Intraoral scanner system with digitally movable items and method for controlling appearance of digitally movable items

Abstract

In accordance with an embodiment, an intraoral scanner system is disclosed that includes a handheld intraoral scanner, one or more processors, and a graphical user interface. The one or more processors are configured to change an appearance of a digital movable item displayed in the graphical user interface when the digital movable item is positioned above a digital element of the displayed one or more digital elements, the processor is configured to reflect an instruction to modify an orientation or design of a digital 3D model of a dental object displayed in the graphical user interface, the instruction being included in a digital element of the one or more digital elements displayed in the graphical user interface. According to an embodiment, a method for performing a change in appearance of the digital removable item is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an intraoral scanner system with digitally movable items and a method for controlling the appearance of the digitally movable items, the appearance of which is adaptable to assist the user of the intraoral scanner system. Specifically, this disclosure relates to a digitally movable item (e.g., a cursor) displayed in the system's graphical user interface, the digitally movable item being wirelessly controlled by the system's handheld intraoral scanner and configured to change its appearance to indicate an action to be performed when the handheld intraoral scanner's user interface is activated. Background Technology

[0002] When using a handheld intraoral scanner to scan a patient's teeth, it is important to ensure that the scanner does not come into contact with surfaces other than those necessary for performing the scan, such as the surfaces of other equipment, devices, clothing, or body parts other than the teeth being scanned. This is to ensure that the handheld scanner is not contaminated, or that an already contaminated scanner does not contaminate other surfaces.

[0003] However, dentists may want to control the scanning process or adjust parameters during the scan, and therefore may need to use other devices, such as a computer mouse or touchscreen, when performing the scan.

[0004] Placing a handheld intraoral scanner on a stand, cleaning your hands or removing sanitary gloves, controlling or adjusting other equipment, and then cleaning your hands again or putting on new sanitary gloves is a tedious and time-consuming process. Therefore, a handheld intraoral scanner with the ability to remotely control the movement of digitally movable items (such as a cursor) is more ideal if you want to avoid repeatedly cleaning your hands during a patient's scan.

[0005] However, due to the distance between the display unit of the graphical user interface (GUI) and the dentist performing the scan on the patient, remotely controlling digital movable items (such as the cursor) on the GUI using a handheld intraoral scanner can be difficult for some dentists to discern. To overcome this problem, digital movable items (such as the cursor) are designed to be relatively large so that they can be seen from a distance; however, experience shows that relatively large icons can hinder dentists from viewing the digital elements they wish to select in the GUI. Other operations in the GUI, such as trimming a digital 3D model of a dental object, may require relatively precise movements, and using relatively large digital movable items can be difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide an intraoral scanner system configured to change the appearance of a digitally movable item (e.g., a cursor) when it is at least partially positioned above a digital element on a graphical user interface configured to display a digital 3D model of a dental object. The intraoral scanner system can also be configured to change the appearance of the digitally movable item to reflect an applied instruction when a handheld intraoral scanner configured to remotely control the digitally movable item in the graphical user interface is used to select a digital element.

[0007] Changing the appearance of at least a portion of a digital movable item to reflect the instructions of a digital element improves guidance or assistance for the user in selecting the correct digital element from one or more digital elements. Due to changes in the shape and transparency of the digital movable item, users of an intraoral scanner who would otherwise be unable to see selectable digital elements in the graphical user interface (GUI) will be able to view the digital elements. For example, the digital movable item can become smaller or transparent when close to a digital element. In another example, the appearance of the digital movable item can mimic the digital element that is closest to or overlaps with it in the GUI, thus making the digital element indirectly visible. The user of the system may be standing at a distance from the GUI, which may prevent them from clearly viewing the details of the GUI and therefore distinguishing the digital elements within it. In such cases, the system is further beneficial because the digital movable item can increase in size when positioned above a digital element and simultaneously change its appearance to reflect the instructions of the digital element. The system allows for increased usability, guidance, or assistance for the user of the intraoral scanner system.

[0008] In situations where a computer mouse can be used to move digital movable items, due to the short communication range of the computer mouse, the user will be positioned within a range of the display unit that allows them to easily see the digital movable items and one or more digital elements on the graphical user interface. Therefore, the user will not face problems similar to those encountered in scanning scenarios where the user is far from the graphical user interface.

[0009] According to the aforementioned aspect, an intraoral scanner system is provided. The system can be configured to display a digital 3D model of a dental object. The system may include a handheld intraoral scanner configured to acquire light information reflected from the dental object. The dental object may be a tooth, a portion of a tooth, a maxilla or mandible or a portion thereof, an entire dentition, or a gingiva or a portion of a gingiva. The handheld intraoral scanner may be configured to emit light, such as visible light, infrared light, or near-infrared light, from a light source within the handheld intraoral scanner, such as an LED (light-emitting diode).

[0010] A handheld intraoral scanner may include one or more light projectors configured to generate an illumination pattern to be projected onto a three-dimensional dental object during a scanning session. The light projectors may include a light source, a mask with a spatial pattern, and one or more lenses, such as collimating lenses or projection lenses. The light source may be configured to generate light of a single wavelength or a combination of wavelengths (monochromatic or polychromatic). Wavelength combinations can be generated using a light source configured to produce light including different wavelengths (e.g., white light). Alternatively, the light projectors may include multiple light sources, such as LEDs, that individually produce light of different wavelengths (e.g., red, green, and blue), which can be combined to form light including different wavelengths. Thus, the light produced by the light source can be defined by wavelengths that define a specific color or by a series of different wavelengths that define color combinations such as white light. In one embodiment, the scanning device includes a light source configured to excite fluorescent material in the teeth to obtain fluorescence data from the dental object. Such a light source may be configured to produce a narrow wavelength range. In another embodiment, the light from the light source is infrared (IR) light capable of penetrating dental tissue. One or more light projectors may be DLP projectors that use a micromirror array to generate time-varying patterns, or diffractive optical elements (DOF), or backlit mask projectors in which a light source is placed behind a mask having a spatial pattern, thereby patterning the light projected onto the surface of a dental object. A backlit 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 such that the generated illumination pattern is a checkerboard pattern. Alternatively, the mask may have features of other patterns, such as lines or dots.

[0011] A handheld intraoral scanner can be configured to acquire light information reflected from a dental object using an image sensor disposed within the handheld intraoral scanner. The light information can be scan data, such as intraoral scan data. The light information can be intraoral scan data that may include two-dimensional information about the dental object. The two-dimensional information may include geometric information and may include color information. The two-dimensional information may include fluorescence information. Fluorescence information can be acquired by a handheld intraoral scanner including a light source configured to excite fluorescent materials of the tooth to obtain fluorescence information. The fluorescence information can be used for the diagnosis of diseases related to dental objects such as teeth. Such a light source can be configured to produce a narrow wavelength range. The light from the light source can be infrared (IR) light or near-infrared (NIR) light capable of penetrating dental tissue. Infrared light penetrating dental tissue can provide information about the dental tissue, which may be the inner region of the dental object, such as the inner region of dentin or gingiva.

[0012] The optical components of a handheld intraoral scanner are used to guide light information toward one or more image sensors. This light information is light reflected from a dental object in response to illumination of the dental object, and may include geometric and / or color information associated with the dental object. The image sensors(s) of the handheld intraoral scanner can be configured to generate multiple images based on incoming light information received from the illuminated dental object. The handheld intraoral scanner includes one or more image sensors configured to acquire a set of images. This set of images may include multiple two-dimensional (2D) images, such as one image per image sensor in the one or more image sensors. The one or more image sensors can be configured to acquire multiple images within the set of images approximately simultaneously. As an example, the handheld intraoral scanner may include four or more image sensors configured to acquire the set of images. The handheld intraoral scanner may further include one or more processors configured to generate a digital 3D model of at least a portion of the dental object, wherein the digital 3D model is generated based on the set of images. As an example, the digital 3D model can be generated by triangulation of defined image features in the images within a given set of images.

