Measuring device
The measuring device addresses the challenge of determining exercise type by measuring body fluid nutrient levels to guide athletes in performing appropriate exercises, enhancing exercise performance through optimized nutrient consumption.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PIONEER IP
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
Athletes find it difficult to determine the appropriate type of exercise to perform based on the consumption of carbohydrates or lipids during exercise, which affects the timing of consuming these nutrients.
A measuring device that non-invasively measures carbohydrate and lipid concentrations in body fluids using light absorption at specific wavelengths, and based on these measurements, selects and outputs whether to perform anaerobic or aerobic exercise.
Enables athletes to easily determine the appropriate exercise type and switch between exercises based on real-time nutrient consumption, optimizing exercise performance and nutrition timing.
Smart Images
Figure 2026083413000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0006] , , ,
[0005] , , , , , , ,
[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device.
Background Art
[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in health. For this reason, various devices and systems for supporting the maintenance of users' health have been developed.
[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for determining whether the exercise state of an athlete is aerobic exercise or anaerobic exercise using the pulse wave data of the athlete, the age of the athlete, and the resting heart rate of the athlete. Patent Document 2 also describes calculating the exercise intensity for an athlete based on the acetone concentration in the athlete's exhaled breath.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] Substances consumed during exercise include carbohydrates and lipids, and which of these is consumed depends on the quality of the exercise (for example, aerobic exercise or anaerobic exercise). Therefore, it is preferable to vary the quality of the exercise depending on the timing when carbohydrates should be consumed and the timing when lipids should be consumed. However, it is difficult for an athlete to determine what kind of exercise should be performed at present.
[0006] As an example of the problems to be solved by the present invention, it is possible to make it easier for an athlete to determine what kind of exercise should be performed at present.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0007] The invention described in claim 1 comprises a measuring unit for measuring at least one of the carbohydrate concentration and lipid concentration in body fluids, A selection unit selects either the first motion or the second motion from the measurement results of the measurement unit and outputs the selection result. It is a measuring device equipped with [a specific feature / feature]. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the measuring device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the first example of the measurement unit. [Figure 3] This figure shows a second example of the measurement unit. [Figure 4] This figure shows a third example of the measurement unit. [Figure 5] This figure shows a fourth example of the measurement unit. [Figure 6] This figure shows the first example of the selection logic in the selection section. [Figure 7] This figure shows a second example of the selection logic in the selection section. [Figure 8] This figure shows a third example of the selection logic in the selection section. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the display performed by the output unit. [Figure 10] This is a plan view of the measuring device according to Example 1. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the measuring device according to Example 2. [Figure 12] This figure shows the first example of screen transitions displayed by the measuring device. [Figure 13] This figure shows a second example of the screen transitions displayed by the measuring device. [Figure 14] This figure shows a third example of the screen transitions displayed by the measuring device. [Figure 15] This diagram shows the operating environment of the measuring device according to Example 3. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed by a measuring device.
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.
[0010] In the following description, each component of the measuring device 10 indicates a block in terms of function units, rather than a configuration in terms of hardware units. For example, the measuring unit 120 is composed of a sensor and an arithmetic processing unit. Further, the arithmetic processing units included in the selection unit 140 and the measuring unit 120 are realized by an arbitrary combination of hardware and software centered around, for example, a CPU or a microcomputer of an arbitrary computer, a memory, a program loaded into the memory, a storage medium such as a hard disk storing the program, and a network connection interface. And there are various modifications to the realization method and device.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the measuring device 10 according to the embodiment. The measuring device 10 according to the embodiment includes a measuring unit 120 and a selection unit 140. The measuring unit 120 measures at least one of the carbohydrate concentration and the lipid concentration in the body fluid (for example, blood) of the athlete. The selection unit 140 selects either the first exercise or the second exercise based on the measurement result of the measuring unit 120 and outputs the selection result. Here, the first exercise is, for example, anaerobic exercise, and the second exercise is, for example, aerobic exercise. The information to be output may be a specific example of anaerobic exercise or a specific example of aerobic exercise. The measuring device 10 is, for example, a portable device, but may also be a stationary device. Details will be described below.
