JP5590730B2 - Weight scale - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a weight scale, and more particularly to a weight scale that can determine the left and right states of a subject's body.

  Conventionally, a multipoint scale has been used to test the function of the subject's brain and nervous system. A conventional multi-point weight scale includes a plurality of (for example, four) load cells, and the subject is placed on the placement unit in a standing posture, detects the position of the center of gravity based on the load on the left and right feet, A load difference is detected (see Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-056010 A

Yasuyoshi Oto, 3 others, “Examination of positional relationship between left and right feet in center of gravity sway meter”, Journal of Japanese Chiropractic Manual Medicine, Vol. 3 (2002), p. 3-10

  However, in the conventional multipoint scale, a single mounting table is used for all load cells. Therefore, for example, when a large load is applied to the left foot side, the left foot contact side of the placement portion sinks, so that the right foot contact side of the placement portion relatively floats, and accurate measurement of the load on the right foot side is possible. become unable. On the other hand, if a large load is applied to the right foot, the load on the left foot cannot be accurately measured. As described above, in the conventional multipoint weight scale having a single mounting table for all the load cells, the load on the left foot side and the load on the right foot side interfere with each other on the mounting portion. Accurately detect the load on the side and the load on the right foot, measure the position of the center of gravity of the load on the left foot and the load on the right foot, and accurately detect differences in muscles and joints of the left and right feet It was difficult.

  Therefore, the present invention can accurately measure the load on the left side and the right side of the subject's body, the center of gravity of the left side load, and the center of gravity of the right side load, respectively, and based on the detection result, An object of the present invention is to provide a weight scale that can determine the state of the body (for example, the state of the muscles and joints of the feet).

The weight scale of the present invention for solving the above-described problems includes a support member, a first placement unit and a first placement unit that are spaced apart on the support member and configured to allow a subject to stand in a natural state . 1st load cell group which consists of a plurality of load cells which are arranged between 2 mounting parts and between the supporting member and the 1st mounting part, and can measure the load to the 1st mounting part at three or more points. And a second load cell group comprising a plurality of load cells disposed between the support member and the second placement portion and capable of measuring a load on the second placement portion at three or more points, 1 on the basis of the load data from the load cell group and the second load cell group, and a control means for calculating a load when the test subject is subjected to the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, wherein, the subject, placing the left foot to the first mounting portion, the second loading portion Put the right foot, with respect to the load by multiplying to the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, at every predetermined time interval, each load cell constituting the first load cell group and the second load cell group detection And calculating the center of gravity position of the load to the first placement unit and the center of gravity position of the load to the second placement unit to obtain the center of gravity of the load to the first placement unit. The movement locus of the position and the movement locus of the gravity center position of the load to the second placement unit are acquired , and an approximate line calculated from the movement locus of the gravity center position of the load to the first placement unit is obtained by A second reference line that is obtained as a first reference line that connects the heel and the index finger and that is calculated from the movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load on the second placement portion, and that connects the heel of the right foot and the index finger. And the angle formed by the first reference line and the second reference line is calculated. And, an angle formed between the second reference line and the first reference line, the subject and outputs to the display unit as the opening angle of the foot while standing in a natural state.

  According to the weight scale of the present invention, the control means simultaneously acquires the load data detected by the load cells constituting the first load cell group and the second load cell group at each predetermined time interval. It is characterized by doing.

  Further, according to the weight scale of the present invention, the control means includes a movement locus of the gravity center position of the load to the first placement portion, a movement locus of the gravity center position of the load to the second placement portion, Is output to the display means.

  Further, according to the weight scale of the present invention, the movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load to the first placement portion and the movement of the center position of the load to the second placement portion with respect to the display means by the control means. The output of the trajectory is performed so as to be plotted as needed on the display screen of the display means at every predetermined time interval.

  Further, according to the weight scale of the present invention, the control means is configured such that the load on the first placement unit, the load on the second placement unit, and / or the first placement unit at every predetermined time interval. The comparison result between the load on the mounting portion and the load on the second mounting portion is output to the display means.

  Further, according to the scale of the present invention, the control means has a predetermined range of the movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load to the first placement portion and the movement locus of the gravity center position of the load to the second placement portion. When the load is stabilized, the load on the first placement portion and the load on the second placement portion are output to the display means.

The weight scale according to the present invention is disposed between the support member, the first and second placement portions that are spaced apart from each other on the support member, and the support member and the first placement portion. Being arranged between the first load cell group consisting of a plurality of load cells capable of measuring the load on the first placement part at three or more points, the support member and the second placement part, Based on the second load cell group consisting of a plurality of load cells capable of measuring the load on the second placement unit at three or more points, and the load data from the first load cell group and the second load cell group, Control means for calculating a load applied to the first placement section and the second placement section, and the control means includes the first load cell group and the second load cell group at predetermined time intervals. The load data detected by each load cell that composes By calculating the gravity center position of the load to the first placement portion and the gravity center position of the load to the second placement portion, the movement locus of the gravity center position of the load to the first placement portion and the second placement The movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load on the part is acquired, and the center of gravity position of the total load on the first placement part and the second placement part is calculated for each predetermined time interval to obtain the first placement part. The movement locus of the center of gravity position of the total load to the mounting portion and the second mounting portion is acquired , the movement locus of the gravity center position of the total load, a guidance area for guiding the gravity center position of the total load, and the total load And a movement locus of the gravity center position of the load on the first placement portion and the second placement after the instruction to move the gravity center position of the subject along the guidance area is output to the display means. The movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load to the part is acquired, and the movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load to the first mounting portion is obtained. In the first area of the display means, the movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load to the second placement portion is output to the second area of the display means, respectively, and the center of gravity movement distance DL on the left foot side and the center of gravity movement on the right foot side are output. The distance DR is calculated, and it is determined whether or not each of the center-of-gravity movement distance DL and the center-of-gravity movement distance DR is equal to or greater than a threshold value. If the distance DR is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that at least one of the ankle and / or knee is flexible. , If it is less than the threshold value, it is determined that at least one of the ankle and / or knee is hard

The weight scale according to the present invention is disposed between the support member, the first and second placement portions that are spaced apart from each other on the support member, and the support member and the first placement portion. Being arranged between the first load cell group consisting of a plurality of load cells capable of measuring the load on the first placement part at three or more points, the support member and the second placement part, Based on the second load cell group consisting of a plurality of load cells capable of measuring the load on the second placement unit at three or more points, and the load data from the first load cell group and the second load cell group, Control means for calculating a load applied to the first placement section and the second placement section, and the control means includes the first load cell group and the second load cell group at predetermined time intervals. The load data detected by each load cell that composes By calculating the gravity center position of the load to the first placement portion and the gravity center position of the load to the second placement portion, the movement locus of the gravity center position of the load to the first placement portion and the second placement The movement locus of the gravity center position of the load to the part is acquired, the gravity center position of the load to the first placement part and the gravity center position of the load to the second placement part are obtained and set as the first measurement point. The position of the center of gravity of the load on the first placement part and the position of the center of gravity of the load on the second placement part after a certain time has elapsed are acquired and set as the second measurement point, and the first measurement A first line connecting the center of gravity position of the load to the first placement portion as a point and the center position of the load to the second placement portion is set, and the first placement as the second measurement point A second line connecting the gravity center position of the load to the portion and the gravity center position of the load to the second mounting portion is set, and is formed by the first line and the second line And calculates the degrees.

  According to the weight scale of the present invention, the first placement portion and the second placement portion are separated from each other, and the load on the first placement portion and the load on the second placement portion do not interfere with each other. By providing the placement portion, it is possible to accurately measure each of the load on the first placement portion and the load on the second placement portion. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately measure the weight of the entire body of the subject and the position of the center of gravity, the load on the left foot side and the position of the center of gravity, the load on the right foot side and the position of the center of gravity. Moreover, since both the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are arranged on the support member, the load on the first mounting portion and the load on the second mounting portion are respectively in the same state or condition. It is possible to measure, and more accurate measurement is possible, and installation (setting) when using the scale is facilitated. Furthermore, based on these measurement results, it is possible to determine the state of the subject's body (for example, the state of the leg muscles and joints), and to provide a weight scale with higher added value that can be used in various scenes. I can do it.

