Measurement device, measurement method, and recording medium

Abstract

This measurement device for measuring the biological impedance of a user comprises: a grip part that has an electrode for energization and is grasped by the user; a holding part that detachably holds the grip part; and a detection means that detects that the grip part has been separated from the holding part.

Description

Measuring device, measuring method and recording medium

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device, a measuring method, and a recording medium.

[0002] JP 2006-198061 A discloses a measuring device that includes a hand electrode to be brought into contact with a living body and determines whether at least one of the right hand and the left hand is in contact with the hand electrode.

[0003] In the measuring device as described above, a holding portion is provided so that the grip portion, which is a hand electrode, can be attached to a predetermined position.

[0004] However, if a user leaves the grip portion hung without attaching it to the holding portion, a load is applied to the cable extending from the grip portion to the processing portion, which easily deteriorates the cable. Further, if the hand electrode is left in contact with a floor or the like, noise may enter from the grip portion and affect other measurements, which is a concern.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to suppress the influence exerted on the measuring device caused by the grip portion not being held by the holding portion.

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, a measuring device for measuring a user's bioimpedance comprises: a grip portion having an energization electrode and gripped by the user; a holding portion that detachably holds the grip portion; and detection means for detecting that the grip portion has separated from the holding portion.

[0007] Further, in the above measuring device, the grip portion may include a right grip gripped by the user's right hand and a left grip gripped by the user's left hand, the holding portion may include a right holder holding the right grip and a left holder holding the left grip, and the detection means may include a right sensor disposed on the right holder and a left sensor disposed on the left holder.

[0008] Furthermore, the measuring device may further include a support column that the user faces and that supports the right holder and the left holder, wherein the right holder and the left holder are supported symmetrically with respect to the support column, and the horizontal distance between the ends of the right holder and the left holder supported by the support column in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the horizontal distance between the ends of the other holder.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above measuring device, the detection means includes a right signal element positioned in the right grip and sensed by the right sensor, and a left signal element positioned in the left grip and sensed by the left sensor, wherein the position in the right grip where the right signal element is positioned may be different from the position in the left grip where the left signal element is positioned.

[0010] Furthermore, the above measuring device may further include a support column that faces the user during measurement and supports the right holder and the left holder, the right sensor may be positioned in the right holder at a location further away from the central axis of the right holder with respect to the user during measurement, and the left sensor may be positioned in the left holder at a location further away from the central axis of the left holder with respect to the user during measurement.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above measuring device, the right holder and the left holder may have a symmetrical shape, and the right sensor and the left sensor may be positioned symmetrically with respect to the support column.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above measuring device, the right sensor may be positioned in the right holder at a location further away from the central axis of the right holder with respect to the user during measurement, and the left sensor may be positioned in the left holder at a location further away from the central axis of the left holder with respect to the user during measurement.

[0013] Furthermore, in the mounted measuring device, the right sensor may be positioned on the support column side in the longitudinal direction of the right holder, and the left sensor may be positioned on the support column side in the longitudinal direction of the left holder.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above measuring device, the right holder may hold both ends of the right grip, and the left holder may hold both ends of the left grip.

[0015] Furthermore, in the above measuring device, the detection means includes a right signal element positioned in the right grip and sensed by the right sensor, and a left signal element positioned in the left grip and sensed by the left sensor, wherein the right signal element and the left signal element include magnetic elements that emit magnetism, and the right sensor and the left sensor may include sensor elements that determine the direction of the magnetism.

[0016] Furthermore, in the above-described measuring device, the sensor element may be a Hall element.

[0017] Furthermore, the above measuring device may further include a processing unit that detects whether the grip portion is held by the holding portion, and stops outputting the measurement result if the detection means does not detect whether the grip portion is held by the holding portion.

[0018] Furthermore, the above-described measuring device may further include a processing unit that detects whether the grip portion is held by the holding portion, and if the detection means does not detect whether the grip portion is held by the holding portion, the measuring device does not start measuring the user's biological information.

[0019] Furthermore, in the above-described measuring device, the processing unit measures the user's bioelectrical impedance after a weight measurement process has been performed to measure the user's weight. The processing unit does not need to perform the weight measurement process if the detection means does not detect that the grip portion is held by the holding portion.

[0020] Furthermore, in the above-described measuring device, the detection means may detect that the grip portion is held in the holding portion, and the measuring device may further include a notification unit that notifies the user to attach the grip portion to the holding portion if the detection means does not detect that the grip portion is held in the holding portion.

[0021] In a second embodiment of the present invention, a measurement method performed by a measuring device for measuring the bioimpedance of the user comprises a grip portion having electrodes for conducting electricity and held by a user, and a holding portion that detachably holds the grip portion, and includes a detection step of detecting when the grip portion has separated from the holding portion.

[0022] In a third aspect of the present invention, the program comprises a grip portion having electrodes for conducting electricity and held by a user, and a holding portion that detachably holds the grip portion, and is a program that causes a computer that measures the bioimpedance of the user to perform a detection step of detecting that the grip portion has separated from the holding portion.

[0023] According to these embodiments, if the grip portion is not held by the holding portion, the next predetermined process will be put on hold, thus prompting the user to attach the grip portion to the holding portion. This makes it possible to suppress the impact on the measuring device, such as deterioration of the cable due to the grip portion being left hanging by the user, and the introduction of noise caused by the charge picked up from the grip portion when it is left on a floor that is prone to static electricity.

