Custom In-Ear Hearing Fit Using 3D Ear Canal Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 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 skilled manual operation and poses risks of injury, and lack efficient, cost-effective methods for precise scanning.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a camera-mounted scanner with an eccentric observation point to capture 3D images of the ear canal, avoiding the need for manual deformation and reducing the risk of injury, combined with a learning machine to identify environments and adjust sound settings, and sensors to capture vital signs and health data for personalized sound enhancement and health monitoring.
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 cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical triangulation measurement systems with a simpler camera-based imaging system. Instead of using projectors and complex optical triangulation, the invention uses a camera to capture images of the ear canal, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to obtain 3D spatial information for custom hearing aid fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the ear canal using a camera rather than relying on complex physical measurement systems. This copying approach allows the system to capture the necessary anatomical information for custom fitting without requiring expensive and complex triangulation hardware.
2Measurement precision
If manual deformation of the ear canal is performed to achieve a clear view, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical deformation of the ear canal with a camera-based imaging system that can capture the ear canal structure without physical manipulation. This eliminates the need for operators to physically pull or push on the ear canal, thereby eliminating the associated injury risks while still obtaining the necessary anatomical information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary tool between the operator and the ear canal. Instead of direct manual manipulation, the camera serves as a mediator that captures images of the ear canal, allowing the operator to view and measure without direct physical contact that could cause injury.
3Measurement precision
If skilled operators perform manual scanning with triangulation systems, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to requiring significant training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex manual triangulation measurement system with a camera-based system that is inherently easier to operate. Cameras are familiar devices that require minimal training to use properly, eliminating the need for extensive specialized training while maintaining the ability to capture accurate ear canal images for custom hearing aid fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera-based system allows for more autonomous operation without requiring highly skilled operators. The system can capture images and the necessary 3D information with minimal user intervention, making the scanning process accessible to personnel with less specialized training compared to manual triangulation systems.
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 comfortable, customized fit with enhanced sound quality and health monitoring capabilities, reducing the risk of injury and improving hearing assistance while enabling early detection of health issues through quantitative data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a camera-mounted scanner with an eccentric observation point to capture 3D images of the ear canal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for assisting a user include a housing custom fitted to a user anatomy; a microphone to capture sound coupled to a processor to deliver enhanced sound to the user anatomy; an amplifier with gain and amplitude controls; and a learning machine (such as a neural network) to identify an aural environment and adjusting amplifier controls to optimize hearing based on the identified aural environment.