Body fat measuring device

Abstract

Body fat measuring device which features: several electrodes (HR, HL, BU1 - BU4, BL1 - BL4, FR, FL, FR', FL') to establish contact with predetermined areas of the surface of the body of a test subject; a body impedance measurement unit (12) which measures a body impedance of the body of the test subject using the multiple electrodes (HR, HL, BU1 - BU4, BL1 - BL4, FR, FL, FR', FL'); a torso width measurement unit (13) for measuring the torso width and torso depth of the test subject; and a body fat mass calculation unit (14) which calculates a body fat mass based on the body impedance measured by the body impedance measurement unit (12) and the trunk width and trunk depth measured by the trunk width measurement unit (13), wherein the multiple electrodes include at least dorsal surface electrodes (BU1 - BU4, BL1 - BL4) for establishing contact with the surface of a dorsal area corresponding to a surface on the dorsal side of the trunk area of ​​the test subject; wherein the body fat measuring device further comprises a frame-shaped mounting unit (100A) capable of being arranged in such a way that, during an attached state, it surrounds the trunk area of ​​the test subject in order to bring the back surface electrodes (BU1 - BU4, BL1 - BL4) into contact with the back surface of the test subject in a pressurized state; wherein the back surface electrodes (BU1 - BU4, BL1 - BL4) are provided in an exposed state on a surface of the mounting unit (100A - 100G); wherein the fuselage width detection unit (24A) is provided in the mounting unit (100A - 100G); wherein the multiple electrodes further comprise upper limb electrodes (HR, HL) to establish contact with the surfaces of the upper limbs of the test subject; and wherein the upper limb electrodes (HR, HL) are provided in an exposed state on the surface of the application unit (100A - 100G).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to body fat measuring devices configured to be capable of calculating the body fat mass of a measurement subject by measuring a body impedance, and more particularly relates to body fat measuring devices configured to be capable of easily measuring a fat mass of internal organs and / or subcutaneous fat mass in a household or the like. Background technology

[0002] In recent years, fat mass has gained increasing attention as an indicator used to determine a subject's health. In particular, the fat mass of internal organs has gained attention as an indicator for determining whether a person suffers from trunk obesity. Trunk obesity is considered a predisposing factor for lifestyle-related diseases that can easily lead to arterial hardening, such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. These indicators are promising for preventing such diseases. "Internal organ fat" refers to fat that accumulates around the internal organs on the inner surface of the abdominal muscles and back muscles, and is distinct from subcutaneous fat located toward the surface of the trunk area.It is typical to use the surface area occupied by internal organ fat in a cross-section of the trunk area corresponding to the navel (hereinafter referred to as “organ fat cross-sectional area”) as an indicator of internal organ fat mass. Image analysis methods

[0003] Typically, internal organ fat is measured by analyzing images obtained by X-ray computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or similar techniques. In such image analysis, the cross-sectional area of ​​the organ fat is geometrically calculated from a tomographic image of the trunk region obtained using X-ray computed tomography, MRI, or similar techniques. However, using such a measurement method requires multiple large-scale equipment installed in a medical institution, such as X-ray computed tomography, MRI, or other devices; consequently, it is extremely difficult to measure internal organ fat mass daily using such a measurement method. X-ray computed tomography also presents the problem of radiation exposure, and thus cannot be considered a desirable measurement method. Body impedance method

[0004] A body impedance method is considered an alternative to these measurement methods. The body impedance method is a method for measuring body fat mass that is widely used in household-based body fat measuring devices. In this method, electrodes are placed in contact with the four limbs, body impedance is measured using these electrodes, and body fat mass is calculated from the measured body impedance. The specified body fat measuring device makes it possible to accurately measure the extent of body fat accumulation throughout the entire body or in specific areas, such as the four limbs, the torso area, or the like.

[0005] However, as mentioned earlier, conventional body fat measurement devices using the body impedance method measure the extent of body fat accumulation throughout the entire body or in specific areas, such as the four limbs, the trunk area, or the like, and are unable to accurately extract and measure the extent of internal organ fat accumulation, the extent of subcutaneous fat accumulation, and the like. This is because, as mentioned above, conventional body fat measurement devices are designed such that the electrodes are attached to the four limbs, and thus internal organ fat and subcutaneous fat cannot be accurately measured individually.

[0006] Consequently, bringing the electrodes into direct contact with the trunk area, measuring body impedance using these electrodes, and individually and accurately calculating the fat mass of internal organs and subcutaneous fat mass based on this measurement is considered as a way to solve this problem.

[0007] For example, JP 2002-369806A (Patent Literature 1) discloses a body fat measuring device constructed such that electrodes are provided on the inner peripheral surface of a belt member, and the belt member is wrapped around and anchored to the torso region of a measurement subject, thus arranging the electrodes in contact with the torso region.

[0008] Meanwhile, JP 2005-288023A (Patent Literature 2), JP 2008-23232A (Patent Literature 3), JP 2008-237571A (Patent Literature 4), and so on disclose body fat measuring devices configured such that electrodes are provided on the surface of an attachment unit attached to the abdominal surface of a measurement subject, and the attachment unit is pressed against the abdominal surface, thereby arranging the electrodes in contact with the abdominal surface.

[0009] Furthermore, JP 2007-14664A (Patent Literature 5) discloses a body fat measuring device configured such that the device is divided into an attachment unit to be attached to the abdominal surface of a measurement subject and a platform unit for the measurement subject to stand on, wherein abdominal surface electrodes are provided on the surface of the attachment unit, hand electrodes are provided on a grip portion of the attachment unit, and foot electrodes are provided on the aforementioned platform unit;the hand electrodes are placed in contact with the palms of the subject's hands by the subject grasping the handle portions of the attachment unit, the abdominal surface electrodes are placed in contact with the abdominal surface by the subject pressing the attachment portion against his or her abdominal surface using the hands grasping the handle portion, and the foot electrodes are placed in contact with the soles of the subject's feet by the subject standing on the platform unit;

[0010] Furthermore, although no specific device structure is discussed, JP 2008-228890A (Patent Literature 6) mentions the ability to accurately measure internal organ fat mass and subcutaneous fat mass by placing electrodes in contact with the back of a subject's trunk area (i.e., the back) without placing electrodes in contact with the subject's abdominal area, and placing electrodes in contact with the subject's hands and feet, measuring body impedance, and calculating internal organ fat mass and subcutaneous fat mass based on the measured body impedance.

[0011] However, in order to make it possible to measure the fat mass of internal organs, the subcutaneous fat mass, and so on using the above-mentioned body impedance with a high degree of accuracy, it is necessary to take actual measurements of the subject's physique, such as the circumferential length of the trunk area, the trunk area width, and the trunk area depth, and use the measurements in calculation methods for calculating body fat mass.

[0012] For example, according to the body fat measuring device disclosed in the cited JP 2005-288023A (Patent Literature 2), an attachment unit attached to a measurement subject's abdominal region (in other words, both flanks) is provided on a pair of arm portions that make contact with both sides of the measurement subject's trunk region (in other words, both flanks) so that the attachment unit is movable; the trunk region width is measured by bringing the arm portions into contact with both flanks, and the result of this actual measurement is used in calculation methods for calculating body fat mass.

[0013] Meanwhile, according to a body fat measuring device disclosed in the cited JP 2008-23232A (Patent Literature 3), an attachment unit that is attached to the abdominal region of a measurement subject is provided on an arm portion that makes contact with the back of the measurement subject, so that the attachment unit is movable; the trunk region depth is measured by bringing the arm portion into contact with the back, and the result of this actual measurement is used in calculation methods for calculating body fat mass.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the body fat measurement device disclosed in the cited JP 2008-237571A (Patent Literature 4), a trunk area width measurement unit disposed at a distance from the outer side of both sides of the trunk area of ​​the measurement subject is constructed separately from an attachment unit attached to the abdominal area of ​​the measurement subject, and a plurality of non-contact distance sensors are provided in the trunk area width measurement unit to perform an actual measurement of the trunk area width; the result of this actual measurement is used in calculation methods for calculating body fat mass.

[0015] Furthermore, although the method does not bring the electrodes into contact with a trunk area of ​​a measurement subject, JP 2009-22482A (Patent Literature 7) discloses a body fat measurement device in which foot electrodes are provided on a platform unit onto which the measurement subject steps, a trunk area width measurement unit is held at a distance from the outer side of both sides of the trunk area of ​​the measurement subject on a support column portion extending upward from the stated platform while the measurement subject stands on the platform unit, and a plurality of non-contact distance sensors are provided in the trunk area width measurement unit to perform an actual measurement of the trunk area width; the result of this actual measurement is used in calculation methods for calculating body fat mass. Literature listPatent literature Patent Literature 1: JP 2002-369806A Patent Literature 2: JP 2005-288023A Patent Literature 3: JP 2008-23232A Patent Literature 4: JP 2008-237571A Patent Literature 5: JP 2007-14664A Patent Literature 6: JP 2008-228890A Patent Literature 7: JP 2009-22482A Summary of the inventionTechnical problem

[0016] To create a body fat measurement device capable of easily and accurately measuring internal organ fat mass and subcutaneous fat mass at home using the body impedance method, it is crucial to meet the following two conditions: first, that the measurement can be easily performed through simple tasks; and second, that the subject can perform the measurement independently without the assistance of an assistant or the like. Given this, it is unrealistic for the subject to lie face up or face down during the measurement; it is preferable to use a setup where the measurement can be performed from a standing or sitting position.Therefore, the use of a measuring position as disclosed in the cited JP 2002-369806A (Patent Literature 1), JP 2007-14664A (Patent Literature 5) and JP 2009-22482A (Patent Literature 7) is favorable in view of the realization of a body fat measuring device for household use.

[0017] However, as disclosed in the cited JP 2008-228890A (Patent Literature 6), in order to more accurately calculate the fat mass of internal organs and subcutaneous fat mass, it is necessary to place electrodes in contact with the back of the measurement subject, without placing electrodes in contact with the abdominal area of ​​the measurement subject, and to place electrodes in contact with the hands and feet of the measurement subject. One of the reasons for this is that the subcutaneous fat accumulated on the abdominal surface side is relatively thinner than the subcutaneous fat accumulated on the dorsal surface side. Consequently, if the electrodes are placed in contact with the abdominal surface, the applied current will flow through the fat-free areas, making errors easy to occur.

[0018] However, the body fat measuring device disclosed in cited JP 2002-369806A (Patent Literature 1) does not consider the arrangement of electrodes in contact with the hands and feet, while the body fat measuring device disclosed in cited JP 2007-14664A (Patent Literature 5) does not consider the arrangement of electrodes in contact with the back; meanwhile, the body fat measuring device disclosed in cited JP 2009-22482A (Patent Literature 7) does not consider the arrangement of electrodes in contact with the hands and torso area at all. Therefore, some kind of improvement is necessary to realize a body fat measuring device capable of easily and accurately calculating the fat mass of internal organs and subcutaneous fat mass at home while using the measurement method disclosed in cited JP 2008-228890A (Patent Literature 6).

[0019] However, in order to make it possible to accurately measure the fat mass of internal organs and subcutaneous fat mass, it is necessary to take actual measurements of the subject's physique, such as the circumferential length of the trunk area, the trunk area width and the trunk area depth, as described above; However, the body fat measuring device disclosed in the cited JP 2002-369806A (Patent Literature 1) does not consider actual measurements of the physique, while the body fat measuring devices disclosed in the cited JP 2007-14664A (Patent Literature 5) and JP 2009-22482 (Patent Literature 7) have structures in which the attachment unit and the platform unit are separate units, and the trunk area width detecting unit used for detecting the trunk area width is provided, and thus there is a problem that the sizes of the devices have increased and the device structures are complex.Therefore, from this point of view, it is necessary to make some kind of improvement to realize a body fat measuring device capable of measuring the fat mass of internal organs and subcutaneous fat mass at home while using the measuring method disclosed in the cited JP 2008-228890A (Patent Literature 6).

[0020] Having achieved to solve the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a body fat measuring device capable of easily and accurately measuring body fat masses such as the fat mass of internal organs even at home. Solution to the problem

[0021] A body fat measurement device according to the present invention includes a plurality of electrodes, a body impedance measurement unit, a trunk area width detection unit, a body fat mass calculation unit, and an attachment unit. The plurality of electrodes are for making contact with predetermined areas of the body surface of a measurement subject and include at least back surface electrodes for making contact with the surface of a back surface corresponding to an area of ​​the trunk area of ​​the measurement subject on the back side. The body impedance measurement unit is a unit that measures a body impedance of the body of the measurement subject using the plurality of electrodes. The trunk area width detection unit is a unit for measuring a trunk area width and a trunk area depth of the measurement subject.The body fat mass calculation unit is a unit that calculates body fat mass based on the body impedance measured by the body impedance measurement unit and the trunk area width and trunk area depth detected by the trunk area width detection unit. The attachment unit is a frame-shaped member capable of being arranged to surround the trunk area of ​​the measurement subject during an attached state to bring the dorsal surface electrodes into contact with the subject's back surface in a pressurized state. The dorsal surface electrodes are provided on one surface of the attachment unit in an exposed state. The trunk area width detection unit is provided in the attachment unit.

[0022] In the body fat measuring device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the back surface electrodes are provided on a back portion of the attachment unit so that the surfaces of the back surface electrodes making contact with the back surface face forward in the attached state.

[0023] In the body fat measuring device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the trunk area width detecting unit is constructed of a non-contact distance sensor provided on a right side portion and / or a left side portion of the attachment unit and a non-contact distance sensor provided on a front portion of the attachment unit.

[0024] In the body fat measurement device according to the present invention, the structure may be such that a right side portion and / or a left side portion of the attachment unit can be moved along the width direction of the trunk region of the measurement subject during the attached state, and a front portion and / or a rear portion of the attachment unit can be moved along the depth direction of the trunk region of the measurement subject, and in such a case, it is preferable that the trunk region width detection unit is constructed of a movement amount detection sensor that detects the amount by which the portion of the attachment unit that can move has moved.

[0025] In the body fat measurement device according to the present invention, both a right side portion and a left side portion of the attachment unit can be moved along the width direction of the torso region of the measurement subject during the attached state, and both a front portion and a rear portion of the attachment unit can be moved along the depth direction of the torso region of the measurement subject during the attached state. The torso region width detection unit is composed of a movement amount detection unit that detects the amount by which the portion of the attachment unit that can move has moved.

[0026] In the body fat measurement device according to the present invention, the plurality of electrodes further includes a pair of flank electrodes for making contact with the surfaces of the flank regions of the measurement subject. The attachment unit includes a width-direction movement linking mechanism that links the outward movement of the right side portion with the outward movement of the left side portion, and that links the inward movement of the right side portion with the inward movement of the left side portion; and a depth-direction movement linking mechanism that links the outward movement of the front portion with the outward movement of the rear portion, and that links the inward movement of the front portion with the inward movement of the rear portion.The back surface electrodes are anchored to the width-direction movement linkage mechanism, so that the back surface electrodes stop at a position halfway between the right side portion and the left side portion even when the right side portion and the left side portion are moved outward by the width-direction movement linkage mechanism and when the right side portion and the left side portion are moved inward by the width-direction movement linkage mechanism.The pair of flank electrodes is anchored in the depth-direction movement linkage mechanism so that the flank electrodes stop at a position halfway between the front portion and the rear portion even when the front portion and the rear portion are moved outward by the depth-direction movement linkage mechanism and when the front portion and the rear portion are moved inward by the depth-direction movement linkage mechanism.

