The mechanical impedance of silicone–gel model or chest surface has been measured and the viscoelasticity and effective vibrating radius have been obtained from the impedance. They depend on the distance between the internal block of the silicone–gel/ribs of right chest and the gel surface/skin surface. The 3–D image of internal structure is reconstructed, based on the relation between the distance from the surface and the effective vibrating radius.

The principle of measuring with random vibration which is well known in industrial vibration testing is applied to measuring the mechanical properties of bio-materials. In this method it is possible to measure in short time (about 10 seconds) and measuring values are not disturbed by noise and the region of the body vibrated is not limited.

We have developed a two-dimensional flat-panel imager (FPI) utilizing conventional amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin film transistor (TFT) technology for AM-LCDs, and we have made a prototype. We can experimentally manufacture the FPI basically by utilizing conventional production lines of AM-LCDs, because the imager is based on the TFT array for AM-LCDs. The TFT performs both switching and photo-detecting functions itself. Using the FPI, we can capture monochrome images in real time, and can also achieve full-color images by introducing time-sequential driving based on a color backlight system with RGB-LEDs. The reliability of the TFT under bias and irradiation stress caused by capturing images is maintained by introducing an original driving method and processing the captured image. By making use of advantages the FPI has over conventional imaging systems, we hope that the FPI will be a useful compact imaging device for documents, pictures, fingerprints, and the like.

The aim of this study is to measure and quantify muscle fatigue of low back, caused by sitting on the vehicle seat for a long period of time. The authors proposed a new objective muscle fatigue index based on Principle Component Analysis utilizing the measured muscle viscoelasticity and EMG. The new index suggests an adequate correlation with the subjective fatigue.