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of a measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view showing an example of the structure of the left grip and left holder. Figure 3 is a top view of the left holder holding the left grip, viewed from above. Figure 4 is a cross-section cut along line III-III' shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the left detection unit when the left grip is held in the left holder. Figure 6 is a top view of the right holder holding the right grip, viewed from above. Figure 7 is a cross-section cut along line VI-VI' shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the right detection unit when the right grip is held in the right holder. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the measuring device according to this embodiment. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a measurement method according to this embodiment. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an impedance measurement process included in the measurement method.

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout this specification, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0026] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows an example of the external appearance of a measuring device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The measuring device 1 is an impedance measuring device that measures the bioelectrical impedance of the user. The measuring device 1 in this embodiment is configured to implement the functions of a general body composition analyzer, measuring the user's weight and body composition based on bioelectrical impedance, and outputting the user's biological information.

[0028] The measuring device 1 comprises a measuring platform 2 on which the user stands, a left grip 31 held by the user with their left hand, a right grip 32 held by the user with their right hand, and a display unit 3 that displays the user's measurement conditions and measurement results.

[0029] Furthermore, the measuring device 1 includes a support column 10 whose base end is provided on one side of the measuring table 2 and whose tip supports the display unit 3, support parts 11 and 12 fixed to the support column 10 and extending to the left and right sides, and a left holder 21 and a right holder 22 supported by the support parts 11 and 12.

[0030] The measuring platform 2 includes a platform on its upper surface, a weight measuring circuit with a load cell inside the housing, and an impedance measuring circuit. The weight measurement result obtained by the load cell is amplified and AD converted and transmitted to a control unit (not shown).

[0031] An electrode section for conducting electricity is arranged on the upper surface of the measuring platform 2. The electrode section in this embodiment consists of electrodes 3a and 4a that come into contact with the user's left and right feet, and electrodes 3b and 4b that come into contact with the user's left and right feet. Electrodes 3a and 4a are a pair of electrodes for conducting electric current through the user's lower limbs, and electrodes 3b and 4b are a pair of electrodes for measuring the voltage generated in the user's lower limbs while electric current is flowing through them.

[0032] The support column 10 is a connecting part that connects the measuring platform 2 and the display unit 3, and in this embodiment, it is formed in a column shape with the vertical direction as its longer side. Furthermore, the support column 10 is positioned to face the user directly when they are standing on the measuring platform 2 during measurement.

[0033] The base ends of the support parts 11 and 12 are fixed to the middle of the longitudinal direction of the support column 10. Support part 11 extends diagonally upward to the left to support the left holder 21, and support part 12 extends diagonally upward to the right to support the right holder 22.

[0034] The left holder 21 and the right holder 22 function as holding parts that detachably hold the grip portions (31, 32) that the user grasps. In this embodiment, the left holder 21 and the right holder 22 are formed symmetrically with respect to the support column 10.

[0035] In this way, the right holder 22 and the left holder 21 are symmetrically supported on the support column 10 via support parts 11 and 12. As shown in Figure 1, the right holder 22 and the left holder 21 are arranged such that the distance between them in the horizontal direction decreases as they approach the support column 10.

[0036] In other words, the right holder 22 and the left holder 21 are arranged such that the horizontal distance between the base ends 22a and 21a (see Figures 2 to 7) supported by the support column 10 of the right holder 22 and the left holder 21 is shorter than the horizontal distance between the tip ends 22b and 21b (see Figures 2 and 6) of the other holder.

[0037] The left holder 21 holds the left grip 31 as the grip portion, and the right holder 22 holds the right grip 32 as the grip portion. In this embodiment, the left holder 21 holds only both ends of the left grip 31, i.e., the tip and base portion, and the right holder 22 holds only both ends of the right grip 32, i.e., the tip and base portion.

[0038] The left grip 31 and the right grip 32 constitute a grip portion having electrodes. In this embodiment, the left grip 31 and the right grip 32 are formed symmetrically with respect to the support column 10. The circuits of the left grip 31 and the right grip 32 are covered by the top case and the bottom case, respectively.

[0039] The left grip 31 has an electrode 5a on its upper surface and an electrode 5b (not shown) on its lower surface. Similarly, the right grip 32 has an electrode 6a on its upper surface and an electrode 6b on its lower surface.

[0040] Electrodes 5a and 6a are a pair of electrodes for passing an electric current through the user's upper limb, while electrodes 5b and 6b are a pair of electrodes for measuring the voltage generated in the user's upper limb while an electric current is flowing through it.

[0041] The display unit 3 is fixed to the tip of a support column 10 that rises vertically from a predetermined position in the front center of the measuring platform 2. The display unit 3 is implemented, for example, by a touch panel that can accept user input operations, and accepts operations to start the measurement process for weight and body composition, as well as personal information such as the user's height, age, or gender, as measurement conditions.

[0042] Next, the configuration of the left holder 21 that holds the left grip 31 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 5.

[0043] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the left holder 21 holding the left grip 31. Figure 3 is a top view of the left holder 21 as it holds the left grip 31. Here, "above" refers to the area above the left holder 21 in the extending direction of the support column 10. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the left holder 21 and left grip 31 cut along the line III-III' shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the left holder 21, the left grip 31, and the left detection unit 40 when the left grip 31 is held by the left holder 21.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the left holder 21 is formed with a connecting portion that bypasses between the base end portion 21a and the distal end portion 21b. The base end portion 21a of the left holder 21 supports the base end portion of the left grip 31, and the distal end portion 21b of the left holder 21 supports the distal end portion of the left grip 31.

