3D Virtual Head Model for Hearing Device Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for presenting hearing devices to individuals with impaired hearing often fail to accurately depict how the device will appear on the user's head, especially for in-the-ear (ITE) devices, due to the lack of suitable demonstration models that fit the auditory canal and match individual preferences in color and shape.
Innovation Solution
A method and graphics facility that create a 3D virtual model of the user's head and hearing device, using a combination of standard head data, digital photography, image recognition, and skeletal animation to align and represent the hearing device in a realistic manner, allowing for virtual fitting and customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard photo of a woman wearing a predetermined hearing device is used for optical demonstration, then the presentation can be provided quickly and easily, but the presentation fails to accurately depict how the device will appear on the individual user's head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the user's head using 3D modeling techniques based on photographs of the user's actual head. This virtual head model is then used to display the hearing device, providing an accurate visual representation specific to the individual user rather than using a generic stock photo.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the demonstration by transitioning from a fixed, predetermined image to a dynamically generated 3D visualization. The virtual head model allows for customization of head shape, size, and features to match the individual user, thereby changing the visual parameters to accurately represent how the device will appear on that specific person.
2Adaptability or versatility
If demonstration devices are provided for trying on, then users can physically experience the device, but it is unlikely that the acoustician can supply a demonstration device of exactly the right color, shape, and fit for the user's specific requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing physical demonstration devices that would need to be customized for each user, the patent creates a virtual copy of the user's head in 3D space. This digital model can be rapidly customized with different device colors, shapes, and configurations without requiring physical prototypes or inventory management of customized demonstration units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical demonstration devices with a digital/computational system. Instead of manually adjusting and providing physical hearing devices in various configurations, the system uses software to render virtual images of the device on the user's head, eliminating the need for physical customization logistics.
3Ease of operation
If in-the-ear devices are demonstrated using standard photos, then the presentation can be provided simply, but the user will not be able to imagine the device on their own head since it does not fit into their auditory canal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a precise virtual copy of the user's head geometry using 3D modeling from photographs. This virtual model accurately represents the user's actual head shape, ear structure, and auditory canal opening, allowing in-the-ear devices to be visualized in their correct position and fit specific to the individual user rather than using a generic model.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by focusing the 3D modeling and visualization on the specific regions relevant to hearing device fitting, particularly the ear and auditory canal area. The virtual head model emphasizes these local features to accurately show how in-the-ear devices will appear and fit in the user's specific anatomy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a graphics facility are provided to allow a choice of hearing apparatus to be made easier for a user via a three-dimensional presentation of a hearing apparatus on a head of a user. A 3D model of the hearing apparatus is provided as a virtual hearing apparatus and a 3D model of the head of the user or of a part thereof is obtained as a virtual head. The virtual hearing apparatus is subsequently aligned to the virtual head so that the virtual head can be presented graphically in three dimensions along with the fitted virtual hearing apparatus. This especially allows different types and colors of hearing apparatus to be represented in an animation on the user's head.