Measurement system, measurement method, and measurement program

Abstract

To provide a measurement system, a measurement method, and a measurement program that enable highly convenient usages for a user.SOLUTION: A measurement system 10 includes: an upper body measurement device 12 for measuring impedance of the upper body of a user; a lower body measurement device 14 for measuring impedance of the lower body and body weight of the user; and a portable terminal device 16 for executing radio communication between the upper body measurement device 12 and the lower body measurement device 14. The portable terminal device 16 includes a touch panel display 40 for displaying a body composition value and a result of a frail evaluation on the body of the user determined on the basis of a result of the determination by the upper body measurement device 12 and the lower body measurement device 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a measurement system, a measurement method, and a measurement program.

Background Art

[0002] There is a body composition analyzer equipped with hand electrodes and foot electrodes for measuring a user's body composition value. Such a body composition analyzer has a grip portion having hand electrodes and a main body portion having foot electrodes electrically connected.

[0003] Further, Patent Document 1 describes a body component analysis apparatus including a hand electrode measuring device and a foot electrode measuring device, capable of wireless communication between the hand electrode measuring device and the foot electrode measuring device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the body component analysis apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the hand electrode measuring device is housed in a seating groove formed in the foot electrode measuring device. Therefore, the user has to lift the hand electrode measuring device from the seating groove to measure the body components.

[0006] Further, the body component analysis apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is premised on using the hand electrode measuring device and the foot electrode measuring device simultaneously. Therefore, the user cannot perform the measurement by the hand electrode measuring device and the measurement by the foot electrode measuring device at different timings. Furthermore, even if the hand electrode measuring device and the foot electrode measuring device are capable of wireless communication, the user has to hold and measure the hand electrode measuring device while on the foot electrode measuring device, imposing restrictions on the user's measurement posture.

[0007] Thus, conventional measuring devices had various limitations for the user, and there was room to improve user convenience.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a measurement system, a measurement method, and a measurement program that enable highly convenient use for the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A measurement system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an upper body measuring device for measuring impedance from the user's upper body, a lower body measuring device for measuring impedance and weight from the user's lower body, and an information processing device for wireless communication between the upper body measuring device and the lower body measuring device, wherein the information processing device has display means for displaying indicators related to the user's body determined based on the measurement results from the upper body measuring device and the lower body measuring device.

[0010] In this configuration, the upper body measurement device and the lower body measurement device are each configured as separate devices, and the measurement results and indicators related to the user's body determined based on the measurement results are displayed on the display means of the information processing device. Because the upper body measurement device and the lower body measurement device are each separate devices, the user can measure their upper body or lower body at any location, timing, and posture. Therefore, this measurement system configuration enables highly convenient use for the user. The indicators refer to the user's body composition values ​​and the results of the frailty assessment.

[0011] In the second embodiment of the measurement system, the index may include an index determined when the measurement results from the upper body measuring device and the measurement results from the lower body measuring device are available. This configuration allows for accurate determination of the index.

[0012] In the third embodiment of the measurement system, the measurement results from the upper body measurement device and the measurement results from the lower body measurement device are associated with the measurement date and time, and the indicator may be determined based on the measurement results within a predetermined period in which the measurement date and time are set in advance. With this configuration, the indicators related to the user's body can be determined more accurately.

[0013] The fourth embodiment of the measurement system may determine the index based on the measurement results of the upper body measurement device and the lower body measurement device measured within a predetermined period in any one of the first to third embodiments of the measurement system. This configuration allows for more accurate determination of the index related to the user's body.

[0014] In the fifth embodiment, the measurement system is a measurement system of any one of the first to fourth embodiments, in which the information processing device may notify the recommended time for measurement by the upper body measuring device and the recommended time for measurement by the lower body measuring device. With this configuration, measurement results from a time period favorable to the user can be used to determine the indicators of the user's body.

[0015] In the sixth embodiment of the measurement system, in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the information processing device may transmit control instruction information for controlling the upper body measuring device or the lower body measuring device. This configuration enables user-friendly operation.

[0016] In the seventh embodiment, the measurement system is a measurement system of any one of the first to sixth embodiments, and the information processing device may change the display state of the display means according to the state of cooperation with the upper body measurement device and the lower body measurement device. With this configuration, the items that can be measured and the user can easily recognize their own measurement results.

[0017] The eighth embodiment of the measurement system may perform a user frailty assessment using at least one of the measurement results from the upper body measurement device and the measurement results from the lower body measurement device, in a measurement system of any one of the first to seventh embodiments. This configuration allows for an accurate assessment of the user's frailty.

[0018] The ninth embodiment of the measurement system is a measurement system of any one of the first to eighth embodiments, in which the upper body measurement device may include a grip strength measuring means for measuring the user's grip strength. With this configuration, grip strength can be used to determine an indicator of the user's physical condition.

[0019] In the measurement system of the 10th embodiment, the user's frailty may be assessed based on the user's grip strength measured by the grip strength measuring means and the user's body weight measured by the lower body measuring device, as in the measurement system of the 9th embodiment. This configuration allows for accurate assessment of the user's frailty.

[0020] In the 11th embodiment of the measurement system, the user's frailty may be assessed based on the maximum grip strength among a plurality of grip strengths measured by the grip strength measuring means, as in the measurement system of the 10th embodiment. This configuration allows for a more accurate assessment of the user's frailty.

[0021] In the 12th embodiment, the measurement system may use the grip strength applied by the user to the grip strength measuring means as a control instruction to the application software of the information processing device, in any one of the 9th to 11th embodiments. With this configuration, by using the grip strength measured by the grip strength meter as an input value for operating an application such as a game, it becomes possible to improve or maintain grip strength without causing the user any burden.

