Custom In-Ear Monitoring With 3D Ear Canal Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-ear monitoring systems face challenges in accurately customizing hearing aids to individual anatomy, particularly due to the natural curvature of the ear canal, which requires manual skill and can lead to injuries and complex system adjustments, and lack efficient methods for non-invasive scanning.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a camera-mounted scanner to capture 3D images of the ear canal, allowing for precise customization of in-ear devices with integrated sensors for sound enhancement and vital sign monitoring, including the use of machine learning to identify environments and adjust settings, and 3D printing for custom device fabrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation measurement methods are used to scan the ear canal, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and manual skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying methods (structure light projection and camera capture) to create 3D models of the ear canal without physical contact. The light projector casts patterns that are captured by the camera, generating digital 3D representations of the ear canal geometry, eliminating the need for physical scanning probes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with an optical system consisting of a light projector and camera. Instead of using physical probes that require manual manipulation, the system uses projected light patterns and optical capture to obtain 3D measurements, thereby reducing mechanical complexity and manual intervention
2Measurement precision
If the scanner is pushed deeply into the ear canal to view the eardrum, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using optical fields (light projection and capture) that inherently prevent physical contact with the ear canal. The system is designed to measure and visualize the ear canal and eardrum from a safe external position, with the optical system configured to penetrate the ear canal curvature without physical insertion, thereby preventing injury before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to access and visualize the ear canal and eardrum. Instead of directly inserting a physical scanner, the system uses projected light patterns that can traverse the ear canal geometry and be captured by the camera, allowing indirect visualization without physical contact or risk of injury
3Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of the ear canal is performed to overcome natural curvature, then ease of operation is improved for skilled operators, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an optical measurement system. The light projector and camera are positioned externally and use optical fields to capture 3D data of the ear canal, eliminating the need for manual insertion and manipulation of physical scanners, thereby removing the risk of injury while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the ear canal geometry through optical projection and capture. This virtual model allows operators to visualize and measure the ear canal structure without physically interacting with it, enabling precise measurement and visualization while completely avoiding mechanical contact that could cause injury
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 system provides a safe, precise, and customizable in-ear monitoring solution that enhances sound and captures vital signs, improving hearing aid performance and user safety while reducing manual intervention and risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (projector) is used, which projects a pattern. This pattern is recorded again by a camera
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for assisting user with hearing by amplifying sound using an amplifier with gain and amplitude controls for a plurality of frequencies; and applying a learning machine to identify an aural environment and adjust the amplifiers for optimum hearing.