[0013] One or more image sensors can be very high-speed image sensors, such as those configured to acquire images for 2D images and for 3D subscans with exposure times less than 1 / 1000 of a second or frame rates exceeding 250 frames per second (fps). One or more image sensors can be high-speed image sensors with frame rates exceeding 50 fps. As an example, one or more image sensors can be rolling shutter or global shutter sensors. As an example, one or more image sensors can be CMOS sensors. One or more image sensors can be monochrome sensors, including color filter arrays such as Bayer filters and / or additional filters, which can be configured to substantially remove one or more color components from the reflected light information and retain only the remaining components before converting the reflected light information into an electrical signal. For example, such additional filters can be used to remove specific portions of the white light spectrum, such as the blue component, and retain only the red and green components from the signal generated in response to the excitation of fluorescent materials on teeth. Furthermore, such additional filters can be used to remove wavelength components corresponding to infrared light.

[0014] An intraoral scanner system may include one or more processors. One or more processors may be operatively connected to a handheld intraoral scanner. One or more processors may be configured to determine surface information from optical information in real time and use the surface information to generate a digital 3D model (e.g., a three-dimensional surface model) of the dental object. One or more processors may be configured to process optical information into a digital 3D model of the dental object.

[0015] One or more processors may include a single processor having one or more processor cores, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). One or more processors may include more than one processor, such as multiple CPUs, such as a processing cluster, where each of the multiple CPUs includes one or more processor cores. The handheld intraoral scanner and the one or more processors may be separate entities, which allows the processing of optical information or intraoral scan data to occur outside the intraoral scanner and thus allows the use of remote resources or cloud-based processing.

[0016] Therefore, all or some of the one or more processors can be located inside a handheld intraoral scanner, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or a smart display unit. All or some of the one or more processors can be remotely located in a remote server, such as a cloud-based server operatively connected to the handheld intraoral scanner via cable or wireless connection. The one or more processors can be further distributed among two or more of the arrangements mentioned above. For example, some of the one or more processors can be located in the handheld intraoral scanner as CPUs (central processing units), while others can be located in a computer located near the handheld intraoral scanner. The computer and the handheld intraoral scanner can be in the same clinic, and yet another set of processors can be located in a remote server and connected to the handheld intraoral scanner or desktop computer via the Internet.

[0017] An intraoral scanner system may include a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI can be displayed on the display unit of the intraoral scanner system. The display unit can be a laptop computer screen, tablet screen, smartphone screen, or computer screen. The GUI can be controlled by one or more processors. The GUI can be configured to display digital 3D models, digital movable items, and one or more digital elements, such as icons, number buttons, etc. Digital movable items can be cursors.

[0018] A handheld intraoral scanner may include motion sensors. The motion sensors may include a gyroscope and / or an accelerometer. The gyroscope can provide information related to the orientation of the handheld intraoral scanner. The accelerometer can provide information related to the movement of the handheld intraoral scanner. The motion sensors can be configured to provide motion signals from the gyroscope and accelerometer, respectively, related to the orientation and / or movement of the handheld intraoral scanner.

[0019] One or more processors can be configured to receive motion signals from a motion sensor. One or more processors can be configured to control the movement of a digitally movable item based on the motion signals. One or more processors can be configured to receive motion signals from the motion sensor in real time and process the received motion signals to obtain real-time information about the orientation and / or movement of a handheld intraoral scanner. One or more processors can be configured to translate the physical movement of the handheld intraoral scanner into digital movement of a digitally movable item in a graphical user interface. One or more processors can, for example, receive a motion signal with information that the handheld intraoral scanner has moved to the right, and one or more processors can then move a digitally movable item (e.g., a cursor) to the right.

[0020] Each of the one or more digital elements may include instructions to modify the position or design of the digital 3D model. The position may include the orientation or location of the digital 3D model on a graphical user interface. Instructions for each of the one or more digital elements may be stored in the data storage area of ​​the intraoral scanner system, such as in the memory of a computer, tablet, or server operatively connected to the intraoral scanner system. Instructions may be any orientation, modification, or visualization operation known in the art, such as, but not limited to, moving, rotating, extending, trimming, scaling, capturing live images, copying, selecting, drawing, adding information, or changing color. One or more processors may be configured to apply instructions to the digital 3D model when a corresponding digital element among the one or more digital elements has been selected. The one or more digital elements may be selected by interacting with the user interface of the handheld intraoral scanner when the digital movable item is positioned above a digital element among the one or more digital elements in the graphical user interface. The user interface of the handheld intraoral scanner may include digital or physical buttons. Interaction may be facilitated through the user interface of the handheld intraoral scanner. If a digital movable item is at least partially positioned above digital elements in a graphical user interface and the user interacts with the user interface of a handheld intraoral scanner, one or more processors can then be configured to apply instructions corresponding to the digital elements in the one or more digital elements to the digital 3D model. Applying instructions to the digital elements may result in changes to the appearance of the digital movable item that mimics the instructions.

[0021] Changing the appearance of at least a portion of a digital movable item to reflect the instructions for selecting the correct digital element improves user guidance or assistance in selecting the correct digital element from one or more digital elements. Due to changes in the shape and transparency of the digital movable item, users of an intraoral scanner who would otherwise be unable to see the selectable digital elements in the graphical user interface (GUI) will be able to view the digital elements. For example, the digital movable item can become smaller or transparent when close to the digital element. In another example, the appearance of the digital movable item can mimic the digital element that is closest to or overlaps with it in the GUI, thus making the digital element indirectly visible. The user of the system may be standing at a distance from the GUI, which may prevent them from clearly viewing the details of the GUI and therefore distinguishing the digital elements within it. In such cases, the system is further beneficial because the digital movable item can increase in size when positioned above the digital element and simultaneously change its appearance to reflect the instructions for the digital element. The system allows for increased usability, user guidance, or assistance with the intraoral scanner system.

[0022] At least a portion of a digital movable item can be configured to change its appearance when moved above or toward a digital element among one or more digital elements. One or more processors can be configured to change the appearance of the digital movable item. The appearance may reflect instructions of the digital elements among one or more digital elements. One or more processors can be configured to obtain information about the instructions and change the appearance of the digital movable item to reflect the instructions. One or more processors can be configured to change the appearance of the digital movable item in terms of shape (e.g., copying the shape of the digital element or an image of the digital element), content (e.g., changing an image or icon reflecting the instructions of the digital element), color, transparency, size, or adding dynamics (e.g., simulating the functionality of the instructions) or information (e.g., text, numbers, symbols). The instructions may include information that changes the appearance of the digital movable item when it is moved above or toward a digital element including the instructions. The instructions may include information that modifies the orientation and / or design of a digital 3D model, and information that changes the appearance of the digital movable item when it is moved above or toward a digital element including the instructions.

[0023] For example, if one or more of the digital elements is a trim or cut tool, then when a movable digital item is moved at least partially over said digital element: - The shape can be changed to scissors; - The content can be changed to include an image of scissors; - It can become at least partially transparent, making the digital elements in one or more digital elements at least partially visible below or behind the digital movable item; - It can be made smaller, making one or more of the digit elements at least partially visible; or - It can move with a pattern that simulates cutting scissors and / or display dynamic patterns with the letters "scissor" or "cut".

[0024] If a selected digital element among one or more digital elements includes an instruction to perform cutting in a digital 3D model, the digital movable item can change its appearance to mimic scissors or change to a circle of default size, and can be configured to perform cutting in a digital 3D model based on a default size, which can be a standard size that can be a predefined size.

[0025] If a digital movable item is positioned above one or more digital elements that include instructions to perform a smaller cut than the default cut size in the digital 3D model, the digital movable item can become smaller, thus indicating that a smaller cut can be achieved if this digital element is selected.

[0026] In another example, if a selected number element among one or more number elements includes an instruction for adding color, the movable number item can change its color to the color of the instruction of the number element among one or more number elements.

