Patent Publication Number: US-2016220143-A1

Title: Body composition measuring apparatus and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0015576, filed on Jan. 30, 2015 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to body composition measuring apparatuses and methods. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     With the development of medicines and the increase in the average lifespan, there is a growing interest in health care. In this regard, there is also a growing interest in medical devices, and the variety of applications of medical devices has increased. Examples of such medical devices include medical devices used in hospitals or medical examination centers, small and medium sized medical devices installed in public institutions, and small medical devices and health care devices that are owned or carried by individuals. 
     A body composition measuring device is a type of health care device that measures body composition by using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). BIA allows current to flow through the body by taking into account that the body has a combination of impedances, measures a voltage generated by body impedance, and measures the body impedance based on the current and the voltage. 
     In this case, the measurement of the body composition is performed while directly contacting an electrode with a part of the body. Thus, a contact resistance caused by the contact between the electrode and the body may influence the measurement of the body impedance. 
     SUMMARY 
     One or more exemplary embodiments provide body composition measuring apparatuses and methods capable of measuring skin hydration by using a contact resistance between an electrode and a body. 
     Further, one or more exemplary embodiments provide body composition measuring apparatuses and methods capable of measuring skin hydration and body composition. 
     According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a body composition measuring apparatus including: an electrode configured to be in contact with a body of a user; an impedance measuring unit connected to the electrode and configured to measure an impedance of the body; and a first determining unit configured to acquire skin hydration, based on a normal-state impedance of the body and a comparative impedance corresponding to a percentage of the normal-state impedance. 
     The first determining unit may include: a waveform detector configured to determine the normal-state impedance and the comparative impedance; and a skin hydration acquiring unit configured to determine the skin hydration based on the normal-state impedance and the comparative impedance. 
     The waveform detector may be further configured to determine a difference between a measurement time corresponding to the normal-state impedance and a measurement time corresponding to the comparative impedance, and the skin hydration acquiring unit may determine the skin hydration based on the determined difference. 
     The percentage may be about 95% to about 98%. 
     The body composition measuring apparatus may further include a second determining unit configured to acquire a body fat ratio based on the measured impedance of the body. 
     The electrode may include a first electrode configured to measure the skin hydration, and a second electrode configured to measure the body fat ratio, and the body composition measuring apparatus may further include an electrode switch configured to selectively connect the first and second electrodes to the impedance measuring unit. 
     The impedance measuring unit may measure a first impedance in a 4-point measuring mode and measure a second impedance in a 2-point measuring mode, and the second determining unit may include: a body impedance acquiring unit configured to determine the body impedance of the user based on the first impedance and the second impedance; and a body fat ratio acquiring unit configured to acquire the body fat ratio of the user based on the body impedance and body information of the user. 
     The electrode may further include a measuring mode switch configured to selectively connect the electrode to the impedance measuring unit in the 4-point measuring mode and the 2-point measuring mode. 
     The electrode may include a 4-point measuring electrode for 4-point measurement and a 2-point measuring electrode for 2-point measurement, and the impedance measuring unit may include: a first impedance measuring unit connected to the 4-point measuring electrode to measure the first impedance; and a second impedance measuring unit connected to the 2-point measuring electrode to measure the second impedance. 
     The electrode may further include a first electrode configured to measure the skin hydration, and the body composition measuring apparatus may further include an electrode switch configured to selectively connect the first electrode to one of the first and second impedance measuring units. 
     According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a body composition measuring method including: measuring an impedance of a body of a user; determining a normal-state impedance of the body; determining a comparative impedance corresponding to a percentage of the normal-state impedance; and determining skin hydration based on the normal-state impedance and the comparative impedance. 
     The determining the skin hydration may include: determining a difference of a measurement time corresponding to the normal-state impedance and a measurement time corresponding to the comparative impedance; and determining the skin hydration based on the determined difference. 
     The percentage may be about 95% to about 98%. 
     The body composition measuring method may further include acquiring a body fat ratio based on the measured impedance. 
     The body fat ratio may be acquired based on the normal-state impedance. 
     The measuring the impedance may include selectively connecting an impedance measuring unit to a first electrode configured to measure the skin hydration and a second electrode configured to measure a body fat ratio. 
     The measuring the impedance may include: measuring a first impedance in a 4-point measuring mode; and measuring a second impedance in a 2-point measuring mode. The acquiring the body fat ratio may include: determining the body impedance based on the first impedance and the second impedance; and acquiring the body fat ratio of the user based on the body impedance and body information of the user. 
     The measuring the impedance may include selectively switching a connection mode of an electrode and an impedance measuring unit to the 4-point measuring mode and the 2-point measuring mode. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and/or other aspects will be more apparent by describing certain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a configuration diagram of a body composition measuring apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a circuit diagram of the body composition measuring apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram of an impedance measuring unit employing a 4-point measuring mode using four electrodes, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a graph of impedance with respect to degrees of dryness; 
         FIG. 5  is a graph of a relationship between skin hydration and a time difference between 1,500 unit time and a time when an impedance corresponding to 98% of an impedance at 1,500 unit time is measured in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  are perspective views of a body composition measuring apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8A  is a flowchart of a skin hydration measuring method according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8B  is a flowchart of a skin hydration measuring method according to another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a configuration diagram of a body composition measuring apparatus capable of measuring skin hydration and a body fat ratio, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a circuit diagram of the body composition measuring apparatus of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a circuit diagram of the body composition measuring apparatus of  FIG. 9  in which the impedance measuring unit is switched to a 4-point measuring mode by a measuring mode switch; 
         FIG. 12  is a circuit diagram of the body composition measuring apparatus of  FIG. 9  in which the impedance measuring unit is switched to a 2-point measuring mode by the measuring mode switch; 
         FIG. 13  is a configuration diagram of a body composition measuring apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a circuit diagram illustrating an example where an electrode switch is applied to the body composition measuring apparatus of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a circuit diagram illustrating an example where an electrode switch is applied to the body composition measuring apparatus of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a circuit diagram illustrating an example where an electrode switch is applied to the body composition measuring apparatus of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an implementation of the body composition measuring apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an implementation of the body composition measuring apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 11 ; and 
         FIGS. 19A and 19B  are flowcharts of body composition measuring methods according to exemplary embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Exemplary embodiments are described in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     In the following description, like drawing reference numerals are used for like elements, even in different drawings. The matters defined in the description, such as detailed construction and elements, are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the exemplary embodiments. However, it is apparent that the exemplary embodiments can be practiced without those specifically defined matters. Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail. 
       FIG. 1  is a configuration diagram of a body composition measuring apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 2  is a circuit diagram of the body composition measuring apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 . Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the body composition measuring apparatus  100  may include an electrode  110 , an impedance measuring unit  120 , a waveform detector  130 , and a skin hydration acquiring unit  140 . 
     The electrode  110  may include two or more electrodes. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the electrode  110  includes two electrodes  111  and  112 . When the body composition measuring apparatus  100  is a wearable device such as a smart watch, the electrodes  111  and  112  may come in contact with a user&#39;s body when the user wears the wearable device. When the user wears the wearable device, one of the electrodes  111  and  112  may come in contact with the user&#39;s body and the other may come in contact with the user&#39;s body due to the action of the user. Alternatively, both electrodes  111  and  112  may come in contact with the user&#39;s body due to the action of the user. 
     The impedance measuring unit  120  may measure an impedance of an electric circuit, including the body, by using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The impedance measuring unit  120  allows current to flow through the electrodes  111  and  112 , measures a voltage generated by the current, and measures the impedance based on the current and the voltage. 
       FIG. 2  is a circuit diagram of the impedance measuring unit  120  that employs a 2-point measuring mode using the two electrodes  11  and  112 . Zc is a contact impedance between the electrodes  111  and  112  and the user&#39;s body. Zm is a body impedance of the user&#39;s body. Zi is an impedance of an analog front end (AFE) which is an analog circuit. A current source  122  may apply a constant current to the body through the electrodes  111  and  112 . A voltage, which is measured by a voltmeter  121 , may be output to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)  123 . The ADC  123  may convert a voltage input in the form of an analog signal into a digital signal. Since the magnitude of the current is fixed, the voltage Vi, which is measured by the impedance measuring unit  120 , is proportional to an impedance Z 2P . The impedance Z 2P  may be calculated by dividing the voltage Vi by a current. The impedance Z 2P  may be expressed as Equation 1 below. 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     Z 
                     