It is a top view of the weight scale which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows typically the principal part of the internal structure of the weight scale shown by FIG. It is sectional drawing along the III-III line of FIG. It is a top view of the load cell which can be used for the weight scale of FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the weight scale shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of a control process of the weight scale according to the first embodiment. It is a figure explaining the XY coordinate system which prescribes | regulates the positional relationship of the surface containing the mounting part of a weight scale. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of a control process of the weight scale according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example which displays information, such as a movement locus | trajectory of a test subject's gravity center, on external monitors, such as PC. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a control process of the weight scale according to the third embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a control process of a weight scale according to the fourth embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example which displays a guidance area | region on external monitors, such as PC. It is a figure explaining the XY coordinate system which prescribes | regulates the positional relationship of the surface containing the mounting part of the weight scale which concerns on Example 5. FIG.

〔Weight scale〕
Hereinafter, embodiments of a weight scale according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a weight scale 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the main part of the internal configuration of the weight scale 1 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 1 is a sectional view taken along line III-III, FIG. 4 is a plan view of a load cell 7 that can be used in the weight scale 1 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system of the weight scale 1 shown in FIG. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the scale 1 is used by being placed on the floor surface 17. The weight scale 1 mainly includes a support member 11, a left placement unit 3 as a first placement unit, a right placement unit 5 as a second placement unit, and a first load cell group including a plurality of load cells 7. A second load cell group and a control circuit board 15 (see FIG. 5) as control means are provided.

  As an example, the left placement unit 3 and the right placement unit 5 are configured by plate-like members having a substantially square shape and the same dimensions in plan view. The left placement part 3 and the right placement part 5 are arranged on the support member 11 so as to be spaced apart from each other, so that the load applied to the left placement part 3 (the load on the left foot side) is the right placement part 5. The load (the right foot side load) applied to the right placement unit 5 does not affect the left placement unit 3 without affecting the left placement unit 3. As a result, a mounting portion is configured in which the load on the left foot side and the load on the right foot side do not interfere with each other. In FIG. 1 and the like, the left mounting unit 3 and the right mounting unit 5 are configured in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, but may be a square or a triangle, depending on the number of load cells and the location of the load cell, It is not particularly limited.

  The load cell 7 is weight measuring means used for measuring a load. In the present embodiment, a first load cell group consisting of four load cells 7 (No. 1 to 4) capable of measuring the load on the left placement part 3 at the four corners (four points) of the left placement part 3, the right placement It has a second load cell group consisting of four load cells 7 (Nos. 5 to 8) capable of measuring the load on the unit 5 at the four corners (four points) of the right mounting unit 5, and has a total of eight load cells. . For example, three load cells 7 may be provided on the left placement unit 3 and the right placement unit 5 to provide a total of six load cells. That is, the number of load cells for detecting the position of the center of gravity of the load applied to each of the left mounting unit 3 and the right mounting unit 5 in the front-rear and left-right directions is three or more in the left mounting unit 3 and the right mounting unit 5 It is three or more and can be changed as appropriate. The first load cell group includes a plurality of load cells that can measure the load on the left placement unit 3 at three or more points, and the second load cell group can measure the load on the right placement unit 5 at three or more points. What is necessary is just to be comprised from several load cells. In this embodiment, all the load cells 7 (Nos. 1 to 8) have the same shape and the same dimensions, and the same characteristics.

  An example of the load cell 7 applicable to the weight scale 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The load cell 7 includes a strain generating body 47 and a strain gauge 48. The strain body 47 includes a movable end portion 47a that receives a load from the left mounting portion 3 or the right mounting portion 5, and a fixed end portion that is fixed to the support member 11 via a spacer (not shown). 47b and a strain generating portion 47c that deforms (expands and contracts) when subjected to a load. More specifically, the movable end portion 47a and the fixed end portion 47b may be substantially C-shaped in plan view, and the strain generating portion 47c may be configured as a band shape that connects the movable end portion 47a and the fixed end portion 47b. . The strain gauge 48 is attached to the strain generating portion 47c. The strain gauge 48 includes, for example, four resistors R1 to R4, and a Wheatstone bridge circuit is configured by the resistors R1 to R4. The Wheatstone bridge circuit is configured so that the load applied to the load cell 7 can be individually measured. For example, one Wheatstone bridge circuit is configured for each one of the load cells 7, and when a total of eight load cells 7 are provided as in the present embodiment, eight Wheatstone bridge circuits may be configured. When the subject is placed on the left placement unit 3 and the right placement unit 5, the load (body weight of the subject) is transmitted to the movable end portion 47a of the load cell 7, and the strain generating portion 47c is deformed (stretched) according to the load. . When the strain gauge 48 expands and contracts along with the expansion and contraction of the strain generating portion 47c, the resistance values of the resistors R1 to R4 change. The load applied to each of the load cells 7 can be measured for each load cell 7 based on the difference between the voltage values measured before and after the change of the resistance value. The shape and dimensions of the strain generating body 47 are not limited to the above configuration.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the support member 11 has a size capable of supporting both the left placement portion 3 and the right placement portion 5, for example, and is a substantially rectangular plate-like member in plan view. Configure as. The first load cell group is disposed between the support member 11 and the left placement unit 3, and the second load cell group is disposed between the support member 11 and the right placement unit 5. Specifically, the fixed end 47b of the strain body 47 of the load cell 7 is fixed to the upper surface of the support member 11 via a spacer (not shown). That is, the fixed end portions 47b of all the load cells 7 are fixed on the same plane as the upper surface of the support member 11, while the movable end portion 47a is either the left mounting portion 3 or the right mounting portion 5. Under load. Thereby, the load cell 7 comprises a bending tension between the support member 11 and the left mounting part 3 or the right mounting part 5 (refer FIG. 3). Thus, since the left mounting part 3 and the right mounting part 5 are both arranged on the support member 11 serving as a common base, the load on the left mounting part 3 and the right mounting part 5 It is possible to measure the load in the same state or condition, and it is possible to measure with higher accuracy and to facilitate setting (setting) when using the scale.

  On the lower surface of the support member 11 (that is, the surface opposite to the surface to which the fixed end portion 47b of the load cell 7 is fixed), one end portions of the leg portions 13 are attached to the four corners. The weight scale 1 is stably placed on the floor surface 17 by grounding the other end of the leg portion 13 on the floor surface 17.

  The support member 11 has a control means for calculating the load and the center of gravity of the subject based on the load data (detection result) detected by the load cell 7 (the first load cell group and the second load cell group). A control circuit board 15 is disposed (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 5, the control circuit board 15 includes a main board 15a and an AD board 15b. The main board 15a has a display unit 21 as a display means, an operation unit 22 for operating the scale 1, a main microcomputer 33, and a cable 37 (for transferring desired data to an external device such as a PC). An output terminal 35 is connected to which is connected. The AD substrate 15b is provided with an AD conversion unit for digitizing the load data from each load cell 7 and other processing circuits. As the display unit 21, for example, a liquid crystal of a full dot LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) can be used, and a liquid crystal having a touch panel function can be used instead of the display unit 21 and the operation unit 22.

  In the present embodiment, the AD substrate 15 b having the same configuration is provided for each of the eight load cells 7. That is, eight AD substrates 15b are provided (No. 1 to No. 8). The AD board 15b includes an amplifier 51 that amplifies load data from the load cell 7, a filter 52 that extracts a predetermined frequency component, and a PWM integrator 55 in order to perform AD conversion by the PWM control method. Further, the AD board 15b has a zero point adjustment unit 57 for setting a so-called zero point (load data as a reference value) of the load cell 7, an EEPROM 59 which is a memory for storing an operation program of the scale 1, an environment A thermometer 61 that is a temperature sensor for measuring temperature and a sub-microcomputer 63 that performs A / D conversion, execution of an operation program, temperature detection, and the like are incorporated.

