means for fixing the belt-like member to a part of the body of the subject while maintaining the winding length of the belt-like member at an arbitrary length is provided. The belt-like member includes a stretchable region having stretchability in the longitudinal direction and a non-stretchable region having no stretchability in the longitudinal direction. The band-shaped member is provided with an indicator showing the tensile state in the longitudinal direction of the stretchable region so as to be visible. The term “not having stretchability” as used herein means that the belt-like member is substantially not stretchable within a range in which the belt-like member is wound around a part of the subject's body with a normally assumed winding strength. It does not mean that it has no stretchability in a strict sense.

  With this configuration, when winding the belt-shaped member around a predetermined part of the body and fixing the belt-shaped member, the winding length of the belt-shaped member is adjusted while checking the index indicating the tensile state in the longitudinal direction of the stretchable region of the belt-shaped member. Thus, the belt-like member can be attached to a predetermined part of the body. Therefore, by adjusting the tension of the stretchable region of the belt-like member to be in a predetermined state and attaching the belt-like member, the wrapping strength of the belt-like member can be stably maintained at a certain level every time the belt is attached. Will be able to keep on. Therefore, it can be set as the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit in which the electrode can be pressed against the body surface of the subject with a certain load in a mounted state with good reproducibility.

  In the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit according to the present invention, the plurality of electrodes are preferably supported by the non-stretchable region.

  With this configuration, the distance between the plurality of electrodes can be kept constant in the mounted state, and thus stable bioimpedance can be measured.

  In the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit according to the present invention, the index is preferably provided in the stretchable region. In that case, it is preferable that the said index | index shows the said tension state, when the said parameter | index itself deform | transforms according to expansion / contraction of the said expansion-contraction area | region.

  Thus, as an index indicating the tensile state of the stretchable region of the belt-shaped member, it is possible to adopt an indicator that shows the tensile state by being deformed according to the expansion / contraction of the stretchable region. If it does in this way, it can be set as the parameter | index which can be confirmed easily when winding and fixing a strip | belt-shaped member around the predetermined | prescribed site | part of a body.

  In the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit according to the present invention, it is preferable that the index is constituted by a mark provided in the stretchable region.

  By comprising in this way, the parameter | index which shows a tension state can be easily provided in a strip | belt-shaped member by deform | transforming itself according to expansion / contraction of the expansion-contraction area | region of a strip | belt-shaped member.

  In the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit according to the present invention, it is preferable that the index is constituted by a hole formed in the stretchable region.

  By comprising in this way, the parameter | index which shows a tension state can be easily provided in a strip | belt-shaped member by deform | transforming itself according to expansion / contraction of the expansion-contraction area | region of a strip | belt-shaped member.

  In the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit according to the present invention, the band-shaped member may further include an overlapping region where a part of the stretchable region and a part of the non-stretchable region overlap. In that case, the indicator includes a first indicator provided in a portion corresponding to the overlap region of the stretchable region and a second indicator provided in a portion corresponding to the overlap region of the non-stretchable region. It is preferable that the distance between the first index and the second index is changed by the movement of the first index in accordance with the expansion / contraction of the expansion / contraction region. It is preferable that the said tension state is shown by this.

  Thus, as an index indicating the tension state of the stretchable region of the belt-shaped member, the distance between the first index that moves according to the expansion / contraction of the stretchable region and the second index that does not move according to the expansion / contraction of the stretchable region. It is possible to employ one configured to show the above-described tension state by changing. If it does in this way, it can be set as the parameter | index which can be confirmed easily when winding and fixing a strip | belt-shaped member around the predetermined | prescribed site | part of a body.

  In the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit according to the present invention, it is preferable that the first index is constituted by a mark provided in the stretchable region. In this case, the second index is also It is preferable that the mark is provided in the non-stretchable region.

  By comprising in this way, the distance between the 1st parameter | index which moves according to expansion / contraction of the expansion-contraction area | region of a strip | belt-shaped member and the 2nd parameter | index which does not move according to expansion / contraction of the expansion / contraction area | region of a strip | belt-shaped member changes. Thus, an indicator configured to show the tension state can be easily provided on the belt-shaped member.

  In the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit according to the present invention, it is preferable that the first index is constituted by a hole made in the stretchable region, and in this case, the second index is It is preferable that the mark is provided in the non-stretchable region.

  By comprising in this way, the distance between the 1st parameter | index which moves according to expansion / contraction of the expansion-contraction area | region of a strip | belt-shaped member and the 2nd parameter | index which does not move according to expansion / contraction of the expansion / contraction area | region of a strip | belt-shaped member changes. Thus, an indicator configured to show the tension state can be easily provided on the belt-shaped member.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bioimpedance measurement mounting unit in which the electrode can be pressed against the body surface of the subject with a constant load in a mounted state with high reproducibility. Is possible.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each of the embodiments described below, a bioimpedance measurement mounting unit to which the present invention is applied will be described by exemplifying what is intended to be mounted on the body (abdomen) of a subject. Therefore, in each of the embodiments described below, the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit to which the present invention is applied is particularly referred to as a “bioimpedance measurement abdomen mounting unit”.

(Embodiment 1)
First, prior to describing the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, various terms representing body parts are defined, and the bioimpedance measurement abdomen attachment unit according to the embodiment of the present invention is defined. A body fat measuring apparatus including the above will be described.

<Definition of various terms used to describe body parts>
In the following, various terms representing body parts are defined. The “torso” is a portion excluding the head, neck and limbs of the body, and corresponds to a so-called trunk including the chest and abdomen. The “abdomen” is a part located on the lower limb side of the trunk divided into a part located on the neck side (that is, the chest) and a part located on the lower limb side, and includes the front of the abdomen and the back of the abdomen. . “Abdomen front” refers to the body surface of the surface of the subject's abdomen that is visible when the subject is observed from the front side. “Abdomen rear surface” refers to the body surface of a portion of the surface of the subject's abdomen that is visible when the subject is observed from the back side. The “part away from the abdomen” means the upper limb consisting of the upper arm, forearm, wrist and fingers, the chest more than a predetermined distance (for example, approximately 10 cm) from the portion where the diaphragm is located, the neck and head, and the thigh , Lower leg composed of lower leg, ankle and toe. Further, the “body axis” refers to an axis extending in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the cross section of the abdomen of the subject.

<Body fat measuring device>
Next, the body fat measurement device including the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit in the present embodiment will be described. The body fat measurement device shown below is not only for visceral fat mass but also for whole body fat mass and fat mass by specific part of the body (fat mass of upper and lower limbs, fat mass of trunk (trunk)), abdomen Is a body fat measuring device configured to be able to measure the amount of subcutaneous fat and the like.

<Functional blocks of body fat measurement device>
First, the functional block configuration of the body fat measurement device will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of a body fat measurement device including a bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the body fat measurement device 1 includes a control unit 10, a constant current generation unit 21, a terminal switching unit 22, a potential difference detection unit 23, a physique information measurement unit 24, and a subject information input unit 25. A display unit 26, an operation unit 27, a power supply unit 28, a memory unit 29, and a plurality of electrodes A11, A12, A21, A22, H11, H12, H21, H22, F11, F12, F21 and F22 are mainly provided. The control unit 10 includes an arithmetic processing unit 11. The arithmetic processing unit 11 includes an impedance calculation unit 12 and various fat mass calculation units 13. The various fat mass calculation units 13 include, for example, a body fat mass calculation unit 14, a part-specific fat mass calculation unit 15, and a visceral organ. A fat amount calculation unit 16 and a subcutaneous fat amount calculation unit 17 are included.

