KR102647380B1 - An image processing apparatus, an image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

A handheld scanner is disclosed. The handheld scanner includes one or more UVC LED elements and a processor executing one or more instructions, wherein the processor executes the one or more instructions such that, corresponding to detecting the first event, the one or more UVC LED elements are turned on. It can be controlled so that one or more UVC LED elements are turned off in response to detecting a second event while one or more UVC LED elements are turned on and operating.

Description

An image processing apparatus, an image processing method}

Various disclosed embodiments relate to an image processing device and an image processing method, and more specifically, to an image processing device and an image processing method for sterilizing the interior of a handheld scanner.

A handheld scanner consists of a tip, which is the part that is inserted into the object to be scanned, and a scanner body. The tip inserted into the object can be separated and used in a sterilizer. However, the scanner body has a structure that is difficult for the user to separate, and the use of a sterilizer is impossible due to the possibility of damage to the internal parts. The scanner body can only be sterilized on the outside with an alcohol cleaning solution, and it is difficult to sterilize the inside. Therefore, there are limitations in using the scanner body hygienically.
Prior art literature
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2015/0071819 (published March 12, 2015)
Publication of Patent No. 10-2003-0093754 (published on December 11, 2003)
Public Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0064922 (published on June 8, 2020)

Various embodiments are intended to provide an image processing device and an image processing method that can sterilize the inside of a handheld scanner by including a UVC LED element in the handheld scanner.

Various embodiments are intended to provide an image processing device and an image processing method that control a UVC LED device to be turned on or off depending on the occurrence of an event.

Various embodiments are intended to provide an image processing device and an image processing method that can be placed at various locations inside a handheld scanner and sterilize the inside of the handheld scanner.

A handheld scanner according to an embodiment includes one or more UVC LED elements and a processor executing one or more instructions, wherein, by executing the one or more instructions, the processor, corresponding to detecting a first event, detects the one or more UVC LED elements. The LED element may be controlled to be turned on, and the one or more UVC LED elements may be controlled to be turned off in response to detecting a second event while the one or more UVC LED elements are turned on and operating. there is.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner further includes a user input unit and a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information with a data processing device, and the first event includes receiving a first control signal through the user input unit and the communication unit through the communication unit. Receiving a first control signal from a data processing device, wherein the first control signal is one of a scan mode off command, a power on command of the handheld scanner, and a power on command of the one or more UVC LED elements. It can contain at least one.

In an embodiment, the first event is that calibration of the handheld scanner is completed, the handheld scanner enters standby mode, and the handheld scanner enters standby mode. It may include at least one of the elapse of a preset time since entry.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner further includes a projector including a light source, and the processor executes the one or more instructions to prevent the light source and the one or more UVC LED elements included in the projector from operating simultaneously. You can.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner further includes a camera that acquires two-dimensional image data for the object, and the processor executes the one or more instructions, so that the camera operates while the one or more UVC LED elements are turned on and operating. It is possible to prevent the two-dimensional image data from being acquired, or to prevent the two-dimensional image data acquired by the camera from being used when generating a three-dimensional image.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner further includes a user input unit and a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information with a data processing device, and the second event includes receiving a second control signal through the user input unit and the communication unit through the communication unit. Receiving a second control signal from a data processing device, wherein the second control signal is one of a scan mode entry command, a power-off command of the handheld scanner, and a power-off command of the one or more UVC LED elements. It can contain at least one.

In an embodiment, the second event may include the one or more UVC LED elements turning on to radiate UVC and a preset time elapsed.

In an embodiment, when the one or more UVC LED elements are turned on and operated by executing the one or more instructions, the processor omits preheating for the handheld scanner, or performs preheating for a time shorter than a preset preheating time. After preheating, the scanning operation can begin.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner further includes a fan that introduces external air, and the one or more UVC LED elements may be disposed in a path where the flow rate of the external air introduced by the fan is greater than a reference value. there is.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner further includes an optical module, and the one or more UVC LED elements can be located within the optical module.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner includes a handheld scanner body and a tip removably coupled to the handheld scanner body, and the UVC LED element may be located in the handheld scanner body near the tip coupled to the handheld scanner body. there is.

A data processing device according to an embodiment includes a handheld scanner including one or more UVC LED elements, a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information, a memory storing one or more instructions, and a processor executing the one or more instructions stored in the memory, By executing the one or more instructions, the processor transmits a first control signal to the handheld scanner through the communication unit to control the one or more UVC LED elements included in the handheld scanner to be turned on. , While the one or more UVC LED elements are turned on and operating, a second control signal can be transmitted to the handheld scanner through the communication unit to control the one or more UVC LED elements to be turned off.

In an embodiment, the first control signal includes at least one of a scan mode off command, a power on command of the handheld scanner, and a power on command of the one or more UVC LED elements, and the second control signal includes a scan mode entry command. , It may include at least one of a power-off command of the handheld scanner and a power-off command of the one or more UVC LED elements.

In an embodiment, the data processing device further includes a user input unit of the data processing device and a display, and outputs a user interface screen for selecting whether to automatically turn on the UVC LED element through the display, and the user interface screen In response, automatically turning on the UVC LED element is selected through a user input unit of the data processing device, and the processor executes the one or more instructions, corresponding to selecting automatic turning on the UVC LED element, and executing the communication unit. The first control signal is transmitted to the handheld scanner to control the power of one or more UVC LED elements mounted inside the handheld scanner to be turned on, or the second control signal is transmitted to control the power of the one or more UVC LED elements mounted inside the handheld scanner. You can control the power to turn off.

An image processing method performed by an image processing device according to an embodiment includes controlling one or more UVC LED elements included in a handheld scanner to be turned on in response to detecting a first event, and the one or more It may include controlling the one or more UVC LED elements to be turned off in response to detecting a second event while the UVC LED elements are turned on and operating.

An image processing device and an image processing method according to an embodiment can sterilize the inside of a handheld scanner by including a UVC LED element in the handheld scanner.

The image processing device and image processing method according to one embodiment may control the UVC LED element to be turned on or off depending on the occurrence of an event.

The image processing device and image processing method according to one embodiment can be placed at various locations inside the handheld scanner to sterilize the inside of the handheld scanner.

1 is a diagram for explaining an image processing system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a method by which a handheld scanner acquires surface data, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating one or more UVC LED elements disposed inside a handheld scanner according to an embodiment.
Figure 4 is an internal cross-sectional view of a handheld scanner according to an embodiment.
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an optical module and a projector included within a handheld scanner according to an embodiment.
Figure 6 is a diagram showing the appearance of a handheld scanner according to an embodiment.
Figure 7 is an internal block diagram of a handheld scanner according to an embodiment.
Figure 8 is an example of a detailed block diagram of an image processing system including a handheld scanner and data processing device.
FIG. 9 illustrates a data processing device outputting a user interface screen for selecting whether to automatically irradiate UVC, according to an embodiment.
Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining the timing at which a UVC LED element included in a handheld scanner operates according to an embodiment.
11 is a flowchart showing an image processing method according to an embodiment.

This specification clarifies the scope of rights of the present application, explains the principles of the present application, and discloses embodiments so that those skilled in the art can practice the present application. The disclosed embodiments may be implemented in various forms.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. This specification does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and general content or overlapping content between the embodiments in the technical field to which this application pertains is omitted. The term 'part' (portion) used in the specification may be implemented as software or hardware, and depending on the embodiment, a plurality of 'portions' may be implemented as a single element (unit, element), or a single 'portion' may be implemented as a single 'portion'. It is also possible for ' to contain multiple elements. Hereinafter, the operating principle and embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

In this specification, an object is a subject of photography and may include a part of the body or a model modeled after a part of the body. For example, the object may include various body parts such as the ears, nose, mouth, etc. of a person or animal, or models thereof.

In this specification, an image may include an image representing an object. In this specification, an image may include an image representing at least one tooth, an oral cavity including at least one tooth, or a plaster cast of the oral cavity (hereinafter referred to as an 'oral image').

Additionally, in this specification, an oral image may include a two-dimensional image of an object or a three-dimensional oral image representing the object in three dimensions. Since a 3D oral image can be created by modeling the structure of the oral cavity in 3D based on raw data, it may also be called a 3D oral model. Additionally, the 3D oral model may also be referred to as a 3D scan model or 3D scan data. Hereinafter, in this specification, oral image will be used to refer to a model or image representing the oral cavity in two or three dimensions.

However, in this specification, images are not limited to oral images, and may include images of various objects such as ears or noses, depending on the type of object and body part.

Additionally, in this specification, data may refer to information necessary to express an object in two or three dimensions, for example, raw data acquired using at least one camera.

Specifically, raw data is data acquired to generate an image, and is data acquired from at least one image sensor included in the 3D scanner when scanning an object using a 3D scanner (e.g., It can be two-dimensional data). Raw data acquired from a 3D scanner may also be referred to as 2D image data. Raw data may refer to two-dimensional images from different viewpoints acquired by a plurality of cameras when scanning an object using a three-dimensional scanner.

Above, the raw data is described as a two-dimensional image, but the raw data is not limited thereto and may be three-dimensional image data.

Handheld scanners can be devices that are sensitive to hygiene because they can be inserted into the mouth, ear, or nose. In particular, unlike the tip, the body of a handheld scanner cannot be used in a sterilizer due to the possibility of damage to the internal parts.