[0027] In the body fat measuring device according to the present invention, the attachment unit further includes a depth-width direction movement linkage mechanism that causes the front portion and the rear portion to be moved outward by the depth direction movement linkage mechanism together with the width direction movement linkage mechanism that moves the right side portion and the left side portion outward, and causes the front portion and the rear portion to be moved inward by the depth direction movement linkage mechanism together with the width direction movement linkage mechanism that moves the right side portion and the left side portion inward.

[0028] In the body fat measuring device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of electrodes further comprise upper limb electrodes for making contact with the surfaces of the upper limbs of the measurement subject, and that the upper limb electrodes are provided on the surface of the attachment unit in an exposed state.

[0029] In the body fat measuring device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the upper limb electrodes are provided on the front portion and / or the right side portion and / or the left side portion, excluding the rear portion of the attachment unit.

[0030] In the body fat measurement device according to the present invention, it is preferable that a unit orientation detection unit for detecting an orientation of the attachment unit is further included. In such a case, it is preferable that the unit orientation unit be composed of an accelerometer provided in the attachment unit.

[0031] In the body fat measuring device according to the present invention, it is preferable that a spirit level indicating an orientation of the attachment unit is provided in the attachment unit.

[0032] It is preferable that the body fat measuring device according to the present invention further comprises a support column portion that supports the attachment unit so as to be capable of moving along the vertical direction while maintaining the attachment unit in a horizontal orientation.

[0033] In the body fat measurement device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of electrodes further comprise lower limb electrodes for making contact with the surfaces of the lower limbs of the measurement subject. In this case, it is preferable that the body fat measurement device according to the present invention further comprise a platform unit for bringing the lower limb electrodes into contact with the soles of the feet of the measurement subject when the measurement subject steps onto the platform unit, and that the lower limb electrodes, in such a case, are provided in an exposed state on an upper surface of the platform unit. Furthermore, in such a case, it is preferable that the platform unit comprise a body weight measurement unit that measures the weight of the measurement subject.

[0034] In the body fat measurement device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of electrodes further comprise lower limb / hip electrodes for making contact with the surfaces of the lower limbs of the measurement subject or their hip region. In this case, it is preferable that the attachment unit comprises extendable unit portions for bringing the lower limb / hip electrodes into contact with the surfaces of the lower limbs or hip region by being pulled out from the attachment unit via lead wires, and that the lower limb / hip electrodes, in such a case, are provided in an exposed state on the surfaces of the extendable unit portions.

[0035] In the body fat measuring device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the body fat mass calculation unit includes the internal organ fat mass calculation unit 14a which calculates the internal organ fat mass of the measurement subject and / or the subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit which calculates the subcutaneous fat mass of the measurement subject. Advantageous results of the invention

[0036] According to the present invention, there can be provided a body fat measuring device capable of measuring a body fat mass such as a fat mass of internal organs easily and accurately in a home or the like. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B are diagrams illustrating the principles of measurement performed by a body fat measuring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional block structure of the body fat measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the body fat measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a non-stored state. Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the body fat measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a stored state. Fig. 5 is a plan view of an attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a measurement method to be performed by a measurement subject when performing measurement using the body fat measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a measurement method to be performed by a measurement subject when performing measurement using the body fat measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a measuring procedure to be performed by a measurement subject when performing measurement using the body fat measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an attached state of the attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an attached state of the attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display in a second display unit indicating an orientation of the attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by a control unit in the body fat measurement apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of a display in the second display unit indicating an orientation of the attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a plan view of an attachment unit of a body fat measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating an attached state of the attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a body fat measuring device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17A and Fig. 17B are diagrams illustrating the principles of measurement performed by a body fat measuring apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating the functional block structure of the body fat measuring device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the body fat measuring device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 is a plan view of an attachment unit of a body fat measuring device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 21 is a diagram illustrating a spirit level provided in the body fat measuring device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating another example of a spirit level provided in the body fat measuring device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 23 is a perspective view illustrating a body fat measuring device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a body fat measuring device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 25 is a plan view of an attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 26 is a plan view illustrating a first measurement state of the attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 27 is a plan view illustrating a second measurement state of the attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 28 is a plan view illustrating a second measurement state of the attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Description of embodiments

[0037] Hereinafter, body fat measuring devices according to respective embodiments of this invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. While numbers, quantities, and so on are discussed in the following embodiments, it should be noted that the scope of the present invention is not limited to these numbers, quantities, and so on unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, in the case where multiple embodiments are given hereinafter, it is presumed that the structures of the respective embodiments can be combined as necessary unless expressly stated otherwise. In the drawings, identical reference numerals refer to identical or corresponding elements; there are also cases where redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0038] Before describing the various embodiments of the present invention, definitions will first be given for the terms that express parts of the body. "Trunk area" refers to the area excluding the head, neck, and four limbs, and corresponds to the torso of the body. "Dorsal surface" refers to the area located on the dorsal side of the exposed torso area, and corresponds to the exposed torso area excluding the abdominal surface and chest surface. "Dorsal surface" refers to the entire body surface of the dorsal area and indicates the surface of the torso area that can be seen when a measurement subject is observed from the dorsal side. Finally, "body axis" refers to an axis located along the direction in which the torso area extends, or in other words, an axis in a direction approximately perpendicular to a lateral cross-section of the torso area of ​​the measurement subject. First embodiment

[0039] Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B are diagrams illustrating the principles of measurement performed by a body fat measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, Fig. 1A is a diagram showing the arrangement of the electrodes when a body impedance is obtained for the entire trunk area, while Fig. 1B is a diagram showing the arrangement of electrodes when obtaining a body impedance for a surface area on the dorsal surface side of the trunk area. First, the fundamentals of the measurement performed by the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment will be explained with reference to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B. Note that Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B both show the test subject from his back. Basics of the measurement performed by the body fat measuring device

[0040] As in Fig. 1A, electrodes EIa A1 and EIa A2 are placed on the surface of the subject's left hand and the surface of the subject's right hand, respectively, to obtain the body impedance of the entire torso area. Electrodes EIb are also placed A1 and EIb A2 respectively, on the surface of the subject's left foot and the surface of the subject's right foot. Four pairs of electrodes are applied to the subject's back surface, with each pair arranged to follow the body axis direction, and the four pairs are arranged in the width direction of the trunk area. In other words, as shown in Fig. 1A, a total of eight electrodes, or electrodes EVa A1 , EVb A1 , EVA A2 , EVb A2 , EVA A3 , EVbA3 , EVa A4 and EVa A4 attached to the back surface of the test subject.

[0041] In this state, using the electrodes EIa A1 , EIa A2 , EIb A1 and EIb A2 , each attached to both hands and both feet, a constant current I A , which passes through the torso area, is applied to the test subject. While the constant current I A is applied, a potential difference V A1 using the electrode pair EVa A1 and EVb A1 , which is attached to the back surface, detects a potential difference V A2 is carried out using the electrode pair EVa A2 and EVb A2 , which is attached to the back surface, detects a potential difference V A3 is carried out using the electrode pair EVa A3 and EVb A3, which is attached to the back surface, and a potential difference V A4 is carried out using the electrode pair EVa A4 and EVb A4 , which is attached to the back surface.

[0042] A body impedance Zt of the entire trunk area is calculated from the potential differences V A1 , V A2 , V A3 and V A4 Note that if the body impedance Zt at this time is calculated by calculating the average value of the four detected potential differences V A1 , V A2 , V A3 and V A4 calculated, it is possible to reduce the influence of fluctuations in fat distribution in the trunk area.

[0043] In this state, the constant current I A, between both hands and both feet, which are positioned at a distance from the torso area, and thus almost all of the applied constant current I A through areas of low electrical resistance, or in other words, through areas away from fat. Consequently, the measured body impedance Zt, which is determined from the potential differences V A1 , V A2 , V A3 and V A4 which is calculated using the constant current I A measured are significantly influenced by the amount of non-fat areas (internal organs, muscle, and bone) within the trunk area. Consequently, the area occupied by non-fat areas (hereinafter referred to as a "non-fat cross-sectional area") Sa in the cross-section of the trunk area corresponding to the navel location can be estimated based on the measured body impedance Zt.

[0044] Meanwhile, the four pairs of electrodes, as shown in Fig. 1B, attached to the back surface of the measurement subject, with each pair arranged to follow the body axis direction, and the four pairs arranged in the width direction of the trunk area to obtain the body impedance in the surface layer area on the back surface side of the trunk area. In other words, as shown in Fig. 1B, a total of eight electrodes or electrodes EIa B1 , EIb B1 , EVa B1 , EVb B1 , EVa B2 , EVb B2 , EIa B2 and EIb B2 attached to the back surface of the test subject.

[0045] In this state, a constant current I B1 , passing locally through the back area, using the electrode pair EIa B1 and EIb B1 applied to the test subject, and a constant current I B2, which passes locally through the back area, is measured using the electrode pair EIa B2 and EIb B2 applied to the test subject. While the constant currents I B1 and I B2 is applied using the electrode pair EVa B1 and EVb B1 , which is attached to the back surface, a potential difference V B1 recorded, and using the electrode pair EVa B2 and EVb B2 , which is attached to the back surface, a potential difference V B2 Here, the current values ​​of the two constant currents I B1 and I B2 applied to the test subjects are set to the same value.

[0046] A body impedance Zs of the surface layer area on the dorsal surface side of the trunk area is calculated from the potential differences V B1 and V B2calculated in this way. Note that if the body impedance Zs at this time is determined by taking the average of the two detected potential differences V B1 and V B2 used, it is possible to reduce the influence of fluctuations in fat distribution in the superficial layer region of the dorsal surface of the torso area. Note that potential differences can also be calculated at four locations by switching the circuits so that the electrodes to which the current was applied serve as electrodes for detecting the potential differences, and the electrodes that detected the potential differences serve as electrodes for applying the current. This makes it possible to further reduce the influence of fluctuations in subcutaneous fat, etc.

[0047] In this state, the constant currents I B1 and I B2applied locally to the dorsal surface of the torso area and thus almost all of the two applied constant currents I B1 and I B2 through the surface layer area of ​​the back surface. Consequently, the determined body impedance Zs, which is determined from the potential differences V B1 and V B2 which is calculated using the constant currents I B1 and I B2 measured are significantly influenced by subcutaneous fat mass. Consequently, the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area (hereinafter referred to as "subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area") Sb in the cross-section of the trunk region including the navel site can be estimated based on the measured body impedance Zs.

[0048] Next, an example of a calculation method for calculating a fat mass of internal organs using the detected body impedances Zt and Zs obtained in this way will be described.

[0049] If the total cross-sectional area of ​​the trunk region in the area corresponding to the navel location (hereinafter referred to as the “trunk cross-sectional area”) is taken as St, an organ fat cross-sectional area Sx can be calculated by the following formula (1) using the cross-sectional area St, the non-fat cross-sectional area Sa, and the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area Sb. Sx=St−Sa−Sb

[0050] Here, the fuselage cross-sectional area St can be calculated using the circumferential length of the fuselage section (the so-called waist length), the width of the fuselage section, the depth of the fuselage section, and so on. For example, in the case where the fuselage cross-sectional area St is to be calculated from the width and depth of the fuselage section, assuming that the width of the fuselage section is taken as 2a and the depth of the fuselage section is taken as 2b, and since the fuselage section has a generally oval cross-sectional shape, the cross-sectional area St of the fuselage section can be approximated by the following formula (2). St=π×a×b

[0051] However, it is highly likely that the cross-sectional area St of the trunk region approximated by the above formula (2) contains a significant degree of error, and therefore, it is preferable to find a more accurate cross-sectional area St of the trunk region by multiplying this trunk cross-sectional area St by a coefficient α for reducing the error. This coefficient α is obtained, for example, by determining the optimal value for α satisfying St' = α × π × a × b from the relationship between the determined a and b and a trunk cross-sectional area St' obtained from a selection of a large number of X-ray CT images.

[0052] Consequently, the stated formula (2) can be approximated by using the following formula (3) using the coefficient α with a lower degree of error. St=α×π×a×b

[0053] Note that it is preferable to optimize the coefficient α, which is multiplied as described above, as necessary according to information such as the gender, age, height, weight of the measurement subject, and so on (this information is collectively referred to as "measurement subject information"). In other words, the trunk cross-sectional area St can be approximated with a higher degree of accuracy by changing the value of the stated coefficient α according to the measurement subject information.

[0054] As described above, the non-fat cross-sectional area Sa can be calculated based on the body impedance Zt of the entire trunk region. However, the non-fat cross-sectional area Sa cannot be accurately calculated using only the body impedance Zt of the entire trunk region. That is, the non-fat cross-sectional area Sa tends to be proportional to the size of the trunk region, and thus, it is necessary to further convert the value obtained from the body impedance Zt to obtain the non-fat cross-sectional area Sa. Therefore, the non-fat cross-sectional area Sa can be expressed, for example, by the following formula (4). Sa=β×a×(1 / Zt)

[0055] Here, a is a value that, as mentioned above, is half the width of the hull area, and thus is a value related to the size of the hull area. However, the values ​​related to the size of the hull area are not limited to a. For example, a × b can be used to represent the width and depth of the hull area, the hull cross-sectional area St can be used, the circumferential length of the hull area can be used, and so on.

[0056] Meanwhile, β represents a coefficient for converting the body impedance Zt of the entire trunk region into the non-fat cross-sectional area Sa, and an optimal value can be determined, for example, based on a large number of X-ray CT images in the same way as when the coefficient α is determined. In other words, the optimal value for β satisfying Sa' = β × a × (1 / Zt) can be determined from the relationship between a non-fat cross-sectional area Sa' obtained from a selection of a large number of X-ray CT images, the body impedance Zt of the entire trunk region of the measurement subject imaged by X-ray CT, and the detected a.

[0057] Note that for the stated coefficient β, which should be optimized according to the measurement subject information, where necessary, it is preferable to optimize it in the same way as the aforementioned coefficient α. In other words, the non-fat cross-sectional area Sa can be approximated with a higher degree of accuracy by changing the value of the stated coefficient β according to the measurement subject information.

[0058] Furthermore, as described above, the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area Sb can be calculated based on the body impedance Zs of the surface layer region on the dorsal side of the trunk region. However, the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area Sb cannot be accurately calculated using only the body impedance Zs of the surface layer region on the dorsal side of the trunk region. That is, the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area Sb tends to be proportional to the size of the trunk region, and thus, it is necessary to further convert the value obtained from the body impedance Zs to calculate the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area Sb. Therefore, the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area Sb can be expressed, for example, by the following formula (5). Sb=γ×a×Zs

[0059] Here, a is a value, as mentioned above, that is half the width of the hull area, and is thus a value related to the size of the hull area. However, the values ​​related to the size of the hull area are not limited to a. For example, a × b can be used to reflect the width and depth of the hull area, the hull cross-sectional area St can be used, the circumferential length of the hull area can be used, and so on.

[0060] Meanwhile, γ represents a coefficient for converting the body impedance Zs of the surface layer area on the dorsal side of the trunk region into the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area Sb, and an optimal value can be obtained, for example, based on a large number of computed tomography images in the same way as when the coefficient α or the coefficient β is obtained. In other words, the optimal value for γ satisfying Sb' = γ × a × Zs can be obtained from the relationship between a subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area Sb' obtained from a selection of a large number of X-ray CT images, the body impedance Zs of the surface layer area on the dorsal side of the trunk region of the measurement subject imaged by the X-ray CT, and the stated a.

