Hybrid Spiral Scan Control for Artifact-Free Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning imaging systems face inefficiencies in raster scanning patterns, including low scan efficiency, thermal inefficiency, and bandwidth limitations, leading to blurred or low-contrast images and erroneous topographic data, particularly in non-raster scan patterns like Lissajous and spiral scans.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hybrid spiral scan pattern that combines regions of constant linear velocity (CLV) and constant angular velocity (CAV) spirals, with transition patterns, and using position sensors to correct data and update scan patterns during imaging, enabling artifact-free, high-contrast, high-resolution imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If raster scanning pattern is used, then image processing is simplified, but scan efficiency is low due to dead times during scanner turn-around
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional raster scanning approach by using spiral scanning patterns that eliminate dead times. Instead of moving the scanner back and forth in straight lines with turn-around periods, the spiral pattern maintains continuous motion, transforming the scanning trajectory from linear segments with gaps to a continuous rotational path that maximizes productive scanning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static, fixed-step raster scanning to dynamic spiral scanning where the scanner continuously adjusts its trajectory. The spiral pattern allows the scanner to maintain optimal velocity profiles throughout the scanning process, adapting the scan path to eliminate idle turn-around periods while maintaining image quality through controlled sampling rates.
2Ease of operation
If raster scanning is used, then data arrangement is simple, but thermal efficiency is poor generating excess waste heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linear, angular raster scanning path with a curved spiral trajectory. This curvilinear scanning path allows the scanner to maintain more constant velocity and reduce abrupt directional changes, thereby minimizing mechanical friction and energy loss. The spiral geometry distributes the scanning workload more evenly across the scanner's operational range, reducing peak thermal loads and overall heat generation.
3Productivity
If non-raster scan patterns like Lissajous and spiral are used, then scan efficiency improves, but bandwidth and slew rate limitations cause under-sampling and image artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies key scanning parameters including angular velocity, radial velocity, and spiral pitch to optimize both scan efficiency and sampling accuracy. By dynamically adjusting these parameters throughout the spiral scan, the system maintains sampling rates that respect the scanner's bandwidth and slew rate limitations while maximizing the proportion of time spent acquiring useful image data, thereby eliminating artifacts caused by excessive sampling demands.
4Ease of operation
If constant angular velocity spiral is used, then scanning is simplified, but linear velocity exceeds system capabilities at outer portions causing blurred images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static constant angular velocity control to dynamic velocity control where the angular velocity is adjusted as a function of radial position. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain optimal linear velocity throughout the spiral path, reducing velocity at outer radii where it would otherwise exceed system capabilities and cause image blur, while maintaining simplified spiral scanning geometry.
5Manufacturing precision
If constant linear velocity spiral is used, then image quality is maintained, but angular frequency exceeds position sensor bandwidth near center
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the scanning parameters by transitioning from constant linear velocity to a velocity profile that varies with radial position. This parameter change ensures that angular frequency remains within position sensor bandwidth limits near the center of the spiral while maintaining sufficient linear velocity to preserve image quality. The systematic variation of velocity parameters allows the system to adapt to the changing geometric constraints of the spiral path.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system for performing a hybrid spiral scan pattern includes scanner, a scanner controller in communication with the scanner to direct the scanner to perform a hybrid spiral scan pattern. When the hybrid spiral scan pattern includes a constant angular velocity (CAV) spiral scan pattern, a constant linear velocity (CLV) spiral scan pattern, and a transition spiral scan pattern. In some cases, the imaging system further includes a light source, and the scanner is positioned to receive light from the light source and direct the light to an object. In some cases, the imaging system further includes at least one position sensor for detecting actual positions of the scanner during the hybrid spiral scan pattern. In some cases, the imaging system further includes an image processor coupled to receive position data detected by at least one position sensor and produce an image.