Intraoral scanner including improved power management unit

Abstract

According to an embodiment, an intraoral scanner (1) is disclosed. The intraoral scanner (1) comprises: a projector unit (2) configured to emit light at least onto a dental object of a patient; an image sensor (4) configured to acquire reflected light from at least a dental object; the battery (7) is used for supplying power to the intraoral scanner (1); a processor unit (8) configured to process the reflected light into one or more 2D and / or 3D images; a wireless interface configured to communicate one or more 2D and / or 3D images with an external device; a motion sensor (3) configured to sense a motion of the intraoral scanner (1); a timer unit (6); and a power management unit (5) configured to reduce the power consumption (21) of the intraoral scanner (1) based on a motion signal (20) provided by the motion sensor (3) and a timer signal (22) provided by the timer unit (6), and wherein the motion signal (20) comprises information about the motion of the intraoral scanner (1) wherein during one or more time periods (24, 25, 26, 27, 28), the motion is below a motion threshold (23), and wherein the motion signal (20) comprises information about the motion of the intraoral scanner (1), during the one or more time periods (24, 25, 26, 27, 28), the motion is below the motion threshold (23). And power consumption is gradually reduced after each of the one or more time periods (24, 25, 26, 27, 28).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an intraoral scanner including an improved power management unit. Specifically, the power management unit is configured to reduce power consumption based on whether the intraoral scanner is being moved. Background Art

[0002] Wireless handheld intraoral scanners are used to scan the patient's oral cavity and capture real-time images of the patient's oral cavity. The image is then transmitted in real time to an external device, which is then used to generate surface information of the patient's dentition and display the image or surface information in real time. The transmitted image can be raw 2D data captured by the scanner, processed 2D data, or 3D data containing multiple 2D data information. Data transmission is completed through a wireless interface, and the power supply of the scanner is completed by a battery connected to the scanner. The scanner requires a lot of power to perform the scanning process of capturing multiple images, processing images, and transmitting images to an external device. In addition, the entire process must be performed continuously in real time for a long duration. Dentists usually operate the scanner with one hand, and the scanning session may take between a few minutes and an hour, depending on the treatment. The ergonomic use of the scanner limits the total weight of the scanner device, so it is not ideal to simply increase the size of the battery to obtain the required operating time of the scanner before a new battery is needed or the battery needs to be recharged. In addition, the intraoral scanner should be easy to operate with one hand, and the size of the scanner is also limited by the size of the patient's mouth. Similarly, it is not possible to simply increase the size of the battery. Typically, dentists use scanners during multiple consecutive patient visits, requiring the scanning device to always be ready for use without having to constantly replace batteries as they become exhausted. Therefore, it is desirable to have a power management unit that can improve the power consumption of the scanner to meet the need for having a lightweight and compact scanner without compromising battery life.

[0003] Furthermore, the scanner contains many more features than described, all of which (including the previously mentioned ones) are activated during scanning. During a general scanning workflow, user statistics show that in dental offices, actual scanning time is only a small fraction of the total treatment time. The long period of time to prepare the patient for scanning prolongs the overall scanning session. This results in unnecessary battery consumption to keep the scanner ready for the entire session.

[0004] In order to extend the battery life as much as possible, the scanner needs multiple low-power modes to save power between actual scan executions while always enabling the scanner to quickly restart scanning. Summary of the invention

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is to reduce power consumption of an intraoral scanner by, for example, reducing leakage current through the scanner electronics.

[0006] According to various aspects, an intraoral scanner is disclosed. The intraoral scanner may include a projector unit configured to emit light at least onto a dental object of a patient, and an image sensor configured to acquire at least reflected light from the dental object. The intraoral scanner may include a light passing region at a distal end, in which light to and from the object to be scanned passes. The light passing region may include an optically transparent element with or without a λ / 4 or λ / 2 wave plate for polarizing light and / or polarizing reflected light passing through a window and onto the image sensor. The intraoral scanner may include a battery for powering the intraoral scanner. The battery may be configured to be removably mounted to the scanner via a battery interface of the scanner to enable rapid replacement of the battery when one battery is exhausted. The battery may be charged when the battery is mounted to the scanner or removed from the scanner and placed in a dedicated charger device. The battery may include a processor unit and firmware stored on a memory of the battery. Communication between a power management unit of the scanner and the battery may be established to transmit charging capacity, battery errors, or other types of battery information. The intraoral scanner may include a processor unit configured to process the captured 2D image of the reflected light into one or more 2D images and / or 3D images. In another example, the processor unit may be configured to forward the received and / or processed raw data to an external device via a wireless interface of the scanner. The wireless interface may be configured to communicate with the external device to transmit one or more 2D images and / or 3D images. The scanner may include a motion sensor configured to sense the movement of the intraoral scanner. The motion sensor may include an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope. The intraoral scanner may include a timer unit. The timer unit may be part of the processor or any component of the scanner. The timer unit may be a processor clock configured to determine the speed at which the processor unit can retrieve and interpret instructions. The intraoral scanner may include a power management unit configured to reduce the power consumption of the intraoral scanner based on the motion signal and the timer signal. Wherein, the motion signal includes information about the movement of the intraoral scanner, wherein during one or more time periods, the movement may be below a motion threshold, and after each of the one or more time periods, the power consumption is gradually reduced. During a scanning session, all parts of the scanner are turned on, and the motion unit detects motion in many different directions while the scanner is in use, as the dentist typically moves the scanner around the mouth to obtain surface information from multiple angles and positions to cover the dentition. The user decides to pause the scanning session by placing the scanner on a table or stand (i.e., into a passive position), where the motion unit detects no or little motion.In this case, the power management unit is then configured to reduce power consumption by, for example, gradually shutting down more and more components over one or more time periods, by selectively gradually disabling the supply of power from the battery to the components.

[0007] The power consumption reduction may include setting the intraoral scanner to a different power mode based on the motion signal and the timer signal after each of the one or more time periods. For example, when a first time period has elapsed, the power management unit is configured to set the intraoral scanner to a first power mode, resulting in a first reduction in power consumption of the scanner. After the first time period, a second time period elapses, and the power management unit is configured to set the scanner to a second power mode, resulting in a further reduction in power consumption of the scanner. The power management unit may be configured to set the scanner to multiple power modes.