[0045] Accordingly, compared with a configuration in which the left grip 31 is supported at a single point, when a user attaches the left grip 31 to the left holder 21, displacement of the positional relationship between the left grip 31 and the left holder 21 can be suppressed, and deterioration of the portion that supports the left grip 31 can also be suppressed. Furthermore, the user can easily and smoothly attach and detach the left grip 31 to and from the left holder 21.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, a left detection unit 40 that detects attachment and detachment of the left grip 31 to and from the left holder 21 is provided on the base end portion 21a of the left holder 21 and the base end portion of the left grip 31. The left detection unit 40 is realized by, for example, a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor.

[0047] The left detection unit 40 of the present embodiment includes a magnet 41 serving as a left signal element that emits a detection signal, and a magnetic sensor 42 serving as a left sensor that detects a signal emitted from the left signal element.

[0048] The magnet 41 constitutes a signal element that emits magnetism as a detection signal, and is disposed within the housing of the left grip 31. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the magnet 41 of the present embodiment is disposed at a position farther from the center axis of the left holder 21 relative to the support column 10 in a region in contact with the left holder 21 at the base end portion corresponding to a portion on the support column 10 side of the left grip 31. The center axis of the left holder 21 referred to herein is an axis that overlaps, in a top view, the center axis in the extending direction of the left grip 31 placed on the left holder 21.

[0049] The magnetic sensor 42 is a sensor that detects the magnitude of a magnetic field, and is realized by, for example, a sensor element such as a Hall element, a magnetoresistive effect element, or a magnetic impedance element. In the magnetic sensor 42 of the present embodiment, a Hall element is employed as the sensor element capable of specifying the direction of magnetism.

[0050] Furthermore, the magnetic sensor 42 is positioned inside the housing of the left holder 21 so as to face the magnet 41 of the left grip 31. In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 42 is positioned at the base end 21a of the left holder 21, at a point on the opposing side walls that is further away from the central axis of the left holder 21 relative to the support column 10. That is, the magnetic sensor 42 is positioned at a point on the base end 21a of the left holder 21 that is on the support column 10 side, and is far from the user during measurement, directly facing the support column 10.

[0051] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, a pair of fixing magnets 51 and 52 are arranged on the left holder 21 to fix the left grip 31. Specifically, the fixing magnet 51 is located at the bottom of the housing at the base end of the left grip 31, and the fixing magnet 52 is located at the bottom of the housing at the base end 21a of the left holder 21.

[0052] Next, the configuration of the right holder 22 that holds the right grip 32 will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0053] Figure 6 is a top view of the right holder 22 as seen from above, with the right grip 32 being held. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI' shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the right holder 22, the right grip 32, and the right detection unit 60 when the right grip 32 is held in the right holder 22.

[0054] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the right holder 22 has a shape symmetrical to the shape of the left holder 21 shown in Figures 2 to 5.

[0055] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the base end 22a of the right holder 22 and the base end of the right grip 32 are provided with a right detection unit 60 that detects when the right grip 32 is attached to or detached from the right holder 22. The right detection unit 60 is implemented by a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor, similar to the left detection unit 40 shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0056] The right detection unit 60 of this embodiment includes a magnet 61 as a right signal element that emits a detection signal, and a magnetic sensor 62 as a right sensor that detects the signal emitted from the right signal element.

[0057] Like magnet 41, magnet 61 constitutes a signal element that emits magnetism as a detection signal and is located inside the housing of the right grip 32. In this embodiment, the position where magnet 61 is located is different from the position where magnet 41 is located.

[0058] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the magnet 61 is positioned at the base end of the right grip 32, which corresponds to the part on the support column 10 side, in a region that contacts the right holder 22, and is located at a point further away from the central axis of the right holder 22 relative to the support column 10. The central axis of the right holder 22 referred to here is the axis that coincides with the central axis in the extending direction of the right grip 32 placed on the right holder 22 when viewed from above.

[0059] The magnetic sensor 62, like the magnetic sensor 42, is a sensor that detects the magnitude of a magnetic field, and is implemented by a sensor element such as a Hall element, a magnetoresistive element, or a magnetoimpedance element. In the magnetic sensor 62 of this embodiment, a Hall element is used as the sensor element capable of determining the direction of the magnetism.

[0060] Furthermore, the magnetic sensor 62 is positioned within the housing of the right holder 22 so as to face the magnet 61 in the right grip 32. In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 62 is positioned at the base end 22a of the right holder 22, on the side wall that is further away from the central axis of the right holder 22 than the support column 10, among the side walls that face each other. That is, the magnetic sensor 62 is positioned at the base end 22a of the right holder 22, in a part that is directly facing the support column 10 and far from the user during measurement.

[0061] Thus, the magnet 61 in the right grip 32 is positioned differently from the magnet 41 in the left grip 31. Therefore, even if a user mistakenly attaches the right grip 32 to the left holder 21, the magnetic sensor 42 in the left holder 21 cannot detect the magnetic field emitted by the magnet 61 in the right grip 32.

[0062] Therefore, the right detection unit 60 will only detect that the right grip 32 is attached to the right holder 22 if the user correctly attaches the right grip 32 to the right holder 22. Similarly, the left detection unit 40 will only detect that the left grip 31 is attached to the left holder 21 if the user correctly attaches the left grip 31 to the left holder 21.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the right holder 22 and the left holder 21 have a symmetrical shape, and the magnetic sensor 62 as the right sensor and the magnetic sensor 42 as the left sensor are positioned symmetrically with respect to the support column 10.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a pair of fixing magnets 71 and 72 are arranged on the right holder 22 for fixing the right grip 32. Specifically, the fixing magnet 71 is located at the bottom of the housing at the base end of the right grip 32, and the fixing magnet 72 is located at the bottom of the housing at the base end 22a of the right holder 22.