  The control part 10 is comprised by CPU (central processor unit), for example, and performs the whole control of the body fat measuring device 1. FIG. Specifically, the control unit 10 sends commands to the various functional blocks described above and performs various arithmetic processes based on the obtained information. Among these, various arithmetic processes are performed by the arithmetic processing unit 11 provided in the control unit 10 described above.

  The plurality of electrodes include abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22 attached to the subject's abdomen, upper limb electrodes H11, H12, H21, and H22 attached to the subject's upper limbs, and a lower limb attached to the subject's lower limbs. Electrodes F11, F12, F21, and F22 are included.

  The abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22 are attached to the surface of the abdomen of the subject in a state where the respective electrodes are aligned along the body axis direction. Abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22 may be attached to the front surface of the abdomen of the subject or may be attached to the back side of the abdomen of the subject. Further, a plurality of abdominal electrode groups each including the four abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22 as a set may be mounted in parallel to each other. In that case, all sets of abdominal electrode groups may be configured to be attached only to either the front or back of the abdomen, or some sets of abdominal electrodes may remain on the front of the abdomen. A group of abdominal electrodes may be mounted on the back of the abdomen.

  The upper limb electrodes H11, H12, H21, and H22 are attached to any part of the upper limb corresponding to the part away from the abdomen of the subject, and preferably the surface of the wrist of the right hand and the surface of the wrist of the left hand One pair is attached to each. The lower limb electrodes F11, F12, F21, and F22 are attached to any part of the lower limb corresponding to the part away from the subject's abdomen, and preferably the surface of the ankle of the right foot and the surface of the ankle of the left foot One pair is attached to each. The abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, A22, the upper limb electrodes H11, H12, H21, H22 and the lower limb electrodes F11, F12, F21, F22 are electrically connected to the terminal switching unit 22, respectively.

  The terminal switching unit 22 is configured by, for example, a relay circuit, and electrically connects the specific electrode selected from the plurality of electrodes described above and the constant current generation unit 21 based on a command input from the control unit 10. At the same time, a specific electrode selected from the plurality of electrodes described above and the potential difference detection unit 23 are electrically connected. Thereby, the electrode electrically connected to the constant current generating unit 21 by the terminal switching unit 22 functions as a constant current application electrode, and is electrically connected to the potential difference detecting unit 23 by the terminal switching unit 22. The electrode functions as a potential difference detection electrode. The electrical connection by the terminal switching unit 22 is variously switched during the measurement operation. Normally, the constant current application electrode and the potential difference detection electrode are each constituted by a pair of electrodes, but each of the pair of electrodes referred to here includes both a single electrode or a plurality of electrodes. In other words, each of the pair of electrodes may be configured by treating the electrodes provided separately and independently in an electrically equivalent manner.

  The constant current generation unit 21 generates a constant current based on a command input from the control unit 10 and supplies the generated constant current to the above-described constant current application electrode via the terminal switching unit 22. As the constant current generated in the constant current generator 21, a high-frequency current (for example, 50 kHz, 500 μA) that is preferably used for measuring body composition information is selected. Thereby, a constant current is applied to the subject via the constant current application electrode.

  The potential difference detection unit 23 detects a potential difference between electrodes (that is, potential difference detection electrodes) electrically connected to the potential difference detection unit 23 by the terminal switching unit 22, and outputs the detected potential difference to the control unit 10. Thereby, the potential difference between the potential difference detection electrodes in a state where the above-described constant current is applied to the subject is detected.

  The physique information measurement unit 24 and the subject information input unit 25 are parts for obtaining subject information used for arithmetic processing performed in various fat mass calculation units 13 included in the arithmetic processing unit 11. Here, “subject information” means information about the subject, and includes at least one of information such as age, gender, or physique information. In addition, “physique information” refers to information regarding the size of a specific part of the subject's body (for example, information including at least one of waist length (abdominal circumference), abdominal width, abdominal thickness, height, etc.) Includes information such as weight. The physique information measurement unit 24 is a part that automatically measures the physique information of the subject, and outputs the detected physique information to the control unit 10. On the other hand, the subject information input unit 25 is a part for inputting subject information, and outputs the input subject information to the control unit 10.

  The functional block diagram shown in FIG. 1 illustrates the case where both the physique information measurement unit 24 and the subject information input unit 25 are provided in the body fat measurement device 1, but these physique information measurement unit 24 The subject information input unit 25 is not an essential component. Whether or not to provide the physique information measurement unit 24 and / or the subject information input unit 25 is appropriately selected based on the type of subject information used in the arithmetic processing performed in the arithmetic processing unit 11 of the control unit 10. Of the above-described subject information, the physique information may be automatically measured using the physique information measurement unit 24 and the measurement data may be used, or the physique information measurement unit 24 may not be provided. The subject may input information in the subject information input unit 25 and use the input data.

  The arithmetic processing unit 11 includes the impedance calculation unit 12 and various fat mass calculation units 13 as described above. The impedance calculation unit 12 performs various types of living bodies based on the current value of the constant current generated by the constant current generation unit 21 described above and the potential difference information detected by the potential difference detection unit 23 and input to the control unit 10. Calculate the impedance. The various fat mass calculation units 13 calculate various fat masses based on the bioelectrical impedance obtained by the impedance calculation unit and the subject information input from the physique information measurement unit 24 and / or the subject information input unit 25. The various fat mass calculation units 13 include, for example, a body fat mass calculation unit 14 that calculates the body fat mass of the whole body of the subject, a part-specific fat mass calculation unit 15 that calculates a fat mass for each specific part of the subject's body, and the internal organs of the subject It includes at least one of a visceral fat amount calculation unit 16 that calculates the fat amount and a subcutaneous fat amount calculation unit 17 that calculates the subcutaneous fat amount in the abdomen of the subject.

  The display unit 26 displays information on various body fat masses calculated by the various fat mass calculating units 13 described above. As the display unit 26, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) can be used. The fat amount displayed on the display unit 26 includes, for example, the body fat amount of the whole body of the subject, the fat amount for each specific part of the subject's body, the visceral fat amount, the subcutaneous fat amount in the abdomen, and the like. Here, “fat mass” means an index indicating the amount of fat represented by, for example, fat weight, fat area, fat volume, fat level, etc. In particular, “visceral fat mass” means visceral fat mass, It means an index expressed by at least one of visceral fat area, visceral fat volume and visceral fat level.

  The operation unit 27 is a part for the subject to input a command to the body fat measurement device 1, and is configured by, for example, a key that can be pressed by the subject.

  The power supply unit 28 is a part for supplying power to the control unit 10, and includes an internal power supply such as a battery, an external power supply such as a commercial power supply, and the like.

  The memory unit 29 is a part for storing various data and programs related to the body fat measurement device 1. For example, the subject information described above, the calculated visceral fat mass, and a body for executing a body fat measurement process described later. A fat measurement program and the like are stored.

