Characterization and Modeling of the Human Mouth Space for the Informed Design of Intraoral Wearable Human-Computer Interfaces

Abstract

This project involved the development of a model for the human oral cavity to aid in the design of intraoral wearable human-computer interfaces, which have great potential for impact especially in the assistive technology domain. The model is intended to provide a preliminary look at the design space of an individual’s mouth, predicting key volumes, dimensions, and biomechanical properties based on a few easily obtainable exterior measurements. The outputs of the model can inform the physical and material properties of the intraoral wearable design, saving the expense, difficulty, and intrusiveness of obtaining a precise mouth scan during the prototyping phase. Initial evaluation of the model showed that it predicted geometries with an average of 20% error. Many outputs of the model still need to be validated and improved through human subject studies. Once the model is refined to estimate mouth geometry within reasonable accuracy, it will be connected to CAD software, creating a 3D mouth space simulation that enhances the intraoral wearable design process.