[0027] In yet another example, a digitally movable item can change its size and shape to resemble scissors. When the digitally movable item is positioned at that specific location in the graphical user interface while simultaneously pressing the user interface of a handheld intraoral scanner, the user viewing the graphical user interface of the handheld intraoral scanner from a distance will experience improved visibility of the content that may appear. In this example, this appearance will enable a cutting tool to cut or trim the digital 3D model.

[0028] Changing the appearance of at least a portion of a digital movable item to reflect the instructions for selecting the correct digital element improves user guidance or assistance in selecting the correct digital element from one or more digital elements. Due to changes in the shape and transparency of the digital movable item, users of an intraoral scanner who would otherwise be unable to see the selectable digital elements in the graphical user interface (GUI) will be able to view the digital elements. For example, the digital movable item can become smaller or transparent when close to the digital element. In another example, the appearance of the digital movable item can mimic the digital element that is closest to or overlaps with it in the GUI, thus making the digital element indirectly visible. The user of the system may be standing at a distance from the GUI, which may prevent them from clearly viewing the details of the GUI and therefore distinguishing the digital elements within it. In such cases, the system is further beneficial because the digital movable item can increase in size when positioned above the digital element and simultaneously change its appearance to reflect the instructions for the digital element. The system allows for increased usability, user guidance, or assistance with the intraoral scanner system.

[0029] Therefore, an intraoral scanner system is provided, which can be configured to alter the appearance of a digitally movable item corresponding to instructions relating to a digital 3D model of a dental object. The system may include a handheld intraoral scanner configured to acquire light information reflected from the dental object. The handheld intraoral scanner may include a motion sensor. The intraoral scanner system may include one or more processors configured to process the light information into a digital 3D model of the dental object. The one or more processors may be configured to receive motion signals from the motion sensor.

[0030] An intraoral scanner system may include a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to display a digital 3D model, a digital movable item, and one or more digital elements. Each of the one or more digital elements may include instructions to modify the orientation or design of the digital 3D model. One or more processors may be configured to control the movement of the digital movable item based on motion signals. At least a portion of the digital movable item may be configured to change its appearance when moved above or toward one of the digital elements. The appearance may reflect the instructions of the one or more digital elements.

[0031] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a method for controlling the appearance of at least a portion of a digitally movable item (e.g., a cursor) on a graphical user interface configured to display a digital 3D model of a dental object when the digitally movable item is moved over a digital element. The appearance can be controlled to reflect instructions to be applied when the digital element is selected using a handheld intraoral scanner.

[0032] According to the aforementioned aspect, a method is provided for controlling the appearance of at least a portion of a digital movable item on a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface being configurable to display a digital 3D model of a dental object.

[0033] Dental objects can be teeth, parts of teeth, the upper or lower jaw or parts thereof, the entire dentition, gums or parts of gums.

[0034] Controlling the appearance of at least a portion of a digitally portable object can be performed by one or more processors. These processors may be at least partially located in a handheld intraoral scanner, a computer device such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, or tablet, or at least partially located in a server serving as cloud-based computing. The one or more processors can be configured to generate digital 3D models of dental objects. Furthermore, the one or more processors can be configured to generate digital 3D models of dental objects using optical information, such as intraoral scan data, which can be reflected from the dental object and acquired by the handheld intraoral scanner.

[0035] One or more processors can be configured to display a generated digital 3D model of a dental object on a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface can be displayed on a display unit such as a computer screen or tablet and can be operatively connected to one or more processors.

[0036] The graphical user interface can be configured to display one or more digital elements, such as icons, which include instructions related to actions to be performed on a digital 3D model of a dental object. Icons can be selectable digital tools. The graphical user interface can also be configured to display digitally movable items, such as cursors.

[0037] The method may include receiving motion signals from the motion sensor of a handheld intraoral scanner.

[0038] A handheld intraoral scanner may include a motion sensor. The motion sensor may include a gyroscope configured to provide information about the rotation of the handheld intraoral scanner. The motion sensor may also include an accelerometer configured to provide information about the movement of the handheld intraoral scanner. The motion sensor may be configured to provide motion signals that can provide information related to the rotation and / or movement of the handheld intraoral scanner.

[0039] The method may include controlling the movement of digital movable items on a graphical user interface.

[0040] The movement of digitally movable items can be controlled based on the received motion signals.

[0041] One or more processors can receive motion signals and move digital movable items (such as cursors) in a graphical user interface based on the received motion signals.

[0042] The method may include changing the appearance of at least a portion of a digital movable item when it is moved at least partially to a position above one or more digital elements. The appearance change can occur when at least a portion of the digital movable item is positioned above or toward a digital element. The appearance change may be performed by one or more processors. The appearance change may include altering the shape, content, size, color, or transparency of the digital movable item.

[0043] Digital elements can include instructions for modifying the orientation or design of a digital 3D model and can be displayed on a graphical user interface. A digital element can be one or more digital elements. A digital element can include instructions for performing modifications to the digital 3D model, such as trimming, cutting, adding, rotating, moving, copying, scaling, capturing live images, etc. Instructions can be stored in a data storage area, such as a computer's memory unit, or on a server. Instructions can be applied when the user interface of a handheld intraoral scanner receives user interaction, such as pressing a digital or physical button on the user interface when a digital movable item is positioned above or toward the digital element containing the instructions.

[0044] The appearance can reflect the instructions of one or more digital elements. When a movable digital item is positioned above or moves toward a digital element, its appearance can change according to the instructions of the digital element. One or more processors can obtain information about the instructions and change the appearance of the movable digital item to reflect them. One or more processors can change the appearance of the movable digital item in terms of shape (e.g., copying the shape of the digital element or an image of the digital element), content (e.g., changing the image or icon that reflects the instructions of the digital element), color, transparency, size, or add dynamics (e.g., simulating the functionality of the instructions) or information (e.g., text, numbers, symbols).

[0045] For example, one or more digital elements are drawing tools used, for example, to draw lines or mark areas on a digital 3D model. When a movable digital item is within the range of a digital element that allows the movable digital item to select the digital element, the shape of the movable digital item is changed to, for example, a brush or crayon. If the movable digital item is positioned above a digital element that includes instructions to perform line drawing that is thinner than the default line thickness, the movable digital item can become smaller, thereby indicating that the line drawing is thinner than the default line drawing thickness.

[0046] When a movable digital item is positioned above or moves toward a digital element, it alters the appearance of at least a portion of the movable digital item to reflect the instructions of the digital element. This allows users to improve guidance or assistance by making the actionable content visible when the digital element is selected. Users of intraoral scanners who would otherwise be unable to view selectable digital elements in a graphical user interface can now view the digital elements through the movable digital items described above. This is because the movable digital items can become smaller or transparent, or users can anticipate digital elements hidden from their view, as the movable digital items can change their content or shape to reflect the instructions of the digital elements hidden behind them. The method is further advantageous because users may stand at a distance from the graphical user interface, which may prevent them from clearly viewing the details of the graphical user interface and thus distinguishing the digital elements within it. Since the movable digital item can increase in size when positioned above a digital element and simultaneously change its appearance to reflect the instructions of the digital element, the method allows for increased usability, guidance, or assistance for the user.

[0047] Changing the appearance of at least a portion of a digital movable item to reflect the instructions for selecting the correct digital element improves user guidance or assistance in selecting the correct digital element from one or more digital elements. Due to changes in the shape and transparency of the digital movable item, users of an intraoral scanner who would otherwise be unable to see the selectable digital elements in the graphical user interface (GUI) will be able to view the digital elements. For example, the digital movable item can become smaller or transparent when close to the digital element. In another example, the appearance of the digital movable item can mimic the digital element that is closest to or overlaps with it in the GUI, thus making the digital element indirectly visible. The user of the system may be standing at a distance from the GUI, which may prevent them from clearly viewing the details of the GUI and therefore distinguishing the digital elements within it. In such cases, the system is further beneficial because the digital movable item can increase in size when positioned above the digital element and simultaneously change its appearance to reflect the instructions for the digital element. The system allows for increased usability, user guidance, or assistance with the intraoral scanner system.