<Calculation processing performed in the body fat measurement device>
Next, an example of arithmetic processing performed in the body fat measurement device will be described. As described above, in the body fat measuring device 1, various body fat masses can be measured by the various fat mass calculating units 13, but in the following, the visceral fat area, subcutaneous fat as an index indicating the visceral fat mass A description will be given by exemplifying the arithmetic processing performed in the calculation of each of the subcutaneous fat area as an index indicating the amount and the body fat percentage as an index indicating the relationship between the body fat mass and the body weight.

  Referring to FIG. 1, impedance calculation unit 12 calculates two types of biological impedances based on the current value of the constant current generated by constant current generation unit 21 and the potential difference detected by potential difference detection unit 23. To do. One of the two types of bioimpedances is bioimpedance Zt that reflects the lean mass in the abdomen of the subject. The other bioimpedance is bioimpedance Zs that reflects the amount of subcutaneous fat in the abdomen of the subject.

The visceral fat amount calculation unit 16 calculates the visceral fat area Sv (unit: cm ² ) of the subject based on the two types of calculated bioelectrical impedances Zt and Zs and the waist length W that is one of the physique information of the subject. Is calculated. Specifically, for example, the visceral fat area Sv is calculated by the following equation (1) representing the relationship between the two types of bioelectrical impedances Zt and Zs and the waist length W of the subject and the visceral fat area Sv.

^{Sv = a × W 2 -b ×} (1 / Zt) -c × W × Zs-d ... (1)
(Where a, b, c, d are coefficients).

Also, the subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit 17 calculates the subcutaneous fat area Ss (unit: cm ² ) of the subject based on the calculated bioelectrical impedance Zs and the waist length W that is one of the physique information of the subject. . Specifically, for example, the subcutaneous fat area Ss is calculated by the following equation (2) representing the relationship between the bioelectrical impedance Zs and the waist length W of the subject and the subcutaneous fat area Ss.

Ss = e × W × Zs + f (2)
(Where e and f are coefficients).

  Further, the body fat mass calculation unit 14 calculates the lean body mass FFM (unit: kg) based on the calculated bioelectrical impedance Zt and the height H which is one of the physique information of the subject. Specifically, for example, the fat free mass FFM is calculated by the following equation (3) representing the relationship between the bioelectrical impedance Zt and the subject's height H and the fat free mass FFM.

FFM = i × H ² / Zt + j (3)
(Where i, j are coefficients).

  The body fat mass calculation unit 14 calculates the body fat mass of the subject, for example, the body fat percentage (%), based on the calculated lean mass FFM and the body weight Wt that is the physique information. Specifically, for example, the body fat percentage is calculated by the following equation (4) based on the lean mass FFM and the weight Wt of the subject.

Body fat percentage = (Wt−FFM) / Wt × 100 (4)
In addition, although a specific description is omitted, also for the body fat mass by body part, based on the bioimpedance obtained by variously switching the constant current application electrode and the potential difference detection electrode, and the physique information of the subject, Its calculation is possible.

  The coefficient in each of the above formulas (1), (2), and (3) is determined by, for example, a regression formula based on a measurement result by MRI. Moreover, the coefficient in each of Formula (1), (2), (3) may be defined for every age and / or sex.

<Operation procedure of body fat measuring device>
Next, the operation of the body fat measuring device when measuring the visceral fat area, the subcutaneous fat area, and the body fat percentage using the body fat measuring device will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart that defines the operation procedure of the body fat measurement device when measuring the visceral fat area, the subcutaneous fat area, and the body fat percentage using the body fat measurement device. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is stored in advance in the memory unit 29 as a program, and the control unit 10 including the arithmetic processing unit 11 reads out and executes this program, whereby visceral fat area measurement processing, subcutaneous fat area The functions of the measurement process and the body fat percentage measurement process are realized. The operation procedure shown below is a configuration in which four sets of abdominal electrode groups each including four illustrated abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22 are arranged in parallel in the body fat measurement device shown in FIG. It is an operation procedure in the case of.

  Referring to FIG. 2, control unit 10 receives input of subject information including waist length W, height H, weight Wt, and the like as physique information (step S1). The subject information received here is temporarily stored in the memory unit 29, for example. In addition, when the structure which measures the specific physique information of test subject information automatically using the physique information measurement part 24 is employ | adopted, the physique information measured in the physique information measurement part 24 is with respect to the control part 10. Entered.

  Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not there is an instruction to start measurement (step S2). Control unit 10 waits for an instruction to start measurement (NO in step S2). Control unit 10 sets an electrode when an instruction to start measurement is detected (YES in step S2) (step S3).

  Here, in step S3, the control unit 10 selects, for example, the pair of upper limb electrodes H11, the lower limb electrodes F11 and the pair of upper limb electrodes H21, the lower limb electrodes F21 as constant current application electrode pairs, respectively, and sets four abdominal electrode groups. A pair of abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in one of the abdominal electrode groups is selected as a potential difference detection electrode pair. The terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects the pair of upper limb electrodes H11, the lower limb electrode F11, the pair of upper limb electrodes H21, and the lower limb electrode F21 to the constant current generating unit 21 based on the control of the control unit 10, and The abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 are electrically connected to the potential difference detector 23. Here, the terminal switching unit 22 disconnects the electrical connection between the non-selected electrode and the constant current generation unit 21 and the potential difference detection unit 23 based on the control of the control unit 10.

  The constant current generation unit 21 causes a constant current to flow between the upper limb and the lower limb based on the control of the control unit 10. For example, the constant current generation unit 21 causes a constant current to flow from the upper limb electrode H11 and the upper limb electrode H21 to the lower limb electrode F11 and the lower limb electrode F21 (step S4). In this case, the terminal switching unit 22 is preferably configured to short-circuit the upper limb electrode H11 and the upper limb electrode H21 and to short-circuit the lower limb electrode F11 and the lower limb electrode F21. The constant current generating unit 21 and the terminal switching unit 22 may be configured to flow a constant current from any one of the upper limb electrodes H11 and H21 to any one of the lower limb electrodes F11 and F21.

  In this state, the potential difference detection unit 23 detects a potential difference between the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S5).

  Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the detection of the potential difference is completed for all predetermined combinations of electrode pairs (step S6). When the control unit 10 determines that the detection of the potential difference has not been completed for all combinations of predetermined electrode pairs (NO in step S6), the control unit 10 proceeds to the processing in step S3 described above. When the control unit 10 determines that the detection of the potential difference has been completed for all predetermined combinations of electrode pairs (YES in step S6), the control unit 10 proceeds to processing in step S7 described later.

  In this way, the control unit 10 sequentially selects the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in the other abdominal electrode groups as potential difference detection electrode pairs. That is, the terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in the other abdominal electrode groups in order with the potential difference detection unit 23 based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S3). Then, the potential difference detector 23 sequentially detects the potential difference between the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in the other abdominal electrode groups based on the control of the control unit 10 (step S5).