[0061] Note that it is preferable that the expressed coefficient γ be optimized as needed according to the measurement subject information in the same way as the coefficient α and the coefficient β mentioned above. In other words, the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area Sb can be approximated with a higher degree of accuracy by changing the value of the expressed coefficient γ according to the measurement subject information.

[0062] As described so far, in the body fat measurement device according to the present embodiment, the organ fat cross-sectional area Sx is calculated based on the specified formula (1) using the trunk cross-sectional area St, the non-fat cross-sectional area Sa calculated based on the body impedance Zt of the entire trunk area, and the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area Sb calculated based on the body impedance of the surface layer area of ​​the dorsal surface side of the trunk area; specifically, the organ fat cross-sectional area Sx is calculated based on the following formula (6) by replacing the specified formula (3) with the formula (5) in the specified formula (1). Sx=α×π×a×b−β×a×(1 / Zt)−γ×a×Zs Functional blocks of the body fat measuring device

[0063] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional block structure of the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment. Next, the functional block structure of the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2 described.

[0064] As in Fig. 2, a body fat measurement device 1A according to the present embodiment primarily includes: a control unit 10; a constant current generation unit 21; a terminal switching unit 22; a potential difference detection unit 23; a trunk area width detection unit 24A; a trunk area depth detection unit 24B; a measurement subject information input unit 25; a display unit 26; an operation unit 27; a power source unit 28; a storage unit; a unit orientation detection unit 30; and a plurality of electrodes HR, HL, BU1-BU4, BL1-BL4, FR, and FL attached to the body of the measurement subject. The control unit 10 includes a calculation processing unit 11, and the calculation processing unit 11 has a body impedance measuring unit 12, a body shape information measuring unit 13, and a body composition information obtaining unit 14.

[0065] The control unit 10 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and is a unit for controlling the body fat measurement device 1A as a whole. Specifically, the control unit 10 issues instructions to the various aforementioned functional blocks, accepts inputs of various types of information from the various aforementioned functional blocks, performs various types of calculation processes based on the various types of accepted information, and so on. The various types of calculation processes are executed by the aforementioned calculation processing unit 11 provided in the control unit 10.

[0066] The aforementioned plurality of electrodes include: hand electrodes HR and HL, which serve as upper limb electrodes arranged in contact with the surfaces of the subject's upper limbs; dorsal surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4, which are arranged in contact with the subject's back surface; and foot electrodes FR and FL, which serve as lower limb electrodes arranged in contact with the subject's lower limb surfaces. Of these, the hand electrodes HR and HL are arranged in contact with the subject's palms, while the foot electrodes FR and FL are arranged in contact with the subject's soles. Meanwhile, the dorsal surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4, as shown in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, arranged in rows and in contact with the back surface of the test subject. Note that the hand electrodes HR and HL, the back surface electrodes BU1 - BU4 and BL1 - BL4, and the foot electrodes FR and FL are all electrically connected to the aforementioned terminal switching unit 22.

[0067] The terminal switching unit 22 is constructed of, for example, a relay circuit; based on instructions input from the control unit 10, the terminal switching unit 22 electrically connects specific electrodes selected from the specified plurality of electrodes to the constant current generation unit 21 and connects specific electrodes selected from the specified plurality of electrodes to the potential difference detection unit 23. Thereby, the electrodes electrically connected to the constant current generation unit 21 through the terminal switching unit 22 serve as constant current application electrodes, and the electrodes electrically connected to the potential difference detection unit 23 through the terminal switching unit 22 serve as potential difference detection electrodes.In other words, by the terminal switching unit 22 operated based on inputs from the control unit 10, the respective plural electrodes HR, HL, BU1 - BU4, BL1 - BL4, FR and FL act as the respective electrodes EIa. A1 , EIa A2 , EIb A1 , EIb A2 , EVA A1 , EVb A1 , EVA A2 , EVb A2 , EVA A3 , EVb A3 , EVA A4 and EVb A4 , which in Fig. 1A, and the respective electrodes EIa B1 , EIb B1 , EVA B1 , EVb B1 , EVA B2 , EVb B2 , EIa B2 and EIb B2 , which in Fig. 1B are shown.

[0068] The constant current generation unit 21 generates a constant current based on an instruction input from the control unit 10 and supplies the generated constant current to the indicated constant current application electrodes via the connection switching unit 22. A high-frequency current (for example, 50 kHz, 500 μA) that can be effectively used to measure body composition information is selected as the constant current generated by the constant current generation unit 21. This allows the constant current to be applied to the measurement subject via the constant current application electrodes.

[0069] The potential difference detection unit 23 detects a potential difference between the electrodes connected to the potential difference detection unit 23 (i.e., the potential difference detection electrodes) through the terminal switching unit 22, and outputs the detected potential difference to the control unit 10. Thus, the potential difference between the potential difference detection electrodes is detected in a state where the aforementioned constant current is applied to the measurement subject.

[0070] The trunk area width detection unit 24A is a detection unit for measuring the width of the trunk area of ​​the measurement subject without making contact therewith, and is constructed, for example, of a distance sensor such as an optical sensor. Meanwhile, the trunk area depth detection unit 24B is a detection unit for measuring the depth of the trunk area of ​​the measurement subject without making contact therewith, and is constructed, for example, of a distance sensor such as an optical sensor. The trunk area width detection unit 24A and the trunk area depth detection unit 24B output signals to the body shape information measurement unit 13 based on the detected values.In addition to the optical sensors mentioned above, it should be noted that various types of non-contact distance sensors using ultrasonic waves or electromagnetic waves (light with various wavelength ranges including laser light, visible light and so on, radio waves, magnetism, electric fields and the like) can also be used as the trunk area width detection unit 24A and the trunk area depth detection unit 24B.

[0071] The measurement subject information input unit 25 is a unit for obtaining information related to the measurement subject used in the calculation process executed by the calculation processing unit 11, and is configured, for example, with buttons and the like that can be pressed by the measurement subject. Here, the measurement subject information includes, as mentioned above, the gender, age, height, weight, and so on of the measurement subject. The measurement subject information input unit 25 accepts the input of measurement subject information and outputs the accepted measurement subject information to the control unit 10.Note that the measurement subject information input unit 25 is not necessarily required in the configuration of the present invention, and whether or not to provide the measurement subject information input unit 25 can be determined based on whether or not it is necessary to use the measurement subject information in the calculation processes performed by the calculation processing unit 11.

[0072] The unit orientation detecting unit 30 is a detecting element for detecting the orientation of an attachment unit 100A (mentioned later, see Fig. 3 to 10) and is composed, for example, of an accelerometer. This unit alignment unit 30 outputs a signal to the control unit 10 based on a detection value.

[0073] The calculation processing unit 11 includes, as mentioned above, the body impedance measurement unit 12, the body shape information measurement unit 13, and the body composition information acquisition unit 14. Meanwhile, the body composition information acquisition unit 14 includes an internal organ fat mass calculation unit 14a and a subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit 14b. The body impedance measurement unit 12 calculates the body impedance based on a signal input from the potential difference detection unit 23 and outputs the body impedance to the body composition information acquisition unit 14.The body shape information measurement unit 13 calculates the width and depth of the measurement subject's trunk area based on the signals input from the trunk area width detection unit 24A and the trunk area depth detection unit 24B, and outputs the calculated information to the body composition information acquisition unit 14. The body composition information acquisition unit 14 calculates and acquires the body composition information based on the body impedance input from the impedance measurement unit 12, the width and depth of the trunk area input from the body shape information measurement unit 13, and, in some cases, the measurement subject information input from the measurement subject information input unit 25.Specifically, the internal organ fat mass calculation unit 14a calculates an internal organ fat mass, and the subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit 14b calculates a subcutaneous fat mass.

[0074] The display unit 26 is constructed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or the like, and displays the body composition information calculated by the body composition information acquisition unit 14 as mentioned above. Specifically, the internal organ fat mass calculated by the internal organ fat mass calculation unit 14a and the subcutaneous fat mass calculated by the subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit 14b are displayed in the display unit 26 based on signals output from the control unit 10. Here, with the body fat measurement device 1A according to the present embodiment, the internal organ fat mass is displayed, for example, as the organ fat cross-sectional area, and the subcutaneous fat mass is displayed, for example, as the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area.

[0075] The display unit 26 also has a function of displaying the orientation of the mounting unit 100A detected by the unit orientation detection unit 30. Specifically, based on a signal output from the control unit 10, the display unit 26 visualizes and displays the orientation of the mounting unit detected by the unit orientation detection unit 30.

[0076] The control unit 27 is a unit through which the measurement subject inputs commands to the body fat measuring device 1A and is composed, for example, of buttons and the like that can be pressed by the measurement subject. Note that the control unit 27 includes various types of control buttons, such as a power button, a measurement button, and so on.

[0077] The power source unit 28 is a unit for supplying electric power to the control unit 10 and uses an internal power source such as a battery, an external power source such as an AC outlet, or the like.

[0078] The storage unit 29 is constructed of, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM), and is a unit for storing various types of data, programs, and the like for the body fat measurement device 1A. The storage unit 29 stores, for example, the aforementioned measurement subject information, the calculated body composition information, a body composition information measurement program for executing a body composition information measurement method (mentioned later), and so on. Body fat measuring device 1A

[0079] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment in a non-stored state, while Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the body fat measuring device in a stored state. Fig. 5 is a plan view of a Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Next, the structure of the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to 5 described in detail.

[0080] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in FIG. 4, the body fat measurement device 1A according to the present embodiment includes the attachment unit 100A and a platform unit 200. The attachment unit 100A has a frame shape capable of being arranged to surround the torso area of ​​the measurement subject in an attached state, which will be described later. Meanwhile, the platform unit 200 is shaped as a platform on which the measurement subject can step. Note that the attachment unit 100A and the platform unit 200 are connected by a connection cable 40 that electrically connects electrical circuits provided therein.

[0081] As in Fig. 3 to 5, the mounting unit 100A includes: a frame member 110 including a rod-shaped rear frame portion 111, a rod-shaped right side frame portion 112, a rod-shaped left side frame portion 113, and a rod-shaped front frame portion 114; an electrode holding member 120 fixed to the rear frame portion 111 of the frame member 110; and a display unit portion 130 fixed to the front frame portion 114 of the frame member 110.

[0082] The frame member 110 has a frame-like outer shape, approximately rectangular when viewed from above, and has a hollow opening portion into which the measurement subject can enter (in other words, into which the measurement subject can insert their torso portion). This hollow opening portion is defined by the aforementioned rear frame portion 111, the right side frame portion 112, the left side frame portion 113, and the front frame portion 114. Note that the left side frame portion 113 and the front frame portion 114 are not connected, and the aforementioned display unit portion 130 is attached to the end of the front frame portion 114 adjacent to the unconnected portion.

[0083] The electrode holding member 120 is disposed approximately at the center of the rear frame portion 111 of the frame member 110 so as to protrude inward. The electrode holding member 120 is constructed of a curved plate bent so that its two ends are positioned forward and its center is positioned backward. The aforementioned back surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4 are provided so as to be exposed on a front surface 121 of the electrode holding member 120, and preferably, the back surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4 protrude slightly from the front surface 121 of the electrode holding member 120.Here, the electrode holding member 120 is positioned on the front surface of the rear frame portion 111 so that surfaces of the back surface electrodes BU1 - BU4 and BL1 - BL4 that make contact with the back surface of the measurement subject face forward during the attached state, which will be mentioned later.

[0084] Meanwhile, the electrode holding element 120, as shown in Fig. 5, the electrode holding member 120 is fixed to the rear frame portion 111 of the frame member 110 via a connecting portion 115 comprising, for example, a ball joint. This allows the electrode holding member 120 to be pivotally supported by the rear frame portion 111. Note that it is preferable that the pivoting direction be limited so that the electrode holding member 120 can pivot left and right only in the horizontal plane. Adopting such a structure makes it possible to securely bring the back surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4 provided on the front surface 121 of the electrode holding member 120 into contact with the back surface of the measurement subject with appropriate pressure during the attached state, which will be mentioned later.

[0085] Alternatively, the connecting portion 115 may be provided with an elastic member such as a spring and configured to elastically hold the electrode holding member 120 on the rear frame portion 111. Using such a configuration makes it possible to bring the back surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4 provided on the front surface of the electrode holding member 120 into contact with the back surface of the measurement subject with greater reliability and with a more appropriate pressure during the attached state, which will be mentioned later.

[0086] As in Fig. 3 to 5, the above-mentioned hand electrode HR is provided approximately at the center of the right side frame portion 112 of the frame member 110. The hand electrode HR is positioned to be exposed on the surface of the right side frame portion 112 of the frame member 110. Meanwhile, the surface of the right side frame portion 112 on the frame member 110 in which the hand electrode HR is provided is formed in a bar shape to be capable of being gripped by the right hand of the measurement subject. Here, it is preferable that the surface of the hand electrode HR that makes contact with the palm of the right hand of the measurement subject be arranged to face mainly outward from the frame member 110.

[0087] Meanwhile, an optical sensor serving as the aforementioned trunk area width detection unit 24A is embedded approximately in the center of the right side frame portion 112 of the frame member 110, and a detection window portion 24A1 is provided on the inside of the right side frame portion 112 in the region where the optical sensor is embedded. The detection window portion 24A1 is constructed of a member that allows light emitted from the optical sensor to pass through.

[0088] In addition, an accelerometer serving as the aforementioned unit alignment unit 30 is embedded within a region near the front end of the right side frame portion 112 of the frame member 110. The accelerometer is positioned relative to the frame member 110 so that it is capable of detecting whether a plane including an axis line of the frame member 110 (in other words, a plane orthogonal to an axis line of the hollow opening portion defined by the frame member 110) is parallel to a horizontal plane, or to what degree the plane is angled relative to the horizontal plane; the structure is such that multiple accelerometers are combined, if necessary.

[0089] Furthermore, a measurement button 27a is provided at a predetermined location on the right side frame portion 112 of the frame member 110. Preferably, the measurement button 27a is provided at a location adjacent to the hand electrode HR. As a result, the measurement subject is not required to move their right hand during the measurement, making it easy to provide superior operability.

[0090] The aforementioned hand electrode HL is provided approximately at the center of the left side frame portion 113 of the frame member 110. The hand electrode HL is positioned so as to be exposed on the surface of the left side frame portion 113 of the frame member 110. Meanwhile, the area of ​​the left side frame portion 113 of the frame member 110 where the hand electrode HL is provided is formed in a rod shape to be able to be grasped by the left hand of the measurement subject. Here, it is preferable for the surface of the hand electrode HL that makes contact with the palm of the left hand of the measurement subject to be arranged so as to face mainly outward from the frame member 110.

[0091] However, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, an optical sensor serving as the aforementioned trunk area width detection unit 24A is embedded approximately in the center of the left side frame portion 113 of the frame member 110, and a detection window portion 24A2 is provided on the inside of the left side frame portion 113 in the region where the optical sensor is embedded. The detection window portion 24A2 is constructed of a member that allows light emitted from the optical sensor to pass through.

