How can I troubleshoot the OptimaScan app?

There are 4 components that must be configured before the first scan:
  1. OptimaScan macOS
    • *Important: Before logging into the app, turn on FileVault (Disk Encryption) on your Mac. Turning this on will help protect your data by making it unreadable to unauthorized users. Follow the below steps to turn it on.
      • Go to System Settings (or System Preferences).

      • Navigate to Privacy & Security.

      • Click FileVault.

      • Turn it On.

      • You’ll be prompted to:

        • Choose a recovery method (iCloud or recovery key).

        • Restart your Mac.

    • When using the desktop app, it is recommended to enter full-size mode for more power. 
  2. OptimaScan iOS
    • On the app store, search for "OptimaScan" OptimaScan macOS app  and download it. 
    • Click 'Allow' on all permission pop ups shown below while opening the app. 
      OptimaScan-iOS-Permissions-1
    • Open the app. For each of the 3 iPhones, tap the Settings icon on the bottom right.
      • Set each iPhone to the correct positions: 
        First device - Top - Head IMG_8301
        Second device - Middle - Pelvic Middle_OptimaScan_iOS-iPhone
        Third device - Bottom - Feet Bottom_OptimaScan_iOS_iPhone
        1. Return to the Camera page.
      • Once set, these settings on the app will not erase unless you delete and redownload the app. If your iPhones turn off, lose battery, or restart, it will not affect the settings on the app.
      • Remember to place an OptimaCase for each iPhone so you can attach it to the positions of the imaging arm. There is a wire available for charging each iPhone should you need it.
    • OptimaScan device
      • Ensure the imaging arm path is clear of objects before scanning.
      • Please be careful around the imaging arm as it can be a fragile device.
    • DermEngine
      • Ensure a valid DermEngine account. Create the patient on the web or mobile app.
      • You can view the 3D model on the DermEngine web application only at this stage. 

     

    Before the Scan

    1. Plug the OptimaScan device on. 
    2. Create the patient on DermEngine (web/mobile), if you haven't already. 
    3. Select the patient on the macOS OptimaScan app.
    4. Double check that each iPhone is ready for scanning. 
      1. Fully charged or charging
      2. Connected to WiFi
      3. Bluetooth is ON
      4. Airplane mode is ON
      5. All cameras are in focus. Tap once on the screen if needed.
    5. Ensure a stable connection between the four devices. A green dot will indicate that they are connected.
      1. OptimaScan base
      2. Top iPhone
      3. Middle iPhone
      4. Bottom iPhone
    6. When ready, press 'Initialize'. The system will check connections and attempt to scan. If its successful, a 'Start' button will appear.  
      1. If after pressing 'Initialize' and one of the connections fail, try pressing the iPhone Retry button to reconnect.
      2. If issues continue to arise with any of the devices, see the following helpful tips below.
      3. If any issues arise with the Base, please see the following
    7. Prepare the patient properly to be positioned on the platform. For patient positioning tips, see here.
    8. When the system is ready to scan, a 'Start' button will appear. Press 'Start'.



     

    During the Scan

    1. The imaging arm will move once during the scan.
    2. Instruct the patient to remain still and avoid moving or speaking.
    3. You may wear the approved sunglasses by your clinic for your comfort.
    4. Maintain a steady chin level by staring straight at a point on the wall. 
    5. When imaging is complete, the system will command to let you know.  ("All done. Please wait for the operator.")

     

    After the Scan

    1. Once the scan is complete, the lights will turn off. 
    2. The OptimaScan macOS app will now generate the 3D model. This may take 10-15 minutes, depending on your computer.
      Generating 3D model-OptimaScan
    3. During this time, you can begin the scan of another patient. If the macOS app is 'Scanning' or 'Waiting', do not move or exit away from this screen. 

     

    Reviewing Images

    • Currently, the 3D model is available to view on the DermEngine web platform. Log into the same account that uses the OptimaScan macOS app to view.
    • On the patient's spot page, click Total-Body to view the 2D images captured from each iPhone. Each body part has one saved image. You can view the remaining images for each body part in the Gallery. 


    Limitations to be aware of:

      1. 3D model generation can take 10-15 minutes depending on your computer. Please complete the process up to the Generating Stage before starting a scan with another patient. This means, actions should be left while in the Scanning and Waiting stages.
      2. While the OptimaScan macOS app is processing, please do not exit the screen or enter another app. Remain in full-screen mode and avoid closing the app.
      3. The canes are to maintain the correct posture only. The patient should stand still and rely on the handlebars to maintain posture, not for balance or support. If the patient requires more assistance, please consider a spot check instead of a total-body scan. 