[0012] The measurement unit 120 measures at least one, preferably both, of the carbohydrate concentration and the lipid concentration in the body fluid of the exerciser as described above. The measurement unit 120 measures the carbohydrate concentration and the lipid concentration non-invasively. The measurement unit 120 has, for example, a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The light receiving unit receives the light from the light emitting unit through the body of the exerciser. Then, the measurement unit 120 measures at least one of the carbohydrate concentration and the lipid concentration in the body fluid using the intensity of the light received by the light receiving unit. For example, carbohydrates absorb light with a wavelength near 1.6 μm and light near 0.8 μm. Also, lipids absorb light with a wavelength near 1.2 μm and light near 0.6 μm. Therefore, the measurement unit 120 can measure the carbohydrate concentration and the lipid concentration in the body fluid by measuring the absorption amount of light in these wavelength ranges. The operation timing of the measurement unit 120 is controlled, for example, by the selection unit 140. The detailed configuration of the measurement unit 120 will be described later.
[0013] Based on the measurement result of the measurement unit 120, the selection unit 140 selects either the first exercise or the second exercise and outputs the selection result. In the example shown in this figure, the measuring device 10 has an output unit 160. The output unit 160 is, for example, a display or a speaker, and outputs the selection result by the selection unit 140 in characters, images, sounds, or both. Thereby, the user of the measuring device 10 can easily determine what kind of exercise he should do now.
[0014] Figure 2 shows a first example of the measurement unit 120. In the example shown in this figure, the measurement unit 120 includes a light-emitting unit 122, a light-receiving unit 124, a spectral analysis unit 126, and a concentration calculation unit 129. The light-emitting unit 122 emits light toward the body F of the person exercising. The spectral distribution of this light includes, for example, a range of 1 μm to 2 μm or a range of 0.5 μm to 1 μm, and includes both wavelengths absorbed by lipids and wavelengths absorbed by carbohydrates. The light source of the light-emitting unit 122 is, for example, an LED or an organic EL element. The light-receiving unit 124 detects the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 122 that has passed through the body F or reflected by the body F. The light-receiving unit 124 has, for example, a tunable filter and can detect the intensity of broadband light, i.e., the spectral distribution of light. The spectral analysis unit 126 then detects at least one of the magnitude of the absorption spectrum caused by carbohydrates and the magnitude of the absorption spectrum caused by lipids from the spectral distribution detected by the light-receiving unit 124. The concentration calculation unit 129 then calculates at least one of the lipid concentration and the carbohydrate concentration from the magnitude of these absorption spectra.
[0015] Figure 3 shows a second example of the measurement unit 120. In the example shown in this figure, the measurement unit 120 includes a light-emitting unit 122, a first wavelength filter 127, a second wavelength filter 128, a first light-receiving unit 132, a second light-receiving unit 134, and a concentration calculation unit 129. The configuration of the light-emitting unit 122 and the concentration calculation unit 129 is the same as in the example shown in Figure 2. The first wavelength filter 127 transmits light of wavelengths absorbed by carbohydrates and cuts out light of other wavelengths. The second wavelength filter 128 transmits light of wavelengths absorbed by lipids and cuts out light of other wavelengths. The first light-receiving unit 132 detects the intensity of light that has passed through the first wavelength filter 127, and the second light-receiving unit 134 detects the intensity of light that has passed through the second wavelength filter 128. The concentration calculation unit 129 then calculates the carbohydrate concentration in the body fluid based on the detected value of the first light receiving unit 132, and calculates the lipid concentration in the body fluid based on the detected value of the second light receiving unit 134.
[0016] The measurement unit 120 does not necessarily have a first wavelength filter 127 and a first light receiving unit 132. In this case, the measurement unit 120 will only calculate the lipid concentration in the body fluid. The measurement unit 120 also does not necessarily have a second wavelength filter 128 and a second light receiving unit 134. In this case, the measurement unit 120 will only calculate the carbohydrate concentration in the body fluid.
[0017] Furthermore, the first light-receiving unit 132 and the second light-receiving unit 134 may be positioned between the body F and the light-emitting unit 122, rather than between the body F and the first light-receiving unit 132 and the second light-receiving unit 134. Moreover, the first light-receiving unit 132 and the second light-receiving unit 134 may be provided both between the body F and the first light-receiving unit 132 and the second light-receiving unit 134, and between the body F and the light-emitting unit 122.
[0018] Figure 4 shows a third example of the measurement unit 120. The measurement unit 120 shown in this figure has a first light-emitting unit 131, a second light-emitting unit 133, a light-receiving unit 124, and a concentration calculation unit 129. The first light-emitting unit 131 emits light of a wavelength absorbed by carbohydrates, and the second light-emitting unit 133 emits light of a wavelength absorbed by lipids. The first light-emitting unit 131 and the second light-emitting unit 133 may have laser elements as light-emitting elements. The selection unit 140 shifts the light emission timing of the first light-emitting unit 131 and the second light-emitting unit 133.