[0065] Next, the functions of the measuring device 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 9.

[0066] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0067] The measuring device 1 comprises a storage unit 20, an operation reception unit 30A, a display unit 30B, a weight measurement unit 110, an electrode switching unit 120, a current supply unit 130, a voltage measurement unit 140, a detachment detection unit 150, and a control unit 160. The operation reception unit 30A and the display unit 30B are provided on the display unit 3 shown in Figure 1, while the weight measurement unit 110, electrode switching unit 120, current supply unit 130, and voltage measurement unit 140 are provided on the measuring stand 2 shown in Figure 1.

[0068] The memory unit 20 stores the input information received by the operation reception unit 30A, the measurement results from the weight measurement unit 110, and the impedance measurement results calculated by the control unit 160 as biological information.

[0069] The storage unit 20 is a storage device composed of non-volatile memory (ROM; Read Only Memory) and volatile memory (RAM; Random Access Memory), etc. The storage unit 20 stores a control program that controls the operation of the measuring device 1. In other words, the storage unit 20 is a computer-readable recording medium that stores a program that realizes the functions of this embodiment.

[0070] The operation reception unit 30A is an input device that receives the operation to switch the power switch of the measuring device 1 ON or OFF. The operation reception unit 30A also receives personal information set by the user. The operation reception unit 30A can be implemented, for example, by a keyboard and mouse, a touch panel, or buttons.

[0071] The display unit 30B is a display device that displays biological information stored in the storage unit 20. In this embodiment, the display unit 30B is implemented by a touch panel.

[0072] The display unit 30B functions as a notification unit that informs the user to attach the grip units (31, 32) to the holding units (21, 22) if the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 does not detect that the grip units (31, 32) are being held by the holding units (21, 22). The notification unit may be implemented by a speaker that outputs sound or a light-emitting element that illuminates light instead of a display device.

[0073] In this embodiment, the holding portion corresponds to the left holder 21 and the right holder 22, and the grip portion corresponds to the left grip 31 and the right grip 32. If the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 does not detect that the left grip 31 and the right grip 32 are held in the left holder 21 and the right holder 22, the display unit 30B displays a message for attaching the left grip 31 and the right grip 32 to the left holder 21 and the right holder 22.

[0074] The weight measurement unit 110 measures the user's weight using a weight measurement circuit with a load cell located in the measuring platform 2. The weight measurement unit 110 transmits the measurement result, which indicates the user's weight, to the control unit 160.

[0075] The electrode switching unit 120 has eight electrodes, electrodes 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b, connected to it. The electrode switching unit 120 is connected to the control unit 160 via the current supply unit 130 and the voltage measurement unit 140.

[0076] The current supply unit 130 is a current supply device that supplies alternating current of a predetermined frequency to a pair of electrodes connected to the electrode switching unit 120. The voltage measurement unit 140 is a voltage measuring device that measures the voltage between a pair of electrodes connected to the electrode switching unit 120.

[0077] The detachment detection unit 150 functions as a detection means for detecting when the grip portion has separated from the holding portion. In this embodiment, the holding portion corresponds to the left holder 21 and the right holder 22, and the grip portion corresponds to the left grip 31 and the right grip 32.

[0078] The attachment / detachment detection unit 150 includes the left detection unit 40 and the right detection unit 50 described above. The left detection unit 40 detects when the left grip 31 has separated from the left holder 21, and the right detection unit 50 detects when the right grip 32 has separated from the right holder 22.

[0079] The control unit 160 is a computer composed of a processor, ROM, RAM, input / output interfaces, and buses that connect these components to each other. The processor may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit).

[0080] The control unit 160 calculates the user's bioimpedance using the detection signal from the current supply unit 130 and the output signal from the voltage measurement unit 140. The control unit 160 then calculates biometric information by applying the calculated bioimpedance, the weight measured by the weight measurement unit 110, and the personal information received by the operation reception unit 30A to a predetermined regression equation.

[0081] Examples of biometric information include body weight, body fat percentage and fat mass of each body part, lean body mass, muscle mass, visceral fat mass, visceral fat level, visceral fat area, subcutaneous fat mass, basal metabolic rate, bone mass, body water percentage, water content, BMI (Body Mass Index), intracellular fluid volume, extracellular fluid volume, and biological age.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 160 functions as a processing unit that executes predetermined processes for the user when the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 detects that the grip portion (31, 32) is held by the holding portion (21, 22). Examples of predetermined processes include the process of measuring weight performed by the weight measurement unit 110, and the process of displaying the measurement result performed by the display unit 30B.

[0083] Next, the operation of the measuring device 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

[0084] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for the measurement method performed by the measuring device 1.

[0085] In step S1, the measuring device 1 determines whether or not the display unit 3 has received a measurement start operation from the user to begin the measurement. If the measuring device 1 determines that the measurement start operation has been received, it proceeds to step S2.

[0086] In step S2, the measuring device 1 detects the attachment and detachment of the grip portions (31, 32) using the attachment / detachment detection unit 150. That is, the measuring device 1 detects that the grip portions (31, 32) have separated from the holding portions (21, 22) using the attachment / detachment detection unit 150. In other words, the measuring device 1 detects that the grip portions (31, 32) have been held by the holding portions (21, 22) using the attachment / detachment detection unit 150. In this embodiment, the measuring device 1 detects that the left grip 31 has separated from the left holder 21 and that the right grip 32 has separated from the right holder 22.