[0022] The 13th embodiment of the measurement system may perform a user frailty assessment based on the results of a user interview, using any one of the measurement systems of the 8th to 12th embodiments. This configuration allows for an accurate assessment of the user's frailty.

[0023] The measurement method according to the 13th aspect is a measurement method using an upper body measurement device that measures impedance from the upper body of a user, a lower body measurement device that measures impedance and weight from the lower body of the user, and an information processing device that performs wireless communication between the upper body measurement device and the lower body measurement device, wherein the information processing device acquires an index related to the user's body determined based on the measurement results by the upper body measurement device and the lower body measurement device in a first step, and displays the index acquired in the first step on a display means in a second step.

[0024] The measurement program according to the 14th aspect causes a computer included in an information processing device that performs wireless communication between an upper body measurement device that measures impedance from the upper body of a user and a lower body measurement device that measures impedance and weight from the lower body of the user to execute a first step of acquiring an index related to the user's body determined based on the measurement results by the upper body measurement device and the lower body measurement device, and a second step of displaying the index acquired in the first step on a display means.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it enables highly convenient use for the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the measurement system of the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the upper body measurement device and the lower body measurement device of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the mobile terminal device of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of measurement processing by the upper body measurement device of the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of measurement processing by the lower body measurement device of the embodiment. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the index calculation process in the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the display status of measurement results etc. by the mobile terminal device, where (A) is the case when the mobile terminal device, upper body measurement device and lower body measurement device are working together, and (B) is the case when the mobile terminal device and lower body measurement device are working together, but the upper body measurement device is not. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations described below. In implementing the present invention, specific configurations may be adopted as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the measurement system 10 of this embodiment.

[0029] The measurement system 10 of this embodiment includes an upper body measuring device 12, a lower body measuring device 14, a mobile terminal device 16, and a server 18. In addition to these, the measurement system 10 may also include other measuring devices, such as a pedometer for measuring the user's steps.

[0030] The upper body measurement device 12 is a device that measures bioelectrical impedance (hereinafter referred to as "upper body impedance") from the user's upper body. For this purpose, the upper body measurement device 12 is equipped with a right hand grip 20R and a left hand grip 20L. The right hand grip 20R and the left hand grip 20L are each provided with a current electrode for conducting electric current and a voltage electrode for measuring voltage.

[0031] The user grasps the right handgrip 20R with their right hand and the left handgrip 20L with their left hand. The upper body measuring device 12 then obtains the user's upper body impedance by passing current through the current electrode and measuring the voltage (potential difference) with the voltage electrode. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the right handgrip 20R and the left handgrip 20L will be referred to simply as handgrip 20.

[0032] Measuring upper body impedance from the upper body means measuring the impedance by contacting electrodes to any part of the upper body. For this reason, the upper body measuring device 12 in this embodiment measures upper body impedance by having the user grasp the right handgrip 20R and the left handgrip 20L, as an example, but is not limited to this. For example, electrodes may be attached to a bandage or the like, and the upper body impedance may be measured by contacting any part of the user.

[0033] The upper body measuring device 12 also includes a grip strength meter 22 for measuring the user's grip strength. The grip strength meter 22 has a pair of grips 24, 24 positioned opposite each other. The user grasps the grips 24, 24 of the grip strength meter 22 with one hand and squeezes them tightly. The grip strength meter 22 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the distance the grips 24, 24 move, and the upper body measuring device 12 measures the user's grip strength based on this signal.

[0034] As described later, the upper body measuring device 12 of this embodiment is activated via a mobile terminal device 16. For this reason, the upper body measuring device 12 is equipped with an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) 26 that lights up according to the activation state.

[0035] Furthermore, the handgrip 20 may be equipped with a pressure sensor to measure the strength with which the user grips the handgrip 20. The pressure sensor detects the strength with which the user grips the handgrip 20 when measuring upper body impedance and determines the appropriateness of the grip strength. This improves the accuracy of the measured bioimpedance.

[0036] Furthermore, the upper body measurement device 12 may also have other functions for measuring the user's physical condition, such as heart rate and pulse.

[0037] The lower body measurement device 14 is a device that measures bioelectrical impedance (hereinafter referred to as "lower body impedance") and body weight from the user's lower body. The lower body measurement device 14 is equipped with a right foot electrode section 32R and a left foot electrode section 32L on a platform 30. The right foot electrode section 32R and the left foot electrode section 32L are each provided with a current electrode for conducting electric current and a voltage electrode for measuring voltage.

[0038] The user stands on the platform 30 with the sole of their right foot in contact with the right foot electrode 32R and the sole of their left foot in contact with the left foot electrode 32L. The lower body measuring device 14 then obtains the user's lower body impedance by passing current through the current electrode and measuring the voltage (potential difference) with the voltage electrode.

[0039] The lower body measuring device 14 is equipped with a load cell for measuring body weight. When a user stands on the platform 30, the lower body measuring device 14 measures the user's body weight based on the displacement state of the load cell corresponding to the load (body weight).

[0040] The lower body measuring device 14 includes a display unit 34 and an operation unit 36. The display unit 34 displays measurement results such as weight. The operation unit 36 ​​receives power and input operations for the lower body measuring device 14.

[0041] The mobile terminal device 16 is an information processing device that communicates wirelessly with the upper body measuring device 12 and the lower body measuring device 14, and includes a touch panel display 40 that displays the measurement results from the upper body measuring device 12 and the lower body measuring device 14. The mobile terminal device 16 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet device.