[0019] The concentration calculation unit 129 then calculates the carbohydrate concentration in the body fluid using the value detected by the light receiving unit 124 at the time the first light-emitting unit 131 is operating. The concentration calculation unit 129 also calculates the lipid concentration in the body fluid using the value detected by the light receiving unit 124 at the time the second light-emitting unit 133 is operating.
[0020] Here, when the selection unit 140 illuminates the first light-emitting unit 131, it is preferable to illuminate the first light-emitting unit 131 in a first cycle. Also, when the selection unit 140 illuminates the second light-emitting unit 133, it is preferable to illuminate the second light-emitting unit 133 in a second cycle that is different from the first cycle. In this way, the detected value of the light-receiving unit 124 when detecting carbohydrates will have a first cycle, and the detected value of the light-receiving unit 124 when detecting lipids will have a second cycle. For this reason, by providing a frequency filter (e.g., a digital filter) that transmits signals of the first cycle and a frequency filter (e.g., a digital filter) that transmits signals of the second cycle within the signal processing circuit of the selection unit 140, and calculating the carbohydrate concentration and lipid concentration using the detected values after passing through these filters, the measurement error of the carbohydrate concentration and lipid concentration can be reduced.
[0021] Furthermore, when only the first light-emitting unit 131 is emitting light, the information received by the light-receiving unit 124 is proportional to the carbohydrate concentration. Then, when the first light-emitting unit 131 is turned off and only the second light-emitting unit 133 is emitting light, the information received by the light-receiving unit 124 is proportional to the lipid concentration. For this reason, alternating the emission of light from the first light-emitting unit 131 to the second light-emitting unit 133 is also an effective method of use.
[0022] Figure 5 shows a fourth example of the measurement unit 120. The measurement unit 120 shown in this figure has the same configuration as the measurement unit 120 shown in Figure 4, except that it has a first wavelength filter 127 and a second wavelength filter 128. The first wavelength filter 127 is positioned between the first light-emitting unit 131 and the light-receiving unit 124, and the second wavelength filter 128 is positioned between the second light-emitting unit 133 and the light-receiving unit 124. This configuration improves the accuracy of the detection value of the light-receiving unit 124, and as a result, reduces the measurement error of carbohydrate concentration and lipid concentration.
[0023] Figure 6 shows a first example of the selection logic in the selection unit 140. In the example shown in this figure, the selection unit 140 selects either anaerobic exercise or aerobic exercise using only the carbohydrate concentration. Specifically, the selection unit 140 selects anaerobic exercise if the carbohydrate concentration is equal to or greater than the first reference value, and selects aerobic exercise if the carbohydrate concentration is less than the first reference value. This is because anaerobic exercise is preferable for consuming carbohydrates.
[0024] Figure 7 shows a second example of the selection logic in the selection unit 140. In the example shown in this figure, the selection unit 140 selects either anaerobic exercise or aerobic exercise using only lipid concentration. Specifically, the selection unit 140 selects aerobic exercise if the lipid concentration is above the second reference value, and selects aerobic exercise if the lipid concentration is below the second reference value. This is because aerobic exercise is preferable for consuming lipids.
[0025] Figure 8 shows a third example of the selection logic in the selection unit 140. In the example shown in this figure, the selection unit 140 uses both carbohydrate concentration and lipid concentration to select either anaerobic exercise or aerobic exercise.
[0026] Specifically, the selection unit 140 outputs a message prompting the user to stop exercising and eat if the carbohydrate concentration is below the first reference value and the lipid concentration is below the second reference value. The selection unit 140 also selects anaerobic exercise if the carbohydrate concentration is at or above the first reference value and the lipid concentration is below the second reference value. The selection unit 140 also selects aerobic exercise if the carbohydrate concentration is below the first reference value and the lipid concentration is at or above the second reference value.
[0027] Furthermore, the selection unit 140 outputs the following when the carbohydrate concentration is equal to or greater than the first reference value and the lipid concentration is equal to or greater than the second reference value. First, if the value of the carbohydrate concentration normalized by the first reference value (first reference value) is greater than the value of the lipid concentration normalized by the second reference value (second reference value), that is, if the carbohydrate concentration is higher than the lipid concentration, the selection unit 140 selects anaerobic exercise. On the other hand, if the first reference value is less than or equal to the second reference value, that is, if the lipid concentration is higher than the carbohydrate concentration, the selection unit 140 selects aerobic exercise.