[0087] In step S3, the measuring device 1 determines whether the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 has detected that the grip portions (31, 32) are being held by the holding portions (21, 22). In this embodiment, the measuring device 1 determines whether it has detected that the left grip 31 has detached from the left holder 21 and the right grip 32 has detached from the right holder 22.

[0088] In step S11, if the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 does not detect that the grip portions (31, 32) are held by the holding portions (21, 22), the measuring device 1 displays a message on the display unit 30B prompting the user to attach the grip portions (31, 32) to the holding portions (21, 22). The measuring device 1 then repeats steps S2, S3, and S11 until it detects that the grip portions (31, 32) are held by the holding portions (21, 22).

[0089] On the other hand, when the measuring device 1 detects that the grip portion (31, 32) is held by the holding portion (21, 22), it proceeds to step S4.

[0090] In step S4, the measuring device 1 measures the user's weight in the weight measuring unit 110.

[0091] Thus, the control unit 160 of the measuring device 1 does not start measuring the user's biological information if the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 does not detect that the grip parts (31, 32) are held in the holding parts (21, 22). Specifically, if the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 does not detect that the grip parts (31, 32) are held in the holding parts (21, 22), the control unit 160 does not perform the weight measurement process to measure the user's weight.

[0092] Therefore, in steps S2 and S3, the user's weight is measured only when the grip portions (31, 32) are held by the holding portions (21, 22). Thus, when the grip portions (31, 32) are left on a floor or other surface prone to static electricity, it is possible to avoid the situation in which noise is introduced into the weight measurement circuit via the grip portions (31, 32) when the weight measurement unit 110 measures the user's weight.

[0093] In step S5, the measuring device 1 performs an impedance measurement process to measure the user's bioelectrical impedance. Details of the impedance measurement process will be described later with reference to Figure 11.

[0094] In step S6, the measuring device 1 detects the attachment and detachment of the grip portions (31, 32) using the attachment / detachment detection unit 150. That is, the measuring device 1 detects that the grip portions (31, 32) have separated from the holding portions (21, 22) using the attachment / detachment detection unit 150. In other words, the measuring device 1 detects that the grip portions (31, 32) have been held by the holding portions (21, 22) using the attachment / detachment detection unit 150. In this embodiment, the measuring device 1 detects that the left grip 31 has separated from the left holder 21 and that the right grip 32 has separated from the right holder 22.

[0095] In step S7, the measuring device 1 determines, based on the detection result, whether or not the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 has detected that the grip portions (31, 32) are held by the holding portions (21, 22). In this embodiment, the measuring device 1 determines whether or not it has detected that the left grip 31 is held in the left holder 21 and the right grip 32 is held in the right holder 22.

[0096] In step S12, if the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 does not detect that the grip portion (31, 32) is held by the holding portion (21, 22), the measuring device 1 displays a message on the display unit 30B prompting the user to attach the grip portion (31, 32) to the holding portion (21, 22).

[0097] The measuring device 1 then repeats steps S6, S7, and S12 until it detects that the grip portions (31, 32) are held by the holding portions (21, 22). Once it detects that the grip portions (21, 22) are held by the holding portions (21, 22), it proceeds to step S8.

[0098] In step S8, the control unit 160 of the measuring device 1 transmits the measurement results obtained in steps S4 and S5 to the display unit 30B of the measuring device 1. Alternatively, the control unit 160 may record the measurement results in the storage unit 20 of the measuring device 1 or transmit the measurement results to an external device.

[0099] In step S9, the measuring device 1 displays the measurement result using the display unit 30B. Alternatively, the measuring device 1 may transmit the measurement result to an external device and instruct it to display it on the screen of the external device.

[0100] Thus, if the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 does not detect that the grip portions (31, 32) are held by the holding portions (21, 22), the control unit 160 of the measuring device 1 stops outputting the measurement result. This effectively encourages the user to attach the grip portions (31, 32) to the holding portions (21, 22).

[0101] As a result, when the grip parts (31, 32) are left on a floor or other surface prone to static charge, it is possible to avoid a situation where noise is introduced into the weight measurement circuit via the grip parts (31, 32) when the weight measurement unit 110 measures the user's weight.

[0102] Once the process in step S9 is completed, the series of processing steps (S1 to S9 and S11 and S12) of the measurement method in this embodiment are finished.

[0103] Next, the impedance measurement process performed in step S5 will be explained with reference to Figure 11.

[0104] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for the impedance measurement process in step S5.

[0105] In step S51, the measuring device 1 prepares for impedance measurement. Specifically, the measuring device 1 selects a pair of electrodes from electrodes 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b to be connected to the current supply unit 130 and the voltage measuring unit 140, respectively, from the electrode switching unit 120. The measuring device 1 then supplies alternating current from the current supply unit 130 to the pair of electrodes connected to the electrode switching unit 120, and in this state measures the voltage between the pair of electrodes connected to the voltage measuring unit 140 via the electrode switching unit 120.

[0106] In step S52, the measuring device 1 detects the attachment and detachment of the grip portions (31, 32) using the attachment / detachment detection unit 150. That is, the measuring device 1 detects that the grip portions (31, 32) have separated from the holding portions (21, 22) using the attachment / detachment detection unit 150. In other words, the measuring device 1 detects that the grip portions (31, 32) have been held by the holding portions (21, 22) using the attachment / detachment detection unit 150. In this embodiment, the measuring device 1 detects that the left grip 31 has separated from the left holder 21 and that the right grip 32 has separated from the right holder 22.