[0048] Therefore, a method is provided for controlling the appearance of at least a portion of a digitally movable item on a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface being configured to display a digital 3D model of a dental object. The method may include receiving motion signals from a motion sensor of a handheld intraoral scanner. The method may also include controlling the movement of the digitally movable item on the graphical user interface, the control being based on the received motion signals.

[0049] The method may include changing the appearance of at least a portion of a digital movable item when it is moved at least partially to a position above one or more digital elements, the digital elements including instructions to modify the orientation or design of a digital 3D model and which may be displayed on a graphical user interface.

[0050] The appearance can reflect the instructions of one or more digital elements.

[0051] Changes to the appearance may include changes to the transparency of at least a portion of the digital portable item.

[0052] For example, a movable digital item can become partially transparent when positioned above a digital element. In this example, the movable digital item could be a cursor, and the digital element could be, for example, a live image capture tool that can be displayed as a camera. The movable digital item (i.e., the cursor) can be partially transparent, such as visually faded, and the digital element (i.e., the camera) can become visible behind the movable digital item. The level of transparency of the movable digital item can be determined based on coordinates provided by a motion sensor of a handheld intraoral scanner. For example, one or more processors can be configured to determine which digital element the user of the system wants to select with the movable digital item. For example, one or more processors use the speed and orientation of the movable digital item provided by the motion sensor of the handheld intraoral scanner to determine which digital element the user wants to select with the movable digital item. One or more processors are further configured to change the level of transparency of the movable digital item when it approaches a digital element that has been identified by one or more processors as a digital element that the user wants to select. The transparency increases as the distance between the movable digital item and the digital element decreases.

[0053] Changing the appearance of digital movable items to be at least partially transparent can allow for improved guidance and assistance in viewing digital elements in a graphical user interface, as this feature allows digital elements to be visible even when they are behind digital movable items in the graphical user interface.

[0054] A handheld intraoral scanner may include a user interface that can be configured to facilitate user interaction with a graphical user interface. When interaction is facilitated through the user interface, instructions to modify the orientation or design of the digital 3D model can be applied.

[0055] User interactions with the graphical user interface can be received from the user interface of the handheld intraoral scanner. When user interactions are received from the user interface, instructions to modify the orientation or design of the digital 3D model can be applied.

[0056] The user interface can be positioned on the surface of a handheld intraoral scanner and can include digital buttons (e.g., a touchscreen) and / or physical buttons. When a digital movable item is positioned above a digital element in the graphical user interface, instructions for the digital element can be applied when the user interface receives user interaction, such as pressing a button. If a digital movable item is positioned above a digital element in the graphical user interface, one or more processors can receive user interaction with the user interface, and subsequently, one or more processors can execute instructions for the digital element.

[0057] For example, a digitally movable item can be partially positioned above digital elements that include instructions for rotating a digital 3D model. One or more processors can register user interactions with the user interface of a handheld intraoral scanner (e.g., pressing a physical button on the user interface of the handheld intraoral scanner), after which one or more processors can execute instructions to rotate the digital 3D model.

[0058] Interacting with a user interface and graphical user interface (GUI) using a handheld intraoral scanner allows users to perform digital operations on digital 3D models within the GUI without having to use other devices such as a computer mouse or touch the screen displaying the GUI, thereby improving hygiene during the scanning session.

[0059] Interactions involving commands in a graphical user interface can include any of the following: selecting one or more digital elements, rotating a digital 3D model, selecting options, selecting digital tools, and / or browsing different views of the graphical user interface.

[0060] Users can, for example, browse the menu of the graphical user interface to rotate the digital 3D model, or select a digital element with instructions to add a drawing to the digital 3D model, and then select a digital element with instructions to choose a color for the added drawing by moving the digital movable item over the desired digital element, which is the aforementioned digital element, and by pressing the physical button of the user interface of the handheld intraoral scanner to apply the desired instructions (i.e., select the desired digital element).

[0061] A handheld intraoral scanner may include a wireless communication interface that can be configured to wirelessly control digital movable items on a graphical user interface.

[0062] A handheld intraoral scanner can be used to wirelessly control digital movable items on a graphical user interface.

[0063] The wireless communication interface may be a Wi-Fi interface, a Bluetooth component, or other wireless communication components known in the art. One or more processors may be configured to receive control input, such as motion signals, from a handheld intraoral scanner, and may be configured to control the movement of a digital movable item in a graphical user interface based on the received control input by sending and receiving information via the wireless communication interface. The display unit displaying the graphical user interface, the handheld intraoral scanner, and one or more processors are operatively connected to the wireless communication interface.

[0064] When at least a portion of a digital movable item is moved above or toward one of one or more digital elements, at least a portion of the digital movable item may be configured to change its appearance to one or more of the following: imitate, mimic, copy, resemble or represent the digital element; display symbols, text and / or numbers; change to a smaller size; change color; and / or fade or become at least partially transparent.

[0065] When a digital movable item is moved at least partially above a digital element, changing the appearance of at least a portion of that digital movable item may include one or more of the following: imitating, mimicking, copying, resembling or representing the digital element; displaying symbols, text and / or numbers; changing to a smaller size; changing color; and / or fading or becoming at least partially transparent.

[0066] One or more processors can be used to execute instructions based on the digital element to change the appearance of the digital movable item, which is positioned above the digital element.

[0067] At least a portion of a digital movable item can be configured to change its appearance to the default appearance when the digital movable item is not positioned above one or more digital elements or when instructions for a digital element are applied.

[0068] When a movable digital item is not positioned above a digital element or when instructions are applied to a digital element, at least part of the movable digital item's appearance can be changed to the default appearance.

[0069] For example, a movable digital item can appear in a default shape, such as a cursor shaped like an arrow. When the movable digital item is subsequently moved over a digital element that has an instruction to zoom in on a portion of the digital 3D model (such as a zoom function), the movable digital item can change its shape to a magnifying glass. The user can then press a physical button on the handheld intraoral scanner to apply the instruction. After the instruction has been applied, the cursor can change its appearance back to its default shape, which in this example could be an arrow. Alternatively, when the movable digital item's appearance has changed to a magnifying glass, it can be moved away from the digital element without applying an instruction by pressing a physical button, and the movable digital item can then change its appearance back to its default shape (i.e., an arrow).

[0070] One or more processors can be configured to change the appearance of at least a portion of a digitally movable item when a digital 3D model modification tool displayed in a graphical user interface is selected and the digitally movable item is moved within a predefined distance from the edge of the digital 3D model.

[0071] When the Digital 3D Model Modification Tool is selected and the digital movable item is moved within a predefined distance from the edge of the digital 3D model, at least part of the appearance of the digital movable item can be changed.

[0072] Digital 3D model modification tools can be cutting or trimming tools, adding tools for adding digital materials, drawings, objects or text to a digital 3D model, or any digital 3D model modification tools known in the art.

[0073] For example, in a graphical user interface, if a digital movable item is used to select a digital element, such as a cut tool, which may include instructions to cut parts of a digital 3D model, then when the digital movable item is moved within a distance of, for example, 5 times the length of the digital movable item, from any edge of the digital 3D model, the digital movable item can change its appearance to, for example, a scissors icon.

[0074] Changing the appearance of a digital movable item when it moves to a predefined distance from the edge of the digital 3D model allows instructions to be applied or modifications to be performed when it is already at the edge of the digital 3D model. This allows users to see, for example, where to perform trimming on the edge of the digital 3D model, rather than changing the appearance when the digital movable item has reached the edge of the digital 3D model.

[0075] At least part of a digital movable item can be configured to change its appearance to appear faded, become at least partially transparent, or change to a smaller size when the digital cut or trim tool is selected and the digital movable item is moved within a predefined proximity to the edge of the digital 3D model.

