3D Ear Geometry Reconstruction for Hearing Aid Fitment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating custom-fit hearing aids are invasive, time-consuming, and inaccurate due to the limitations of traditional ear impression techniques and 3D imaging technologies, which fail to capture the full ear geometry, especially the ear canal up to the second bend, leading to suboptimal hearing aid fitment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating full 3D digital geometry of the ear using a 3-step registration process, 3D reconstruction, and adjustment of canal data points based on the tragus angle, incorporating video recording, multi-view structure from motion algorithms, and machine learning techniques to separate ear landmarks and background, and scale the model accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ear impression methods are used, then the process is simple and quick, but the accuracy and completeness of ear geometry capture is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ear impression system with a video-based 3D reconstruction system. Instead of using silicone resin and physical molds, the system captures video of the ear and uses computer vision algorithms to generate 3D geometry, eliminating the need for physical impression materials and manual molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D video images to 3D ear geometry reconstruction. By capturing multiple frames from different angles and applying structure-from-motion algorithms, the system reconstructs three-dimensional ear canal geometry including the second bend, which cannot be achieved with traditional 2D imaging or simple impression methods.
2Productivity
If direct 3D imaging systems are used, then the speed is improved, but the completeness of ear canal geometry (to second bend) is still insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic video capture approach where the camera moves around the ear to capture multiple views. This dynamic multi-angle video recording enables reconstruction of the complete ear canal including the second bend, overcoming the limitations of static or limited-angle scanning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces video frames as an intermediary between the physical ear and the 3D reconstruction. By capturing multiple video frames from different angles and using structure-from-motion algorithms, the system indirectly reconstructs the complete ear canal geometry, including areas not directly visible in single views.
3Measurement precision
If multiple 3D imaging methods are combined, then the completeness of ear geometry is improved, but the time consumption and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges video capture, structure-from-motion reconstruction, and 3D modeling into a single integrated workflow. By combining multiple imaging perspectives in one video sequence and processing them through unified algorithms, the system achieves complete ear geometry reconstruction without requiring separate scanning sessions or multiple independent processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary video capture of the entire ear including the second bend before any reconstruction processing. By capturing all necessary viewing angles in advance during the video recording phase, the system eliminates the need for multiple sequential scanning operations, reducing overall processing time while maintaining completeness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the creation of accurate, custom-fit hearing aid shells by capturing detailed 3D ear geometry up to the second bend, improving the fitment quality and reducing errors associated with traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
A 3D reconstruction process is executed to generate a plurality of outer ear three dimensional (3D) data points in accordance to the ear landmarks
Implementation Method 2
Typical methods include structure from motion or SFM, structured light, laser scanning, and time of flight (TOF)
Implementation Method 3
A stereoscopic camera system is provided. A series of multiple-viewpoint images of the target ear is captured with the stereoscopic camera system. A range imaging process is executed to extrapolate a sizing scale for the ear landmarks from the series of multiple-viewpoint images
Implementation Method 4
Typical methods include structure from motion or SFM, structured light, laser scanning, and time of flight (TOF)
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating a full three-dimensional (3D) digital geometry for an ear provides a 3D reconstruction model that not only includes the outer area of an ear, but also the inner canal area up to the second bend. The system includes at least one remote server and a PC device. The remote server manages and processes data needed for the 3D model for an ear. The PC device allows a user to access the system and method. The remote server processes a series of video frames to generate outer ear 3D data points. Full ear geometry 3D data points are generated by comparing the outer ear 3D data points with a plurality of ear impressions. Canal 3D data points are then adjusted with a tragus angle for accuracy. The 3D reconstruction model that includes the outer ear area and inner canal area is finally generated.