Method and device for measuring body composition with error detection

Abstract

This description relates to a body composition measurement device (100) configured to: perform impedance measurements on a user (U); compare the measured impedance to a reference value; and generate an error signal based on the comparison. Figure 8

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for measuring body composition with error detection

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device. In particular, the measuring device is configured to measure at least one impedance of a portion of a user's body and to determine at least one data point relating to the user's body composition. State of the art

[0002] Among bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) devices, bioelectrical impedance scales, which measure both the user's weight and body impedance, are the most common. These scales operate by sending a weak electrical current through at least one part of the user's body as they are being weighed. This current passes through tissues with different resistance properties (called impedance), with fat, for example, having a higher resistance than muscle tissue, thus allowing the user's body composition to be determined.

[0003] Two main types of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) scales can be identified: "classic" scales, which consist solely of a base for the user's feet, and "handle" scales, which also include a handle in addition to the base, allowing the user to grasp the scale during weighing. While a classic BIA scale passes an electric current between the user's legs to measure lower body impedance and extrapolate overall body composition, a handle scale has the advantage of passing a current between the hands and feet, thus enabling whole-body impedance measurement, particularly segmental impedance, and improving body composition determination. This type of bioelectrical impedance analysis is known as segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis.Examples of classic body composition scales include the Withings BodySmart™ and Withings BodyComp™, and the Withings BodyScan™, both launched in 2023. Other examples of body composition scales with handles include the OMRON HBF-510, Huawei Scale 3 Pro, Tanita 780 MC, and the InBody 1370.

[0004] In order to obtain good quality impedance measurements, particularly for devices using high frequencies, it is usually recommended that the user, during weighing, slightly extend their arms away from their body, slightly extend their... Legs and feet should be correctly positioned on the base electrodes. This is particularly important in the user manuals for the aforementioned scales. This correct posture allows the current to flow normally through the user's entire body mass, providing an accurate measurement of impedance and therefore body composition. Summary of the invention

[0005] However, these usage recommendations are not sufficient to guarantee proper user posture at each weighing and thus reliable measurements over time. Indeed, users do not always follow these recommendations, and it has been observed that if the user's arms touch their torso (hips, stomach, etc.) or legs, a partial short circuit is created in the path of the electrical current between the electrodes. This is particularly problematic when the user is naked or in underwear during the measurement. The current then does not completely pass through the body as expected, and the determination of body composition can be affected. In fact, the algorithm used is designed for predetermined electrical paths, so any other path can result in unusable measurements.

[0006] The present description therefore proposes a body composition measurement device allowing for a more reliable and reproducible measurement of the user's body composition.

[0007] According to one aspect, the present description relates to a method for measuring body composition comprising: - measurement of impedance on a user at a frequency (Z2), - determination of an impedance value (Z2 / Z1) from the impedance measurement, - comparison of this measured impedance value to a reference value (Sel, Se2), - based on the comparison, generation of an error signal.

[0008] In one embodiment, the method includes an association of an error probability with the error signal, as a function of the comparison.

[0009] The frequency is typically between 40 kHz and 5000 kHz, in particular 250 kHz.

[0010] In one embodiment, the impedance measurement is an impedance measurement of a user segment and the reference data is a reference data of a reference segment.

[0011] In one variant, the measured segment is a segment identical to the reference segment.

[0012] In one variant, the measured segment is a similar or different segment from the reference segment, for example a symmetrical segment of the measured segment (for example left segment for right segment).

[0013] In one variant, the measured segment is a different segment from the reference segment, for example the measured segment is a limb and the reference segment is a leg arch.

[0014] In one embodiment, the reference data is obtained from at least one impedance measurement on the same user,

[0015] In one variant, the reference data has been obtained beforehand, for example from a history of impedance measurement previously obtained on the user.

[0016] In one variant, the reference data is obtained concurrently with the impedance measurement, i.e. during the same measurement session.

[0017] In one embodiment, the measurement of an impedance includes impedance measurements on a user (U) at at least two different frequencies (Fl, F2, F3), including a first frequency (Fl) (for example between 1 and 10kHz) and a second frequency (F2) higher than the first frequency (Fl) (for example between 40 kHz and 5000 kHz).

[0018] In one embodiment, the impedance data comprises a combination of the impedance measured at the first frequency and the impedance measured at the second frequency. The combination may include a normalization of the impedance measurement at the second frequency by the impedance measurement at the first frequency. For example, the normalization is a ratio or a normalized difference.

[0019] In one variant, the impedance data includes impedance measurements at the user's first and second frequencies, the reference data includes measurements previously obtained on the user at the first and second frequencies, and the comparison includes the comparison of the impedance data to the reference data, frequency by frequency.

[0020] The method may further include a step of generating impedance measurement data and displaying such data.

[0021] According to one aspect, the invention also relates to a measuring device adapted to implement the previous method.

[0022] According to one aspect, in one embodiment, the present description relates to a body composition measurement device configured to: perform impedance measurements on a user at at least two different frequencies, including a first frequency Fl and a second frequency F2 higher than the first frequency; compare the impedance measured at the first frequency and the impedance measured at the second frequency; generate an error signal based on from the comparison of the impedance measured at the first frequency and the impedance measured at the second frequency.

[0023] Indeed, the inventors observed that by comparing the impedance measured at a first frequency, particularly a low frequency, and the impedance measured at a second frequency, particularly a higher frequency, it was possible to detect an inappropriate user posture, specifically contact of the user's arms with their torso and / or legs, or contact between the legs. The inventors noted in particular that the high-frequency impedance tends to decrease quite sharply in the case of an inappropriate posture, unlike the lower-frequency impedance, which is less affected. This is because a high-frequency current passes more easily from one limb to another in the case of skin-to-skin contact, unlike a low-frequency current.Thus, comparing the body impedance measured at the first frequency with that measured at the second frequency allows for the detection of a partial short circuit in the high-frequency current, and therefore skin-to-skin contact. This contact can indicate that the user's posture is unsuitable for the measurement and, in particular, for the associated processing algorithm. The measuring device can then reject the measurement and provide posture recommendations to the user, either via a screen or a third-party interface such as a mobile phone. These recommendations can then be used to remind the user of proper posture for future measurements. The reliability of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measurements, and therefore of body composition measurements, is thus improved by detecting incorrect postures during the measurement process.The use of impedance measured at frequency Fl also allows the impedance measurement measured at frequency F2 to be normalized by data which, firstly, comes from the same user and, secondly, is assumed to be correct, because there is little short circuit at frequency FL. Therefore, the use of impedance data at Fl and F2 makes it possible to do without calibration on the user: the measuring device is capable of generating an error signal, i.e. detecting a posture which is not appropriate for a body composition measurement (particularly segmental), from the first measurement session by the user.

[0024] In one embodiment, the measuring device is configured to: in response to the absence of error signal generation, determine at least one body composition data as a function of the impedance at the first frequency and the impedance at the second frequency.

[0025] In one embodiment, the measuring device is configured to: generate a notification for the user, the notification relating to an error and / or an inappropriate posture for the user, based on the error signal, in particular a skin contact between two parts of the user's body.

[0026] In one embodiment, an impedance measurement is an impedance measurement of at least one part of the user's body

[0027] In one embodiment, the comparison of impedances is the comparison of impedance moduli.

[0028] In one embodiment, the comparison of impedances is the comparison of the resistive part of the impedances.

[0029] In one embodiment, the measuring device comprises: at least one pair of injection electrodes; an alternating current source configured to inject a current into a portion of the user's body between the pair of injection electrodes; at least one pair of measuring electrodes; a voltmeter configured to measure a potential difference of the portion of the user's body between the pair of measuring electrodes.

[0030] In one embodiment, the measuring device is configured to inject current and / or measure a potential difference only through the feet and / or hands and more specifically through the palms of the hands, the fingers and the soles of the feet.