[0107] In step S53, the measuring device 1 determines, based on the detection result, whether the detachment detection unit 150 has detected that the grip portions (31, 32) have separated from the holding portions (21, 22). In this embodiment, the measuring device 1 determines whether it has detected that the left grip 31 has separated from the left holder 21, and that the right grip 32 has separated from the right holder 22.

[0108] In step S55, if the detachment detection unit 150 does not detect that the grip portion (31, 32) has separated from the holding portion (21, 22), the measuring device 1 displays a message on the display unit 30B prompting the user to remove the grip portion (31, 32) from the holding portion (21, 22).

[0109] The measuring device 1 then repeats steps S52, S53, and S55 until it detects that the grip portions (31, 32) have separated from the holding portions (21, 22). Once it detects that the grip portions (31, 32) have separated from the holding portions (21, 22), it proceeds to step S54.

[0110] In step S54, the measuring device 1 acquires the current value of the output current from the current supply unit 130 and the voltage value of the measured voltage from the voltage measuring unit 140, and uses these to calculate the user's bioimpedance.

[0111] Once the process in step S54 is completed, the process returns to the measurement method shown in Figure 10, the process in step S5 is completed, and the process proceeds to step S6.

[0112] Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be described.

[0113] In this embodiment, the measuring device 1 for measuring the user's bioimpedance includes a grip portion (31, 32) that is grasped by the user and has electrodes 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b for conducting electricity, a holding portion (21, 22) that detachably holds the grip portion (31, 32), and a detachment detection unit 150 that functions as a detection means for detecting when the grip portion (31, 32) has separated from the holding portion (21, 22).

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the measurement method is performed by a measuring device 1 that includes the grip portions (31, 32) and holding portions (21, 22) described above, and measures the bioelectrical impedance of the user. This measurement method includes detection steps (S2, S6) for detecting when the grip portions (31, 32) have separated from the holding portions (21, 22).

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recording medium composed of the storage unit 20 is a computer-readable recording medium that includes the grip portions (31, 32) and holding portions (21, 22) described above, and records a program that causes a computer that measures the user's bioimpedance to execute a detection step (S2, S6) to detect when the grip portions (31, 32) have separated from the holding portions (21, 22).

[0116] With these configurations, if the grip portion (31, 32) is not held by the holding portion (21, 22), the next predetermined process will not proceed, thus encouraging the user to effectively attach the grip portion (31, 32) to the holding portion (21, 22). This makes it possible to suppress the impact on the measuring device 1 caused by cable deterioration resulting from the grip portion (31, 32) being left on the floor or other surfaces by the user, and noise containing electric charge introduced when the electrodes of the grip portion (31, 32) come into contact with a floor or other surface prone to static charge.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the grip portion includes a right grip 32 that is grasped by the user's right hand and a left grip 31 that is grasped by the user's left hand, and the holding portion includes a right holder 22 that holds the right grip 32 and a left holder 21 that holds the left grip 31. The attachment / detachment detection unit 150 includes a magnetic sensor 62 as a right sensor located in the right holder 22 and a magnetic sensor 42 as a left sensor located in the left holder 21.

[0118] With this configuration, the next predetermined process cannot proceed unless both the left grip 31 and the right grip 32 are held in the left holder 21 and the right holder 22, respectively. As a result, the user needs to attach both the left grip 31 and the right grip 32 to the left holder 21 and the right holder 22, respectively, in order for the next predetermined process to be executed.

[0119] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from incorrectly attaching either the left grip 31 or the right grip 32, attaching it only partially, or attaching the left grip 31 and the right grip 32 in reverse. This also prevents the next person to take a measurement from unknowingly measuring the impedance of the user's left and right hands in reverse, due to the left grip 31 and the right grip 32 being attached in reverse.

[0120] Furthermore, this also prevents situations where the user gives up on installing the device altogether, leaving the left grip 31 or right grip 32 hanging loosely from the left holder 21 or right holder 22 via their respective cables.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the measuring device 1 further includes a support column 10 that the user faces and which supports the right holder 22 and the left holder 21. The right holder 22 and the left holder 21 are supported symmetrically with respect to the support column 10, and are arranged such that the horizontal distance between the ends (22a, 21a) of the right holder 22 and the left holder 21 that are supported by the support column 10 is shorter than the horizontal distance between the other ends (22b, 21b).

[0122] With this configuration, when a user performs impedance measurements, they can easily and naturally remove the right grip 32 and left grip 31 from the right holder 22 and left holder 21, respectively. Similarly, the user can easily and comfortably attach the right grip 32 and left grip 31 to the right holder 22 and left holder 21, respectively.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 includes a magnet 61 as a right signal element, which is positioned on the right grip 32 and sensed by a magnetic sensor 62 acting as a right sensor, and a magnet 41 as a left signal element, which is positioned on the left grip 31 and sensed by a magnetic sensor 42 acting as a left sensor. The position where the magnet 61 is positioned on the right grip 32 is different from the position where the magnet 41 is positioned on the left grip 31.

