Movable Projector Camera Dental Unit Audiovisual Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental treatment units lack an audiovisual facility for selectively projecting images and interactively assisting instrument operation and patient communication, providing limited support for dental workflows and hygiene measures.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted dental treatment unit equipped with a movable projector, camera, microphone, and loudspeaker, controlled by a data processing means, which can project images and provide interactive guidance on instrument operation and patient communication by selectively moving the projection area to optimize viewing angles for the dentist, assistant, and patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user manuals or PC displays are used for supporting dental workflows and instrument operation, then information can be provided to users, but the support is limited and does not provide interactive assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static mechanical information delivery (user manuals, PC displays) with a dynamic audiovisual system using projectors, cameras, and speakers to provide interactive guidance. The system captures real-time images of instruments and projects contextual information, replacing passive reading with active visual and auditory feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the audiovisual facility to automatically detect instruments in the field of view and provide context-relevant information without requiring users to manually search manuals or interfaces. The camera identifies instruments and the system autonomously delivers appropriate operational guidance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed projection area is used, then the projection setup is simple, but it cannot adapt to different viewing angles and positions of dentists, assistants, and patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the projector and camera movable rather than fixed. The system can reposition these components to different locations around the treatment unit, allowing adaptation to various user positions (dentist, assistant, patient) and providing flexible viewing angles as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable projector and camera system serves multiple functions: it can project to different surfaces (ceiling, walls, instruments), serve different users (dentist, assistant, patient), and adapt to various treatment scenarios. This single versatile system replaces what would otherwise require multiple fixed projection setups.
3Productivity
If traditional non-interactive information delivery is used, then the system is simple, but workflow efficiency is reduced due to lack of interactive support
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using the camera to continuously monitor the field of view and instrument positions, then using this information to dynamically adjust and provide relevant projected information. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the right information is delivered at the right time, improving workflow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning information in the field of view before it is needed. By detecting instruments and anticipating operational needs, the system projects relevant information in advance, allowing users to access guidance without interrupting their workflow to search for information.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dental treatment unit (1) comprising: a chair (2) for seating the patient; a chair base (3) for holding the chair (2); a water tower (4) for cleaning/sanitizing dental instruments (5); a dentist's element (6) for depositing the dental instruments (5); an assistant element (7) for depositing dental instruments (5); at least one movable projector (8) for projecting images; at least one movable camera (9) for acquiring image data; a microphone (10) for acquiring acoustic data; a loudspeaker (11); and a computer (12) for controlling the projector (8), the camera (9), the microphone (10), the loudspeaker (11), and for processing the acquired image data and the acquired acoustic data, wherein the projector (8) is configured to project images onto a projection area (13), wherein the camera (9) is configured to acquire image data from the projection area (13), wherein the projection area (13) can be selectively moved in at least one of a plurality of different positions (14-20) which are defined relative to location and geometry of the chair (2), the chair base (3), the water tower (4), the dentist's element (6), and the assistant's element (7).