The disclosed embodiment is intended to overcome the above-mentioned problems and to provide an image processing device and an image processing method for sterilizing the inside of a handheld scanner by disposing a UVC LED element inside the handheld scanner.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a diagram for explaining an image processing system according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the image processing system may include a handheld scanner 100 and a data processing device 120 coupled to the handheld scanner 100 through a communication network 110 .

The handheld scanner 100 may be a medical device that acquires images of an object.

The handheld scanner 100 may acquire an image of at least one of the mouth, ear, nose, artificial structure, or a plaster cast modeled after the mouth, ear, nose, or artificial structure.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner 100 may be a handheld type that scans an object while a user holds it with his or her hand and moves it. The handheld scanner 100 is inserted into the ear or nose and can acquire images of the inside of the ear or nose by scanning the inside of the ear or nose in a non-contact manner.

Alternatively, the handheld scanner 100 may be an oral scanner that is inserted into the oral cavity and scans teeth to obtain an oral image of the oral cavity including at least one tooth. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the case where the handheld scanner 100 is an oral scanner will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Handheld scanner 100 may include a body 101 and a tip 103. The main body 101 may include a light irradiation unit (not shown) that projects light and a camera (not shown) that acquires an image by photographing an object.

The tip 103 is a part inserted into the oral cavity and can be mounted on the main body 101 in a detachable structure. The tip 103 may include an optical path changing means to direct light emitted from the main body 101 to the object and to direct light received from the object to the main body 101.

The handheld scanner 100 is one of the teeth inside the oral cavity, gingiva, and artificial structures that can be inserted into the oral cavity (e.g., orthodontic devices including brackets and wires, implants, artificial teeth, orthodontic auxiliary tools inserted into the oral cavity, etc.) In order to image at least one surface, surface information about the object may be acquired as raw data.

The handheld scanner 100 may transmit the acquired raw data to the data processing device 120 through the communication network 110.

In embodiments, handheld scanner 100 may include one or more UVC LED elements (not shown) therein.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner 100 may include a fan that introduces external air, and one or more UVC LED elements may be disposed in a path where the flow rate of external air introduced by the fan is greater than a reference value. there is.

In embodiments, a handheld scanner may include an optical module that includes a camera, and one or more UVC LED elements may be located near or within the optical module.

In embodiments, the UVC LED element may be located in the handheld scanner body near where it engages the tip.

In an embodiment, handheld scanner 100 may control one or more UVC LED elements to be turned on in response to detecting a first event.

In an embodiment, the first event is receiving a first control signal through a user input unit included in the main body of the handheld scanner 100 or receiving a first control signal from the data processing device 120 through the communication network 110. may include The first control signal may include at least one of a power-on command for the main body of the handheld scanner 100 and a power-on command for one or more UVC LED elements included in the handheld scanner 100.

In an embodiment, the first event may include the completion of calibration for the handheld scanner 100. The handheld scanner 100 can control one or more UVC LED elements to be turned on in response to completion of calibration.

In an embodiment, the first event may include the handheld scanner 100 entering standby mode. The handheld scanner 100 may control one or more UVC LED elements to be turned on in response to the handheld scanner 100 entering the standby mode.

In an embodiment, the first event may include the elapse of a preset time after the handheld scanner 100 enters the standby mode. The handheld scanner 100 can control one or more UVC LED elements to be turned on when a preset time has elapsed after the handheld scanner 100 enters the standby mode.

In embodiments, handheld scanner 100 may include a projector containing a light source, and one or more UVC LEDs may be disposed within the projector.

When the handheld scanner 100 operates in the scan mode, the handheld scanner 100 can cause a light source included in the projector to irradiate light and allow the camera included in the optical module to acquire a two-dimensional image of the object. there is. If the UVC LED device operates while the handheld scanner 100 is scanning an object, precise 3D scan data may not be obtained due to UVC irradiated by the UVC LED device.

Accordingly, in an embodiment, the handheld scanner 100 may prevent one or more UVC LED elements from operating while the handheld scanner 100 is scanning an object.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner 100 may control one or more UVC LED elements not to be turned on at the same time while the light source included in the projector is turned on and emits light.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner 100 may control the camera to prevent the camera from acquiring a two-dimensional image of the object while one or more UVC LED elements are operating. Alternatively, the handheld scanner 100 may prevent the two-dimensional image acquired by the camera of the object while one or more UVC LED elements are operating from being used when creating a three-dimensional oral model.

In an embodiment, when the handheld scanner 100 detects a second event while operating with one or more UVC LED elements turned on, one or more UVC LED elements are turned off corresponding to the detection of the second event. It can be controlled as much as possible.

In an embodiment, the second event is receiving a second control signal through a user input unit included in the main body of the handheld scanner 100 or receiving a second control signal from the data processing device 120 through the communication network 110. may include The second control signal may include at least one of a scan mode entry command, a power-off command of the handheld scanner 100, and a power-off command of one or more UVC LED elements.

In an embodiment, the second event may include one or more UVC LED elements turning on and emitting UVC and a preset time elapsed. The handheld scanner 100 can control the UVC LED element to operate and automatically turn off when a preset time elapses.

The data processing device 120 may be connected to the handheld scanner 100 through a wired or wireless communication network 110. Data processing device 120 may be any electronic device capable of receiving raw data from handheld scanner 100 and generating, processing, displaying, and/or transmitting oral images based on the received raw data. For example, the data processing device 120 may be a computing device such as a smart phone, laptop computer, desktop computer, PDA, or tablet PC, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the data processing device 120 may exist in the form of a server (or server device) for processing oral images.

In an embodiment, the data processing device 120 may transmit a control signal to the handheld scanner 100 to control the operation of the handheld scanner 100. In an embodiment, the control signal that the data processing device 120 transmits to the handheld scanner 100 is a power on/off command of the handheld scanner 100 and one or more UVC LEDs included within the handheld scanner 100. It may include at least one of the device's power on/off commands.

Based on the two-dimensional image data received from the handheld scanner 100, the data processing device 120 may process the two-dimensional image data to generate a three-dimensional oral image or generate additional information. The data processing device 120 may display the 3D oral image and/or additional information through the display 125, or output or transmit it to an external device.

As another example, the handheld scanner 100 may acquire raw data through an oral scan, process the acquired raw data to generate 3D data, and transmit this to the data processing device 120.

The handheld scanner 100 projects pattern light onto an object and scans the object onto which the pattern light is irradiated, thereby obtaining three-dimensional data representing the shape of the object using the principle of triangulation measurement by deformation of the pattern. You can.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner 100 may acquire three-dimensional data on an object using a confocal method. The confocal method is a non-destructive optical imaging technique for 3D surface measurement, and can acquire optical cross-sectional images with high spatial resolution using a pinhole structure. The handheld scanner 100 can acquire 3D data by stacking 2D images acquired along the axial direction.

However, this is an embodiment, and the handheld scanner 100 may obtain 3D data from raw data using various methods in addition to the above-described methods and transmit it to the data processing device 120. The data processing device 120 may analyze, process, process, display, and/or transmit the received 3D data.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a method by which a handheld scanner acquires surface data, according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner 100 may acquire three-dimensional data on an object using various methods. For example, the handheld scanner 100 can acquire three-dimensional data on an object using a confocal method. The confocal method is a method of acquiring three-dimensional information about an object based on the location of the point found through the maximum intensity of the reflected light according to the refractive index of the lens that passes the light irradiated to the object. The handheld scanner 100 can acquire an optical cross-sectional image with high spatial resolution using a pinhole structure. The handheld scanner 100 can acquire 3D data by stacking 2D images acquired along the axial direction.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, the handheld scanner 100 may acquire three-dimensional information of the object using an optical triangulation technique. Optical trigonometry is a technology that obtains three-dimensional information about an object through trigonometric calculations using a triangle formed by a light source, an object onto which light is radiated from the light source, and an image sensor where light reflected from the object is input. However, this is just one embodiment, and the handheld scanner 100 can acquire 3D data in various ways other than the confocal method or optical triangulation method.

Hereinafter, as an example, a method in which the handheld scanner 100 acquires 3D data on an object using optical triangulation will be described in more detail.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner 100 may acquire images using at least one camera and acquire 3D data based on the acquired images.

In Figure 2, handheld scanner 100 may be an optical three-dimensional scanner. The handheld scanner 100 may use a structured light with stereo vision method to acquire three-dimensional data on the surface of the object 210.

The handheld scanner 100 may include two or more cameras 230 and 240 and a projector 220 capable of projecting structured light 225.

The handheld scanner 100 projects structured light 225 to the object 210, and uses an L camera 230 corresponding to the left field of view and an R camera corresponding to the right field of view. An L image 235 corresponding to the left eye field of view and an R image 245 corresponding to the right eye field of view may be acquired from each camera 240. The L image 235 and the R image 245 may be reconstructed into a three-dimensional image frame representing the surface of the object 210.

The handheld scanner 100 can continuously acquire two-dimensional image frames including an L image 235 and an R image 245 for the object 210. The handheld scanner 100 or the data processing device 120 acquires a three-dimensional image frame representing the surface shape of the object 210 from a two-dimensional image frame including the L image 235 and the R image 245. You can. In FIG. 2, it is explained that the handheld scanner 100 acquires 3D data from two images acquired using two cameras 230 and 240, but this is an example, and the handheld scanner 100 may acquire an image using only one of the two cameras 230 and 240.

