Smartphone Abdominal Fat Estimation Using Range Finder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating visceral fat area are cumbersome, requiring manual movement of a measurement unit around the abdomen or the use of multiple stationary range finders, making them impractical for daily health management.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that use orientation and motion information from sensors, such as an orientation sensor, angular velocity sensor, or acceleration sensor, to calculate and display the abdominal outline, allowing for estimation of visceral and subcutaneous fat areas with a smartphone, which can simplify the measurement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a measurement unit is moved around the abdomen to measure abdominal shape, then the abdominal outline can be obtained, but it becomes difficult for users to measure on a daily basis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement unit that needs to be manually moved around the abdomen with an optical measurement system using a range finder. The range finder automatically measures distances to multiple points on the abdomen to generate a three-dimensional shape, eliminating the need for manual movement and making daily measurement practical for users.
2Measurement precision
If two stationary range finders are used to obtain accurate abdominal cross-sectional shape, then visceral fat area can be estimated, but it becomes unpractical for individual daily health management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single portable range finder device. Instead of requiring two stationary range finders positioned at fixed locations, the invention integrates distance measurement, three-dimensional shape calculation, and visceral fat estimation capabilities into one handheld device that can be easily moved and operated by individuals for daily use.
3Measurement precision
If CT is used to obtain visceral fat area, then accurate measurement is achieved, but only limited facilities can conduct the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex CT scanning system with a portable range finder-based measurement system. The range finder captures external abdominal shape data and uses computational algorithms to estimate visceral fat area, eliminating the need for expensive CT equipment and specialized medical facilities while maintaining measurement accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If waist circumference is used to determine visceral fat type obesity, then measurement is simple, but accuracy of determination is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional waist circumference measurement to three-dimensional abdominal shape measurement using a range finder. By capturing depth information and generating a three-dimensional model of the abdomen, the system provides much more accurate visceral fat estimation while maintaining ease of operation through automated measurement processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, display apparatus, and display system for displaying an image of an abdominal cross-section includes storing plural abdominal CT sample images that have at least either of different visceral fat areas or different subcutaneous fat areas, estimating at least one of a visceral fat area and a subcutaneous fat area of an abdominal cross-section, and displaying an abdominal CT sample image corresponding to the estimated at least one of the visceral fat area and the subcutaneous fat area from among the plural abdominal CT sample images.