[0031] In one embodiment, the measuring device is configured to compare the impedance measured at the first frequency and the impedance measured at the second frequency at the level of the same user segment.

[0032] In one embodiment, the measuring device further includes a weight sensor.

[0033] In one embodiment, the measuring device includes a base adapted to receive the user's feet

[0034] In one embodiment, the measuring device includes a handle suitable for receiving the user's hands.

[0035] In one embodiment, the measuring device is configured, in response to the generation of an error signal, to: reject the impedance measurement, and / or display a message to the user, and / or restart a new impedance measurement.

[0036] In one embodiment, the comparison is the comparison of a ratio between the impedance measured at the first frequency and the impedance measured at the second frequency with at least one error threshold value.

[0037] In one embodiment, the error threshold value or values ​​are a predetermined error threshold, for example obtained by analyzing a plurality of prior impedance measurements on several users.

[0038] In one embodiment, the error threshold value(s) is user-specific, in particular a function of a user-specific reference impedance ratio, the reference impedance ratio being, for example, a ratio between a reference impedance at the first frequency and a reference impedance at the second frequency previously measured on the user.

[0039] In one embodiment, the error threshold value or values ​​are determined based on a user-specific impedance ratio history, the impedance ratio history being an average of at least two ratios between an impedance at the first frequency and an impedance at the second frequency previously measured on the user.

[0040] In one embodiment, the comparison includes an additional comparison of the ratio between the impedance at the first frequency and the impedance at the second frequency with at least one uncertainty threshold value, and wherein the measuring device is configured to generate an alert signal based on the additional comparison.

[0041] In one embodiment, the measuring device is configured to: perform an impedance measurement at at least three frequencies, including the first frequency, the second frequency and a third frequency between the first and second frequencies; compare the impedance measured at the first frequency and the impedance measured at the second frequency; compare the impedance measured at the first frequency and the impedance measured at the second frequency; generate an error signal based on the comparison of the impedance at the first frequency and the impedance at the second frequency and the comparison of the impedance at the first frequency and the impedance at the second frequency.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first frequency is between 1 kHz and 10 kHz, in particular 5 kHz.

[0043] In one embodiment, the third frequency is between 10 kHz and 100 kHz, in particular 50 kHz.

[0044] In one embodiment, the second frequency is between 40 kHz and 5000 kHz, in particular 250 kHz.

[0045] In one embodiment, the measuring device is configured to perform an impedance measurement at a plurality of frequencies, the first frequency being the smallest available frequency among the plurality of frequencies, the second frequency being the largest available frequency among the plurality of frequencies.

[0046] This description also relates to a measurement method comprising at least the following successive steps: impedance measurements on a user at at least two different frequencies, including a first frequency and a second frequency higher than the first frequency; comparison of the impedance measured at the first frequency and the impedance measured at the second frequency; generation of an error signal based on the comparison of the impedance measured at the first frequency and the impedance measured at the second frequency.

[0047] In one embodiment, the measurement method further includes, in the absence of an error signal, the determination of at least one body composition data as a function of the impedance at the first frequency and the impedance at the second frequency.

[0048] This description further relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the measurement method as defined above.

[0049] In one embodiment, the present description relates to an impedance measurement device configured to: perform impedance measurements on a user at at least two different frequencies, including a first frequency and a second frequency higher than the first frequency; compare the impedance measured at the first frequency and the impedance measured at the second frequency; generate an error signal based on the comparison of the impedance measured at the first frequency and the impedance measured at the second frequency. Figures

[0050] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below, and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: - [Fig.1]: [Fig.1] shows two schematic views of a four-electrode measuring device, - [Fig.2]: [Fig.2] shows a schematic view of an eight-electrode measuring device, - [Fig.3]: [Fig.3] shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a four-electrode measuring device in the form of a bathroom scale, - [Fig.4]: [Fig.4] shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an eight-electrode measuring device, (a) with a handle in the retracted position, and (b) with a handle in the deployed position, in the form of a bathroom scale - [Fig.5]: [Fig.5] shows a schematic view of the measuring station and its surroundings; - [Fig.6]: [Fig.6] presents a front view (a) and a side view (b) of a posture recommendation during a measurement with a measuring device from Figures 3 and 4, - [Fig.7]: [Fig.7] illustrates the operation of segmental impedance analysis, - [Fig.8]: [Fig.8] presents two schematic views of a measurement with a measuring device, without (a) and with (b) a partial short circuit, - [Fig.9]: [Fig.9] presents an impedance ratio distribution for a plurality of users, measured with a measuring device at frequencies of 250 kHz and 5 kHz, respectively in the left arm (a), in the trunk (b) and in the left leg (c), - [Fig. 10]: [Fig. 10] presents a distribution of impedance ratios from a plurality of users, measured with a measuring device at frequencies of 50 kHz and 5 kHz, respectively in the left arm (a), in the trunk (b) and in the left leg (c), - [Fig. 11]: [Fig. 11] presents an impedance ratio distribution with two error threshold values ​​and two uncertainty threshold values, - [Fig. 12]: [Fig. 12] presents a distribution of impedance ratios in the whole body for men and for women, - [Fig. 13]: [Fig. 13] presents a flowchart of an impedance measurement method, - [Fig. 14]: [Fig. 14] presents body fat percentages for a plurality of users as a function of the body fat percentage obtained in a reference case for the left arm (lam), torso (torso), right arm (ram), left leg (11g), full body (wbd) and right leg (rlg), without detection of inappropriate posture, - [Fig. 15]: [Fig. 15] presents body fat percentages for a plurality of users as a function of the body fat percentage obtained in a reference case for the left arm (lam), torso (torso), right arm (ram), left leg (11g), full body (wbd) and right leg (rlg), with detection and rejection of poor postures, - [Fig. 16]: [Fig. 16] presents two graphs representing two impedance ratios as a function of each other for a plurality of users without (a) and with (b) error detection. Detailed description

[0051] Two variants of measuring devices 100, 200 are schematically represented in Figures 1 and 2. The measuring device 100, 200 comprises an alternating current source 110, 210 and at least two injection electrodes 112, 114, 212, 214 connected to the alternating current source 110, 210 and configured to inject an alternating current into the body of a user U. Throughout this document, the term "current" means "electric current." The measuring device 100, 200 further comprises a voltmeter 120, 220 and at least two measuring electrodes 122, 124, 222, 224 connected to the voltmeter 120, 220 and configured to recover a potential from the human body.

[0052] The alternating current source 110, 210 is configured to inject a current into a portion of the user's body between each pair of at least two electrodes injection 112, 114, 222, 224 and voltmeter 120, 220 is configured to measure a potential difference of the user portion between each pair of at least two measuring electrodes 122, 124, 222, 224.

[0053] The measuring device 100, 200 further comprises a control circuitry 550, shown in [Fig. 5], configured to control the current source 110, 210 and the voltmeter 120, 220 and thus obtain impedance values ​​for one or more parts of the user's body. The control circuitry 550 is specifically configured to determine at least one piece of data relating to the user's body composition U using a body composition algorithm, based on the impedance measurements and, for example, the user's profile, including their sex and age. Body composition is defined, without limitation, as absolute or percentage values ​​such as: fat mass, water mass, muscle mass, and bone mass.

[0054] The body composition algorithm is typically an algorithm embedded in the measuring device 100, 200.

[0055] In particular, the alternating current source 110, 210 is configured to inject low-intensity alternating electric current, in particular less than 2.5 mA.

[0056] The alternating current source 110, 210 is configured in particular to inject electric current at a frequency between 1 kHz and 5000 kHz. As will be explained in more detail later, the alternating current source 110, 210 is configured to inject an electric current at at least two different frequencies, that is to say, two electric currents which each have a different frequency.

[0057] By impedance analysis at a given frequency, it is indicated to an alternating current at the given frequency.