The handheld scanner 100 may acquire a plurality of two-dimensional frames by scanning the surroundings of the object 210 at regular time intervals (eg, 10 to 30 frames per second). The handheld scanner 100 or the data processing device 120 may acquire a plurality of three-dimensional image frames from a plurality of two-dimensional image frames.

The data processing device 120 may obtain a 3D oral model of the entire object 210 by merging or aligning a plurality of 3D image frames.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating one or more UVC LED elements disposed inside a handheld scanner according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, one or more UVC LED elements may be disposed in the handheld scanner body 310.

Ultraviolet rays are a range of wavelengths that are invisible to the eye. Depending on the wavelength, ultraviolet rays are divided into UVA (long wave), UVB (medium wave), and UVC (short wave). Among these, UVC can effectively remove bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms with light in the 100~280nm wavelength range. UVC can destroy the molecular structure of DNA or RNA in organism cells, causing DNA strand breaks and destruction of nucleic acids and proteins, resulting in bacterial death and regenerative cell death.

In embodiments, the handheld scanner may include a UVC LED device. UVC LED devices are LED devices that irradiate UVC. The UVC LED device is a small LED light source, for example, it may be a point light source type. UVC LED elements can be efficiently installed in small devices such as handheld scanners.

Since UVC has a wavelength of ultraviolet rays that are invisible to the eye, in an embodiment, the handheld scanner body 310 may be additionally equipped with colored LEDs, for example, blue LEDs, separately for safety reasons. The handheld scanner body 310 can use a separately mounted blue LED to indicate that the UVC LED element is operating. That is, the handheld scanner body 310 turns on the blue LED to emit blue light while the UVC LED device is turned on and UVC is irradiated, and when the UVC LED device is turned off and UVC is not irradiated, the handheld scanner body 310 turns on the blue LED to emit blue light. The blue LED can also be turned off.

Figure 3a shows eight UVC LED elements mounted on the handheld scanner body 310. However, this is just one embodiment, and various numbers of UVC LED elements may be placed in various positions in the handheld scanner body 310.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner body 310 may include a coupling portion 311 on which the tip is mounted. In an embodiment, the UVC LED element is mounted at a position 313 adjacent to the coupling portion 311 where the tip is mounted, and can sterilize air that may flow into the tip from the handheld scanner body 310.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner body 310 may include a fan (not shown) in the opposite direction from where the tip is mounted. The fan mounted on the handheld scanner body 310 can cool the handheld scanner body 310 by sucking in external air and remove heat generated in the handheld scanner body 310. In an embodiment, the UVC LED element is located near the fan 315 to sterilize the air introduced by the fan. The air introduced by the fan may move inside the handheld scanner body 310 while being sterilized by the UVC LED element and then be discharged out of the handheld scanner body 310.

In an embodiment, the UVC LED element is mounted on a frame (or case, 317) surrounding the handheld scanner body 310, or is mounted on components included in the scanner body 310 to display the handheld scanner body 310. ) UVC can be irradiated to internal components. The irradiated UVC can sterilize the surface of the frame 317 or the surfaces of components inside the handheld scanner body 310.

UVC irradiated by the UVC LED device may be reflected by components included in the handheld scanner body 310 or the inside of the frame 317. UVC can sterilize components, the inner surface of the frame 317, and the air while being reflected and moved by the inside of the handheld scanner body 310 and the inside of the frame 317.

Figure 3b shows two UVC LED elements mounted on the handheld scanner body 310. Referring to FIG. 3B, like FIG. 3A, the handheld scanner body 310 may be provided with a coupling portion 311 on which a tip is mounted. The UVC LED element may be mounted at a location 313 adjacent to the coupling portion 311. In embodiments, the UVC LED elements may be disposed at an angle and direction toward an optical module (not shown) of the handheld scanner body 310. The UVC LED element is disposed toward the optical module at a position 313 adjacent to the coupling portion 311, and can irradiate UVC in the direction of the optical module. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3B, a UVC LED element may be included near the fan 315 of the handheld scanner body 310. The UVC LED element is disposed near the fan 315 and can irradiate UVC toward the inside of the handheld scanner body 310. The UVC irradiated by the UVC LED element moves inside the handheld scanner body 310 along with the air introduced through the fan, and touches the air and the surfaces and/or frames 317 of the components inside the handheld scanner body 310. ) can be sterilized.

In this way, according to the embodiment, at least one UVC LED element is disposed in the handheld scanner body 310, so that there is a possibility that it will be included in the surface of the components included in the handheld scanner body 310 or in air introduced from the outside. It can effectively remove contaminants.

Figure 4 is an internal cross-sectional view of a handheld scanner according to an embodiment.

The handheld scanner 400 of FIG. 4 may be an example of the handheld scanner 100 of FIG. 1 .

As described above, the handheld scanner 400 may include a main body 402 and a tip 401 mounted on the main body 402 in a structure that is detachable from the main body 402.

Referring to FIG. 4, the main body 402 of the handheld scanner 400 includes an optical module 420, a projector 430, a PCB 440, a heat sink 450, a fan 460, and a UVC LED element 470. ) may include.

One end of the tip 401 may include a coupling portion coupled to the main body 402, and the other end of the tip 401 may include an opening. The opening may be formed in one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tip 401. Light emitted by the projector 430 may leak out through the opening, and light reflected from the object may flow into the optical module 420. An optical path changing means 410 that changes the path of light may be disposed in the opening. The light path changing means 410 may reflect light emitted from the projector 430 along a certain path so that the light is irradiated toward the object. Additionally, the optical path changing unit 410 may adjust the optical path so that the light reflected from the object and incident on the opening of the tip 401 is directed to the lens of the camera included in the optical module 420. The light path changing means 410 may be a mirror or lens to perform the role described above, but is not limited thereto, and may be any means that can change the path of light, such as refracting or reflecting incident light.

The optical module 420 may include at least one camera that receives light reflected from the object. The camera may include at least one lens. For example, the lenses included in the camera may be a pair of lenses corresponding to the right field of view and the left field of view, respectively. The lenses may be arranged to be spaced apart so that light incident through the opening passes through different paths. Light transmitted through the lens through a polarizing filter can be received through an imaging sensor provided on the imaging board. The lens can acquire an R image corresponding to the right eye field of view and an L image corresponding to the left eye field of view, respectively. For example, an imaging sensor may be a device that converts light into digital data, such as a CMOS image sensor. An imaging sensor can generate image information about an object, that is, image data. In other words, the imaging sensor can reconstruct the R image and L image into a three-dimensional image frame representing the surface of the object. The method of constructing a 3D image frame is not limited to this.

The projector 430 may irradiate light to an object. The projector 430 may irradiate a specific type of light toward an object. At this time, the wavelength of the irradiated light may be, for example, a wavelength in the visible light region, but is not limited thereto.

The projector 430 can acquire three-dimensional data representing the shape of the object by projecting pattern light on the object and scanning the object illuminated with the pattern light. To this end, the projector 430 can cause light generated from a light source to be formed in the form of structured light with a specific pattern. The projector 430 may use a pattern mask or a digital micromirror device (DMD) to form a certain pattern.

PCB (Printed Circuit Board, 440) is a printed circuit board and may refer to a circuit board that connects and secures electronic component terminals to the inside of the main body 402 of the handheld scanner 400. The PCB (440) collects, arranges, and mounts various electronic devices/components such as ICs (integrated circuits) and resistors on an insulating board made of phenol resin or epoxy resin, which are plastic materials, and is a conductor connection made of copper (Cu). It may be a circuit board on which a (pattern) is formed.

The heat sink 450 may be a heat sink attached to prevent the temperature of the handheld scanner 400 itself from increasing. The heat sink 450 may be formed in a structure that absorbs heat generated from components or devices of the handheld scanner 400 and dissipates it to the outside.

The fan (460) is a type of cooler that circulates the air inside the main body 402 of the handheld scanner 400, reducing the heat generated from the parts inside the main body 402 of the handheld scanner 400. It may be a device that prevents dust from accumulating. The fan 460 has a structure in which small rotary blades rotate quickly, and is installed at the end of the handheld scanner 400, allowing external air to flow into the main body 402 of the handheld scanner 400, and the introduced air You can make it move.

In Figure 4, the arrow shows the direction of movement of air. External air introduced by the fan 460 may move along the direction of the arrow. The outside air can cool the heat generated from the components included in the handheld scanner 400 while moving along the gaps created between the components inside the handheld scanner 400. Most of the outside air may be discharged toward the fan 460, but some of it may be discharged toward the tip 401.

In an embodiment, handheld scanner 400 may include UVC LED device 470. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which a handheld scanner 400 includes four UVC LED elements 470; however, in one embodiment, only one, two, or three UVC LED elements 470 are included in the handheld scanner 400. It may also be included inside the held scanner 400. Alternatively, the handheld scanner 400 may include more than four UVC LED elements 470.