                       2 
                        
                       P 
                     
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       f 
                        
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           Zm 
                           , 
                           Zc 
                           , 
                           Zi 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                     
                     = 
                     
                       1 
                       
                         
                           1 
                           
                             Zm 
                             + 
                             
                               2 
                                
                               Zc 
                             
                           
                         
                         + 
                         
                           1 
                           Zi 
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   [ 
                   
                     Equation 
                      
                     
                         
                     
                      
                     1 
                   
                   ] 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     The number of the electrodes provided in the electrode  110  is not limited to two. For example, four electrodes may be provided.  FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram of the impedance measuring unit  120  employing a 4-point measuring mode using four electrodes  111  to  114 , according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 3 , a current source  122  may be connected to the two electrodes  113  and  114 , and a voltmeter  121  may measure a voltage between the other electrodes  111  and  112 . The voltage, which is measured by the voltmeter  121 , may be output to an ADC  123 . The ADC  123  may convert a voltage input in the form of an analog signal into a digital signal. Since a magnitude of a current is fixed, a voltage Vi, which is measured by an impedance measuring unit  120 , is proportional to an impedance Z 4P . The impedance Z 4P  may be calculated by dividing the voltage Vi by a current. The impedance Z 4P  may be expressed as Equation 2 below. 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     Z 
                     
                       4 
                        
                       P 
                     
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       f 
                        
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           Zm 
                           , 
                           Zc 
                           , 
                           Zi 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                     
                     = 
                     
                       Zm 
                        
                       
                         1 
                         
                           1 
                           + 
                           
                             
                               Zm 
                               + 
                               
                                 2 
                                  
                                 Zc 
                               
                             
                             Zi 
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   [ 
                   
                     Equation 
                      
                     
                         
                     
                      
                     2 
                   
                   ] 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     As shown in Equations 1 and 2, Z 2P  and Z 4P  are determined by Zm, Zc, and Zi. Zi is determined according to characteristics of the AFE. Thus, Z 2P  and Z 4P  are dependent on Zm and Zc. Since Zm is the body impedance and is determined according to the body composition of the user, Zm is a fixed value for the same user. For example, if a value measured when the body (e.g., a finger) is in contact with the electrodes  111  and  112  does not fluctuate and is in a stable normal state, a very small amount of current flows through the electrodes  111  and  112 . Thus, a voltage applied between the finger and the electrodes  111  and  112  is substantially 0 V. However, if the finger is in contact with the electrodes  111  and  112  at the time of starting measurement, the voltage applied to the electrodes  111  and  112  changes instantaneously and a part of the voltage is applied between the body and the electrodes  111  and  112 . This is referred to as a transient state. In the transient state, the voltage measured by the impedance measuring unit  120  changes with time. When the voltage becomes a normal state, the voltage is saturated and stabilized. 
     Assuming that V 0  is a voltage between the finger and the electrodes  111  and  112  at the moment that the finger is in contact with the electrodes  111  and  112 , R is a resistance component of a contact impedance Zc, C is a capacitance component, and t is the time that elapses from the moment that the finger is in contact with the electrodes  111  and  112 , the voltage applied between the finger and the electrodes  111  and  112  at the time t may be expressed as Equation 3 below. 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   V 
                   = 
                   
                     
                       V 
                       0 
                     
                      
                     
                       e 
                       
                         - 
                         
                           t 
                           RC 
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   [ 
                   
                     Equation 
                      
                     
                         
                     
                      