[0058] The measuring device 100, 200 is thus configured to measure the impedance values ​​of the body, or a portion of the body, at at least two different current frequencies, for example three current frequencies. In one embodiment, the measuring device 100, 200 is configured to measure the impedance values ​​for fewer than 25 current frequencies, in particular fewer than 10 current frequencies, in particular fewer than 5 current frequencies, and in particular 3 current frequencies.

[0059] The constraints of home use, independently by a user, impose significant constraints on the measurement device. Indeed, the latter operates on battery power and its manufacturing cost must be compatible with mass production (nature of components, availability and price).

[0060] Finally, since the purpose of bioelectrical impedance analysis here is to obtain information on body composition, increasing the number of frequencies does not provide any significant advantage beyond a certain point. Three-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis Frequencies already represent an advanced approach to body composition. Adding additional frequencies, in particular, generates additional algorithmic complexity.

[0061] The multi-frequency approach offers several advantages. In particular, the 100, 200 measurement device is more accurate. Indeed, each current passes through the user's body tissues U differently depending on its frequency. Low-frequency currents tend to penetrate only extracellular fluids, while higher-frequency currents can pass through cell membranes and measure intracellular fluids. A multi-frequency approach therefore allows for a more accurate measurement of overall body composition.

[0062] The measuring device 100, 200 is also configured to differentiate between the quantity of intracellular and extracellular fluids. Indeed, at low frequencies (for example, around 50 kHz), the current penetrates cells very little or not at all: it only passes through extracellular fluids (blood plasma, interstitial fluid). Conversely, at high frequencies (for example, around 250 kHz), the current passes through both extracellular and intracellular fluids. By analyzing the impedance differences between low and high frequencies, it is thus possible to determine the respective quantities of extracellular and intracellular fluids in the body.

[0063] In one embodiment, referred to as the four-electrode configuration, illustrated in [Fig. 1], the two injection electrodes 112, 114 connected to the alternating current source 110 are configured to be in contact with two different limbs of the user U, respectively. Similarly, the two measuring electrodes 122, 124 connected to the voltmeter 120 are configured to be in contact with two different limbs, respectively. The various possible arrangements are known and allow the impedance Z of the different user segments to be measured.

[0064] Hereafter, a segment is understood to mean a part of the human body for which the impedance is calculated, in particular the left arm, the right arm, the left leg, the right leg, the leg arch, the trunk.

[0065] For example, [Fig. 1] (a) illustrates an arrangement with one of the measuring electrodes 122 in contact with a hand of the user U and the other measuring electrode 124 in contact with a foot of the user U. In this embodiment, the electric current flows through the body from a hand, for example the right hand in this example, to a foot, for example the right foot in this example, and the measured impedance is therefore that of the arm (here right), the torso, and the leg (here right) combined. This embodiment thus provides an overall estimate of the user's body composition.

[0066] For example, [Fig. 1] (b) illustrates an arrangement with one of the measuring electrodes 122 in contact with a user's foot U and the other measuring electrode 124 is in contact with the user's other foot U, and similarly for measuring electrodes 112 and 114. In this arrangement, the electrical current flows through the body from one foot to the other, and the measured impedance is therefore that of both legs combined. This arrangement thus provides an overall estimate of the body composition of the user's lower body. With measuring device 100, it is necessary to move the electrodes to the other limbs to perform a complete segmental body composition analysis.

[0067] In one embodiment, referred to as the eight-electrode embodiment, illustrated in [Fig. 2], the measuring device 200 comprises four injection electrodes 212, 214, 216, 218 arranged in pairs and connected to the alternating current source 210, in particular by means of a switch 230. The injection electrodes 212, 216, 214, 218 are configured to be in contact with the user's two hands and two feet, respectively. More specifically, the switch allows two electrodes (forming a pair) from among the four injection electrodes 212, 214, 216, 218 to be connected to the alternating current source 210.

[0068] The measuring device 200 further comprises four measuring electrodes 222, 224, 226, 228 arranged in pairs and connected to the voltmeter 220, notably by the switch 230. Two measuring electrodes 222, 226 are configured to be in contact with each of the user's hands respectively, and the other two measuring electrodes 224, 228 are configured to be in contact with each of the user's feet U respectively. More specifically, the switch 230 allows two electrodes (forming a pair) from among the four measuring electrodes 222, 224, 226, 228 to be connected to the voltmeter 210.

[0069] The eight-electrode measuring device 200 allows for obtaining a so-called segmental body composition of the user in a single operation of the measuring device 200. Indeed, an eight-electrode measuring device makes it possible to measure impedance across different body segments, including the arms, legs, and trunk separately. Using the switch, which allows for all possible pairs of injection and measuring electrodes, the impedance of each body segment can be calculated. For example, the impedance of the arms can be determined by passing a current between the electrode of one hand and the electrode of the other hand. For example, the impedance of a single arm can also be measured by passing a current between a foot and a hand and measuring the voltage between the two hands.For example, the impedance of a single arm can also be measured by passing a current between the two hands and measuring the voltage between the foot and the hand. For example, the impedance of the legs can be determined by passing a current between the electrode of one foot and the electrode of the other foot. For example, the impedance of a single leg can also be measured by... by passing a current between a foot and a hand and measuring the voltage between the two feet. The impedance of the trunk can be deduced from the impedances of the whole body, from which the impedances of the arms and legs are subtracted.

[0070] In particular, the measuring device 200 includes fixed electrodes, in the sense that they do not successively come into contact with different parts of the user U depending on the manipulations.

[0071] Figure 7 illustrates the operation of segmental impedance analysis, and therefore segmental composition analysis: lines 702 represent current lines between two injection electrodes (not shown here), and lines 704 represent voltage lines between two measurement electrodes (not shown). The measured impedance corresponds to the impedance of the segment (arm, leg, torso, etc.) through which a current line and a voltage line pass (the segment is the shaded portion in the figure). As a non-limiting example, the configuration in [Fig. 7](a) allows the impedance of the left arm to be measured, that of [Fig. 7](b) the torso, and that of [Fig. 7](c) the right leg.

[0072] To perform a composition measurement, the switch connects the appropriate electrodes to the current and voltage source to make the measurements illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0073] Typically, six bioelectrical impedance measurements are taken to obtain the impedance of: left arm, right arm, left leg, right leg, trunk, and leg arch. All six measurements take less than 5 seconds, or even less than 3 seconds. More generally, a bioelectrical impedance analysis for segmental body composition takes less than 5 seconds. Body composition scale

[0074] Fig. 3 illustrates a measuring device 300, which is a particular embodiment of the measuring device 100, in particular in that it is in the form of a so-called "classic" impedance-metric scale.

[0075] The measuring device 300 essentially takes the form of a base 302 on which a user can place their feet, for example, flat. The user can stand on the base 302 or sit on a chair.

[0076] The measuring device 300 may further include weight sensors, such as load cells, capable of measuring the user's weight. The weight sensors may also allow for a BCG (ballistocardiogram), that is, a measurement of weight change due to the ejection of blood from the heart. The measuring device 300 then takes the form of a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) scale.

[0077] The base 302 may include a display 308, in particular a screen or an LED or electronic ink display, for displaying information to the user.

[0078] The base 302 further includes a measuring plate 310 suitable for receiving the user's feet. The measuring plate 310 transmits the user's weight to the weight sensors.

[0079] Typically, in order to perform a complete impedance measurement while minimizing user input, the measuring device 300 includes several electrodes, specifically a pair of electrodes for each of the user's feet. In practice, this means that the base 302 includes two left electrodes LFI, LF2 (intended to be in contact with the user's left foot, more precisely the sole), and two right electrodes RFI, RF2 (intended to be in contact with the user's right foot, more precisely the sole). The electrodes LFI, LF2, RFI, and RF2 correspond to electrodes 112, 114, 116, and 118. The electrodes of the base 302 are typically mounted on the measuring plate 310.As the LFI, LF2, RFI, RF2 electrodes can have different functions for different measurements, the measuring device 300 includes a switch (not visible) which allows the electrodes to be connected or disconnected to different components (current source, voltmeter, voltage source, etc.).