In an embodiment, the position where the UVC LED element is placed in the handheld scanner 400 depends on whether there is space to mount the UVC LED element inside the handheld scanner 400, and whether the sterilization effect is greater than or equal to the standard value when the UVC LED element is mounted. Considering at least one of the following: whether it is a large location, whether it is a path where the amount of air movement is greater than the standard value, and whether it is a location where there is no possibility of UVC irradiated from the UVC LED element flowing into the patient's oral cavity through the tip 401. can be decided.

Figure 4 shows one embodiment, where the UVC LED element 470 is positioned at the front of the main body 402 of the handheld scanner 400, that is, at the first position 471 adjacent to the coupling portion and at the first position adjacent to the optical module 420. It is shown disposed at the second position 472, the third position 473 adjacent to the projector 430, and the fourth position 474 adjacent to the fan 460.

In an embodiment, the UVC LED element 470 may be disposed at the first position 471 adjacent to the coupling portion of the handheld scanner 400. The tip 401 is particularly sensitive to hygiene because it is introduced into the patient's oral cavity. Even if the amount of air discharged in the direction of the tip 401 is rare and the tip 401 itself is sterilized and disinfected, if the air discharged from the main body 402 to the tip 401 is contaminated, the inside of the oral cavity will also be contaminated. The possibility of inflow of contaminated air cannot be completely ruled out. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the UVC LED element 470 is disposed at the first position 471 adjacent to the coupling portion coupled to the tip 401, so that the tip 401 is separated from the body 402 of the handheld scanner 400. It can sterilize the air that may come in. The UVC LED element 470 irradiates UVC to the air discharged from the tip 401 to sterilize the air that may enter the oral cavity through the tip 401, thereby eliminating various harmful substances that may be contained in the air, such as bacteria and viruses. , and other microorganisms can be effectively removed.

The UVC LED element 470 is disposed at the first position 471 adjacent to the coupling portion on the lower side of the main body 402 of the handheld scanner 400 and can irradiate UVC toward the upper side. However, this is one embodiment, and the UVC LED element 470 is disposed adjacent to the coupling portion on the top or side of the body 402 of the handheld scanner 400 and radiates UVC toward the bottom or the opposite side. You may.

In an embodiment, UVC LED element 470 may be disposed at a second location 472 proximate optical module 420. For example, the UVC LED element 470 may be placed on the PCB 440 mounted near the optical module 420 or may be placed inside the optical module 420. The UVC LED element 470 is disposed at the second position 472 near the optical module 420 and irradiates UVC toward the optical module 420 or toward the inside of the optical module 420, thereby forming the optical module 420. The surface of, around the optical module 420, or the air inside the optical module 420 can be sterilized. UVC irradiated by the UVC LED element 470 is located on the surface of the components included in the optical module 420, such as a camera, a lens included in the camera, an imaging board, and an imaging sensor, and between these components. The air can be sterilized. The UVC LED element 470 is disposed at a second position 472 near the optical module 420 on the lower side of the body 402 of the handheld scanner 400 to irradiate UVC toward the upper side, but this is one In an embodiment, the UVC LED element 470 may be disposed adjacent to the optical module 420 on the top or side of the body 402 of the handheld scanner 400 and irradiate UVC toward the bottom or toward the opposite side. there is.

In an embodiment, the UVC LED element 470 may be placed at a third location 473 near the projector 430. The UVC LED element 470 is disposed at the third position 473 near the projector 430 and can irradiate UVC toward the projector 430. For example, the UVC LED element 470 may be placed on the PCB 440 mounted near the projector 430, or may be placed inside the projector 430. The UVC LED element 470 sterilizes the surface of the projector 430 and/or the air around the projector 430 by irradiating UVC toward the pattern mask or digital micromirror device (DMD) included in the projector 430. You can. The UVC LED element 470 may be disposed at a third position 473 near the projector 430 on the lower side of the body 402 of the handheld scanner 400 to irradiate UVC toward the upper side, and may be used to radiate UVC toward the upper side. It may be disposed adjacent to the projector 430 on the top or side of the main body 402 of 400 and irradiate UVC toward the bottom or toward the opposite side.

In an embodiment, the UVC LED element 470 can sterilize the air by being placed in a location where the amount of air, that is, the flow rate, is greater than the standard value. A location where the flow rate is greater than the standard value may be, for example, near the fan 460. In an embodiment, the UVC LED device 470 may be disposed at the fourth position 474 adjacent to the fan 460. The UVC LED element 470 can be placed on the PCB 440 mounted near the fan 460 and irradiate UVC toward external air sucked in through the fan 460. The UVC LED element 470 may be disposed adjacent to the fan 460 on the bottom, top, or side of the body 402 of the handheld scanner 400. Alternatively, the UVC LED element 470 may be disposed facing the direction in which air is introduced by the fan 460 of the handheld scanner 400 and irradiate UVC toward the air flowing in through the fan 460. The UVC LED element 470 is disposed at the fourth position 474 adjacent to the fan 460, so that external air is sucked into the handheld scanner 400 through the fan 460 and sterilized at the same time. Therefore, even if polluted external air is introduced, the handheld scanner 400 can quickly remove contaminants. Therefore, only clean air from which various harmful substances have been removed circulates inside the handheld scanner 400.

However, this is one embodiment, and the UVC LED element 470 can sterilize the air by being placed in a location where the flow rate is greater than the standard value even if it is not near the fan 460.

In embodiments, components included in handheld scanner 400 may be formed from components capable of reflecting UVC. For example, the components included in the handheld scanner 400, such as the optical module 420, projector 430, PCB 440, heat sink 450, and other components, surround the body 402 of the handheld scanner 400. Frames, etc. can be created with materials that have a reflector effect. Materials having a reflector effect may include metals. In an embodiment, the metal may be stainless steel. Stainless steel is a steel material containing large amounts of nickel and chromium, which can reflect UVC. Alternatively, in embodiments, the metal may be polished aluminum. Polished aluminum can act as a reflector depending on the polishing method.

Alternatively, in an embodiment, the interior of the components and frame included in the handheld scanner 400 may be coated with white plaster or white water-based paint to reflect UVC.

UVC irradiated by the UVC LED device may be reflected by components having reflective components inside the handheld scanner 400 or the inside of the frame. UVC can be irradiated to the components and frame included in the handheld scanner 400 to sterilize the surface of the components and frame, and can also be reflected from the surface into the air to sterilize the surrounding air. Alternatively, UVC irradiated by a UVC LED device may be reflected from the surface of a component and irradiated to the surface of another component to sterilize the surface of the other component.

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an optical module and a projector included within a handheld scanner according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the light incident through the opening included in the tip of the handheld scanner 500 is reflected by the optical path changing means 510, passes through the polarization filter 521, and passes through at least one lens 522 and 523. penetrates through. At least one lens 522 and 523 may be provided connected to a fixed camera mounting unit 530. The camera mounting unit 530 may form an optical waveguide. The optical waveguide may be provided so that the incident light incident from the opening and the emitted light irradiated from the projector 540 are divided and do not affect each other. The optical waveguide includes an exit light path portion 541 that provides an optical path for the exit light emitted from the projector 540, and an incident light path portion that provides an optical path for the incident light incident through at least one lens 522 and 523. 524, 525). The imaging boards 528 and 529 may have integrated imaging sensors to generate image data for the object.

In an embodiment, the UVC LED device 550 may be disposed in a space surrounding the exit light path portion 541. The UVC LED element 550 may irradiate UVC in the direction of the polarizing filter 521, allowing the irradiated UVC to pass through the polarizing filter 521 and move toward the light path changing means 510. UVC irradiated by the UVC LED element 550 can sterilize the air in the space between the polarizing filter 521 and the light path changing means 510. In this case, since the sterilized air moves around the optical path changing means 510, the air that may flow from the main body of the handheld scanner 500 to the tip can also be sterilized.

In an embodiment, the UVC LED device 550 may be included inside the projector 540. In this case, the projector 540 may further include a UVC LED element 550 in addition to the LED used as a light source.

In an embodiment, when the handheld scanner 500 operates in a scan mode, a light source (eg, an RGB light source) included in the projector 540 irradiates light, and the camera detects the object through at least one lens. An image is acquired. If the UVC LED element operates simultaneously while the handheld scanner 500 is scanning an object, there is a possibility that precise 3D scan data may not be obtained due to UVC.

In an embodiment, the UVC LED element 550 may be controlled not to operate while the handheld scanner 500 is scanning an object. That is, while the light source included in the projector 540 of the handheld scanner 500 is turned on and emits light, the UVC LED element 550 can be controlled to be turned off.

Along with this, or separately from this, the handheld scanner 500 may be controlled not to acquire a two-dimensional image of the object while the UVC LED element 550 is turned on. That is, while the UVC LED element 550 included in the handheld scanner 500 is turned on, a two-dimensional image of the object may not be generated from the incident light incident through at least one lens 522 and 523. there is. Alternatively, while the UVC LED device 550 is operating on, the two-dimensional image generated from incident light incident through at least one lens 522 and 523 may be controlled not to be used when creating a three-dimensional oral model.

In an embodiment, the polarizing filter 521 may be made of a material that can transmit ultraviolet rays. For example, the polarizing filter 521 may be formed of quartz glass containing a high content of silicon dioxide, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the polarizing filter 521 may be formed of various materials capable of transmitting UVC.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing the appearance of a handheld scanner according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, FIGS. 6A and 6B each show a handheld scanner 600 having a different appearance.