  The impedance calculation unit 12 generates a constant current generated by the constant current generation unit 21 and applied to the body after the detection of the potential difference with respect to the combination of the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in all abdominal electrode groups is completed (YES in step S6). The bioelectrical impedances Zt1 to Zt4 are calculated on the basis of the current values and the potential differences detected by the potential difference detection unit 23 (step S7). The values of the biological impedances Zt1 to Zt4 calculated by the impedance calculation unit 12 are temporarily stored in the memory unit 29, for example.

  Next, the control unit 10 sets electrodes again (step S8). More specifically, the control unit 10 selects a pair of abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in one abdominal electrode group out of the four abdominal electrode groups as a constant current application electrode pair, and selects the abdominal electrode group. The pair of abdominal electrodes A12, A22 included is selected as a potential difference detection electrode pair. The terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects the pair of abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 to the constant current generation unit 21 and electrically connects the pair of abdominal electrodes A12 and A22 to the potential difference detection unit 23 based on the control of the control unit 10. Connect. Here, the terminal switching unit 22 disconnects the electrical connection between the non-selected abdominal electrode, upper limb electrode, and lower limb electrode and the constant current generation unit 21 and the potential difference detection unit 23 based on the control of the control unit 10. .

  The constant current generator 21 causes a constant current to flow between the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 based on the control of the controller 10 (step S9).

  In this state, the potential difference detector 23 detects a potential difference between the abdominal electrodes A12 and A22 based on the control of the controller 10 (step S10).

  Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the detection of the potential difference is completed for all predetermined combinations of electrode pairs (step S11). When the control unit 10 determines that the detection of the potential difference has not been completed for all combinations of predetermined electrode pairs (NO in step S11), the control unit 10 proceeds to the process in step S8 described above. When the control unit 10 determines that the detection of the potential difference has been completed for all predetermined combinations of electrode pairs (YES in step S11), the control unit 10 proceeds to processing in step S12 described later.

  In this way, the control unit 10 selects the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in the other abdominal electrode groups as constant current application electrodes, and sequentially detects the abdominal electrodes A12 and A22 included in the abdominal electrode group. Select as an electrode pair. That is, the terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in the other abdominal electrode groups to the constant current generation unit 21 in order based on the control of the control unit 10, and the abdominal electrode group Are sequentially electrically connected to the potential difference detection unit 23 (step S8). Based on the control of the control unit 10, the potential difference detection unit 23 causes a constant current to flow between the abdominal electrodes A11 and A21 included in the other abdominal electrode group (step S9), and the abdominal electrode included in the abdominal electrode group. The potential difference between A12 and A22 is detected in turn (step S10).

  The impedance calculator 12 determines the constant current generated by the constant current generator 21 and applied to the body after the application of current to the electrode pair combinations included in all abdominal electrode groups and the detection of the potential difference are completed (YES in step S11). Based on the current value of the current and each potential difference detected by the potential difference detection unit 23, bioimpedances Zs1 to Zs4 are calculated (step S12). The values of the biological impedances Zs1 to Zs4 calculated by the impedance calculation unit 12 are temporarily stored in the memory unit 29, for example.

  Next, the visceral fat mass calculation unit 16 is based on the waist length W in the physique information received by the control unit 10 in step S1, and the calculated bioelectrical impedances Zt1 to Zt4 and the bioelectrical impedances Zs1 to Zs4. The fat area Sv is calculated (step S13). The visceral fat area Sv is calculated by the above formula (1). In addition, when it is set as the structure which has arrange | positioned 4 sets of abdominal electrode group which makes 4 sets of abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22 in parallel mutually as mentioned above, for example, four bioimpedances Zt1-Zt4 The average value and the average value of the four bioelectrical impedances Zs1 to Zs4 are respectively substituted into the equation (1).

  Next, the subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit 17 calculates the subcutaneous fat area Ss based on the waist length W in the physique information received by the control unit 10 in step S1 and the calculated bioelectrical impedances Zs1 to Zs4. (Step S14). The subcutaneous fat area Ss is calculated by substituting the waist length W and the calculated bioelectric impedance Zs into the above equation (2). In addition, when it is set as the structure which has arrange | positioned 4 sets of abdominal electrode groups which make 4 sets of abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22 in parallel mutually as mentioned above, for example, four bioimpedances Zs1-Zs4 Is substituted into the bioelectrical impedance Zs in the equation (2).

  Next, the body fat mass calculation unit 14 calculates the lean body mass FFM based on the height H of the physique information received by the control unit 10 in step S1 and the calculated bioelectrical impedance Zt (step S15). ). The lean mass FFM is calculated by the above equation (3). In addition, when it is set as the structure which has arrange | positioned 4 sets of abdominal electrode groups which make 4 sets of abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22 in parallel mutually as mentioned above, for example, four bioimpedances Zt1-Zt4 Is substituted into the bioelectrical impedance Zt in the equation (3).

  Further, the body fat mass calculation unit 14 is based on the weight Wt in the physique information received by the control unit 10 in step S1 and the lean body mass FFM calculated by the body fat mass calculation unit 14 in step S15. The fat percentage is calculated (step S16). The body fat percentage is calculated by the above equation (4).

  And the display part 26 displays each measurement result based on control of the control part 10 (step S17).

  Thus, the body fat measurement device 1 ends the body fat mass measurement process including the visceral fat area measurement process, the subcutaneous fat area measurement process, and the body fat percentage measurement process. The typical values of the bioelectrical impedances Zt1 to Zt4 are about 5Ω each. Further, typical values of the bioelectrical impedances Zs1 to Zs4 are about 80Ω respectively.

<Configuration of body fat measuring device>
Next, a specific configuration of the body fat measurement device including the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a body fat measurement device including a bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit according to the present embodiment, and is a perspective view showing a state in which various attachment units included in the body fat measurement device are attached to a subject. It is. The body fat measurement device shown below is the same as the body fat measurement device 1 shown in FIG. 1 in which four abdominal electrode groups each including four illustrated abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, A22 are parallel to each other. It is arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the body fat measurement device 1 includes a bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110 </ b> A (corresponding to the bioimpedance measurement abdomen attachment unit in the present embodiment) attached to the abdomen 301 of the subject 300, and the subject. A pair of bioimpedance measurement upper limb mounting units 172A and 172B mounted on the upper limb of 300, a pair of bioimpedance measurement lower limb mounting units 173A and 173B mounted on the lower limb of the subject 300, and these various mounting units 110A and 172A. , 172B, 173A, 173B and a device main body 160 connected via a connection cable 180.

  The bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110 </ b> A is configured by a belt-like member that can be wound around the abdomen 301, and includes an electrode support member 120, a first belt member 130, and a second belt member 135. Each of the bioelectrical impedance measurement upper limb mounting units 172A and 172B and the bioelectrical impedance measurement lower limb mounting units 173A and 173B has a clip-like shape that can hold the upper limb or the lower limb of the subject 300. The bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A, the bioimpedance measurement upper limb attachment units 172A and 172B, and the bioimpedance measurement lower limb attachment units 173A and 173B each have electrodes that can be placed in contact with the body surface of the subject. The specific configuration of the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A in the present embodiment will be described later.