[0124] In this configuration, the positions of the magnets 41 and 61 placed in the left grip 31 and the right grip 32 are different. As a result, even if a user mistakenly attaches the left grip 31 to the right holder 22 and the right grip 32 to the left holder 21, the magnet 61 in the right grip 32 will not be within the detectable range of the magnetic sensor 42 of the left holder 21, and similarly, the magnet 41 in the left grip 31 will not be within the detectable range of the magnetic sensor 62 of the right holder 22.

[0125] Therefore, even if a user mistakenly installs the left grip 31 and the right grip 32 in reverse, it is possible to accurately detect that the left grip 31 and the right grip 32 are not installed correctly.

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the right holder 22 and the left holder 21 have a symmetrical shape, and the magnetic sensor 62 as the right sensor and the magnetic sensor 42 as the left sensor are positioned symmetrically with respect to the support column 10.

[0127] This configuration makes it easy for users to attach and detach the right grip 32 and left grip 31 from the right holder 22 and left holder 21, while also allowing for accurate detection of whether the left grip 31 and right grip 32 are attached incorrectly.

[0128] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 62, which serves as the right sensor, is positioned in the right holder 22 at a location further away from the central axis of the right holder 22, relative to the user facing the support column 10 during measurement. The magnetic sensor 42, which serves as the left sensor, is positioned in the left holder 21 at a location further away from the central axis of the left holder 21, relative to the user facing the support column 10 during measurement.

[0129] With this configuration, the magnetic sensors 42 and 62 can be positioned away from the user's movement path for the left grip 31 and right grip 32. In this way, the user's movement path for the left grip 31 and right grip 32 is not obstructed, making it possible to attach and detach the left grip 31 and right grip 32 more smoothly compared to when the magnetic sensors 42 and 62 are placed on the user-facing parts of the left holder 21 and right holder 22, respectively.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 62, which serves as the right sensor, is positioned on the side of the support column 10 in the longitudinal direction of the right holder 22, and the magnetic sensor 42, which serves as the left sensor, is positioned on the side of the support column 10 in the longitudinal direction of the left holder 21.

[0131] With this configuration, compared to the case where magnetic sensors 42 and 62 are placed on the tips 21b and 22b of the left holder 21 and right holder 22, the shapes of the tips 21b and 22b can be simplified to make it easier to remove the left grip 31 and right grip 32. In addition, since the routing of the signal wires of magnetic sensors 42 and 62 is shortened, the risk of damage to the signal wires and the noise introduced into the signal wires can be reduced.

[0132] In this embodiment, the right holder 22 holds both ends of the right grip 32, i.e., the base end and the tip end, and the left holder 21 holds both ends of the left grip 31, i.e., the base end and the tip end of the left grip 31.

[0133] With this configuration, the positional relationship between the left holder 21 and right holder 22 and the left grip 31 and right grip 32 becomes more stable compared to the case where the left grip 31 and right grip 32 are attached to only one end of the left holder 21 and right holder 22. As a result, the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 can output the detection result correctly and stably.

[0134] Unlike the above configuration, in a configuration where the left grip 31 and right grip 32 are attached to one end of the left holder 21 and right holder 22, the load is concentrated at that end, making it prone to deterioration. In contrast, with the above configuration, the load of the left grip 31 and right grip 32 is distributed to both ends, so deterioration of both ends of the left holder 21 and right holder 22 can be suppressed.

[0135] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 includes a right signal element located on the right grip 32 and sensed by a magnetic sensor 62 acting as a right sensor, and a left signal element located on the left grip 31 and sensed by a magnetic sensor 42 acting as a left sensor. The right signal element and the left signal element include magnets 61 and 41 as magnetic elements that emit magnetism. On the other hand, the magnetic sensors 62 and 42 include sensor elements that determine the direction of the magnetism.

[0136] With this configuration, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, even when fixing magnets 51 and 71 are present around magnetic sensors 42 and 62, it becomes possible to accurately determine the direction of the magnetic field emitted from the magnets 41 and 61 used for attachment and detachment detection. This allows for accurate detection of the attachment and detachment of the left grip 31 and right grip 32 from the left holder 21 and right holder 22.

[0137] Furthermore, the sensor element in this embodiment is a Hall element. With this configuration, by using a general-purpose sensor element that determines the direction of the magnetism, the detection accuracy of attaching and detaching the left grip 31 and the right grip 32 can be improved at a lower cost compared to using a dedicated sensor element.

[0138] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 does not detect that the grip portion (31, 32) is held by the holding portion (21, 22), the control unit 160 stops outputting the measurement result.

[0139] With this configuration, if the user does not obtain measurement results, the measurement becomes meaningless. Therefore, it becomes possible to indirectly compel the user to attach the grip parts (31, 32) to the holding parts (21, 22).

[0140] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 160 does not start measuring the user's biometric information if the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 does not detect that the grip portion (31, 32) is held by the holding portion (21, 22).

[0141] With this configuration, the grip sections (31, 32) are held by the holding sections (21, 22) before the measurement process begins. This prevents the cable connecting the grip sections (31, 32) to the electrode switching section 120 from being overloaded and becoming prone to deterioration, and also prevents electric charge from being introduced as noise from the grip sections (31, 32) left on a charged floor, which could affect other measurements.

[0142] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 160 measures the user's bioelectrical impedance after a weight measurement process has been performed to measure the user's weight. The control unit 160 does not perform the weight measurement process if the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 does not detect that the grip portion (31, 32) is held by the holding portion (21, 22).

[0143] This configuration prevents noise from entering the weight measurement circuit via the grip parts (31, 32) that are left on surfaces prone to static charge, such as floors, thereby suppressing a decrease in measurement accuracy.