Referring to FIG. 6, the frame or case surrounding the handheld scanner 600 may include a user input unit for controlling the handheld scanner. The user can control the operation of the handheld scanner 600 using the user input unit.

The user input unit may include a control button for controlling the handheld scanner 600. The control button may include a power button for controlling the power of the handheld scanner 600. The power button can receive user input to turn on/off the handheld scanner 600. The handheld scanner 600 can be turned on or off according to user input through the power button. Additionally, the user input unit may include a mode button for controlling the operation mode of the handheld scanner 600.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the user input unit included in the handheld scanner 600 may include a control button 611 and a mode button 613. The control button 611 may include a physical button that receives a user's push operation or a touch button displayed on a touchpad that detects a touch. In an embodiment, the control button 611 may be used as a power button to control the power of the handheld scanner 600.

Alternatively, the control button 611 may be a communication module that receives a control signal from a remote controller (not shown). The control button 611 can receive a control signal from a remote control device using infrared or BLE communication. The user controls the remote control device using at least one of a key or button, a touchpad, a microphone capable of receiving the user's voice (not shown), and a sensor capable of motion recognition of the control device (not shown). The functions of the handheld scanner 600 can be remotely controlled by transmitting a control signal to 611.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner 600 of FIG. 6A may further include a mode button 613 that receives user input for controlling the operating mode of the handheld scanner 600. The handheld scanner 600 can operate in scan mode or in UVC LED device operation mode according to user input through the mode button 613. The UVC LED device operation mode may refer to a mode in which the UVC LED device is turned on and UVC is irradiated in the standby mode.

Like the control button 611, the mode button 613 may include a touch button or physical button that receives a touch or physical input from the user.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, handheld scanner 600 may include only one power button 621. The handheld scanner 600 can perform all power on, off, and mode change functions through the power button 621. The handheld scanner 600 uses one button to receive user input for powering on and off and user input for changing the mode of the handheld scanner 600, and determines whether the user input is for powering on or off. Alternatively, it is possible to identify whether it is for a mode change.

For example, the handheld scanner 600 identifies the duration of a touch or physical push on a button and, if the button input is a long-pressed input, identifies the input as a user input for turning the power on or off. And, if the button input lasts only for a short period of time, the input can be identified as a user input for changing the mode.

Alternatively, the handheld scanner 600 may recognize user input to the power button 621 as different control signals, depending on the current operating situation, and control the operation of the handheld scanner 600 accordingly. For example, when a user input is received through the power button 621 while the handheld scanner 600 is turned off, the handheld scanner 600 may be turned on. Thereafter, when a user input to the power button 621 is received again, the handheld scanner 600 can operate in scan mode. If the handheld scanner 600 receives a user input to the power button 621 again while operating in the scan mode, the handheld scanner 600 may change the current mode to the UVC LED device operation mode in the standby mode. If the handheld scanner 600 receives a user input to the power button 621 again while the UVC LED device is operating, both the UVC LED device and the handheld scanner 600 can be turned off.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner 600 may operate in scan mode or standby mode when the power is turned on, depending on whether components included in the handheld scanner 600 are operating. there is.

In embodiments, handheld scanner 600 may operate in scan mode. The scan mode may mean a mode in which all components of the handheld scanner 600 are activated and operate normally. A user, such as a dentist, can acquire raw data or acquire a three-dimensional intraoral image by scanning the patient's oral cavity while the handheld scanner 600 operates in scan mode.

In embodiments, handheld scanner 600 may operate in standby mode. The standby mode may mean that the handheld scanner 600 itself is turned on, but the optical unit included in the handheld scanner 600, that is, the optical module and the projector, are deactivated. In standby mode, the optical unit may be in a standby state. In standby mode, other components except the optical unit may be active. For example, in standby mode, a communication module (not shown) may perform a network function, receive a control signal from an external device, such as a data processing device or a remote control device, or use the handheld scanner 600 as a data processing device. It is possible to transmit and receive information about the operating status of . Standby mode may also be called idle mode.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner 600 may automatically enter standby mode when it does not receive a control signal from the user for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the handheld scanner 600 may operate in scan mode and enter standby mode even when a preset scan time elapses or a scan mode off command is received from the user.

In embodiments, handheld scanner 600 may include one or more UVC LED devices (not shown). UVC LED elements are LED light sources that irradiate UVC, and can be small in size so that they can be efficiently installed in small devices such as handheld scanners. For example, the UVC LED device may be a small point light source type.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner 600 may have one or more UVC LED elements turned on to irradiate UVC while operating in standby mode. In an embodiment, the handheld scanner 600 may control the UVC LED device not to operate while operating in a scan mode. Because UVC has a sterilizing power strong enough to destroy the molecular structure of DNA or RNA in organic cells, exposure to UVC can have adverse effects on the body. For example, UVC can burn the skin if exposed directly to the skin, and can damage the retina if exposed to the eyes. Additionally, UVC may interfere with obtaining precise scan data on an object. Accordingly, to prevent UVC irradiation while scanning the patient's oral cavity with the handheld scanner 600, in an embodiment, one or more UVC LED elements are turned on only while the handheld scanner 600 is operating in standby mode. If possible, the UVC LED element can be turned off while operating in scan mode.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner 600 may cause the UVC LED element to be turned on whenever the handheld scanner 600 enters standby mode. For example, when the handheld scanner 600 receives a user input to the control button 611 or the power button 621 while the power is turned off, the handheld scanner 600 is turned on and enters standby mode at the same time. While doing so, one or more UVC LED elements can also be automatically turned on.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner 600 may cause one or more UVC LED elements to be turned on simultaneously or sequentially when the mode of the handheld scanner 600 is changed from scan mode to standby mode. . For example, when the handheld scanner 600 does not receive a control signal from the user for a certain period of time, it may enter standby mode. The handheld scanner 600 enters the standby mode and simultaneously enters the UVC LED device operation mode, so that the UVC LED device is turned on.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, the handheld scanner 600 may automatically turn on the UVC LED element when a preset time has elapsed after the handheld scanner 600 enters the standby mode. For example, when the handheld scanner 600 automatically enters standby mode because the user does not operate the handheld scanner 600 for a certain period of time, when a preset time elapses after entering standby mode, one or more The power of the UVC LED device can be turned on.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the frame or case surrounding the handheld scanner 600 may further include indicators 615 and 625 to indicate whether the UVC LED element is in operation. . The indicators 615 and 625 display whether the UVC LED device is in operation using various methods such as the color of light or blinking of light, or the color of a letter, such as changing the color of the letter UV, or vibration or sound. can do. Alternatively, the indicators 615 and 625 may be implemented as transparent windows through which the inside of the handheld scanner 600 can be seen. Since UVC has an invisible ultraviolet ray wavelength, the handheld scanner 600 may further include an LED that emits light of a specific color, such as blue or red, separately from the UVC LED element. The handheld scanner 600 can turn on LEDs of a specific color while the UVC LED device is turned on, and turn off LEDs of a specific color while the UVC LED device is turned off. The user can identify whether the UVC LED device is in operation by recognizing light of a specific color emitted from the inside of the handheld scanner 600 through the transparent window.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner 600 receives a user input to turn off the handheld scanner 600 through the control button 611 or the power button 621 while one or more UVC LED elements are operating. In this case, the UVC LED device can also be turned off. Additionally, in an embodiment, when the handheld scanner 600 receives a user input to operate in scan mode through the mode button 613 or the power button 621 while one or more UVC LED elements are operating, the one or more UVC LED elements are operating. The UVC LED device can be turned off and operated in scan mode. In this case, the user can use the indicators 615 and 625 included in the handheld scanner 600 to identify that the UVC LED device is turned off.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, FIGS. 6A and 6B may be diagrams showing the front and back of one handheld scanner, rather than different handheld scanners. That is, the handheld scanner 600 may have the shape shown in FIG. 6A as the front part of the handheld scanner 600, and the shape shown in FIG. 6B as the rear part of the handheld scanner 600. In this case, the handheld scanner 600 may include a control button 611 and a mode button 613 on the front side and a power button 621 on the back side.

The handheld scanner 600 can receive a power on/off command from the user through the power button 621 provided on the back. The handheld scanner 600 can receive a control signal through the control button 611 provided on the front part. In this case, the control button 611 does not operate as a power button and may be used to receive only a control signal from the remote control device. The handheld scanner 600 can change its mode according to user input through the mode button 613.

Figure 7 is an internal block diagram of a handheld scanner according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the handheld scanner 700 may include a processor 710, a memory 720, an optical unit 730, a UVC LED element 740, a communication module 750, and a user input unit 760. You can.

Memory 720 may store at least one instruction. Additionally, the memory 720 may store at least one instruction that the processor 710 executes. Additionally, the memory 720 may store at least one program that the processor 710 executes.

The optical unit 730 may include an optical module and a projector. The optical unit 730 may include a light source, a projector that projects light from the light source, and at least one camera that receives light reflected from the object. The optical unit 730 may project pattern light or structured light. The optical unit 730 can form a pattern by irradiating light from a light source and controlling each of the fine mirrors included in the DMD. The optical unit 730 can irradiate light by controlling mirrors included in the DMD to turn on or off. The optical unit 730 may acquire three-dimensional data representing the shape of the object by irradiating light to the object and scanning the irradiated object.

