Laser Scanning Microscope Interpolating Drive Table for Area Transitions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional confocal laser scanning microscopes experience distortion and delays in processing time when switching between scanning areas due to the need for auxiliary scanning areas to stabilize the scanner drive system, leading to inaccurate initial scans of subsequent areas.
Innovation Solution
The creation and use of interpolating drive tables that specify scanning paths between the end point of one scanning area and the start point of the next, allowing for controlled and accurate continuous scanning without the need for auxiliary areas, thereby minimizing processing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an auxiliary scanning area is disposed before the scanning area to stabilize the scanner drive system, then scanning stability is improved, but processing time is increased due to the delay caused by scanning the auxiliary area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal scanning paths and speed profiles in the drive table before scanning begins. The drive table contains pre-computed acceleration and deceleration phases that allow the scanner to stabilize before entering the actual scanning area, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary scanning areas while maintaining scanning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scanning parameters dynamically by adjusting laser beam speed, acceleration, and deceleration rates based on pre-stored drive table data. By varying these parameters smoothly during transitions between scanning areas, the system achieves stable scanning without requiring additional auxiliary areas, thus reducing processing time while maintaining reliability.
2Productivity
If the scanning path is linearly moved from the end point of one scanning area to the start point of the next scanning area, then processing time is reduced, but scanning accuracy deteriorates due to distortion in the obtained image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by using smooth, curved transition paths instead of linear movements between scanning areas. The drive table contains pre-calculated curved trajectories that gradually adjust the laser beam's scanning speed and direction, eliminating sudden changes that cause distortion. This curved approach maintains scanning accuracy while still reducing processing time compared to conservative linear transitions with long stabilization periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic scanning by continuously adjusting the laser beam's velocity and acceleration according to pre-stored drive table profiles. The system dynamically modifies scanning parameters during area transitions, smoothing out abrupt changes and maintaining image accuracy. This dynamic approach allows faster transitions than static linear movement while preserving scanning precision.
3Productivity
If the memory is overwritten by a new drive table for the next scanning area, then the system can proceed to scan the next area, but the first several lines of the next scanning area may not be scanned accurately due to scanner stabilization time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing and storing complete drive table data that includes all necessary acceleration and stabilization phases before each scanning area begins. This pre-prepared data ensures that when the memory is overwritten and the next area is scanned, the scanner has already been properly accelerated and stabilized according to the pre-calculated profile, eliminating initial scan inaccuracies while maintaining continuous scanning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that the drive table data for each scanning area includes continuous, smooth transitions from the previous area's end point to the next area's start point. This continuous approach eliminates gaps or abrupt changes that would require additional stabilization time, allowing the scanner to maintain accurate operation throughout the entire scanning sequence without interrupting the continuous scanning workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanning microscope scans a plurality of scanning areas based on a drive table to indicate time series data for driving a scanner used for performing scanning with laser light. The laser scanning microscope includes a drive table creation unit and a drive control unit. The drive table creation unit is applied for creating an interpolating drive table for specifying a scanning path between an end point of a first scanning area and a start point of a second scanning area which is scanned next to the first scanning area. The drive control unit is applied for controlling driving of the scanner based on the interpolating drive table between the first scanning area and the second scanning area.