BODY COMPOSITION METER

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

The present invention relates to a body composition measurement device that calculates a body composition based on a voltage value that is in accordance with the current flowing through the limbs and trunk.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-159227 describes a body composition measurement device. The body composition measurement device measures the body composition of an arm, which is a limb, and the trunk and provides the user with the measurement result.

The body composition measurement device measures a voltage value, which is in accordance with the current flowing through the arm and trunk, with a voltage electrode and calculates the body composition based on the voltage value. With this structure, among the limbs and trunk, a measurement result mainly reflecting the body composition of the trunk cannot be presented to the user.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a body composition measurement device that can present a measurement result mainly reflecting the body composition of the trunk to a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a body composition measurement device that calculates a body composition. The body composition measurement device includes a control unit to calculate the body composition based on a body voltage value that is the difference of a first voltage value, which is in accordance with a current flowing through a predetermined one of limbs and a first trunk portion of a trunk, and a second voltage value, which is in accordance with a current flowing through the predetermined one of the limbs and a second trunk portion of the trunk that differs from the first trunk portion.

Preferably, in the body composition measurement device, the control unit is configured to obtain a right body voltage value related to a right side of the trunk by calculating the difference of a first right body measurement voltage value, which is in accordance with a current that flows through a right limb of the limbs and the first trunk portion, and a second right body measurement voltage value, which is in accordance with a current that flows through the right limb and the second trunk portion; obtain a left body voltage value related to a left side of the trunk by calculating the difference of a first left body measurement voltage value, which is in accordance with a current that flows through a left limb of the limbs and the first trunk portion, and a second left body measurement voltage value, which is in accordance with a current that flows through the left limb and the second trunk portion; and calculate the body composition based on the right body voltage value and the left body voltage value.

In the body composition measurement device, the control unit is preferably configured to calculate the body composition based on an average value of the right body voltage value and the left body voltage value.

Preferably, the body composition measurement device includes first and second current electrodes and first and second voltage electrodes. In this case, preferably, the control unit is configured to obtain the first voltage value in a state in which the first current electrode and the first voltage electrode are in contact with the first trunk portion and the second current electrode and the second voltage electrode are in contact with the predetermined one of the limbs, and obtain the second voltage value in a state in which the first current electrode and the first voltage electrode are in contact with the second trunk portion and the second current electrode and the second voltage electrode are in contact with the predetermined one of the limbs.

Preferably, the body composition measurement device includes first to third current electrodes and first to third voltage electrodes. In this case, preferably, the first current electrode, the second current electrode, the first voltage electrode, and the second voltage electrode are arranged to have a fixed positional relationship. Further, preferably, the positions of the first current electrode, the second current electrode, the first voltage electrode, and the second voltage electrode are changeable relative to the positions of the third current electrode and the third voltage electrode. The control unit is preferably configured to obtain one of the first voltage value and the second voltage value with the first voltage electrode and the second voltage electrode, and obtain the other one of the first voltage value and the second voltage value with the second voltage electrode and the third voltage electrode.

Preferably, the body composition measurement device further includes first to fourth current electrodes and first to fourth voltage electrodes. In this case, preferably, the first current electrode, the second current electrode, the first voltage electrode, and the second voltage electrode are arranged to have a fixed positional relationship. Further, preferably, the third current electrode, the fourth current electrode, the third voltage electrode, and the fourth voltage electrode are arranged to have a fixed positional relationship. Further, preferably, the positions of the first current electrode, the second current electrode, the first voltage electrode, and the second voltage electrode are changeable relative to the positions of the third current electrode, the fourth current electrode, the third voltage electrode, and the fourth voltage electrode. The control unit is preferably configured to obtain the first right body measurement voltage value with the first voltage electrode and the second voltage electrode, obtain the second right body measurement voltage value with the second voltage electrode and the third voltage electrode, obtain the first left body measurement voltage value with the first voltage electrode and the fourth voltage electrode, and obtain the second left body measurement voltage value with the third voltage electrode and the fourth voltage electrode.

Preferably, the body composition measurement device includes a first measurement unit and a second measurement unit that are formed separately from each other. In this case, preferably, the first measurement unit includes the first current electrode, the second current electrode, the first voltage electrode, and the second voltage electrode, and the second measurement unit includes the third current electrode and the third voltage electrode.