[0144] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display unit 30B, which functions as a notification unit, notifies the user to attach the grip units (31, 32) to the holding units (21, 22) if the attachment / detachment detection unit 150 does not detect that the grip units (31, 32) are being held by the holding units (21, 22).

[0145] This configuration makes it possible to encourage the user to attach the grip portion (31, 32) to the holding portion (21, 22).

[0146] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments only represent a part of the application examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

[0147] For example, in this embodiment, the measuring device was one in which the left grip 31 and the right grip 32 were grasped separately by the user's left and right hands. However, the above embodiment can also be applied to a household measuring device in which the T-shaped grips, which are grasped by both hands, are stored in a holding part on the side of a measuring platform installed on the floor.

[0148] Even in such cases, as in the above embodiment, this can be achieved by providing a detection means in the household measuring device to detect when the T-shaped grip is attached to or detached from the holding part of the measuring stand. This prevents the cable extending from the grip to the measuring stand from being stressed and deteriorating due to the T-shaped grip being left on the floor or other surface without being held, and also prevents electric charge from the electrodes of the grip left on a charged floor or other surface from being introduced as noise and affecting other measurement processes.

[0149] This application claims priority under Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-053022, filed with the Japan Patent Office on 27 March 2025, and all contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0150] 1 Measuring device 20 Storage unit 30A Operation reception unit 30B Display unit (notification unit) 40 Left detection unit (detection means) 41 Magnet (left signal element) 42 Magnetic sensor (left sensor) 60 Right detection unit (detection means) 61 Magnet (right signal element) 62 Magnetic sensor (right sensor) 150 Detachment detection unit (detection means) 160 Control unit (processing unit) S2, S6 Detection step

Claims

1. A measuring device for measuring the bioelectrical impedance of a user, comprising: a grip portion having electrodes for conducting electricity and held by the user; a holding portion for detachably holding the grip portion; and a detection means for detecting when the grip portion has separated from the holding portion.

2. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the grip portion includes a right grip that is grasped by the user's right hand and a left grip that is grasped by the user's left hand; the holding portion includes a right holder that holds the right grip and a left holder that holds the left grip; and the detection means includes a right sensor disposed in the right holder and a left sensor disposed in the left holder.

3. A measuring device according to claim 2, further comprising a support column that faces the user during measurement and supports the right holder and the left holder, wherein the right holder and the left holder are supported symmetrically with respect to the support column, and are arranged such that the horizontal distance between the ends of the right holder and the left holder supported by the support column in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the horizontal distance between the ends of the other holder.

4. A measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the detection means includes a right signal element disposed on the right grip and sensed by the right sensor, and a left signal element disposed on the left grip and sensed by the left sensor, wherein the position where the right signal element is disposed on the right grip is different from the position where the left signal element is disposed on the left grip.

5. A measuring device according to claim 4, further comprising a support column that faces the user during measurement and supports the right holder and the left holder, wherein the right sensor is positioned on the right holder at a location further away from the central axis of the right holder with respect to the user during measurement, and the left sensor is positioned on the left holder at a location further away from the central axis of the left holder with respect to the user during measurement.

6. A measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the right holder and the left holder have a symmetrical shape, and the right sensor and the left sensor are positioned symmetrically with respect to the support column.

7. A measuring device according to claim 6, wherein the right sensor is positioned in the right holder at a location further away from the central axis of the right holder with respect to the user during measurement, and the left sensor is positioned in the left holder at a location further away from the central axis of the left holder with respect to the user during measurement.

8. A measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the right sensor is located on the support column side in the longitudinal direction of the right holder, and the left sensor is located on the support column side in the longitudinal direction of the left holder.

9. A measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the right holder holds both ends of the right grip, and the left holder holds both ends of the left grip.

10. A measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the detection means includes a right signal element disposed on the right grip and sensed by the right sensor, and a left signal element disposed on the left grip and sensed by the left sensor, the right signal element and the left signal element each include a magnetic element that emits magnetism, and the right sensor and the left sensor each include a sensor element that determines the direction of the magnetism.

11. A measuring device according to claim 10, wherein the sensor element is a Hall element.

12. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the detection means further comprises a processing unit that detects that the grip portion is held by the holding portion, and stops outputting the measurement result if the detection means does not detect that the grip portion is held by the holding portion.

13. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the detection means further comprises a processing unit that detects that the grip portion is held in the holding portion, and if the detection means does not detect that the grip portion is held in the holding portion, the device does not start measuring the user's biological information.

14. A measuring device according to claim 13, wherein the processing unit measures the bioelectrical impedance of the user after a weight measurement process has been performed to measure the user's weight, and the measuring device does not perform the weight measurement process if the detection means does not detect that the grip portion is held by the holding portion.

15. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the detection means detects that the grip portion is held by the holding portion, and further comprises a notification unit that notifies that the grip portion should be attached to the holding portion if the detection means does not detect that the grip portion is held by the holding portion.

16. A measurement method performed by a measuring device for measuring the bioelectrical impedance of a user, comprising a grip portion having electrodes for conducting electricity and held by a user, and a holding portion that detachably holds the grip portion, the measurement method comprising a detection step for detecting when the grip portion has separated from the holding portion.

17. A computer-readable recording medium comprising a grip portion having electrodes for conducting electricity and held by a user, and a holding portion that detachably holds the grip portion, wherein the recording medium stores a program that causes a computer for measuring the user's bioimpedance to perform a detection step to detect when the grip portion has separated from the holding portion.

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