[0092] As in Fig. 3 to 5, the above-mentioned display unit portion 130 is fixed to the front frame portion 114 of the frame member 110. The display unit 26 is provided in the upper surface of the display unit portion 130. Here, the display unit 26 includes a first display unit 26a for displaying measurement results, various types of guidance, and so on, such as numbers, text, or graphics, and a second display unit 26b for visualizing and indicating the orientation of the attachment unit 100A. Meanwhile, the measurement subject information input unit 25 and the operation unit 27, except for the measurement button 27a, are provided on a region of the upper surface of the display unit portion 130 that is adjacent to the display unit 26.Note that it is preferable that the display unit 130 is located in front of the measurement subject during the attached state, and for this reason, the display unit section 130 is arranged in front of the aforementioned electrode holding member 120 (i.e., approximately in the center of the horizontal direction of the frame member 110).

[0093] However, as in Fig. As shown in Fig. 5, an optical sensor serving as the aforementioned trunk area depth detection unit 24B is embedded inside the display unit portion 130, and a detection window portion 24B1 is provided in the portion where the optical sensor is embedded on the rear surface side of the display unit portion 130. The detection window portion 24B1 is constructed of a member that allows light emitted from the optical sensor to pass through.

[0094] Meanwhile, the platform unit 200 comprises, as in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, a box-shaped platform portion 210 and holding portions 220 projecting outwardly from predetermined positions of the front surface, the rear surface, the right side surface and the left side surface of the platform portion 210.

[0095] The platform portion 210 has an upper surface 211 onto which the measurement subject steps, and the aforementioned foot electrodes FR and FL are respectively provided at predetermined locations on the upper surface 211. The foot electrodes FR and FL are positioned so as to be exposed on the upper surface of the platform portion 210. Here, the structure is such that the contact surfaces of the foot electrodes FR and FL, which make contact with the sole of the measurement subject's right foot and the sole of the measurement subject's left foot, are all facing upward.

[0096] As in Fig. 4, the holding portions 220 are units for holding and supporting the attachment unit 100A in the stored state and have shapes capable of receiving and holding the rear frame portion 111, the right side frame portion 112, the left side frame portion 113, and the front frame portion 114 of the frame member 110, respectively. As shown in Fig. 4, the frame member 110 of the mounting unit 100A is arranged to surround the platform portion 210 of the platform unit 200 during the stored state. Note that in the stored state, it is preferable that the structure be such that the connecting cable 40 connecting the mounting unit 100A to the platform unit 200 is contained within the platform unit 200. To achieve such a structure, a roller member capable of receiving the connecting cable 40 inside the platform unit 200 may be provided.

[0097] The above-mentioned control unit 10, the constant current generation unit 21, the terminal switching unit 22, the potential difference detection unit 23, the storage unit 29 and so on, which are arranged in Fig. 2 may be provided within the attachment unit 100A or may be provided within the platform portion 210. Furthermore, although the measurement subject information input unit 25, the display unit 26, and the operation unit 27 are provided in the attachment unit 100A of the body fat measurement device 1A according to the present embodiment, these units may be provided within the platform unit 200. Measurement procedure that the test subject should follow

[0098] Fig. 6 to 8 are diagrams illustrating a measurement method to be performed by a measurement subject when measuring using the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment. Meanwhile, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 are diagrams showing the attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment in the attached state. Next, a measurement method to be performed by the measurement subject and the attachment state of the attachment unit when the measurement is performed using the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to 10 described.

[0099] If, as in Fig. 6, when the body fat mass is measured using the body fat measurement device 1A according to the present embodiment, first, a measurement subject 300 steps onto the platform unit 200 of the body fat measurement device 1A in the stored state. At this time, the measurement subject 300 brings the sole of his right foot into contact with the foot electrode FR provided on the platform unit 200 and brings the sole of his left foot 302 into contact with the foot electrode FL provided on the platform unit 200.

[0100] Next, the test subject bends down 300, as in Fig. 7, the measurement subject 300 raises his upper body and assumes a squatting posture, and grasps the right side frame portion 112 of the attachment unit 100A with his right hand 303 and the left side frame portion 113 of the attachment unit 100A with his left hand 304. At this time, the measurement subject 300 brings the palm of his right hand 303 into contact with the hand electrode HR provided in the attachment unit 100A and brings the palm of his left hand 304 into contact with the hand electrode HL provided in the attachment unit 100A.

[0101] Next, the test subject stretches 300, as in Fig. 8, the measurement subject 300 raises his upper body while grasping the attachment unit 100A and assumes a standing position. At this time, the measurement subject 300 does not change his foot arrangement, keeping the sole of his right foot 301 in contact with the foot electrode FR and the sole of his left foot 302 in contact with the foot electrode FL. Here, the measurement subject 300 lifts the attachment unit 100A by stretching his body, and the torso portion 305 of the measurement subject 300 is then positioned in the hollow opening portion of the attachment unit 100A surrounded by the frame member 110. Note that the connection cable 40 is pulled from the platform unit 200 when the attachment unit 100A is lifted.

[0102] Next, the measurement subject 300 adjusts the position of the attachment unit 100A by moving the attachment unit 100A in the direction of an arrow C in Fig. 8 while still gripping the attachment unit 100A, so that the front surface 121 of the electrode holding member 120 provided in the attachment unit 100A is pressed against the back surface (specifically, against the surface of his hips on the back side).

[0103] At this time, the measurement subject 300 adjusts the pressure of the electrode holding member 120 against its back surface, and while looking at and referring to the second display unit 26b, which displays the orientation of the attachment unit 100A in a visible state, adjusts the orientation of the attachment unit 100A so that the attachment unit 100A is positioned horizontally. To be more specific, the measurement subject 300 positions the attachment unit 100A horizontally by adjusting the angles of the right hand and the left hand gripping the right side frame portion 112 and the left side frame portion 113 of the frame member 110, adjusting the spatial positions where the right hand and the left hand are arranged, and so on. The measurement subject 300 maintains the horizontal orientation after adjusting the orientation of the attachment unit 100A.

[0104] As a result, the attachment unit 100A enters the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, and the body fat mass measurement can begin. Here, to begin the body fat mass measurement, the measurement subject 300 can press the measurement button 27a using the thumb of his right hand 303. Although descriptions have been omitted above, it is necessary for the measurement subject 300 to press the power switch at an appropriate time. Although the time at which the power switch is pressed is not particularly limited, it is preferable that the power switch be pressed before the measurement subject 300 assumes the squatting posture and grasps the attachment unit 100A.

[0105] As in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, in the attached state in which the attachment unit 100A is attached to the measurement subject 300, the optical sensors serving as the trunk area width detection unit 24A and the optical sensor serving as the trunk area depth detection unit 24B are positioned around the trunk area 305 in a position including the navel location of the measurement subject 300.Consequently, the light emitted from the pair of optical sensors serving as the trunk area width detecting section 24A can irradiate the right side surface of the trunk area 305 of the measurement subject 300 (in other words, the right flank surface) and the left side surface of the trunk area 305 (in other words, the left flank) through the detecting window sections 24A1 and 24A2, and the light emitted from the optical sensor serving as the trunk area depth detecting unit 24B can irradiate the front surface of the trunk area 305 of the measurement subject 300 (in other words, the vicinity of the navel site in the abdominal area) through the detecting window section 24B1.

[0106] At this time, it is important that the attachment unit 100A be maintained in a horizontal orientation in order to accurately measure the trunk area width and the trunk area depth using the optical sensors. Therefore, in the body fat measurement device 1A according to the present embodiment, the aforementioned unit orientation detection unit 30 is provided in the attachment unit 100A, and the orientation of the attachment unit 100A, as detected by the unit orientation detection unit 30, is visibly displayed on the second display unit 26b. In other words, the measurement subject 300 can be guided by viewing the second display unit 26b and using the second display unit as a reference to maintain the orientation of the attachment unit 100A in a horizontal orientation.

[0107] As in Fig. Here, as shown in Fig. 10, a width 2a of the torso portion 305 of the measurement subject 300 can be calculated using a distance A1 (that is, the distance between the right side frame portion 112 and the right side surface of the torso portion 305 of the measurement subject 300) and a distance A2 (that is, the distance between the left side frame portion 113 and the left side surface of the torso portion 305 of the measurement subject 300) detected by a pair of sensors serving as the torso portion width detecting unit 24A, together with a predetermined distance A (that is, the distance between the right side frame portion 112 and the left side frame portion 113).Likewise, a depth 2b of the trunk region 305 of the measurement subject 300 can be calculated using a distance B1 detected by the optical sensor serving as the trunk region depth detection unit 24B (that is, the distance between the rear surface of the display unit portion 130 and the front surface of the trunk region 305 of the measurement subject 300) and a predetermined distance B (that is, the distance between the rear surface of the display unit portion 130 and the center of the front surface 121 of the electrode holding member 120 in the horizontal direction).

[0108] Assuming that the orientation of the mounting unit 100A is not maintained in a horizontal orientation, the mounting unit 110A will tilt, causing the stated distance B1, the distance B2, and the distance A1 to be measured incorrectly, which in turn leads to problems such as the hull area width and hull area depth measurements containing errors or the hull area width and hull area depth not being measured at all; however, the use of the aforementioned structure eliminates these problems.

[0109] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display in the second display unit indicating the orientation of the attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment. Next, an example of the display in the second display unit indicating the orientation of the attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11 described.

[0110] As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 11, in the body fat measurement device 1A according to the present embodiment, a screen is configured so that the measurement subject can instinctively recognize the orientation of the attachment unit 100A. To be more specific, a guide line L1 representing the horizontal direction of the attachment unit 100A and a guide line L2 representing the depth direction of the attachment unit 100A are indicated on the display screen of the second display unit 26b. In addition, a region T expressing an allowable orientation range of the attachment unit 100A is indicated in a complementary manner as a circle at the center of which the guide line L1 and the guide line L2 intersect. A display element I expressing the result of the detection performed by the unit orientation detection unit 30 is shown on the screen, for example, as a circle.

[0111] Here the Fig. 11 indicates that a right front portion of the mounting unit 100A (i.e., the connecting portion between the right side frame portion 112 and the front frame portion 114) is lower than the other portions, and thus, the measurement subject adjusts the orientation of the mounting unit 100A such that the display element I falls within the aforementioned region T expressing the allowable range (i.e., such that the display element I shifts to the position indicated by I' shown in Fig. 11 is shown as a dashed circle). Processing flow of the control unit with the body fat measuring device

[0112] Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the control unit in the body fat measurement device according to the present embodiment. Next, a sequence of processes performed by the control unit of the body fat measurement device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Note that the steps described in the flowchart in Fig. 12 are stored in advance in the storage unit 29 as a program, and a method for measuring the organ fat cross-sectional area and a method for measuring the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area are realized by the control unit 10 when the control unit 10 including the calculation processing unit 11 reads out and executes this program.

[0113] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the control unit 10 first accepts input of the measurement subject information (step S1). The accepted measurement subject information is temporarily stored, for example, in the storage unit 29.

[0114] Next, the control unit 10 determines whether there was an instruction to start the measurement (step S2). The control unit 10 stands by until there is an instruction to start the measurement (No in step S2), and proceeds to the next process if an instruction to start the measurement is detected (Yes in step S2). Note that the instruction to start the measurement is given by the measurement subject pressing the measurement button 27a.

[0115] Next, the control unit 10 determines whether the orientation of the mounting unit 100A is within the allowable range (in other words, whether the mounting unit 100A is in a horizontal orientation or not) (step S3). Specifically, in the case where it is determined that the mounting unit 100A is not within the determined allowable range based on a signal input from the unit orientation detection unit 30 (No in step S3), the control unit 10 stands by until the mounting unit 100A is within the allowable range. At this time, the control unit 10 may execute control, prompting the measurement subject to adjust the orientation of the mounting unit 100A by displaying a guide in the display unit 26, alerting the measurement subject that the orientation of the mounting unit 100A is not in a horizontal orientation, emitting a warning sound, or the like.On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that the mounting unit 100A is within the allowable range based on a signal detected by the unit orientation detecting unit 30 (Yes in step S3), the control unit 10 proceeds to the next process.

[0116] Next, the control unit 10 measures the width and depth of the torso region (step S4). Specifically, the control unit 10 obtains the width 2a and depth 2b of the measurement subject's torso region based on signals input from the torso region width detection unit 24A and the torso region depth detection unit 24B using the body shape information measurement unit 13. The obtained width 2a and depth 2b of the measurement subject's torso region are temporarily stored in the storage unit 29.

[0117] Next, the control unit 10 configures the electrodes (step S5). Specifically, the control unit 10 issues an instruction to the terminal switching unit 22 to switch the electrodes, and based on this, the terminal switching unit 22 configures the plurality of electrodes HR, HL, BU1 - BU4, BL1 - BL4, FR, and FL to the Fig. The electrode structure shown in Figure 1A.

[0118] Next, the control unit 10 applies a constant current between the constant current application electrodes (step S6). Specifically, the control unit 10 issues an instruction to the constant current generation unit 21 to generate the constant current, and based on this, the constant current generation unit 21 applies the generated constant current I A between the Fig. 1A to apply a constant current.

[0119] Next, the control unit 10 detects a potential difference between the potential difference detection electrodes (step S7). Specifically, the control unit 10 issues an instruction to the potential difference detection unit 23 to detect a potential difference, and based on this, the potential difference detection unit 23 detects the potential differences V A1 , V A2 , V A3 and V A4 between the Fig. 1A and outputs the detected potential differences to the body impedance measuring unit 12.

[0120] Next, the control unit 10 calculates the body impedance Zt (step S8). Specifically, the control unit 10 calculates the body impedance Zt using the body impedance measuring unit 12 based on a signal input from the potential difference detecting unit 23. The calculated body impedance Zt is temporarily stored in the storage unit 29.

[0121] Next, the control unit 10 reconfigures the electrodes (step S9). Specifically, the control unit 10 issues an instruction to the terminal switching unit 22 to switch the electrodes, and based on this, the terminal switching unit 22 configures the plurality of electrodes HR, HL, BU1 - BU4, BL1 - BL4, FR, and FL to the Fig. Electrode structure shown in Figure 1B.

[0122] Next, the control unit 10 applies a constant current between the constant current application electrodes (step S10). Specifically, the control unit 10 issues an instruction to generate the constant current to the constant current generation unit 21, and based on this, the constant current generation unit 21 applies, as shown in Fig. 1B, the generated constant currents I B1 and I B2 between the electrodes to apply a constant current.

[0123] Next, the control unit 10 detects a potential difference between the potential difference detection electrodes (step S11). Specifically, the control unit 10 outputs a potential difference detection instruction to the potential difference detection unit 23, and based thereon, the potential difference detection unit 23 detects the potential differences V B1 and V B2 between the Fig. 1B and outputs the detected potential differences to the body impedance measuring unit 12.

[0124] Next, the control unit 10 calculates the body impedance Zs (step S12). Specifically, the control unit 10 calculates the body impedance Zs using the body impedance measuring unit 12 based on a signal input from the potential difference detecting unit 23. The calculated body impedance Zs is temporarily stored in the storage unit 29.

[0125] Next, the control unit 10 calculates the organ fat cross-sectional area and the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area (step S13). Specifically, the control unit 10 calculates the organ fat cross-sectional area Sx as the fat mass of the internal organs using the internal organ fat mass calculation unit 14a and calculates the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area Sb as the subcutaneous fat mass using the subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit 14b based on the width 2a and the depth 2b of the trunk area acquired in step S3, the body impedance Zt calculated in step S7, and the body impedance Zs calculated in step S11. Note that the body fat cross-sectional area Sx and the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area Sb are temporarily stored in the storage unit 29.