[0008] The power consumption reduction may include gradually shutting down components of the intraoral scanner after each of one or more time periods. For example, the power management unit may be configured to shut down several components of the intraoral scanner by disabling the supply of power from the battery after a first time period in which there is little or no motion of the scanner. The power management unit may be configured to shut down additional components of the intraoral scanner after a second time period following the first time period. By shutting down the components completely without placing them in a low power state, a significant reduction in leakage current results. Simply placing the components in a low power state does not avoid leakage current because if the individual electronic components are powered, some current will leak through the individual electronic components. Thus, power consumption is reduced even more than if the components were simply placed in a low power configuration that may be pre-programmed by the component manufacturer.

[0009] The power consumption reduction may include gradually shutting down one or more groups of components of the intraoral scanner after each of one or more time periods, and wherein each of the one or more groups includes one or more components of the intraoral scanner. After a time period, a group of components is shut down and / or placed in a low power mode. Some of the components in the group are shut down and some of the components are set to a low power mode. For example, the scanner may include a heater configured to heat a window of the scanner to avoid fogging on the window during a scanning session in a humid environment within the oral cavity. Turning off the heater completely is not ideal because the scanner will not be immediately ready for use if the user wants to restart the scanning process after one or more time periods with little or no movement of the scanner.

[0010] Components of the intraoral scanner may be a projector unit, an image sensor, a processor, a wireless interface, a motion sensor, a part of a motion sensor, a timer unit, a part of a power management unit, a temperature sensor, a heater, a user interface, a part of a user interface, a vibrator, a fan for cooling the components or transferring heat from the components to the window, an LED, a UV LED, a white LED, an IR LED, a NIR LED, a motor for changing the position of the optical components of the scanner, a memory, a flash lamp and other components for driving, controlling and powering the scanner.

[0011] The intraoral scanner may comprise components and / or one or more groups of components, and the components include at least a projector unit, an image sensor, a processor unit, a wireless interface, a motion sensor, a timer unit and a power management unit.

[0012] The motion threshold defines a threshold for motion that can be characterized as no motion or almost no motion. In practice, there is always some degree of motion even when the scanner is not in use.

[0013] Different modes can include one or more of the following:

[0014] a scanning mode, in which the motion signal comprises information about the motion of the intraoral scanner above a motion threshold,

[0015] an idle mode, wherein the motion signal comprises information about the motion of the intraoral scanner being below a motion threshold during a first time period,

[0016] a sleep mode, wherein the motion signal comprises information about motion of the intraoral scanner below the motion threshold during a second time period, wherein the second time period is longer than the first time period, and

[0017] a deep sleep mode, wherein the motion signal comprises information about motion of the intraoral scanner below the motion threshold during a third time period, wherein the third time period is longer than the second time period, and

[0018] The first time period, the second time period and the third time period are parts of one or more time periods.

[0019] For example, in deep sleep mode, more components are turned off, not powered, and / or set to low power mode relative to sleep mode and idle mode. Compared to idle mode, more components are turned off and / or set to low power mode. If you want to achieve the best possible power consumption during the time when the scanner is not in use, turning off components instead of setting them to low power mode is an advantage. However, if you want to transition from idle, sleep, deep sleep to scanning mode faster, it is an advantage to combine turning off components and setting one or more components to low power mode. In scanning mode, the scanner is ready to be used.

[0020] In scan mode, all components are turned on.

[0021] In deep sleep mode, only the gyroscope and buttons (i.e. user interface) are turned on and will trigger the power management unit to power on the scanner. From this mode, it is expected that some startup time is required to power on and establish a wireless connection.

[0022] In Off mode, no power is supplied to any part of the scanner. Wake up the scanner by activating the scanner user interface (e.g. a button). This will put the scanner to sleep.

[0023] In no power mode, the scanner battery or smart cord is disconnected and there is no power to the scanner.

[0024] In idle mode, at least the projector unit, the image sensor and the processor unit are switched off.

[0025] In addition, in idle mode, the heater at the distal end of the scanner used for defogging can be configured to heat at a lower temperature than in scanning mode. By being able to lower the heating temperature, the scanner can be started faster when in scanning mode, or transitioned to scanning mode faster when the scanner is ready to be used.

[0026] The sleep mode may include turning off at least the image sensor, the projector unit, the processor unit and the heater. Relative to the idle mode, the power consumption is reduced even more.

[0027] The deep sleep mode may include turning off at least the projector unit, the image sensor, the processor unit, the wireless interface and part of the motion sensor. In this example, the gyroscope is turned off and the accelerometer is turned on. Thus, the power consumption is even lowered more, but the motion sensor is still able to sense the movement of the scanner.

[0028] The intraoral scanner may include a user interface configured to provide a user interface signal to the power management unit, and the power management unit is configured to set the intraoral scanner to a scanning mode upon receiving the user interface signal. This is only possible when the scanner is in a sleep mode or a deep sleep mode.

[0029] The user interface signal may be provided by a button press, a touch pad press, capacitive coupling between a user's fingers, an acoustic signal, or the like.

[0030] When the motion is above the motion threshold, if the intraoral scanner is in an idle mode, the power management unit is configured to set the intraoral scanner to a scanning mode.

[0031] The power management unit is configured to set the scanner to a scanning mode upon receiving the first signal and / or the second signal.

[0032] The user interface can be configured to provide a user interface signal to the power management unit, and if the motion is above the motion threshold during the motion time period and if the user interface signal is received, the power management unit can be configured to set the intraoral scanner to a scanning mode. Thus, if the user walks with the scanner in hand, the scanner will not be set to a scanning mode until the user interacts with the user interface.

[0033] If the motion detected by the motion sensor corresponds to a predefined direction or pattern associated with intended use of the intraoral scanner, the power management unit may be configured to set the scanner into scanning mode. The mode and / or predefined direction may be stored in a memory of the scanner.

[0034] The power management unit supports different power domains, button wake-up, sequencer, ADC, GPIO for various purposes, which can be well integrated into the intraoral scanner. The user interface (such as the button controller) and the main load switch of the scanner are powered directly from the battery connector. The rest of the system is powered through the main load switch (including the power management unit that controls most of the power system and power modes).

[0035] In shutdown mode, the main load switch is closed and only the user interface is powered (or there is no battery). In deep sleep mode, the main load switch is open and the power management unit is in a state where only the gyroscope is powered by the power management unit.