  The main microcomputer 33 and the sub microcomputer 63 are connected by a serial data line 65 (SDA) and a serial clock line 67 (SCL) constituting the IIC bus 64, and the main microcomputer 33 and the sub microcomputer 63 exchange data and commands between each other. Transfer is performed. Further, by using the IIC bus, the number of communication lines between the main board 15a and the AD board 15b can be suppressed.

  In the control circuit board 15 configured as described above, the load data from the plurality of load cells 7 are synchronously (simultaneously) PWM-integrated based on the carrier synchronization signal output from the main microcomputer 33 to each PMW integrator 55, and the integration is performed. It is converted into a digital signal according to the value. Based on the digitized load data from each load cell, the main microcomputer 33 calculates the test subject's load, the left and right foot loads, and the like, and the display unit 21 (display means) or an external terminal such as a PC via the output terminal 35. It is displayed on the monitor 53 (see FIGS. 9 and 12) (display means).

[Control of weight scale]
In the weight scale 1 having the above-described configuration, when the switch is turned on by the operation unit 22 and the subject puts the left foot on the left placement portion 3 and the right foot on the right placement portion 5 and applies a load (weight) to the weight scale 1. The strain generating portion 47c of each load cell 7 is deformed, and the resistance value of the strain gauge 48 changes due to the deformation of the strain generating portion 47c.

  The main microcomputer 33 measures the difference between the output voltage (zero point) of the load cell 7 before the load is applied and the output voltage of the load cell 7 after the load is applied, and according to a predetermined program, each load cell 7 Simultaneously calculate each of the loads applied to. Here, for example, load data from eight load cells is No. 1 to No. No. 8 is obtained in order, and the process of calculating each load sequentially is performed. No. 1 from the calculation of the load by the load data of No.1. The time elapses until the load is calculated based on the load data of 8. Therefore, No. 1 load data to No. 1 Even if the load on the left mounting unit 3, the load on the right mounting unit 5, and the position of the center of gravity thereof are calculated based on the load data 8, the values are not based on the load data acquired at the same time. Therefore, accurate measurement cannot be realized. According to the present embodiment, each load data detected by each load cell 7 is simultaneously acquired at every predetermined time interval, and each load applied to each load cell 7 is calculated simultaneously. The load on the part 3 and its center of gravity position, the load on the right mounting part 5 and its center of gravity position, and the total load and its center of gravity position are calculated. Thereby, there is no time lag in the timing of data acquisition, and accurate measurement is possible.

  Further, the main microcomputer 33 continuously performs this load calculation at a fixed number of times (an arbitrary number of times for a predetermined purpose) and at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 ms). Further, the calculated load is displayed on the external monitor 53 (see FIGS. 9 and 12) such as a PC via the display unit 21 and the output terminal 35.

  As described above, it is preferable to simultaneously acquire the load data detected by each load cell 7 at the same time and simultaneously calculate the load. However, by using an AD converter capable of high-speed processing, the predetermined time is obtained. Within a sufficiently short time (for example, several ms) with respect to the interval, the load data from each load cell 7 is No. 1 to No. It is good also as a process which acquires to 8 in order and calculates each load. If an AD converter capable of performing such high-speed processing is used, the number of components on the internal substrate can be reduced, and thus the cost can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the support member 11 is provided. However, the fixed end 47b of the strain body 47 of the load cell 7 is provided on the lower surface of the left mounting portion 3 and the right mounting portion 5 (with a spacer interposed). It is also conceivable that the supporting member 11 is not provided by fixing the movable end portion 47a to the movable end portion 47a. That is, a first placement unit comprising a left placement unit 3, a first load cell group, and a leg attached to each load cell 7 of the first load cell group is configured, and similarly, the right placement unit 5 And a second load cell group and a leg part attached to each load cell 7 of the second load cell group. In the case of such a configuration, if there is a misalignment when arranging the first placement unit and the second placement unit, the measurement accuracy is affected, which causes an error. Therefore, in order to install the first placement unit and the second placement unit in a predetermined position, marking on the floor surface may be performed.

  In order not to cause the measurement error as described above, when the first placement unit and the second placement unit are placed on the floor, they are attached to the load cells 7 in the first placement unit. All of the legs and all of the legs attached to each load cell 7 in the second placement unit need to be grounded with the same load to the floor surface. That is, it is necessary that the first placement unit and the second placement unit be installed with no backlash on the floor surface. Therefore, a configuration may be adopted in which detection means (for example, a pressure sensor or the like) capable of detecting whether each leg is grounded with the same load with respect to the floor surface may be used. Furthermore, in order to increase measurement accuracy, the first placement unit and the second placement unit need to be installed horizontally. Therefore, each of the first placement unit and the second placement unit is provided with level detection means (for example, a level) that can detect whether it is level, and further, a leg based on the detection result. It is preferable that an adjustment leg mechanism capable of adjusting the height of the portion is provided.

  Below, the Example of the control process of the weight scale 1 performed in order to test | inspect or evaluate various physical information is described.

[Example 1]
The first embodiment is a weight scale 1 that mainly performs a control process of detecting an opening angle of a subject's foot. When a person stands in a natural state, the opening angle of the foot (toe) and the distance between the left and right feet are important indicators when monitoring the growth process of leg strength. In addition, for example, since the direction and distance of the hit ball are affected by the opening angle and interval of the foot when swinging a golf club, the opening angle of the foot and the interval between the left and right feet are the same as the form for sports. It is also a useful index for confirmation. In addition, the opening angle of the foot and the distance between the left and right feet, such as confirmation of the effect of rehabilitation after injury to the ankle, etc., can be used effectively in various scenes.

  Conventionally, the measurement of the subject's foot opening angle (toe opening angle) at the time of standing as described above can be done by standing on paper etc. with bare feet and drawing the shape (outline) of the foot with a writing instrument, Standing on a large number of pressure switches and pressure sensors arranged side by side in a grid pattern on the top, detects the ON / OFF state of the sensor to acquire the shape of the foot, and for each foot, for example, an arbitrary finger (for example, index finger) A line connecting the heel was obtained, and the opening angle of the foot (toe) between the left and right and the opening angle from the center line were measured. However, the conventional measurement as described above takes time because it involves manual work, and requires a large number of sensors, so that the structure is complicated and expensive. Therefore, in this embodiment, a scale that can calculate the opening angle of the foot by simpler work at a low cost will be described.

  This embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a control process of the weight scale 1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 7 illustrates an XY coordinate system that defines the positional relationship of the surface including the placement units 3 and 5 of the weight scale 1. FIG.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the opening angle is described as an angle α formed by a reference line L that connects the heel of the left foot and the index finger and a reference line R that connects the heel of the right foot and the index finger. The detection of the opening angle α means that in a posture in which a person stands in a natural state, the balance between the front and rear, left and right bodies is maintained mainly by moving joints such as the ankles and knees. The direction in which the knee joint moves is obtained by utilizing the fact that the reference lines L and R are substantially the same as the direction in which the reference lines L and R extend. Therefore, if at least two pieces of information on the center of gravity positions PL and PR of the left and right feet are obtained based on the measurement results of the load on the left foot side and the load on the right foot side, the movement locus of the center of gravity position PL of the left foot is obtained. The line segment that represents the reference line L and the line segment that represents the movement locus of the center of gravity position PR of the right foot can be used as the reference line R, and the opening angle α formed by them can be acquired.

  The main microcomputer 33 identifies whether or not the subject's leg opening angle needs to be calculated (step S1). For example, immediately after the weighing scale 1 is started, a message as to whether or not to calculate the opening angle of the foot is displayed on the display unit 21 or the like so that the subject can select the necessity by operating the operation unit 22. The main microcomputer 33 may identify whether or not the calculation of the foot opening angle is requested according to the operation of the operation unit 22 by the subject. When it is identified that the information on the foot opening angle is requested (Yes in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2.