                     3 
                   
                   ] 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     As shown in Equation 3, the time t necessary for switching from the transient state to the normal state is related to the resistance component R and the capacitance component C of the contact impedance Zc. If the skin hydration changes, the resistance component R and the capacitance component C of the skin changes. Accordingly, it is possible to determine the skin hydration. When the skin is dry, the time it takes to switch to the normal state is increased, and when the skin is wet, the time it takes to switch to the normal state is shortened. 
       FIG. 4  is a graph of impedance with respect to degrees of dryness. A 1 , A 2 , and A 3  are impedances measured when the skin (finger) hydration is 34%, 46%, and 65%, respectively. As shown in  FIG. 3 , as the skin hydration is lower, the time to saturate the impedance to the normal state is increased. 
       FIG. 5  is a graph of a relationship between skin hydration and a time difference between 1,500 unit time and a time when an impedance corresponding to 98% of an impedance at 1,500 unit time is measured in  FIG. 4 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , as the skin hydration lowers, a change rate of the impedance is increased. It takes a short time for the impedance to change by 2%. As the skin hydration gets higher, a slope of the impedance is reduced, and thus, it takes a long time for the impedance to change by 2%. 
     Therefore, the skin hydration may be obtained by storing a measurement time and a measurement voltage (or a measurement impedance corresponding to the measurement voltage) in a memory and calculating the time taken for the measurement voltage (or the measurement impedance) to change at a constant rate. For example, the skin hydration may be obtained by determining a measurement impedance of a normal state, that is, a normal-state impedance, and a comparative impedance corresponding to n % of the normal-state impedance and calculating the time that elapses to change from the comparative impedance to the normal-state impedance. The normal-state impedance may be an impedance value measured when a slope (ΔZ/ΔT) of the measurement impedance with respect to time becomes, for example, 2 Ω/sec or less. A value of n, which determines the comparative impedance, may be, for example, about 95% to about 98%. 
     When the measurement of the skin hydration is started, the impedance measuring unit  120  may supply a constant current to the electric circuit including the body and output to the waveform detector  130  a measurement voltage Vi corresponding to an impedance of the electric circuit. 
     The waveform detector  130  may store the measurement time and the measurement voltage Vi in the memory  131 . Alternatively, the waveform detector  130  may store the measurement impedance in the memory  131 , the measurement impedance being calculated by dividing the measurement voltage Vi by the supplied current. When the measurement voltage Vi (or the measurement impedance) is saturated, the waveform detector  130  may determine the measurement voltage Vi (or the measurement impedance) as the normal-state voltage (impedance). Then, the waveform detector  130  may determine a comparative voltage (impedance) corresponding to, for example, 98% of the normal-state voltage (impedance) and output to the skin hydration acquiring unit  140  the time T SH  that elapses until the voltage (impedance) changes from the comparative voltage (impedance) to the normal-state voltage (impedance). The skin hydration acquiring unit  140  may determine the skin hydration by using the elapsed time T SH . For example, the skin hydration acquiring unit  140  may acquire the skin hydration with respect to the elapsed time T SH  by using a look-up table  141 . The look-up table  141  may prestore values of the skin hydration that are calculated according to the elapsed time T SH . The look-up table  141  may be configured to receive the elapsed time T SH  and output the skin hydration. The skin hydration acquiring unit  140  may calculate the skin hydration by using the elapsed time T SH , based on a preset calculation equation. 
     In the body composition measuring apparatuses  100  according to the above-described exemplary embodiments, the skin hydration may be measured by measuring the impedance of the electric circuit. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  are perspective views of a body composition measuring apparatus  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the body composition measuring apparatus  100  may be a wearable device, such as a smart watch wearable on his or her wrist or a smart ring wearable on a finger. In a 2-point measuring mode, electrodes  111  and  112  may be respectively disposed inside and outside the body composition measuring apparatus  100 . Thus, when a user wears the body composition measuring apparatus  100  on the wrist, the electrode  111  may be in contact with a skin surface of a wrist and the user may be able to touch the electrode  112  by his or her finger of the other wrist, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In a 4-point measuring mode, electrodes  111  and  113  and electrodes  112  and  114  may be respectively disposed inside and outside the body composition measuring apparatus  100 . Thus, when a user wears the body composition measuring apparatus  100  on his or her wrist, the electrodes  111  and  113  may be in contact with a skin of the wrist and the user may be able to touch the electrodes  112  and  114  by his or her finger of the other wrist, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  are flowcharts of skin hydration measuring methods according to exemplary embodiments. The skin hydration measuring methods according to exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 1, 8A, and 8B . 
     In operation S 11 , the impedance of the electric circuit including the body may be measured. The measurement of the impedance for measuring the skin hydration may be started by wearing the body composition measuring apparatus  100  on a wrist and pressing a button or the like. For example, the body composition measuring apparatus  100  may be worn on a wrist of a left hand. In this case, the electrode  111  or the electrodes  111  and  113  may be in contact with the body, and a measurement start command may be input to the body composition measuring apparatus  100  by pressing the button or the like by using the finger of the right hand. The finger of the right hand may come into contact with the electrode  112  or the electrodes  112  and  114 . The impedance measuring unit  120  may supply a constant current to the electric circuit including the body and output to the waveform detector  130  a measurement voltage Vi corresponding to the impedance of the electric circuit. 
     In operation S 12 , the waveform detector  130  may determine the normal-state impedance. For example, when the slope of the measurement voltage Vi (or the measurement impedance) with respect to the measurement time is a predetermined value or less, the measurement voltage (Vi) (or the measurement impedance) at that time may be determined as the normal-state voltage (impedance). In addition, the measurement voltage Vi (or the measurement impedance) after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the measurement may be determined as the normal-state voltage (impedance). 
     In operation S 13 , the comparative voltage (impedance) corresponding to n % of the normal-state voltage (impedance) may be determined. 