[0042] The mobile terminal device 16 displays indicators related to the user's body, determined based on the measurement results from the upper body measurement device 12 and the lower body measurement device 14, on the touch panel display 40 after these results are available. These indicators include, for example, the user's body composition values ​​and the results of the frailty assessment.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the index is determined by calculating an index based on the measurement results from the upper body measuring device 12 and the measurement results from the lower body measuring device 14. However, the user's index may also be determined by a method other than calculation, such as deriving the index by referring to a pre-generated table.

[0044] Furthermore, the mobile terminal device 16 has measurement application software (hereinafter referred to as "measurement app") installed. The mobile terminal device 16 transmits and receives data between the upper body measurement device 12 and the lower body measurement device 14, and displays the measurement results and determined indicators.

[0045] The server 18 transmits and receives data with the mobile terminal device 16 and stores the data received from the mobile terminal device 16. Specifically, the server 18 receives the lower body measurement device 14, the measurement results from the lower body measurement device 14, and indicators determined based on these measurement results from the mobile terminal device 16 and stores them chronologically for each user. The server 18 may also transmit the stored measurement results and indicators to the mobile terminal device 16 and display them on the touch panel display 40 using the measurement application.

[0046] As described above, the measurement system 10 of this embodiment is composed of an upper body measuring device 12, a lower body measuring device 14, and a portable terminal device 16. Each device has a wireless communication function and forms a star configuration centered on the portable terminal device 16, which also functions as a display means. The upper body measuring device 12 and the lower body measuring device 14 operate independently as separate devices and transmit and aggregate the measurement results to the portable terminal device 16.

[0047] Since the upper body measuring device 12 and the lower body measuring device 14 are separate devices, the user can measure their upper or lower body at any location, timing, and posture. Therefore, the measurement system 10 of this embodiment enables highly convenient use for the user.

[0048] One example of separating upper and lower body measurements is to place the lower body measuring device 14 in a bathroom or changing room where it is easy to take measurements after removing clothes, while placing the upper body measuring device 12 in the living room so that it can be used while sitting. This makes it easier to integrate the measurement environment into the user's daily routine and helps maintain the user's motivation to take measurements.

[0049] Furthermore, the user can install the upper body measurement device 12 and the lower body measurement device 14 in a location where they can assume a preferred measurement posture. Since the lower body measurement device 14 requires standing to take measurements, it can be placed in a space where elderly people have handholds around them and can easily get on and off. The upper body measurement device 12 can be placed on a chair or table where elderly people can take measurements while seated, allowing for stable grip strength measurement.

[0050] Furthermore, since the upper body measuring device 12 and the lower body measuring device 14 are separate components, users can take measurements in different postures. For example, stable measurements can be obtained by sitting in a chair with the upper body measuring device 12 and standing with the lower body measuring device 14. In particular, using the upper body measuring device 12 for extended periods while gripping it, such as for training with the grip strength meter 22, can be burdensome for elderly people. However, by placing the upper body measuring device 12 and the forearm on a table, even elderly people can continue training for a relatively long time.

[0051] Furthermore, since the upper body measuring device 12 and the lower body measuring device 14 are separate components, multiple people can perform measurements simultaneously, thus contributing to a reduction in measurement time. For example, one person can perform measurements using the upper body measuring device 12 while another person simultaneously performs measurements using the lower body measuring device 14, and then the devices are switched for further measurements. This makes it possible to perform measurements for two people in the time required for one person.

[0052] Furthermore, because the upper body measurement device 12 and the lower body measurement device 14 are separate components, the measurement time for each device is short. As a result, each device can take accurate measurements without being affected by the user's body movements. Children and the elderly, in particular, may find it difficult to stand still for several minutes, but by measuring separately, such as only the legs or only the arms, the measurement time can be shortened, allowing for more accurate calculations.

[0053] Furthermore, since the upper body measurement device 12 and the lower body measurement device 14 are separate components, the user's whole-body composition can be calculated with greater accuracy using the user's upper body impedance, lower body impedance, bioreactance, and phase difference. For example, the impedances of the upper and lower body can be added together and used to calculate the body composition value.

[0054] Furthermore, if, for example, the body composition value of the whole body or lower body is calculated using only the bioelectrical impedance of the user's legs, there is a possibility of overestimating muscle mass due to the effects of edema, etc. Therefore, overestimation can be prevented by using the ratio of bioelectrical impedance or phase difference between both arms and both legs as a correction value. Alternatively, to prevent overestimation, the average of the user's past body composition values, or the average of the body composition values ​​of the majority of people, may be used for correction.

[0055] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the upper body measuring device 12 and the lower body measuring device 14 of this embodiment.

[0056] The upper body measuring device 12 includes an upper body impedance calculation unit 50, a grip strength calculation unit 52, a memory unit 54, and a short-range communication unit 56. The functions performed by the upper body impedance calculation unit 50 and the grip strength calculation unit 52 are executed by the computing unit of the upper body measuring device 12 when a program is started, for example, but are not limited to this and may be implemented by individual hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0057] The upper body impedance calculation unit 50 calculates the user's upper body impedance based on the potential difference obtained by passing current through the handgrip 20.

[0058] The grip strength calculation unit 52 calculates the user's grip strength based on the electrical signal output from the grip strength meter 22.

[0059] The memory unit 54 stores the upper body impedance calculated by the upper body impedance calculation unit 50 and the grip strength calculated by the grip strength calculation unit 52, associating them with the user and the measurement date and time.

[0060] The short-range communication unit 56 communicates with the mobile terminal device 16 using a wireless communication standard with a narrow communication range. In this embodiment, the short-range communication unit 56 communicates with the mobile terminal device 16 using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) as an example, but is not limited to this, and wireless communication may be performed using other standards.