In the body composition measurement device, preferably, the second measurement unit further includes the fourth current electrode and the fourth voltage electrode.

Preferably, in the body composition measurement device, the first measurement unit includes a first grip and a first main body. In this case, preferably, the first main body includes the first current electrode and the first voltage electrode. Further, preferably, the first grip includes the second current electrode and the second voltage electrode, the second measurement unit includes a second grip and a second main body, and the second main body includes the third current electrode and the third voltage electrode.

Preferably, in the body composition measurement device, the second grip includes the fourth current electrode and the fourth voltage electrode.

Preferably, in the body composition measurement device, at least one of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit is a hand-held unit held by a user and includes an operation unit that can be operated when the grip is held by the user.

Preferably, the body composition measurement device includes a marker unit used to adjust the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit at the same height when measuring the body voltage value.

Preferably, the body composition measurement device includes a support member that connects the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit to each other. In this case, preferably, the support member functions as the marker unit.

The present invention provides a body composition measurement device that can present a measurement result mainly reflecting the body composition of the trunk to a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a body composition measurement device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the body composition measurement device of Fig. 1;

Figs. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing how to measure the body composition with the body composition measurement device of Fig. 2;

Figs. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing how to measure the body composition with the body composition measurement device of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing how to measure the body composition with a body composition measurement device according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing how to measure the body composition with a body composition measurement device according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing how to measure the body composition with a body composition measurement device according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view showing a body composition measurement device according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing how to measure the body composition with the body composition measurement device of Fig. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The structure of a body composition measurement device 1 will now be described with reference to Fig. 1.

The body composition measurement device 1 includes a first measurement unit 10, a second measurement unit 20, and a cable C, which connects the first and second measurement units 10 and 20. The first and second measurement units 10 and 20 are formed so that they can be separately held by a user. The body composition measurement device 1 includes a measurement circuit 30, which measures the volume of body fat as the body composition, an operation unit 60, which is used to input information required to measure the body fat, a display unit 70, which presents the user with various types of information, and a control unit 80, which uses the measurement results of the measurement circuit 30 to perform various computations.

The first measurement unit 10 includes a first current electrode 42, a second current electrode 41, a first voltage electrode 52, a second voltage electrode 51, and the operation unit 60. The electrodes 41, 42, 51, and 52 form a first measurement section 31.

The second measurement unit 20 includes a third current electrode 44, a fourth current electrode 43, a third voltage electrode 54, a fourth voltage electrode 53, and the display unit 70. The electrodes 43, 44, 53, and 54 form a second measurement section 32. The measurement circuit 30 includes the first and second measurement sections 31 and 32.

The control unit 80 includes a first control unit section 81, which is arranged in the first measurement unit 10, and a second control unit section 82, which is arranged in the second measurement unit 20. The first and second control unit sections 81 and 82 transmit and receive signals through the cable C. The first control unit section 81 is connected to the electrodes 41, 42, 51, and 52, which form the first measurement section 31, and the operation unit 60. The second control unit section 82 is connected to the electrodes 43, 44, 53, and 54, which form the second measurement section 32, and the display unit 70.

The operation unit 60 sends a signal for starting body-fat measurement to the control unit 80 when operated by the user. In response to the signal, the control unit 80 selects two of the four current electrodes 41 to 44 and starts supplying current to the selected current electrodes. The control unit 80 measures the voltage value with two of the four voltage electrodes 51 to 54, calculates the volume of body fat based on the measured voltage value and various types of information input from the operation unit 60, and shows the calculated result on the display unit 70 as a numerical value. The various types of information input from the operation unit 60 include the user's height, weight, age, sex, and the like.

The structure of the body composition measurement device 1 will now be described with reference to Fig. 2.

The first measurement unit 10 includes a first grip 11, which is held with the right hand, a first main body 12, which is block-shaped and includes the operation unit 60, and a built-in power supply (not shown). The first grip 11 includes the second current electrode 41 and the second voltage electrode 51. The first main body 12 includes a first electrode surface 13, which is located on the surface opposite to the surface coupled to the first grip 11. The first current electrode 42 and the first voltage electrode 52 are arranged on the first electrode surface 13. The electrodes 41, 42, 51, and 52 are formed from stainless steel (SUS) and metal plating applied to a resin surface.