[0028] Each figure in Figure 9 shows an example of the display performed by the output unit 160. Figure 9(a) is an example of a screen recommending aerobic exercise, and Figure 9(b) is an example of a screen recommending anaerobic exercise. Figure 9(c) is an example of a screen recommending a meal when both carbohydrate and lipid concentrations are low (especially when carbohydrate concentration is low).
[0029] As described above, according to this embodiment, the measurement unit 120 measures at least one of the carbohydrate concentration and lipid concentration in body fluids. The selection unit 140 then selects either the first exercise or the second exercise based on the measurement results from the measurement unit 120 and outputs the selection result. Therefore, the user of the measurement device 10 can easily determine what kind of exercise they should do.
[0030] (Example 1) Figure 10 is a plan view of the measuring device 10 according to Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the measuring device 10 is a mobile phone or smartphone and has a housing 150. The surface of the housing 150 has a display unit as an example of an output unit 160.
[0031] Furthermore, a recess 154 is provided on the side of the housing 150. The recess 154 is where the user's finger fits when the user holds the measuring device 10. The finger is, for example, the index finger, but it may also be the thumb, middle finger, ring finger, or little finger.
[0032] Furthermore, the light-emitting unit 122 and the light-receiving unit 124 are arranged in the region of the side surface of the housing 150 corresponding to the inner surface of the recess 154. Note that the light-emitting unit 122 may be replaced by a first light-emitting unit 131 and a second light-emitting unit 133, and the light-receiving unit 124 may be replaced by a first light-receiving unit 132 and a second light-receiving unit 134. Also, the arrangement of the light-emitting unit 122 and the light-receiving unit 124 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 10.
[0033] In this embodiment, the user uses the measuring device 10 to recognize the exercise they should perform before starting. This allows the user to perform the appropriate exercise.
[0034] (Example 2) Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the measuring device 10 according to Embodiment 2. In this embodiment, the measuring device 10 is a clock-type device. A light-emitting unit 122 and a light-receiving unit 124 are arranged on the inner surface of the measuring device 10. A display unit and an audio output unit, which serve as output units 160, are provided on the outer surface of the measuring device 10. Note that a first light-emitting unit 131 and a second light-emitting unit 133 may be arranged instead of the light-emitting unit 122, and a first light-receiving unit 132 and a second light-receiving unit 134 may be arranged instead of the light-emitting unit 124.
[0035] In this embodiment, the user attaches the measuring device 10 to their arm before starting exercise. The user then uses the measuring device 10 to recognize which type of exercise they should perform, both before and during exercise. For example, if it has been a short time since eating, the carbohydrate concentration in body fluids is high, so the user should perform anaerobic exercise. On the other hand, if anaerobic exercise continues, the carbohydrate concentration in body fluids decreases, making it preferable to switch to aerobic exercise. The user can recognize this switching timing by using the measuring device 10. For example, the selection unit 140 of the measuring device 10 continuously determines periodically during exercise whether aerobic or anaerobic exercise is preferable, according to the criteria shown in Figure 8. When it is time to switch from anaerobic to aerobic exercise, the selection unit 140 causes the output unit 160 to output a message to that effect. This allows the user to switch from anaerobic to aerobic exercise at the appropriate time.
[0036] In addition, the selection unit 140 of the measuring device 10 can also cause the output unit 160 to output a signal indicating that exercise should be stopped and a meal should be eaten if the carbohydrate concentration falls below the first reference value and the lipid concentration also falls below the second reference value.
[0037] Figure 12 shows a first example of the screen transitions displayed by the measuring device 10. In the example shown in this figure, the user exercises while wearing the measuring device 10. The measurement result from the measurement unit 120 before exercise corresponds to Figure 8(b) of the embodiment. Therefore, the measuring device 10 first displays a screen recommending anaerobic exercise, as shown in Figure 12(a). As the user of the measuring device 10 performs anaerobic exercise, the carbohydrate concentration (blood glucose level) decreases, and instead, lipids dissolve into the blood, causing the lipid concentration to increase. When the measurement result from the measurement unit 120 corresponds to Figure 8(c), the measuring device 10 switches to a screen recommending aerobic exercise, as shown in Figure 12(b). When predetermined conditions are met (for example, when the exercise time reaches a predetermined time), the measuring device 10 switches to a screen recommending ending the exercise, as shown in Figure 12(c).