[0061] The lower body measuring device 14 includes a lower body impedance calculation unit 60, a weight calculation unit 62, a storage unit 64, and a short-range communication unit 66. The functions performed by the lower body impedance calculation unit 60 and the weight calculation unit 62 are executed by the computing unit of the upper body measuring device 12 when a program is started, for example, but are not limited to this and may be implemented by individual hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0062] The lower body impedance calculation unit 60 calculates the user's lower body impedance based on the potential difference obtained by passing current through the right foot electrode unit 32R and the left foot electrode unit 32L.

[0063] The weight calculation unit 62 acquires the user's weight according to the displacement state of the load cell.

[0064] The memory unit 64 stores the lower body impedance calculated by the lower body impedance calculation unit 60 and the weight calculated by the weight calculation unit 62, associating them with the user and the measurement date and time.

[0065] The short-range communication unit 66 communicates with the mobile terminal device 16 using a wireless communication standard with a narrow communication range. In this embodiment, the short-range communication unit 66 communicates with the mobile terminal device 16 using BLE as an example, but is not limited to this, and wireless communication may be performed using other standards.

[0066] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the portable terminal device 16 of this embodiment. The portable terminal device 16 includes a body composition value calculation unit 70, a frailty evaluation unit 72, an operation input reception unit 74, a monitor control unit 76, a storage unit 78, a short-range communication unit 80, and a wide-area communication unit 82. Each function performed by the body composition value calculation unit 70, the frailty evaluation unit 72, the operation input reception unit 74, and the monitor control unit 76 is executed by the computing unit of the portable terminal device 16 when a program is started, for example.

[0067] Furthermore, the body composition value calculation unit 70 and the frailty assessment unit 72 are functions of the measurement application on the mobile terminal device 16.

[0068] The body composition value calculation unit 70 calculates the user's body composition value based on user information, lower body impedance transmitted from the lower body measurement device 14, and upper body impedance and weight transmitted from the upper body measurement device 12.

[0069] The body composition values ​​calculated by the body composition value calculation unit 70 include, for example, fat percentage, fat mass, lean body mass, muscle mass, visceral fat mass, visceral fat level, visceral fat area, subcutaneous fat mass, basal metabolic rate, bone mass, body water percentage, BMI, intracellular fluid volume, extracellular fluid volume, etc. User information such as the user's gender, height, and age, which is necessary for calculating the body composition values, is entered via the measurement application and stored in the storage unit 78.

[0070] The frailty assessment unit 72 evaluates the user's frailty using at least one of the measurement results from the upper body measurement device 12 and the measurement results from the lower body measurement device 14. Frailty refers to a physical state that weakens with age, and in this embodiment, the user's frailty is evaluated based on the J-CHS criteria as an example.

[0071] In this embodiment, the frailty evaluation unit 72 evaluates the user's frailty based, for example, on user information, grip strength measured by the grip strength meter 22, and body weight measured by the lower body measuring device 14. Specifically, the frailty evaluation unit 72 determines the user's frailty based on the difference between the current grip strength and a standard value, the difference between the current grip strength and past grip strength, and the difference between the current body weight and past body weight.

[0072] The operation input receiving unit 74 receives touch operations performed by the user on the touch panel display 40 as operation input to the mobile terminal device 16. The mobile terminal device 16 performs various controls based on this operation input.

[0073] The monitor control unit 76 controls the touch panel display 40 to display various images. For example, the monitor control unit 76 displays the user's body composition value calculated by the body composition value calculation unit 70, the evaluation results from the frailty evaluation unit 72, etc., on the touch panel display 40. These body composition values ​​and frailty evaluations are displayed by launching a measurement application, as shown in Figure 7, which will be described later.

[0074] Furthermore, the monitor control unit 76 controls the touch panel display 40 to display various information set by the measurement application.

[0075] The memory unit 78 is, for example, a non-volatile memory that stores various data, setting values, and application programs. The data stored in the memory unit 78 includes, for example, user information, measurement results transmitted from the upper body measurement device 12 and the lower body measurement device 14, body composition values ​​calculated by the body composition value calculation unit 70, and evaluation results from the frailty evaluation unit 72.

[0076] The short-range communication unit 80 communicates with the upper body measuring device 12 and the lower body measuring device 14 using a wireless communication standard with a narrow communication range. In this embodiment, the short-range communication unit 80 communicates with the upper body measuring device 12 and the lower body measuring device 14 using BLE as an example, but is not limited to this, and wireless communication may be performed using other standards.

[0077] The wide-area communication unit 82 communicates with other information processing devices such as the server 18 using a wireless communication standard that has a wider communication range than the short-range communication unit 80. In this embodiment, the wide-area communication unit 82 communicates with the server 18 using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) as an example, but is not limited to this, and may perform wireless communication using other standards.

[0078] In this embodiment, the body composition value calculation unit 70 calculates the body composition value when the measurement results from the upper body measurement device 12 and the measurement results from the lower body measurement device 14 are available.

[0079] Furthermore, the measurement results from the upper body measuring device 12 and the measurement results from the lower body measuring device 14 are stored in the storage unit 78, each associated with the measurement date and time. The body composition value calculation unit 70 then calculates the body composition value based on the measurement results within a predetermined period set in advance.

[0080] For example, if the setting is 24 hours, the body composition value calculation unit 70 calculates the body composition value using the measurement results of upper body impedance and lower body impedance, with a difference of 24 hours or less between the measurement dates. Alternatively, if the setting is more than 24 hours, the body composition value calculation unit 70 may calculate the body composition value using measurement results that are separated by more than one day. Furthermore, for example, the body composition value calculation unit 70 may calculate the muscle mass of the upper body from the weight and upper body impedance from several days ago.