[0036] When a battery is inserted into the scanner, the push button controller will open the main load switch, thus powering the power management unit. The power management unit will initiate its power sequence and power up the system into sleep mode, where the scanner's control unit is powered up and booted up. From here on, the control unit controls which power state is entered. If a scan is requested, the control unit will command the power management unit to enter scan mode.

[0037] If the scanner has not been used for a while in sleep mode, the control unit may decide to command the power management unit to enter deep sleep mode. The control unit is therefore powered off and the power management unit only powers the gyroscope. From the deep sleep state, the scanner can be powered up to the sleep state in two different ways. The first way is when the gyroscope detects that the scanner is being moved. The gyroscope will enable a wake-up signal directly to the power management unit, which will then power up the system to the sleep state. The second way is when the user interacts with the user interface, for example by pressing a home button. The button controller will detect the button press and enable a wake-up signal directly to the power management unit, which will then power up the system to sleep mode.

[0038] From sleep mode, the control unit can command the button controller to close the main load switch. This will power down the entire system except the button controller, and the scanner can then be in shutdown mode. From shutdown mode, only a push button press on the main button will wake up the scanner. The button controller will open the main load switch, thus powering the power management unit. The power management unit will begin its power sequence and power up the system to sleep.

[0039] In some cases, it is not desirable for the scanner to enter a deep sleep mode or an off mode based on motion and a timer, and therefore, the power management unit is configured to set the intraoral scanner to a master power mode that prevents the intraoral scanner from entering a low power mode, such as an idle mode, a sleep mode, a deep sleep mode, and / or an off mode. The master mode can be set through the user interface of the scanner or through an external device (such as a computer) that communicates with the intraoral scanner wirelessly or by wire. In the master mode, the user never experiences a wait time for the scanner to enter a scanner mode after the scanner is in a low power mode.

[0040] The user of the intraoral scanner can customize the time period(s) through the external and wireless interface. For some users it may be welcome if the scanner goes into low power mode earlier or later than other users, so the user is not frustrated during daily use of the scanner when it goes into low power mode. The main advantage of the present invention is that the sleep mode can be created without any frustration and the dentist will experience that the scanner is always ready.

[0041] The intraoral scanner may include a temperature sensor for measuring the heat inside the scanner. In order not to damage the components within the scanner and to keep the temperature of the outer housing below the specific temperature limits required for the medical device, the scanner must not get too hot. The scanner may include a tactile transducer unit configured to apply tactile feedback (e.g., vibration) to the intraoral scanner during one or more time periods. The tactile transducer may be activated when the motion sensor detects that the intraoral scanner is moving. The vibration may be activated briefly and have a time interval. The activation time may be between 1 and 10 seconds, and the time interval between each activation may be between 20 seconds and 180 seconds. This is particularly advantageous when the scanner is "waking up" from a low power state to enter a higher power mode. When the scanner is in one of the lowest power modes, many functions of the scanner may be turned off, including the fan or LED ring or any other component that can provide some form of feedback to the dentist that the scanner is active and working. In this case, the brief vibration will notify the user that the scanner is active and is about to enter a higher power state, in which multiple functions are ready.

[0042] The power management unit is configured to set the intraoral scanner to a battery level mode when the charge level of the battery is below a charge threshold. This will extend the operating time of the scanner when the battery is low. Compared to the scan mode, the battery level mode includes one or more of the following settings of the intraoral scanner:

[0043] ● Reduce the data rate of the wireless interface;

[0044] ● Reduce the lumen of the projector unit;

[0045] ●Reducing the heating temperature provided by the intraoral scanner's heater, and

[0046] ●Reducing the processing speed provided by the processor unit.

[0047] The intraoral scanner may include a user interface comprising one or more LEDs, wherein a color of the one or more LEDs or a flashing frequency of the one or more LEDs corresponds to a charge level of the battery.

[0048] The intraoral scanner may include a user interface comprising at least one button configured to forward a short button press signal or a long button press signal to the power management unit, and the short button press signal corresponds to a button press occurring during a shorter time period than for the long button press signal, and wherein the short button press signal corresponds to turning on the intraoral scanner and / or setting the intraoral scanner to a scanning mode, and the long button press signal corresponds to turning off the intraoral scanner.

[0049] The power management unit can be configured to receive a master signal that determines a power mode of the intraoral scanner regardless of the motion signal and the timer signal.

[0050] The main signal may include one or more of the following:

[0051] ● a wireless signal received by the wireless interface, and wherein the wireless signal comprises information about a lost connection with the external device;

[0052] - a radio interface signal provided by the radio interface, and wherein the radio interface signal comprises information about the lost radio connection; and

[0053] - A temperature signal provided by a temperature sensor of the intraoral scanner, and wherein the temperature signal comprises information about the temperature of the intraoral scanner being above a temperature threshold.

[0054] According to these aspects, an intraoral scanner is disclosed. The handheld intraoral scanner comprises:

[0055] A projector unit configured to emit light at least onto a dental object of a patient;

[0056] ●an image sensor configured to acquire at least reflected light from a dental object;

[0057] ●Batteries for powering the scanning device,

[0058] ● a wireless interface configured to communicate with an external device,

[0059] A motion sensor for sensing the movement of the intraoral scanner; and

[0060] A power management unit configured to set the intraoral scanner to a plurality of power modes based on the motion signal provided by the motion sensor; and

[0061] Among them, multiple power modes include:

[0062] • an activation mode when the motion signal comprises information about the motion of the intraoral scanner during a first time period;

[0063] A power-down mode when the motion signal includes information about the absence of motion of the intraoral scanner during a second time period;

[0064] A sleep mode when the motion signal includes information about no motion of the intraoral scanner during a third time period, wherein the third time period is longer than the second time period; and

[0065] - A deep sleep mode when the motion signal includes information about the intraoral scanner not moving during a fourth time period, wherein the fourth time period is longer than the third time period.

[0066] According to these aspects, an intraoral scanner is disclosed. The handheld intraoral scanner comprises:

[0067] A projector unit configured to emit light at least onto a dental object of a patient;

[0068] ●an image sensor configured to acquire reflected light from at least the dental object;

[0069] ●a wireless interface configured to communicate with an external device;

[0070] ● Motion sensor for sensing the movement of the intraoral scanner;

[0071] ● a timer unit; and

[0072] ●A power management unit configured to set the intraoral scanner to different power modes based on the motion signal provided by the motion sensor and the timer signal provided by the timer unit.