[0076] When the Digital 3D Model Modification tool is selected and the digital movable item is moved within a predefined distance from the edge of the digital 3D model, at least a portion of the digital movable item can be changed to appear faded, become at least partially transparent, or become smaller.

[0077] Changing the appearance of a digitally movable item to at least partially transparent, faded, or smaller in size allows users to view areas of the digital 3D model's edges that were originally hidden from the user's view, thus improving user assistance in performing modifications at the edges of the digital 3D model.

[0078] For example, if a digital element (i.e., a digital cut tool) is selected that includes instructions for performing a cut, and the digital movable item is moved toward an edge of the digital 3D model at approximately, for example, three times the length of the digital movable item, the digital movable item can become transparent, allowing the user to view areas at the edge of the digital 3D model that might be behind the digital movable item, areas that were originally hidden by the digital movable item. In another example, the digital movable item can become smaller, allowing the user to view areas at the edge of the digital 3D model behind the digital movable item, areas that were originally hidden by the digital movable item and therefore inaccessible to the user.

[0079] When a digital movable item is positioned above or moves toward one or more digital elements, at least a portion of the digital elements can be displayed in a graphical user interface, or a graphical representation of at least a portion of the digital elements can be displayed in a graphical user interface.

[0080] One or more processors can be configured to display a digital element in a graphical user interface (GUI) when a movable digital item is positioned above a digital element. The digital element can be displayed above the movable digital item, or it can be displayed at a larger size in another location within the GUI. Displaying the digital element when the movable digital item is positioned above the digital element allows the user to view the digital element selected using the user interface of a handheld intraoral scanner when the movable digital item is positioned above the digital element, thereby hiding the digital element. This feature can be beneficial when the user views the GUI from a distance that would prevent the user from viewing the details of the digital element in the GUI, as it either unhides the digital element (hidden behind the movable digital item) or increases the size of the digital element in the GUI.

[0081] For example, a user can use a handheld intraoral scanner to move a digitally movable item over a digital element on a graphical user interface. This digital element may include instructions to rotate a digital 3D model and may have a shape resembling a curved arrow. The user is standing in the clinic and relatively far from the display unit showing the digital 3D model in the graphical user interface, and therefore cannot distinguish whether the digital element covered by the movable item is a curved or straight arrow. The aforementioned feature can display the curved arrow and magnify its shape, allowing the user to recognize the digital element as having a certain shape or a curved arrow.

[0082] The instructions may include changing at least a portion of the appearance of a movable digital item to represent a digital element among one or more digital elements, making it smaller, or at least partially transparent, when the movable digital item is positioned above a digital element among one or more digital elements. The instructions may also include changing at least a portion of the appearance of a movable digital item to a graphically dynamic appearance when the movable digital item is positioned above a digital element among one or more digital elements.

[0083] Digital movable items can have a portion of their appearance altered, allowing for modification of only that part. For example, when positioned above a digital element with instructions to capture a live image of a digital 3D model, a digital movable item might include a shape where one part of the item has its default shape (e.g., an arrow), while another part has a shape mimicking a camera icon. This feature can aid in selecting the digital element even when only a portion of the movable item is on top of it.

[0084] Digital movable items can be further modified to have a dynamic appearance, such as dynamic patterns. For example, when a digital movable item is positioned above a digital element (trimming tool) that has instructions to perform a trimming operation on a digital 3D model, its appearance can be changed to move in a pattern that mimics the movement of cutting scissors.

[0085] Other aspects of this application will be recognized by those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the appended description. Attached Figure Description

[0086] The various aspects of this disclosure can be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they show only details used to improve the understanding of the claims, while other details are omitted. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts. Individual features of each aspect may be combined, respectively, with any or all features of other aspects. These and other aspects, features, and / or technical effects will become apparent from the description described below and will be elucidated with reference to the description described below, wherein: Figure 1 An intraoral scanner system, including a handheld intraoral scanner, a processor, and a graphical user interface, is illustrated schematically. Figure 2 This illustration demonstrates an example of how a movable digital item changes its appearance when moved over a digital element in a graphical user interface.

[0087] Figure 3 This illustrates another example of how a movable digital item changes its appearance when moved over another digital element in a graphical user interface.

[0088] Figure 4 This is another example illustrating the changing appearance of digitally portable projects; Figures 5A to 5B The illustrations show different looks of digitally portable projects; and Figure 6 A table is shown outlining methods for changing the appearance of a digital movable item when it is positioned above a digital element in a graphical user interface. Detailed Implementation

[0089] The detailed description below, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. Various aspects of devices, systems, media, programs, and methods are described by various blocks, functional units, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively, "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.

[0090] Figure 1 An intraoral scanner system 100 is schematically illustrated. The intraoral scanner system 100 includes a handheld intraoral scanner 10, which comprises a user interface 8 (e.g., one or more physical buttons and / or one or more digital buttons, such as a touchscreen), a wireless communication interface 9 (e.g., a Wi-Fi interface), and a motion sensor 2. The motion sensor 2 may include a gyroscope 11 (not shown) and / or an accelerometer 12 (not shown). The figure schematically indicates (by dashed arrows) that the light information 10a acquired by the handheld intraoral scanner 10 is received by one or more processors 3. The one or more processors 3 in… Figure 1 The figure is schematically shown as a single unit. One or more processors 3 may be at least partially arranged in the handheld intraoral scanner 10, a computer device (e.g., a laptop computer), a display device (e.g., a tablet), or a server (e.g., cloud-based processing). The figure further schematically indicates (by dashed arrows) the motion signal 2a transmitted from the motion sensor 2 to one or more processors 3. The motion signal may be a signal having information about the rotation (from the gyroscope 11) and / or movement (from the accelerometer 12) of the handheld intraoral scanner 10.

[0091] Figure 1A graphical user interface 4 is further illustrated. The graphical user interface 4 can be displayed on a display device (not shown), such as a computer screen, laptop screen, or tablet. The graphical user interface 4 is displayed as a digital 3D model 1 of a dental object 1a, which is shown as a row of teeth. One or more processors 3 can use the light information 10a obtained by the handheld intraoral scanner 10 to generate the digital 3D model 1.

[0092] The graphical user interface 4 is shown displaying multiple digital elements 6a to 6h. Each digital element 6a to 6h may include an instruction 7. For clarity, only the instruction 7 for digital element 6c is shown. The instructions 7 may be stored in a data storage area 13, such as the memory unit of the intraoral scanner system 100, or in a server. The data storage area 13 is... Figure 1The digital element 10 is shown as being located externally, such as on a remote server, relative to the handheld intraoral scanner 10. One or more processors 3 are shown as being operatively connected to the data storage area 13, for example, via the internet, indicated by dashed double-headed arrows. Thus, one or more processors can be configured to store and retrieve data from the data storage area 13. Instructions 7 are schematically shown as being stored in the data storage area 13. Each instruction 7 for each digital element 6 can be stored in the data storage area 13. Instructions 7 may include instructions for performing operations, such as those displayed by digital elements 6d and 6e, in the graphical user interface 4, whereby selecting digital element 6d or 6e may respectively display a menu or a patient log. Instructions 7 may include information for changing the appearance of the digital movable item 5 when it is moved over or toward the digital element 6 including instruction 7. Instructions 7 may include information for modifying the orientation and / or design of the digital 3D model 1, and information for changing the appearance of the digital movable item 5 when it is moved over or toward the digital element 6 including instruction 7. Instruction 7 may include instructions for performing operations on the digital 3D model 1, such as those displayed by digital element 6a, including instructions for zooming in (i.e., zooming in on the digital 3D model 1 or a portion thereof). By way of example and not limitation, the graphical user interface 4 further displays other digital elements 6b, 6c, 6f, 6g, and 6h. Digital element 6b may include instruction 7 for removing (i.e., cutting or trimming) portions of the digital 3D model 1. Digital element 6c may include instruction 7 for rotating the digital 3D model 1. Digital element 6f may include instruction 7 for reducing the size of the digital movable item 5 (i.e., the cursor), digital element 6g may include instruction 7 for changing the size of the digital movable item 5 to a default (predefined) or standard size, and digital element 6h may include instruction 7 for increasing the size of the digital movable item 5. Digital elements 6a to 6h may each be selectable by the digital movable item 5, and when selected, each may individually execute its included instructions 7.