    Patient Positioning 

    • Before imaging: Please tie long hair and use the provided hairnet to ensure no hair falls on the forehead, neck, or imaging areas. This helps ensure the best image quality.
      • Remove jewelry, watches, eyeglasses, and accessories prior to the scan. 
      • Sunglasses may be worn for comfort during the scan, which uses a bright light to capture details underneath the skin's surface.
    • Please only wear the approved sunglasses by your clinic. If the patient chooses not, they may keep their eyes open to maintain their posture during the scan. Blinking is OK. 
    1. The patient stands on the footprint marks, about shoulder-width apart to capture around the legs. 
      • *Please note: If the patient must adjust their positioning, make note and maintain this position for follow-up appointment to ensure the best model generation for comparison.
    2. Place the adjustable cane/handlebar an inch outside the outermost toe of the footprint mark. 
      OptimaScan placement GIFS
    3. The adjustable canes/handlebars should sit below the hip, pulling the elbows back so to expose the side rib area. 
      OptimaScan_Correct hand placement
    4. The patient can hold onto the adjustable canes to maintain their posture, but please avoid using to support their full weight.
      • *Note: If a patient cannot support their bodyweight for the duration of the scan, consider a manual spot check for concerning lesions instead.
    5. Provide an eye-level dot, sticker, or object for the patient to stare at while being scanned. This helps maintain their chin level and posture.
    6. For the duration of the scan (about 1 minute), the patient must stand completely still for the best scan results. No talking or moving of the body parts or face muscles. 
    7. Please wait for the audio instruction from the system when the scan is complete ("All done. Please wait for the operator.")



    Troubleshooting

    Common Issues:

    If you are having issues with the four devices, check the connection on the OptimaScan macOS app:
    1. If iPhone devices are not connected (indicated by a red dot next to the device name), close the app on the attached devices and reopen it.
      1. If a single iPhone is the issue, try restarting that device.
      2. If multiple or all iPhones are not connected, restart the WiFi and Bluetooth on the macOS app.
    2. If you still have connection issues after the first step, close the OptimaScan macOS app on your computer and reopen it.
    3. Check if you've mistakenly denied any of the permission notifications. Go to settings on macOS and search for 'Privacy & Security' → tap ‘Allow applications to access Bluetooth’ and search for OptimaScan. Please make sure OptimaScan is also toggled on under 'Privacy & Security' → 'Accessibility'.
      • If the application doesn’t show up, add it by clicking + button

    4. If after scanning, a blue screen appears instead of the images on the macOS app, try clicking the Image Retry button.

       
      1. If the thumbnail image appears, then the images were successfully loaded.
      2. If the thumbnail doesn't appear, try restarting the iPhone in which the unsuccessful image was taken from (Head, Pelvic, Feet). 
    5. If after successful model generation, the images are not uploaded for the patient, try uploading them again on the macOS app by selecting the patient and click 'retry' button. 

     

    OptimaScan Base
    If you are having issues connecting to the base:

    1. Make sure it is connected to power and turned on.
    2. Reset the base using the white reset button.

    Some other common issues and their solutions are:

    1. If after pressing 'Start Scanning', the device doesn't move → Press 'Retry'
    2. If there are issues resetting the base to its original position, go to settings on the OptimaScan macOS app and click 'CW' (clockwise) or 'CCW' (counterclockwise). This moves the arm back to its start position manually. 

    Screenshot 2025-05-01 at 3.36.22 PM

    Updating the Apps

    1. OptimaScan macOS app (desktop)
    2. OptimaScan iOS app (iPhone)
    3. DermEngine web or mobile app 
     

    Reporting Issues

    If you notice any issues while operating the device (hardware or software), please let us know and we'll work on resolving it. Please provide us with as much information about the situation as possible, including the following:

    • A patient ID or URL (from web app)
    • A date & time
    • A screenshot or screen-recording 
    • The exact error message, if available
    • Specify the device (OptimaScan, iPhone, or Mac)
     
     
    Scanning for Existing Patients

    As of now, spot migration occurs for existing patients on the web app, but the locations of some of the lesions can be placed incorrectly. It is advisable to check and relocate the spots if necessary. *Please note: Once spots are placed on the 3D model, they will no longer be visible on the 2D mannequin. To use the 2D mannequin, you can turn it back on in the app.