[0073] According to these aspects, an intraoral scanner is disclosed. The handheld intraoral scanner comprises:

[0074] A projector unit configured to emit light at least onto a dental object of a patient;

[0075] ● an image sensor configured to acquire reflected light from at least the dental object;

[0076] A processor unit configured to process the reflected light into one or more 2D images and / or 3D images;

[0077] a wireless interface configured to communicate one or more 2D images and / or 3D images with an external device,

[0078] ● a motion sensor configured to sense motion of the intraoral scanner;

[0079] ● a timer unit; and

[0080] ●A power management unit configured to reduce power consumption of the intraoral scanner based on the type of the information signal.

[0081] The type of information signal can be one or more of the following:

[0082] a motion signal and a timer signal, and wherein the motion signal comprises information about the movement of the intraoral scanner below a motion threshold during a time period, and as the time period increases, the power consumption will decrease;

[0083] ● a wireless signal received by the wireless interface, and wherein the wireless signal comprises information about a lost connection with the external device;

[0084] - a radio interface signal provided by the radio interface, and wherein the radio interface signal comprises information about the lost radio connection; and

[0085] ●Temperature signal provided by the temperature sensor of the intraoral scanner.

[0086] According to these aspects, an intraoral scanner is disclosed. The handheld intraoral scanner comprises:

[0087] A projector unit configured to emit light at least onto a dental object of a patient;

[0088] ●an image sensor configured to acquire reflected light from at least the dental object;

[0089] A processor unit configured to process the reflected light into one or more 2D images and / or 3D images;

[0090] ● a wireless interface configured to communicate one or more 2D images and / or 3D images with an external device,

[0091] ●A motion sensor configured to sense movement of the intraoral scanner;

[0092] ● a timer unit; and

[0093] ●A power management unit configured to gradually shut down components of the intraoral scanner based on the motion signal and the timer signal.

[0094] The motion signal includes information about the motion of the intraoral scanner being below the motion threshold during one or more time periods, and after each of the one or more time periods, the component will be gradually turned off.

[0095] According to these aspects, an intraoral scanner is disclosed. The handheld intraoral scanner comprises:

[0096] A projector unit configured to emit light at least onto a dental object of a patient;

[0097] ●an image sensor configured to acquire reflected light from at least the dental object;

[0098] A processor unit configured to process the reflected light into one or more 2D images and / or 3D images;

[0099] ● a wireless interface configured to communicate one or more 2D images and / or 3D images with an external device,

[0100] ●A motion sensor configured to sense movement of the intraoral scanner;

[0101] ● a timer unit; and

[0102] ●A power management unit configured to reduce power consumption of the intraoral scanner based on a motion signal and a timer signal, and wherein the motion signal comprises information about no motion of the intraoral scanner during a time period, and the power consumption is reduced after the time period.

[0103] The motion signal includes information about the motion of the intraoral scanner, and the power management unit is configured to set the intraoral scanner to a scanning mode.

[0104] The power management unit is configured to set the intraoral scanner to a scanning mode upon receiving an enable signal from a user interface of the intraoral scanner.

[0105] The motion threshold corresponds to the absence of motion.

[0106] The power management unit is configured to receive a master signal that determines power consumption of the intraoral scanner regardless of the motion signal.

[0107] The intraoral scanner may include a first sensor for sensing a first parameter indicating a usage condition of the intraoral scanner, the intraoral scanner defining a direction parallel to the direction when in use, wherein the scanning device is configured to change to a high power mode or a low power mode in response to a first control signal from the first sensor, wherein the first sensor is a three-axis accelerometer having an axis aligned with the direction, and wherein the intraoral scanner changes from the high power mode to the low power mode by: measuring the acceleration of the intraoral scanner in three directions from the first sensor; determining whether the orientation of the intraoral scanner deviates from the vertical by more than a threshold value; determining whether the total acceleration of the intraoral scanner deviates from the earth's gravity by less than a predetermined value; and in response to the first control signal from the first sensor, when the orientation deviates from the vertical by more than a threshold value and the total acceleration deviates from the earth's gravity by less than a predetermined value, changing the intraoral scanner from the high power mode to the low power mode.

[0108] The intraoral scanner may include a second sensor for sensing a second parameter indicative of usage of the intraoral scanner, and wherein the intraoral scanner is adapted to change to a high power mode or a low power mode in response to a second control signal from the second sensor and / or a first control signal from the first sensor.

[0109] At least one of the first parameter and the second parameter includes one or more of: an orientation of the intraoral scanner relative to a predetermined axis, a motion of the intraoral scanner, an acceleration of the intraoral scanner, a humidity level, and a temperature.

[0110] The intraoral scanner is adapted to change between a high power mode and a low power mode in response to the first control signal and / or the second control signal.

[0111] The intraoral scanner is adapted to change between a high power mode and a low power mode in response to a predetermined combination of the first and second control signals.

[0112] One of the first and second parameters may be an orientation of the intraoral scanner, and wherein the intraoral scanner may be adapted to change to the high power mode in response to the orientation of the intraoral scanner changing to a non-horizontal or non-partial horizontal orientation.

[0113] One of the first and second parameters may be an orientation of the intraoral scanner, and wherein the intraoral scanner is adapted to change to the low power mode in response to the orientation of the intraoral scanner changing to a partially horizontal orientation.

[0114] The first sensor may be a tilt sensor adapted to determine the orientation of the intraoral scanner relative to a predetermined axis.

[0115] The first sensor may be a motion sensor adapted to determine motion of the intraoral scanner in at least one direction.

[0116] The intraoral scanner may include a humidity sensor adapted to determine the humidity in the vicinity of the intraoral scanner.

[0117] The time period may be determined starting from the time when no motion is detected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0118] Various aspects of the present disclosure may be best understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they only show details to improve understanding of the claims, while other details are omitted. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts. The individual features of each aspect may be combined with any or all features of the other aspects. These and other aspects, features and / or technical effects will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the drawings described below, in which:

[0119] Figure 1A and 1B An example of an intraoral scanner is shown;

[0120] Figure 2A and 2B shows a reduction in power consumption;

[0121] Figure 3A and 3B An example of an intraoral scanner is shown;

[0122] Figure 4 An example of an intraoral scanner is shown;

[0123] Figure 5 An example of a power management unit is shown;

[0124] Figure 6 An example of a power management unit is shown;

[0125] Fig. 7A , 7B and 7C show an example of a power management unit;

[0126] Figure 8 An example of a state diagram for a power management unit is shown; and

[0127] Fig. 9 A tabular overview of the different power modes is disclosed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0128] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended to describe various configurations. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. Several aspects of the apparatus, system, medium, program, and method are described by various blocks, functional units, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). Depending on the specific application, design constraints, or other reasons, these elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer programs, or any combination thereof.