[0126] Then, the control unit 10 displays the measurement results (step S14). Specifically, the control unit 10 issues an instruction to display the organ fat cross-sectional area Sx and the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area Sb calculated in step S13 to the display unit 26, and based thereon, the display unit 26 displays these measurement results.

[0127] Thus, the body fat measuring device 1A completes the process for measuring the organ fat cross-sectional area and the process for measuring the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area. Note that a typical value for the body impedance Zt is approximately 5 Ω, while a typical value for the body impedance Zs is approximately 80 Ω. Actions and results

[0128] With the body fat measurement device 1A according to the present embodiment described so far, the trunk area width detection unit 24A for detecting the trunk area width and the trunk area depth detection unit 24B for detecting the trunk area depth are provided in the attachment unit 100A to bring the back surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4 into contact with the back surface of the measurement subject in a pressurized state. In other words, the back surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4 and the trunk area width detection unit 24A and the trunk area depth detection unit 24B are provided to be integrated with the attachment unit 100A, which is configured as a single unit.

[0129] Therefore, with the body fat measurement device 1A according to the present embodiment, actual measurements of the trunk area width and trunk area depth can be performed with a high degree of accuracy in a state where the attachment unit 100A is grasped and the back surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4 are pressed against the back surface. Consequently, the work steps required of the measurement subject when measuring body fat mass can be simplified, and the body fat mass can be measured accurately and easily through simple operation. Furthermore, the measurement subject can perform the measurement himself without assistance from an attendant or the like.

[0130] Furthermore, in the body fat measurement device according to the present embodiment, as described so far, in addition to the mentioned back surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4, the trunk area width detection unit 24A, and the trunk area depth detection unit 24B, the hand electrodes HR and HL serving as the upper limb electrodes are provided in an exposed state in the mentioned attachment unit 100A. In other words, the back surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4, the trunk width detection unit 24A and the trunk area depth detection unit 24B, and the hand electrodes HR and HL are provided to be integrated with the attachment unit 100A, which is constructed as a single unit.

[0131] Consequently, by grasping the attachment unit 100A with the right hand and the left hand, the measurement subject can bring the hand electrodes HR and HL into contact with the palm of his right hand and the palm of his left hand, respectively, and can place the dorsal surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4 provided in the attachment unit 100A in contact with his back surface by pressing the attachment unit 100A to the dorsal surface while grasping the attachment unit 100A with his right hand and left hand; further, actual measurements of the trunk area width and trunk area depth can be taken with a high degree of accuracy in this state.

[0132] Here, in the case where a structure that places the electrodes in contact with the back surface of the measurement subject is used without using the structure of the body fat measurement device 1A according to the present embodiment as described above, it is difficult to maintain stable contact between the back surface electrodes and the back surface of the measurement subject. Therefore, it is usually necessary for the measurement subject to lie face up or face down to stabilize the contact. In this case, it is extremely difficult for the measurement subject to perform the measurement themselves without assistance from an attendant or the like, and as a result, the body fat measurement device cannot be effectively used in a home or the like.

[0133] However, as described above, in the body fat measurement device 1A according to the present embodiment, the back surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4, the trunk area width detection unit 24A and the trunk area depth detection unit 24B, and the hand electrodes HR and HL are provided to be integrated with the attachment unit 100A constructed as a single unit, and thus the back surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4 can be brought into stable contact with the back surface of the measurement subject by a simple operation and while the measurement subject is standing upright;Furthermore, during the measurement steps, the stable contact state between the back surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4 and the back surface of the measurement subject can be maintained, and further, actual measurements of the trunk area width and trunk area depth can be taken in such a state with a high degree of accuracy. Consequently, with the body fat measurement device 1A according to the present embodiment, the operations required of the measurement subject when measuring body fat mass can be simplified, and the body fat mass can be measured accurately and easily through a simple operation. Furthermore, the measurement subject can easily perform the measurement themselves without the assistance of an assistant or the like.

[0134] Furthermore, with the body fat measurement device 1A according to the present embodiment, body fat mass such as internal organ fat mass, subcutaneous fat mass, and so on can be measured while the back surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4 are arranged in contact with the back surface of the measurement subject, and thus, instead of applying a current locally to the abdominal area where the subcutaneous fat is relatively thin, a current can be applied locally to the back surface where the subcutaneous fat is relatively thick; thus, the body fat mass can be measured with a higher degree of accuracy.

[0135] Consequently, the body fat measuring device 1A according to the present embodiment makes it possible to realize a body fat measuring device capable of easily and accurately measuring body fat mass, such as internal organ fat mass and subcutaneous fat mass, in a home or the like. Therefore, the use of the body fat measuring device 1A makes it possible to provide such indicators for health management on a daily basis.

[0136] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of a display in the second display unit indicating the orientation of the attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment.

[0137] Although the example of the advertisement used in the previously mentioned Fig. 11 illustrates a configuration in which the orientation in both the depth direction and the horizontal direction of the mounting unit 100A can be detected, the use of the above-described measurement position tends to make it easy to maintain the mounting unit 100A in a horizontal orientation in the horizontal direction. However, the use of the above-described measurement position also tends to make it difficult to maintain the mounting unit 100A in a horizontal orientation in the depth direction.

[0138] Consequently, in order to further simplify the device structure, it is possible to construct the device to detect only the orientation of the mounting unit 100A in the depth direction and to display the second display unit 26 that displays the orientation of the mounting unit 100A in the Fig. 13 shown manner.

[0139] In other words, in the example of Fig. 13, regions indicating the degree of inclination of the mounting unit 100A in its depth direction are arranged along the depth direction of the second display unit 26b, and the display element I is displayed by illuminating a region corresponding to the result of the detection performed by the orientation detection unit 30.

[0140] The Fig. The display state shown in Fig. 13 indicates a state in which the front area of ​​the mounting unit 100A (that is, the connecting area located toward the front frame portion 114) is higher than the rear area, and thus the measurement subject adjusts the orientation of the mounting unit 100A so that the display element I falls within a region indicated as the above-mentioned allowable range. Second embodiment

[0141] Fig. 14 is a plan view of an attachment unit of a body fat measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating an attached state of the attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment. Next, details of the structure of the attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment and an attached state of the attachment unit will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. Note that the principles of the measurement performed by the body fat measuring device and the calculation methods executed by the control unit according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the body fat measuring device according to the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] As in Fig. 14, a body fat measuring device 1B according to the present embodiment, like the body fat measuring device 1A according to the above-mentioned first embodiment of the present invention, comprises an attachment unit 100B having a frame shape capable of being arranged to surround the trunk area of ​​the measurement subject in an attached state, and the platform unit 200 (not shown; see Fig. 3 and so on), which is shaped as a platform onto which the user can step.

[0143] The attachment unit 100B of the body fat measuring device 1B according to the present embodiment is configured such that the rear frame portion 111, the right side frame portion 112, the left side frame portion 113, and the front frame portion 114 of the frame member 110 are divided into individual units, and the rear frame portion 111, the right side frame portion 112, the left side frame portion 113, and the front frame portion 114 are each connected to their respective adjacent frame portions so as to be capable of moving relative thereto.

[0144] To be more specific, the right side frame portion 112 is constructed such that it is capable of moving relative to the rear frame portion 111 in the direction of Fig. 14, the left side frame portion 113 is constructed such that it is capable of moving relative to the rear frame portion 111 in the direction of an arrow D1 shown in Fig. 14, and the front frame portion 114 is constructed such that it is capable of moving relative to the right side frame portion 112 in the direction of an arrow D2 shown in Fig. 14 shown arrow E1.

[0145] Furthermore, with the body fat measuring device 1B according to the present embodiment, grip portions 112a and 113a are provided protruding from the right side frame portion 112 and the left side frame portion 113, respectively, and the hand electrodes HR and HL are provided on the hand portions 112a and 113a in an exposed state, respectively.

[0146] Here, the body fat measurement device 1B according to the present embodiment does not include the non-contact optical sensor provided in the body fat measurement device 1A according to the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention; instead, a movement amount sensor serving as the trunk area width detection unit 24A and detecting the relative movement amount between the indicated right side frame portion 112 and the left side frame portion 113 and the rear frame portion 111, and a movement amount sensor serving as the trunk area depth detection unit 24B and detecting the relative movement amount between the indicated front frame portion 114 and the right side frame portion 112 are provided in the attachment unit 100A.A variety of elements including different types of sensors such as rotation sensors, optical sensors, magnetic sensors and so on can be used as the motion quantity detection sensors.

[0147] When the attachment unit 100B, as shown in Fig. 15, in the attached state, the torso portion 305 of the measurement subject is surrounded by the frame member 110, and the abdominal portion, the back portion, and both side portions of the torso portion 305 are in contact with the attachment unit 100B.

[0148] To achieve this state, the measurement subject grasps the grip portions 112a and 113a with his right hand and left hand, respectively, so that the palms of his right hand and left hand make contact with the hand electrodes HR and HL, respectively; while maintaining this grip, the measurement subject adjusts the position of the attachment unit 100B such that the front surface 121 of the electrode holding member 120 provided in the attachment unit 100B makes contact with his back surface.

[0149] At this time, the measurement subject moves the right side frame portion 112 and the left side frame portion 113 such that an inner side region of the right side frame portion 112 and an inner side region of the left side frame portion 113 respectively make contact with both sides of the torso portion 305 (that is, both flanks); the measurement subject then releases one hand, moves the front frame portion 114 so that the rear surface of the display unit portion 130 makes contact with a front region of the torso portion (in other words, the abdominal portion), and then returns the released hand to its original position.

[0150] In addition, at this time, the measurement subject adjusts the orientation of the mounting unit 100B such that the mounting unit 100B is positioned horizontally while viewing and referring to the second display unit 26b, which displays the orientation of the mounting unit 100B in a visible state. As a result, the mounting unit 100B enters the Fig. 15, and the measurement of body fat mass can be started.

[0151] Here, if it is assumed that the positions of the right side frame portion 112, the left side frame portion 113 and the front frame portion 114 shown in Fig. 14 are the starting points, the sizes by which the right side frame section 112, the left side frame section 113 and the front frame section 114 differ from the Fig. 14 shown starting points until these frame sections reach the Fig. 15 shown positions are measured by the motion size detection sensors mentioned, and thus the width 2a of the trunk area, as shown in Fig. 15 is calculated as a distance D, and the depth 2b of the hull portion is calculated as a distance E.

[0152] With the body fat measuring device 1B according to the present embodiment as described so far, the same results as those described in the above-described first embodiment of the present invention can be achieved. Third embodiment

[0153] Fig. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a body fat measuring device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Next, the structure of the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Fig. 16. Note that the principles of the measurement performed by the body fat measuring device and the calculation methods executed by the control unit according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the body fat measuring device according to the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 16, a body fat measurement device 1C according to the present embodiment, like the body fat measurement device 1A according to the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention, includes an attachment unit 100C having a frame shape capable of being arranged to surround the torso region of the measurement subject in an attached state. However, unlike the body fat measurement device 1A according to the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention, the body fat measurement device 1C according to the present embodiment does not include a platform-shaped platform unit on which the measurement subject can step; instead, electrode pads 125A and 125B serving as extendable unit portions configured to be extendable from the attachment unit 100C are provided.

[0155] The electrode pads 125A and 125B have approximately plate shapes, and foot / hip electrodes FL' and FR', which serve as lower limb / hip electrodes for making contact with the surface of the respective lower limbs or hips, are provided in an exposed state on the main surfaces of the electrode pads 126A and 126B, respectively. One ends of the connecting cables 126A and 126B are fixed to upper surfaces of the electrode pads 125A and 125B, respectively, and the other ends of the connecting cables 126A and 126B are anchored to roller members provided within the electrode holding member 120.Note that in the attachment unit 100C according to the present embodiment, the electrode holding member 120 is constructed as a block-shaped member to make it possible to arrange the roller elements inside the electrode holding member 120, and the electrode holding member 120 is fixed approximately in the center of the rear frame portion 111 of the frame member 110.

[0156] This allows the electrode pads 125A and 125B to be detached from the attachment unit 100C by pulling the connecting cables 126A and 126B, which serve as connecting lines, in the direction of the Fig. 16. In other words, the electrode pads 125A and 125B can be attached to desired locations, such as the lower limbs, hips, and so on, of the test subject by adjusting the extension amount of the connecting cables 126A and 126B.

[0157] With the body fat measuring device 1C according to the present embodiment, as described so far, the same results as those in the aforementioned embodiment of the present invention can be achieved. Furthermore, with the body fat measuring device 1C according to the present embodiment, measurement can be performed in a sitting position as well as a standing position, making it even easier to measure body fat mass. Furthermore, with the body fat measuring device 1C according to the present embodiment, there is no platform unit, and thus the device structure can be simplified and the size of the device can be reduced.

[0158] Note that pads that are attached to the subject's body by suction, by an adhesive, or that are attached by being wrapped around the subject's body using some kind of wrapping member can be used as the electrode pads 125A and 125B; furthermore, pads that are not specifically attached but are anchored by being sandwiched between the subject's body and a support surface, a floor surface, or the like can be used as the electrode pads 125A and 125B. Fourth embodiment

[0159] Fig. 17A and Fig. 17B are diagrams illustrating the fundamentals of the measurement performed by a body fat measuring device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Here, Fig. 17A is a diagram showing the arrangement of electrodes when a body impedance of the entire trunk area is obtained while Fig. 17B is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of electrodes when obtaining a body impedance for a surface layer region on the back surface of the trunk region. First, the fundamentals of the measurement performed by the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment will be explained with reference to Fig. 17A and Fig. 17B. Note that Fig. 17A and Fig. 17B both show the test subject from his back.

[0160] The principles of the measurement performed by the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment are also basically the same as those described in the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention. However, the positions in which the electrodes are used when obtaining the body impedance of the entire trunk area are slightly different from those in the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention.

[0161] In particular, the electrodes EI A1 and EI A2 , as in Fig. 17A, respectively, are attached to the surface of the subject's left hand and the surface of the subject's right hand to obtain the body impedance for the entire trunk region. Meanwhile, four pairs of electrodes are attached to the back surface of the subject, each pair being arranged to follow the body axis direction, and the four pairs being arranged in the width direction of the trunk region; furthermore, four electrodes are attached to a region of the back surface that is closer to the hip region than the contact points where the aforementioned four pairs of electrodes are arranged, and these four electrodes are arranged along the width direction of the trunk region. In other words, as shown in Fig. 17A, a total of twelve electrodes, or electrodes EVa A1 , EVb A1 , EVA A2 , EVb A2 , EVA A3 , EVb A3 , EVA A4 , EVb A4 , EIbA1 , EIb A2 , EIb A3 and EIb A4 attached to the back surface of the test subject.

[0162] In this state, a constant current I A passing through the trunk area, using electrodes EIa A1 , EIa A2 , EIb A1 , EIb A2 , EIb A3 and EIb A4 , which are attached to both hands and the back near the hip area. While the constant current I A is applied using the pair of electrodes EVa A1 and EVb A1 , which are attached to the back surface, a potential difference V A1 recorded using the pair of electrodes EVa A2 and EVb A2 , which are attached to the back surface, a potential difference V A2 recorded using the pair of electrodes EVa A3 and EVb A3, which are attached to the back surface, a potential difference V A3 recorded, and using the pair of electrodes EVa A4 and EVb A4 , which are attached to the back surface, a potential difference V A4 recorded.

