3D Face Model Analysis for Patient Interface Fit Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interface devices for obstructive sleep apnea treatment often fail to provide a comfortable and secure fit, leading to discomfort, pressure sores, and leakage due to inadequate consideration of underlying hard tissue and soft tissue characteristics of the patient's face.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus and method that generates and compares multiple 3D models of a patient's face to determine additional information such as hard tissue location, soft tissue depth, and compliance, using landmarks for alignment and outputting this information to optimize the fit of patient interface devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a patient interface device is fitted based only on external geometry of the patient's face, then the fitting process is simple and quick, but the fit is inadequate leading to discomfort, pressure sores, and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D external geometry scanning to 3D scanning that captures depth information. The system obtains three-dimensional images that include depth data, allowing measurement of soft tissue depth and hard tissue location in three dimensions rather than just two dimensions, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and fit quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of 3D images to identify hard tissue locations and soft tissue depths before the actual device fitting process. By pre-determining these anatomical characteristics and using them to select or customize the interface device, the system ensures optimal fit quality while maintaining workflow efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple 3D models are captured and compared to determine hard tissue location and soft tissue depth, then fit quality improves, but the complexity of the scanning and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the facial anatomy into distinct components by identifying hard tissue locations (such as bone structures) and soft tissue regions separately through 3D image analysis. This segmentation allows the system to process and evaluate each tissue type independently, improving measurement precision while managing processing complexity through structured analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple 3D models or representations of the patient's face from different scanning angles or conditions. By generating these digital copies and comparing them, the system can accurately determine hard tissue locations and soft tissue depths without requiring physically complex scanning procedures, thereby achieving high precision with manageable complexity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the patient interface device is worn for extended periods to treat OSA, then therapeutic benefit is achieved, but discomfort and skin damage may occur from improper fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality analysis by examining specific regions of the patient's face where the interface device will contact the skin. By identifying areas with hard tissue proximity or varying soft tissue depths, the system can determine which regions are prone to pressure sores or discomfort, thereby enabling customization that prevents localized harm during extended wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of potential problem areas through 3D scanning and hard tissue identification before the patient begins extended therapy. By pre-identifying regions at risk for pressure damage and adjusting the device fit accordingly, the system enables long-duration therapy while preventing skin damage and discomfort from improper fitting.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a compilation unit structured to receive a plurality of different 3-D models of a patient's face, to compare the different 3-D models of the patient's face and to determine additional information about the patient's face based on the comparison, wherein the additional information includes at least one of a location of hard tissue, a depth of soft tissue, and a compliance of soft tissue, and wherein the patient's face is manipulated between the different 3-D models.