[0129] Electronic hardware may include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, central processing units (CPUs) based on reduced instruction set computer (RISC) architectures (e.g., ARM processors), multiprocessor system-on-chip (SoP) configurations (e.g., Zync processors), graphics processing units (GPUs), neural processing units (NPUs), video encoders, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described in the present disclosure. A computer program should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or otherwise.

[0130] Scanning may be performed by a dental scanning system to provide intraoral scan data, which may include an intraoral scanning device, such as a TRIOS series scanner from 3Shape A / S. The dental scanning system may include wireless capabilities provided by a wireless network unit. The scanning device may utilize scanning principles such as triangulation-based scanning, confocal scanning, focused scanning, ultrasonic scanning, X-ray scanning, stereoscopic vision, motion recovery structure, optical coherence tomography OCT, or any other scanning principle. In an embodiment, the scanning device is capable of operating to obtain surface information by projecting a pattern and translating a focal plane along the optical axis of the scanning device and capturing multiple 2D images at different focal plane positions, so that each series of captured 2D images corresponding to each focal plane forms a 2D image stack. The acquired 2D image is also referred to herein as a raw 2D image, wherein raw in this context means that the image has not been image processed. The focal plane position is preferably moved along the optical axis of the scanning system so that the 2D images captured at multiple focal plane positions along the optical axis form the 2D image stack (also referred to herein as a sub-scan) for a given view of the object (i.e., for a given arrangement of the scanning system relative to the object). After moving the scanning device relative to the object or imaging the object in a different view, a new 2D image stack for the view can be captured. The focal plane position can be changed by at least one focusing element (e.g., moving the focusing lens). The scanning device is typically moved and angled relative to the dentition during a scanning session so that at least some of the sub-scan groups overlap at least partially, so that a digital dental 3D model can be reconstructed by stitching together the overlapping sub-scans in real time, and the progress of the virtual 3D model is displayed on a display as feedback to the user. The result of the stitching is a digital 3D representation of a surface larger than that which can be captured by a single sub-scan, i.e., a digital 3D representation larger than the field of view of the 3D scanning device. Stitching, also known as registration and fusion, works by identifying overlapping areas of the 3D surface in each sub-scan and converting the sub-scans to a common coordinate system so that the overlapping areas match, ultimately producing a digital 3D model. An iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm can be used for this purpose. Another example of a scanning device is a triangulation scanner, in which a time-varying pattern is projected onto a dental object, and a sequence of images of different pattern configurations is acquired by one or more cameras at an angle relative to the projector unit. The color texture of the dental object may be acquired by illuminating the object using different monochromatic lights (eg separate red, green and blue) or by illuminating the object using polychromatic light (eg white light).The 2D image may be acquired during a white light flash.

[0131] Typically, the process of acquiring surface information of a dental object to be scanned in real time requires a scanning device to illuminate the surface and acquire a large number of 2D images. High-speed cameras are typically used, with a frame rate of 300-2000 2D frames per second, depending on the technology and the 2D image resolution. The scanning device needs to process a large amount of image data to forward the raw image data stream directly to an external processing device or to perform some image processing before transmitting the data to an external device or display. This process requires multiple electronic components within the scanner to operate at a high load, thus requiring a high current demand.

[0132] The scanning device includes one or more light projectors configured to generate an illumination pattern to be projected onto a three-dimensional dental object during scanning. The (one or more) light projectors preferably include a light source, a mask having a spatial pattern, and one or more lenses, such as a collimating lens or a projection lens. The light source can be configured to generate light of a single wavelength or a combination of wavelengths (monochromatic or polychromatic). The wavelength combination can be generated by using a light source configured to generate light containing different wavelengths (e.g., white light). Alternatively, the (one or more) light projectors may include multiple light sources, such as LEDs, which individually generate light of different wavelengths (e.g., red, green, and blue), which can be combined to form light containing different wavelengths. Therefore, the light generated by the light source can be defined by a range of different wavelengths that define a wavelength of a specific color or a range of different wavelengths that define a color combination (e.g., white light). In an embodiment, the scanning device includes a light source configured to excite a fluorescent material of a tooth to obtain fluorescent data from a dental object. Such a light source can be configured to generate a narrow range of wavelengths. In another embodiment, the light from the light source is infrared (IR) light, which is able to penetrate dental tissue. The (one or more) light projectors can be DLP projectors that use a micromirror array to generate a time-varying pattern, or a diffractive optical element (DOF), or a back-illuminated mask projector, in which a light source is placed behind a mask having a spatial pattern so that the light projected onto the surface of the dental object is patterned. The back-illuminated mask projector may include a collimating lens for collimating the light from the light source, the collimating lens being placed between the light source and the mask. The mask may have a checkerboard pattern so that the generated illumination pattern is a checkerboard pattern. Alternatively, the mask may have other patterns, such as lines or dots, etc.

[0133] The scanning device preferably also includes an optical element for directing light from the light source to the surface of the dental object. The specific arrangement of the optical element depends on whether the scanning device is a focused scanning device, a scanning device using triangulation, or any other type of scanning device. The same applicant further describes a focused scanning device in EP2442720B1, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0134] Using optical elements of the scanning device, light reflected from the dental object in response to illumination of the dental object is directed toward (one or more) image sensors. The (one or more) image sensors are configured to generate multiple images based on the incoming light received from the illuminated dental object. The image sensor can be a high-speed image sensor, such as an image sensor configured to acquire images with an exposure time of less than 1 / 1000 second or a frame rate exceeding 250 frames per second (fps). As an example, the image sensor can be a rolling shutter (CCD) or a global shutter sensor (CMOS). The (one or more) image sensor can be a monochrome sensor, including a color filter array (e.g., a Bayer filter) and / or additional filters that can be configured to substantially remove one or more color components from the reflected light before converting the reflected light into an electrical signal, and retain only other unremoved components. For example, such additional filters can be used to remove a portion of the white light spectrum (e.g., a blue component) and retain only red and green components in the signal generated in response to exciting the fluorescent material of the tooth.

