Automated Ear Impression Triage and Landmark Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual modeling and shaping of hearing instruments is time-consuming, expensive, and prone to inconsistencies due to variations in operator skill level and techniques, leading to potential discomfort and dissatisfaction for patients.
Innovation Solution
A computing system is used to triage ear modeling data by determining the adequacy of the data for generating a device model of a hearing instrument and assessing the feasibility of specific device types based on ear shape, thereby automating the design and manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual modeling and shaping of hearing instruments is performed by highly skilled operators, then customization and precision fitting are improved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical modeling operations with an automated computing system that processes ear impression data through algorithms to generate 3D models and device designs, eliminating the need for skilled operators to manually shape hearing instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically generating hearing instrument designs from ear impression data without requiring human operators, allowing the process to serve itself through automated data processing and model generation
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual modeling is performed by different operators, then customization is possible, but inconsistencies in quality and fit occur due to variations in operator skill level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces variable human operator skills with a consistent automated computing system that applies the same algorithms and processing methods to all ear impression data, eliminating variations in quality caused by different operator skill levels
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides universal processing capabilities that handle all ear impression data through standardized algorithms, ensuring consistent results across different patients and cases without relying on individual operator expertise
3Productivity
If automated computing systems are used to process ear modeling data, then productivity and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital 3D copies of ear impressions through computational processing, allowing multiple analyses and design iterations without requiring additional physical measurements or manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms 2D ear impression data into 3D digital models through computational algorithms, adding dimensional information that enables more comprehensive analysis and design without requiring complex physical measurement systems
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises obtaining ear modeling data representing a 3-dimensional (3D) impression of an ear surface of an ear of a patient; determining, based on the ear modeling data, values of landmarks of the ear, wherein the landmarks include ear canal landmarks of an ear canal, and determining the values of the landmarks comprises: predicting an ear aperture plane of an aperture of the ear; determining a plurality of cross-sectional planes that are aligned with the ear aperture plane; for each of the cross-sectional planes: determining an intersection boundary of the cross-sectional plane representing a line of intersection between the cross-sectional plane and the ear canal; and determining a centroid of the intersection boundary of the cross-sectional plane; and determining values of the ear canal landmarks based on the centroids.