A national research team-Professor Yoo Heecheon (IME), Lee Baek Hui (IME Ph.D.), Lee Seung Hun (IME Ph.D.), and Prof. Na Deok Hui (Samsung Seoul Hospital)-inv- ented a way to measure the number of times a person swallows. The technique will assess swallowing disability and to improve dietary habits. This team was awarded the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Secretary General Award at the Contest of Korea University Invention, supervised by Korea Invention Promotion Association. This event was hosted by Korea Intellectual Property Office, The Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies, and Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity.
Swallowing number is measured by attaching a sensor of ultrasonic wave and microphone to a person’s neck. The sensor measures movement of related organization and aural signal by applying technology that singles out the activity of swallowing.
The result is the first technology of its kind in this field, and it can measure so precisely that swallowing habits can also be analyzed. The measurement will be used to determine the basis of good dietary habits and improve dietary habits (with the newfound information), which will contribute to national health enhancement.