The second measurement unit 20 includes a second grip 21, which is held with the left hand, a second main body 22, which is block-shaped and includes the display unit 70, and a built-in power supply (not shown). The second grip 21 includes the fourth current electrode 43 and the fourth voltage electrode 53. The second main body 22 includes a second electrode surface 23, which is located on the surface opposite to the surface coupled to the second grip 21. The third current electrode 44 and the third voltage electrode 54 are arranged on the second electrode surface 23. The electrodes 43, 44, 53, and 54 are formed from stainless steel (SUS) and metal plating applied to a resin surface.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the procedures for measuring body fat with the body composition measurement device 1 will now be described. In Figs. 3 and 4, the shaded circles indicate the current electrodes 41 to 44 and the voltage electrodes 51 to 54. The right arm is one example of a "right limb", and the left arm is one example of a "left limb". Each of a right hand HR and a left hand HL is an example of a "predetermined one of the limbs". A right flank AR is one example of a "first trunk portion", and a left flank AL is one example of a "second trunk portion".

With reference to Fig. 3A, the preparation for the measurement performed by the user will now be described.

[Preparation Procedure 1]

The user holds the first grip 11 of the first measurement unit 10 with the right hand HR and has the first measurement unit 10 contact the right flank AR so that the current electrodes 41 and 42 are located at lower positions than the voltage electrodes 51 and 52. Here, the second current electrode 41 and the second voltage electrode 51 contact the right hand HR, and the first current electrode 42 and the first voltage electrode 52 contact the right flank AR.

[Preparation Procedure 2]

The user holds the second grip 21 of the second measurement unit 20 with the left hand HL and has the second measurement unit 20 contact the left flank AL so that the current electrodes 43 and 44 are lower than the voltage electrodes 53 and 54. Here, the fourth current electrode 43 and the fourth voltage electrode 53 contact the left hand HL, and the third current electrode 44 and the third voltage electrode 54 contact the left flank AL.

[Preparation Procedure 3]

The user adjusts the positions of the measurement unit 10 and 20 so that the height of the first measurement unit 10 relative to the trunk is visually the same as the height of the second measurement unit 20 relative to the trunk.

[Preparation Procedure 4]

While holding the grip 11 of the first measurement unit 10 with the right hand HR, the user pushes a measurement button of the measurement circuit 30 with a finger in the right hand HR. This transmits a start signal for starting body composition measurement, that is, a start signal for starting the supply of current and the measurement of the voltage value, to the control unit 80.

With reference to Figs. 3 and 4, the flow for measuring body composition will now be described.

When the control unit 80 receives the start signal upon operation of the measurement button in the measurement circuit 30, the control unit 80 transmits a command signal for starting the supply of current and the measurement of the voltage value to the control unit 80. As a result, the measurement circuit 30 starts body composition measurement.

When the body composition measurement is started, current flows through the measured subject, namely, the right or left arm and the trunk, as shown by the thick lines in Figs. 3 and 4. Here, the voltage value indicates the body composition of the measured subject. The voltage value varies in accordance with the impedance of each of subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, and muscles.

The body composition is calculated through the procedures described below.

[Measurement Procedure 1]

Referring to Fig. 3A, the control unit 80 selects the second current electrode 41, which is in contact with the right hand HR, and the third current electrode 44, which is in contact with the left flank AL, and generates current that flows to the right arm and the left flank AL of the trunk through the current electrodes 41 and 44. Here, current flows to the second voltage electrode 51, which is in contact with the right hand HR, and the third voltage electrode 54, which is in contact with the left flank AL. The control unit 80 obtains the voltage value (hereafter, referred to as the "first right body measurement voltage value") that is in accordance with the current flowing to the voltage electrodes 51 and 54.