[0093] The diagram further illustrates the movable digital item 5. The movable digital item 5 is shown as a cursor. The movable digital item 5 is configured to move within the graphical user interface 4 and is configured to select digital elements 6a to 6h when it is at least partially moved over digital element 6 among digital elements 6a to 6h. Figure 1The diagram schematically illustrates the control of movement of a digital movable item 5 by a handheld intraoral scanner 10 via one or more processors 3, using motion signals 2a. Motion sensors 2 send motion signals 2a to one or more processors 3, the motion signals including information about rotation and / or movement of the handheld intraoral scanner 10 (registered by a gyroscope 11 and / or accelerometer 12 in the handheld intraoral scanner 10), and the one or more processors 3 control the movement of the digital movable item 5 within a graphical user interface 4 based on the motion signals 2a. Thus, the diagram schematically illustrates the control of movement of a digital movable item 5 via movement of the handheld intraoral scanner 10. A wireless communication interface 9 can be configured to send motion signals 2a to one or more processors 3 when the one or more processors 3 are at least partially located outside the handheld intraoral scanner 10. The wireless communication interface 9 can be further configured to send user interaction signals to one or more processors 3, the user interaction signals including information about user interaction with the user interface 8 of the handheld intraoral scanner 10. User interaction can be a registered interaction with physical and / or numeric buttons on the user interface 8, such as pressing a numeric button on the user interface 8. When a user interaction signal is received by one or more processors 3, the one or more processors 3 can, after receiving the user interaction signal, control the movable numeric item 5 to select the numeric element 6 when the movable numeric item 5 is positioned above the numeric element 6.

[0094] Figure 2 This diagram schematically illustrates an example of a movable digital item 5 changing its appearance according to instruction 7 from digital element 6. The figure shows the movable digital item 5 partially moved above digital element 6b, which is located on... Figure 2 The digital element 6b, shown as including instructions 7 for performing material removal from the digital 3D model 1, is thus presented as a digital cutting or trimming tool. One or more processors 3 are configured to change the appearance of the digital movable item 5 according to the instructions 7 of the digital element 6. Therefore, according to the instructions 7, which in this example is a material removal operation, the digital movable item 5 is shown with a changed appearance, and thus the appearance of the digital movable item 5 is changed to display an icon similar to that of the digital element 6b, which is currently a pair of scissors indicating the material removal operation (i.e., the cutting or trimming function).

[0095] Therefore, one or more processors 3 may have received motion signal 2a from motion sensor 2 in handheld intraoral scanner 10, the motion signal including information in the graphical user interface 4 to move digital movable item 5 toward digital element 6b. Upon receiving motion signal 2a, one or more processors 3 move digital movable item 5 toward digital element 6b. One or more processors 3 may register instruction 7 for digital element 6b in a data storage area and change the appearance of digital movable item 5 to mimic digital element 6b. In one example, the appearance may mimic the icon of digital element 6 (as in this example). In another example, one or more processors 3 may change the appearance of digital movable item 5 to become smaller, larger, transparent or at least partially transparent, or dynamic and mimic movement. The digital movable item 5 is shown as scissors, indicating that if a user interaction is received from the user interface 8 of the handheld intraoral scanner 10, such as when the digital movable item 5 is positioned above the digital element 6b and the appearance of the digital movable item 5 is displayed as scissors, pressing a digital or physical button on the user interface 8, one or more processors 3 will select the digital element 6b, thereby selecting the function of performing a material removal operation on the digital 3D model 1, thus realizing the cutting or trimming function of the intraoral scanner system 100.

[0096] Figure 3 Another example of a change in appearance for the movable digital item 5 is illustrated. The movable digital item 5 is shown as being positioned at least partially above the digital element 6f in the graphical user interface 4. In this example, the digital element 6f is shown as a smaller circle than the two other adjacent circles to visually indicate that the digital element 6f includes the instruction 7 for reducing the size of the movable digital item 5. Therefore, the digital element 6f is shown as including the instruction 7 for reducing the size of the movable digital item 5. Figure 3 The digital movable item 5 is shown to have a shape resembling scissors, and its size is relative to the dimensions shown in the diagram. Figure 2 The digital movable item 5 shown in the previous example is smaller in size. Figure 3As shown, when the digital movable item 5 is positioned above the digital element 6f and has the appearance of a digital movable item 5 with a reduced display size, if one or more processors 3 register user interaction with the user interface 8 of the handheld intraoral scanner 10, the one or more processors 3 can select the digital element 6f, thereby selecting an operation in the graphical user interface, where a material removal operation is enabled. This material removal operation allows material removal from a smaller digital 3D model compared to the material removal size when digital elements 6g or 6h are selected. In one example, when one or more processors 3 perform a selection of the digital element 6f, the digital movable item 5 can then change its appearance to a shape that allows for increased precision in the material removal operation (i.e., shearing or trimming), such as the circular shape of the digital element 6f, and as shown by the digital movable item 5 (for clarity purposes...). Figure 3 The digital movable item 5, represented as 5f), has had its shape changed to match the design of the digital movable item 5. Figure 3 The digital element 6f is a circle of similar size. A movable digital item 5, shaped as digital element 6f, is shown at the edge of the digital 3D model 1, where a cut or trim operation can be performed on the digital 3D model 1 at the indicated location.

[0097] Figure 4 An example in which the digital movable item 5 is shown is partially transparent is illustrated. The digital element 6b is shown to include instructions 7 that, when executed by one or more processors 3, change the appearance of the digital movable item 5 to become at least partially transparent when positioned above the digital element 6b, so that the digital element 6b is visible even when the digital movable item 5 is positioned above the digital element 6b.

[0098] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The illustrations show different examples of changing the appearance of the digital portable item 5. Figure 5A In the meantime, the appearance of Digital Mobile Project 5 has evolved from what it could be like... Figure 1 The initial appearance of the default look shown is changed to mimic the appearance of the icon of the number element 6c, which includes instruction 7 for changing the appearance of the movable number item 5 to a curved arrow, thereby indicating a rotation function. When the number element 6c is selected, the 3D number model 1 can be rotated in the graphical user interface 4.

[0099] Figure 5BDifferent examples are illustrated schematically, in which the digital movable item 5 has changed shape into a magnifying glass indicating a magnification function, thus mimicking the digital element 6a, which includes an instruction 7 to change the appearance of the digital movable item 5 into a magnifying glass, and when selected, implements the operation (magnification function) of magnifying a portion of the digital 3D model 1 in the graphical user interface 4.

[0100] Figure 6 Table 200 schematically illustrates a method for changing the appearance of a digital movable item when it is positioned above a digital element in a graphical user interface.

[0101] The figure illustrates a first step 200a, in which a motion signal 2a is received from the motion sensor 2 of the handheld intraoral scanner 10. The motion signal 2a can be transmitted from the gyroscope 11 and / or accelerometer 12 of the motion sensor 2 in the handheld intraoral scanner 10, and can be received by one or more processors 3 operatively connected to the handheld intraoral scanner 10. The motion signal 2a may include information regarding the physical rotation and / or physical movement of the handheld intraoral scanner 10, which is registered by the gyroscope 11 and / or accelerometer 12 of the motion sensor 2, respectively.

