Automated Prosthetic Design via Rule-Based Feature Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and variability of organic shapes, such as those found in custom hearing aids, pose challenges for digital shape modeling, leading to labor-intensive and error-prone processes that increase costs and time in manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A feature-driven, rule-based framework that uses a scripting language to automate the processing of three-dimensional images of anatomical surfaces, enabling automatic segmentation and modification of features to design prosthetic devices like hearing aid shells, reducing human interaction and enhancing reproducibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual image processing techniques are used to model organic shapes, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity and error rates increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the software automatically performs image processing operations without requiring manual intervention. The automated workflow detects anatomical features, applies transformations, and generates prosthetic device models independently, eliminating the need for technicians to manually process each image while maintaining high-quality results
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical image processing operations with automated computational algorithms. Instead of technicians physically manipulating images through software tools, the system uses automated feature detection, rule-based transformations, and algorithmic processing to achieve the same modeling objectives much faster and with consistent precision
2Productivity
If automated processing is implemented to reduce labor time, then productivity increases, but complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is segmented into distinct functional modules: feature detection module, rule-based transformation module, and model generation module. Each module performs a specific task in the workflow, allowing the complex automation process to be broken down into manageable, independently testable components that can be developed and maintained separately
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary rule-based engine that acts as a mediator between the feature detection algorithms and the final model generation. This intermediary layer translates detected anatomical features into standardized transformation rules, simplifying the overall system architecture by providing a clear interface between input data and output models
3Manufacturing precision
If manual processing steps are performed to ensure accuracy, then precision is maintained, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the automated workflow continuously validates detected features against anatomical standards and adjusts processing parameters accordingly. Quality checks are automatically performed at each stage of the modeling process, ensuring that precision requirements are met while maintaining automated processing speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming transformation rules and quality criteria based on established anatomical standards and best practices. These pre-configured rules ensure that the automated system produces accurate results from the outset, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual verification while maintaining high precision standards
Data Source
AI summary
A method for designing a prosthetic device includes acquiring a three-dimensional image of an anatomical surface. A rules script for automatically performing a plurality of image processing rules using a script interpreter is executed. For each particular rule of the plurality of rules, one or more anatomical features that are relevant to the particular rule using a surface shaping engine are determined, the one or more determined anatomical features are automatically segmented from the acquired three-dimensional image using a feature detector, and the particular image processing rule is performed on the acquired three-dimensional image based on the automatically segmented anatomical features using a CAD tool. A prosthetic device design is produced based on the three-dimensional image upon which the rules of the plurality of image processing rules have been performed.