Development of a Biometric System for the Measurement of Swallowing Motion While Drinking Beer

Abstract

The sensation in the throat while drinking is important for beer. To evaluate this feeling, we developed a noninvasive biometric system for measurement of the swallowing motion while drinking. The system measures movement of the Adam's apple and provides an electromyogram (EMG) of the throat musculature and swallowing sounds by simultaneously employing pressure sensors, EMG electrodes, and microphones, all mounted on the throat surface. As analytic parameters, we used the period of larynx heave, throat muscular activity, and intervals of swallowing sound. Three beer samples with different throat sensation features confirmed by sensory evaluation were investigated. The subjects swallowed beer for 15 sec successively to measure throat movement while drinking a glass of beer. The difference in laryngeal movement time and swallowing sound intervals was significant. It was determined that a sample with a light finish, ease of drinking, and drinkable sensation had short laryngeal movement time, low muscular activity, and small swallowing sound intervals. It was suggested that the sensation in the throat could be an important factor in beer drinkability. It is expected that this system could characterize the difference in swallowing motion while drinking beer and the sensation in the throat.