  The apparatus main body 160 includes the above-described control unit 10, constant current generation unit 21, terminal switching unit 22, potential difference detection unit 23, subject information input unit 25, display unit 26, operation unit 27, memory unit 29, and the like. The constant current generation unit 21, the terminal switching unit 22, the potential difference detection unit 23, and the like provided in the apparatus main body 160 may be provided in the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A as necessary.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when measuring various body fat masses, the subject 300 takes a supine position (that is, a posture lying on his back) on the bed surface 400. Then, the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A is attached to the abdomen 301 of the subject 300, and the bioelectrical impedance measurement upper limb attachment units 172A and 172B are attached to the upper limbs of the subject 300 (preferably the wrists 302A and 302B). The measurement lower limb mounting units 173A and 173B are mounted on the lower limbs (preferably ankles 303A and 303B) of the subject 300. By mounting the various mounting units 110A, 172A, 172B, 173A, and 173B, the electrodes provided on the various mounting units 110A, 172A, 172B, 173A, and 173B are brought into contact with the body surface of the subject 300. During measurement of various body fat amounts, the subject 300 maintains the above-mentioned supine position.

<Abdominal wearing unit for bioimpedance measurement>
Next, the configuration of the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit and the state where the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit is attached to the abdomen of the subject will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit in the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 shows a state where the bioimpedance measurement abdomen attachment unit in the present embodiment is attached to the abdomen of the subject. It is a schematic cross section shown.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110 </ b> A in the present embodiment mainly includes an electrode support member 120, a first belt member 130, and a second belt member 135. The first belt member 130 and the second belt member 135 are connected to the electrode support member 120, and are belt-shaped that are wound around the abdomen of the subject by the electrode support member 120, the first belt member 130, and the second belt member 135. A member is configured.

  The electrode support member 120 has a substantially rectangular sheet-like shape in plan view, and is configured by a member that does not substantially have stretchability in the longitudinal direction. The first belt member 130 has an elongated shape that is narrower than the electrode support member 120, and is configured by a member that has elasticity in the longitudinal direction. The second belt member 135 has an elongated shape that is narrower than the electrode support member 120, and is configured of a member that does not have elasticity in the longitudinal direction. That is, the electrode support member 120 and the second belt member 135 correspond to a non-stretchable region of the belt-shaped member, and the first belt member 130 corresponds to a stretchable region of the belt-shaped member. The electrode support member 120, the first belt member 130, and the second belt member 135 are all made of a flexible material so as to fit the surface of the abdomen of the subject in the mounted state.

  A plurality of electrodes 122 are arranged in a matrix on the inner peripheral surface side of the electrode support member 120. Each of the plurality of electrodes 122 is provided so as to slightly protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the sheet-like electrode support member 120. Each of the plurality of electrodes 122 arranged in a matrix corresponds to each abdominal electrode included in four sets of abdominal electrode groups each including four abdominal electrodes A11, A12, A21, and A22. As the material of the electrode, a metal material excellent in biocompatibility is selected. A connector 126 for attaching the connection cable 180 is provided at a predetermined position of the electrode support member 120.

  One end 131 of the first belt member 130 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to one end of the electrode support member 120 by, for example, sewing. A surface fastener 133 is provided on the inner peripheral surface side of the portion of the first belt member 130 near the other end portion 132 in the longitudinal direction. One end 136 of the second belt member 135 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the other end of the electrode support member 120 by, for example, sewing. A surface fastener 138 that can be engaged with the surface fastener 133 provided on the first belt member 130 is provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the second belt member 135 near the other end portion 137. The hook-and-loop fasteners 133 and 138 correspond to fixing means for fixing the mounting unit 110A to the abdomen of the subject when the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen mounting unit 110A is wound around the abdomen of the subject.

  At a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface side of the first belt member 130, a mark 134a is provided as an index indicating the tension state of the first belt member 130. The mark 134a is formed of, for example, a vertically long elliptical pattern printed on the main surface on the outer peripheral surface side of the first belt member 130.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A in the present embodiment is attached to the abdomen 301 of the subject 300, the electrode support member 120, the first belt member 130, and the second belt member 135 A belt-like member is wound around the abdomen 301 of the subject 300. Here, the electrode support member 120 is positioned so as to be positioned on the back side of the abdomen of the subject 300, and the first belt member 130 and the second belt member 135 are moved from the flank (flank) of the subject 300 to the front side of the abdomen. It is mounted so that it can be wound around. Then, the other end portion 132 of the first belt member 130 and the other end portion 137 of the second belt member 135 are overlapped approximately at the umbilicus position on the front surface of the abdomen of the subject 300, and the other end portion 132 of the first belt member 130 is overlapped. A state in which the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A is wound around the abdomen 301 of the subject 300 by engaging the provided surface fastener 133 with the surface fastener 138 provided at the other end 137 of the second belt member 135. It is fixed with. Thereby, the electrode 122 provided on the inner peripheral surface side of the electrode support member 120 is pressed against the back of the abdomen of the subject 300 by the tightening force of the belt-like member including the electrode support member 120 and is placed in contact therewith.

  Here, the 1st belt member 130 is comprised with the member which has a stretching property in the elongate direction as mentioned above. Therefore, by pulling the portion of the first belt member 130 near the other end 132 toward the other end 132, the first belt member 130 is based on the one end 131 fixed to the electrode support member 120. It becomes the extended state. The first belt member 130 and the second belt member 135 are fixed by the engagement of the hook-and-loop fasteners 133 and 138 as described above. Therefore, the first belt member 130 is engaged with the surface fastener 138 provided on the second belt member 135 by engaging the surface fastener 133 provided on the first belt member 130 with the first belt member 130 extended. The state where 130 is extended can be maintained by these surface fasteners 133 and 138. Therefore, in the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A according to the present embodiment, the first belt member 130 is extended and fixed to the second belt member 135, so that the abdomen of the subject 300 as a belt-like member in the attached state. The winding length with respect to 301 can be maintained at an arbitrary length.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, in the state where the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110 </ b> A according to the present embodiment is attached to the abdomen 301 of the subject 300, the index indicates the tension state of the first belt member 130 described above. The mark 134 a is arranged at a predetermined position on the front surface of the abdomen of the subject 300. Here, since the mark 134a is provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the first belt member 130, it can be visually recognized both during and after the mounting operation.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a change in the shape of a mark provided in the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6A, in a state where the first belt member 130 is not pulled (hereinafter referred to as a no-load state), the mark 134a has a vertically long elliptical shape as described above. However, as shown in FIGS. 6 (B) and 6 (C), in a state where the first belt member 130 having elasticity in the longitudinal direction is pulled in the longitudinal direction, the mark 134a is formed by the first belt member. The shape is changed in accordance with the elongation of 130 and deformed from a vertically long elliptical shape to a perfect circular shape (see FIG. 6B), and further to a horizontally long elliptical shape (see FIG. 6C). . The change in the shape of the mark 134a changes according to the tensile force applied to the first belt member 130. Therefore, the tensile force applied to the first belt member 130 is adjusted by checking the shape of the mark 134a. In addition, the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A can be attached.