  Next, after the subject is placed on the left placement unit 3 and the right placement unit 5, the sub-microcomputer 63 acquires the load data (data1 to data8) detected by each load cell 7 (step S2).

  Based on the load data (data1 to data8) acquired by the sub-microcomputer 63, the main microcomputer 33 loads the left foot (the weight on the left foot), the right foot (the weight on the right foot), and the total load of the subject (the weight on the right foot). Are calculated and stored in the storage unit (RAM, ROM, etc.) of the main microcomputer 33 (step S3).

  Further, the main microcomputer 33 calculates and stores the center of gravity position PL of the load on the left foot side and the center of gravity position PR of the load on the right foot side based on the load data (data1 to data8) (step S4). Based on the load data (data 1 to data 4) from the first load cell group, the center of gravity position PL of the load on the left foot side is calculated, and based on the load data (data 5 to data 8) from the second load cell group, the center of gravity of the load on the right foot side The position PR is calculated.

  The barycentric positions PL and PR are defined as follows. As shown in FIG. 7, XY coordinate systems orthogonal to each other are set on the surfaces of the left placement unit 3 and the right placement unit 5 of the scale 1. A point where the X axis and the Y axis cross each other is an origin O, and its coordinates are (0, 0). The positions of the load cells 7 are PL1 (x1, y1), PL2 (x2, y2), PL3 (x3, y3), PL4 (x4, y4), PR5 (x5, y5), PR6 (x6, y6), respectively. It is defined as PR7 (x7, y7) and PR8 (x8, y8). For example, assuming that the center of gravity position of the load on the left foot applied to the left placement part 3 is PL (xL, yL), the moment balance formula in the X-axis direction, the moment balance formula in the Y-axis direction, and PL1 to PL4 are added. From the relational expression indicating that the sum of the component forces is the total load applied to the point PL, the gravity center position PL can be obtained approximately.

  Specifically, the load on the left foot applied to the left placement unit 3 is WL, and the loads measured by the load cells 7 (first load cell group) of PL1, PL2, PL3, and PL4 are W1, W2, W3, respectively. In the case of W4, the moment balance equation in the X-axis direction with the origin O as the center is -WL · xL = −x1, W1-x2, W2-x3, W3-x4, W4. The moment balance formula in the Y-axis direction with the origin O as the center is -WL · yL = y1, W1 + y2, W2-y3, W3-y4, W4. Further, the relationship WL = W1 + W2 + W3 + W4 is established. From the above formula, the center-of-gravity position PL (xL, yL) of the load WL on the left foot applied to the left placement part 3 can be obtained. Similarly, the center of gravity position PR (xR, yR) of the load WR on the right foot applied to the right placement unit 5 can be obtained. Note that the total load W of the subject can be obtained by W = WL + WR. The data of the center of gravity positions PL and PR acquired in this way is stored in the storage unit (RAM, ROM, etc.) of the main microcomputer 33.

  The subject's leg opening angle α can be obtained by calculation based on the center of gravity positions PL and PR (step S7). If two different coordinate data of the center of gravity position PL of the load WL on the left foot side are acquired, a line segment connecting the two points can be defined as a reference line L (first reference line) on the left foot side. The same applies to the reference line R (second reference line). Furthermore, if the reference lines L and R can be defined, the angles θL and θR with respect to the respective X axes can be acquired. The angle θL can be expressed as arctan {(yL1-yL2) / (xL1-xL2)}. Here, (xL1, yL1) and (xL2, yL2) are the coordinates of the PL, respectively. As a result, the opening angle α is π− (θL + θR).

  As described above, it is possible to obtain the reference lines L and R by using the data of the centroid positions PL and PR, respectively, and calculate the opening angle α, but more data is obtained for the centroid positions PL and PR. The reference lines L and R may be obtained by acquisition. That is, a large number of data acquired for the center of gravity positions PL and PR are accumulated by sequentially plotting them on coordinates managed in the storage unit, and approximate lines are obtained for each of the left and right from these numerous data. By defining the reference line L (first reference line) and the reference line R (second reference line) and calculating the opening angle α in the same manner as described above, it is possible to obtain a more accurate and accurate opening angle. (Step S7). Therefore, prior to the calculation of the foot opening angle in step S7, it is preferable to perform the following steps S5 and S6.

  The main microcomputer 33 obtains an arbitrary number of data regarding the coordinate data of the center of gravity position PL of the load on the left foot side and the coordinate data of the center of gravity position PR of the load on the right foot side. It is determined whether the number of coordinate data of the positions PL and PR has reached a predetermined number (step S5). When the number of coordinate data of the center of gravity positions PL and PR has not reached the predetermined number (No in step S5), the main microcomputer 33 acquires a predetermined time interval (step S2) from when the latest load data is acquired (step S2). For example, it is determined by a timing circuit (not shown in the drawing) whether 100 ms has elapsed (step S6), and the elapse of a predetermined time interval is monitored (No in step S6). If the predetermined time interval elapses (Yes in step S6), the process returns to step S2, and the same processing is repeated until the acquisition of the predetermined number of data is completed (Yes in step S5). When the coordinate data of the center of gravity position PL of the load on the left foot side and the coordinate data of the center of gravity position PR of the load on the right foot side reach a predetermined number (Yes in step S5), the process proceeds to step S7. The microcomputer 33 calculates the foot opening angle α.

  When the calculation of the opening angle is completed in step S7, the main microcomputer 33 displays the opening angle α and the total load (weight) of the subject on the display unit 21 and the external monitor 53 (step S8). The display method of the foot opening angle α on the external monitor 53 is not particularly limited. As an example, the opening angle between the left foot and the right foot is displayed as “opening angle: XX degrees” or from the center line (Y axis). As the opening angle of each of the left and right feet, “left foot opening angle: OO degrees, right foot opening angle: OO degrees” may be displayed. In addition, on the coordinates where the accumulated coordinate data of the center of gravity position PL and the coordinate data of the center of gravity position PR are plotted, the coordinates of the locus of the center of gravity positions PL and PR, and the locus of the center of gravity position PT of all loads are displayed. May be displayed together with the foot shape and the reference lines L and R as shown (see FIG. 7).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the foot opening angle α is not requested, the process proceeds to step S9. That is, the sub-microcomputer 63 acquires the load data (data 1 to data 8) detected by each load cell 7 (step S9). Based on the load data (data1 to data8) acquired by the sub-microcomputer 63, the main microcomputer 33 calculates the total load (weight) of the subject (step S10). Finally, the main microcomputer 33 displays the subject's weight on the external monitor 53 (step S11).

  Regardless of whether or not the calculation of the foot opening angle is requested (step S1), the load data (data1 to data8) detected by each load cell 7 is acquired in step S2 or step S9. It is possible to calculate not only the total load (weight) W of the subject but also the load WL on the left foot side and the load WR on the right foot side. Therefore, in step S8 and step S11, the left foot load WL and the right foot load WR may also be displayed.

  According to this embodiment, the direction of the foot is identified based on the slight movement of the body when the subject is in a standing posture in a natural state, that is, the direction of movement of the ankle or knee. Regardless of whether the toes are closed or open, the foot information can be accurately acquired.

  In the scale of this embodiment, the distance between the center of gravity position PL of the left foot and the center of gravity position PR of the right foot may be calculated and acquired. As a person grows up from an infant to an adult, when the body is maintained in a standing posture, the distance between the left and right feet is reduced and the opening angle of the toes is increased (see Non-Patent Document 1). Therefore, by measuring the opening angle of the foot and the distance between the center of gravity positions of the left and right feet, it is possible to determine the state of the subject's body, such as monitoring the growth of the subject's legs or evaluating the dominant foot. . Moreover, according to such a purpose, the monitoring result and evaluation contents may be displayed on the external monitor 53. Further, by combining the weight scale 1 with a light sensor or the like as a detecting means for measuring the shape of the subject's foot, it is possible to make a configuration for more accurately identifying the reference line of the left and right feet.

