In step with the development of Industry 4.0, research on automatic operation technology and components related to automobiles is continuously being conducted. In particular, the torque angle sensor (TAS) module of the steering wheel system is considered to be a core technology owing to its precise angle, torque sensing, and high-speed signal processing. In the case of conventional TAS modules, in addition to the complicated gear structure, there is an error in angle detection due to the backlash between the main and sub-gear. In this paper, we propose a multi-track encoder-based vehicle steering system, which is incorporated with a TAS module structure that minimizes the number of components and the angle detection error of the module compared with existing TAS modules. We also fabricated and tested an angle detection signal processing board and evaluated it on a test stand. As a result, we could confirm its excellent performance of an average deviation of 0.4° and applicability to actual vehicles by evaluating its electromagnetic interference (EMI) environmental reliability. The ultimate goal of the TAS module is to detect the target steering angle with minimal computation by the steering or main electronic control unit (ECU) to meet the needs of the rapidly growing vehicle technology. The verified angle detection module can be applied to an actual steering system in accordance with the mentioned technical requirements.

Owing to the development of medical technology, devices to assess resonance (hypernasality and hyponasality) which result from conditions such as cleft palate and brain injury are being studied. In general, nasometric instruments are used to support clinical judgments of these disorders. For conventional separation-type nasometric instruments, there is an acoustic feedback effect between oral and nasal sounds. Recently, a mask-type nasometric instrument was developed for acoustic feedback insensitivity, but it has not yet been popularized. In this study, we analyzed the acoustic characteristics of the mask-type structure according to existing nasometric instruments. We evaluated the acoustic collection characteristics of the structure through the lumped-element model with an electromechanical-equivalent circuit. The analysis confirmed that the optimum area of the acoustic hole was obtained and a closed-type mask structure could be designed. In addition, we obtained voice data from a healthy control group and examined significant differences in the structure of the separation-type and mask-type nasometric instruments. Consequently, we confirmed a significant difference in nasalance according to the acoustic collection structure of the nasometric instruments.