[0135] The network unit may be configured to connect the dental scanning system to a network including a plurality of network elements, the plurality of network elements including at least one network element configured to receive the processed data. The network unit may include a wireless network unit or a wired network unit. The wireless network unit is configured to wirelessly connect the dental scanning system to a network including a plurality of network elements, the plurality of network elements including at least one network element configured to receive the processed data. The wired network unit is configured to establish a wired connection between the dental scanning system and a network including a plurality of network elements, the plurality of network elements including at least one network element configured to receive the processed data.

[0136] The dental scanning system preferably also includes a processor configured to generate scan data (e.g., extraoral scan data and / or intraoral scan data) by processing a two-dimensional (2D) image acquired by the scanning device. The processor may be part of the scanning device. As an example, the processor may include a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and / or an advanced RISC machine (ARM) processor located on the scanning device. The scan data includes information related to a three-dimensional dental object. The scan data may include any of the following: a 2D image, a 3D point cloud, depth data, texture data, intensity data, color data, and / or a combination thereof. For example, the scan data may include one or more point clouds, each of which includes a set of 3D points describing a three-dimensional dental object. As another example, the scan data may include images, each of which includes image data, such as image data described by image coordinates and a timestamp (x, y, t), wherein depth information may be inferred from the timestamp. The (one or more) image sensors of the scanning device may acquire multiple original 2D images of the dental object in response to irradiating the dental object using one or more light projectors. Multiple original 2D images may also be referred to as 2D image stacks herein. The 2D images can then be provided as input to a processor, which processes the 2D images to generate scan data. The processing of the 2D images may include a step of determining which part of each 2D image is in focus in order to infer / generate depth information from the image. The depth information can be used to generate a 3D point cloud, which includes a group of 3D points in space, for example, described by Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z). The 3D point cloud can be generated by the processor or other processing units. Each 2D / 3D point may also include a timestamp indicating the recording time of the 2D / 3D point, that is, which image in the 2D image stack the point originated from. The timestamp is related to the z coordinate of the 3D point, that is, the z coordinate can be inferred from the timestamp. Therefore, the output of the processor is scan data, and the scan data may include image data and / or depth data, for example, described by image coordinates and timestamps (x, y, t) or alternatively described as (x, y, z). In addition to the scan data, the scanning device can be configured to transmit other types of data. Examples of data include 3D information, texture information such as infrared (IR) images, fluorescent images, reflectance color images, X-ray images, and / or combinations thereof.

[0137] Figure 1A and 1BAn example of an intraoral scanner 1 is shown. The intraoral scanner 1 includes a projector unit 2 configured to emit light onto at least a dental object of a patient; an image sensor 4 configured to acquire reflected light from at least the dental object; and a battery 7 for powering the intraoral scanner 1. In addition, the scanner 1 includes a processor unit 7 configured to process the reflected light into one or more 2D images and / or 3D images; a motion sensor 3 configured to sense the movement of the intraoral scanner 1; and a timer unit 6. In addition, the intraoral scanner 1 includes a power management unit 5 configured to reduce the power consumption of the intraoral scanner 1 based on a motion signal provided by the motion sensor 3 and a timer signal provided by the timer unit 6. The motion signal includes information about the movement of the intraoral scanner 1, wherein the movement is below a motion threshold during one or more time periods, and after each of the one or more time periods, the power consumption is gradually reduced. The intraoral scanner 1 may be configured to communicate wirelessly or wired with an external device (not shown). The communication may include images, status, firmware updates, charging power, etc. In FIG. 18 , the intraoral scanner 1 includes a wireless interface configured to communicate one or more 2D images and / or 3D images with an external device.

[0138] Figure 2A and 2B FIG. 1 shows a reduction in power consumption of the intraoral scanner 1. Figure 2A, the timer signal 22 is plotted on the x-axis, the motion signal 20 is plotted on the second y-axis, and the power consumption 21 is plotted on the first y-axis. In the example, motion is detected during a time period 24, then during at least a first time period 25, the motion 20 has stopped or decreased to below a motion threshold 23, and at the end of the first time period 25, the power management unit 5 sets the intraoral scanner 1 to an idle mode. In the idle mode, the power management unit 5 is configured to turn off at least the projector unit 2, the image sensor 4, and the processor unit 8. The user can customize the idle mode to also include turning down the heater in the scanner 1 to reduce the temperature. Then, while in the idle mode and after a second time period 26 when there is no motion or the motion is just below the threshold 23, the power management unit 5 sets the scanner 1 to a sleep mode, which further reduces the power consumption of the scanner 1. In this mode, at least the image sensor 2, the projector unit 4, the processor unit 8, and the heater are turned off. Then, after a third time period 27, the power management unit 5 is configured to set the scanner 1 to a deep sleep mode, in which at least the projector unit 2, the image sensor 4, the processor unit 8, the wireless interface 9, and part of the motion sensor 3 are turned off. The motion sensor 3 includes a gyroscope and an accelerometer, and in the deep sleep mode, the gyroscope is turned off. In this example, the scanner 1 is in sleep mode during the fourth time period 28, but in another example, the power management unit 5 can be configured to set the scanner 1 to an off mode, in which all components except the user interface of the scanner 1 are turned off. The user interface is required to turn on the scanner 1. The off mode can be set during a fifth time period after the fourth time period 28. During the fourth time period 28, the motion sensor 3 detects motion, but the motion does not exceed the threshold 23, so the power management unit 3 does not set the scanner 1 to the scanner mode. In different modes, it can be seen that the power consumption of the scanner 1 is reduced.

[0139] exist Figure 2B In , the motion threshold 23 is set to about 0, i.e., corresponding to almost no motion. Figure 2A Similarly, during time period 24, the motion sensor detects motion, while no motion is detected during the first time period 25. Then, just before the first time period 25 and during the second time period 26, the motion sensor 3 detects a small motion, and the power management unit 5 does not reduce the power consumption. Then, no motion is detected during the third, fourth and fifth time periods (27, 28, 29), and the power consumption is gradually reduced, and then just before the fifth time period 29 and during the sixth time period 30, a small motion is detected, which is sufficient for the power management unit 5 to set the scanner 1 to scanner mode.

[0140] The time period may be determined starting from the time when no motion is detected.