  Here, a tensile force applied to the first belt member 130 when the electrode 122 is pressed against the abdomen 301 of the subject 300 with an optimal pressing force is obtained in advance, and the tensile force is applied to the first belt member 130. If the shape of the mark 134a is set to be a perfect circle at the time, the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A is wound so that the mark 134a becomes a perfect circle while checking the shape of the mark 134a. Thus, the pressing force of the electrode 122 against the abdomen 301 of the subject 300 can be set to the optimum load. That is, when the shape of the mark 134a is a perfect circle as shown in FIG. 6B, the state in which the pressing force of the electrode 122 against the abdomen 301 of the subject 300 is optimized (hereinafter referred to as the optimum load state). ) Is realized, and the pressing force of the electrode 122 against the abdomen 301 of the subject 300 is required when the mark 134a has a horizontally long elliptical shape as shown in FIG. 6C. This indicates that the state is larger (hereinafter referred to as an overload state). The tensile load applied to the belt-like member when the pressing force of the electrode 122 against the abdomen 301 of the subject 300 is optimized is approximately 1.0 kgf to 2.0 kgf, preferably 1.5 kgf.

  In the state shown in FIG. 5, among the abdominal electrode groups arranged in four rows in the circumferential direction, the two rows of abdominal electrode groups located on the inner side are between the abdominal portion 301 of the subject 300 and the bed surface 400. Since these two rows of abdominal electrode groups are sandwiched between the electrodes and the weight of the subject 300 is added to the electrodes 122 included in these abdominal electrode groups, sufficient contact stability is ensured. However, among the abdominal electrode groups arranged in four rows in the circumferential direction, the weight of the subject 300 is not added to the electrodes 122 included in these abdominal electrode groups in the two rows of abdominal electrode groups located outside. Depending on the winding state of the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A, sufficient contact stability may not be ensured. Therefore, the contact stability between the electrode 122 and the abdomen 301 of the subject 300 is ensured by optimizing the pressing force of the electrode 122 against the abdomen 301 of the subject 300 using the mark 134a. .

  Thus, by using the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A as in the present embodiment, when the bioimpedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A is wound around and fixed to the abdomen 301 of the subject 300, the elasticity is increased. It is possible to attach the abdomen attachment unit 110A for measuring bioimpedance by adjusting the winding length of the belt-like member around the abdomen 301 while confirming the shape of the mark 134a indicating the tension state of the first belt member 130 in the longitudinal direction. Become. Therefore, by attaching the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A by adjusting the mark 134a to be a perfect circle, the winding strength of the bioimpedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A is kept constant for each attachment. It will be possible to keep the strength stable. Moreover, if the winding strength of the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A is maintained at a certain level as described above, the electrode is always independent of the abdomen circumference (waist length) and shape of the subject 300. 122 can be pressed against the abdomen 301 of the subject 300 with an optimum load. As a result, it is possible to provide a bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit in which the electrode 122 can be pressed against the abdomen 301 of the subject with a constant load in a mounted state regardless of the subject.

  Therefore, the bioimpedance can be measured with high accuracy by measuring the bioimpedance using the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A configured as described above. Therefore, by using the body fat measurement device 1 having the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A as in the present embodiment, the body fat mass of the subject 300 (particularly, visceral fat mass, subcutaneous fat mass, etc.) is highly accurate. Can be measured.

  In the above-described overload state, the abdomen 301 of the subject 300 is tightened more than necessary by the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A, which may cause pain to the subject 300. In that sense as well, by using the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A as in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent excessive tightening force from being applied to the abdomen 301 of the subject 300 in the attached state. Can be avoided.

  Further, as described above, the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which a plurality of electrodes 122 are provided on the electrode support member 120 that does not have elasticity in the longitudinal direction. In the mounted state, the distance between the plurality of electrodes 122 is kept constant, so that stable bioimpedance can be measured.

  Further, as described above, in the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A according to the present embodiment, the mark 134a is attached to the first belt-like member 130 by printing as an index indicating the tension state of the first belt member 130. Since it is set as a structure, the strip | belt-shaped member can be equipped with the parameter | index which shows a tension state very easily.

  In the above-described embodiment, the mark 134a that deforms itself according to the expansion and contraction of the first belt member 130 has been described as an example of a perfect circle in an appropriate load state. The shape of the mark 134a is not limited to this. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the mark indicating the tension state of the first belt member.

  FIG. 7 (A) shows a case where a mark that takes a perfect circle shape under the proper load state as described above is employed. When the mark is employed, the shape is a vertically long ellipse in the no-load state. It takes a shape and a horizontally long oval shape in an overload state.

  FIG. 7B shows a case where a mark having a square shape is employed in an appropriate load state. When the mark is employed, the shape is a vertically long rectangular shape in a no-overload state. In addition, in the overload state, a horizontally long rectangular shape is taken.

  FIG. 7C shows a case in which a mark having a square shape inclined obliquely in an appropriate load state is employed. When the mark is employed, the shape is a vertically long shape in a no-load state. The shape of the rhombus is taken, and the shape of a horizontally long rhombus is taken in an overload state.

  FIG. 7 (D) shows a case where a mark that takes a shape imitating a human face in an appropriate load state is employed, and in the case where the mark is employed, the shape is lateral in the no-load state. The shape is such that it is squeezed to the side, and the shape is such that it is pulled laterally in an overloaded state.

  FIG. 7 (E) shows a case where a mark having a lattice shape composed of a plurality of vertical lines and horizontal lines intersecting at right angles with a certain distance in an appropriate load state is employed. In this case, the shape is a lattice shape in which the intervals between the vertical lines are closed in the no-overload state, and a lattice shape in which the intervals between the horizontal lines are closed in the overload state.

  The mark shown in FIG. 7 is merely an example of a part of the assumed mark, and any shape can be used as long as the shape has a particularly meaningful characteristic shape in an appropriate load state. The mark may be adopted. That is, various marks such as a geometric pattern, a character, a symbol, a logo, a picture of a character, a trademark, and the like can be adopted as a mark indicating a tensile state by being deformed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the mark 134a is attached to the first belt member 130 by printing is described as an example. However, the mark 134a is attached to the first belt member 130 by other methods. Is also possible. For example, when the first belt member 130 is formed of a woven fabric, it is conceivable to attach the mark 134 by weaving a pattern into the woven fabric itself.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the mark 134a is provided on the first belt member 130 and the mark 134a is used as an index indicating the tension state of the first belt member 130 has been described as an example. However, instead of this mark 134 a, it is possible to use the hole as an index indicating the tension state of the first belt member 130 by making a hole in the first belt member 130. As the shape of the hole in that case, any shape may be adopted as long as the shape takes a particularly meaningful shape in an appropriate load state, for example, a perfect circle shape in an appropriate load state. It is possible to adopt a hole or a square hole.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110B in the present embodiment is provided in the body fat measurement device 1 shown in the first embodiment of the present invention described above, and in the first embodiment of the present invention described above. The bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A shown in FIG. Therefore, the same or equivalent portions as those of bioimpedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A in the first embodiment of the present invention described above are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawing, and description thereof will not be repeated here.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110B according to the present embodiment is similar to the bioimpedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above. The electrode support member 120 mainly includes a first belt member 130 and a second belt member 135 having one end portions 131 and 136 connected thereto. The electrode support member 120 has a substantially rectangular sheet-like shape in plan view, and is configured by a member that does not substantially have stretchability in the longitudinal direction. The first belt member 130 has an elongated shape that is narrower than the electrode support member 120, and is configured by a member that has elasticity in the longitudinal direction. The second belt member 135 has an elongated shape that is narrower than the electrode support member 120, and is configured of a member that does not have elasticity in the longitudinal direction.