     In operation S 14 , the skin hydration may be determined based on the normal-state voltage (impedance) and the comparative voltage (impedance). 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 8B , in operation S 11 - 2 , the measurement voltage Vi (or the measurement impedance obtained by dividing the measurement voltage Vi by the supplied current) and the measurement time may be stored in the memory  131 . In addition, in operation S 13 - 2 , the time T SH  that elapses until the voltage (impedance) changes from the comparative voltage (impedance) to the normal-state voltage (impedance) may be calculated. The elapsed time T SH  may be a difference between the measurement time of the normal-state voltage (impedance) and the measurement time of the comparative voltage (impedance). In operation S 14 , the skin hydration may be determined from the elapsed time T SH  by the preset calculation equation or may be determined by using the look-up table  141 . 
     The determined skin hydration may be provided as visual information to a user through a display. 
       FIG. 9  is a configuration diagram of a body composition measuring apparatus  200  capable of measuring skin hydration and a body fat ratio, according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 9 , the body composition measuring apparatus  200  may include an electrode  110   a , an impedance measuring unit  120   a , a first determining unit  170  configured to acquire the skin hydration, and a second determining unit  180  configured to acquire the body fat ratio. The first determining unit  170  may include a waveform detector  130  and a skin hydration acquiring unit  140 . The second determining unit  180  may include a body impedance acquiring unit  150  and a body fat ratio acquiring unit  160 . According to the present exemplary embodiment, the electrode  110   a  may be used to measure the skin hydration and the body fat ratio. The configurations and operations of the waveform detector  130  and the skin hydration acquiring unit  140  may be substantially identical to those described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 . The waveform detector  130  and the skin hydration acquiring unit  140  may be implemented with a computer processor, and the body impedance acquiring unit  150  and the body fat ratio acquiring unit  160  may be implemented with another computer processor. However, the present exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto, and the body impedance acquiring unit  150  and the body fat ratio acquiring unit  160  may be implemented with the same computer processor as the waveform detector  130  and the skin hydration acquiring unit  140 . 
     The impedance measuring unit  120   a  may be substantially identical to the impedance measuring unit  120  described with reference to  FIG. 2 or 3 . 
     The waveform detector  130  may determine the normal-state impedance and the comparative impedance from the measurement impedance during the transient state, and the skin hydration acquiring unit  140  may determine the skin hydration based on the time that elapses until the impedance changes from the comparative impedance to the normal-state impedance. 
     The body impedance acquiring unit  150  may acquire the body impedance Zm from the impedance value, Z 4P  or Z 2P  after the saturation of the measurement impedance. For example, as described above, although the body impedance Zm depends on Zc, Zc may be assumed as “0” if Zc is much smaller than Zm, as shown in Equations 1 and 2 above. Therefore, Zm may be calculated. In addition, the body impedance acquiring unit  150  may acquire Zm from the look-up table that prestores Zm corresponding to Z 4P  or Z 2P . 
     Z 4P  or Z 2P  may be an average of values obtained from measuring twice or more and may be an average of measured values sampled at different points of time during the normal state. 
     In addition, before the body impedance Zm is acquired, a process of determining the validity of Z 4P  or Z 2P  may be performed. During the measurement of the impedance, an impedance measured without contact between the body and the electrode is invalid. Therefore, the body composition measuring apparatus  200  may determine the validity of the measured impedance by checking the state occurring during the measurement of the impedance. As another example, the validity of the impedance may be determined according to the magnitude of the measured impedance. That is, the validity of the impedance may be determined according to whether the measured impedance is within an impedance range that is measurable from the body. 
     The body impedance Zm is an impedance necessary for calculating the body fat ratio and is changed according to body characteristics. The body fat ratio acquiring unit  160  may acquire the body fat ratio of the user by using the body impedance Zm and the body information of the user. The body information of the user may be received from the user. The body information of the user may be age, height, or weight of the user. 
     According to such a configuration, the skin hydration may be acquired from the impedance measured during the transient state and the body fat ratio may be determined based on the impedance measured during the normal state. Since the skin hydration and the body fat ratio are determined based on the impedance measured by the common impedance measuring unit  120   a , it is possible to implement the small-sized body composition measuring apparatus  200  capable of measuring the skin hydration and the body fat ratio. In addition, since it is possible to reduce the size of the body composition measuring apparatus  200 , the body composition measuring apparatus  200  may be implemented in the form of a wearable device or may be integrated into a wearable device such as a smart watch. 
       FIG. 10  is a circuit diagram of the impedance measuring unit  120   a  of  FIG. 9 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the electrode  110   a  may include a 4-point measuring electrode  4 P and a 2-point measuring electrode  2 P. The 4-point measuring electrode  4 P may include current electrodes  113  and  114  and voltage electrodes  111  and  112 . 
     The impedance measuring unit  120   a  may measure first and second impedances Z 4P  and Z 2P  by measuring the voltage corresponding to the impedance of the electric circuit including the body in a 2-point measuring mode and a 4-point measuring mode. The impedance measuring unit  120   a  may include a first impedance measuring unit  120   a - 1  configured to measure the first impedance Z 4P  in the 4-point measuring mode by using the four electrodes  111  to  114 , and a second impedance measuring unit  120   a - 2  configured to measure the second impedance Z 2P  in the 2-point measuring mode by using the two electrodes  115  and  116 . 
     The first impedance measuring unit  120   a - 1  may measure the first impedance Z 4P  of the electric circuit including the body by using the 4-point measuring mode. The first impedance measuring unit  120   a - 1  may be substantially identical to the impedance measuring unit  120  of  FIG. 3 . The first impedance measuring unit  120   a - 1  may apply a constant current through the electrodes  113  and  114  and measure the first impedance Z 4P  through the electrodes  111  and  112 . The first impedance measuring unit  120   a - 1  may measure the voltage Vi applied to the electrodes  111  and  112 . The voltage Vi is proportional to the first impedance Z 4P . The first impedance Z 4P  may be obtained by dividing the voltage Vi by the supplied current. The first impedance Z 4P  may be expressed as Equation 2 (first relational expression) above. 
