Optical Fiber Scanning Actuator for Uniform Density Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical scanning methods, such as spiral, Lissajous, and propeller patterns, suffer from uneven scanning density and distortion, particularly in the center of the observational field, and are challenging to implement linearly without rotation, leading to suboptimal image quality in scanning endoscopes and projectors.

Innovation Solution

An optical scanning method utilizing a two-dimensional displacement of the optical fiber's emission end with a dual-driver actuator system, controlled by a drive controller to rotate a scanning pattern in a nearly parallel manner with constant length, inverting signal phases at specific angles to minimize displacement and achieve a circular scanning area with uniform density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional scanning patterns (spiral, Lissajous, propeller) are used, then the scanning area is covered, but the scanning density becomes uneven and distortion occurs, particularly in the center of the observational field

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning density uniformityVSAvoidscanning pattern implementation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the scanning pattern rotatable with adjustable orientation. The scanning pattern can be rotated to different angles and the rotation angle can be dynamically adjusted, allowing the system to adapt to different scanning requirements while maintaining uniform scanning density. This dynamic capability enables the scanning pattern to be optimized for each specific application, resolving the contradiction between scanning density uniformity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the orientation angle of the scanning pattern. By changing the rotation angle parameter, the system can achieve uniform scanning density across different observational fields. The ability to adjust this parameter allows the scanning system to maintain consistent performance while adapting to various operational requirements, effectively resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the emission end is displaced to create complex scanning patterns, then diverse scanning areas can be covered, but image quality deteriorates due to distortion and uneven scanning density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning area coverageVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the scanning pattern to rotate and change orientation dynamically. This dynamic capability allows the system to cover diverse scanning areas while maintaining uniform scanning density and image quality. The rotatable scanning pattern adapts to different observational fields, providing both versatility and precision simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by creating a scanning system that can function effectively across multiple different observational fields and applications. The rotatable scanning pattern provides a universal solution that maintains high image quality regardless of the specific scanning area required, allowing the same system to serve multiple purposes without compromising precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the scanning pattern rotates during scanning, then diverse scanning areas can be accessed, but the scanning speed varies causing distortion and reduced image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning area accessibilityVSAvoidscanning speed consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a rotatable scanning pattern with controlled orientation. The dynamic rotation capability allows access to diverse scanning areas while the system maintains constant scanning speed through precise control. The dynamic nature of the rotatable pattern enables versatility without compromising speed consistency, as the rotation is controlled to maintain uniform scanning throughout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9977236B2Optical scanning method and optical scanning apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.05.22 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)
  • US9977236B2 patent drawing
  • US9977236B2 patent drawing
  • US9977236B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This optical scanning method yields a high quality image. An emission end of an optical fiber is displaced two-dimensionally to scan light emitted from the optical fiber, the emission end being displaced with an optical scanning actuator that includes a first driver and a second driver for driving the emission end in different directions. A circular scanning area is scanned by controlling, with a driver controller, a first drive signal supplied to the first driver and a second drive signal supplied to the second driver so as to rotate a scanning pattern of the light while causing the scanning pattern to reciprocate repeatedly in a nearly parallel manner with constant length.