  The electrode support member 120 has an extension 123 that protrudes and extends toward the other end 137 of the first belt member 130 at the end on the side where the first belt member 130 is attached. An alignment mark 124 is provided at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface side of 123. The alignment mark 124 is constituted by, for example, a linear mark that extends in the longitudinal direction and is printed on the main surface on the outer peripheral surface side of the extension portion 123. The first belt member 130 has an alignment mark 134b at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface side of the portion overlapping the extension portion 123. The alignment mark 134b is configured by, for example, a linear mark extending in the longitudinal direction printed on the main surface on the outer peripheral surface side of the first belt member 130. The extension portion 123 of the electrode support member 120 is formed wider than the first belt member 130, and the alignment mark 124 provided on the extension portion 123 of the electrode support member 120 has a top end and a bottom end thereof. It has reached a position not covered by one belt member 130.

  These alignment marks 124 and 134b correspond to indices indicating the tension state of the first belt member 130. Of these, the alignment mark 134b corresponds to a first index provided in the stretchable region of the belt-shaped member, and the remaining alignment. The mark 124 corresponds to a second index provided in the non-stretchable region of the belt-shaped member. Here, the alignment mark 134b moves in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the first belt member 130, whereby the relative distance between the alignment mark 134b and the alignment mark 124 changes, whereby the first belt member 130 is changed. This indicates the tension state.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a change in the position of the alignment mark provided in the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9A, in a no-load state where the first belt member 130 is not pulled, the alignment mark 134b provided on the first belt member 130 is provided on the extension 123 of the electrode support member 120. The alignment mark 124 does not overlap with the alignment mark 124, and is positioned closer to the one end 131 of the first belt member 130 than the alignment mark 124. However, as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the first belt member 130 is provided in the first belt member 130 in a state where the first belt member 130 having elasticity in the longitudinal direction is pulled in the longitudinal direction. The alignment mark 134b gradually moves in accordance with the extension of the first belt member 130, and reaches a position where it overlaps the alignment mark 124 provided on the extension 123 of the electrode support member 120 in a predetermined tension state (FIG. 9). (See (B)), and further reaches the position closer to the other end 132 side of the first belt member 130 than the alignment mark 124. The change in the position of the alignment mark 134b changes according to the tensile force applied to the first belt member 130. Therefore, the first belt is confirmed by checking the distance between the alignment mark 134b and the alignment mark 124. The bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110B can be attached while adjusting the pulling force applied to the member 130.

  Here, a tensile force applied to the first belt member 130 when the electrode 122 is pressed against the abdomen 301 of the subject 300 with an optimal pressing force is obtained in advance, and the tensile force is applied to the first belt member 130. If the alignment mark 134b and the alignment mark 124 are set so as to overlap with each other, the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110B so that the alignment mark 134b overlaps the alignment mark 124 while confirming the position of the alignment mark 134b. , The pressing force of the electrode 122 against the abdomen 301 of the subject 300 can be set to the optimum load. That is, with this configuration, when the alignment mark 134b overlaps the alignment mark 124 as shown in FIG. 9B, it indicates that the optimum load state is realized, and the alignment mark 134b is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9 (C), when it is located on the other end 132 side of the first belt member 130 beyond the alignment mark 124, it indicates that it is overloaded.

  Thus, by using the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110B as in the present embodiment, when the bioimpedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110B is wound around and fixed to the subject's abdomen, the elastic abdomen attachment unit 110B has the elasticity. 1 Attaching the abdomen attachment unit 110B for measuring bioimpedance while adjusting the winding length of the belt-like member around the abdomen while confirming the positions of the two alignment marks 124 and 134b indicating the tensile state of the belt member 130 in the longitudinal direction. Is possible. Therefore, by attaching the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110B by adjusting the alignment marks 124 and 134b so as to overlap each other, the wrapping strength of the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110B is increased to a certain level every time it is attached. It will be possible to keep stable. Further, if the winding strength of the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110B is kept constant as described above, the electrode 122 is always independent of the subject's abdomen circumference (waist length) and shape. Can be pressed against the abdomen of the subject with an optimum load. As a result, it is possible to provide a bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit in which the electrode 122 can be pressed against the abdomen of the subject with a constant load with good reproducibility regardless of the subject.

  Therefore, the bioimpedance can be measured with high accuracy by measuring the bioimpedance using the bioimpedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110B configured as described above. Therefore, by using the body fat measurement device 1 having the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110B as in the present embodiment, the body fat mass (particularly visceral fat mass, subcutaneous fat mass, etc.) of the subject can be obtained with high accuracy. It becomes possible to measure.

  Further, in the above-described overload state, the abdomen of the subject is tightened more than necessary by the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110B, which may cause pain to the subject. In that sense as well, by using the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110B as in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent excessive tightening force from being applied to the abdomen of the subject in the attached state and to give the subject pain. Can be avoided.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the linear alignment marks 124 and 134b are attached by printing to the electrode support member 120 and the first belt member 130 has been described as an example. The shape of 134b is not limited to such a shape, and the alignment marks 124 and 134b may be attached to the electrode support member 120 and the first belt member 130 by other methods.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the index indicating the tension state of the first belt member 130 is configured by the two alignment marks 124 and 134b has been described as an example. It is not limited to such a configuration. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the index provided in the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit according to this modification, as an index indicating the tension state of the first belt member 130, a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface side of the extension 123 of the electrode support member 120 is used. An alignment mark 124 provided and a window portion 134c provided at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface side of the first belt member 130 that overlaps the extension portion 123 are employed. The window 134c is formed by making a rectangular hole at a predetermined position of the first belt member 130.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, in the no-load state where the first belt member 130 is not pulled, the extension portion 123 of the electrode support member 120 is placed in the window portion 134c provided in the first belt member 130. The alignment mark 124 is not located, and the alignment mark 124 is covered with the first belt member 130 at the center. However, as shown in FIG. 10B, in the optimum load state in which the first belt member 130 is pulled by the optimum pulling force, the electrode support member is placed in the window portion 134c provided in the first belt member 130. The alignment mark 124 provided in the extension part 123 of 120 will be located, and the alignment mark 124 can be visually recognized through the window part 134c. Further, in an overload state in which the first belt member 130 is pulled with an excessive pulling force, the window portion 134c provided in the first belt member 130 is provided in the extension portion 123 of the electrode support member 120. The alignment mark 124 is not positioned, and the center portion of the alignment mark 124 is again covered by the first belt member 130.

  Even in such a configuration, the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110B is attached while adjusting the pulling force applied to the first belt member 130 so that the alignment mark 124 is visible through the window 134c. Thus, the wrapping strength of the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110B can be stably maintained at a constant strength every time the attachment is performed.

