Optical Scanning Offset Correction via Periodic Light Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical probes for optical scanning face challenges in accurately correcting offset values due to dark current in electrical signals, especially when scanning objects with varying illumination wavelengths, leading to suboptimal image quality.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanning observation apparatus that includes a light emission timing controller, a vibrating optical fiber for illumination, a photodetector, an offset processor, and a signal processor. The apparatus corrects offset values by suspending light emission and using the offset processor to adjust electrical signals, ensuring accurate image generation through synchronized operations and strategic offset correction timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If offset correction is performed continuously during scanning, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to light emission suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic offset correction by suspending light emission at specific intervals during the scanning cycle. The light emission timing controller pauses illumination at predetermined timing points to allow the offset processor to correct electrical signals without continuous light interference, then resumes scanning. This periodic interruption balances measurement precision with productivity by limiting light suspension to brief, strategic moments rather than continuous operation.
2Measurement precision
If light emission is suspended for offset correction, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by suspending light emission only for the minimum necessary duration to perform offset correction, rather than interrupting the entire scanning process. The light emission timing controller pauses illumination just long enough for the offset processor to correct the electrical signals, then immediately resumes light emission and scanning. This minimizes time loss while achieving sufficient offset correction accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If offset correction is performed at outer peripheral region or outside display period, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary offset correction by pausing light emission at the outer peripheral region or outside the display period before the main scanning begins. The light emission timing controller suspends illumination at these preliminary positions, allowing the offset processor to correct electrical signals in advance. This preliminary action simplifies operation by establishing baseline offset values before actual image acquisition, while the positioning at peripheral regions minimizes impact on the displayed image area.
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
The apparatus maintains consistent black levels during scanning, improving image quality by accurately correcting offset values and interpolating missing data, resulting in enhanced image definition and reduced artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
a photodetector configured to detect detection light obtained from the object and convert the detection light obtained from the object to an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
a fiber configured to guide the illumination light from the light source and emit the illumination light toward the object from a tip of the fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning observation apparatus includes a light emission timing controller, a fiber, a driver, a photodetector, an offset processor that corrects an offset value based on an electrical signal output by the photodetector while a light emission timing controller suspends light emission of a light source, and a signal processor that generates an image signal based on the electrical signal for which the offset value was corrected by the offset processor.