[Example 2]
Example 2 is a weight scale 1 that performs a control step of detecting a balance between a load on the left foot side and a load on the right foot side of a subject, that is, a weight balance. According to the weight scale 1 of the present embodiment, the left foot side and the right foot are separated from each other, and the left foot side load and the right foot side load do not interfere with each other. As a result of accurately measuring each load on the right foot side, the load on the left foot side can be accurately compared with the load on the right foot side, and the balance between the load on the left foot side and the load on the right foot side, that is, the weight balance can be obtained accurately. can do.

  The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a control process of the weight scale 1 according to the second embodiment. Here, the weight balance is a result of comparison between the load on the left placement unit 3 and the load on the right placement unit 5, and as an example, the left-side load with respect to the total load of the subject on the scale 1. The ratio (%) of the load on the left foot side applied to the placement unit 3 and the ratio (%) of the load on the right foot side applied to the right placement unit 5.

  After the subject is placed on the left placement unit 3 and the right placement unit 5, the sub-microcomputer 63 acquires the load data (data1 to data8) detected by each load cell 7 (step S1). Next, the main microcomputer 33 identifies whether it is necessary to display the weight balance of the subject (step S2). For example, a message indicating whether or not to display the weight balance may be displayed on the display unit 21 or the like so that the subject can select the necessity by operating the operation unit 22. In accordance with the operation 22, it is sufficient to identify whether or not the display of the weight balance is necessary. Note that the order of step S1 and step S2 may be reversed. If it is determined in step S2 that display of weight balance is requested (Yes in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3.

  The main microcomputer 33 calculates and acquires the load on the left foot side and the load on the right foot side based on the load data (data 1 to data 8) acquired by the sub microcomputer 63 (step S3). Further, the main microcomputer 33 determines the total load of the subject and the weight balance (the ratio (%) of the load on the left foot applied to the left mounting unit 3) and the right mounting unit 5 based on the load data (data1 to data8). The ratio of the load on the right foot on the right foot (%)) is calculated (step S4), and one or more of the left foot load, the right foot load, and the weight balance is displayed on the display unit 21 and the like. (Step S5). Needless to say, the weight of the subject may be displayed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the weight balance display is not requested, the process proceeds to step S6. The main microcomputer 33 calculates the total load of the subject based on the load data (data1 to data8) acquired by the sub-microcomputer 63 (step S6), and displays the weight of the subject (step S7).

  In this embodiment, the center of gravity position PL of the load on the left foot side and the center of gravity position PR of the load on the right foot side do not necessarily have to be obtained. By obtaining a predetermined number of PRs at predetermined time intervals, the following processing may be performed. When the subject is in a standing posture in a natural state and is placed on the left placement unit 3 and the right placement unit 5 (especially immediately after being placed), the body swings, so the load data detected by the load cell 7 is Not stable. Therefore, accuracy is not good even if the above-described weight balance is calculated based on the load data detected by the load cell 7 in such a state. Therefore, the main microcomputer 33 repeatedly obtains the center of gravity position PL and the center of gravity position PR at predetermined time intervals, acquires the movement locus of the center of gravity position PL and the center of gravity position PR, and determines whether the change is stabilized within the predetermined range. The total load of the subject, the load on the left foot side, the load on the right foot side, and the weight balance calculated based on the load data detected by the load cell 7 when determined to be stable are output to the display unit 21 and the like. Also good.

Example 3
The third embodiment is a weight scale 1 that performs a control step of detecting the movement locus of the center of gravity position PL of the load on the left foot side, the center of gravity position PR of the load on the right foot side, and the center of gravity position PT of all loads. Conventionally, in order to examine a slight body swing when the subject is in a standing posture in a natural state, the change in the center of gravity of the subject's total load (weight), the load on the left foot side, and the load on the right foot side The weight distribution (right / left balance) is obtained and detected. However, since the change in the center of gravity of the load on the left foot side and the change in the center of gravity of the load on the right foot side are not reflected, the swing of the subject's body cannot be accurately detected. For example, when the weight distribution (left / right balance) between the load on the left foot side and the load on the right foot side is equal, the center of gravity position of the load on the left foot side changes forward by a predetermined distance, and the center of gravity position of the load on the right foot side is When the distance is changed backwards by the same distance, the center of gravity of the subject's total load (weight) hardly changes, so it is determined that the center of gravity of the load on the left foot side or the center of gravity of the load on the right foot side has changed. It was something that could not be done. Therefore, in this embodiment, the center of gravity position of the load on the left foot side, the center of gravity position of the load on the right foot side, and the overall center of gravity position obtained from these are continuously acquired in large numbers, and the movement of each center of gravity position is performed. A scale that can accurately examine slight body swings when a subject is in a standing posture in a natural state by obtaining a trajectory will be described.

  The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of displaying information such as the movement locus of the center of gravity on an external monitor 53 such as a PC, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of a control process of the weight scale 1 according to the third embodiment.

  The external monitor 53 shown in FIG. 9 (the same applies to FIG. 12 described later) has a region A indicating the center of gravity PL of the load on the left foot side on the left side of the external monitor 53, and a right foot side on the right side of the external monitor 53. A region B indicating the center of gravity position PR, and a region C indicating the center of gravity position PT of the total load of the subject are provided below the regions A and B. In each of the regions A and B, an X axis and a Y axis are shown with the center being the origin O. The origin O corresponds to the center position of each of the left placement unit 3 and the right placement unit 5 in plan view, and the external monitor 53 includes actual positions of the left placement unit 3 and the right placement unit 5. Corresponding to the trajectories of the center of gravity positions PL and PR on the areas A and B.

  Further, the XY coordinate axes shown in the region C are shown corresponding to the XY coordinate axes shown in FIG. Therefore, the center of gravity position (PT) shown in the region C corresponds to the actual center of gravity position with respect to the entire surface of the placement unit composed of the left placement unit 3 and the right placement unit 5 of the scale 1, and the external monitor 53 Is displayed. Further, the external monitor 53 is provided with an area in which the total load (weight), the left foot side load, and the right foot side load are displayed.

  Similar to the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the sub-microcomputer 63 acquires the load data (data1 to data8) detected by each load cell 7 (step S1).

  Next, the main microcomputer 33 determines whether or not the load data (data1 to data8) acquired by the sub-microcomputer 63 is data on the left foot side, that is, the load cell 7 on the left placement unit 3 side (first load cell group). It is identified whether or not the load data is related to (data1 to data4) (step S2). Of the load data (data 1 -data 8) acquired by the sub-microcomputer 63, the load on the left foot side and the position of its center of gravity are calculated based on the load data (data 1 -data 4) on the left foot side (Yes in step S 2). The data is stored in 33 storage units (RAM, ROM, etc.) (step S3). The load on the left foot side is displayed in the display area of the load on the left foot side of the external monitor 53, and the gravity center position PL of the load on the left foot side is displayed (plotted) in the area A on the external monitor 53 (step). S4).

  On the other hand, among the load data (data 1 -data 8) acquired by the sub-microcomputer 63, the right foot side data (data 5 -data 8) is based on (No in step S 2) and the right foot side load and the coordinate data of the center of gravity position are It is calculated and stored in the storage unit (RAM, ROM, etc.) of the main microcomputer 33 (step S5). The right foot side load is displayed in the right foot side load display area of the external monitor 53, and the center of gravity position PR of the right foot side load is displayed (plotted) in the area B on the external monitor 53 (step S6). .

