Handheld 3D Scanner Mode Switching via Motion Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D scanner systems for intraoral scanning require physical interaction with non-sterile user interfaces, risking cross-contamination between patients and operators.

Innovation Solution

A handheld 3D scanner system with integrated interaction devices allows operators to switch between scanning and menu modes without touching external equipment, using motion sensors to select menu options by rotating the scanner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical user interaction devices (mouse, keyboard, touch screen) are used to control the scanner system, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of cross-contamination between patients and operators increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidcross-contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface functionality is extracted from external physical devices (mouse, keyboard, touch screen) and integrated directly into the handheld scanner. This allows the operator to control the scanning system without removing their hand from the sterile scanner, eliminating the need to touch non-sterile external equipment while maintaining full operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface is merged with the handheld scanner itself. The scanner now incorporates buttons, switches, or other interaction devices directly on its housing, combining the scanning function and user interface into a single integrated device that can be operated entirely while maintaining sterile barrier integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the operator moves hand from the handheld scanner to external user-interaction devices, then menu selection capability is improved, but the sterile barrier is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemenu selection capabilityVSAvoidsterile barrier integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The handheld scanner is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the scanning device and as the user interface controller. The same device that scans the patient's teeth also provides menu navigation and system control capabilities through integrated interaction devices, eliminating the need for separate control equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated interaction devices on the scanner housing act as an intermediary between the operator and the control unit. This intermediary allows menu selection and system control to be performed through the sterile barrier without direct contact with non-sterile external devices, maintaining reliability while enabling versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If external user-interaction devices are used, then the operator can access full system controls, but the operator must move away from the operating location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem control accessVSAvoidtime to move to control device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented such that the control interface is distributed across the handheld scanner itself rather than being centralized in a separate control unit. This segmentation allows the operator to access system controls at the exact location where scanning is performed, eliminating the need to move to a separate control station and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240350235A13D scanner system with handheld scanner

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 3SHAPE AS

AI summary

Disclosed is a 3D scanning system and a method for using such a system, where a handheld scanner of the 3D scanner system is used to control the operation mode of the system such that the user does not need to engage an external unit e.g. during a scanning procedure in which the teeth in a patient's upper and lower jaws are scanned.