Ear Insert Shape Determination via Smartphone Image Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing custom earbuds require specialized equipment for three-dimensional scanning, which is costly and inconvenient, and algorithms that infer three-dimensional ear shapes from two-dimensional images are inaccurate and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A system using a smartphone to capture a two-dimensional image of the ear, which is then processed to extract anatomical features and matched with pre-stored three-dimensional ear shapes in a database, allowing for custom-fitted earbud manufacturing without the need for three-dimensional scanning or specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a non-contact 3D scanner is used to generate three-dimensional data for the ear, then the ear shape can be accurately captured, but the cost and logistical complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates two-dimensional copies (photographs) of the ear from different angles instead of requiring a complex 3D scanner. These 2D images serve as sufficient representations to determine ear shape characteristics for custom earbud fitting, eliminating the need for expensive specialized scanning equipment while maintaining practical accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical 3D scanning system with a simpler photographic capture system using standard camera equipment. Instead of using specialized scanners to capture three-dimensional data directly, the system uses multiple 2D photographs that can be processed algorithmically to extract ear shape information
2Device complexity
If algorithms infer three-dimensional data from a two-dimensional image of an ear, then the equipment cost is reduced, but the accuracy and reliability of the ear shape determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures multiple two-dimensional images of the ear from different angles and positions (front, side, back views). By collecting 2D data from multiple dimensions rather than relying on a single 2D image, the system gathers sufficient information to accurately infer 3D ear shape characteristics without requiring complex 3D scanning equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary capture of multiple ear photographs from various angles before processing. This preliminary action of gathering comprehensive 2D image data from different perspectives ensures that when the algorithm processes the images, it has sufficient information to accurately determine ear shape, avoiding the accuracy problems of inferring 3D data from insufficient 2D data
3Manufacturing precision
If a mould or specialist equipment is used to determine ear shape, then the ear insert can be custom-fitted, but the process becomes more expensive and logistically complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses photographs (2D copies) of the user's ear instead of physical moulds or specialized scanning equipment. These images can be captured by the user themselves using a standard camera or smartphone, eliminating the need for professional equipment or in-person scanning sessions, thereby greatly improving convenience while still enabling custom-fitted earbud manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to capture their own ear images using their personal devices without requiring professional equipment or assistance. The system processes these user-captured images automatically to determine ear shape and generate custom earbud designs, allowing the entire process to be performed by the user at home, significantly improving ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of determining a three-dimensional shape of an insert for insertion into an ear. The method includes receiving image data corresponding to a two-dimensional image of an ear, processing the image data to measure at least one biometric feature of the ear, the at least one biometric feature being indicative of a three-dimensional shape of at least part of the ear, and determining a three-dimensional shape of an insert for insertion into the ear by matching said at least one biometric feature with one of a plurality of pre-stored three-dimensional shapes. Each pre-stored three-dimensional shape corresponds to a respective ear.