  The main microcomputer 33 has an arbitrary predetermined number necessary to display the movement locus of the center of gravity position for each of the coordinate data of the center of gravity position PL of the load on the left foot side and the coordinate data of the center of gravity position PR of the load on the right foot side. In order to acquire the data, it is identified whether the number of coordinate data of the gravity center positions PL and PR stored in the storage unit has reached a predetermined number (step S7). When the number of coordinate data of the center of gravity positions PL and PR does not reach the predetermined number (No in step S7), the main microcomputer 33 acquires a predetermined time interval (step S1) from when the latest load data is acquired (step S1). For example, it is determined by a time measuring circuit (not shown) whether or not 100 ms has elapsed (step S8), and the elapse of a predetermined time interval is monitored (No in step S8). If the predetermined time interval elapses (Yes in step S8), the process returns to step S1 again, and the same processing is repeated until acquisition of a predetermined number of data is completed (Yes in step S7). As a result, even when the subject is in a standing posture in a natural state, a slight fluctuation of the body is captured, and the display (plot) of the left and right barycentric positions is displayed on the external monitor 53 at each predetermined time interval. Since it is added as needed, it is displayed as a movement locus of the center of gravity position on each of the left and right sides. If the number of data for the coordinate data of the gravity center position PL of the load on the left foot side and the coordinate data of the gravity center position PR of the load on the right foot side reach a predetermined number (Yes in step S5), the process proceeds to step S9.

  The main microcomputer 33 calculates the total load (weight) of the subject and the center of gravity position PT based on the predetermined number of left foot side loads and right foot side loads and the center of gravity positions PL and PR data stored in steps S4 and S6. The coordinate data is calculated (step S9), the body weight of the subject is displayed in the display area of the total load on the external monitor 53, and the barycentric position of the body weight is displayed in the display area C of the external monitor 53 (step S10). In addition, since the detailed calculation method of the gravity center position and the movement locus | trajectory of a gravity center in a present Example is the same as Example 1, description is omitted here.

  The weight scale 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, so that the load applied to the left mounting unit 3 and the right mounting unit 5 is independently measured, and the position of the center of gravity and the movement thereof. Since the trajectory can be acquired, it is possible to accurately inspect a slight swing of the body when the subject is in a standing posture in a natural state.

  In the scale of the present embodiment, an angle θ formed by a straight line connecting the center of gravity position PL of the left foot and the center of gravity position PR of the right foot, a line connecting the center of gravity position PL and the center of gravity position PR, and the X-axis direction representing the left-right direction. It may be displayed on the external monitor 53. The angle θ constantly changes in response to slight body swings when the subject is in a standing posture in a natural state. Therefore, by acquiring the angle θ, it is possible to inspect a slight body swing when the subject is in a standing posture in a natural state with higher accuracy.

Example 4
The fourth embodiment is a weight scale 1 that performs a control process for acquiring various body information such as a movement locus of a center of gravity position, a histogram, and the like. The center of gravity position of the subject's body weight may be off the center due to injury of the lower limbs or the difference between the left and right joints. In other words, the position of the center of gravity of the subject's weight can be useful data as an index for determining the physical state. Conventionally, it has been common to measure the load on the left foot side and the load on the right foot side of a subject, and evaluate only from the load difference. However, since it does not reflect the change in the center of gravity of the load on the left foot side or the change in the center of gravity of the load on the right foot side, in the evaluation based only on the load difference as described above, it is necessary to accurately determine the state of the body. I couldn't. Therefore, in this embodiment, the center of gravity position of the load on the left foot side, the center of gravity position of the load on the right foot side, and the overall center of gravity position obtained from these are continuously acquired in large numbers, and the movement of each center of gravity position is performed. A scale that can obtain the trajectory and accurately acquire the physical state such as the movable range of the joints of the left and right feet will be described.

  The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a control process of the weight scale 1 according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the guidance area 100 is displayed on the external monitor 53 such as a PC.

  In order to detect the movable range of the joints of the left and right feet and the flexibility of the knees and ankles, a guidance area 100 for guiding the center of gravity position PT of the total load of the subject is connected to the scale 1, etc. Are displayed on the external monitor 53 (step S1). FIG. 12 shows an example in which the guidance area 100 is displayed in a ring shape, but the shape is not particularly limited. The main microcomputer 33 causes the external monitor 53 to display an instruction for the subject to perform an operation of moving the center of gravity position PT of the total load along the guidance region 100 (step S2). For example, in this embodiment, both feet are brought into contact with the left placement unit 3 and the right placement unit 5 so that the center of gravity position PT of the subject's weight is moved clockwise (or counterclockwise) within the guidance region 100. Instruct to move the body (mainly waist and legs). However, the shape of the guidance region 100 and the operation instructions may be changed as appropriate in accordance with the body condition (purpose) to be examined or evaluated. In accordance with such an instruction, the test subject is placed on the left placement unit 3 and the right placement unit 5 of the weight scale 1 while watching the center of gravity position PT and the guidance region 100 displayed in the region C of the external monitor 53. Move your hips and legs.

  Similar to the above-described embodiment, the sub-microcomputer 63 acquires the load data (data1 to data8) detected by each load cell 7 after the test subject is placed on the left placement unit 3 and the right placement unit 5 (step S3). . The main microcomputer 33, based on the load data (data1 to data8) acquired by the sub-microcomputer 63, the center of gravity position PL of the load on the left foot side, the center of gravity position PR of the load on the right foot side, the center of gravity position PT of the total load, the load on the left foot side. Then, the load on the right foot side and the total load are calculated (step S4).

  Further, the main microcomputer 33 externally monitors the left foot side load center of gravity position PL, the right foot side load center of gravity position PR, the total load center of gravity position PT, the left foot side load, the right foot side load, and the total load. (Step S5). That is, the left foot load is displayed in the left foot load display area of the external monitor 53, and the left foot load center of gravity PL is displayed (plotted) in area A. The load on the right foot side is displayed in the load display region on the right foot side of the external monitor 53, and the barycentric position PR of the load on the right foot side is displayed (plotted) in the region B. The total load (weight) is displayed in the total load display area of the external monitor 53, and the total load reception position PT is displayed (plotted) in the area C.

  Next, the main microcomputer 33 identifies whether or not the center of gravity position PT of the total load of the subject acquired and stored in step S4 is within the ring-shaped guide region 100 having an inner diameter and an outer diameter of predetermined dimensions. (Step S6). If the center of gravity position PT is not included (No in step S6), the data group of the center of gravity positions PL, PR, PT, left foot side load, right foot side load, and total load acquired in step S4 should not be used. Instead, the process proceeds to step S11. The main microcomputer 33 determines whether or not a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 ms) from when the latest load data is acquired (step S3) has elapsed by a time measuring circuit (not shown) (step S11). The progress of the time interval is monitored (No in step S11). If the predetermined time interval elapses (Yes in step S11), the process returns to step S3, and the same process is repeated until the condition of step S6 is satisfied.

When the gravity center position PT is included in the guidance area 100 (Yes in step S6), the main microcomputer 33 stores the data group in the storage unit (step S7), and the stored data group Is the data initially stored in the current measurement (step S8). When the data group is the first stored (Yes in step S8), the process proceeds to step S11. The main microcomputer 33 determines whether the predetermined time interval has elapsed (step S11) and monitors the elapse of the predetermined time interval (No in step S11). If the predetermined time interval elapses (Yes in step S11), the process returns to step S3, and the processes up to step S7 are repeated. When the data group for at least two times is stored (No in step S8), the X component between the two positions from the centroid position PL2 acquired / stored this time and the centroid position PL1 acquired / stored last time, The Y component and the center-of-gravity movement distance DL (the length of the locus from the previous center of gravity position to the current center of gravity position) are calculated and stored (step S9). For example, when the previous center of gravity position PL1 is coordinates (x1, y1) and the current center of gravity position PL2 is coordinates (x2, y2), the center of gravity movement distance DL = √ {(x1-x2) ² + (y1-y2) ² } is established. Similarly, the center of gravity moving distance DR is calculated and stored for the right foot side. Thus, using the data of the center of gravity position stored in step S7, the length of the trajectory from the previous center of gravity to the current center of gravity is calculated and stored in the storage unit.