     The second impedance measuring unit  120   a - 2  may measure the second impedance Z 2P  of the electric circuit including the body in the 2-point measuring mode. The second impedance measuring unit  120   a - 2  may be substantially identical to the impedance measuring unit  120  of  FIG. 2 . The second impedance measuring unit  120   a - 2  may measure the second impedance Z 2P  in the 2-point measuring mode by using the electrodes  115  and  116 . The 2-point measuring mode may be substantially identical to that described with reference to  FIG. 2 . The second impedance measuring unit  120   a - 2  may apply a constant current through the electrodes  115  and  116  and measure the second impedance Z 2P  through the electrodes  115  and  116 . The second impedance measuring unit  120   a - 2  may measure the voltage Vi applied to the electrodes  115  and  116 . The voltage Vi is proportional to the second impedance Z 2P  The second impedance Z 2P  may be obtained by dividing the voltage Vi by the supplied current. The second impedance Z 2P  may be expressed as Equation 1 (second relational expression) above. 
     The operations of the waveform detector  130  and the skin hydration acquiring unit  140  are substantially identical to those described above. That is, the waveform detector  130  may store the measurement voltage (or the measurement impedance) output from the first impedance measuring unit  120   a - 1  or the second impedance measuring unit  120   a - 2  in the memory  131 , determine the normal-state voltage (impedance) and the comparative voltage (impedance) corresponding to n % of the normal-state voltage (impedance), and output to the skin hydration acquiring unit  140  the time T SH  that elapses until the voltage (impedance) changes from the comparative voltage (impedance) to the normal-state voltage (impedance). The skin hydration acquiring unit  140  may determine the skin hydration by using the elapsed time T SH . 
     When the first and second impedances Z 4P  and Z 2P  are measured, the body impedance acquiring unit  150  may acquire the body impedance Zm determined according to the measured first and second impedances Z 4P  and Z 2P . 
     The first and second impedances Z 4P  and Z 2P  are impedances in the normal state in which the measurement is stabilized. The first and second impedances Z 4P  and Z 2P  may be an average of values obtained from measuring twice or more. The first and second impedances Z 4P  and Z 2P  may be an average of measured values sampled at different points of time during the normal state. 
     The body impedance acquiring unit  150  may calculate the body impedance Zm through the first and second relational expressions, regardless of the contact impedance Zc. That is, referring to Equations 1 and 2, Z 4P  and Z 2P  are obtained by dividing the measured voltage Vi by the supplied current, and Zi is determined according to characteristics of AFE. Therefore, Zm and Zc may be calculated by combining Equations 1 and 2. That is, even when Zc is unknown or cannot be calculated, Zm may be calculated by eliminating Zc. 
     The body impedance acquiring unit  150  may acquire the body impedance Zm by using a look-up table  153 . The body impedance acquiring unit  150  may include two switches SW, registers  151  and  152 , and the look-up table  153 . The two switches SW may be turned on and off according to the measuring mode. For example, in the 4-point measuring mode, the upper switch SW may be closed and the lower switch SW may be opened. For example, in the 2-point measuring mode, the upper switch SW may be closed and the lower switch SW may be opened. In the 4-point measuring mode, the measurement voltage (impedance) may be stored in the upper register  151 . In the 2-point measuring mode, the measurement voltage (impedance) may be stored in the lower register  152 . 
     The look-up table  153  may receive the values of the measurement voltages (impedances) stored in the registers  151  and  152  and output the body impedance Zm. When the look-up table  153  receives the values of two measurement voltages (impedances), the look-up table  153  may determine a corresponding value. The determined value is the body impedance Zm. For example, the look-up table  153  may store a 2×2 table with respect to the values of the two voltages (impedances). A horizontal axis may be the first impedance Z 4P  or the corresponding measurement voltage, and a vertical axis may be the second impedance Z 2P  or the corresponding measurement voltage. Therefore, when the value of the horizontal axis and the value of the vertical axis are determined, the look-up table  153  may determine the body impedance Zm corresponding to the values of the horizontal axis and the value of the vertical axis. The look-up table  153  may output the determined value to the body fat ratio acquiring unit  160 . 
     The body impedance Zm is an impedance necessary for calculating the body fat ratio and is changed according to body characteristics. The body fat ratio acquiring unit  160  may acquire the body fat ratio of the user by using the body impedance Zm and the body information of the user. The body information of the user may be received from the user. The body information of the user may be age, height, or weight of the user. 
       FIG. 11  is a circuit diagram of the impedance measuring unit  120   a  of  FIG. 9 . Referring to  FIG. 11 , the electrode  110   b  may include four electrodes  111  to  114 . The impedance measuring unit  120   a  may measure the first impedance Z 4P  of the user in the 4-point measuring mode and may measure the second impedance Z 2P  of the user in the 2-point measuring mode. To this end, a measuring mode switch  191  may be provided. The measuring mode switch  191  may connect the four electrodes  111  to  114  to the impedance measuring unit  120   a  by switching to the 4-point measuring mode and the 2-point measuring mode. 
       FIG. 11  is a circuit diagram in which the impedance measuring unit  120   a  is switched to the 4-point measuring mode by the measuring mode switch  191 . The impedance measuring unit  120   a  may apply a constant current through the electrodes  113  and  114  and measure the first impedance Z 4P  through the electrodes  111  and  112 . The impedance measuring unit  120   a  may measure the voltage Vi applied to the electrodes  111  and  112 . The voltage Vi is proportional to the first impedance Z 4P . The first impedance Z 4P  may be obtained by dividing the voltage Vi by the supplied current. The first impedance Z 4P  may be expressed as Equation 2 (first relational expression) above. 
     In order to measure the second impedance Z 2P , the measuring mode switch  191  may connect the current electrodes  113  and  114  to the voltage electrodes  111  and  112 , respectively. That is, the measuring mode switch  191  may connect the electrode  113  to the electrode  111  and connect the electrode  112  to the electrode  114 . The current electrodes  113  and  114  are electrodes to which the constant current is applied in the 4-point measuring mode, and the voltage electrodes  111  and  112  are electrodes connected to the voltmeter  121  in the 4-point measuring mode. The connected electrodes  113  and  111  become one electrode and the connected electrodes  114  and  112  become another electrode. The impedance measuring unit  120   a  may measure the second impedance Z 2P  in the 2-point measuring mode by using the connected electrodes  113  and  111  and the connected electrodes  114  and  112 .  FIG. 12  is a circuit diagram illustrating a state where the impedance measuring unit  120   a  is switched to the 2-point measuring mode by the measuring mode switch  191 . The second impedance Z 2P  according to the circuit diagram of  FIG. 12  may be expressed as Equation 4 (second relational expression) above. 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     Z 
                     
