360 DEGREES OF CONFIDENCE

MDA Readers' Choice 2017 IDA Gold 2017 Core77 Notable 2017 IDEA 2017 Gold EPDA 2018

Canfield Scientific VECTRA WB360

HSD partnered with Canfield Scientific on the design and development of the world’s first 3D whole-body imaging solution: the VECTRA WB360. Designed for medical use, this innovative system images nearly the entire skin surface in macro-quality resolution with a single capture.

 

After years in development, Canfield tasked HS Design to bring the concept to life in a form that is open, welcoming, and fits within Canfield’s brand identity.  In just under one year of development, the HSD design and engineering team helped Canfield bring their technology to market. The VECTRA WB360, fully-equipped with 92 precisely positioned cameras, produces a three-dimensional image of the entire body, precisely replicating body shape and skin features. These images are an indispensable tool for dermatologists and plastic surgeons, allowing them to analyze and monitor skin conditions efficiently and with confidence.

Experience

From patients to clinicians to technicians, HS Design considered all stakeholders in the design and development of the WB360.  The system is designed to reduce patient anxiety by drastically cutting photography time (while nude or semi-nude) down from 10-20 minutes for 2D photography body mapping systems to less than a second, saving time for both clinicians and patients.  The form was designed to prevent feelings of claustrophobia, intimidation and fear in a patient by providing a sense of security as they stand exposed in front of the 92 cameras. The various components of the VECTRA WB360 are made of thin walled thermoformed Kydex to keep the parts lightweight, allowing for a single-technician assembly.  Servicing is made fast and easy for technicians due to the removable front housing covers and modular dual-camera pod design.

Design Process

HSD and Canfield Scientific worked together to create an elegant yet robust structure that fits within Canfield’s brand identity with its use of surface geometries, carefully-selected finishes and recognizable color scheme.  Throughout the process, special attention was given to designing a form that is perceived as open, soft and welcoming.  The novel design of the VECTRA WB360 enables configurations for both full body and half body systems, accommodating customers who may not have the space or budget for the entire system.  HS Design worked with Canfield Scientific to select all materials, define manufacturing processes, and recommend techniques for assembly for this first-of-a-kind system.

The Challenge

The relative scale of the system, tolerance requirements and curved geometries were a few of the major challenges faced by the design and engineering team.  The design of the structure needed to house all cameras and flashes in specific positions and fit within an 8.75ft by 8.75ft room.  In addition, the structure needed to  be robust enough to resist vibrations and incorporate  very tight tolerances.  HS Design engineered the preliminary frame structure, the modular pod and the full external system architecture of the system.  The structure’s organic surfaces created undercuts which drove the need for complex and precise thermoformed manufacturing processes.  The requirements for the precise location of the cameras and flashes, single-technician assembly and ease of servicing also presented challenges for form, frame manufacturing and assembly. To ensure the design fit with Canfield’s aesthetic, HSD designed the system with hidden attachment features to provide a seamless external body enclosure.

The Solution

To prevent any inconsistencies in camera placement and angles, modular pods were developed, each housing 2 DSLR cameras. A total of 46 pods were precisely positioned in order to obtain a clear, 360-degree image of a patient. The goal was to capture all 46 pods into a form that was not intimidating and one that reflected the high-perceived value of the Canfield product identity. Each pod is disguised within the dark background of the housing, which is wrapped in a soft, white exterior. This blending of high technology and form results in a more pleasant examination experience for the patient.

Prototyping

Due to the system’s size, cost and time constraints, creating 1:1 prototypes early on was not feasible.  To ensure the design would translate at full-scale, the team utilized Microsoft HoloLens goggles to assess design and aesthetic detail.  When frame prototypes were received, the housings were virtually laid over the frame to ensure the components were accurately positioned.  Several 3D models were built to evaluate the form and details in real time.  Throughout this process, HS Design collaborated with Canfield’s software, electrical and optic teams to prevent any compromises in the WB360’s aesthetics or functionality.

Longstanding Relationship

For over a decade, HSD has collaborated with Canfield Scientific to integrate their state of the art imaging solution technology into intuitive and award winning designs. By providing Canfield with design and engineering support, HSD has ensured all Canfield products carry the same form language and provide clinicians, patients, and technicians with a positive product experience. The VECTRA WB360, along with the software, has made Canfield the leading expert in finding and identifying skin lesions.  This device will become the new standard for dermatology and fit in with other critical hospital equipment such as the MRI and CAT scan.