Resonant Scanner Synchronization with Movable Stage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for optical scanning of specimens using resonant scanners are limited in speed and resolution, failing to achieve high-resolution scanning efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for controlling the interoperation between a resonant scanner and a movable stage, where the stage is synchronized with the resonant scanner's oscillating frequency to enable faster and more precise scanning of specimens, utilizing a confocal laser scanning microscope with a mechanical stand and stepper motors for precise movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional optical scanning methods are used, then the scanning process is simple to implement, but the scanning speed is slow and resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a resonant scanner with a movable stage into an integrated scanning system. The resonant scanner performs rapid oscillating scans while the movable stage positions the specimen, allowing high-speed scanning (over ten times faster than conventional methods) while maintaining coordination between components through synchronized control
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant scanner employs dynamic oscillating motion at resonant frequency to achieve rapid scanning. The mirror oscillates back and forth at high speed, enabling the beam to scan across the specimen much faster than conventional linear scanning methods, thereby dramatically increasing scanning productivity
2Productivity
If resonant scanner is used to increase scanning speed, then productivity improves, but maintaining high resolution becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control where the position of the resonant scanner mirror is monitored and used to control the movable stage. The microprocessor receives signals from the resonant scanner and adjusts the stage position accordingly, ensuring that high-resolution imaging is maintained even at high scanning speeds by synchronizing the stage movement with the scanner oscillations
Solution Approach 2:
The movable stage pre-positions the specimen at the desired location before the resonant scanner begins its high-speed oscillating scan. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the rapid scanning occurs, the specimen is already in the correct position to maintain high resolution throughout the scanning process
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
This approach allows for high-resolution scanning of specimens at a rate exceeding ten times faster than conventional methods, achieving efficient and precise optical scanning of tissue samples.
Implementation Method 1
A resonant scanner employs a resonating mirror that deflects and directs a beam of light. A position of the resonating mirror is dynamic over time, and meaning that the mirror is designed to resonate (oscillate) over time in accordance with a particular oscillating frequency.
Implementation Method 2
The movable stage being employed to position a specimen for optical scanning by the resonant scanner
Data Source
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AI summary
A system, apparatus and method and method for controlling interoperation between a resonant scanner and a movable stage. The movable stage being employed to position a specimen for optical scanning by the resonant scanner. The invention providing high resolution scanning of specimen tissue at a rate of ten times or more faster than other known methods of optically scanning a specimen.