In embodiments, handheld scanner 700 may include one or more UVC LED devices 740. The UVC LED element 740 may be an LED that irradiates UVC.

The communication module 750 may communicate with a data processing device through a wired or wireless communication network.

In an embodiment, the communication module 750 may receive a control signal from a data processing device. Additionally, the communication module 750 is a data processing device and can transmit information about the operating status of the handheld scanner 700. Additionally, the communication module 750 may communicate with the data processing device under the control of the processor 710 and transmit the raw data acquired by the optical unit 730 to the data processing device.

The communication module 750 is at least one short-range communication module that performs communication according to communication standards such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC/RFID, Wifi Direct, UWB, or ZIGBEE, and a long-distance communication module. According to communication standards, it may include a long-distance communication module that performs communication with a server to support long-distance communication, and at least one port for connecting to an external electronic device with a wired cable for wired communication.

The user input unit 760 may receive user input for controlling the handheld scanner 700. The user input unit 760 may include a touch panel that detects the user's touch, a button that receives the user's push operation, and a voice recognition device including a microphone. Alternatively, the user input unit 760 may further include at least one of a wheel or a dome switch that receives the user's rotation operation, and a sensor (not shown) capable of motion recognition. The user input unit 760 may receive one or more of a power on/off command of the handheld scanner 700, a command to change the mode of the handheld scanner 700 to a scan mode, or a command to change the UVC LED device operation mode. .

The processor 710 can control the entire handheld scanner 700. The processor 710 may control at least one component included in the handheld scanner 700 so that the intended operation is performed. Therefore, even if the case where the processor 710 performs certain operations is explained as an example, it may mean that the processor 710 controls at least one component included in the handheld scanner 700 so that certain operations are performed. there is. The processor 710 may control the optical unit 730 to obtain 3D data about the object.

In an embodiment, the processor 710 may control the UVC LED device 740 to turn the UVC LED device 740 on or off.

In an embodiment, the processor 710 may control the UVC LED device to be turned on in response to detecting the first event. The first event may include one or more of receiving a first control signal through the user input unit 760 and receiving a first control signal from a data processing device through the communication module 750. Here, the first control signal may include at least one of a scan mode off command, a power-on command of the handheld scanner 700, and a power-on command of the UVC LED element 740.

The handheld scanner 700 performs a task of correcting errors at any time or at regular intervals, that is, calibration, in order to obtain accurate 3D model data. In an embodiment, when calibration of the handheld scanner 700 is completed, the processor 710 may recognize that a first event has occurred and cause the UVC LED element 740 to be turned on.

In an embodiment, the processor 710 may detect that the handheld scanner 700 enters the standby mode as a first event. The processor 710 may turn on the UVC LED element 740 when the handheld scanner 700 enters standby mode.

In an embodiment, the processor 710 may detect the elapse of a preset time after the handheld scanner 700 enters the standby mode as a first event. The processor 710 may turn on the UVC LED element 740 when the handheld scanner 700 enters standby mode and a preset time has elapsed.

In an embodiment, the processor 710 may control the UVC LED device 740 to be turned off in response to detecting a second event while the UVC LED device 740 is operating on. Detecting the second event may include one or more of receiving a second control signal through user input 760 and receiving a second control signal from a data processing device through communication module 750. . Here, the second control signal may include at least one of a scan mode entry command, a power-off command of the handheld scanner 700, and a power-off command of the UVC LED element 740.

In an embodiment, the processor 710 may prevent the UVC LED element 740 from operating while the handheld scanner 700 operates in a scan mode.

In an embodiment, the processor 710 may prevent the light source included in the projector inside the handheld scanner 700 and the UVC LED element 740 from operating simultaneously.

In an embodiment, the processor 710 may prevent the camera inside the handheld scanner 700 from acquiring a two-dimensional image of the object while the UVC LED element 740 is operating.

Alternatively, in an embodiment, the processor 710 may prevent the two-dimensional image acquired for the object by the camera inside the handheld scanner 700 from being used when creating a three-dimensional oral model while the UVC LED element 740 is operating. there is. In an embodiment, the processor 710 may detect this as a second event when the UVC LED element 740 is turned on and irradiates UVC and a preset time has elapsed. The processor 710 may automatically turn off the UVC LED element 740 after the UVC LED element 740 irradiates UVC for a preset time.

The handheld scanner 700 is an electronic device with various electronic components built in, and has an appropriate operating temperature for scanning. If scanning is performed outside the operating temperature, scanning efficiency will decrease. Accordingly, before scanning, the handheld scanner 700 is preheated to bring the internal temperature to an appropriate operating temperature.

The temperature of the UVC LED element 740 may rise when turned on due to the characteristics of the UVC LED chip. Therefore, when the UVC LED element 740 is turned on, the temperature inside the handheld scanner 700 may also rise. In an embodiment, the processor 710 may omit the pre-heating operation performed before scanning when the UVC LED device 740 operates for a predetermined time. Alternatively, the processor 710 may allow preheating to be performed only for a time shorter than the preset preheating time.

Figure 8 is an example of a detailed block diagram of an oral image processing system including a handheld scanner and data processing device.

In an embodiment, an oral image processing system may include a handheld scanner 810, a data processing device 820, and a communication network 830.

The handheld scanner 810 scans the patient's oral cavity or tooth cast model and transmits the acquired raw data to the data processing device 820 through the communication network 830 or processes the raw data to create a three-dimensional virtual model. and can be transmitted to the data processing device 820.

The handheld scanner 810 may include a processor 811, a memory 812, an optical unit 813, a UVC LED element 814, a communication module 815, and a user input unit 816. The handheld scanner 810 of FIG. 8 is an example of the handheld scanner 700 of FIG. 7, and includes a processor 811, a memory 812, an optical unit 813, a UVC LED element 814, and a communication module 815. ) and the user input unit 816 are the processor 710, memory 720, optical unit 730, UVC LED element 740, communication module 750, and It may correspond to the user input unit 760. Hereinafter, description of overlapping content will be omitted.

The processor 811 can control the entire handheld scanner 810.

In an embodiment, the processor 811 may receive a control signal through the user input unit 816 or may receive a control signal from the data processing device 820 and control the handheld scanner 810 according to the control signal. .

In an embodiment, the processor 811 may transmit information about the operating status of the handheld scanner 810 to the data processing device 820 through the communication network 830 in real time.

Hereinafter, the data processing device 820 will be described. The data processing device 820 may also be called an oral image processing device.

The data processing device 820 may include a processor 821, a memory 822, a user input unit 823, a communication module 824, a display 825, and an image processing unit 826.

The user input unit 823 may receive user input for controlling the data processing device 820. The user input unit 823 includes a touch panel that detects the user's touch, a button that receives the user's push operation, and a mouse or keyboard for specifying or selecting a point on the user input unit screen. It may include a user input device and may include a voice recognition device for voice recognition.

In an embodiment, the user input unit 823 receives a power-on command of the handheld scanner 810 and a command to turn on the UVC LED element 814 included in the handheld scanner 810 from a user for controlling the data processing device 820. At least one of the power-on commands can be input.

The communication module 824 may communicate with at least one external electronic device through a wired or wireless communication network. The communication module 824 may communicate with the handheld scanner 810 under the control of the processor 821.

Specifically, the communication module 824 is at least one short-distance communication device that performs communication according to communication standards such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC/RFID, Wifi Direct, UWB, or ZIGBEE. Can contain modules. Additionally, the communication module 824 may further include a long-distance communication module that communicates with a server to support long-distance communication according to long-distance communication standards.

Additionally, the communication module 824 may include at least one port for connection to an external electronic device, for example, a handheld scanner 810, etc., via a wired cable.

In an embodiment, the communication module 824 may receive information about the current status of the handheld scanner 810, etc. from the handheld scanner 810. In embodiments, communication module 824 may transmit control signals to handheld scanner 810. The control signal may include a first control signal including at least one of a power-on command for the handheld scanner 810 and a power-on command for the UVC LED element 814 included in the handheld scanner 810. Additionally, the control signal includes a second command for the handheld scanner 810 to enter the scan mode, and at least one of a power-off command for the handheld scanner 810 and a power-off command for the UVC LED element 814. May include control signals.

The display 825 can display a predetermined screen under the control of the processor 821. The display 825 may output a user interface screen for user input.

In an embodiment, the user uses the user interface screen output through the display 825 to identify the current operating state of the handheld scanner 810, and executes the power-on command of the handheld scanner 810 and the handheld scanner ( At least one of the power-on commands for the UVC LED element 814 included in 810 can be selected. Additionally, in an embodiment, the display 825 may output a user interface screen for selecting whether to automatically turn on the UVC LED device.

The display 825 may display a screen containing an image of the oral cavity generated based on data obtained by scanning the patient's mouth or a plaster cast of the oral cavity in the handheld scanner 810. Additionally, the display 825 may output a 3D oral model generated from 2D image data received from the handheld scanner 810.

The image processing unit 826 may perform operations for generating and/or processing images. Specifically, the image processing unit 826 may receive raw data obtained from the handheld scanner 810 and create a three-dimensional virtual model based on the received data.