[0102] The figure illustrates the second step 200b, in which the movement of a digital movable item 5 on a graphical user interface 4 is controlled according to a received motion signal 2a. The digital movable item 5 may be a cursor. The graphical user interface 4 may be displayed on a display unit operatively connected to one or more processors 3. The digital movable item 5 may be moved by one or more processors 3 according to the received motion signal 2a. One or more processors 3 may perform movement of the digital movable item 5 on the graphical user interface 4 corresponding to physical movement of the handheld intraoral scanner 10. One or more processors 3 may be configured to process the received motion signal 2a to obtain information about the registered physical movement of the handheld intraoral scanner 10. One or more processors 3 may be configured to analyze the received motion signal 2a and thus obtain information about the physical movement of the handheld intraoral scanner 10. One or more processors 3 may be configured to move the virtual movable item 5 in the graphical user interface 4 according to the registered physical movement of the handheld intraoral scanner 10.

[0103] One or more processors 3 may be at least partially located in the handheld intraoral scanner 10, in a display unit such as a tablet displaying the graphical user interface 4, in a computer device such as a desktop computer or laptop computer operatively connected to the display unit displaying the graphical user interface 4, or in a remote computer such as a server, and perform cloud-based computing. The handheld intraoral scanner 10, the display unit displaying the graphical user interface 4, and the one or more processors may all be operatively connected to each other via a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi.

[0104] The figure illustrates a third step 200c, in which the appearance of at least a portion of the digital movable item 5 is altered to reflect instruction 7 when the digital movable item 5 is positioned above the digital element 6, the digital element including instruction 7 to modify the orientation or design of the digital 3D model 1 displayed in the graphical user interface 4. Therefore, when one or more processors 3 move the digital movable item 5 to a position at least partially above the digital element 6, the one or more processors 3 change the appearance of the digital movable item 5. The appearance of the digital movable item 5 can be changed to reflect the appearance of the instruction 7 included in the digital element 6. Therefore, when the digital element 6 is selected using the user interface 9 of the handheld intraoral scanner 10 to position the digital movable item 5 above the digital element 6 while the digital element 6 is being selected, the method can assist or guide the user in evaluating the action to be performed.

[0105] Although some embodiments have been described in detail and illustrated, this disclosure is not limited to such details, but may be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the following claims. In particular, it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0106] Benefits, other advantages, and problem solutions have been described herein with respect to specific embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, problem solutions, and any component / unit that may make any benefit, advantage, or solution occur or become more apparent should not be construed as being a key, essential, or fundamental feature or component / element of any or all claims or the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims, wherein references to components / units / elements in the singular form are not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more," unless so expressly stated. A claim may refer to any one of the preceding claims, and "any one" is understood to mean "any one or more" of the preceding claims.

[0107] When appropriately replaced with corresponding processes, the structural features of the device described herein are intended to be combined with the steps of the method in the detailed description and / or in the claims.

[0108] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms (i.e., those having the meaning “at least one”), unless otherwise expressly stated. It is also understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and / or “comprising,” as used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be understood that when an element is referred to as “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, but an intermediary element may also be present, unless otherwise expressly stated. Furthermore, as used herein, “connected” or “coupled” can include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The steps of any disclosed method are not limited to the exact order described herein unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0109] It should be understood that references to "an embodiment," "an embodiment," or "an aspect," or features that are "may" be included throughout this specification, mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined where appropriate in one or more embodiments of this disclosure. The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0110] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but should be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein references to singular elements are not intended to mean “one and only one”, but rather “one or more”, unless specifically stated otherwise. The term “some” means one or more, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0111] Terms and Conditions 1. An intraoral scanner system configured to display a digital 3D model of a dental object, wherein the system comprises: - A handheld intraoral scanner configured to acquire light information reflected from a dental object, wherein the handheld intraoral scanner includes a motion sensor; - One or more processors configured to process the light information into a digital 3D model of the dental object and receive motion signals from the motion sensor; and - A graphical user interface configured to display the digital 3D model, the digital movable item, and one or more digital elements, wherein each of the one or more digital elements includes instructions to modify the orientation or design of the digital 3D model. The one or more processors are configured to control the movement of the digitally movable item based on the motion signals, and At least a portion of the digital movable item is configured to change its appearance when moved above or toward a digital element among the one or more digital elements, and the appearance reflects the instructions of the digital element among the one or more digital elements.

[0112] 2. The system according to Clause 1, wherein the change in appearance includes a change in the transparency of at least a portion of the digital portable item.

[0113] 3. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the handheld intraoral scanner includes a user interface configured to facilitate user interaction with the graphical user interface, wherein when interaction is facilitated through the user interface, the instructions to modify the orientation or design of the digital 3D model are applied.

[0114] 4. The system according to Clause 3, wherein the user interface includes physical or digital buttons.

[0115] 5. The system according to any one of Clauses 3 to 4, wherein the instructions in the graphical user interface include one or more of the following: selecting one of the one or more digital elements, rotating the digital 3D model, selecting an option, selecting a digital tool, and / or browsing different views of the graphical user interface.

[0116] 6. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the handheld intraoral scanner includes a wireless communication interface configured to wirelessly control the digital portable item on the graphical user interface.

[0117] 7. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the plurality of motion sensors includes at least one or more of a gyroscope and / or an accelerometer.

[0118] 8. The system according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein when located above or toward one of the one or more digital elements, the at least portion of the digital movable item is configured to change its appearance to one or more of the following: - To imitate, copy, resemble, or represent the digital element; - Displays symbols, text, and / or numbers; - Change to a smaller size; - Change color; and / or - Fades or becomes at least partially transparent.

[0119] 9. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least a portion of the digital movable item is configured to change its appearance to a default appearance when the digital movable item is not positioned above the one or more digital elements or when the instruction of the digital element is applied.

[0120] 10. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the digital movable item includes a cursor, and wherein the one or more digital elements include one or more icons or one or more number buttons.

[0121] 11. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more processors are at least partially located in the handheld intraoral scanner, a computer device operatively connected to the handheld intraoral scanner, a display unit configured to display the graphical user interface, and / or a server.

[0122] 12. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more processors are configured to change the appearance of the at least part of the digital movable item when a digital 3D model modification tool displayed in the graphical user interface is selected and the digital movable item is moved within a predefined distance from the edge of the digital 3D model.

[0123] 13. The system according to Clause 12, wherein the at least part of said digital portable item is configured to change its appearance to appear faded, become at least partially transparent, or change to a smaller size when the following occurs: - The digital cut or trim tool is selected, and - The digital movable item moves within a predefined proximity to the edge of the digital 3D model.

[0124] 14. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein when the digital movable item is positioned above or moving toward the digital element: - Displaying at least a portion of the digital elements from the one or more digital elements in the graphical user interface, or - Displaying a graphical representation of at least a portion of the one or more digital elements in the graphical user interface.

[0125] 15. The system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the instructions include: - When the digital movable item is positioned above the digital element, at least a portion of the appearance of the digital movable item is changed to indicate that the digital element among the one or more digital elements becomes smaller or at least partially transparent; or - When the digital movable item is positioned above one or more digital elements, at least a portion of the appearance of the digital movable item is changed to a graphical dynamic appearance.

[0126] 16. A method for controlling the appearance of at least a portion of a digitally movable item on a graphical user interface configured to display a digital 3D model of a dental object, the method comprising: - Receive motion signals from the motion sensor of a handheld intraoral scanner; - Control the movement of the digital movable item on the graphical user interface based on the received motion signals; and - When the digital movable item is moved at least partially to a position above one or more digital elements, the appearance of the at least partial digital movable item is changed, the digital element including instructions to modify the orientation or design of the digital 3D model and displayed on the graphical user interface, wherein the appearance reflects the instructions of the digital element among the one or more digital elements.

[0127] 17. The method according to Clause 16, wherein changing the appearance of the at least portion of the digital portable item includes changing the transparency of the at least portion of the digital portable item.

