Patent ID: 8032337

Claim:
A method for computer-assisted modeling of customized earpieces comprising at least one part being individually matched to one or both of an auditory canal and a meatus, said method comprising: obtaining a three-dimensional computer model (3D-model) of at least part of the auditory canal, said 3D-model comprising an outer surface; a) initially arranging at least one component comprising a component surface in relation to the 3D-model; b) initially arranging a cutting curve or cutting surface in relation to the outer surface of the 3D-model, said cutting curve or cutting surface defining a cut through said 3D-model, thereby dividing the 3D-model into an inner portion and an outer portion, said inner portion and said outer portion being separated by said cut; c) after arranging said at least one component, forming a new, connecting surface, wherein the connecting surface is a new surface additional to the component surface and the inner portion of the 3D-model, said connecting surface connecting the component surface of the at least one component and the inner portion of the 3D-model, said connecting surface thereby being part of the 3D-model; d) performing an evaluation of the arrangement of the at least one component, said evaluation comprising a collision detection of the at least one component in relation to one or more parts of the 3D-model, other components, or a combination of one or more parts of the 3D-model and other components; and e) if results of said evaluation are not satisfactory then adjusting one or more of the arrangement of the at least one component, the arrangement of the cutting curve or cutting surface, and the formation of the connecting surface based on the results of said evaluation; f) if the results of said evaluation are satisfactory, then completing the three-dimensional computer model.