Existing swallowing evaluation methods using X-ray or endoscopy are qualitative. The present study develops a swallowing monitoring and assessment system (SMAS) that is nonintrusive and quantitative. The SMAS comprises an ultrasonic Doppler sensor array, a microphone, and an inertial measurement unit to measure ultrasound signals originating only from swallowing activities. Ultrasound measurements were collected for combinations of two viscosity conditions (water and yogurt) and two volume conditions (3 mL and 9 mL) from 24 healthy participants (14 males and 10 females; age = 30.5 ± 7.6 years) with no history of swallowing disorders and were quantified for 1st peak amplitude, 2nd peak amplitude, peak-to-peak (PP) time interval, duration, energy, and proportion of two or more peaks. The peak amplitudes and energy significantly decreased by viscosity and the PP time interval and duration increased by volume. The correlation between the time measures were higher (r = 0.78) than that of the amplitude measures (r = 0.30), and the energy highly correlated with the 1st peak amplitude (r = 0.86). The proportion of two or more peaks varied from 76.8% to 87.9% by viscosity and volume. Further research is needed to examine the concurrent validity and generalizability of the ultrasonic Doppler sensor-based SMAS.

A sizing system and representative face models (RFMs) need to be properly determined for the design of a facial mask. The present study proposed a novel approach for the generation of a sizing system and RFMs for a facial mask that considers not only the accommodation of the target population but also its applicability in practice (e.g., ease of use and economic efficiency). A custom sizing system with four unique sizing categories was generated by applying the proposed approach for a pilot oxygen mask for Korean pilots. Then, out of 336 faces, a face showing the minimum value of weighted sum of Euclidean distance (WSED) was identified as the RFM of each of the four sizing categories. The proposed approach can be applied to the development of a sizing system and the identification of representative human models for the design of wearable products associated with multiple body dimensions.

Learning from Successes and Failures of Registration of Patent Applications Based on Physical Ergonomics Research Patent registration;Physical ergonomics;Patentability;Invention; Objective: The present study suggested practical measures for successful patent registration based on a review of success and failure cases of patent application filed based on inventions obtained from physical ergonomics research. Background: The protection of intellectual property (IP) contributes to economic growth and competitiveness and facilitates innovation and creativity. IP rights are pursued on research findings for effective technology transfer and commercialization; however, a patent application can be rejected if patentability requirements such as patent eligible subject matter, utility for industrial application, novelty, or non-obviousness are not satisfied. Method: Three successful and three failed cases of patent applications based on physical ergonomics research were reviewed, critical reasons for their successes and failures were examined, and measures were proposed to avoid failures in patent registration. Results: The following measures were identified based on the patent application case review. First, abstract ideas including logical procedures and/or mathematical formulas need to include use of tangible apparatus and methods in idea realization. Second, the provision of grace period inventor disclosure exception needs to be properly followed in case an invention is disclosed before filing of patent application. Lastly, a comprehensive analysis of prior art published or publicly known anywhere in the world and a claim preparation of distinguished, non-trivial features compared to prior art solutions are needed to avoid possible violation of novelty and non-obviousness. Application: The proposed measures can help to prepare a patent application with patent eligibility.