  The main microcomputer 33 identifies whether or not the number of data of the center-of-gravity movement distances DL and DR has reached a predetermined number (effective number) (step S10). The object of this embodiment is to create a histogram for the center-of-gravity movement distances DL and DR and determine which of the left and right feet is moving more. Accordingly, a certain amount of data is required to evaluate the distribution state of the gravity center moving distances DL and DR. Therefore, the above-described steps are repeated until the number of data reaches a predetermined number.

  When the main microcomputer 33 recognizes that the required number of data has reached the predetermined number (Yes in step S10), the center-of-gravity moving distances DL and X components and DR components stored in steps S7 and S9 are stored. Then, the maximum value, minimum value, average value, and histogram of the center-of-gravity movement distance DL and DR are displayed (step S12). For example, the histogram can be a graph in which the vertical axis indicates the frequency and the horizontal axis indicates the centroid movement distance.

  In step S13, examination and evaluation (comparison) are performed on the flexibility of the left and right ankles and knees using the various information displayed in step S12. For example, a threshold value of the center-of-gravity movement distance is set in advance, and when it is equal to or greater than the threshold value, one or both of the ankle and knee are flexible, and when it is less than the threshold value, one or both of the ankle and knee are hard. Such a determination can be made. This is based on the fact that when the flexibility of the ankle or knee is low, the movable range of the ankle or knee is narrowed, and the center of gravity movement distance is shortened.

  In the example shown in FIG. 12, the locus of the center of gravity position PL of the load on the left foot side displayed in the region A is substantially elliptical, and the center of gravity moving distance DL is long, while the locus of the right foot side displayed in the region B is long. The locus of the center of gravity position PR of the load is substantially linear, and the center of gravity moving distance DR is short. This means that the long center of gravity movement distance DL means that the ankle and / or knee joint on the left foot side is flexible and has a wide range of movement, while the short center of gravity movement distance DR means that the ankle on the right foot side and It can be said that the knee joint is hard and the movable range is narrow. If the ankle or knee is injured (such as sprains or broken bones), the joints may become stiff, and if you bend more than a certain amount, the range of movement may be unconsciously reduced due to pain. In other words, if the weight scale 1 of the present embodiment is used, it is possible to examine / evaluate how much past injuries etc. affect the subject's body at the treatment site, etc. It is possible to check the progress and effects of rehabilitation.

[Modification 1 of Example 4]
Depending on the condition of the subject's feet, it may be difficult to move the center of gravity position PT of the subject's load along the ring-shaped guidance region 100 as in the fourth embodiment. In such a case, in the guidance area display in step S1 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, instead of the ring-shaped guidance area 100, a linear belt-shaped guidance area along the Y axis and / or along the X axis. The guidance area may be displayed.

  The subject moves the body only so as to move the gravity center position PT of the total load in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction in FIG. 12) along the guidance region extending along the Y-axis, or extends along the X-axis. The body is moved only so as to move the center of gravity position PT of the total load in the left-right direction (X-axis direction in FIG. 12) along the guiding region. The acquisition of the center of gravity position, the center of gravity moving distance DL, DR, and the like in the steps after step S1 in FIG. Thus, the usage range of the scale can be expanded by changing the guidance range according to the state of the body of the subject. Furthermore, it cannot be overemphasized that a guidance area | region can be changed into a various shape according to the objective and use of a weight scale.

[Modification 2 of Example 4]
In the first to fourth embodiments described above and the first modification of the fourth embodiment, the left mounting portion 3 and the right mounting portion 5 are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other along the X-axis direction in FIG. However, in the second modification, the two placement units may be arranged so as to be adjacent to each other along the Y-axis direction in FIG. According to this configuration, it is possible to detect the position of the center of gravity of the entire load of the subject and the balance and imbalance of the load positions of the left and right feet while both feet are placed linearly on both placement portions.

Example 5
Example 5 is a weight scale 1 that performs a control process for acquiring a change in a physical state when a subject is standing in a stationary state for a certain period of time. The state of the foot muscles and joints differs between the left and right feet depending on the dominant foot, the presence or absence of injury, and other circumstances. Therefore, when a person takes a standing posture with both feet, even if he / she initially consciously puts his / her weight equally on both feet, he / she gradually takes a comfortable posture unconsciously over time. It becomes like this. As a result, the load on the left foot side and its center of gravity position, the load on the right foot side and its center of gravity position change, and the center of gravity position of all loads also changes. In this regard, conventionally, it has been common to measure the load on the left foot side and the load on the right foot side of the subject, and evaluate only from the load difference. However, since the change in the center of gravity of the load on the left foot side and the change in the center of gravity of the load on the right foot side are not reflected, the evaluation based on only the load difference as described above accurately captures the change as described above. I couldn't. Therefore, in this embodiment, a scale that can accurately acquire a change in the physical state when the subject is standing in a stationary state for a certain time will be described.

  The present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an XY coordinate system that defines the positional relationship of the surface including the placement unit of the scale according to the fifth embodiment.

  Similar to the embodiment described above, the sub-microcomputer 63 acquires the load data (data 1 to data 8) detected by each load cell 7 after the subject is placed on the left placement unit 3 and the right placement unit 5. The main microcomputer 33, based on the load data (data1 to data8) acquired by the sub-microcomputer 63, the center of gravity position PL of the load on the left foot side, the center of gravity position PR of the load on the right foot side, the center of gravity position PT of the total load, the load on the left foot side. The calculation of the load on the right foot side and the total load is started. When the subject is in a standing posture in a natural state and is placed on the left placement unit 3 and the right placement unit 5 (especially immediately after being placed), the body swings, so the load data detected by the load cell 7 is Not stable. Therefore, the main microcomputer 33 repeatedly obtains the center-of-gravity positions PL, PR, PT, the left foot side load, the right foot side load, and the total load at predetermined time intervals (for example, 100 ms), and these values change within a predetermined range. It is determined whether it is stable, and calculated based on the load data detected by the load cell 7 when determined to be stable, out of the center of gravity positions PL, PR, PT, left foot side load, right foot side load, and total load, At least the center of gravity positions PL and PR are set and stored as the first measurement points.

  The sub-microcomputer 63 then repeatedly obtains load data (data 1 to data 8) at predetermined time intervals, and the main microcomputer 33 calculates the center of gravity positions PL, PR, PT, the left foot load, the right foot load, and the total load. To do. The main microcomputer 33 calculates the center of gravity positions PL, PR, PT, left foot side calculated based on the load data detected by the load cell 7 when a certain time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the first measurement point was set. Among these loads, the right foot side load, and the total load, at least the center of gravity positions PL and PR are set and stored as the second measurement points. In setting the second measurement point, a stable value is set in the same manner as the first measurement point.

  The main microcomputer 33 sets a first line A that connects the center of gravity position PL as the first measurement point and the center of gravity position PR, and similarly, a second line that connects the center of gravity position PL as the second measurement point and the center of gravity position PR. Set line B. Further, the main microcomputer 33 calculates an angle β formed by the first line A and the second line B, and outputs the angle β to the display unit 21 and the external monitor 53 as display means.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the first line A that connects the center of gravity position PL and the center of gravity position PR as the first measurement point acquired at the start of measurement, and the second measurement point acquired after a certain time has elapsed. Since the second line B connecting the center of gravity position PL and the center of gravity position PR can be acquired, the angle β can be calculated as an index indicating the change of the subject's body (body rotation) that appears with the passage of a predetermined time. It is. Based on this angle β, it is possible to determine or evaluate a change in the subject's body. That is, a scale with higher added value can be provided.