  In this modification, the case where the window part 134c provided in the first belt member 130 is configured by a rectangular hole has been described as an example, but the shape of the window part 134c is such as this. It is not limited, and any shape may be adopted.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the bioimpedance measurement abdomen attachment unit is attached to the abdomen of the subject. . The bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110C in the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the bioimpedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A in the first embodiment of the present invention described above except that the configuration of the fixing means is different. ing. Therefore, the same or equivalent portions as those of bioimpedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A in the first embodiment of the present invention described above are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawing, and description thereof will not be repeated here.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110C in the present embodiment is a surface as a fixing means used in the bioimpedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A in the first embodiment of the present invention described above. Instead of the fasteners 133 and 138 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), the hook-shaped hook portion 141 provided at the other end portion 132 of the first belt member 130 and the other end portion 137 of the second belt member 135 are long. A plurality of loop-like locking portions 142 provided in alignment in the scale direction are provided as fixing means. Each of the plurality of loop-shaped locking portions 142 can receive the hook-shaped hook portion 141, and at the time of mounting, one of the plurality of loop-shaped locking portions 142 selected from the plurality of loop-shaped locking portions 142 can be received. The first belt member 130 and the second belt member 135 are wound and fixed around the abdomen 301 of the subject 300 by hooking the hook-shaped hook portion 141 on the loop-shaped locking portion. At this time, the selected loop-shaped locking portion is selected at a position where the mark 134a provided on the first belt member 130 indicates the optimum load state.

  With this configuration, the abdomen 301 of the subject 300 can be attached to the abdomen 301 in the wearing state by the hook-shaped hook portion 141 described above and one loop-shaped locking portion selected from the plurality of loop-shaped locking portions 142. The winding length of the belt-shaped member to be wound can be maintained at an arbitrary length. Therefore, even when the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110C as in the present embodiment is used, as in the case of the bioimpedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110A in the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the elasticity is increased. Attaching the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110C by adjusting the winding length of the belt-like member around the abdomen 301 while confirming the shape of the mark 134a indicating the tensile state in the longitudinal direction of the first belt member 130 having Thus, the wrapping strength of the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit 110C can be stably maintained at a constant strength every time the attachment is made.

  In Embodiments 1 to 3 of the present invention described above and modifications thereof, the case where the electrode is placed in contact with the back of the abdomen of the subject has been described as an example. The present invention can also be applied to a bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit configured to be placed in contact with (flank).

  Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments of the present invention and the modifications thereof, the present invention is applied to a bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit included in a body fat measurement device that is intended for a subject to be in a supine position at the time of measurement. The case where the invention is applied has been described as an example, but the bioimpedance included in the body fat measurement device in which the subject is intended to take a posture other than the supine position such as the prone position, the lying position, the standing position, and the sitting position Of course, the present invention can also be applied to a measurement abdomen attachment unit.

  Furthermore, in the above-described first to third embodiments of the present invention and the modifications thereof, the case where the present invention is applied to the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit attached to the abdomen of the subject has been described as an example. However, the present invention is applied to a bioimpedance measurement upper limb mounting unit intended to be worn on the subject's upper limb and a bioimpedance measurement lower limb mounting unit intended to be worn on the subject's lower limb. It is also possible.

  As described above, the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block of a body fat measuring device. It is the flowchart which defined the operation | movement procedure of the body fat measuring device at the time of measuring a visceral fat area, a subcutaneous fat area, and a body fat rate using a body fat measuring device. It is a figure which shows the structure of the body fat measuring apparatus containing the abdominal part mounting unit for bioimpedance measurement in Embodiment 1 of this invention, and is a perspective view which shows the state with which each mounting unit contained in the body fat measuring apparatus was mounted | worn to the test subject. is there. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic cross section which shows the state which mounted | wore the test subject's abdomen with the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen mounting unit in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the change of the shape of the mark provided in the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of the mark which shows a tension state. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the change of the position of the alignment mark provided in the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the modification of the parameter | index provided in the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit in Embodiment 3 of this invention, and is a schematic cross section which shows the state which mounted | wore the test subject's abdomen attachment unit.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Body fat measuring device, 10 Control part, 11 Computation processing part, 12 Impedance calculation part, 13 Various fat mass calculation part, 14 Body fat mass calculation part, 15 Fat amount calculation part by part, 16 Visceral fat mass calculation part, 17 Subcutaneous fat amount calculation unit, 21 constant current generation unit, 22 terminal switching unit, 23 potential difference detection unit, 24 physique information measurement unit, 25 subject information input unit, 26 display unit, 27 operation unit, 28 power supply unit, 29 memory unit, 110A-110C Bioelectrical impedance measurement abdomen attachment unit, 120 electrode support member, 122 electrode, 123 extension, 124 alignment mark, 126 connector, 130 first belt member, 131 one end, 132 other end, 133 surface fastener, 134a Mark, 134b alignment mark, 134c window, 135 second belt member 136 One end portion, 137 Other end portion, 138 Surface fastener, 141 Hook portion, 142 Locking portion, 160 Device main body, 172A, 172B Bioimpedance measurement upper limb mounting unit, 173A, 173B Bioimpedance measurement lower limb mounting unit, 180 Connection cable, 300 subjects, 301 abdomen, 302A, 302B wrist, 303A, 303B ankle, 400 bed surface, A11, A12, A21, A22 abdominal electrode, F11, F12, F21, F22 lower limb electrode, H11, H12, H21, H22 Upper limb electrode.

Claims (8)

A bioimpedance measurement mounting unit mounted on a part of the body of a subject to measure bioimpedance,
A plurality of electrodes arranged in contact with a part of the subject's body in a wearing state;
A long belt-like member that supports the plurality of electrodes and is wound around a part of the body of the subject in the wearing state;
A fixing means for maintaining the wrapping length of the band-shaped member at an arbitrary length in a state where the band-shaped member is wound around a part of the body of the subject and fixing the band-shaped member to a part of the body of the subject. Prepared,
The belt-shaped member includes a stretchable region having stretchability in the longitudinal direction and a non-stretchable region having no stretchability in the longitudinal direction,
A bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit in which an index indicating a tensile state of the stretchable region in the longitudinal direction is provided on the belt-like member so as to be visible.   The bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes are supported by the non-stretchable region.   The bioimpedance measurement mounting unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the index is provided in the stretchable region, and indicates the tensile state by deforming the index itself according to the stretch of the stretchable region. .   The bioimpedance measurement mounting unit according to claim 3, wherein the index is a mark provided in the stretchable region.   The bioimpedance measurement mounting unit according to claim 3, wherein the index includes a hole formed in the stretchable region. The band-shaped member further includes an overlapping region where a part of the stretchable region and a part of the non-stretchable region overlap,
The indicator includes a first indicator provided in a portion corresponding to the overlap region of the stretchable region and a second indicator provided in a portion corresponding to the overlap region of the non-stretchable region, The tension state is indicated by the distance between the first index and the second index being changed by the movement of the first index according to the expansion / contraction of the expansion / contraction region. Or the bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit according to 2; The first index consists of a mark provided in the stretchable region,
The bioelectrical impedance measurement mounting unit according to claim 6, wherein the second index includes a mark provided in the non-stretchable region. The first indicator consists of a hole drilled in the stretchable region,
The bio-impedance measurement mounting unit according to claim 6, wherein the second index includes a mark provided in the non-stretchable region.

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