Rapid Production of Customized Masks
OwnerPhillip E. Markinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed herein is a system designed for the rapid preparation of anatomically customized mask employing data from a patient. The data may take the form of a multidimensional image of a target area of a patient's face obtained by optical 3 dimensional imaging, or a dot or line scan form laser imaging, pattern laser photography or stereo photography. Also disclosed is a mask that is designed so as to be unobtrusive and comfortable for the user. The body of the mask is made of a thin layer, so it is lightweight and closely hugs the targeted region upon which it rests (e.g. the nasal region). Methods for producing anatomically customized masks are also described.
Claims21
A system for rapidly designing a mask used in conjunction with CPAP that is anatomically customized to a particular region of a patient's face, said system comprising:
- a scanner for producing a multidimensional image, said scanner having at least two scanning heads configured at different angles respective to said patient's face, each scanning head producing a first and second image dataset, respectively;
- a first computer communicatingly connected to said scanner and, optionally, a second computer communicatingly connected to said first computer;
- said first computer comprising a processing module and said optional second computer comprising a processing module, and at least two computer program code modules stored on one or the other of said first and optional second computers, or both:
- a first computer program code module for integrating said first and second image datasets into a master dataset;
- a second computer program code module for producing a multidimensional model image from said master dataset;
- a third computer program code module for directing a CNC machine to produce a mold of said patient's face based on said multidimensional model image.
A method for rapidly producing a mask used in conjunction with CPAP that is anatomically customized to a particular region of a patient's face, said method comprising:
- scanning said patient's face at a first scanning angle to produce a first dataset;
- scanning said patient's face at a second scanning angle to produce a second dataset;
- wherein said first and second datasets are produced simultaneously;
- generating a master dataset based on said first and second datasets;
- converting said master dataset into multidimensional model image useful in directing a cutting machine;
- cutting a mold of said patient's face based on said multidimensional model image;
- and
- vacuforming a layer of material over said mold to form an unfinished mask;
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.