                       f 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       2 
                     
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       f 
                        
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           Zm 
                           , 
                           Zc 
                           , 
                           Zi 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                     
                     = 
                     
                       1 
                       
                         
                           1 
                           
                             Zm 
                             + 
                             Zc 
                           
                         
                         + 
                         
                           1 
                           Zi 
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   [ 
                   
                     Equation 
                      
                     
                         
                     
                      
                     4 
                   
                   ] 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     The operations of the waveform detector  130  and the skin hydration acquiring unit  140  are substantially identical to those described above. 
     The operations of the body impedance acquiring unit  150  and the body fat acquiring unit  160  are substantially identical to those described above. The body impedance acquiring unit  150  may calculate the body impedance Zm through the first and second relational expressions, regardless of the contact impedance Zc, or may acquire the body impedance Zm by using the look-up table  153 . 
       FIG. 13  is a configuration diagram of a body composition measuring apparatus  200  according to another exemplary embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 13 , an electrode  110   c  may include a first electrode  110   c - 1  configured to measure skin hydration, and a second electrode  110   c - 2  configured to measure a body fat ratio. Since the skin hydration and the body fat ratio are measured by using an impedance, an impedance measuring unit  120   a  may be commonly used. To this end, an electrode switch  192  may be provided. The electrode switch  192  may be disposed between the electrode  110   c  and the impedance measuring unit  120   a  and selectively connect the first and second electrodes  110   c - 1  and  110   c - 2  to the impedance measuring unit  120   a . Therefore, the first and second electrodes  100   c - 1  and  100   c - 2  suitable for the measurement of the skin hydration and the body fat ratio may be applied, thus improving the reliability of measurement. 
       FIG. 14  is a circuit diagram illustrating an example where the electrode switch  192  is applied to the body composition measuring apparatus  200  of  FIG. 10 . Referring to  FIG. 14 , the first electrode  110   c - 1  may include electrodes  117  and  118 . The first electrode  110   a - 1  may be selectively connected to the second impedance measuring unit  120   a - 2  by the electrode switch  192 . For example, the two switches SW may be switched to positions (indicated by a solid line) for connecting the electrodes  115  and  116  to the second impedance measuring unit  120   a - 2 , and may be switched to positions (indicated by a dashed line) for connecting the electrodes  117  and  118  to the second impedance measuring unit  120   a - 2 . 
       FIG. 15  is a circuit diagram illustrating an example where the electrode switch  192  is applied to the body composition measuring apparatus  200  of  FIG. 10 . Referring to  FIG. 15 , the first electrode  110   c - 1  may be selectively connected to the first impedance measuring unit  120   a - 1  by the electrode switch  192 . For example, the two switches SW may be switched to positions (indicated by a solid line) for connecting the electrodes  111  and  113  and the electrodes  112  and  114  to the first impedance measuring unit  120   a - 1 , and may be switched to positions (indicated by a dashed line) for connecting the electrodes  117  and  118  to the first impedance measuring unit  120   a - 1 . 
       FIG. 16  is a circuit diagram illustrating an example where the electrode switch  192  is applied to the body composition measuring apparatus  200  of  FIG. 11 . Referring to  FIG. 16 , the first electrode  110   c - 1  may be selectively connected to the impedance measuring unit  120   a  by the electrode switch  192 . For example, the two switches SW may be switched to positions (indicated by a solid line) for connecting the electrodes  111  and  113  and the electrodes  112  and  114  to the impedance measuring unit  120   a , and may be switched to positions (indicated by a dashed line) for connecting the electrodes  117  and  118  to the impedance measuring unit  120   a . The second electrode  110   c - 2  may be substantially identical to the electrode  110   b  of  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an implementation of the body composition measuring apparatus  200  illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Referring to  FIG. 17 , the body composition measuring apparatus  200  may be a wearable device, such as a smart watch wearable on a wrist or a smart ring wearable on a finger. The electrode  115  of the 2-point measuring electrode  2 P is disposed inside the body composition measuring apparatus  200 . Thus, when a user wears the body composition measuring apparatus  200  on his or her wrist, the electrode  115  may be in contact with a skin surface of the wrist. The electrode  116  is disposed outside the body composition measuring apparatus  200 . Thus, the user may be able to touch the electrode  116  by his or her finger of the other wrist. The electrodes  111  and  113  of the 4-point measuring electrode  4 P are disposed inside the body composition measuring apparatus  200 . Thus, when a user wears the body composition measuring apparatus  200  on his or her wrist, the electrodes  111  and  113  may be in contact with a skin surface of the wrist. The electrodes  112  and  114  are disposed outside the body composition measuring apparatus  200 . Thus, the user may be able to touch the electrodes  112  and  114  by his or her finger of the other wrist. In a case where the first electrode  110   c - 1  for measuring the skin hydration is further provided as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the electrode  117  and the electrode  118  may be respectively disposed inside and outside the body composition measuring apparatus  200 . 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an implementation of the body composition measuring apparatus  200  illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Referring to  FIG. 18 , the electrodes  111  and  113  are disposed inside the body composition measuring apparatus  200 . Thus, when a user wears the body composition measuring apparatus  200  on his or her wrist, the electrodes  111  and  113  may contact a skin of the wrist. The electrodes  112  and  114  are disposed outside the body composition measuring apparatus  200 . Thus, the user is allowed to contact the electrodes  112  and  114  by his or her finger. In a case where the first electrode  110   c - 1  for measuring the skin hydration is further provided as illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the electrode  117  and the electrode  118  may be respectively disposed inside and outside the body composition measuring apparatus  200 . 
     In the body composition measuring apparatuses  200  according to the above-described exemplary embodiments, the impedance measuring unit that measures the impedance of the electric circuit including the body may also be used to measure the skin hydration and the body fat ratio. Therefore, it is possible to implement the body composition measuring apparatus  200  capable of measuring the skin hydration and the body fat ratio through a simple configuration. 
       FIGS. 19A and 19B  are flowcharts of body composition measuring methods according to exemplary embodiments. Referring to  FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 19A , the measurement of the body composition may be started by wearing the body composition measuring apparatus  200  on a wrist and pressing a button or the like. 
     In operation S 21 , items to be measured may be determined. The items to be measured may be determined in such a manner that a user wears the body composition measuring apparatus  200  and inputs the items to be measured by pressing the button or the like. 
