• Journal of Industrial Convergence
• /
• v.21 no.6
• /
• pp.43-51
• /
• 2023

This study analyzed the patent status of the outdoor exercise equipment used primarily by the elderly. The purpose is to utilize the basic data obtained to promote the health of the elderly. The information on the patent was collected from KIPRIS, an information search service provided by the Korean Intellectual Property Office. The search term used was 'outdoor exercise equipment', directly related patents were selected, and a final 157 were analyzed. As a result of the analysis, first, patent registration began in 2007, and 2-3 patents were registered on average every year. Second, patents from the perspective of sports convergence that provide an exercise prescription system using wireless communication, such as the ability to generate electricity by operating a power generation module, providing information on the user's exercise amount, or preventing the loss and theft of weights and safety accidents due to their characteristics, were searched for. Lastly, patents related to exercise equipment that can provide user convenience and increase the frequency of use of exercise equipment were searched. The results of this study confirmed that outdoor exercise equipment is being developed more for the elderly and their convenience, and that companies and public institutions are showing increased interest in outdoor exercise equipment for the elderly. In addition to patent trends analysis, follow-up research in connection with exercise programs using outdoor exercise equipment is needed to develop practical and convenient outdoor exercise equipment in the future.

• Korea Science and Art Forum
• /
• v.28
• /
• pp.105-116
• /
• 2017

This study is a basic research to suggest user-centered general hospital environmental design guidelines, which aims to analyze user's behavior characteristics across generation in general hospital. For this purpose, this study constructed an analysis tool through the literature review with regard to generation and behavior characteristics in general hospital. Besides, an online survey regarding user's behavior in general hospital was conducted targeting from 20s to 60s, 300 persons for each group, total 1,500 persons for about 3 weeks since September 1, 2016. The results of this study are as follows: (1) Based on the generation, there were significant differences in relevant categories of their visiting frequency, visiting purpose, visiting hour, transportation, companion, behavior during the wait and selection of a general hospital. (2) In all generation, they responded that they have visited once or twice per year. People in 20s and 30s responded that their visit for the hospital is to receive specific treatment, while other people in 40s, 50s and 60s visit the hospital majorly for routine check-ups. Therefore, it is imperative for a health check-up center to design an environmental plan that reflects the characteristics of elders in 40s, 50s and 60s. (3) People in 40s, 50s and 60s usually visit a general hospital in the mornings of weekdays, while generations in 20s and 30s responded that they mostly visit the hospital in the mornings of weekend. (4) When they visit a general hospital, people in their 20s are usually using public transportations, while people in their 30s to 60s are using their own vehicle. (5) People in their 20s majorly visited 'lobby'. In older generations, they tend to visit 'outpatient clinic'. Therefore, it is necessary to build an outpatient clinic environment that considers the elderly. (6) Patients majorly responded that they are using their cell phone, while waiting for their clinic call. In elder generations, they responded that they are more likely watching TVs, reading books/magazines or doing nothing. Therefore, it is essential to provide cell-phone related services and environmental supports. Visually attractive media can be utilized for this purpose.