[0080] Thanks to this four-electrode arrangement, it is possible to perform a "leg arc" body composition analysis of the user quickly (for example less than 5s, or even 2s) and simply: the user U only has to step onto the base 302 with both feet.

[0081] In normal use, the electrodes of device 300 are designed to be in contact with the underside of the foot only.

[0082] Fig. 4 illustrates a measuring device 400, which is a particular embodiment of the measuring device 200, in particular in that it is in the form of an impedance-metric bathroom scale with a handle.

[0083] The measuring device 400 essentially takes the form of a base 402 on which a user can place their feet, for example, flat. The user can stand on the base 402 or sit on a chair.

[0084] The measuring device 400 may further include weight sensors, such as load cells, capable of measuring the user's weight. The weight sensors may also allow for a BCG (ballistocardiogram), that is, a measurement of weight change due to the ejection of blood from the heart. The measuring device 400 then takes the form of a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) scale.

[0085] The measuring device 400 may further include a handle 404, suitable for being grasped by at least one hand of the user. The handle 404 may be connected to the measuring station by a cable 406, as shown in [Fig. 4] (b). The cable 406 may extend, as shown in [Fig. 4] (b), and retract, as shown in [Fig. 4] (a), for example, winding and unwinding inside the base 402.

[0086] Base 402 may include a display 408, in particular a screen or an LED or electronic ink display, for displaying information to the user.

[0087] The base 402 further includes a measuring plate 410 adapted to receive the user's feet. The measuring plate 410 transmits the user's weight to the weight sensors.

[0088] Typically, in order to be able to perform a complete impedance measurement while minimizing actions on the part of the user U, the measuring device 400 includes several electrodes, and in particular a pair of electrodes per limb of the user. Specifically, this means that the base 402 includes two left electrodes LFI, LF2 (intended to be in contact with the user's left foot, more precisely the sole of the foot), two right electrodes RFI, RF2 (intended to be in contact with the user's right foot, more precisely the sole of the foot) and the handle includes two left electrodes LH1, LH2 (intended to be in contact with the user's left hand, more precisely the palm or fingers) and two right electrodes RH1, RH2 (intended to be in contact with the user's right hand, more precisely the palm or fingers).The electrodes LFI, LF2, RFI, RF2, LH1, LH2, RH1, RH2 correspond to electrodes 212, 214, 216, 218, 222, 224, 226, 228. Document WO2023126220 describes in more detail the electronic architecture and possible variants (see in particular figures 9 to 18), notably for carrying out the six configurations mentioned in relation to [Fig.7].

[0089] Thanks to this eight-electrode arrangement, all possible configurations for segmental composition analysis are possible quickly (e.g. less than 5s, or even 2s) and simply: the user U only has to step onto the base 402 with both feet and grasp the handle 404 with both hands, then the switch assigns the injection or measurement electrode functions to the electrodes LFI, LF2, RFI, RF2, LH1, LH2, RH1, RH2 to perform the programmed measurement.

[0090] The electrodes of the base 402 are typically mounted on the measuring plate 410.

[0091] For example, depending on the configuration, two injection electrodes 112, 114 are arranged on the measuring plate 310 and two injection electrodes 116, 118 are arranged on the handle 404, or, two measuring electrodes 122, 124 are arranged on the measuring plate 310 and two measuring electrodes 126, 128 are arranged on the handle 404.

[0092] In normal use, the electrodes of the device 400 are designed to be in contact with the bottom of the foot, the palm of the hand, or even the fingers.

[0093] Such a measuring device 400 is described in more detail in documents WO2023126220, US2023210429 and US2023210430. Connectivity

[0094] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of the overall architecture 500 into which the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400 can be inserted. This overall architecture forms a system comprising the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400. In particular, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400 can communicate with third-party devices via a communication network 510, which is, for example, a wireless network (in particular, a network compatible with at least one of the following communication protocols: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, etc.). The third-party devices may include a server 520 and a mobile terminal 530 (smartphone, etc.). The server 520 may include a control circuitry 522, including a processor 524 and a memory 526, and an input / output (“input”, I / O) interface 528, which enables the control circuitry to receive and send data to the communication network 510.The mobile terminal 530 may include control circuitry 532, including a processor 534 and memory 536, and an input / output (I / O) interface 538, which enables the control circuitry to receive and send data. The memory 526 may store the body composition algorithm, as well as user profiles corresponding to users associated with the device 500. The server 520 is a remote server, for example, located in a data center. The mobile terminal 530 further includes a user interface (UI) 540 configured to display information to the user and, if necessary, allow them to enter information (such as height, gender, etc.). In particular, the control circuitry 532 is configured to run an application managing the environment of the measurement device 100, 200, 300, 400.The 530 mobile terminal is a personal item belonging to the user, usually kept close to them.

[0095] The measuring station 100, 200, 300, 400 can communicate with the server 520 and / or the mobile terminal 530. In one embodiment, the measuring station 100, 200, 300, 400 can communicate directly with the mobile terminal 530, for example via Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Emission (BLE). This communication can be implemented during the installation of the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, in particular to pair it with the mobile terminal 530 and / or to configure a connection to the server 520 that does not go through the mobile terminal 530 and / or as a backup in case of a failed communication with the server 520. In one embodiment, the measuring station 100, 200, 300, 400 can communicate directly with the server 520, without going through the mobile terminal 530. This communication allows the user to use the measuring station even without having their mobile terminal 530 nearby.

[0096] The measuring station 100, 200, 300, 400 also includes a control circuitry 550 with a processor 552 and a memory 554, and an input / output interface 556 (“input / output”, FO), which notably allows the circuitry to Control of receiving and sending data to the communication network 510. The processor 552 is configured to process data obtained from the injection and measurement electrodes. In particular, the processor 552 can execute instructions from a program stored in memory 554. The control circuitry 550 may include a microcontroller, which integrates the processor 552, memory 554, and input / output interface 556. The control circuitry 550 may also include an analog front end (AFE). The voltmeter 120, 220 can be integrated into the AFE. The control circuitry 550 may also include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The current source 110, 210 can be integrated into the AFE. The injection and measurement electrodes are connected to the control circuitry 550.The 100, 200, 300, 400 measuring station includes a 564 battery, capable of powering the various components of the 100, 200, 300, 400 measuring station. Posture recommendation

[0097] Figure 6 shows an example of a user posture adapted to obtain an impedance measurement considered reliable. Reliable here means that the posture is adapted to the impedance calculation algorithm.

[0098] In particular, the appropriate posture for the user is a standing, still, and relaxed position. The feet must be bare and flat on the electrodes of the base 402. In the case of a scale without a handle, the legs are preferably slightly apart. In the case of a scale with a handle, as illustrated here, the legs are preferably slightly apart and the arms are away from the torso and legs. The hands grasp the handle 404 and are in contact with the electrodes on the handle. Error detection

[0099] The measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is configured to perform one or more impedance measurements on the user, for example at at least two different alternating current frequencies. The impedance is calculated using the value of the current i injected by the injection electrodes and the voltage value measured by the measuring electrodes.

[0100] By "impedance measurement" is meant an impedance measurement of at least one part of the user's body, generally called a segment (hence the term segmental composition). In one embodiment, the impedance measurement is the impedance measurement of at least one segment, for example, an arm, a leg, or the torso. Alternatively, or optionally, the impedance measurement is the impedance measurement of two consecutive segments, for example, an arm and a torso, or a torso and a leg, or two legs. Alternatively, or optionally, the measurement Impedance measurement is the impedance measurement of each of the user's body segments (arms, torso, legs). Alternatively, or as an option, impedance measurement can be the impedance measurement of half the body, or even the entire body, i.e., from hands to feet.