     In operation S 10 , the skin hydration may be determined. Operation S 10  may be performed based on the above-described flowchart of  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
     In operation S 11 , the impedance of the electric circuit including the body may be measured. 
     For example, the electrodes  111  and  113  and the electrode  115  may be in contact with the body when the body composition measuring apparatus  200  of  FIG. 10  is worn on the wrist of the left hand. According to the impedance measuring mode for measuring the skin hydration, the impedance may be measured by contacting the electrodes  112  and  114  or the electrode  115  with the finger of the right hand. The impedance measuring mode for measuring the skin hydration may be preset in the body composition measuring apparatus  200 . The user may select the measuring mode. 
     For example, the electrodes  111  and  113 , the electrode  115 , and the electrode  117  may be in contact with the body when the body composition measuring apparatus  200  of  FIG. 14  is worn on the wrist of the left hand. The electrode switch  192  may connect the first electrode  110   c - 1  to the second impedance measuring unit  120   a - 2 . The impedance may be measured when the finger of the right hand comes into contact with the electrode  118 . 
     For example, the electrodes  111  and  113 , the electrode  115 , and the electrode  117  may be in contact with the body when the body composition measuring apparatus  200  of  FIG. 15  is worn on the wrist of the left hand. The electrode switch  192  may connect the first electrode  110   c - 1  to the first impedance measuring unit  120   a - 1 . The impedance may be measured when the finger of the right hand is in contact with the electrode  118 . 
     For example, the electrodes  111  and  113  may be in contact with the body when the body composition measuring apparatus  200  of  FIG. 11  is worn on the wrist of the left hand. According to the impedance measuring mode for measuring the skin hydration, the measuring mode switch  191  may be switched to the 2-point measuring mode or the 4-point measuring mode. The impedance measuring mode for measuring the skin hydration may be preset in the body composition measuring apparatus  200 . In addition, the user may select the measuring mode. In this case, the measuring mode switch  191  may be switched to the 2-point measuring mode or the 4-point measuring mode according to the user&#39;s selection. The impedance may be measured in the 4-point measuring mode or the 2-point measuring mode when the finger of the right hand comes into contact with the electrodes  112  and  114 . 
     For example, the electrodes  111  and  113  and the electrode  117  may be in contact with the body when the body composition measuring apparatus  200  of  FIG. 16  is worn on the wrist of the left hand. The electrode switch  192  may connect the first electrode  110   c - 1  to the first impedance measuring unit  120   a - 1 . The impedance may be measured when the finger of the right hand comes into contact with the electrode  118 . 
     In operation S 12 , the waveform detector  130  may determine the normal-state impedance. For example, when the slope of the measurement voltage Vi (or the measurement impedance) with respect to the measurement time is a predetermined value or less, the measurement voltage (Vi) (or the measurement impedance) at that time may be determined as the normal-state voltage (impedance). In addition, the measurement voltage Vi (or the measurement impedance) after a predetermined time that elapses from the start of the measurement may be determined as the normal-state voltage (impedance). 
     In operation S 13 , the comparative voltage (impedance) corresponding to n % of the normal-state voltage (impedance) may be determined. 
     In operation S 14 , the skin hydration may be determined based on the normal-state voltage (impedance) and the comparative voltage (impedance). 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 8B , in operation S 11 - 2 , the measurement voltage Vi (or the measurement impedance obtained by the measurement voltage Vi by the supplied current) and the measurement time may be stored in the memory  131 . In addition, in operation S 13 - 2 , the time T SH  that elapses until the voltage (impedance) changes from the comparative voltage (impedance) to the normal-state voltage (impedance) may be calculated. In operation S 14 , the skin hydration may be determined from the elapsed time T SH  by the preset calculation equation or may be determined by using the look-up table  141 . 
     The determined skin hydration may be provided as visual information to a user through a display. 
     In operation S 21 , when only the skin hydration is selected as the item to be measured, the measurement is ended. In operation S 21 , when only the body fat ratio is selected as the item to be measured, the process proceeds to operation S 31  to measure the body fat ratio. In operation S 21 , when both the skin hydration and the body fat ratio are selected as the item to be measured, the process may proceed from operation S 22  to operation S 41  after operations S 11  to S 14  so as to measure the body fat ratio. 
     In operation S 41 , the impedance for measuring the body fat ratio may be determined from the normal-state impedance measured in operation S 11  of measuring the impedance for measuring the skin hydration. The impedance for measuring the body fat ratio may be an average of impedance values sampled at different points of time in the normal state. In addition, the impedance for measuring the body fat ratio may be an average of normal-state impedance values measured by performing operation S 11  twice or more. 
     In operation S 42 , the validity of the determined impedance may be determined. During the measurement of the impedance, an impedance measured without contact between the body and the electrode is invalid. Therefore, the body composition measuring apparatus  200  may determine the validity of the measured impedance by checking the state occurring during the measurement of the impedance. As another example, the validity of the impedance may be determined according to the magnitude of the measured impedance. That is, the validity of the impedance may be determined according to whether the measured impedance is within an impedance range that is measurable from the body. 
     In operation S 43 , the body determined Zm may be acquired from the determined impedance. For example, the body impedance Zm may be calculated from Equation 1 or 2 above by assuming Zc as “0”. In addition, in a case where average Zc is prestored, the body impedance Zm may be calculated from Equation 1 or 2 by applying the average Zc. In addition, Zm may be acquired from the look-up table that prestores Zm corresponding to the determined impedance. 
     The body impedance Zm is an impedance necessary for calculating the body fat ratio and is changed according to body characteristics. In operation S 44 , the body fat ratio acquiring unit  140  may acquire the body fat ratio of the user by using the body impedance Zm and the body information of the user. The body information of the user may be received from the user. The body information of the user may be age, height, or weight of the user. 
     The determined body fat ratio may be provided as visual information to a user through a display. 
     An additional exemplary embodiment that acquires the body fat ratio will be described with reference to  FIG. 19B . 
     For example, in the case of the body composition measuring apparatus  200  of  FIG. 10 , in operation S 31 , the first impedance measuring unit  120   a - 1  may supply a constant current to the 4-point measuring electrode  4 P and measure the first impedance Z 4P . In operation S 32 , the second impedance measuring unit  120   a - 2  may supply a constant current to the 2-point measuring electrode  2 P and measure the second impedance Z 2P . 
     For example, in the case of the body composition measuring apparatus  200  of  FIG. 14 , in operation S 31 , the first impedance measuring unit  120   a - 1  may supply a constant current to the 4-point measuring electrode  4 P and measure the first impedance Z 4P . The 2-point measuring electrode  2 P may be connected to the second impedance measuring unit  120   a - 2  by using the electrode switch  192 . In operation S 32 , the second impedance measuring unit  120   a - 2  may supply a constant current to the 2-point measuring electrode  2 P and measure the second impedance Z 2P . 
