3D Patient Interface Selection System Using Geometric Fit Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting patient interface devices for obstructive sleep apnea treatment are time-consuming and inaccurate, often resulting in improper fits and discomfort, which can lead to treatment failure due to the lack of efficient and precise fitting techniques.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing 3-D models of patient faces and interface devices, coupled with a processing unit to calculate geometric and patient criteria fit scores, generates an overall fit score to determine the best-fitting device, incorporating user input and additional device information to facilitate accurate selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual methods are used to select patient interface devices, then caregiver expertise and patient trials can ensure proper fit, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital 3D copy of the patient's face using optical scanning technology. This virtual replica allows for automated measurement and device fitting simulation without requiring physical trials, thereby maintaining high fitting accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required for device selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with automated optical scanning and computer-based analysis. The system uses photogrammetry and structured light scanning to automatically capture facial geometry, eliminating the need for caregivers to manually measure and fit multiple devices, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and time efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple patient interface device sizes and types are available, then selection options increase, but the complexity of selecting the correct device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the large set of available patient interface devices into smaller subsets based on the patient's specific facial geometry measurements. The software automatically filters devices by size, type, and compatibility criteria, presenting only the most suitable options to the caregiver, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing selection complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-based software system as an intermediary between the patient's facial measurements and the device selection process. This intermediary automatically processes the complex matching algorithm between patient geometry and device specifications, simplifying the caregiver's task while ensuring optimal device compatibility
3Manufacturing precision
If patient interface devices are fitted manually without automated 3D modeling, then the process is simpler, but fitting accuracy and comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from 2D or manual measurement approaches to 3D optical scanning and modeling. This dimensional enhancement captures the complete spatial geometry of the patient's face, enabling precise device fitting calculations that account for complex facial contours, thereby improving fit precision while the automated software manages the added complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (2) including a geometric fit score database (360) configured to store a plurality of 3-D models of faces and a pre-calculated geometric fit score for each of one or more patient interface devices for each of one or more of the faces, and a first processing unit (380) including a match finding unit (382) configured to match the 3-D model of the patient's face with one or more of the stored 3-D models of faces and to use the pre-calculated geometric fit score for each of the one or more of the patient interface devices for the one or more matched faces to determine the geometric fit score for each of the one or more patient interface devices for the patient's face.