  In addition, in the said Example 1 thru | or Example 5 (a modification is included), it was set as the structure which acquires the information of a leg | foot in the standing position, However, This invention is not limited to this structure. For example, it is also possible to obtain a foot information in a state where the knee is bent and the waist is bent slightly or crouched.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the information on the foot is acquired in a state where the subject is stationary or in a predetermined movement state. It is also possible to acquire foot information when shifting to a state of moving in the Y-axis direction) or the left-right direction (X-axis direction in FIG. 7). For example, when the subject is injured, when the motion of the foot starts due to pain due to the injury even if there is no imbalance in the center of gravity position of the left and right feet when standing still The resulting imbalance in the left and right foot load balance can be detected.

  In addition, the subject performs a motion of twisting his / her hips left and right (from the state where the subject's chest is oriented in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 7 to the X-axis direction) from a standing and stationary posture, By detecting the load balance of the foot and the position of the center of gravity of the left and right feet, it is also possible to acquire physical information on the legs and waist.

  In the first to fifth embodiments (including modifications), the body information of the subject is mainly detected from the information on the feet (particularly the ankle and knee joints). Similarly, it can be used to detect information on hands and arms (especially wrist, elbow and shoulder joints). For example, the subject's hand or arm (especially wrist, elbow, shoulder) in a state where the left hand is placed on the left placement unit 3 and the right hand is placed on the right placement unit 5 and the body is moved in the manner of doing push-ups or inversion (handstand). It is also possible to acquire information on joints.

  In the present embodiment, the display unit and the measurement unit used in general homes have been described using a weight scale with an integral structure. However, the display unit and the measurement unit used for business use are separated into a separate weight scale. It goes without saying that the invention is applicable.

  Needless to say, the weight scale 1 may be configured by appropriately combining at least one of the first to fifth embodiments described above (including modifications).

  The present invention can be embodied in many forms without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, it is needless to say that the above-described embodiment is exclusively for description and does not limit the present invention.

1 Weight scale 3 Left placement part (first placement part)
5 Right placement part (second placement part)
7 Load cell 11 Support member (support member)
13 Leg 15 Control circuit board (control means)
17 Floor 21 Display section (display means)
22 Operation part 33 Main microcomputer 35 Output terminal 37 Cable 47 Strain body 48 Strain gauge 51 Amplifier 52 Filter 53 External monitor (display means)
55 PWM integrator 57 Zero point adjustment unit 59 EEPROM
61 Thermometer 63 Sub-microcomputer 64 IIC bus 100 Induction area

Claims (8)

A support member;
A first placement portion and a second placement portion, which are spaced apart on the support member and configured to allow the subject to stand in a natural state ;
A first load cell group comprising a plurality of load cells arranged between the support member and the first placement portion and capable of measuring a load on the first placement portion at three or more points;
A second load cell group consisting of a plurality of load cells arranged between the support member and the second placement portion and capable of measuring the load on the second placement portion at three or more points;
Based on the load data from the first load cell group and the second load cell group, have a, and control means for calculating a load when the test subject is subjected to the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion And
The control means includes
The test subject places a left foot on the first placement portion, puts a right foot on the second placement portion, and applies a predetermined time with respect to the load applied to the first placement portion and the second placement portion. For each interval, the load data detected by the load cells constituting the first load cell group and the second load cell group are acquired, and the center of gravity position of the load on the first placement portion and the second placement portion are acquired. Calculating the center of gravity position of the load on the load, obtaining the movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load on the first placement unit and the movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load on the second placement unit ,
An approximate line calculated from the movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load on the first placement unit is acquired as a first reference line connecting the heel of the left foot and the index finger, and the load on the second placement unit is calculated. An approximate line calculated from the movement locus of the center of gravity position is acquired as a second reference line connecting a right foot heel and an index finger, and an angle formed between the first reference line and the second reference line is calculated,
A weight scale, characterized in that an angle formed between the first reference line and the second reference line is output to a display means as an opening angle of a foot when the subject is standing in a natural state .   The said control means acquires each said load data detected by each load cell which comprises the said 1st load cell group and the said 2nd load cell group simultaneously for every said predetermined time interval, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Scales.   The control means outputs the movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load to the first placement portion and the movement locus of the gravity center position of the load to the second placement portion to the display means. The weight scale according to claim 1 or claim 2.   The output of the movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load to the first placement portion and the movement locus of the gravity center position of the load to the second placement portion with respect to the display means by the control means is output at each predetermined time interval. 4. The weight scale according to claim 3, wherein the weight scale is plotted as needed on the display screen of the display means. The control means includes a load on the first placement portion and a load on the second placement portion and / or a load on the first placement portion and the second placement at the predetermined time interval. The weight scale according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the result of comparison with the load on the mounting portion is output to the display means. When the movement locus of the gravity center position of the load to the first placement portion and the movement locus of the gravity center position of the load to the second placement portion are stabilized within a predetermined range, the control means The weight scale according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein a load on the second mounting portion and a load on the second placement portion are output to a display means. A support member;
A first placement portion and a second placement portion that are spaced apart from each other on the support member;
A first load cell group comprising a plurality of load cells arranged between the support member and the first placement portion and capable of measuring a load on the first placement portion at three or more points;
A second load cell group consisting of a plurality of load cells arranged between the support member and the second placement portion and capable of measuring the load on the second placement portion at three or more points;
Control means for calculating a load applied to the first placement unit and the second placement unit by the subject based on load data from the first load cell group and the second load cell group; ,
The control means includes
Each load data detected by each load cell constituting the first load cell group and the second load cell group is acquired at predetermined time intervals, and the center of gravity position of the load on the first placement unit and the second load Calculating the center of gravity position of the load to the placement unit, obtaining the movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load to the first placement unit and the movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load to the second placement unit;
At each predetermined time interval, the center of gravity position of the total load on the first mounting unit and the second mounting unit is calculated, and the total load on the first mounting unit and the second mounting unit is calculated. Obtain the movement locus of the center of gravity ,
The movement locus of the gravity center position of the total load, a guidance area for guiding the gravity center position of the total load, and an instruction for the subject to perform an operation of moving the gravity center position of the total load along the guidance area are displayed. After outputting to the means, the movement locus of the gravity center position of the load to the first placement portion and the movement locus of the gravity center position of the load to the second placement portion are acquired, and The movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load is output to the first area of the display means, and the movement locus of the gravity center position of the load to the second mounting portion is output to the second area of the display means, respectively.
Calculate the center of gravity movement distance DL on the left foot side and the center of gravity movement distance DR on the right foot side,
For each of the center-of-gravity movement distance DL and the center-of-gravity movement distance DR, it is determined whether or not the threshold is greater than or equal to the threshold. If the threshold is greater than or equal to the threshold, it is determined that at least one of the ankle and / or knee is flexible. Is a weight scale characterized by determining that at least one of the ankle and / or knee is hard . A support member;
A first placement portion and a second placement portion that are spaced apart from each other on the support member;
A first load cell group comprising a plurality of load cells arranged between the support member and the first placement portion and capable of measuring a load on the first placement portion at three or more points;
A second load cell group consisting of a plurality of load cells arranged between the support member and the second placement portion and capable of measuring the load on the second placement portion at three or more points;
Control means for calculating a load applied to the first placement unit and the second placement unit by the subject based on load data from the first load cell group and the second load cell group; ,
The control means includes
Each load data detected by each load cell constituting the first load cell group and the second load cell group is acquired at predetermined time intervals, and the center of gravity position of the load on the first placement unit and the second load Calculating the center of gravity position of the load to the placement unit, obtaining the movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load to the first placement unit and the movement locus of the center of gravity position of the load to the second placement unit;
The first mounting portion after a predetermined time has elapsed after acquiring the center of gravity position of the load to the first mounting portion and the gravity center position of the load to the second mounting portion and setting them as the first measurement point The center of gravity position of the load on the first mounting portion and the center of gravity of the load on the second placement portion are acquired and set as the second measurement point. A first line connecting a position and a gravity center position of the load to the second placement portion is set, and the gravity center position of the load to the first placement portion as the second measurement point and the second placement portion are set. A weight scale, characterized in that a second line connecting the center of gravity position of the load is set, and an angle formed by the first line and the second line is calculated.

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