[Measurement Procedure 2]

Referring to Fig. 3B, the control unit 80 selects the second current electrode 41, which is in contact with the right hand HR, and the first current electrode 42, which is in contact with the right flank AR, and generates current that flows to the right arm and the right flank AR of the trunk through the current electrodes 41 and 42. Here, current flows to the second voltage electrode 51, which is in contact with the right hand HR, and the first voltage electrode 52, which is in contact with the right flank AR. The control unit 80 obtains the voltage value (hereafter, referred to as the "second right body measurement voltage value") that is in accordance with the current flowing to the voltage electrodes 51 and 52.

[Measurement Procedure 3]

Referring to Fig. 4A, the control unit 80 selects the fourth current electrode 43, which is in contact with the left hand HL, and the first current electrode 42, which is in contact with the right flank AR, and generates current that flows to the left arm and the right flank AR of the trunk through the current electrodes 43 and 42. Here, current flows to the fourth voltage electrode 53, which is in contact with the left hand HL, and the first voltage electrode 52, which is in contact with the right flank AR. The control unit 80 obtains the voltage value (hereafter, referred to as the "first left body measurement voltage value") that is in accordance with the current flowing to the voltage electrodes 53 and 52.

[Measurement Procedure 4]

Referring to Fig. 4B, the control unit 80 selects the fourth current electrode 43, which is in contact with the left hand HL, and the third current electrode 44, which is in contact with the left flank AR, and generates current that flows to the left arm and the left flank AL of the trunk through the current electrodes 43 and 44. Here, current flows to the fourth voltage electrode 53, which is in contact with the left hand HL, and the third voltage electrode 54, which is in contact with the left flank AL. The control unit 80 obtains the voltage value (hereafter, referred to as the "second left body measurement voltage value") that is in accordance with the current flowing to the voltage electrodes 53 and 54.

[Measurement Procedure 5]

The control unit 80 subtracts the second right body measurement voltage value from the first right body measurement voltage value to obtain a right body voltage value. Further, the control unit 80 subtracts the second left body measurement voltage value from the first left body measurement voltage value to obtain a left body voltage value. Then, the control unit 80 calculates the volume of the body fat based on the average value of the right and left body voltage values, the various types of information input from the operation unit 60, and a preset body fat calculation algorithm. The body fat volume obtained as a calculation result is shown on the display unit 70 as a numerical value.

Each of the left body voltage value and the right body voltage value is an example of a "body voltage value". Further, the first right body measurement voltage value and the first left body measurement voltage value are each one example of a "first voltage value that is in accordance with a current flowing through a predetermined one of limbs and a first trunk portion of a trunk". The second right body measurement voltage value and the second left body measurement voltage value are each one example of a "second voltage value that is in accordance with a current flowing through the predetermined one of the limbs and a second trunk portion of the trunk that differs from the first trunk portion".

The body composition measurement device 1 of the present invention has the advantages described below.

(1) Each of the first right body measurement voltage value and the first left body measurement voltage value corresponds to a voltage value that is in accordance with a current that diagonally traverses the trunk from an arm. Further, each of the second right body measurement voltage value and the second left body measurement voltage value corresponds to a voltage value that is in accordance with a current that vertically traverses the trunk from an arm. Thus, the right body voltage value, which is the difference of the first right body measurement voltage value and the second right body measurement voltage value, and the left body voltage value, which is the difference of the first left body measurement voltage value and the second left body measurement voltage value, each reflect the body composition at the central part of the trunk.

The body composition measurement device 1 focuses on this point and calculates the amount of body fat as the body composition based on the right body voltage value and the left body voltage value. This structure presents the user with a measurement result mainly reflecting the body composition of the trunk. Further, the influence of subcutaneous fat on the body fat is reduced. This allows for accurate calculation of the visceral fat that is included in the body fat.

(2) The body composition measurement device 1 calculates the body composition based on the average value of the right body voltage value and the left body voltage value. This increases the calculation accuracy of the body composition in comparison to when calculating the body composition based on either one of the right body voltage value and the left body voltage value.