[0141] When the scanner 1 enters different low power modes, such as idle, sleep or deep sleep mode, the power management unit 5 is configured to shut down components of the intraoral scanner after each of one or more time periods has elapsed. The setting of each mode, i.e., including shutting down components or setting components to low power mode, implies a trade-off between a fast transition time from low power mode to scanner mode and a maximum reduction in power consumption of the scanner 1. The recommended setting of the low power mode already includes this trade-off.

[0142] Each component of the intraoral scanner 1 can be turned off in sequence or in groups. The reduction in power consumption includes gradually turning off one or more components of the components of the intraoral scanner after each of one or more time periods (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33), and wherein each of the one or more groups includes one or more components of the intraoral scanner 1.

[0143] Figure 3A and 3B An example of a scanner 1 including a temperature sensor 10 is shown. Figure 3B , it can be seen that the scanner enters low power mode in the second time period 26 because the detected temperature 30 is above the temperature threshold (Tth). In another example, the power management unit 5 is configured to set the intraoral scanner 1 to low power mode when motion is detected because the wireless signal is lost, which means that there is no available WIFI or Bluetooth connection, or the scanner 1 has lost connection with the external device.

[0144] Figure 4A scanner 1 is shown, which includes a heater 13, a user interface 11 and a vibrator unit 12. The heater is configured to heat a scanning window of the scanner 1, which is arranged at the end of the scanner 1, where light from the projector unit 2 is projected from the scanner 1 onto a dental object such as a tooth or gum. The heating of the scanning window prevents fogging from being generated on the scanning window during scanning of a patient. In a low power mode, the heater can be turned off or reduced to provide a lower heating temperature. The vibrator unit 12 is configured to apply vibration to the intraoral scanner 1 for one or more time periods. The vibrator unit 12 can be activated when the motion sensor 3 detects that the intraoral scanner 1 is moving. The vibrator 12 can be activated briefly at certain time intervals. The activation can be between 1 and 10 seconds, and the time interval between each activation can be between 20 seconds and 180 seconds. The user interface 11 can include one or more buttons, a touch pad, a capacitive switch, or the user interface 11 can be provided externally by an external device. For example, the user can control the scanner 1 through a computer or a smart phone that wirelessly communicates with the scanner 1. The user interface comprising at least one button is configured to forward a short button press signal or a long button press signal to the power management unit 5, and the short button press signal corresponds to a button press occurring during a shorter time period than for the long button press signal. The short button press signal corresponds to turning on the intraoral scanner and / or setting the intraoral scanner to a scanning mode, while the long button press signal turns off the intraoral scanner.

[0145] Figure 5 A power management unit 5 is shown. In this example, the power management unit 5 is configured to set the intraoral scanner 1 to the following five different modes:

[0146] = Off mode 54, in which all components of the scanner are turned off, except for the user interface 11,

[0147] a scanning mode 55 in which the motion signal comprises information about the motion of the intraoral scanner 1 above a motion threshold,

[0148] an idle mode 51 , in which the motion signal comprises information about a motion of the intraoral scanner 1 below a motion threshold during a first time period,

[0149] a sleep mode 52, wherein the motion signal comprises information about motion of the intraoral scanner 1 below the motion threshold during a second time period, wherein the second time period is longer than the first time period, and

[0150] a deep sleep mode 53, wherein the motion signal comprises information about motion of the intraoral scanner 1 below the motion threshold during a third time period, wherein the third time period is longer than the second time period, and

[0151] The first time period, the second time period and the third time period are parts of one or more time periods.

[0152] Figure 6 An example of a power management unit 1 is shown, which is configured to set the intraoral scanner 1 to a main power mode 61, which prevents the intraoral scanner 1 from entering a low power mode, such as an idle mode, a sleep mode, a deep sleep mode and / or an off mode. In this example, no motion is detected from a first time period 25, but because the main power mode 61 is on, the scanner does not enter the low power mode. At the moment when the main power mode 61 is turned off, if no motion is detected or the motion is below the motion threshold 23, the scanner enters the low power mode.

[0153] The power management unit 5 is configured to receive a master signal that determines the power mode of the intraoral scanner regardless of the motion signal and the timer signal. The master signal includes one or more of the following signals:

[0154] A wireless signal received by the wireless interface 9, wherein the wireless signal includes information about a lost connection with the external device;

[0155] - a radio interface signal provided by the radio interface, and wherein the radio interface signal comprises information about the lost radio connection; and

[0156] A temperature signal provided by a temperature sensor 10 of the intraoral scanner, and wherein the temperature signal comprises information about a temperature of the intraoral scanner 1 being above a temperature threshold.

[0157] Fig. 7A , 7B 7C show examples in which the power management unit 5 is configured to set the intraoral scanner 1 to a scanning mode if the motion corresponds to a predefined direction or pattern associated with an intended use of the intraoral scanner 1. The direction or pattern may be determined relative to a first longitudinal axis 71 that propagates in the longitudinal direction of the scanner 1. Additionally, a reference axis 70 is required. When the scanner 1 is placed on a table or stand, the reference axis 70 propagates in the longitudinal direction of the scanner 1. The reference axis 70 may be calibrated when no motion is detected or during startup of the scanner 1. The direction and / or motion pattern of the scanner 1 may be determined by an angle 72 between the first longitudinal axis 71 and the reference axis 70. In Fig. 7A In , angle 72 is approximately zero, indicating that the scanner is in a static position, i.e., not being intentionally used. Figure 7B In the embodiment, the scanner 1 is tilted so that the angle 72 is lower than the minimum angle (θmin), for example -5 degrees, and wherein the minimum angle is -4 degrees, and in the embodiment Figure 7C In , the scanner 1 is tilted so that the angle 72 is higher than the maximum angle (θmax). Figure 7B and 7CIn the example shown, a tilt angle span greater than the angle span defined by the minimum angle (θmin) and the maximum angle (θmax) will cause the scanner 1 to be activated, i.e., the scanner enters the scanning mode. When walking with the scanner, the tilt angle span is in most cases within the angle span defined by the minimum angle and the maximum angle, so the scanner 1 is not activated, i.e., the scanner remains in the low power mode. In another example, the scanner 1 can be tilted so that the angle 72 is approximately 90 degrees, thereby activating the scanner 1. In both examples, the direction and / or movement pattern of the scanner 1 sets the scanner 1 to the scanning mode. Figure 8 A state diagram showing different power modes that can be set by the power management unit 5. The scanner 1 can be in a scanning mode 80, which can be a normal scanning mode, in which the projector unit is configured to emit white light, a fluorescent mode, in which the projector unit is configured to emit colored light, an invisible mode, in which the projector unit is configured to emit infrared or near infrared light, or a mode in which the projector unit is configured to emit white light, colored light and / or light of IR / NIR wavelengths. The power management unit 5 sets the scanner 1 to an idle mode 81 or back to the scanning mode 80 from the idle mode 81 by pressing a button or an external device 80A (e.g., a computer including an application for communicating with the scanner 1). The power management unit 5 is configured to set the scanner 1 to a sleep mode 82 after being in the idle mode 81 if the motion sensor 3 does not detect motion during a period of several seconds or the motion is below the motion threshold 23. Likewise, the power management unit 5 is configured to set the scanner 1 back to the idle mode 81 from the sleep mode 82 by the user interface 11 (e.g., pressing a button or an external device). Furthermore, if the motion sensor 3 detects no motion or the motion is below the motion threshold 23 during a period of a few seconds, the power management unit 5 is configured to set the scanner 1 to a deep sleep mode 83 and to set the scanner back to sleep mode 82 if the accelerometer 3 detects motion or if the user interacts with the user interface 11, such as pressing a button on the scanner 1. If the scanner 1 does not move during the next few seconds, the power management unit 5 sets the scanner 1 to an off mode 84. Fig. 9 The arrangement of the different components (2, 3, 4, 9, 11, 13, 100, 101, 102) of the scanner 1 in different modes is described. The encoder is a video encoder.

