Hearing Instrument Component Evaluation Using 3D Ear Canal Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Evaluating the impact of new component versions on hearing instrument size is challenging due to variability in human ear canals, making it unclear whether new components will result in larger or smaller instruments, which affects user preference for smaller, less visible devices.
Innovation Solution
A computing system uses 3D models of ear canals and components to optimize component positions within ear canals in 6-degrees of freedom based on optimization criteria, generating statistical data on instrument sizes, thereby conserving resources and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If new component versions are evaluated through physical prototyping and testing across multiple ear canal sizes, then accuracy in predicting instrument size is improved, but time consumption and resource usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses computational models (3D digital representations) of ear canals and hearing instrument components to replicate physical testing scenarios. Instead of manufacturing physical prototypes for each ear canal size, the system creates virtual copies that can be rapidly simulated and evaluated, dramatically reducing time and resource requirements while maintaining prediction accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary computational analysis by pre-defining optimization criteria and evaluating multiple ear canal configurations before final instrument manufacturing. The component optimization process predicts instrument size outcomes in advance, allowing designers to make informed decisions before committing physical resources to prototyping
2Adaptability or versatility
If component positions are optimized for each individual ear canal model, then customization and user preference satisfaction improve, but computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes component positions by adjusting multiple parameters simultaneously (x, y, z coordinates and rotational angles) based on ear canal-specific characteristics. The component optimization process evaluates different parameter combinations against defined criteria to determine optimal placements that accommodate individual ear canal geometries while managing computational load through systematic parameter variation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal component optimization framework that can handle multiple ear canal models with different geometries using the same computational approach. The system evaluates component positions across various ear canal sizes and shapes through a single integrated process, making the solution adaptable to diverse user anatomies without requiring separate specialized algorithms for each case
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises obtaining, by one or more processors, a component model, the component model being a 3-dimensional (3D) model of a component of a hearing instrument; obtaining, by the one or more processors, a plurality of ear impression models, each respective ear impression model of the plurality of ear impression models being a 3D model of an ear canal of a user corresponding to the respective ear impression model; for each respective ear impression model, performing, by the one or more processors, a component optimization process that optimizes a position of the component model within the respective ear impression model in 6-degrees of freedom based on one or more optimization criteria; generating, by the one or more processors, statistical data based on the positions of the components model within the ear impression models; outputting, by the one or more processors, the statistical data.