SBIR Phase I: Automatic Fabrication of Custom-Fit Hearing Instruments Using Rapid Proptotyping Technology

这个小企业创新研究第一阶段项目将开发和演示一种新颖的三维（3D）耳相机技术，使听力学家能够获得外耳（耳廓）和耳道的多个3D图像，并产生完整的3D数字耳模型，作为“数字耳印”。数字耳印数据将通过互联网即时发送到制造商的实验室，大大缩短了交货时间。数字印象使助听器制造商能够利用CAD/CAM和快速成型技术的最新突破。这项技术将允许在一天的时间内大规模定制助听器产品。商业潜力将是一个过程，将大大减少定制助听器设备的时间。即使包括质量保险、电子校准和运输，整个过程也将从几周缩短到几天。更重要的是，数字印象技术将提高贴合质量，从而增强残障人士的听力功能。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop and demonstrate a novel three dimensional (3D) ear camera technology that enables audiologists to acquire multiple 3D images of external ear (auricle) and ear canal, and to produce complete 3D digital ear model that serves as a "digital ear impression". The digital ear impression data will be sent instantly to manufacture's lab via the Internet, dramatically reducing the delivery time. The digital impressions enable the hearing aid manufacturers to take advantages of the latest breakthrough of CAD/CAM and rapid prototyping technologies. This technology will permit mass product customization of hearing aid devices within a one-day time frame. The commercial potential would be a process that would drastically reduce the time for custom-fit hearing-aid devices. Even including the quality insurance, electronics calibration, and shipping, the entire process would be shorted from weeks to a few days. More importantly, the digital impression technology will improve the quality of fit, thus enhance the hearing functionality for impaired people.