Memory 822 may store at least one instruction. Additionally, the memory 822 may store at least one instruction executed by the processor. Additionally, the memory may store at least one program that the processor 821 executes. Additionally, memory 822 may store data received from handheld scanner 810 (e.g., raw data obtained through intraoral scan, etc.). Alternatively, the memory may store an oral image representing the oral cavity in three dimensions. According to one embodiment, the memory 822 may include one or more instructions for obtaining a 3D oral model from 2D image data.

The processor 821 executes at least one instruction stored in the memory 822 and controls the intended operation to be performed. Here, at least one instruction may be stored in the internal memory included in the processor 821 or in the memory 822 included in the data processing device separately from the processor 821.

In an embodiment, processor 821 may transmit a control signal to handheld scanner 810 by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 822, such that handheld scanner 810 is controlled according to the control signal. there is. The processor 821 may transmit the control signal selected by the user through the user input unit 823 to the handheld scanner 810 through the communication network 830 in response to the user interface screen output through the display 825. . The processor 821 controls the UVC LED element 814 included in the handheld scanner 810 to be turned on by transmitting a control signal to the handheld scanner 810, or the UVC LED element 814 is turned off. It can be controlled as much as possible.

Depending on the embodiment, the processor 821 performing operations such as 'extraction', 'acquisition', and 'generation' means not only when the processor 821 executes at least one instruction and directly performs the above-described operations. Rather, it may include controlling other components so that the above-described operations are performed.

In order to implement the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure, the handheld scanner 810 and the data processing device 820 may include only some of the components shown in FIG. 8, or may include more components in addition to the components shown in FIG. 8. It may also contain components.

Additionally, the data processing device 820 can store and execute dedicated software linked to the handheld scanner 810. Here, dedicated software may be referred to as a dedicated program, dedicated tool, or dedicated application. When the data processing device 820 operates in conjunction with the handheld scanner 810, the dedicated software stored in the data processing device 820 is connected to the handheld scanner 810 to store data acquired through oral scanning. You can receive real time.

Additionally, dedicated software may transmit control signals to the handheld scanner 810 and also perform at least one operation to acquire, process, store, and/or transmit an intraoral image. Here, dedicated software may be stored in the processor. Additionally, dedicated software may provide a user interface screen for using data acquired from a 3D scanner. Here, the user interface screen provided by the dedicated software may include a screen for selecting a control signal, or a screen for selecting whether to automatically turn on the UVC LED device, according to the disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a data processing device outputting a user interface screen for selecting whether to automatically irradiate UVC, according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the data processing device may receive selection from the user of various setting information related to the operation of the UVC LED device.

In an embodiment, the data processing device may display a user interface screen 900 for selecting whether to automatically irradiate UVC in relation to the operation of the UVC LED device in the form of a text window on a partial area of the display. The size, output position, transparency, and/or shape of the user interface screen 900 for selecting whether or not to automatically irradiate UVC may be changed in various ways.

The user views the user interface screen 900 and uses the selection button 910 to select whether or not to automatically irradiate UVC, so that when the first event occurs, the UVC LED element is automatically turned on to irradiate UVC. The function can be prevented from being performed.

When a user input selecting automatic UVC irradiation is received through the user interface screen 900, the data processing device transmits a control signal to the handheld scanner to automatically irradiate UVC whenever a first event is detected, Additionally, UVC irradiation may be stopped whenever a second event is detected during UVC irradiation.

The user interface screen 900 may further include a button 920 for selecting a UVC irradiation time. The user can view the user interface screen 900 and select the time at which UVC is automatically irradiated (921), thereby allowing the UVC LED element to be irradiated for the selected time.

Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining the timing at which a UVC LED element included in a handheld scanner operates according to an embodiment.

In embodiments, the handheld scanner may control the UVC LED element to be turned on corresponding to detecting the first event.

In an embodiment, the first event may include at least one of receiving a first control signal through a user input unit and receiving a first control signal from a data processing device through a communication module. The first control signal may include at least one of a scan mode off command, a power-on command of the handheld scanner, and a power-on command of the UVC LED element.

Additionally, in an embodiment, the first event occurs when calibration for the handheld scanner is terminated, when the handheld scanner enters the standby mode, or when a preset time elapses after the handheld scanner enters the standby mode. It may include at least one of the cases.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner may control the UVC LED device to turn off in response to detecting a second event while the UVC LED device is turned on and operating.

In an embodiment, the second event may include at least one of receiving a second control signal through a user input unit and receiving a second control signal from a data processing device through a communication module. The second control signal may include at least one of a scan mode entry command, a power-off command of the handheld scanner, and a power-off command of the UVC LED element. Additionally, in an embodiment, the second event may include the UVC LED device turning on and irradiating UVC and a preset time elapsed.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 10, it will be described how the handheld scanner turns on/off the UVC LED element according to the occurrence of the first event or the second event.

Referring to FIG. 10, the handheld scanner is turned off before time t0. When the handheld scanner is turned off, the UVC LED element included in the handheld scanner also does not operate.

The handheld scanner may receive a control signal for a power-on command of the handheld scanner at time t0. When receiving a control signal for a power-on command of the handheld scanner from a user input unit or data processing device included in the handheld scanner, the handheld scanner may enter standby mode by turning on the power.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner may detect receipt of a control signal for a power-on command as a first event and cause the UVC LED element to be turned on at time t0.

In an embodiment, after the UVC LED device is turned on, the handheld scanner irradiates UVC for a predetermined amount of time Δt, and then automatically turns off at time t+Δt when Δt time has elapsed. The handheld scanner identifies the occurrence of a second event when the UVC LED element turns on and irradiates UVC and a preset time has elapsed, and automatically turns off the UVC LED element when the preset time has elapsed. can do.

In an embodiment, after entering the standby mode, the handheld scanner may identify this as the occurrence of a first event when a preset time, for example, t1, has elapsed. The handheld scanner can automatically turn on the UVC LED element when a preset time has elapsed after entering standby mode.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner turns on the UVC LED element at time t1 and then sends a control signal to turn the UVC LED element off at time t1+Δt' from a user input unit or data processing device included in the handheld scanner. can receive. In an embodiment, when the handheld scanner receives a control signal that causes the UVC LED device to turn off, it can identify this as the occurrence of a second event and cause the UVC LED device to turn off at time t1+Δt'.

In an embodiment, when the handheld scanner receives a control signal that turns on the UVC LED element from a user input unit or data processing device included in the handheld scanner at time t2, it identifies this as the occurrence of a first event, and detects the first event. The UVC LED element can be turned on at the time when occurs, that is, at time t2.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner may receive a control signal to enter the scan mode at time t2+Δt" from a user input or data processing device included in the handheld scanner. The handheld scanner may receive a control signal to enter the scan mode. When a control signal is received, it can be identified as the occurrence of a second event. The handheld scanner can turn off the UVC LED element at the time t2+Δt" in response to the occurrence of the second event. That is, in an embodiment, the handheld scanner may control the UVC LED element not to operate while operating in the scan mode. This is to exclude the possibility that UVC irradiated from the UVC LED device flows into the oral cavity while the handheld scanner is scanning the oral cavity. Additionally, when UVC is irradiated from a UVC LED element while the handheld scanner is scanning the inside of the oral cavity, there is a possibility that the handheld scanner may not obtain precise scan data due to UVC.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner may control the UVC LED element not to operate at the same time while the projector is emitting light. In an embodiment, the handheld scanner may preheat for a preset period of time before starting scanning to bring the temperature of the handheld scanner to an appropriate operating temperature. Typically, when a handheld scanner is powered on, it can perform a warm-up.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner may control the preheating operation of the handheld scanner through the operating time of the UVC LED element and/or sensing the resulting temperature inside the handheld scanner. For example, in a handheld scanner, if the UVC LED element operates after the handheld scanner is turned on, the operation time of the UVC LED element is taken into consideration, and the preheating operation of the handheld scanner is omitted accordingly, or the preheating time is shortened. can do. The handheld scanner detects the rise in temperature inside the handheld scanner according to the operation of the UVC LED element, and compares the temperature inside the handheld scanner with the appropriate operating temperature, so that the preheating time can be shortened or the preheating operation can be omitted. there is. The handheld scanner may check the temperature inside the handheld scanner periodically or at random time intervals and perform preheating only when the temperature inside the handheld scanner is lower than the operating temperature appropriate for performing a scan.

In an embodiment, if a user is scanning a patient's oral cavity using a handheld scanner and does not use the handheld scanner for a predetermined period of time, the handheld scanner may automatically enter standby mode.

In an embodiment, when the handheld scanner enters the standby mode at time t3, the handheld scanner may recognize entering the standby mode as the occurrence of a first event. The handheld scanner can cause the UVC LED element to be turned on at time t3, corresponding to the occurrence of the first event.

Alternatively, in an embodiment, the handheld scanner may perform a scan operation until time t3 and then receive a command to turn off the scan mode as a control signal from a user input unit or a data processing device included in the handheld scanner. When the handheld scanner receives a scan mode off command, it can identify this as the occurrence of a first event. The handheld scanner can cause the UVC LED element to be turned on at time t3, corresponding to the occurrence of the first event. In an embodiment, the handheld scanner may irradiate UVC for a predetermined amount of time Δt after the UVC LED device is turned on, and then identify this as the occurrence of a second event when Δt time has elapsed. In other words, the handheld scanner can automatically turn off the UVC LED device at the time t3+Δt.