[0163] With a body fat measuring device 1D according to the present embodiment, a body impedance Zt of the entire trunk area is calculated from the potential differences V A1 , V A2 , V A3 and V A4 calculated, which are recorded in this way. Note that the arrangement of electrodes, the application of the constant current and the detection of the potential difference to obtain the body impedance Zs of the surface layer area on the dorsal surface of the trunk area, as in Fig. 17B, ​​all are the same as in the above-mentioned first embodiment of the present invention.

[0164] Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating the functional block structure of the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment. Next, the functional block structure of the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18 described.

[0165] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 18, the body fat measuring device 1D according to the present embodiment has a similar structure to the body fat measuring device 1A according to the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention, but differs slightly in the structure of the plurality of electrodes connected to the terminal switching unit 22. In other words, the body fat measuring device 1D according to the present embodiment includes electrodes HR, HL, BU1-BU4, BL1-BL4, and BA1-BA4 as the plurality of electrodes.

[0166] The aforementioned plurality of electrodes include: hand electrodes HR and HL, which serve as upper limb electrodes placed in contact with the upper limb surfaces of the test subject; and dorsal surface electrodes BU1-BU4, BL1-BL4, and BA1-BA4, which are placed in contact with the back surface of the test subject. Of these, hand electrodes HR and HL are placed in contact with the palms of the test subject's hands. Meanwhile, dorsal surface electrodes BU1-BU4, BL1-BL4, and BA1-BA4 are placed as shown in Fig. 17A and Fig. 17B, ​​arranged in rows and in contact with the back surface of the test subject. Note that the hand electrodes HR and HL and the back surface electrodes BU1-BU4, BL1-BL4, and BA1-BA4 are all electrically connected to the electrical connection switching unit 22 described above.

[0167] Fig. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment. Next, the structure of the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19 described in detail.

[0168] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 19, the body fat measurement device 1D, like the body fat measurement device 1A according to the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention, includes an attachment unit 100D having a frame shape capable of being arranged to surround the torso region of the measurement subject in an attached state. However, unlike the body fat measurement device 1A according to the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention, the body fat measurement device 1D according to the present embodiment does not include a platform-shaped platform unit on which the measurement subject can step. Instead, in the body fat measurement device 1D according to the present embodiment, the back surface electrodes BA1-BA4 are further provided on the electrode holding member 120 fixed to the frame member 110.

[0169] To be more specific, the electrode holding member 120, which is constructed of a curved plate, extends further downward than in the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention, and the back surface electrodes BA1-BA4 are provided on the front surface 121 of the portion of the electrode holding member 120 that has been extended. Here, the back surface electrodes BA1-BA4 are provided so that all the electrodes on the front surface 121 of the electrode holding member 120 are exposed, and preferably, the back surface electrodes BA1-BA4 protrude slightly from the front surface 121 of the electrode holding member 120. Thus, the back surface electrodes BA1-BA4, like the back surface electrodes BU1-BU4 and BL1-BL4, are in contact with the back surface of the measurement subject during the attached state.

[0170] With the body fat measuring device 1D according to the present embodiment, as described so far, the same results as those described in the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention can be achieved. Furthermore, with the body fat measuring device 1D according to the present embodiment, measurement can be performed in a sitting position as well as a standing position, making it even easier to measure body fat mass. Furthermore, with the body fat measuring device 1D according to the present embodiment, there is no platform unit, and thus the device structure can be simplified and the size of the device can be reduced. Fifth embodiment

[0171] Fig. 20 is a plan view illustrating an attachment unit of a body fat measuring device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Meanwhile, Fig. 21 is a diagram illustrating a spirit level provided in the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment. Next, the structure of the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 will be described in detail. Note that the principles of the measurement performed by the body fat measuring device and the calculation methods executed by the control unit according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the body fat measuring device according to the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention.

[0172] As in Fig. 20, a body fat measuring device 1E according to the present embodiment comprises, in the same manner as the body fat measuring device 1A according to the above-mentioned first embodiment of the present invention, an attachment unit 100E having a frame shape capable of being arranged to surround the trunk area of ​​the measurement subject in an attached state, and a platform unit 200 (not shown; see Fig. 3 and similar), which is shaped as a platform onto which the test subject can step.

[0173] However, in the body fat measurement device 1E according to the present embodiment, the accelerometer serving as the unit orientation detection unit and the second display unit displaying the orientation of the attachment unit included in the body fat measurement device 1A according to the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention are not provided in the attachment unit 100E; instead, a spirit level 32 is provided in the attachment unit 100E.

[0174] Here, the spirit level 32 is a member that indicates the orientation of the mounting unit 100E, and is constructed, for example, with a fluid containing a bubble of a predetermined size sealed in a container, the upper surface of which is transparent, allowing the interior of the container to be viewed. Specifically, the spirit level 32 is provided near the front end of the right side frame portion 112 of the frame member 110 in the mounting unit 100E.

[0175] As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 21, a guide line L1 representing the horizontal direction of the mounting unit 100E and a guide line L2 representing the depth direction of the mounting unit 100E are indicated on the upper surface of the spirit level 32. In addition, a region T expressing an allowable range for the alignment of the mounting unit 100E is additionally indicated as a circle at the center of which the guide line L1 and the guide line L2 intersect. An indicator I corresponding to the bubble is arranged toward the upper surface of the spirit level 32.

[0176] Here the Fig. 21 indicates that a right front portion of the mounting unit 100E (i.e., the connecting portion between the right side frame portion 112 and the front frame portion 114) is lower than the other portions, and consequently, the measurement subject adjusts the orientation of the mounting unit 100E so that the indicator I corresponding to the bubble falls within the above-mentioned region T expressing the allowable range (i.e., so that the indicator I corresponding to the bubble moves to the position I' shown as a dashed circle in Fig. 21 is displayed).

[0177] With the body fat measuring device 1E according to the aforementioned first embodiment, as described so far, the same results as those described in the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention can be achieved. Furthermore, the body fat measuring device 1E according to the present embodiment uses the spirit level 32, which is comparatively inexpensive and can be easily incorporated into the device, as the component for ensuring that the orientation of the attachment unit 100E is maintained in the horizontal orientation; thus, the body fat measuring device can be manufactured at a lower cost and with greater ease than the body fat measuring device according to the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention.

[0178] Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating another example of a spirit level provided in the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment.

[0179] Although the previously mentioned Fig. 20 and Fig. Since the spirit levels shown in Figure 21 are constructed such that the orientation of the mounting unit 100E can be visually confirmed in both its depth direction and its horizontal direction, the use of the above-described measuring position tends to make it easy to maintain the orientation of the mounting unit 100E in a horizontal orientation. However, the use of the above-described measuring position also tends to make it difficult to maintain the mounting unit 100E in a horizontal orientation in the depth direction.

[0180] Consequently, in order to further simplify the device structure, it is possible to construct the spirit level 32 such that only the orientation of the attachment unit 100E in its depth direction can be visually confirmed.

[0181] In other words, the Fig. 22, the vessel in which the liquid is sealed is longer in the depth direction, and only a guide line L indicating the horizontal direction of the attachment unit 100E is shown on the upper surface of the spirit level 32. An indicator I corresponding to the bubble is positioned toward the upper surface of the spirit level 32.

[0182] Here the Fig. 22 represents a state in which the front portion of the attachment unit 100E (that is, the connecting portion located toward the front frame portion 114) is higher than the rear portion, and hence the measurement subject adjusts the orientation of the attachment unit 100E such that the indicator I corresponding to the bubble coincides with the guide line L indicating the center of the allowable range. Sixth embodiment

[0183] Fig. Fig. 23 is a perspective view illustrating a body fat measuring device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Next, the structure of the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 23 will be described in detail. Note that the principles of the measurement performed by the body fat measuring device and the calculation methods executed by the control unit according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the body fat measuring device according to the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention.

[0184] As in Fig. 23, a body fat measuring device 1F according to the present embodiment includes, in the same manner as the body fat measuring device 1A according to the above-mentioned first embodiment of the present invention, an attachment unit 100F having a frame shape capable of being arranged to surround the torso region of the measurement subject in an attached state, and the platform unit 200 shaped as a platform on which the measurement subject can step.

[0185] However, in the body fat measurement device 1F according to the present embodiment, the accelerometer serving as the unit orientation detection unit and the second display unit displaying the orientation of the mounting unit included in the body fat measurement device 1A according to the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention are not provided in the mounting unit 100E; instead, the mounting unit 100F and the platform unit 200 are connected by a support column portion 50.

[0186] As particularly in Fig. 23, the support column portion 50 is erected on the rear portion of the platform unit 200 to extend vertically upward, and the rear portion of the attachment unit 100F is held by the support column portion 50. Here, the attachment unit 100F is held by the support column portion 50 in a movable state, so that the position of the attachment unit 100F in the vertical direction (the direction of the arrow G in Fig. 23) can be adjusted in a variable manner while maintaining its horizontal orientation. Note that when attaching the mounting unit 100F, the test subject can adjust the height of the mounting unit 100F and position the mounting unit 100F in a position that surrounds the torso area.

[0187] With the body fat measurement device 1F according to the present embodiment described so far, the same results as those described in the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention can be achieved. Furthermore, the provision of the support column portion 50 in the body fat measurement device 1F according to the present embodiment makes it possible to employ a structure in which the orientation of the attachment unit 100E is relatively easily and accurately maintained, and thus, body fat measurement can be performed more accurately and easily than in the aforementioned first embodiment of the present invention.

[0188] Furthermore, in the body fat measurement device 1F according to the present embodiment, the attachment unit 100F can be fixed to the support column portion 50 so that it is capable of pivoting. Specifically, the structure may be such that a hinge or the like serving as a pivot connection portion is provided in the portion of the attachment unit 100F that is fixed to the support column portion 50, and the front portion of the attachment unit 100F can pivot upward and / or downward. By adopting such a structure, it is possible to fold the attachment unit 100F toward the support column portion 50 when not in use (in other words, to place the attachment unit 100F in a vertical orientation), resulting in the device having excellent stability.Furthermore, the platform unit 200 may be fixed to the support column portion 50 so as to be able to pivot in the same manner as the attachment unit 100F, and the platform unit 200 may be rotated upward toward the support column portion 50 when not in use, resulting in even further improved storability.

[0189] Although the first to sixth embodiments of the present invention describe examples in which the hand electrodes HR and HL are provided in the right side frame portion 112 and the left side frame portion 113 of the frame member in the attachment units 100A to 100F, respectively, it should be noted that the hand electrodes HR and HL may be provided in the front frame portion 114 of the frame member 110 and may not be provided in the attachment unit depending on the situation.

[0190] In addition, although the first to sixth embodiments of the present invention have described examples in which a part of the frame member 110 in the attachment units 100A to 100F is not continuous, the structure may be such that the shape is continuous.

[0191] In addition, although the above-mentioned first to sixth embodiments of the present invention have described examples in which the frame member 110 of the attachment units 100A to 100F has a frame-like outer shape that is approximately rectangular when viewed from above, the frame member 110 may be constructed in another shape such as a ring shape, a U-shape, a C-shape, or the like.

[0192] Furthermore, the structure of the aforementioned sixth embodiment of the present invention is such that the platform unit 200 includes the support column portion 50, and thus the platform unit 200 including the support column portion 50 can be provided with a height measuring function. In other words, the structure can be realized by adding a structure including a known anthropometer to the support column portion 50, thus providing a height measuring unit for measuring a height such that the height of the measurement subject who has stepped onto the platform unit 200 is measured by the height measuring unit.In such a case, if the structure is such that the size information measured by the size measuring unit provided in the support column portion 50 is input to the control unit 10, the size of the measurement subject actually measured can be used as the measurement subject information in various kinds of calculation methods. Seventh embodiment

[0193] Fig. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a body fat measuring device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 25 is a plan view of an attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 26 to 28 are plan views illustrating first to third measurement states of the attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0194] Next, details of the structure of the attachment unit of the body fat measuring device according to the present embodiment and an attached state of the attachment unit will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 24 to 28. Note that the principles of the measurement performed by the body fat measuring device and the calculation methods executed by the control unit according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the body fat measuring device according to the aforementioned first and second embodiments of the present invention.

[0195] As in Fig. 24, a body fat measuring device 1G according to the present embodiment, like the body fat measuring device 1B according to the above-mentioned second embodiment of the present invention, includes an attachment unit 100G having a circular frame shape capable of being arranged to surround the torso area of ​​the measurement subject in an attached state, and the platform unit 200 shaped as a platform on which the measurement subject can step.

[0196] The attachment unit 100G of the body fat measurement device 1G according to the present embodiment is configured such that a rear frame portion 1001, a right side frame portion 1002, a left side frame portion 1003, and a front frame portion 1004 of a frame member 1000 are connected. The rear frame portion 1001, the right side frame portion 1002, the left side frame portion 1003, and the front frame portion 1004 are each connected to their respective adjacent frame portions so as to be capable of relative movement. An opening 1000a through which the measurement subject passes their torso is formed in the frame member 1000. Except for the internal mechanisms of the frame member 1000, its primary outer surfaces are constructed of a flexible member capable of expansion and contraction.

[0197] The display unit portion 130 is provided in a portion of the surface of the front frame portion 1004. A right side drive lever 2000 is exposed from a side portion of the right side frame portion 1002. The hand electrode HR and the measurement knob 27a are provided on the right side drive lever 2000. Likewise, a left side drive lever 3000 is exposed from a side portion of the left side frame portion 1003. The hand electrode HL is provided on the left side drive lever 3000.

[0198] On an inner peripheral surface 1000i of the frame member 1000, a right side electrode holding member 9100 is arranged in the center of the right side frame portion 1002, a left side electrode holding member 9200 is arranged in the center of the left side frame portion 1003, and a back surface electrode holding member 9300 is arranged in the center of the rear frame portion 1001.

[0199] The back surface electrodes BU1 and BL1 are provided on the right side electrode support member 9100, the back surface electrodes BU4 and BL4 are provided on the left side electrode support member 9200, and the back surface electrodes BU2, BU3, BL2, and BL3 are provided on the back surface electrode support member 9300. In the present embodiment, the back surface electrodes BU1 and BL1 make contact with the right flank of the measurement subject, and the back surface electrodes BU4 and BL4 make contact with the left flank of the measurement subject. Hereinafter, the back surface electrodes BU1 and BL1 will be referred to as right flank electrodes BU1 and BL1, and the back surface electrodes BU4 and BL4 will be referred to as left flank electrodes BU4 and BL4.

[0200] The right side electrode support member 9100, the left side electrode support member 9200, and the back surface electrode support member 9300, like the aforementioned electrode support member 120, may be constructed of curved plates curved so that their two ends are positioned at the front and their central portions are positioned at the rear. The electrodes provided on the right side electrode support member 9100, the left side electrode support member 9200, and the back surface electrode support member 9300 are provided so that the surfaces of the electrodes are exposed; it is preferable that the electrodes protrude slightly from the front surfaces of the respective electrode support members.