     For example, in the case of the body composition measuring apparatus  200  of  FIG. 15 , the 4-point measuring electrode  4 P may be connected to the first impedance measuring unit  120   a - 1  by using the electrode switch  192 . In operation S 31 , the first impedance measuring unit  120   a - 1  may supply a constant current to the 4-point measuring electrode  4 P and measure the first impedance Z 4P  In operation S 32 , the second impedance measuring unit  120   a - 2  may supply a constant current to the 2-point measuring electrode  2 P and measure the second impedance Z 2P . 
     For example, in the case of the body composition measuring apparatus  200  of  FIG. 11 , in operation S 31 , the measuring mode switch  191  may switch the connection state of the electrode  110   b  and the impedance measuring unit  120   a  to the 4-point measuring mode, and the impedance measuring unit  120   a  may supply a constant current to the electrode  110   b  and measure the first impedance Z 4P . In operation S 32 , the measuring mode switch  191  may switch the connection state of the electrode  110   b  and the impedance measuring unit  120   a  to the 2-point measuring mode, and the impedance measuring unit  120   a  may supply a constant current to the electrode  110   b  and measure the second impedance Z 2P . 
     For example, in the case of the body composition measuring apparatus  200  of  FIG. 16 , the electrode switch  192  may connect the second electrode  110   c - 2  to the impedance measuring unit  120   a . In operation S 31 , the measuring mode switch  191  may switch the connection state of the second electrode  110   c - 2  and the impedance measuring unit  120   a  to the 4-point measuring mode, and the impedance measuring unit  120   a  may supply a constant current to the second electrode  110   c - 2  and measure the first impedance Z 4P . In operation S 32 , the measuring mode switch  191  may switch the connection state of the second electrode  110   c - 2  and the impedance measuring unit  120   a  to the 2-point measuring mode, and the impedance measuring unit  120   a  may supply a constant current to the second electrode  110   c - 2  and measure the second impedance Z 2P . 
     Operations S 31  and S 32  may be performed twice or more, and the first and second impedances Z 4P  and Z 2P  may be an average of values obtained from measuring twice or more. Each of operations S 31  and S 32  may be performed once, and the first and second impedances Z 4P  and Z 2P  may be an average of measured values sampled at different points of time in the normal state. 
     In operation S 33 , the body composition measuring apparatus  200  may determine the validity of the firs impedance Z 4P  and the second impedance Z 2P  For example, the body composition measuring apparatus  200  may determine the validity of the firs impedance Z 4P  and the second impedance Z 2P  according to the contact state. During the measurement of the impedance, an impedance measured without contact between the body and the electrode is invalid. Therefore, the body composition measuring apparatus  200  may determine the validity of the measured impedance by checking the state occurring during the measurement of the impedance. As another example, the validity of the impedance may be determined according to the magnitude of the measured impedance. That is, the validity of the impedance may be determined according to whether the measured impedance is within an impedance range that is measurable from the body. 
     In operation S 34 , the body impedance acquiring unit  150  may calculate the body impedance Zm by using the first and second impedances Z 4P  and Z 2P  and the first and second relational expressions. Alternatively, the body impedance acquiring unit  150  may acquire the body impedance Zm from the look-up table  153  by using the first and second impedances Z 4P  and Z 2P . 
     In operation S 35 , the body fat ratio acquiring unit  160  may acquire the body fat ratio of the user by using the body impedance Zm and the body information of the user. For example, the body fat ratio may be determined based on the body impedance and the input user information such as the age, height, and weight of the user. 
     The determined body fat ratio may be provided as visual information to the user through a display. 
     The apparatuses according to the exemplary embodiments may include a processor, a memory storing and executing program data, a permanent storage such as a disk drive, a communication port communicating with an external device, and a user interface such as a touch panel, a key, or a button. 
     In addition, other exemplary embodiments can also be implemented through computer-readable code/instructions in/on a medium, e.g., a computer-readable medium, to control at least one processing element to implement any above-described exemplary embodiment. The medium can correspond to any medium/media permitting the storage and/or transmission of the computer-readable code. 
     The computer-readable code can be recorded/transferred on a medium in a variety of ways, with examples of the medium including recording media, such as magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optical recording media (e.g., CD-ROMs, or DVDs), and transmission media such as Internet transmission media. Thus, the medium may be such a defined and measurable structure including or carrying a signal or information, such as a device carrying a bitstream according to one or more exemplary embodiments. The media may also be a distributed network, so that the computer-readable code is stored/transferred and executed in a distributed fashion. Furthermore, the processing element could include a processor or a computer processor, and processing elements may be distributed and/or included in a single device. 
     Disclosed exemplary embodiments may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/or software components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, the exemplary embodiments may employ various integrated circuit components (e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like) that may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more processors or other control devices. Similarly, where the elements of the exemplary embodiments are implemented using software programming or software elements, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented with any programming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, assembler, or the like, using any combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines, and other programming elements. Functional aspects may be implemented as instructions executed by one or more processors. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments could employ any number of conventional techniques for electronics configuration, signal processing, control, data processing, and the like. The words “mechanism” and “element” are used broadly and are not limited to mechanical or physical embodiments, but can include software routines in conjunction with processors, etc. 
     The particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative examples and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. For the sake of brevity, conventional electronics, control systems, software development, and other functional aspects of the systems may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines, or connectors shown in the various figures presented are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical or logical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships, physical connections or logical connections may be present in a practical device. Moreover, no item or component is essential to the practice of the exemplary embodiments unless the element is specifically described as “essential” or “critical”. 
     The use of the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar referents in the context of describing the exemplary embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural. Furthermore, recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The steps of all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. Moreover, one or more of the blocks and/or interactions described may be changed, eliminated, sub-divided, or combined; and disclosed processes may be carried out sequentially and/or carried out in parallel by, for example, separate processing threads, processors, devices, discrete logic, circuits, etc. The examples provided herein and the exemplary language (e.g., “such as” or “for example”) used herein are intended merely to better illuminate the exemplary embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of this disclosure unless otherwise claimed. In view of this disclosure, numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 
     The foregoing exemplary embodiments are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. Also, the description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.