[0081] Furthermore, the mobile terminal device 16 may also notify the recommended time for measurement by the upper body measurement device 12 and the recommended time for measurement by the lower body measurement device 14. The notification of the recommended time may be done by display on the measurement app or by outputting an alarm sound. The recommended times for measurement by the upper body measurement device 12 and measurement by the lower body measurement device 14 may be the same or different.

[0082] By using different measurement timings for the upper and lower body, it's possible to use measurement results from times more favorable to the user for calculating body composition values ​​and other metrics. For example, weight could be measured early in the morning, or bioelectrical impedance could be measured a few hours after waking up. Alternatively, for example, the upper body could be measured in the morning and the lower body in the evening.

[0083] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the measurement process flow by the upper body measurement device 12 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal device 16 transmits control instruction information for controlling the upper body measurement device 12 via the measurement application. This enables the measurement system 10 to be used with high convenience for the user.

[0084] First, in step S100, the user logs in to the measurement application on the mobile terminal device 16.

[0085] In the next step S102, the user operates the measurement application and sends activation instruction information, which is control instruction information for activating the upper body measurement device 12, to the upper body measurement device 12.

[0086] In the next step, S104, the LED 26 lights up when the upper body measuring device 12 has finished starting up.

[0087] In the next step, S106, the measurement app sends an instruction to start the measurement of upper body impedance to the upper body measuring device 12. At this time, the measurement app displays a message prompting the user to grasp the right handgrip 20R of the upper body measuring device 12 with their right hand and the left handgrip 20L with their left hand.

[0088] In the next step, S108, the upper body impedance is measured by the upper body measuring device 12. Specifically, the upper body impedance calculation unit 50 calculates the user's upper body impedance based on the potential difference obtained by passing current through the handgrip 20.

[0089] In the next step S110, the instruction to start grip strength measurement is sent from the measurement application (mobile terminal device 16) to the upper body measurement device 12. At this time, the measurement application displays a message prompting the user to grip the grip strength meter 22.

[0090] In the next step, S112, the grip strength is measured by the upper body measuring device 12. Specifically, the grip strength calculation unit 52 calculates the user's grip strength based on the electrical signal output from the grip strength meter 22. In this embodiment, the user measures the grip strength of their right and left hands a predetermined number of times. One example of this predetermined number is two times.

[0091] In the next step S114, the upper body measuring device 12 transmits the measurement results to the mobile terminal device 16, and the mobile terminal device 16 receives the measurement results. The measurement results from the upper body measuring device 12 may also be stored in the storage unit 54 provided in the upper body measuring device 12.

[0092] In the next step S116, the monitor control unit 76 controls the touch panel display 40 of the mobile terminal device 16 to display the measurement results of the upper body measurement device 12 on the touch panel display 40.

[0093] In the next step S118, the storage unit 78 of the mobile terminal device 16 stores the measurement results from the upper body measuring device 12.

[0094] In the next step S120, the mobile terminal device 16 transmits the measurement results from the upper body measurement device 12 to the server 18, causing the server 18 to store the measurement results.

[0095] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the measurement process using the lower body measurement device 14 of this embodiment. While the upper body measurement device 12 was operated via a measurement application on a mobile terminal device 16, the lower body measurement device 14 is operated without using a measurement application.

[0096] First, in step S200, the user presses down the start button included in the operation unit 36 ​​of the lower body measuring device 14. This activates the lower body measuring device 14, putting it into measurement standby mode. During measurement standby, the zero point adjustment of the load cell and other operations are performed.

[0097] In the next step, S202, the user stands on the platform 30, and the lower body measuring device 14 measures the user's weight. Specifically, the weight calculation unit 62 calculates the user's weight based on the displacement state of the load cell.

[0098] In the next step, S204, the lower body impedance is measured. Specifically, the lower body impedance calculation unit 60 calculates the user's lower body impedance based on the potential difference obtained by passing current through the right foot electrode unit 32R and the left foot electrode unit 32L.

[0099] In the next step, S206, the measurement results are stored in the memory unit 64 of the lower body measuring device 14.

[0100] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the index calculation process in this embodiment. In the flowchart example in Figure 6, the measurements by the upper body measuring device 12 and the lower body measuring device 14 have been completed, and the measurement results from the upper body measuring device 12 have been stored in the storage unit 78 of the mobile terminal device 16.

[0101] First, in step S300, the user logs in to the measurement application on the mobile terminal device 16.

[0102] In the next step, S302, the user operates the measurement application to activate the lower body measurement device 14 via short-range communication. If the lower body measurement device 14 is already activated, the process in step S302 is unnecessary.

[0103] In the next step S304, the user operates the measurement app, causing the lower body measurement device 14 to transmit the measurement results stored in the memory unit 64 to the mobile terminal device 16, which then receives the measurement results.

[0104] In the next step, S306, the monitor control unit 76 controls the touch panel display 40 of the mobile terminal device 16 to display the measurement results of the lower body measurement device 14 on the touch panel display 40.

[0105] In the next step S308, the body composition value calculation unit 70 calculates the user's body composition value based on the measurement results from the upper body measurement device 12 and the lower body measurement device 14.

[0106] In the next step S310, the frailty evaluation unit 72 evaluates the user's frailty based on the measurement results from the upper body measurement device 12 and the lower body measurement device 14.

[0107] In the next step S312, the monitor control unit 76 controls the touch panel display 40 of the mobile terminal device 16 so that the calculation results of body composition values ​​and the frailty evaluation results obtained through the processing in steps S308 and S310 are displayed on the touch panel display 40.

