Samsung has received a patent for a method that measures body fat using four sensors placed inside the screen cover of a phone case. Based on diagrams included with the patent, users will grip the sensors with their hands to obtain a reading.
The technology involved, according to the patent, results in the sensors “acquiring the object’s impedance information on the basis of the intensify of the input current and the intensity of the measured voltage; and acquiring the object’s body fat information on the basis of the impedance information.”
If Samsung can get the sensors to provide accurate body fat information, it is another fitness data point that can be captured by today’s mobile devices. In a few years, turning on your smartphone might be able to save you a trip to the doctor. At the very least, it might help you win some bets at the bar related to your body fat.
“Disclosed is a method for measuring body fat using a mobile device, the method comprising the steps of: inputting a predetermined intensity of current to an object through a first electrode, which is included in the mobile device, and which contacts a first surface of the object, and a second electrode, which is included in the mobile device, and which contacts a second surface of the object; measuring the voltage between third and fourth electrodes included in the mobile device; acquiring the object’s impedance information on the basis of the intensify of the input current and the intensity of the measured voltage; and acquiring the object’s body fat information on the basis of the impedance information.” -Samsung patent
The initial filing was made in March, 2014 and credits four inventors living in Korea.
