Visceral Fat Measurement Using Abdominal Impedance Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring visceral fat are inaccurate due to the assumption that visceral fat exists as a lump at the center of the abdominal portion, and are limited by the influence of subcutaneous and internal fat in two-point measurements, and require large apparatuses for cross-sectional imaging.
Innovation Solution
A body fat measuring apparatus with multiple electric-current and voltage electrodes placed strategically around the abdominal area to measure impedance, using averaging techniques to account for fat distribution and size characteristics, allowing for precise calculation of visceral fat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray CT or MRI is used to capture abdominal cross-sectional images, then visceral fat can be measured, but the apparatus becomes large and measurements can only be performed in medical institutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical imaging system (X-ray CT/MRI) with an electrical measurement system (bioelectrical impedance analysis). Instead of using complex imaging apparatus to visually capture and analyze fat distribution, the invention uses electrical current and voltage measurements through the body to indirectly determine visceral fat, thereby eliminating the need for large-scale imaging equipment while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical impedance as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure visceral fat. Rather than directly imaging fat tissue, the system measures the electrical properties of the abdominal region, which correlate with fat distribution patterns. This intermediary approach allows inference of visceral fat without requiring direct visual observation or complex imaging apparatus
2Ease of operation
If two-point measurement is used on the abdominal portion, then the measurement can be simplified, but the impedance is affected by subcutaneous fat and internal fat distribution making accurate visceral fat measurement impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the abdominal region into multiple measurement zones by placing multiple pairs of electrodes at different positions around the abdomen. Instead of using a single two-point measurement, the system divides the abdominal perimeter into multiple segments and performs impedance measurements at each segment. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between different fat distributions (subcutaneous vs. visceral) by comparing impedance values across multiple locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality measurement by placing electrodes at specific locations around the abdominal perimeter to measure impedance in different local regions. Each electrode pair measures the electrical properties of a specific segment of the abdomen, allowing the system to detect local variations in fat distribution. By analyzing the impedance characteristics at multiple local positions, the system can accurately differentiate between subcutaneous fat and visceral fat based on their distinct electrical properties
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 accurate measurement of visceral fat by averaging impedance values and accounting for fat distribution, providing more reliable results than conventional methods and allowing for use outside medical facilities.
Implementation Method 1
determines a bioelectrical impedance of the abdominal portion from the detected voltage between the voltage electrodes during energization between the electric-current electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
In a body fat measuring apparatus, a constant electric-current is flowed between hand electric-current electrodes and leg electric-current electrodes. From two detected voltages generated between an annular-shaped voltage electrode placed on an abdominal portion and two voltage electrodes placed at the both sides of a lumbar portion, two abdominal impedances are determined. Two electric-current electrodes and two voltage electrodes are placed such that they are spaced apart by a small interval from one another at an umbilicus portion. A constant electric current is flowed between the two electric-current electrodes and the impedance in the vicinity of the subcutaneous of the abdominal portion is determined from the detected voltage generated between the two voltage electrodes. From the two abdominal impedances, the impedance in the vicinity of the subcutaneous of the abdominal portion, and the input physique information, a viscera impedance is calculated.