[0108] In the next step S314, data such as the measurement results from the lower body measurement device 14, the calculation results of body composition values, and the frailty evaluation results are stored in the storage unit 78.

[0109] In the next step S316, the mobile terminal device 16 sends the above data to the server 18 and stores it in the server 18.

[0110] Next, we will describe the frailty assessment and training using the upper body measurement device 12 in the measurement system 10 of this embodiment.

[0111] The frailty assessment in this embodiment uses general frailty assessment criteria such as J-CHS, and the assessment criteria include the following five items. Users who meet one or two of the criteria are assessed as pre-frail, and users who meet three or more criteria are assessed as frail.

[0112] (1) Weight loss (2) Subjective feeling of fatigue (3) Decrease in daily living activities (4) Weakening of physical ability (walking speed) (5) Decreased muscle strength (grip strength)

[0113] The measurement system 10 of this embodiment measures grip strength with the upper body measuring device 12 and body weight with the lower body measuring device 14, and performs the evaluations described in (1) and (5) above. However, the measurement system 10 of this embodiment may evaluate the user's frailty without using either the grip strength measurement result from the upper body measuring device 12 or the body weight measurement result from the lower body measuring device 14.

[0114] In this embodiment, the measurement system 10 assesses the user's frailty based on the maximum grip strength among multiple measured grip strengths. This is because there is considerable variability in grip strength measurements. In other words, grip strength is measured multiple times, and the highest grip strength is considered to be the user's true grip strength. Frailty is then assessed based on this grip strength. This allows for a more accurate assessment of the user's frailty. Alternatively, grip strength may be measured multiple times, and the average value may be used to assess the user's frailty.

[0115] Furthermore, the measurement system 10 of this embodiment may perform a frailty assessment of the user based on the results of a medical interview with the user. For example, the measurement app may be provided with a medical interview function for evaluating subjective fatigue, and the user may perform the interview to perform the assessment described in (2) above. As for the frailty assessment based on the medical interview, for example, multiple answers that the user can select for each interview may be provided in advance, and the assessment may be performed based on the answers selected by the user. Alternatively, the frailty assessment based on the medical interview may be performed based on the numerical values ​​entered by the user in response to the interview.

[0116] Alternatively, the user's physical condition may be determined based on the time change in grip strength values ​​measured by the grip strength meter 22 (calculating user fatigue from past values ​​and successive changes), and the measurement results from various sensors or cameras mounted on the mobile terminal device 16, and the subjective feeling of fatigue in (2) may be evaluated.

[0117] Furthermore, the measurement system 10 may evaluate the amount of daily living activities (3) and the decline in physical ability (4) from information such as the accelerometer, gyroscope, illuminometer, and other sensors mounted on the mobile terminal device 16, a camera, GPS (Global Positioning System), and the frequency of use of the mobile terminal device 16.

[0118] The measurement system 10 may include a pedometer, and the measurement results from the pedometer may be used for frailty assessment. For example, the user's walking speed can be measured using the pedometer, and the results compared to a reference value can be used for frailty assessment. In addition, since cognition can be determined by leg dexterity, frailty assessment may be performed based on leg dexterity.

[0119] Furthermore, by graphing the measurement results using the measurement app on the mobile terminal device 16, users can objectively recognize their own situation and understand areas for improvement. The measurement app may also integrate the frailty assessment results, quantify them, and display advice to the user.

[0120] Next, we will explain the training using the upper body measurement device 12.

[0121] While users can benefit from training by repeatedly squeezing the grip strength meter 22 on the upper body measurement device 12, simply squeezing the grip strength meter 22 may not be motivating enough. Therefore, for example, the measurement app on the mobile terminal device 16 may be equipped with an operation function using the grip strength meter 22. For example, the measurement app could be equipped with a game function, and the strength of the grip on the grip strength meter 22 could be used as an operation instruction. Specifically, by setting various patterns such as squeezing the grip strength meter 22 strongly, squeezing it weakly, squeezing it for a long time, squeezing it multiple times, and squeezing it with the right and left hands alternately, according to the situation in the game, it becomes possible to train the user using the grip strength meter 22.

[0122] Thus, in this embodiment, the measurement system 10 may use the strength with which the user grips the dynamometer 22 as a control instruction for the measurement application on the mobile terminal device 16. In other words, by using the grip strength measured by the dynamometer 22 as an input value for operating an application such as a game, it becomes possible to improve or maintain grip strength without causing the user any burden.

[0123] Training using the grip strength meter 22 has a strong effect on the physical factors of frailty. For example, using indicators such as rankings that allow users to compare their measurement results or game evaluations with others can improve the motivation of users undergoing training. In addition, by implementing methods such as SNS (Social Networking Service) based on the measurement results of the grip strength meter 22, and collaborating with local governments or the user's primary care physician, it is possible to reduce the sense of social isolation that elderly users may feel. Reducing feelings of isolation can also lead to the resolution of frailty factors caused by mental or psychological factors, as well as social factors.

[0124] Furthermore, the upper body measuring device 12 may be equipped with sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic meter, and illuminometer, and these sensors may detect whether the upper body measuring device 12 is stationary or lifted. By storing the zero value of the grip strength meter 22 when it is stationary, it becomes possible to measure grip strength more accurately.

[0125] Furthermore, the sensor may detect user movements such as lifting or shaking the upper body measuring device 12. The measurement app's game may then have the user perform such movements, allowing them to engage in full-body exercises other than grip strength testing.