[0201] The 100G mounting unit includes: a width-direction movement linking mechanism that links the outward movement of the right side frame portion 1002 and the left side frame portion 1003 with the inward movement of the right side frame portion 1002 and the left side frame portion 1003; and a depth-direction movement linking mechanism that links the outward movement of the front frame portion 1004 and the rear frame portion 1001 and the inward movement of the front frame portion 1004 and the rear frame portion 1001.

[0202] Meanwhile, the back surface electrode holding member 9300 that holds the back surface electrodes BU2, BU3, BL2, and BL3 is anchored to the width-direction movement linkage mechanism so that it is at a position halfway between the right side frame portion 1002 and the left side frame portion 1003 even when the right side frame portion 1002 and the left side frame portion 1003 are moved outward and the right side frame portion 1002 and the left side frame portion 1003 are moved inward by the width-direction movement linkage mechanism.

[0203] Meanwhile, the right side electrode holding member 9100 holding the right flank electrodes BU1 and BL1 and the left side electrode holding member 9200 holding the left flank electrodes BU4 and BL4 are anchored to the depth-direction movement linkage mechanism so that they are at a position halfway between the front frame portion 1004 and the rear frame portion 1001 even when the front frame portion 1004 and the rear frame portion 1001 are moved outward and the front frame portion 1004 and the rear frame portion 1001 are moved inward by the depth-direction movement linkage mechanism.

[0204] In addition, the mounting unit 100G according to the present embodiment further includes a depth-width direction movement link mechanism that causes the depth direction movement link mechanism to move the front frame portion 1004 and the rear frame portion 1001 outward together with the width direction movement link mechanism that moves the right side frame portion 1002 and the left side frame portion 1003 outward, and causes the depth direction movement link mechanism to move the front frame portion 1004 and the rear frame portion 1001 inward together with the width direction movement link mechanism that moves the right side frame portion 1002 and the left side frame portion 1003 inward.

[0205] In addition, the body fat measuring device 1G according to the present embodiment, like the body fat measuring device 1B according to the aforementioned second embodiment of the present invention, does not include a non-contact optical sensor, but instead, in the attachment unit 100G, a movement amount detection sensor serving as the trunk area width detection unit 24A and detecting the movement amount of the right side frame portion 1002 and the left side frame portion 1003 mentioned above relative to the front frame portion 1004 and the rear frame portion 1001, and a movement amount detection sensor serving as the trunk area depth detection unit 24B and detecting the movement amount of the front frame portion 1004 and the rear frame portion 1001 mentioned above relative to the right side frame portion 1002 and the left side frame portion 1003 are provided.A variety of elements including different types of sensors such as rotation sensors, optical sensors, magnetic sensors and so on can be used as the motion quantity detection sensors.

[0206] Hereinafter, the width direction movement linkage mechanism, the depth direction movement linkage mechanism and the depth-width direction movement linkage mechanism used in the mounting unit 100G will be described with reference to Fig. 25. The right side drive lever 2000, the left side drive lever 3000, a right side sub-lever 400, and a left side sub-lever 5000 are included in the frame member 1000.

[0207] The right side drive lever 2000 is provided with: a right side outer frame 2100 extending in the depth direction; a right side grip frame 2300 extending outward from the right side outer frame 2100 at the rear end side of the right side outer frame 2100; and a right side grip 2400 extending forward from the right side grip frame 2300. Meanwhile, a first right side spring engagement frame 2500 is provided at the front end side of the right side outer frame 2100 to extend outward from the right side outer frame 2100. The hand electrode HR and the measuring knob 27a are provided on the right side grip 2400.

[0208] A rear side inner frame 2200 extending horizontally inward is provided on the opposite side of the right side outer frame 2100 as the right side handle frame 2300, and a first rear side spring engagement frame 2600 extending rearward is provided on the left end side of the rear side inner frame 2200. A right side rear pulley frame 2700 extending at an angle toward the rear is provided in the vicinity of the point where the rear side inner frame 2200 and the right side outer frame 2100 are connected, and a right side rear pulley 2800 is provided at the leading end of the right side rear pulley frame 2700.

[0209] The left side drive lever 3000 is provided with: a left side outer frame 3100 extending in the depth direction; a left side grip frame 3300 extending outward from the left side outer frame 3100 at the rear end side of the left side outer frame 3100; and a left side grip 3400 extending forward from the left side grip frame 3300. Meanwhile, a first left side spring engagement frame 3500 is provided at the front end side of the left side outer frame 3100 to extend outward from the left side outer frame 3100. The hand electrode HL is provided on the left side grip 3400.

[0210] A rear side outer frame 3200 extending horizontally inward and arranged parallel to the rear side inner frame 2200 with a predetermined gap provided therebetween is provided on the opposite side of the left side outer frame 3100 as the left side grip frame 3300, and a second rear side spring engagement frame 3600 extending rearward is provided on the right end side of the rear side outer frame 3200. A left side rear pulley frame 3700 extending at an angle toward the rear is provided in the vicinity of the point where the rear side outer frame 3200 and the left side outer frame 3100 are connected, and a left side rear pulley 3800 is provided at the leading end of the left side rear pulley frame 3700.

[0211] The right side sub-lever 4000 is provided with: a right side inner frame 4100 extending in the depth direction and arranged to be parallel to the right side outer frame 2100 with a predetermined gap provided therebetween; and a second right side spring engagement frame 4300 extending outward from the right side inner frame 4100 at the rear end side of the right side inner frame 4100. A first front side frame 4200 extending leftward from the right side inner frame 4100 is provided at the front end side of the right side inner frame 4100.A right-side front pulley frame 4400 extending to the right is provided in the vicinity of the position where the right-side inner frame 4100 and the first front side frame 4200 are connected, and a right-side front pulley 4500 is provided at the leading end of the right-side front pulley frame 4400.

[0212] The left side sub-lever 5000 is provided with: a left side inner frame 5100 extending in the depth direction and arranged to be parallel to the left side outer frame 3100 with a predetermined gap provided therebetween; and a second left side spring engagement frame 5300 extending outward from the left side inner frame 5100 at the rear end side of the left side inner frame 5100. A front second side frame 5200 extending leftward from the left side inner frame 5100 is provided at the front end side of the left side inner frame 5100. The second front side frame 5200 is provided to coaxially include the first front side frame 4200.A left-side front pulley frame 5400 extending to the left is provided in the vicinity of the position where the left side inner frame 5100 and the second front side frame 5200 are connected, and a left-side front pulley 5500 is provided at the leading end of the left-side front pulley frame 5400.

[0213] A right-side outer rack 2100r and a right-side inner rack 4100r are provided on the respective sides of the right-side outer frame 2100 and the right-side inner frame 4100, which face each other. A right-side pinion gear 9120, which meshes with the right-side outer rack 2100r and the right-side inner rack 4100r, is provided therebetween. The right-side pinion gear 9120 is anchored in a rotatable state to a right-side base 9210B. Meanwhile, the right-side electrode holding member 9100 is anchored to the right-side base 9210B.

[0214] A first spring 6000 is disposed between the first right side spring engagement frame 2500 and the second right side spring engagement frame 4300. Furthermore, a first wire 9400 is secured between the second rear side spring engagement frame 3600 and the second right side spring engagement frame 4300 to engage the right side front pulley 4500 and the right side rear pulley 2800.

[0215] A left-side outer rack 3100r and a left-side inner rack 5100r are provided on the respective sides of the left-side outer frame 3100 and the left-side inner frame 5100, which face each other. A left-side pinion gear 9220, which meshes with the left-side outer rack 3100r and the left-side inner rack 5100r, is provided therebetween. The left-side pinion gear 9220 is anchored in a rotatable state to a left-side base 9220B. Meanwhile, the left-side electrode holding member 9200 is anchored to the left-side base 9220B.

[0216] A second spring 7000 is disposed between the first left side spring engagement frame 3500 and the second left side spring engagement frame 5300. Furthermore, a second wire 9500 is secured between the first rear side spring engagement frame 2600 and the second left side spring engagement frame 5300 to engage the left side front pulley 5500 and the left side rear pulley 3800.

[0217] A rear side inner rack 2200r and a rear side outer rack 3200r are provided on the respective sides of the rear side inner frame 2200 and the rear side outer frame 3200, which face each other. A rear side pinion 9320, which meshes with the rear side inner rack 2200r and the rear side outer rack 3200r, is provided therebetween. The rear side pinion 9320 is anchored in a rotatable state to a rear side base 9320B. Meanwhile, the back surface electrode holding member 9300 is anchored to the rear side base 9320B.

[0218] A third spring 8000 is arranged between the first rear side spring engagement frame 2600 and the second rear side spring engagement frame 3600. Measurement method

[0219] Next, a measurement method using the mounting unit 100G having the above-mentioned structure will be described with reference to Fig. 26 to 28. Note that the working steps of the attachment unit 100G are described based on the locations of the right side electrode holding member 9100, the left side electrode holding member 9200, and the back surface electrode holding member 9300. Note that the measurement method performed by the measurement subject is the same as that in Fig. 6 to 8 and described in the first embodiment and what the measuring method is according to the second embodiment. Normal body type

[0220] Fig. Figure 26 illustrates a measurement performed on a measurement subject with a normal body type. The right flank electrodes BU4 and BL4, held on the right side electrode holding member 9100, and the left flank electrodes BU4 and BL4, held on the left side electrode holding member 9200, are pressed against the right flank and left flank of the measurement subject, respectively. Meanwhile, the dorsal surface electrodes BU2, BU3, BL2, and BL3, held on the dorsal surface electrode holding member 9300, are pressed against the dorsal surface of the measurement subject.

[0221] If the attachment unit 100G, as in Fig. 26, in the attached state, the torso portion 305 of the measurement subject is surrounded by the frame member 1000, and the right flank, the left flank, and the back surface of the torso portion 305 are in contact with the respective electrodes of the attachment unit 100G.

[0222] To achieve this state, the measurement subject grasps the right side handle 2400 and the left side handle 3400 with his right hand and left hand, respectively, so that the palms of his right hand and left hand make contact with the hand electrodes HR and HL, respectively; while maintaining this grip, the measurement subject adjusts the positions of the right side handle 2400 and the left side handle 3400 such that the respective electrodes provided in the attachment unit 100G press against the right flank, the left flank, and the back surface.

[0223] At this time, the measurement subject adjusts the orientation of the mounting unit 100G such that the mounting unit 100G is positioned horizontally while viewing and referring to the second display unit 26b, which displays the orientation of the mounting unit 100G in a visible state. As a result, the mounting unit 100G enters the mounted state shown in Fig. 26, and the measurement of body fat mass can be started.

[0224] If it is assumed here that the Fig. 26 are the starting points, the amounts by which the right side electrode holding member 9100, the left side electrode holding member 9200 and the back surface electrode holding member 9300 differ from the positions shown in Fig. 26 shown starting points until these holding elements reach the Fig. 27 or Fig. 28 shown positions, which will be mentioned later, are measured by the motion quantity detection sensors mentioned, and thus, as shown in Fig. 26 to 28, the width 2a of the hull area is calculated as distances D1, D2 and D3, and the depth 2b of the hull area is calculated as distances E1, E2 and E3. Tall body type

[0225] A case of a test subject with a larger body type than the one in Fig. 26 subjects with the normal body type will now be compared with reference to Fig. 27. The test subject with this body type grasps the right side handle 2400 and the left side handle 3400 and moves the right side handle 2400 and the left side handle 3400 outwards (in the horizontal directions; the directions shown in Fig. 27 are indicated by A1).

[0226] As a result, the first rear side spring engaging frame 2600 and the second rear side spring engaging frame 3600 move inward against the biasing force of the third spring 8000 (the directions shown in Fig. 27 are indicated by A2). This will insert the first wire 9400 into the terminal indicated by A3 in Fig. 27, and the first right side spring engaging frame 2500 and the second right side spring engaging frame 4300 move towards each other against the biasing force of the first spring 6000. Likewise, the second wire 9500 is pulled in the direction indicated by A3 in Fig. 27, and the first left side spring engaging frame 3500 and the second left side spring engaging frame 5300 move toward each other against the biasing force of the second spring 7000.

[0227] As a result, the right side electrode holding member 9100 moves outward to the right (the Fig. 27 by A1), and the left side electrode holding member 9200 moves outward to the left (the direction shown in Fig. 27 by A1). Meanwhile, the first front side frame 4200 and the second front side frame 5200 also move forward (the direction shown in Fig. 27 by A4), while the rear side inner frame 2200 and the rear side outer frame 3200 also move backward (the direction shown in Fig. 27 is indicated by A4). As a result, the opening 1000a of the frame member 1000 enlarges, which makes it possible to perform the measurement on the measurement subject having a large body type.

[0228] At this time, the right-side outer rack 2100r and the right-side inner rack 4100r move in different directions, and thus the right-side pinion 9120 does not move in the vertical direction and instead rotates at this point. As a result, the right-side pinion 9120, the right-side base 9210B, and the right-side electrode holding member 9100 do not move in the vertical direction. This allows the right-side electrode holding member 9100 to stop at a point halfway along the depth direction even when the first front side frame 4200 moves forward and the rear side inner frame 2200 moves rearward.

[0229] Likewise, the left-side outer rack 3100r and the left-side inner rack 5100r move in different directions, and thus the left-side pinion 9220 does not move in the vertical direction and instead rotates at this point. As a result, the left-side pinion 9220, the left side base 9220B, and the left side electrode holding member 9200 do not move in the vertical direction. This allows the left side electrode holding member 9200 to stop at a point midway along the depth direction even when the second front side frame 5200 moves forward and the rear side outer frame 3200 moves rearward.

[0230] Likewise, the rear side inner rack 2200r and the rear side outer rack 3200r move in different directions, and thus the rear side pinion 9320 does not move in the horizontal direction and instead rotates at this point. As a result, the rear side pinion 9320, the rear side base 9320B, and the back surface electrode holding member 9300 do not move in the horizontal direction. This allows the back surface electrode holding member 9300 to stop at a point halfway along the horizontal direction even when the right side drive lever 2000 moves to the right and the left side drive lever 3000 moves to the left.

[0231] In this way, the opening 1000a of the frame member 1000 is enlarged while the right side electrode holding member 9100, the left side electrode holding member 9200, and the back surface electrode holding member 9300 are held halfway at their respective locations, and thus the back surface electrodes BU2, BU3, BL2, and BL3, the right flank electrodes BU1 and BL1, and the left flank electrodes BU4 and BL4 can be pressed against appropriate locations on the back surface, the right flank, and the left flank of the measurement subject even if the measurement subject has a large body type. Small body type

[0232] A case of a test subject with a smaller body type than the one in Fig. 26 subjects with the normal body type will now be compared with reference to Fig. 28. The test subject with this body type grasps the right side handle 2400 and the left side handle 3400 and moves the right side handle 2400 and the left side handle 3400 inward (in the horizontal directions; the directions shown in Fig. 28 are indicated by B1).

[0233] As a result, the first rear side spring engaging frame 2600 and the second rear side spring engaging frame 3600 move outward against the biasing force of the third spring 8000 (the directions shown in Fig. 28 are indicated by B2). As a result, the first wire 9400 is inserted into the terminal indicated by B3 in Fig. 28, and the first right side spring engaging frame 2500 and the second right side spring engaging frame 4300 move away from each other against the biasing force of the first spring 6000. Likewise, the second wire 9500 is pulled in the direction indicated by B3 in Fig. 28, and the first left side spring engaging frame 3500 and the second left side spring engaging frame 5300 move away from each other against the biasing force of the second spring 7000.

