Body Composition Display Graphing Time Trends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional body composition measuring instruments fail to effectively display changes in user measurements over time and their progress towards target values in an easily understandable manner, making it difficult for users to recognize whether their body composition changes are positive or negative.
Innovation Solution
A body composition measuring instrument with electrodes for bioelectric impedance analysis, a storage section for past data, and a display control unit that plots current and reference values on a graph, allowing users to visualize changes and compare them to target values using a bar graph with adjustable block sizes and colors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional bar display methods are used to show body composition results, then the display is simple and easy to manufacture, but users cannot intuitively understand the extent of change or compare current results with past values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional bar displays to two-dimensional graphical displays where the vertical axis represents body composition values and the horizontal axis represents time. This dimensional change allows simultaneous display of current values, past reference values, and the extent of change between them, resolving the contradiction by preserving information while maintaining display simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple pieces of information within a single graphical element. Each graphical display contains the current body composition value, the reference value from a specific past time point, and visual indicators of the change between them. This nesting allows comprehensive information display without increasing overall system complexity.
2Loss of information
If arrow direction is used to display change tendency, then the display mode is simple, but users cannot understand the extent of change or midterm progress towards target values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces one-dimensional arrow indicators with two-dimensional graphical representations where position along the vertical axis indicates the extent of change. This allows users to visually measure the distance between reference and current values, providing intuitive understanding of change magnitude while maintaining simple display mechanics.
3Loss of information
If color changes are used to display good or bad tendency, then the display is visually striking and easy to understand, but users cannot assess midterm progress towards ideal weight loss or target values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple information layers within the graphical display structure. The display simultaneously shows current values, reference values, change extents, and relationships to target values, all nested within a single coherent visual framework. This resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive information without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to intuitively recognize changes in their body composition and determine if they are progressing in a positive or negative direction relative to their target values, enhancing user understanding and engagement in health management.
Implementation Method 1
a first calculating unit for calculating a body composition of the user by using the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A body composition measuring instrument includes a body composition calculating unit for calculating the body composition of a user by using a plurality of electrodes, a reference value storage region for storing information of a reference value related to the past body composition of the user, a display control unit for performing a control to display a position of the body composition during the time calculated by the body composition calculating unit in reference to a line showing the reference value on a predetermined graph, and a display section for providing a display corresponding to the output from the display control unit.