Tympanic Membrane Shape Measurement by Miniaturized High-Speed Fringe Projection Shape Measurement Using MEMS Scanning Mirror

Mammals possess an auditory system that carries out a number of functions that allow for sound perception from the surroundings. The hearing process is initiated when the tympanic membrane (TM) transfers acoustic waves from the air into mechanical vibration. The information pertaining to TM shape is essential to the expansion of our understanding of the middle ear. This will allow for better hearing protection, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of damaged or diseased ears. This chapter proposes a shape measurement approach with the use of a miniaturized fringe projection system having a scanning microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) mirror. This method utilizes a single fringe to scan the entire field of view while a series of images with spatially varied single fringe is captured by the high-speed camera. An individual multifringe image is then formed and reconstructed by summing up the single-fringe images numerically. Individually scanning with one fringe boosts optical efficiency and image quality during high-speed image capture. A National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-traceable gauge helps validate shape measurements obtained using our methodologies. This shape measurement method is then applied to determine the shape of human eardrums.