Optical Fiber Spiral Scanning Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning-type image acquisition devices face challenges in accurately scanning and correcting distortions in the spiral trajectory of illumination light, leading to distorted observation images due to individual differences in piezoelectric elements, without the need for a calibration pattern image.
Innovation Solution
A scanning-type image acquisition device that includes drivers for vibrating an optical fiber in a spiral motion, a drive-signal generating unit, an adjustment section for generating position reference data, and a photodetection unit to detect scattered light, allowing for the generation of images by arranging intensity values in accordance with the position reference data, with manual or automated adjustment of parameters like amplitude ratio, phase difference, and distortion correction to match a projected graphic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If piezoelectric elements are used to vibrate the optical fiber for spiral scanning, then the scanning function is achieved, but individual differences in piezoelectric elements cause trajectory distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration scanning before actual image acquisition. The system first scans a calibration pattern to detect trajectory deviations caused by piezoelectric element individual differences, then calculates correction values in advance. These correction values are stored and applied during subsequent imaging operations, eliminating the need for real-time correction and ensuring accurate trajectory following.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing the actual scanned calibration pattern with the expected pattern to detect deviations. The detected trajectory errors are fed back into the correction value calculation process, which generates compensation parameters. This feedback loop ensures that individual differences in piezoelectric elements are compensated, maintaining high trajectory accuracy despite manufacturing variations.
2Device complexity
If distortion correction is performed without a calibration pattern image, then the process is simplified, but accurate correction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by using the calibration pattern itself as the correction reference. Instead of requiring external operator intervention or complex manual calibration procedures, the system automatically scans the calibration pattern, detects deviations, calculates correction values, and stores them for future use. This self-calibrating approach simplifies the overall process while maintaining high correction accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If the spiral scanning trajectory is not corrected, then the system is simpler to operate, but the observation image becomes distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing trajectory correction calibration before actual imaging. The system pre-calculates correction values based on scanned calibration patterns and stores them. During subsequent imaging operations, these correction values are automatically applied to the spiral scanning trajectory, ensuring accurate image formation without requiring complex real-time correction mechanisms or operator intervention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise calibration and correction of distortions in the spiral scanning trajectory without a calibration pattern image, ensuring accurate and undistorted observation images by adjusting the drive signals and position reference data to match the anticipated trajectory, improving the ellipticity and twist of the illumination light spot on the subject.
Implementation Method 1
drivers that respectively vibrate in an x direction and a y direction that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of an optical fiber that guides illumination light from a light source
Implementation Method 2
an optical fiber that guides illumination light from a light source
Implementation Method 3
a photodetection unit that detects scattered light of the illumination light at each subject scanning position
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning-type image acquisition device includes: drivers that respectively vibrate in an x direction and a y direction that are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of an optical fiber that guides illumination light from a light source and cause a tip of the optical fiber to be spirally scanned on a subject; a drive-signal generating circuit that generates drive signals for driving the drive units; an adjustment section that adjusts the drive signals generated by the drive-signal generating circuit and generates position reference data; a photodetector that detects scattered light of the illumination light at each scanning position of an illumination light spot on the subject due to the drivers; and an image generating circuit that generates an image by arranging intensity values of the scattered light detected by the photodetector in pixels in accordance with the position reference data output from the adjustment section.