(3) The body composition measurement device 1 includes the first measurement unit 10 and the second measurement unit 20, which are formed separately. The first measurement unit 10 includes the first current electrode 42, the second current electrode 41, the first voltage electrode 52, and the second voltage electrode 51. The second measurement unit 20 includes the third current electrode 44, the fourth current electrode 43, the third voltage electrode 54, and the fourth voltage electrode 53. This structure allows for measurement of the body composition in a state in which the first measurement unit 10 is in contact with the right hand HR and the right flank AR, while the second measurement unit 20 is in contact with the left hand HL and the left flank AL. Thus, when measuring the body composition, the measurement results of the body composition may be obtained without changing the positions of the measurement units 10 and 20.

(4) The first measurement unit 10 includes the first grip 11 and the first main body 12. The first grip 11 includes the second current electrode 41 and the second voltage electrode 51. The first main body 12 includes the first current electrode 42 and the first voltage electrode 52. The second measurement unit 20 includes the second grip 21 and the second main body 22. The second grip 21 includes the fourth current electrode 43 and the fourth voltage electrode 53. The second main body 22 includes the third current electrode 44 and the third voltage electrode 54. This structure allows for the user to have the electrode surfaces 13 and 23 contact the flanks while holding the grips 11 and 21 with the right hand HR and the left hand HL.

In this manner, there is no need to adhere electrodes to the user's body when measuring the body composition. Thus, the body composition may be measured by oneself.

(5) The first measurement unit 10 includes the operation unit 60. The user may operate the operation unit 60 while holding it. This structure allows for the user to easily operate the measurement button when measuring the body composition.

(6) The body composition measurement device 1 measures voltage values in a state in which the current electrodes 41 to 44 are located at lower positions than the voltage electrodes 51 to 54. In this structure, the voltage electrodes 51 to 54 are located in current paths. This allows for accurate calculation of the first right body measurement voltage value, the second right body measurement voltage value, the first left body measurement voltage value, and the second left body measurement voltage value.

[Other Embodiments]

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various changes and modifications of its components may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as described below. Also, the components disclosed in the embodiments may be assembled in any combination for embodying the present invention. Further, components in different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 3), when measuring the body composition, the layout of the first measurement unit 10 and the second measurement unit 20 may be changed to layouts (A) to (D), which are described below. Figs. 5 to 7 show the trunk along a cross-sectional plane extending parallel to the horizontal direction through the measured subject's stomach at the umbilicus.

(A) As shown in Fig. 5, the first measurement unit 10 is arranged toward the center of the stomach from the right flank AR at the right side of the body. The second measurement unit 20 is arranged toward the center of the back from the left flank AL at the left side of the body.

(B) As shown in Fig. 6, the first measurement unit 10 is arranged toward the center of the stomach from the right flank AR at the right side of the body. The second measurement unit 20 is arranged toward the center of the stomach from the left flank AL at the left side of the body.

(C) As shown in Fig. 7, the first measurement unit 10 is arranged on the stomach so that the center of the first measurement unit 10 is located at the boundary of the right side and left side of the body. The second measurement unit 20 is arranged on the back so that the center of the second measurement unit 20 is located at the boundary of the right side and left side of the body.