[0126] Furthermore, the measurement system 10 may analyze the regularity and continuity of the user's daily behavior from data such as measurement results, the number and duration of games played, daily activity levels, and physical abilities. Based on the analysis results, the measurement system 10 may determine the user's lifestyle and display advice to the user in combination with a frailty assessment. In addition, information about the user's surrounding environment, such as weather information, may be combined with the analysis of the user's behavior to perform a more accurate analysis.

[0127] Next, with reference to Figure 7, the display of measurement results etc. by the mobile terminal device 16 will be explained. Figure 7(A) shows the case where the mobile terminal device 16, the upper body measurement device 12, and the lower body measurement device 14 are working together. Figure 7(B) shows the case where the mobile terminal device 16 and the lower body measurement device 14 are working together, but the upper body measurement device 12 is not working together. Note that Figures 7(A) and (B) show the display state of "Measurement Results" as tab 90.

[0128] In this context, "cooperation" refers to the registration of the upper body measurement device 12 and the lower body measurement device 14 in the mobile terminal device 16 (specifically, the measurement app). For example, an upper body measurement device 12 or a lower body measurement device 14 that the user does not own cannot be registered in the mobile terminal device 16 and therefore will not be linked.

[0129] In Figure 7(A), the mobile terminal device 16, the upper body measurement device 12, and the lower body measurement device 14 are linked, and the measurement app on the mobile terminal device 16 has tabs 90, displaying "Measurement," "Frailty Assessment," "Measurement Results," "Calendar," "Games," and "Settings" on the touch panel display 40. In the following explanation, we will describe the case where the measurement system 10 includes a pedometer along with the upper body measurement device 12 and the lower body measurement device 14.

[0130] For example, opening the "Measurement" tab 90 will take you to a screen for selecting linked devices. After selecting a device, the system will switch to either measurement mode or transmission mode for stored measurement data. For instance, if a pedometer and an upper body measurement device 12 are linked, a screen will appear allowing you to select either the pedometer or the upper body measurement device 12. If the user selects the upper body measurement device 12, measurement will be performed using the upper body measurement device 12's measurement mode. If the user selects the pedometer, the pedometer will transmit measurement data to the mobile terminal device 16 using its transmission mode.

[0131] On the other hand, in Figure 7(B), since the mobile terminal device 16 and the upper body measurement device 12 are not linked, "Measurement," "Measurement Results," "Calendar," and "Settings" are displayed. In the "Measurement" tab 90, the measurement mode of the upper body measurement device 12 is not displayed. If a pedometer is linked, the pedometer is displayed on the device selection screen, and data transmission and reception are performed when the pedometer is selected. Also, since grip strength cannot be measured by the upper body measurement device 12, "Frailty Assessment" is not displayed.

[0132] In this embodiment, for example, the device that can receive measurement instructions from the measurement app is the upper body measurement device 12, while the lower body measurement device 14 and the pedometer transmit measurement data to the measurement app. That is, even if the lower body measurement device 14 and the pedometer are linked to the measurement app, the measurement app does not send measurement instructions to the lower body measurement device 14 and the pedometer. Therefore, if the upper body measurement device 12 is not linked but the lower body measurement device 14 or the pedometer is linked, selecting the "Measurement" tab 90 will not switch to measurement mode.

[0133] Furthermore, the items displayed in "Measurement Results" will change depending on the connected device. In other words, items other than those that can be measured by the connected device will not be displayed even if you select tab 90 in "Measurement Results".

[0134] In the example shown in Figure 7(B), the mobile terminal device 16 and the upper body measurement device 12 are not linked, so items 92 such as "upper body muscle mass," "SMI," and "grip strength," which are body composition values ​​that cannot be calculated without using the upper body measurement device 12, are not displayed.

[0135] Note that the tab 90 and item 92 shown in Figure 7 are just examples; tab 90 may include "Ranking," "How to Use," etc., and item 92 may include height, steps, walking time, etc.

[0136] In this manner, the mobile terminal device 16 (measurement application) of this embodiment changes the display state of the touch panel display 40 according to the linkage status with the upper body measurement device 12 and the lower body measurement device 14. This allows the user to easily recognize the items that can be measured and their own measurement results.

[0137] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments above. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments above without departing from the spirit of the invention, and such modified or improved forms are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0138] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which a mobile terminal device 16 transmits control instruction information for controlling the upper body measuring device 12 to the upper body measuring device 12 via a measurement application, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The mobile terminal device 16 may also transmit control instruction information for controlling the lower body measuring device 14 to the lower body measuring device 14 via a measurement application. This configuration of control instruction information may include, for example, information indicating a startup instruction or measurement instruction for the lower body measuring device 14.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the mobile terminal device 16, such as a smartphone, was described as an information processing device equipped with a means for displaying measurement results, a body composition value calculation unit 70, and a frailty evaluation unit 72, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the information processing device equipped with a means for displaying measurement results, a body composition value calculation unit 70, and a frailty evaluation unit 72 may be a dedicated mobile terminal device specialized for these functions.

[0140] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the mobile terminal device 16 is equipped with a body composition value calculation unit 70 and a frailty evaluation unit 72, the present invention is not limited thereto. The server 18 may be equipped with a body composition value calculation unit 70 and a frailty evaluation unit 72, and may perform the calculation of the user's body composition value and frailty evaluation. The mobile terminal device 16 acquires the body composition value and frailty evaluation results from the server 18 and displays them on the touch panel display 40.

[0141] Furthermore, the measurement system 10 may include other devices in addition to the upper body measurement device 12, the lower body measurement device 14, and the mobile terminal device 16. Examples of other devices include the pedometer or activity tracker mentioned above. These other devices are capable of sending and receiving data with the mobile terminal device 16 via short-range communication such as BLE. The mobile terminal device 16 then displays the measurement results from the other devices and indicators calculated based on these measurement results on the touch panel display 40.