[0038] Figure 13 shows a second example of the screen transitions displayed by the measuring device 10. In this example as well, the user exercises while wearing the measuring device 10. The measurement result from the measurement unit 120 before exercise corresponds to Figure 8(c) of the embodiment. Therefore, the measuring device 10 first displays a screen recommending aerobic exercise, as shown in Figure 13(a). As the user of the measuring device 10 performs aerobic exercise, the lipid concentration decreases. Then the measuring device 10 switches to a screen encouraging the user to continue aerobic exercise, as shown in Figure 13(b). After continuing aerobic exercise for a certain period of time, it displays a screen encouraging the user to end the exercise, as shown in Figure 13(c). However, if the user continues exercising further and the measurement result from the measurement unit 120 corresponds to Figure 8(a), the measuring device 10 switches to a screen encouraging the user to end the exercise and eat, as shown in Figure 13(d).
[0039] Furthermore, in situations where it is difficult to eat a normal meal, such as during a marathon or triathlon, it is also effective to display methods for easily raising blood sugar levels, such as candy, sweet bean paste, or sports drinks. This can prevent fainting due to low blood sugar levels during competition. In such cases, assuming the individual may not be aware of their low blood sugar, the arm-worn measuring device 10 may be equipped with a light-up device or a sound-emitting device to alert the individual and those around them of the danger through flashing lights or sounds.
[0040] Figure 14 shows a third example of the screen transitions displayed by the measuring device 10. In these figures, the screen of the measuring device 10 displays not only text but also pictures and characters (for example, a pig, a bird, a rice ball, etc.). The number of characters is proportional to the carbohydrate concentration and lipid concentration. This allows the user to intuitively understand their current carbohydrate and lipid concentrations, i.e., the results of their exercise. The measuring device 10 may also output sound. For example, if there is a change in lipid concentration, it may output a "buzzing" sound, and if there is a change in carbohydrate concentration, it may output the words "sweet, sweet."
[0041] (Example 3) Figure 15 shows the method of using the measuring device 10 according to Embodiment 3, along with its usage environment. In this embodiment, multiple measuring devices 10 are connected to the same information processing device 20 via a communication network 30. The multiple measuring devices 10 are used by different users. The results of using the measuring device 10 (for example, the time spent exercising using the measuring device 10) are transmitted to the information processing device 20. In the example shown in this figure, the measuring device 10 also has a function to acquire the user's weight.
[0042] The information processing device 20 generates statistical data using the transmitted data. This statistical data is transmitted to the measuring device 10 via the communication network 30.
[0043] Figure 16 shows an example of a screen displayed by the measuring device 10 in this embodiment. As described above, the measuring device 10 receives statistical data from the information processing device 20. The measuring device 10 displays this statistical data along with the user's measurement results. In the example shown in this figure, the statistical data shows the correlation between the cumulative average exercise time per day and the amount of weight loss. By looking at this display, the user of the measuring device 10 can easily understand where they stand compared to others.
[0044] Note that in Figure 16, the vertical axis may represent the amount of decrease in body fat percentage. In this case, the body fat percentage is input to the measuring device 10.
[0045] Furthermore, if the amount of weight loss or body fat percentage reduction does not meet the standards, the measuring device 10 may display methods to reduce these, such as foods and habits to improve them. The information displayed here is transmitted to the measuring device 10 by, for example, the information processing device 20. The information processing device 20 transmits to the measuring device 10, for example, foods and habits whose effectiveness has been proven by other users. This proof is based, for example, on the results of a user questionnaire.
[0046] As described above, according to this embodiment, the user recognizes the exercise they should perform using the measuring device 10 before starting exercise. This allows the user to perform appropriate exercise. Furthermore, since the measuring device 10 is also operating during exercise, the user can switch from anaerobic to aerobic exercise or end the exercise at the appropriate time.
[0047] The embodiments and examples described above with reference to the drawings are illustrative examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted. [Explanation of symbols]
[0048] 10 Measuring device 120 Measuring section 122 Light-emitting part 124 Light receiving part 131 First light-emitting section 132 1st light receiving section 133 Second light-emitting section 134 2nd light receiving section 140 Selection Section 160 Output section
Claims
[Claim 1] A measuring unit that measures at least one of the carbohydrate concentration and lipid concentration in body fluids, A selection unit selects either the first motion or the second motion from the measurement results of the measurement unit and outputs the selection result. A measuring device equipped with the following features.