(D) The first current electrode 42 and the first voltage electrode 52 of the first measurement unit 10 as well as the third current electrode 44 and the third voltage electrode 54 of the second measurement unit 20 are arranged on the right or left side of the body.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 3), the first current electrode 42 and the first voltage electrode 52 of the first measurement unit 10 are in contact with the right flank AR. However, the electrodes 42 and 52 may contact a portion of the trunk that is higher than or lower than the right flank AR. In this manner, the "first trunk portion" is not limited to the right flank AR.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 3), the first current electrode 42 and the first voltage electrode 52 of the first measurement unit 10 may contact the right leg. In this case, the second right body measurement voltage value may be subtracted from the first right body measurement voltage value so as to reduce the influence of the body composition of the arms and legs on the body composition of the trunk. Thus, in the same manner as the above embodiment, a measurement result that mainly reflects the body composition of the trunk is presented to the user.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 3), the third current electrode 44 and the third voltage electrode 54 of the second measurement unit 20 are in contact with the left flank AL. However, the electrodes 44 and 54 may contact a portion of the trunk that is higher than or lower than the left flank AL. In this manner, the "second trunk portion" is not limited to the left flank AL.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 3), the third current electrode 44 and the third voltage electrode 54 of the second measurement unit 20 may contact the left leg. In this case, the second left body measurement voltage value may be subtracted from the first left body measurement voltage value so as to reduce the influence of the body composition of the arms and legs on the body composition of the trunk. Thus, in the same manner as the above embodiment, a measurement result that mainly reflects the body composition of the trunk is presented to the user.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 3), the right hand HR and the left hand HL each serve as a predetermined one of the limbs, the right hand HR contacts the electrodes 41 and 51, and the left hand HL contacts the electrodes 43 and 53. However, part of the right arm and part of the left arm may each serve as the predetermined one of the limbs, the right arm may contact the electrodes 41 and 51, and the left arm may contact the electrodes 43 and 53. Further, part of the right leg and part of the left leg may each serve as the predetermined one of the limbs, the right leg may contact the electrodes 41 and 51, and the left leg may contact the electrodes 43 and 53. In this manner, the "predetermined one of the limbs" is not limited to the hands.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 3), the body composition is measured in a state in which the current electrodes 41 to 44 are located at positions lower than the voltage electrodes 51 to 54. However, the body composition may be measured in a state in which the current electrodes 41 to 44 are located at positions separated in the horizontal direction from the voltage electrodes 51 to 54.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 2), the cable C connects the first measurement unit 10 and the second measurement unit 20. However, like a body composition measurement device 90 shown in Fig. 8, the first and second measurement units 10 and 20 may be connected in a different manner.

The body composition measurement device 90 of Fig.8 includes a support member 91 that connects the first measurement unit 10 and the second measurement unit 20 to each other. The support member 91 includes a main body 92. The operation unit 60 and the display unit 70 are arranged in the main body 92. The main body 92 includes a marker 93, which is aligned with the umbilicus. The support member 91 is one example of a "marker unit".

The preparation for the measurement performed by the user when using the body composition measurement device 90 will now be described with reference to Fig. 9.

The user aligns the marker 93 with the umbilicus while holding the grip 11 of the first measurement unit 10 with the right hand HR and holding the grip 21 of the second measurement unit 20 with the left hand HL. Then, the user has the first current electrode 42 and first voltage electrode 52 of the first measurement unit 10 contact the right flank AR. Further, the user has the third current electrode 44 and third voltage electrode 54 of the second measurement unit 20 contact the left flank AL. Then, the user visually checks the inclination of the support member 91 relative to the trunk so that the first and second measurement units 10 and 20 are arranged at the same height.

In this embodiment (Fig. 8), a level may be arranged on the support member 91 or the main body 92 to adjust the measurement units 10 and 20 at the same height. In the same manner, in the above embodiment (Fig. 2), a level may be arranged on the main bodies 12 and 22.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 3), the heights of the first measurement unit 10 and the second measurement unit 20 are visually checked when adjusting the positions of the measurement units 10 and 20 to conduct a measurement. However, height sensors may be arranged on the first and second measurement units 10 and 20, and the sensors may be used to adjust the measurement units 10 and 20 to the same height.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 3), a sensor may be used to detect and adjust the positions of the first and second measurement units 10 and 20 relative to the trunk. Such a sensor may be formed by, for example, combining a distance sensor, an angle sensor, and a contact sensor.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 1), the second measurement unit 20 may be omitted. In such a case, the display unit 70 and the second control unit section 82 are arranged in the first measurement unit 10. In the same manner, in the above embodiment (Fig. 1), the first measurement unit 10 may be omitted. In such a case, the operation unit 60 and the first control unit section 81 are arranged in the second measurement unit 20. For example, when the second measurement unit 20 is omitted and the first measurement unit 10 is used, a body composition measurement may be conducted by performing the procedures described below.

