Ear Canal Shape Parameter Determination for Otoacoustic Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing otoacoustic authentication technologies require lengthy restraint of subjects for accurate performance evaluation of earphone-type devices, resulting in high time, effort, and cost expenditures.
Innovation Solution
A parameter determination device and method that generate shape data of an ear canal based on internal ear structure data, calculate a center line, and divide the ear canal into layers to determine shape parameters for each layer, facilitating the evaluation of earphone-type devices used in otoacoustic authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional otoacoustic authentication performance evaluation is conducted using actual subjects, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to lengthy restraint requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a three-dimensional ear canal model that copies the internal structure of a human ear canal based on CT scan data. This virtual model allows performance evaluation of earphone-type devices without requiring actual human subjects, thereby eliminating time loss while maintaining measurement precision through accurate structural replication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-acquiring CT scan data of ear canal structures and pre-processing them into three-dimensional models. This preparation work is done in advance, allowing rapid performance evaluation when needed without requiring lengthy restraint of subjects during the actual evaluation process
2Measurement precision
If traditional otoacoustic authentication performance evaluation is conducted using actual subjects, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases due to high time and effort expenditures
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a virtual three-dimensional ear canal model that replicates human ear canal structure, the patent eliminates the need for expensive human subject recruitment, restraint facilities, and extended evaluation time, thereby reducing overall evaluation costs while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses computationally generated three-dimensional models that can be rapidly created and discarded for different evaluation scenarios, replacing the expensive and time-consuming process of using actual human subjects for each evaluation instance
3Measurement precision
If detailed three-dimensional analysis of ear canal is performed by dividing into layers, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the three-dimensional ear canal model into multiple cross-sectional layers perpendicular to the center line, allowing precise measurement of shape parameters at different locations. This segmentation enables detailed analysis while using systematic computational methods to manage the complexity of processing multiple layers
4Manufacturing precision
If center line calculation and layer division are performed on ear canal data, then manufacturing precision of ear models is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the ear canal into standardized cross-sectional layers based on calculated center line, the patent enables precise manufacturing of ear models with controlled complexity. Each layer can be processed independently using consistent algorithms, improving manufacturing precision while managing system complexity through modular processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms three-dimensional ear canal data into a series of two-dimensional cross-sectional layers, enabling precise manufacturing representations while simplifying the data processing approach. This dimensional transformation allows accurate ear model creation without requiring complex three-dimensional manufacturing systems
Data Source
AI summary
To easily evaluate the performance of an earphone-type device used for otoacoustic authentication at low cost.A generation unit (31) generates earhole shape data indicating the three-dimensional shape of an individual's ear canal, on the basis of data on the internal structure of an individual's earhole, a center line calculation unit (32) calculates the center line of the ear canal, on the basis of the ear canal shape data, and a dividing unit (33) divides the ear canal into a plurality of layers perpendicular to the center line, and calculates, for each of the divided layers, parameters indicating the shape of the ear canal.