[0234] As a result, the right side electrode holding member 9100 moves inward to the left (the Fig. 28 by B1), and the left side electrode holding member 9200 moves inward to the right (the direction shown in Fig. 28 by B1). Meanwhile, the first front side frame 4200 and the second front side frame 5200 also move backward (the direction shown in Fig. 28 by B4), while the rear side inner frame 2200 and the rear side outer frame 3200 also move forward (the direction shown in Fig. 28 is indicated by B4). As a result, the opening 1000a of the frame member 1000 contracts, making it possible to perform the measurement on the measurement subject having a small body type.

[0235] At this time, the right-side outer rack 2100r and the right-side inner rack 4100r move in different directions, and thus the right-side pinion 9120 does not move in the vertical direction and instead rotates at this point. As a result, the right-side pinion 9120, the right-side base 9210B, and the right-side electrode holding member 9100 do not move in the vertical direction. This allows the right-side electrode holding member 9100 to stop at a point halfway along the depth direction even when the first front side frame 4200 moves rearward and the rear side inner frame 2200 moves forward.

[0236] Likewise, the left-side outer rack 3100r and the left-side inner rack 5100r move in different directions, and thus the left-side pinion 9220 does not move in the vertical direction and instead rotates at this point. As a result, the left-side pinion 9220, the left side base 9220B, and the left side electrode holding member 9200 do not move in the vertical direction. This allows the left side electrode holding member 9200 to stop at a point halfway along the depth direction even when the second front side frame 5200 moves rearward and the rear side outer frame 3200 moves forward.

[0237] Likewise, the rear side inner rack 2200r and the rear side outer rack 3200r move in different directions, and thus the rear side pinion 9320 does not move in the horizontal direction and instead rotates at this point. As a result, the rear side pinion 9320, the rear side base 9320B, and the back surface electrode holding member 9300 do not move in the horizontal direction. This allows the back surface electrode holding member 9300 to stop at a point halfway along the horizontal direction even when the right side drive lever 2000 moves to the left and the left side drive lever 3000 moves to the right.

[0238] In this way, the opening 1000a of the frame member 1000 is contracted while the right side electrode holding member 9100, the left side electrode holding member 9200, and the back surface electrode holding member 9300 are held halfway at their respective locations, and thus the back surface electrodes BU2, BU3, BL2, and BL3, the right flank electrodes BU1 and BL1, and the left flank electrodes BU4 and BL4 can be pressed against appropriate locations on the back surface, the right flank, and the left flank of the measurement subject even if the measurement subject has a small body type.

[0239] With the body fat measuring device 1G according to the present embodiment as described so far, the same results as those described in the above-mentioned first embodiment of the present invention can be achieved.

[0240] Furthermore, since the right side electrode holding member 9100, the left side electrode holding member 9200, and the back surface electrode holding member 9300 are held halfway at their respective locations, the back surface electrodes BU2, BU3, BL2, and BL3, the right flank electrodes BU1 and BL1, and the left flank electrodes BU4 and BL4 can be pressed against the appropriate locations on the back surface, right flank, and left flank of the measurement subject, respectively, regardless of the body type of the measurement subject; thus, the reliability of the measurement accuracy can be increased.

[0241] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the Fig.25 using the first spring 6000, the second spring 7000, and the third spring 8000 as a default state. Consequently, when the measurement subject uses the body fat measurement device 1G, a force continuously acts in the direction that presses the back surface electrodes BU2, BU3, BL2, and BL3, the right flank electrodes BU1 and BL1, and the left flank electrodes BU4 and BL4 against the measurement subject. As a result, the measurement subject can be assisted in taking the measurement, and the burden on the measurement subject can be reduced.

[0242] Although the present embodiment uses, as the depth-width direction movement linkage mechanism, a linkage mechanism using the right-side rear pulley 2800, the right-side front pulley 4500, the first wire 9400, the left-side rear pulley 3800, the left-side front pulley 5500, and the second wire 9500, it is also possible to use a structure in which these elements are not provided.

[0243] Furthermore, in the aforementioned first, second, fifth, sixth, and seventh embodiments of the present invention, the structure includes the platform unit 200, and thus the platform unit 200 can be provided with a body weight measurement function. In other words, the structure may be such that a load cell or the like serving as a body weight measurement unit for detecting a load on the platform 200 is provided, which makes it possible to measure the weight of the measurement subject standing on the platform unit 200. In this case, if the structure is such that the body weight information measured by the body weight measurement unit provided in the platform 200 is input to the control unit 10, the actually measured body weight of the target subject can be used as measurement subject information in various types of calculation methods.

[0244] In addition, although the above-mentioned first to seventh embodiments of the present invention describe examples in which the calculation methods are configured to calculate the organ fat cross-sectional area as the fat mass of the internal organs and to calculate the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area as the subcutaneous fat mass, the calculation methods may be configured such that an indicator other than the organ fat cross-sectional area, such as the organ fat volume, the organ fat weight, the organ fat percentage, or the like, is calculated as the fat mass of the internal organs, and an indicator other than the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area, such as the subcutaneous fat volume, the subcutaneous fat weight, the subcutaneous fat percentage, or the like, is calculated as the subcutaneous fat mass.

[0245] Although the aforementioned first to seventh embodiments of the present invention describe examples in which the configuration is such that both the organ cross-sectional area and the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area are calculated and displayed, the configuration may be such that only one of these indicators is displayed, or only the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area is calculated and displayed. Furthermore, the configuration may be such that, in addition to the organ fat cross-sectional area and the subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area, various types of body composition information (e.g., body fat mass, areal fat mass, fat-free mass, and so on) are calculated and displayed.

[0246] Thus, the embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as exemplary and not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, and all variations that fall within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced therein. List of reference symbols 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1F, 1G Body fat measuring device 10 Control unit 11 Calculation processing unit 12 Body impedance measuring unit 13 Body shape information measuring unit 14 Body Composition Information Acquisition Unit 14a Calculation unit for the fat mass of the internal organs 14b Calculation unit for subcutaneous fat mass 21 constant current generation unit 22 Connection switching unit 23 Potential difference detection unit 23b, 26b second display unit 24A1, 24A2, 24B1 detection window section 24A Hull area width detection unit 24B Hull area depth detection unit 25 Subject information input unit 26 Display unit 26a first display unit 27 Control unit 27a Measuring button 28 Power source unit 29 Storage unit 30 Unit alignment detection unit 32 spirit level 40, 126A, 126B connecting cables 50 support column sections 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G attachment unit 110, 1000 frame element 111, 1001 rear frame section 112, 1002 right side frame section 112a, 113a handle section 113, 1003 left side frame section 114, 1004 front frame section 115 connecting section 120 Electrode holding element 121 front surface 125A, 125B electrode pads 130 Display unit section 200 platform unit 210 platform section 211 upper surface 220 stopping section 300 test subjects 301 right foot 302 left foot 303 right hand 304 left hand 305 torso area 1000a opening 1000i inner circumferential surface 2000 right side drive lever 2100 right side outer frame 2100r right-hand external rack 2200 right side inner frame 2200r right-hand inner rack 2300 right side handle frame 2400 right side handle 2500, 2600, 3500 first spring engagement frame 2700 right-side rear pulley frame 2800 right-side rear pulley 3000 left side drive lever 3100 left side outer frame 3100r left-side external rack 3200 left side outer frame 3200r rear side outer rack 3300 left side handle frame 3400 left side handle 3600, 4300, 5300 second spring engagement frame 3700 left-side rear pulley frame 3800 left-side rear pulley 4000 right side lever 4100 right side inner frame 4100r right-hand inner rack 4200 first frame 4400 right-side front pulley frame 4500 right-side front pulley 5000 left side lever 5100 left side inner frame 5100r left-side inner rack 5200 second frame 5400 left-side front pulley frame 5500 left-side front pulley 6000 first spring 7000 second spring 8000 third spring 9100 right side electrode holding element 9120 right-hand pinion 9200 left side electrode holding element 9210B right side socket 9220 left-side pinion 9220B left side socket 9300 Back surface electrode holder 9320 rear side pinion 9320B rear side base 9400 first wire 9500 second wire BA1 - BA4, BU2 -BU3, BL1 - BL4, BA1 - BA4, BU2 - BU3, BL1 - BL4 back surface electrode BU1, BL1 dorsal surface electrode (right flank electrode) BU4, BL4 dorsal surface electrode (left flank electrode) FL, FR foot electrode FL', FR' Foot / Hip Electrode

Claims

[1] Body fat measuring device comprising: several electrodes (HR, HL, BU1 - BU4, BL1 - BL4, FR, FL, FR', FL') for establishing contact with predetermined areas of the surface of the body of a test subject; a body impedance measuring unit (12) that measures a body impedance of the body of the measurement subject using the plurality of electrodes (HR, HL, BU1 - BU4, BL1 - BL4, FR, FL, FR', FL'); a trunk area width detection unit (13) for measuring a trunk area width and a trunk area depth of the measurement subject; and a body fat mass calculation unit (14) that calculates a body fat mass based on the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit (12) and the trunk area width and the trunk area depth detected by the trunk area width detection unit (13), wherein the plurality of electrodes comprises at least back surface electrodes (BU1 - BU4, BL1 - BL4) for making contact with the surface of a back area corresponding to an area on the back side of the torso area of the measurement subject; wherein the body fat measuring device further comprises a frame-shaped attachment unit (100A) capable of being arranged to surround the torso region of the measurement subject during an attached state to bring the back surface electrodes (BU1 - BU4, BL1 - BL4) into contact with the back surface of the measurement subject in a pressurized state; wherein the back surface electrodes (BU1 - BU4, BL1 - BL4) are provided in an exposed state on a surface of the mounting unit (100A - 100G); wherein the trunk area width detecting unit (24A) is provided in the mounting unit (100A - 100G); wherein the plurality of electrodes further comprise upper limb electrodes (HR, HL) for making contact with the surfaces of the upper limbs of the measurement subject; and wherein the upper limb electrodes (HR, HL) are provided in an exposed state on the surface of the attachment unit (100A - 100G). [2] The body fat measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the back surface electrodes (BU1 - BU4, BL1 - BL4) are provided on a rear surface of the attachment unit (100A, 100B, 100G) such that the surfaces of the back surface electrodes (BU1 - BU4, BL1 - BL4) making contact with the back surface face forward in the attached state. [3] The body fat measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the trunk area width detecting unit (24A) is constructed of a non-contact distance sensor provided on a right side portion and / or a left side portion of the attachment unit (100A - 100G) and a non-contact distance sensor provided on a front portion of the attachment unit (100A - 100G). [4] Body fat measuring device according to claim 2, wherein a right side portion and / or a left side portion of the attachment unit (100B, 100G) can be moved along the width direction of the torso region of the measurement subject during the attached state; wherein a front and / or a rear portion of the attachment unit (100B, 100G) can be moved along the depth direction of the torso region of the measurement subject; and wherein the trunk area width detecting unit (24A) is constructed of a movement amount detecting sensor that detects the amount by which the portion of the attachment unit that can move has moved. [5] Body fat measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, during the attached state, both a right side portion and a left side portion of the attachment unit (100B, 100G) can be moved along the width direction of the torso region of the measurement subject; wherein both a front portion and a rear portion of the attachment unit (100B, 100G) can be moved along the depth direction of the torso region of the measurement subject during the attached state; and wherein the body area width detecting unit (24A) is constructed of a movement amount detecting unit which detects the amount by which the portion of the attachment unit which can move has moved. [6] Body fat measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of electrodes further comprise a pair of flank electrodes (BU1, BU4, BL1, BL4) for making contact with the surfaces of the flank regions of the measurement subject; wherein the attachment unit (100G) comprises: a width-direction movement linking mechanism that links the outward movement of the right side section with the outward movement of the left side section and that links the inward movement of the right side section with the inward movement of the left side section; and a depth-direction movement linking mechanism that links the outward movement of the front section with the outward movement of the rear section and that links the inward movement of the front section with the inward movement of the rear section; wherein the back surface electrodes (BU2 - BU3, BL2 - BL3) are anchored to the width-direction movement linkage mechanism such that the back surface electrodes (BU2 - BU3, BL2 - BL3) stop at a position halfway between the right side portion and the left side portion even when the right side portion and the left side portion are moved outward by the width-direction movement linkage mechanism and when the right side portion and the left side portion are moved inward by the width-direction movement linkage mechanism; and wherein the pair of flank electrodes (BU1, BU4, BL1, BL4) are anchored to the depth-direction movement linking mechanism such that the flank electrodes (BU1, BU4, BL1, BL4) stop at a position halfway between the front portion and the rear portion even when the front portion and the rear portion are moved outward by the depth-direction movement linking mechanism and when the front portion and the rear portion are moved inward by the depth-direction movement linking mechanism. [7] The body fat measuring device according to claim 6, wherein the attachment unit (100G) further comprises a depth-width direction movement linkage mechanism that causes the front portion and the rear portion to be moved outward by the depth direction movement linkage mechanism together with the width direction movement linkage mechanism that moves the right side portion and the left side portion outward, and causes the front portion and the rear portion to be moved inward by the depth direction movement linkage mechanism together with the width direction movement linkage mechanism that moves the right side portion and the left side portion inward. [8] The body fat measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the upper limb electrodes (HR, HL) are provided on the front portion and / or the right side portion and / or the left side portion, excluding the rear portion of the attachment unit (100A - 100G). [9] A body fat measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit orientation detecting unit (30) for detecting an orientation of the mounting unit. [10] The body fat measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the unit alignment unit (30) is constructed of an accelerometer provided in the mounting unit (100A - 100G). [11] The body fat measuring device according to claim 1, wherein a spirit level (32) indicating an orientation of the mounting unit (100E) is provided in the mounting unit (100E). [12] The body fat measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising: a support column portion (50) that supports the mounting unit (100F) to be capable of moving along the vertical direction while maintaining the mounting unit (100F) in a horizontal orientation. [13] Body fat measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes further comprise lower limb electrodes (FR, FL) for making contact with the surfaces of the lower limbs of the measurement subject; wherein the body fat measuring device further comprises a platform unit (200) for bringing the lower limb electrodes (FR, FL) into contact with the soles of the feet of the measuring subject when the measuring subject steps onto the platform unit (200); and wherein the lower limb electrodes (FR, FL) are provided in an exposed state on an upper surface of the platform unit (200). [14] The body fat measuring device according to claim 13, wherein the platform unit (200) comprises a body weight measuring unit that measures the weight of the measurement subject. [15] Body fat measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes further comprise lower limb / hip electrodes (FR', FL') for making contact with the surfaces of the lower limbs of the measurement subject or his hip region; wherein the attachment unit (100C) comprises extendable unit sections for bringing the lower limb / hip electrodes (FR', FL') into contact with the surfaces of the lower limbs or the hip region by being pulled out from the attachment unit (100c) via connecting leads; and wherein the lower limb / hip electrodes (FR', FL') are provided in an exposed state on the surfaces of the extendable unit sections. [16] The body fat measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the body fat mass calculation unit (14) comprises an internal organ fat mass calculation unit (14a) that calculates the internal organ fat mass of the measurement subject, and / or a subcutaneous fat mass calculation unit (14b) that calculates the subcutaneous fat mass of the measurement subject.

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