In embodiments, calibration may be performed on a handheld scanner. In an embodiment, the handheld scanner may identify the end of calibration as the occurrence of a first event. The handheld scanner can automatically turn on the UVC LED element at t4, the end point of the calibration, to irradiate UVC for Δt, corresponding to the end of the calibration.

In an embodiment, the handheld scanner may turn on the UVC LED device corresponding to the occurrence of the first event at time t5. Thereafter, at time t5+Δt''', the handheld scanner may receive a power-off command of the handheld scanner from a user input unit or data processing device included in the handheld scanner. When the handheld scanner receives a power-off command of the handheld scanner, it may identify this as the occurrence of a second event. The handheld scanner may also turn off the UVC LED element together with the handheld scanner at the time t5+Δt''', corresponding to the occurrence of the second event.

11 is a flowchart showing an oral image processing method according to an embodiment.

Referring to Figure 11, the handheld scanner can identify whether a first event has occurred (step 1110). In an embodiment, the first event may include receiving a first control signal including at least one of a power-on command of the handheld scanner and a power-on command of the UVC LED element. When the handheld scanner receives a first control signal from the data processing device through a user input unit or a communication module, it may identify this as the occurrence of a first event.

Additionally, in an embodiment, the first event is when calibration for the handheld scanner is completed, the handheld scanner enters the standby mode, or a preset time elapses after the handheld scanner enters the standby mode. It may include at least one of the cases.

The handheld scanner may cause the UVC LED element to turn on when the first event occurs (step 1120).

The handheld scanner may identify whether a second event occurred while the UVC LED device was turned on and irradiating UVC (step 1130).

In an embodiment, the second event may include receiving a second control signal. The second control signal may include at least one of a scan mode entry command, a power-off command of the handheld scanner, and a power-off command of the UVC LED element. When the handheld scanner receives a second control signal from the data processing device through a user input unit or a communication module, it may identify this as the occurrence of a second event. Additionally, in an embodiment, the second event may include the UVC LED device turning on and irradiating UVC and a preset time elapsed.

The handheld scanner may cause the UVC LED element to be powered off when the second event occurs (step 1140).

The data processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. Additionally, an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a computer-readable storage medium on which one or more programs including at least one instruction for executing a data processing method are recorded.

In addition, the oral image processing method according to the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure includes the steps of controlling one or more UVC LED elements included in the handheld scanner to be turned on, corresponding to detecting the first event, and the one Oral image processing performed in an oral image processing device, comprising controlling the one or more UVC LED elements to be turned off in response to detecting a second event while the UVC LED elements are turned on and operating. The method may be implemented as a computer program product including a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for implementing the method is recorded.

The computer-readable storage medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., singly or in combination. Here, examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and floptical disks. Magneto-optical media such as magneto-optical media, and hardware devices configured to store and perform program instructions such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. may be included.

Here, the device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, ‘non-transitory storage medium’ may mean that the storage medium is a tangible device. Additionally, the 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer where data is temporarily stored.

Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the scope of rights of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims are also within the scope of rights of the present invention. It belongs.

Claims (17)

In a handheld scanner,
One or more UVC LED elements; and
Includes a processor executing one or more instructions,
The processor executes the one or more instructions,
In response to detecting a first event, controlling the one or more UVC LED elements to be on,
Controlling the one or more UVC LED elements to be turned off in response to detecting a second event while the one or more UVC LED elements are turned on and operating,
The one or more UVC LED elements sterilize at least one of the air inside the handheld scanner, surfaces of components included within the handheld scanner, and the interior of a frame surrounding the handheld scanner,
The handheld scanner further includes a fan that introduces external air,
The one or more UVC LED elements are located in a path where the flow rate of the external air introduced by the fan is greater than a standard value, and sterilizes the external air introduced by the fan. The method of claim 1, wherein the handheld scanner
user input unit; and
It further includes a data processing device and a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information,
The first event includes at least one of receiving a first control signal through the user input unit and receiving a first control signal from the data processing device through the communication unit,
The first control signal includes at least one of a scan mode off command, a power on command of the handheld scanner, and a power on command of the one or more UVC LED elements. The method of claim 1, wherein the first event is the completion of calibration of the handheld scanner, the handheld scanner entering standby mode, and the handheld scanner entering standby mode. ), including at least one of the following: a preset time has elapsed since entering the handheld scanner. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the handheld scanner further comprises a projector including a light source,
The processor executes the one or more instructions to prevent the light source and the one or more UVC LED elements included in the projector from operating simultaneously. The method of claim 1, wherein the handheld scanner further includes a camera that acquires two-dimensional image data about the object,
By executing the one or more instructions, the processor prevents the camera from acquiring the two-dimensional image data while the one or more UVC LED elements are turned on and operating, or the two-dimensional image data acquired by the camera is converted into three-dimensional image data. A handheld scanner that is not intended to be used when creating images. The method of claim 1, wherein the handheld scanner
user input unit; and
It further includes a data processing device and a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information,
The second event includes at least one of receiving a second control signal through the user input unit and receiving a second control signal from the data processing device through the communication unit,
The second control signal includes at least one of a scan mode entry command, a power-off command of the handheld scanner, and a power-off command of the one or more UVC LED elements. According to claim 1,
The second event includes the one or more UVC LED elements turning on to irradiate UVC and a preset time elapsed. The method of claim 1, wherein when the one or more UVC LED elements are turned on and operated by executing the one or more instructions, the processor omits preheating for the handheld scanner or shortens the preheating time than a preset time. A handheld scanner that starts scanning after preheating for a certain amount of time. delete 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the handheld scanner further comprises an optical module,
The one or more UVC LED elements are located within the optical module. The method of claim 1, wherein the handheld scanner
Handheld scanner body; and
It includes a tip that is detachably coupled to the handheld scanner body,
The UVC LED element is located in the handheld scanner body near where it is coupled to the tip. In the data processing device,
A communication unit that transmits and receives information with a handheld scanner including one or more UVC LED elements;
A memory that stores one or more instructions; and
A processor executing the one or more instructions stored in the memory,
By executing the one or more instructions, the processor transmits a first control signal to the handheld scanner through the communication unit to control the one or more UVC LED elements included in the handheld scanner to be turned on. ,
While the one or more UVC LED elements are turned on and operating, a second control signal is transmitted to the handheld scanner through the communication unit to control the one or more UVC LED elements to be turned off,
The processor controls the one or more UVC LED elements to be turned on so that the one or more UVC LED elements illuminate the air inside the handheld scanner, the surfaces of components included within the handheld scanner, and the handheld scanner. Ensure that at least one of the interiors of the surrounding frame is sterilized,
The handheld scanner further includes a fan that introduces external air,
The one or more UVC LED elements are located in a path where the flow rate of the external air introduced by the fan is greater than or equal to a reference value,
The processor controls the one or more UVC LED elements to be turned on so that the one or more UVC LED elements sterilize the external air introduced by the fan. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first control signal includes at least one of a scan mode off command, a power on command of the handheld scanner, and a power on command of the one or more UVC LED elements,
The second control signal includes at least one of a scan mode entry command, a power-off command of the handheld scanner, and a power-off command of the one or more UVC LED elements. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: a user input unit of a data processing device; and
further comprising a display,
Outputting a user interface screen for selecting whether to automatically turn on the UVC LED element through the display,
Automatically turning on the UVC LED element is selected through a user input unit of the data processing device in response to the user interface screen,
The processor, by executing the one or more instructions, transmits the first control signal to the handheld scanner through the communication unit, corresponding to selecting automatic on of the UVC LED element, and transmits the first control signal to the handheld scanner installed inside the handheld scanner. A data processing device that controls one or more UVC LED elements to be turned on, or transmits the second control signal to control the one or more UVC LED elements to be turned off. In an image processing method performed by an image processing device,
In response to detecting the first event, controlling one or more UVC LED elements included in the handheld scanner to be on; and
Comprising: controlling the one or more UVC LED elements to be turned off in response to detecting a second event while the one or more UVC LED elements are turned on and operating,
The step of controlling the one or more UVC LED elements to be turned on includes the one or more UVC LED elements being connected to air inside the handheld scanner, surfaces of components included inside the handheld scanner, and surrounding the handheld scanner. sterilizing at least one of the interiors of the frame,
The handheld scanner further includes a fan that introduces external air,
The one or more UVC LED elements are located in a path where the flow rate of the external air introduced by the fan is greater than or equal to a reference value,
The sterilizing step includes sterilizing the external air introduced by the one or more UVC LED elements by the fan. The method of claim 15, wherein the first event is
Receiving a first control signal,
Completing the calibration of the handheld scanner,
Entering a standby mode of the handheld scanner,
Includes at least one of the following: elapse of a preset time after the handheld scanner enters the standby mode,
The image processing method, wherein the first control signal includes at least one of a scan mode off command, a power-on command of the handheld scanner, and a power-on command of the one or more UVC LED elements. The method of claim 15, wherein the second event is
At least one of receiving a second control signal and elapse of a preset time after the one or more UVC LED elements irradiate UVC,
The second control signal includes at least one of a scan mode entry command of the handheld scanner, a power-off command of the handheld scanner, and a power-off command of the one or more UVC LED elements.

Images