First, the user holds the grip 11 of the first measurement unit 10 with the right hand HR and has the first current electrode 42 and the first voltage electrode 52 of the first measurement unit 10 contact the left flank AL. In this state, the control unit 80 uses the first voltage electrode 52 and the second voltage electrode 51 to obtain the first right body measurement voltage value. Further, the user holds the grip 11 of the first measurement unit 10 with the right hand HR and has the first current electrode 42 and the first voltage electrode 52 of the first measurement unit 10 contact the right flank AR. In this state, the control unit 80 uses the first voltage electrode 52 and the second voltage electrode 51 to obtain the second right body measurement voltage value. Next, the user holds the grip 11 of the first measurement unit 10 with the left hand HL and has the first current electrode 42 and the first voltage electrode 52 of the first measurement unit 10 contact the right flank AR. In this state, the control unit 80 uses the first voltage electrode 52 and the second voltage electrode 51 to obtain the first left body measurement voltage value. Further, the user holds the grip 11 of the first measurement unit 10 with the left hand HL and has the first current electrode 42 and the first voltage electrode 52 of the first measurement unit 10 contact the left flank AL. In this state, the control unit 80 uses the first voltage electrode 52 and the second voltage electrode 51 to obtain the second left body measurement voltage value. Then, in the same manner as the above embodiment, the control unit 80 calculates the amount of body fat.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 2), the fourth current electrode 43 and the fourth voltage electrode 53 may be omitted. In such a structure, the control unit 80 first measures the right body voltage value (refer to Figs. 3A and 3B) in a state in which the user holds the first measurement unit 10 with the right hand HR and holds the second measurement unit 20 with the left hand HL. Then, the control unit 80 measures the left body voltage value through the procedures shown in Figs. 4A and 4B while the user holds the first measurement unit 10 with the left hand HL and the second measurement unit 20 with the right hand HR.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 2), a central part of the first electrode surface 13 and a central part of the second electrode surface 23 may be recessed to curve these surfaces. In such a case, it is preferable that the electrode surfaces 13 and 23 be curved along the body-surface.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 2), a spring may be arranged between the electrode 42 and the electrode surface 13 as well as between the electrode 52 and the electrode surface 13. Similarly, a spring may be arranged between the electrode 44 and the electrode surface 23 as well as between the electrode 54 and the electrode surface 23. In such a structure, when the electrodes 42, 52, 44, and 54 contact the flasks, the electrodes 42, 52, 44, and 54 are kept in contact with the flasks.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 2), the display unit 70 is arranged in the second measurement unit 20. However, the display unit 70 may be arranged in the first measurement unit 10. Further, a display discrete from the first measurement unit 10 and the second measurement unit 20 may be provided in lieu of or in addition to the display unit 70. An example of such a discrete display is a monitor of a weight scale or a personal computer that can communicate with the body composition measurement device 1.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 2), the operation unit 60 is arranged in the first measurement unit 10. However, the operation unit 60 may be arranged in the second measurement unit 20. Further, an operation unit discrete from the first measurement unit 10 and the second measurement unit 20 may be provided in lieu of or in addition to the operation unit 60. An example of such an operation unit includes an input unit of a weight scale or a personal computer that can communicate with the body composition measurement device 1.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 2), the electrodes 41, 42, 51, and 52 are arranged on the first measurement unit 10, and the electrodes 43, 44, 53, and 54 are arranged on the second measurement unit 20. However, the housings on which the electrodes 41 to 44 and 51 to 54 are arranged (housing of the first measurement unit 10 and housing of the second measurement unit 20) may be omitted. That is, the electrodes 41 to 44 and 51 to 54 may be solely provided. In this case, the electrodes 41 to 44 and 51 to 54 and the control unit 80 are connected to one another by a cable. When measuring the body composition, the electrodes 41 to 44 and 51 to 54 are adhered to portions corresponding to the right hand HR, the right flask AR, the left hand HL, and the left flask AL.

In the above embodiment (Fig. 1), the present invention is applied to the body composition measurement device 1 that measures a voltage value. However, the present invention may be applied to a body composition measurement device that reads a voltage value measured by another device and calculates the body composition based on the rear voltage value. In this manner, the present invention may be applied to any body composition measurement device that calculates the body composition based on a voltage value that is in accordance with the current flowing through the limbs or the trunk.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present examples and embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims.

CLAIMS

1. A body composition measurement device that calculates a body composition, the body composition measurement device comprising:

a control unit that is configured to calculate the body composition based on a body voltage value that is the difference of a first voltage value, which is in accordance with a current flowing through a predetermined one of limbs and a first trunk portion of a trunk, and a second voltage value, which is in accordance with a current flowing through the predetermined one of the limbs and a second trunk portion of the trunk that differs from the first trunk portion.