[0101] In particular, the two frequencies for the alternating current include, in particular, a first frequency Fl and a second frequency F2. The second frequency F2 is higher than the first frequency Fl.

[0102] In particular, the second frequency F2 is at least five times, for example ten times, or even fifty times higher than the first frequency Fl.

[0103] In one embodiment, the first frequency Fl is a so-called low frequency, in other words less than 10 kHz and the second frequency F2 is a so-called high frequency, in other words greater than 40 kHz.

[0104] In another embodiment, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400 is configured to perform an impedance measurement at at least three frequencies, including the first frequency Fl, the second frequency F2 and a third frequency F3 between the first frequency Fl and the second frequency F2 (F1 <F2<F3).

[0105] In one embodiment, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400 is configured to perform impedance measurements at a plurality of frequencies. For example, the first frequency Fl is the lowest frequency available from the AC generator among the plurality of frequencies, and the second frequency F2 is the highest frequency available from the AC generator among the plurality of frequencies.

[0106] The first frequency Fl is, for example, between 1 kHz and 10 kHz; it can be fixed at 5 kHz. The third frequency F3 is, for example, between 10 kHz and 100 kHz; it can be fixed at 50 kHz. The second frequency F2 is, for example, between 40 kHz and 5000 kHz; it can be fixed, for example, at 250 kHz. Within the framework of the definitions in this description, F1 is always <F2<F3.

[0107] From the measured impedance, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 can determine a measured impedance value. The measured impedance value is then compared to a reference value to determine, in particular, whether the measured impedance is reliable or not. Impedance comparison

[0108] Skin-to-skin contact electrically represents the addition of a capacitance (capacitor) in parallel with a resistance. A high-frequency current flows more easily than a low-frequency current from one member to another in the case of skin-to-skin contact and creates a partial short circuit. Consequently, since part of the electric current takes the shorter electrical path, the calculated high-frequency impedance (e.g., 250 kHz) for this short-circuited member tends to be artificially lower, unlike the lower frequency impedance which is less impacted since the low frequency current is not short-circuited (the capacitance and resistance of the skin opposes the passage of the low frequency current).

[0109] Figure 8 illustrates four situations (a), (b), (c), (d) for current flow including short circuits. These situations are not exhaustive, as a short circuit can be generated by something other than skin-to-skin contact and can occur in another part of the user's body.

[0110] In [Fig. 8](a), the measuring device successively injects two currents i1 (at frequency F1) and i2 (at frequency F2) between the right hand and the right foot to measure the impedance of the user U's right side (either the arm, the leg, or the right half of the body). The user U is in a posture considered appropriate, with arms outstretched, which causes the currents i1 and i2 to flow along the desired path, i.e., along the segment(s) for which the measuring device calculates the impedance. The measuring device calculates an impedance Z1a with the current i1 and an impedance Z2a with the current i2. In practice, i2 is not necessarily completely bypassed, but only a portion of the current i2 may be short-circuited.

[0111] In [Fig. 8](b), the configuration is identical to [Fig. 8](a), except that the user U has a posture that is not considered appropriate. More specifically, the user's right arm touches their torso and creates an electrical path of lower resistance. The current i2, at a frequency F2 higher than the frequency Fl of the current il, takes this alternative electrical path and partially short-circuits the torso and right arm. The current il, due to its frequency Fl, does not see the short circuit and takes the path through the limb and trunk. The measuring device calculates an impedance Z1b with the current il and an impedance Z2 with the current i2, but due to the partial short circuit, the calculated value of Z2b is lower than that of Z2a.

[0112] Figures 8(c) and 8(d) illustrate a similar situation, with a short circuit created by contact between the legs. In [Fig. 8](c), the measuring device successively injects two currents i1 (at frequency F1) and i2 (at frequency F2). It can be seen that the current i1 at frequency F1 does not allow the detection of an inappropriate posture, but the current i2 at frequency F2 does by measuring an impedance Z2b that differs from the expected impedance Z2a.

[0113] The measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400 is configured to compare the measured impedances.

[0114] The impedance of a passive linear dipole with terminals A and B (the human body and its segments are electrically considered as passive linear dipoles) in sinusoidal current and voltage regime is defined as the quotient of the voltage across its terminals and the current flowing through it. Impedance is therefore a number A complex consisting of a magnitude and a phase. The real part of the impedance is called the resistance and the imaginary part of the impedance is called the reactance.

[0115] By "comparing the measured impedances," it is understood that two terms are compared that are functions of each measured impedance, respectively. For example, in one embodiment, the comparison of impedances is a comparison of impedance moduli only. The measurement of the impedance modulus is indeed a rather convenient measurement, particularly as it is used for determining body composition.

[0116] However, alternatively, the impedance comparison may be a comparison of the resistances of the impedances only. Alternatively, the impedance comparison may be a comparison of the reactances of the impedances only. Alternatively, the impedance comparison may be a comparison based on the phases of the impedances. Alternatively, the impedance comparison may be a comparison based on the magnitudes, resistances, reactances, and / or phases of the impedances.

[0117] Following the description, a particular embodiment of the comparison of impedance moduli will be presented in more detail.

[0118] In one embodiment, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400 is configured to compare the impedance Z1 measured at the first frequency Fl and the impedance Z2 measured at the second frequency F2. As a reminder, the frequency Fl is a low frequency (for example 5kHz) and the frequency Z2 is a high frequency (for example 250kHz).

[0119] In the embodiment in which the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400 performs impedance measurements at at least three frequencies, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is further configured to compare the impedance Z1 and the impedance Z3 measured at the third current frequency F3, and / or to compare the impedance Z2 to the impedance Z3.

[0120] In one embodiment, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is configured to compare impedances at the level of the same segment. In other words, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is configured to compare the impedances of the same segment, for example, an impedance Z1 of the left arm with an impedance Z2 of the left arm.

[0121] In particular, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is configured to compare the impedances measured for each segment analyzed. Impedance data

[0122] In one embodiment, the measured impedance data is a combination of the impedances Z1 and Z2. For example, the combination is a normalization of the impedance Z2 by the impedance Z2, which is expressed in particular as a ratio Z2 / Z1 or a normalized difference (Z2-Z1) / Z1. The inverses of these formulations are also The advantage of normalizing by impedance Zl, particularly by dividing, lies in the fact that impedance Zl varies little in cases of inappropriate posture (skin-to-skin contact or otherwise). Consequently, dividing Z2 by Zl does not change the behavior of Z2 but allows its value to be normalized for each user by a base impedance value. The ratio Z2 / Z1 (or Z3 / Z1) reflects the capacitive behavior of the human body; and it has been observed that skin-to-skin contact is equivalent to adding capacitance to the human body. Figure 9 presents results of impedance data normalized by a ratio of Z2 / Z1 and Z3 / Z1.

[0123] Normalization also makes it possible to avoid calibration on the user himself. However, normalization still requires pre-calibration, in particular using test measurements obtained on one or more users.

[0124] In one embodiment, the impedance data is the measured impedance itself. Reference data

[0125] To determine whether the impedance measurement is acceptable or not, the measuring device compares the measured impedance data with a reference data. Depending on the embodiment, the reference data may be a data determined from impedance previously measured on a set of users, or a data calculated from the same user, either previously or simultaneously.

[0126] The reference data can in particular be stored by the measuring device in order to be used directly during a body composition measurement. Error threshold

[0127] In one embodiment, the comparison is the comparison of the impedance data (for example, the ratio Z2 / Z1 between the impedance Z1 at the first current frequency Fl and the impedance Z2 at the second current frequency F2) with at least one error threshold value Sel, Se2 (which is a reference value). Based on this comparison, an error signal can be generated. This error signal can be associated with a probability, in order to determine the probability that the impedance measurement is acceptable or not for the measuring device.

