Earpiece Design Using CT-Based Anthropometric Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current earpiece device design lacks comprehensive anthropometric data, particularly for the external auditory canal and pinna, leading to inadequate fit and comfort across diverse populations, with limited studies available for subpopulations such as ethnicity, age, and gender, resulting in a 'one size fits all' approach that may not be suitable.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing Computerized Tomography (CT) data to extract three-dimensional surfaces of ear anatomies, determining statistical measurements for optimizing earpiece device design parameters, such as EAC volume, concha dimensions, and pinna shape, to create customized designs for specific populations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one size fits all approach is used for earpiece device design, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but fit and comfort across diverse populations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the population into different subgroups (e.g., by ethnicity, age, gender) and creates customized earpiece device designs for each subgroup based on their specific anthropometric characteristics. This segmentation allows the design to account for morphological variations across different populations while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic categorization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key design parameters of the earpiece device (such as shell curvature, canal fit dimensions, and overall geometry) based on statistical measurements from different population subgroups. By adjusting these parameters according to anthropometric data, the device achieves optimal fit and comfort for each specific population while maintaining a standardized development process.
2Ease of operation
If comprehensive anthropometric data collection is implemented, then fit and comfort are improved, but measurement and data collection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses 3D scanning technology to create digital copies (virtual models) of the external auditory canal and pinna anatomy. These digital copies capture comprehensive anthropometric data without requiring complex physical measurement procedures. The virtual models can be stored, analyzed, and used for device design, eliminating the need for repeated physical measurements while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical measurement methods with optical scanning and image processing techniques. Instead of using physical calipers, probes, or manual measurement tools, the system uses non-contact 3D scanning to capture anatomical data, significantly reducing measurement difficulty while improving accuracy and completeness of anthropometric data collection.
3Ease of operation
If customized designs for specific populations are created, then fit and comfort are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal design framework that can accommodate multiple population subgroups through parameter adjustment rather than completely different designs. The base design structure remains consistent across all subgroups, with only specific geometric parameters being modified. This approach maintains manufacturing universality while achieving population-specific customization, reducing overall design complexity compared to creating entirely separate designs for each group.
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
The approach enhances the fit and comfort of earpiece devices by providing optimized design parameters based on statistical measurements, improving wearability, acoustical properties, and reducing dislodgment, while accommodating varying ear anatomies across different demographics.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a plurality of images for a respective plurality of individuals, where each image includes at least one ear anatomy
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for designing an earpiece device are provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of images for a respective plurality of individuals. Each image includes at least one ear anatomy. For each image, a three-dimensional (3D) surface representing the at least one ear anatomy is extracted, to form a plurality of extracted surfaces corresponding to the plurality of images. At least one statistical measurement representative of at least a portion of the plurality of individuals is determined from among the plurality of extracted surfaces. At least one design parameter for the earpiece device is optimized based on the at least one statistical measurement, The earpiece device is formed using the optimized at least one design parameter.