[0142] Furthermore, the upper body measuring device 12 and the lower body measuring device 14 may also be equipped with display means (displays) for displaying the measurement results.

[0143] Furthermore, at least one of the upper body measuring device 12 and the lower body measuring device 14 may be equipped with a wide-area communication device. In this configuration, at least one of the upper body measuring device 12 and the lower body measuring device 14 transmits the measurement results to the server 18. The mobile terminal device 16 then receives the measurement results from the server 18 and calculates the index.

[0144] Furthermore, the upper body measuring device 12 or the lower body measuring device 14 may also have the functions of the mobile terminal device 16. In this configuration, the upper body measuring device 12 or the lower body measuring device 14 receives measurement results from other devices and calculates an index. The upper body measuring device 12 or the lower body measuring device 14 then displays the measurement results and the calculated index on a display. Note that the calculation of the index may be performed by the server 18. That is, the server 18 receives the measurement results from the upper body measuring device 12 and the lower body measuring device 14, calculates the index, and transmits it to the upper body measuring device 12 or the lower body measuring device 14. The server 18 stores the measurement results and the calculated index. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 10 Measurement Systems 12 Upper body measuring device 14 Lower body measuring device 16. Mobile terminal devices (information processing devices) 22. Grip strength meter (means for measuring grip strength) 40. Touch panel display (display means)

Claims

1. An upper body measurement device that measures impedance from the user's upper body, A lower body measuring device that measures impedance and weight from the user's lower body, An information processing device that performs wireless communication between the upper body measuring device and the lower body measuring device, Equipped with, The upper body measuring device transmits the measurement results to the information processing device via wireless communication, and the lower body measuring device transmits the measurement results to the information processing device via wireless communication, performing a star-shaped communication centered on the information processing device. The information processing device has a display means for displaying an index of the user's body determined based on the measurement results from the upper body measuring device and the measurement results from the lower body measuring device, which are collected within a predetermined period set in advance. The upper body measuring device and the lower body measuring device are each separate devices. The measurement results from the upper body measuring device and the measurement results from the lower body measuring device are associated with the measurement date and time, and the information processing device determines the index based on the measurement results within a predetermined period. Measurement system.

2. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the index also includes an index determined when the measurement results from the upper body measuring device and the measurement results from the lower body measuring device are available.

3. The measurement system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the index is determined based on the measurement results of the upper body measurement device and the lower body measurement device measured within a predetermined period.

4. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information processing device notifies the recommended time for measurement by the upper body measuring device and the recommended time for measurement by the lower body measuring device.

5. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information processing device transmits control instruction information for controlling the upper body measuring device or the lower body measuring device.

6. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information processing device changes the display state of the display means according to the state of cooperation between the upper body measuring device and the lower body measuring device.

7. A measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising performing a frailty assessment of a user using at least one of the measurement results from the upper body measurement device and the measurement results from the lower body measurement device.

8. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the upper body measuring device comprises a grip strength measuring means for measuring the user's grip strength.

9. The measurement system according to claim 8, wherein the user's frailty is assessed based on the user's grip strength measured by the grip strength measuring means and the user's body weight measured by the lower body measuring device.

10. The measurement system according to claim 9, wherein the user's frailty is evaluated based on the maximum grip strength among a plurality of grip strengths measured by the grip strength measuring means.

11. The measurement system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the strength with which the user grips the grip strength measuring means is used as a control instruction to the application software of the information processing device.

12. A measurement system according to any one of claims 7 to 11, which performs a frailty assessment of a user based on the results of a medical interview with the user.

13. An upper body measurement device that measures impedance from the user's upper body, A lower body measuring device that measures impedance and weight from the user's lower body, A measurement method comprising an information processing device that performs wireless communication between the upper body measuring device and the lower body measuring device, The first step of the information processing device is to acquire an index of the user's body determined based on the measurement results from the upper body measuring device and the lower body measuring device, A second step involves displaying the indicator obtained in the first step on a display means, It has, The upper body measuring device transmits the measurement results to the information processing device via wireless communication, and the lower body measuring device transmits the measurement results to the information processing device via wireless communication, performing a star-shaped communication centered on the information processing device. The aforementioned index is determined based on the measurement results obtained by the upper body measuring device and the measurement results obtained by the lower body measuring device, which are collected within a predetermined period set in advance. The upper body measuring device and the lower body measuring device are each separate devices. The measurement results from the upper body measuring device and the measurement results from the lower body measuring device are associated with the measurement date and time, and the information processing device determines the index based on the measurement results within a predetermined period. Measurement method.

14. A computer in an information processing device that communicates wirelessly with an upper body measuring device that measures impedance from the user's upper body and a lower body measuring device that measures impedance and weight from the user's lower body, The first step of the information processing device is to acquire an index of the user's body determined based on the measurement results from the upper body measuring device and the lower body measuring device, A second step involves displaying the indicator obtained in the first step on a display means, A measurement program for executing, The upper body measuring device transmits the measurement results to the information processing device via wireless communication, and the lower body measuring device transmits the measurement results to the information processing device via wireless communication, performing a star-shaped communication centered on the information processing device. The aforementioned index is determined based on the measurement results obtained by the upper body measuring device and the measurement results obtained by the lower body measuring device, which are collected within a predetermined period set in advance. The upper body measuring device and the lower body measuring device are each separate devices. The measurement results from the upper body measuring device and the measurement results from the lower body measuring device are associated with the measurement date and time, and the information processing device determines the index based on the measurement results within a predetermined period. Measurement program.

Images