[0128] In particular, when the Z2 / Z1 ratio is less than a first error threshold value Sel, then the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is configured to generate an error signal. This error signal may indicate an inappropriate posture of the user. The error signal may be accompanied by an associated probability, for example, as a function of the distance of the Z2 / Z1 ratio from the first error threshold value Sel.

[0129] In one embodiment, when the ratio Z2 / Z1 is greater than a second error threshold value Se2, then the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is configured to generate an error signal. The error signal may be accompanied by an associated probability, for example, based on the distance of the Z2 / Z1 ratio from the second error threshold value SE2. Indeed, an inappropriate posture can also generate abnormally high impedances. Since the Z2 / Z1 ratio reflects the capacitive behavior of the body segment being measured, discriminating based on the Z2 / Z1 ratio is relevant for rejecting an impedance measurement.

[0130] Other means of comparison between the impedance Z1 at the first frequency Fl and the impedance Z2 at the second frequency F2 than a ratio are possible.^ Uncertainty threshold

[0131] In one embodiment, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is configured to perform an additional comparison of the Z2 / Z1 ratio between the impedance Z1 at the first frequency Fl and the impedance Z2 at the second frequency F2 with at least one uncertainty threshold value Sil, Si2 (which are reference data). The principle is identical to that of the error threshold except that the threshold value is modified. In particular, the first uncertainty threshold value Sil is notably higher than the first error threshold value Sel, so that the uncertainty threshold applies to more measurements.

[0132] When the Z2 / Z1 ratio is less than a first uncertainty threshold value SU, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is configured to generate an alert signal. This alert signal may indicate uncertainty in the user's posture. The alert signal may be accompanied by an associated probability, for example, based on the distance of the Z2 / Z1 ratio from the first uncertainty threshold value Sil.

[0133] In one embodiment, similarly to the second error threshold Se2, when the ratio Z2 / Z1 is greater than a second uncertainty threshold value Si2, then the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is configured to also generate an alert signal. The alert signal may be accompanied by an associated probability, for example, as a function of the distance of the ratio Z2 / Z1 from the second uncertainty threshold value Si2.

[0134] The second uncertainty threshold value SI2 is notably lower than the second error threshold value Se2.

[0135] In the configuration presented, for a threshold that concerns the Z2 / Z1 ratios, we therefore have Sel <Sil<Si2<Se2. Using the F3 frequency

[0136] In an advantageous embodiment, the comparison further includes the comparison of a ratio Z3 / Z1 between the impedance ZI at the first frequency Fl and the impedance Z3 at the second frequency F3 with a first error threshold value Additional Sel'. When the Z3 / Z1 ratio is less than the first additional error threshold Sel', then the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is configured to generate an error signal. This error signal may indicate an inappropriate user posture. The error signal may be accompanied by an associated probability, for example, based on the distance of the Z3 / Z1 ratio from the first additional error threshold Sel'.

[0137] In one embodiment, when the ratio Z3 / Z1 is greater than a second additional threshold value Se2', the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is configured to generate an error signal. The error signal may be accompanied by an associated probability, for example, as a function of the distance of the ratio Z2 / Z1 from the second additional error threshold value SE2'.

[0138] In an advantageous embodiment, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is configured to compare a ratio Z3 / Z1 between the impedance ZI at the first frequency Fl and the impedance Z3 at the second frequency F3 with at least one additional uncertainty threshold value Sil', Si2'.

[0139] In particular, when the Z3 / Z1 ratio is less than a first additional uncertainty threshold value SU', then the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is configured to generate an alert signal, notably related to uncertainty in the user's posture. The alert signal may be accompanied by an associated probability, for example, based on the distance of the Z3 / Z1 ratio from the first additional uncertainty threshold value SU'.

[0140] In an advantageous embodiment, when the ratio Z3 / Z1 exceeds a second additional uncertainty threshold value SI2', then the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is configured to generate an error signal. The warning signal is accompanied by an associated probability, for example, based on the distance of the ratio Z3 / Z1 from the second additional uncertainty threshold value SI2'. Determining the error threshold

[0141] In one embodiment, each error threshold value Sel, Se2 is a predetermined error threshold.

[0142] In particular, each predetermined threshold Sel, Se2 can be obtained by analyzing a plurality of prior impedance measurements on several users. Thus, the predetermined threshold Sel, Se2 is determined using the Z2 / Z1 ratios of several users.

[0143] In one embodiment, each predetermined error threshold Sel, Se2 is identical for every user.

[0144] With reference to [Fig. 11], which shows an impedance ratio distribution with two error threshold values ​​and two uncertainty threshold values, the first predetermined error threshold Sel can be chosen statistically, for example at a value equal to three times the standard deviation of the distribution below the mean value of the distribution in the reference case (here the "dressed" case).

[0145] The second predetermined error threshold Se2 can be chosen statistically, for example at a value equal to three times the standard deviation of the distribution above the mean value of the distribution in the reference case (here the "dressed" case).

[0146] In one embodiment, each predetermined error threshold Sel, Se2 is a function of the user's gender.

[0147] Figure 12 represents the impedance ratio distribution at 250 kHz and 5 kHz (i.e., the ratio Z(250 kHz) / Z(5 kHz)) in the whole body for men (in dark grey 1210) and for women (in light grey 1220). A shift in the Gaussian distributions associated with each sex is observed.

[0148] Thus, predetermined error thresholds can be defined for men Selm, Se2m and predetermined error thresholds for women Self, Se2f.

[0149] As an alternative or as an option, each predetermined error threshold Sel, Se2 is a function of the user's weight, in particular a function of the Body Mass Index (BMI).

[0150] As an alternative or option, each predetermined error threshold Sel, Se2 is a function of the user's body composition, in particular the user's percentage of body fat.

[0151] In one embodiment, each uncertainty threshold value Sil, Si2 is a predetermined uncertainty threshold.

[0152] With reference to [Fig. 11], the predetermined uncertainty threshold Sil can be chosen statistically, for example at a value equal to twice the standard deviation of the distribution below the mean value of the distribution in the reference case (here the "dressed" case).

[0153] The second predetermined uncertainty threshold Si2 can be chosen statistically, for example at a value equal to twice the standard deviation of the distribution above the mean value of the distribution in the reference case (here the "dressed" case).

[0154] In an advantageous embodiment, each predetermined uncertainty threshold Sil, Si2 is a function of the user's gender.

[0155] Predetermined uncertainty thresholds can be defined for men Silm, Si2m and predetermined uncertainty thresholds for women Silf, Si2f.

[0156] As an alternative or as an option, each predetermined uncertainty threshold Sil, Si2 is a function of the user's weight, in particular a function of the Body Mass Index (BMI).

[0157] Alternatively or as an option, each predetermined uncertainty threshold Sil, SI2 is a function of the user's body composition, in particular the user's percentage of body fat.

[0158] Comparison with a user-specific reference ratio

[0159] In one embodiment, each error threshold value Sel, Se2 is user-specific, in particular a function of a user-specific reference impedance ratio.

[0160] In particular, the reference impedance ratio is a ratio between a reference impedance ZI measured at the first frequency Fl and a reference impedance Z2 measured at the second frequency F2 previously measured on the user. The preliminary measurements of the reference impedance ZI and the impedance Z2 are preferably made in a guided manner and / or with instructions to the user allowing a high probability of good measurement posture.

[0161] The first error threshold value Sel is, for example, equal to a percentage of the reference impedance ratio, in particular 80% of the reference impedance ratio. The second error threshold value Se2 is, for example, equal to a percentage of the reference impedance ratio, in particular 120% of the reference impedance ratio.

[0162] In one embodiment, each uncertainty threshold value Sil, Si2 is a function of the user-specific reference impedance ratio.