[0158] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein for specific embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any (one or more) parts / (one or more) units that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to appear or become more significant should not be interpreted as key, essential, or necessary features or parts / elements of any or all claims or the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims, wherein, unless explicitly stated, references to singular parts / units / elements are not intended to mean "one and only one", but "one or more". A claim can refer to any of the preceding claims, and "any" is understood to mean "any one or more" in the preceding claims.

[0159] Structural features of the apparatus described above in the detailed description and / or in the claims can be combined with steps of the method when appropriately replaced by corresponding processes.

[0160] As used, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well (i.e., have the meaning of "at least one"), unless expressly stated otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "includes", "comprises", "including", and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or combinations thereof. It will also be understood that, unless expressly stated otherwise, when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, the element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, but there may also be intermediate elements. In addition, "connected" or "coupled" as used herein may include wireless connections or couplings. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the steps of any disclosed method are not limited to the exact order described herein.

[0161] It should be understood that throughout this specification, references to "one embodiment" or "embodiment" or "aspect" or features included as "may" mean that the particular features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with this embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be appropriately combined. The previous description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0162] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claim language, wherein, unless otherwise specifically stated, elements referred to in the singular are not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more.

Claims

1. An intraoral scanner, comprising: A projector unit configured to emit light at least onto a dental object of a patient; ● an image sensor configured to acquire reflected light from at least said dental object; A battery for powering the intraoral scanner; A processor unit configured to process the reflected light into one or more 2D images and / or 3D images; a wireless interface configured to communicate the one or more 2D images and / or 3D images with an external device, ● a motion sensor configured to sense motion of the intraoral scanner; ● a timer unit; and ●A power management unit configured to reduce the power consumption of the intraoral scanner based on a motion signal provided by the motion sensor and a timer signal provided by the timer unit, wherein the motion signal includes information about the movement of the intraoral scanner, wherein the movement is below a motion threshold during one or more time periods, and after each of the one or more time periods, the power consumption is gradually reduced.

2. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1, wherein: The power consumption reduction includes setting the intraoral scanner to a different power mode based on the motion signal and the timer signal after each of the one or more time periods.

3. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1, wherein: The power consumption reduction includes gradually shutting down components of the intraoral scanner after each of the one or more time periods.

4. The intraoral scanner according to claim 3, wherein: The power consumption reduction includes gradually shutting down one or more groups of components of the intraoral scanner after each of the one or more time periods, and wherein each of the one or more groups includes one or more components of the intraoral scanner.

5. An intraoral scanner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The motion sensor includes at least an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

6. The intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein: The different modes include: a scanning mode, wherein the motion signal comprises information about the motion of the intraoral scanner above a motion threshold, an idle mode, wherein the motion signal comprises information about a motion of the intraoral scanner below a motion threshold during a first time period, a sleep mode, wherein the motion signal comprises information about motion of the intraoral scanner below a motion threshold during a second time period, wherein the second time period is longer than the first time period, and a deep sleep mode, wherein the motion signal comprises information about motion of the intraoral scanner below a motion threshold during a third time period, wherein the third time period is longer than the second time period, and The first time period, the second time period and the third time period are part of the one or more time periods.

7. The intraoral scanner according to claim 6, wherein: The intraoral scanner comprises components and / or one or more groups of components, and the components include at least a projector unit, an image sensor, a processor unit, a wireless interface, a motion sensor, a timer unit and a power management unit.

8. The intraoral scanner according to claims 6 and 7, wherein: The scanning mode includes all components turned on.

9. The intraoral scanner according to claims 6 and 7, wherein: The idle mode includes at least the projector unit, the image sensor and the processor unit being turned off.

10. The intraoral scanner according to claim 9, wherein: The idle mode includes the heater of the intraoral scanner being configured to heat at a lower temperature than in the scanning mode.

11. The intraoral scanner according to claims 6 and 7, wherein: The sleep mode includes at least the image sensor, the projector unit, the processor unit, and the heater being turned off.

12. The intraoral scanner according to claims 6 and 7, wherein: The deep sleep mode includes at least the projector unit, the image sensor, the processor unit, the wireless interface and part of the motion sensor being turned off.

13. The intraoral scanner according to claims 5 and 12, wherein: The gyroscope is turned off and the accelerometer is turned on.

14. The intraoral scanner according to claim 6 includes a user interface, and when the power management unit receives a user interface signal from the user interface, if the intraoral scanner is in sleep mode or deep sleep mode, the power management unit is configured to set the intraoral scanner to scanning mode.

15. The intraoral scanner according to claim 6, wherein: The motion is above a motion threshold, and if the intraoral scanner is in an idle mode, the power management unit is configured to set the intraoral scanner to a scanning mode.

Images