[0128] 18. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses 16 to 17, the method comprising: - Receive user interaction with the graphical user interface from the user interface of the handheld intraoral scanner, and - When the user interaction is received from the user interface, the instruction to modify the orientation or design of the digital 3D model is applied.

[0129] 19. The method according to Clause 18, wherein the user interface includes physical or digital buttons.

[0130] 20. The method according to any one of clauses 18 to 19, wherein the interaction of applying the instructions in the graphical user interface includes any one of the following: Select one of the one or more digital elements, rotate the digital 3D model, select options, select digital tools, and / or browse different views of the graphical user interface.

[0131] 21. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses 16 to 20, wherein the method includes wirelessly controlling the digital movable item on the graphical user interface using the handheld intraoral scanner.

[0132] 22. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses 16 to 21, wherein the motion signal includes a signal from a gyroscope and / or an accelerometer.

[0133] 23. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses 16 to 22, wherein changing the appearance of the at least part of the digital movable item when moving the digital movable item at least partially above the digital element comprises one or more of the following: - To imitate, copy, resemble, or represent the digital element; - Displays symbols, text, and / or numbers; - Change to a smaller size; - Change color; and / or - Fades or becomes at least partially transparent.

[0134] 24. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses 16 to 23, wherein the method includes changing the appearance of at least a portion of the digital movable item to a default appearance when the digital movable item is not positioned above the digital element or when the instruction of the digital element is applied.

[0135] 25. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses 16 to 24, wherein the digital movable item includes a cursor and wherein the digital element includes one or more icons or number buttons.

[0136] 26. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses 16 to 25, wherein the method includes changing the appearance of the at least part of the digital movable item when a digital 3D model modification tool is selected and the digital movable item is moved within a predefined distance from the edge of the digital 3D model.

[0137] 27. The method according to Clause 26, wherein when the digital 3D model modification tool is selected and the digital movable item is moved within a predefined distance from the edge of the digital 3D model, the at least part of the digital movable item is changed to appear faded, become at least partially transparent, or become smaller in size.

[0138] 28. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses 16 to 27, wherein the method includes displaying at least a portion of the digital element in the graphical user interface or displaying a graphical representation of at least a portion of the digital element in the graphical user interface when the digital movable item is positioned above or moving toward the digital element.

[0139] 29. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses 16 to 28, wherein the instructions comprise: - When the movable digital item is positioned above the digital element in the graphical user interface, the appearance of the movable digital item is changed to represent the digital element, making it smaller or at least partially transparent; or - When the digital movable item is positioned above the digital element, the appearance of at least a portion of the digital movable item is changed to a graphical dynamic appearance.

Claims

1. An intraoral scanner system (100) configured to alter the appearance of a digitally movable item corresponding to instructions relating to a digital 3D model (1) of a dental object, and wherein, The system (100) includes: - A handheld intraoral scanner (10) configured to acquire light information (10a) reflected from a dental object, and wherein the handheld intraoral scanner (10) includes a motion sensor (2); - One or more processors (3), the one or more processors being configured to process the light information (10a) into a digital 3D model (1) of the dental object, and to receive motion signals (2a) from the motion sensor (2); and - A graphical user interface (4) configured to display the digital 3D model (1), the digital movable item (5), and one or more digital elements (6a to 6h), wherein each of the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h) includes instructions (7) for modifying the orientation or design of the digital 3D model (1), and The one or more processors (3) are configured to control the movement of the digitally movable item (5) based on the motion signal (2a), and At least a portion of the digital movable item (5) is configured to change its appearance when it is located above or toward a digital element (6) of the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h), and the appearance reflects the instruction (7) of the digital element (6) of the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h).

2. The system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The handheld intraoral scanner (10) includes a user interface (8) configured to facilitate user interaction with the graphical user interface (4), wherein, when interaction is facilitated through the user interface (8), the instructions (7) that modify the orientation or design of the digital 3D model (1) are applied.

3. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the digital movable item (5) is positioned above or toward one of the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h), at least a portion thereof is configured to change the appearance to one or more of the following: - To imitate, mimic, copy, resemble or represent the digital element (6) in one or more of the digital elements (6a to 6h); - Displays symbols, text, and / or numbers; - Change to a smaller size; - Change color; and / or - Fades or becomes at least partially transparent.

4. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The digital movable item (5) includes a cursor, and the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h) include one or more icons or one or more number buttons.

5. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more processors (3) are at least partially located in the handheld intraoral scanner (10), operatively connected to a computer device of the handheld intraoral scanner (10), and configured to display the graphical user interface (4) as a display unit and / or server.

6. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more processors (3) are configured to change the appearance of at least a portion of the digital movable item (5) when a digital 3D model modification tool displayed in the graphical user interface (4) is selected and the digital movable item (5) is moved within a predefined distance from the edge of the digital 3D model (1).

7. The system (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The at least part of the digital movable item (5) is configured to change its appearance to appear faded, become at least partially transparent, or change to a smaller size when: - A digital cut or trim tool is selected, and - The digital movable item (5) is moved within a predefined proximity of the edge of the digital 3D model (1).

8. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the digital movable item (5) is positioned above or toward the digital element (6) among the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h): - Display at least a portion of the digital element (6) among the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h) in the graphical user interface (4), or - Displaying a graphical representation of at least a portion of the digital element (6) among the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h) in the graphical user interface (4).

9. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The instruction (7) includes: - When the digital movable item (5) is positioned above the digital element (6) among the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h), at least a portion of the appearance of the digital movable item (5) is changed to represent the digital element (6) among the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h), becoming smaller, or at least partially transparent; or - When the digital movable item (5) is positioned above the digital element (6) among the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h), at least a portion of the appearance of the digital movable item (5) is changed to a graphic dynamic appearance.

10. A method (200) for controlling the appearance of at least a portion of a digitally movable item (5) on a graphical user interface (4), the graphical user interface being configured to display a digital 3D model (1) of a dental object, the method (200) comprising: - Receive motion signals (2a) from the motion sensor (2) of the handheld intraoral scanner (10); - Control the movement of the digital movable item (5) on the graphical user interface (4) according to the received motion signal (2a); as well as - When the digital movable item (5) is moved at least partially to a position above the digital element (6) of one or more digital elements (6a to 6h), the appearance of the at least part of the digital movable item (5) is changed, the digital element including instructions (7) to modify the orientation or design of the digital 3D model (1) and displayed on the graphical user interface (4), wherein the appearance reflects the instructions (7) of the digital element (6) of the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h).

11. The method (200) according to claim 10, wherein, When the digital movable item (5) is moved at least partially to a position above the digital element (6) of the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h), changing the appearance of the at least part of the digital movable item (5) includes one or more of the following: - To imitate, mimic, copy, resemble or represent the digital element (6) in one or more of the digital elements (6a to 6h); - Displays symbols, text, and / or numbers; - Change to a smaller size; - Change color; and / or - Fades or becomes at least partially transparent.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The digital movable item (5) includes a cursor, and wherein the digital element (6) of the one or more digital elements includes an icon or a number button.

13. The method (200) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The method (200) includes changing the appearance of at least a portion of the digital movable item (5) when a digital 3D model modification tool is selected and the digital movable item (5) is moved within a predefined distance from the edge of the digital 3D model (1).

14. The method (200) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, The method (200) includes displaying at least a portion of the digital element (6) in the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h) in the graphical user interface (4) or displaying a graphical representation of at least a portion of the digital element (6) in the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h) when the digital movable item (5) is positioned above or toward the digital element (6) in the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h) in the graphical user interface (4).

15. The method (200) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The instruction (7) includes: - When the digital movable item (5) is positioned above the digital element (6) among the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h) in the graphical user interface (4), the appearance of the digital movable item (5) is changed to indicate that the digital element (6) among the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h) becomes smaller or at least partially transparent; or - When the digital movable item (5) is positioned above the digital element (6) among the one or more digital elements (6a to 6h), the appearance of at least a portion of the digital movable item (5) is changed to a graphic dynamic appearance.

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