[0163] The first uncertainty threshold value Sil is, for example, equal to a percentage of the reference impedance ratio, in particular 90% of the reference impedance ratio. The second uncertainty threshold value Si2 is, for example, equal to a percentage of the reference impedance ratio, in particular 110% of the reference impedance ratio. Comparison with user history

[0164] In one embodiment, each error threshold value Sel, Se2 is determined based on a user-specific impedance ratio history.

[0165] In particular, the impedance ratio history is an average of at least two Z2 / Z1 ratios between an impedance ZI at the first frequency Fl and an impedance Z2 at the second frequency F2 previously measured on the user.

[0166] The first error threshold value Sel is, for example, equal to a percentage of the average of the Z2 / Z1 ratios from the user's history, in particular 80% of the average impedance ratio. The second error threshold value Se2 is, for example, equal to a percentage of the average of the Z2 / Z1 ratios from the user's history, in particular 120% of the average impedance ratio.

[0167] In one embodiment, each uncertainty threshold value Sil, Si2 is determined based on a user-specific impedance ratio history.

[0168] The first uncertainty threshold value Sil is, for example, equal to a percentage of the average of the Z2 / Z1 ratios from the user's history, in particular 90% of the average impedance ratio. The second uncertainty threshold value Si2 is, for example, equal to a percentage of the average of the Z2 / Z1 ratios from the user's history, in particular 110% of the average impedance ratio. Variants

[0169] The previous embodiment (comparison with user history) can also be implemented with different variants.

[0170] In one embodiment, the impedance data comprises only the impedance measurement Z2 (without normalization). The choice of Z2 is justified by the fact that high frequencies are the frequencies most affected by short circuits. In this case, the error threshold value is calculated on the same basis, namely impedance measurement values, on a segment, called the reference segment.

[0171] The frequency used here is for example between 40 kHz and 5000 kHz, in particular 250 kHz.

[0172] In one embodiment, the comparison can be performed on the same segment: for example, the impedance measurement Z2 of a segment is compared to a value corresponding to a historical impedance measurement Z2 of the same segment (the reference data). The measured segment and the reference segment are identical. A margin can be added to this historical value to account for weight variations between two time-separated measurements. An impedance measurement ZI at the frequency Fl can also be performed to serve as a baseline impedance value. The comparison can then include a variation in impedance Z2 and a variation in impedance ZI, and an error signal is generated when a variation in impedance Z2 exceeds an error threshold and the variation in impedance ZI falls below a baseline threshold.Alternatively or in addition, the margin can be determined by an impedance variation measured at the frequency Zl, to take into account changes in the user's body.

[0173] In another embodiment, the comparison is performed on the impedance value of another segment (the reference data). The measured segment and the reference segment are different. Indeed, within the same user, the impedances of segments generally exhibit similarities. In the case of an inappropriate posture, with a short circuit, the impedance of a segment may decrease. Therefore, by comparing impedance values ​​within the same body, the measuring device can identify an inappropriate posture. In particular, the other segment can be the symmetrical counterpart of the measured segment (a reference segment that is not identical but similar to the measured segment): for example, the impedance measurement on one side is compared to an impedance value on the other side. The symmetry of the human body allows the use of such a criterion. In this embodiment, the reference data can be determined concurrently with the impedance data, i.e., during the same measurement session.Alternatively, the other segment can be any other segment, such as the leg arc (a non-identical and non-similar reference segment).

[0174] The threshold and alert principles apply similarly in these variants. Impedance measurement method

[0175] A method 1300 for impedance measurement implemented by the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 will be described subsequently, with reference to [Fig. 13]. The method 1300 will be described in relation to the measuring device of [Fig. 2] but applies to any measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 allowing segmental impedance analysis. The advantage of devices 200, 400 is that they allow all segments to be analyzed from a single position.

[0176] In an initial step 1310, the electrodes are brought into contact with the user. In particular, at least two injection electrodes 212, 214, 216, 218 and at least two measuring electrodes 222, 224, 226, 228 are brought into contact with the user's hands and / or feet. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3], the user steps onto the base 302 of the scale with their feet and grasps the handle 304 with their hands.

[0177] Then, in a step 1320, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 performs impedance measurements on the user at at least one AC frequency, or, according to embodiments, at least two different AC frequencies.

[0178] In a step 1325, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 calculates an impedance data from the measured impedances, as previously described.

[0179] Then, in a step 1330, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 compares the impedances measured in the previous step 1320, in particular using the impedance data. Specifically, in one embodiment, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 compares the impedance Z1 measured at the first frequency F1 and the impedance Z2 measured at the second frequency F2.

[0180] In the embodiment in which the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 performs impedance measurements at at least three frequencies, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 can further compare the impedance Z1 and the impedance Z3 measured at the third current frequency F3, and / or compare the impedance Z2 to the impedance Z3. The comparison is made with respect to a reference value, which has been described previously (in particular, a comparison with an error threshold in step 1332 and a comparison with an uncertainty threshold in step 1334). The type of reference and comparison value thus depends on the impedance value.

[0181] The various possible impedance comparisons have been described in detail above and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity, in particular the embodiment using the impedance ratio Z2 / Z1.

[0182] Then, in a step 1340, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 generates an error signal during impedance measurements based on the comparison of The impedance Z1 at the first frequency Fl and the impedance Z2 at the second frequency F2. In particular, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 generates a user error signal when the ratio Z2 / Z1 is less than the error threshold value Sil or greater than the second error threshold value Si2.

[0183] The error signal is for example linked to the detection of an inappropriate posture of the user, in particular skin contact between two parts of the user's body.

[0184] Then, during a step 1350, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 can reject the impedance measurements in response to the generation of the error signal. In other words, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 does not transmit these measurements to third-party devices, in particular to the server 520 and / or the mobile terminal 530, via the communication network 510, or it transmits these measurements to third-party devices by attaching an error tag (called a "flag"). Alternatively or as an option, during step 1350, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 displays a message to the user if an error signal is generated, for example by means of display 308, 408. The message may include information indicating that an error has been detected, and / or indicating an inappropriate posture, and for example remind the user of good posture recommendations.The message may also indicate on which segments a suspected contact was detected, for example contact between the left arm and left leg or contact between both legs.

[0185] In addition or alternatively, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 can send the associated impedance or body composition measurements to third-party devices, in particular to the server 520 and / or the mobile terminal 530, with information indicating that an error has been detected (for example, by adding a tag to the measurement). The third-party devices can then reject at least some of the measurements or keep them. In one embodiment, the third-party devices can display a message to the user in case of an error, for example, via the screen of the mobile terminal 530. The message can include information indicating that an error has been detected and, for example, remind the user of good posture recommendations.

[0186] In an embodiment in which a plurality of impedance measurements are performed for several segments, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 can reject only the impedance measurements affected by the error and accept the unaffected impedance measurements. Indeed, the measuring device is capable of generating an error segment by segment (left arm, right arm, left leg, right leg, left side, right side, arm arc, leg arc, torso). For example, if contact between the left arm and the left leg is detected by detecting an impedance ratio lower than the error threshold value SE1 on the "left arm" segment, but that no contact is detected in the limbs on the right side, only the measurements for the left segments are rejected.

[0187] In one embodiment, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 can generate new impedance measurements in the event of generation of the error signal and thus return to step 1320.

[0188] In a step 1360, alternative to step 1350, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 generates an alert signal, in particular related to uncertainty in the user's posture during impedance measurements, based on the comparison of the impedance Z1 at the first frequency Fl and the impedance Z2 at the second frequency F2. In particular, as illustrated in [Fig. 11], the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 generates an alert signal when the ratio Z2 / Z1 between the impedance Z1 at the first frequency Fl and the impedance Z2 at the second frequency F2 is between the error threshold value Sel and the uncertainty threshold value Sil. As an alternative or in addition, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 generates an alert signal when the ratio Z2 / Z1 between the impedance ZI at the first frequency Fl and the impedance Z2 at the second frequency F2 is between the uncertainty threshold value Si2 and the error threshold value Se2.

