Intraoral Scanner Tip Hygiene Tracking via Automatic Usage Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for acquiring oral cavity information, such as three-dimensional intraoral scanners, face hygiene issues due to contamination of the scanner tip during use, requiring manual tracking of usage which is inefficient and inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that updates tip usage information through an attachment/detachment confirmation means and an identifier, allowing for automatic tracking of tip usage, ensuring a hygienic environment by preventing excessive use and facilitating timely replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a three-dimensional intraoral scanner is used to acquire oral cavity information, then the scanning process can be performed quickly and easily, but the tip becomes contaminated with droplets from the oral cavity, requiring manual tracking and management which is inefficient and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically tracks and manages tip usage through an attachment/detachment confirmation means that detects when the tip is attached to or detached from the scanner body. The controller automatically updates usage information without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-managing regarding tip hygiene status
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment/detachment confirmation means provides automatic feedback to the controller about the tip's attachment state. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically update usage information and trigger appropriate responses such as notifications when the tip reaches its usage limit
2Reliability
If the tip is manually tracked by noting the number of uses, then tip replacement can be managed, but the process is inefficient and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of tracking tip usage by physical noting is replaced with an automated electronic system. The attachment/detachment confirmation means uses sensors or detection mechanisms to automatically record tip usage events, and the controller stores this information electronically, eliminating manual record-keeping errors and time consumption
3Productivity
If the tip is used more than a predetermined number of times, then scanning can continue, but hygiene problems occur due to wear and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tracking of tip usage from the beginning, maintaining a continuous count of attachment/detachment cycles. This preliminary accumulation of usage data allows the system to predict when the tip reaches its hygiene limit and trigger preventive replacement before contamination becomes problematic
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors usage information and provides feedback when the tip reaches its predetermined usage limit. This feedback mechanism enables timely replacement decisions to prevent hygiene problems, while the system maintains continuous scanning capability by automatically managing tip lifecycle
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus and an image processing method, according to the present invention, may sense an identifier positioned in a tip to identify unique information such as a serial number of the tip, and may update tip use information assigned to the identified unique information. In some cases, in connection with updating the tip use information, the use information may also be selectively updated based on the type of a scan target to be scanned. Alternatively, a scanning operation of the image processing apparatus may be restricted when a predetermined elapsed time from the removal to the mounting of the tip after scanning an oral cavity is not ensured. Due to the above-mentioned configuration, a user can conveniently recognize when to replace the tip.