2. The body composition measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to:

obtain a right body voltage value related to a right side of the trunk by calculating the difference of a first right body measurement voltage value, which is in accordance with a current that flows through a right limb of the limbs and the first trunk portion, and a second right body measurement voltage value, which is in accordance with a current that flows through the right limb and the second trunk portion;

obtain a left body voltage value related to a left side of the trunk by calculating the difference of a first left body measurement voltage value, which is in accordance with a current that flows through a left limb of the limbs and the first trunk portion, and a second left body measurement voltage value, which is in accordance with a current that flows through the left limb and the second trunk portion; and

calculate the body composition based on the right body voltage value and the left body voltage value.

3. The body composition measurement device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to calculate the body composition based on an average value of the right body voltage value and the left body voltage value.

4. The body composition measurement device according to claim 1, comprising:

first and second current electrodes; and first and second voltage electrodes, wherein the control unit is configured to:

obtain the first voltage value in a state in which the first current electrode and the first voltage electrode are in contact with the first trunk portion and the second current electrode and the second voltage electrode are in contact with the predetermined one of the limbs; and

obtain the second voltage value in a state in which the first current electrode and the first voltage electrode are in contact with the second trunk portion and the second current electrode and the second voltage electrode are in contact with the predetermined one of the limbs.

5. The body composition measurement device according to claim 2, comprising:

first to third current electrodes; and first to third voltage electrodes, wherein:

the first current electrode, the second current electrode, the first voltage electrode, and the second voltage electrode are arranged to have a fixed positional relationship;

the positions of the first current electrode, the second current electrode, the first voltage electrode, and the second voltage electrode are changeable relative to the positions of the third current electrode and the third voltage electrode; and

the control unit is configured to:

obtain one of the first voltage value and the second voltage value with the first voltage electrode and the second voltage electrode; and

obtain the other one of the first voltage value and the second voltage value with the second voltage electrode and the third voltage electrode.

6. The body composition measurement device according to claim 2, comprising:

first to fourth current electrodes; and first to fourth voltage electrodes, wherein:

the first current electrode, the second current electrode, the first voltage electrode, and the second voltage electrode are arranged to have a fixed positional relationship;

the third current electrode, the fourth current electrode, the third voltage electrode, and the fourth voltage electrode are arranged to have a fixed positional relationship;

the positions of the first current electrode, the second current electrode, the first voltage electrode, and the second voltage electrode are changeable relative to the positions of the third current electrode, the fourth current electrode, the third voltage electrode, and the fourth voltage electrode; and

the control unit is configured to:

obtain the first right body measurement voltage value with the first voltage electrode and the second voltage electrode;

obtain the second right body measurement voltage value with the second voltage electrode and the third voltage electrode;

obtain the first left body measurement voltage value with the first voltage electrode and the fourth voltage electrode; and

obtain the second left body measurement voltage value with the third voltage electrode and the fourth voltage electrode.

7. The body composition measurement device according to claim 6, comprising:

a first measurement unit and a second measurement unit that are formed separately from each other, wherein

the first measurement unit includes the first current electrode, the second current electrode, the first voltage electrode, and the second voltage electrode, and

the second measurement unit includes the third current electrode and the third voltage electrode.

8. The body composition measurement device according to claim 7, wherein the second measurement unit further includes the fourth current electrode and the fourth voltage electrode.

9. The body composition measurement device according to claim 7, wherein the first measurement unit includes a first grip and a first main body, the first main body includes the first current electrode and the first voltage electrode, the first grip includes the second current electrode and the second voltage electrode, the second measurement unit includes a second grip and a second main body, and the second main body includes the third current electrode and the third voltage electrode.

10. The body composition measurement device according to claim 9, wherein the second grip includes the fourth current electrode and the fourth voltage electrode.

11. The body composition measurement device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein at least one of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit is a hand-held unit held by a user and includes an operation unit that can be operated when the grip is held by the user.

12. The body composition measurement device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, comprising a marker unit used to adjust the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit at the same height when measuring the body voltage value.

13. The body composition measurement device according to claim 12, comprising a support member that connects the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit to each other, wherein the support member functions as the marker unit.