[0189] Then, in a step 1370, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 can determine at least one piece of data relating to the user's body composition, for example, the percentage of fat and muscle mass per segment, based on impedance measurements at at least two different frequencies. The measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 can display this data on the display 308, 408, possibly with an uncertainty message. Alternatively or optionally, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 can send this data to third-party devices, in particular to the server 520 and / or the mobile terminal 530, with the associated alert signal, and for example, indicating in which segments the uncertainty lies. The alert can be displayed to the user at the same time as the measurement, for example by means of display 308, 408 and / or via the mobile terminal 530 in order in particular to remind him of the measurement instructions.

[0190] When an error or uncertainty is generated, in other words when the ratio Z2 / ZI between the impedance ZI at the first frequency Fl and the impedance Z2 at the second frequency F2 is greater than the first uncertainty threshold value Sil, and for example less than the second uncertainty value SI2, the measuring device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 directly implements step 1370 and determines at least one data relating to the body composition of the user. Implementation examples

[0191] Figures 14 and 15 represent the percentages of body fat obtained from the same measurement campaign as the results illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, without error detection for [Fig. 14] and with detection and rejection of error-related measures for [Fig. 15].

[0192] Figures 14 and 15 show, from left to right and top to bottom, the percentages of body fat determined based on the percentage of body fat obtained in the "clothed" reference case for the left arm (lam), torso (torso), right arm (ram), left leg (11g), full body (wbd), and right leg (rlg). Theoretically, if the repeatability of the measurements were perfect, all measurements should fall on the identity line y=x. Conversely, any measurement deviating significantly from this identity line y=x indicates a calculation of the percentage of body fat disrupted by a positional factor, in particular a short circuit, caused by a posture unsuitable for the measurement.

[0193] Similar to Figures 9 and 10, [Fig. 14] shows that in the "underwear as instructed" cases (represented by + 1520), the values ​​appear consistent with the "dressed" reference (represented by x 1540). In the "normal underwear" case (represented by dots 1510), some problematic values ​​are noted. Finally, in the "arm underwear" case (represented by three-pointed stars 1530), the values ​​are very dispersed and far from the "dressed" reference values.

[0194] Figure 15 presents the results following the implementation of error detection as described above and the rejection of problematic measurements with a first predetermined error threshold value SE1 equal to three times the standard deviation of the distribution below the mean value of the reference case and a second predetermined error threshold value SE2 equal to three times the standard deviation of the distribution above the mean value of the reference case. Figure 15 shows a significantly improved consistency of the body fat percentage values ​​and the successful rejection of the most problematic values. The determination of the user's body fat percentage is thus made more reliable and reproducible.

[0195] Figure 16 shows, for a plurality of measurements performed with the measuring device of Figure 3, the impedance ratios Z2 / Z1 on the x-axis and Z3 / Z1 on the y-axis, with Z1 = 5 kHz, Z3 = 50 kHz, and Z2 = 250 kHz. Figure 16 shows the values ​​associated with male (black dots 1610) and female (gray dots 1620). Graph (a) shows the measurements in the left arm without error detection, and graph (b) shows the whole-body measurements according to method 1300 with rejection of measurements for which an error signal was generated. The first and second uncertainty threshold values ​​Sel, Se2, and the first and second additional uncertainty threshold values ​​Sel', Se2' are shown on the graphs. Due to the generation of the error signal using the intervals [Sel, Se2], [Sel1, Se2'], we observe on graph (a) that several measurements are outside at least one intervals [Sel, Se2], [Sel1, Se2'] and are therefore potentially problematic. Conversely, graph (b) shows that all measurements fall within the two intervals [Sel, Se2] and [Sel1, Se2'] and that error detection has rejected the potentially problematic measurements, making the measurement of the user's body fat percentage more reliable and reproducible.

Claims

Demands

1. Body composition measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) configured to: - perform impedance measurements on a user (U) at at least two different frequencies (F1, F2, F3), of which a first frequency (F1) and a second frequency (F2) are higher than the first frequency (F1), - compare the impedance (Z1) measured at the first frequency (F1) and the impedance (Z2) measured at the second frequency (F2), - generate an error signal based on the comparison of the impedance (Z1) measured at the first frequency (F1) and the impedance (Z2) measured at the second frequency (F2).

2. Measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 1, configured to: - in response to the absence of error signal generation, determine at least one body composition data as a function of impedance (Z1) at the first frequency (F1) and impedance (Z2) at the second frequency (F2).

3. Measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 1 or 2, configured to: - generate a notification for the user, the notification relating to an error and / or an inappropriate posture for the user, based on the error signal, in particular a skin contact between two parts of the user's body (U).

4. Measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) is configured to compare the impedance (Z1) measured at the first frequency (F1) and the impedance (Z2) measured at the second frequency (F2) at the level of the same user segment.

5. Measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) is configured, in response to the generation of an error signal, to: - reject the impedance measurement, and / or - display a message to the user, and / or - restart a new impedance measurement.

6. Measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the comparison is the comparison of a ratio (Z2 / Z1) between the impedance (Z2) measured at the first frequency (F1) and the impedance (Z2) measured at the second frequency (F2) with at least one error threshold value (Sel, Se2).

7. Measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 6, wherein the or each error threshold value (Sel, Se2) is a predetermined error threshold, for example obtained by analyzing a plurality of prior impedance measurements on several users.

8. Measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 6, wherein the error threshold value or values ​​(Sel, Se2) is user-specific, in particular a function of a user-specific reference impedance ratio, the reference impedance ratio being for example a ratio between a reference impedance at the first frequency and a reference impedance at the second frequency previously measured on the user.

9. Measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 6, wherein the error threshold value or values ​​(Sel, Se2) is determined based on a user-specific impedance ratio history, the impedance ratio history being an average of at least two ratios between an impedance at the first frequency and an impedance at the second frequency previously measured on the user.

10. Measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the comparison includes an additional comparison of the ratio between the impedance (Z1) at the first frequency (F1) and the impedance (Z2) at the second frequency (F2) with at least one uncertainty threshold value (S11, S12), and wherein the measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400) is configured to generate an alert signal on the basis of the additional comparison.

11. A measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to: - perform an impedance measurement (Z1, Z2, Z3) at at least three frequencies, including the first frequency (F1), the second frequency (F2) and a third frequency (F3) between the first frequency (Fl) and the second frequency (F2), - compare the impedance (Zl) measured at the first frequency (Fl) and the impedance (Z2) measured at the second frequency (F2), - compare the impedance (Zl) measured at the first frequency (Fl) and the impedance (Z3) measured at the second frequency (F3), - generate an error signal based on the comparison of the impedance (Zl) at the first frequency (Fl) and the impedance (Z2) at the second frequency (F2) and the comparison of the impedance (Zl) at the first frequency (Fl) and the impedance (Z3) at the second frequency (F3).

12. Measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400) is configured to perform an impedance measurement at a plurality of frequencies, the first frequency (F1) being the smallest available frequency among the plurality of frequencies, the second frequency (F2) being the largest available frequency among the plurality of frequencies.

13. Method for measuring body composition, the method comprising at least the following successive steps: - impedance measurements (1320) on a user (U) at at least two different frequencies (F1, F2, F3), of which a first frequency (F1) and a second frequency (F2) are higher than the first frequency (F1), - comparison (1330) of the impedance (Z1) measured at the first frequency (F1) and the impedance (Z2) measured at the second frequency (F2), - generation (1340) of an error signal based on the comparison of the impedance (Z1) measured at the first frequency (F1) and the impedance (Z2) measured at the second frequency (F2).

14. Product computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the measurement method according to claim 13.

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