Intraoral Scanner Optical Marker Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraoral scanning systems lack non-contact control methods for CAD/CAM software, leading to contamination risks and inefficiencies when dentists must manually operate computer interfaces while performing scans, as voice control is unreliable due to mouth protection and ambient noise.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an intraoral scanner that detects optical markers, such as two-dimensional barcodes, to generate control signals and switch CAD/CAM program states without requiring the dentist to remove their hand from the scanner, allowing for non-contact control of image fields, calculations, and patient data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dentist manually operates the computer interface (mouse, keypad, touchscreen) while performing scans, then the CAD/CAM software can be controlled, but the risk of contamination increases and workflow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation of computer interfaces with optical recognition technology. The intraoral scanner detects optical markers (2D barcodes, 3D patterns) to generate control signals, substituting the mechanical interaction between dentist's hand and input device with an optical detection system that identifies marker patterns and translates them into software control commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical markers as intermediary elements between the dentist's control intent and the CAD/CAM software. Instead of direct hand-to-interface contact, the dentist places or views optical markers which act as mediators, translating physical placement or visual attention into digital control signals through the scanner's detection system.
2Ease of operation
If the dentist uses voice control to operate CAD/CAM software, then hands-free operation is possible, but reliability decreases due to mouth protection and ambient noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes acoustic-based voice control with optical-based marker recognition. Instead of using sound waves that are blocked by mouth protection and obscured by ambient noise, the system uses optical detection of visual markers, which are not affected by acoustic interference or protective equipment, providing reliable hands-free control.
3Ease of operation
If the dentist removes the intraoral scanner from hand to operate computer interface, then control functions can be accessed, but scanning workflow is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control interface functionality directly into the scanning workflow by using the intraoral scanner itself as the input device. Optical markers are detected during normal scanning operations, allowing software control functions to be triggered without removing the scanner from the patient's mouth, thus combining data acquisition and control operations into a single continuous workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service control where the scanning device itself, through detection of optical markers in the field of view, automatically generates control signals without requiring the operator to switch tasks or devices. The scanner serves both its primary function of capturing oral data and the secondary function of controlling CAD/CAM software operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables dentists to control CAD/CAM software without hand contact, reducing contamination risks and improving workflow efficiency by using optical markers to switch program states and access patient data directly, enhancing the usability of intraoral scanning systems.
Implementation Method 1
when an optical marker is detected by an intraoral scanner
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer program and to a method for controlling the computer program, wherein a control signal is sent to the computer program when an optical marker, in particular a two-dimensional barcode (2a, 2b, 2c), is detected by an intraoral scanner (1), which signal switches the computer program to a predefined state. A device for controlling the computer program comprises a support (3) on which at least one optical marker is arranged. The optical marker has an inscription (21a, 21b, 21c) which indicates a state of the computer program to which the computer program can be switched by detection of the optical marker by the intraoral scanner (1).