Rotating Optical Probe Scanning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical imaging techniques, such as interferometric imaging, face challenges in effectively scanning targets using light rays due to limitations in the movement and alignment of optical elements, which affect the precision and efficiency of image generation.
Innovation Solution
A scanning system comprising optical elements like optical fibers and focusing elements, combined with a movement system that rotates these elements about their optical axes, allows for precise scanning of light rays, enhancing the scanning process through alignment and movement mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical elements are rotated to scan light rays across the target, then scanning coverage and imaging capability are improved, but alignment precision and scanning accuracy deteriorate due to movement-induced misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the optical elements to achieve scanning, the patent inverts the approach by keeping optical elements stationary and rotating the target or using a different reference frame. This eliminates alignment errors caused by rotating optical components while maintaining full scanning coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation of optical elements with an optical or computational scanning mechanism. By using stationary optical elements combined with computational image reconstruction or target rotation, the system achieves scanning functionality without the precision losses associated with mechanical rotation and realignment.
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical elements are used to improve imaging quality, then image resolution and diagnostic capability are enhanced, but system complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical elements into a single integrated optical probe assembly where all elements are pre-aligned and function together as one unit. This merging approach maintains the enhanced imaging capabilities of multiple elements while reducing overall system complexity and eliminating the need for separate alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs optical elements that serve multiple functions simultaneously - for example, a single optical element that both focuses light and provides structural support, or elements that can operate in different imaging modes. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining high image resolution.
3Productivity
If optical elements are moved to scan across the target, then scanning efficiency and imaging speed are improved, but alignment stability and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the scanning approach by keeping optical elements stationary and achieving scanning through target rotation or computational methods. This inversion maintains high imaging speed while ensuring alignment stability, as the optical elements remain fixed in their precisely aligned positions throughout the scanning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses computational copying and reconstruction techniques to generate complete images from data collected by stationary optical elements. By digitally reconstructing the scanned image rather than physically moving elements to capture each point, the system achieves high imaging speed while maintaining alignment stability.
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 solution enables precise and efficient scanning of light rays, improving the imaging process by ensuring accurate alignment and movement of optical elements, thereby enhancing the quality and efficiency of optical imaging techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The optical fiber transmits a light ray
Implementation Method 2
The focusing element refracts the light ray
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a scanning system comprises optical elements and a movement system. The optical elements comprise an optical fiber and a focusing element. The optical fiber transmits a light ray and has a fiber axis that extends to an imaginary fiber axis. The focusing element refracts the light ray and has a focusing element optical axis that is substantially aligned with the imaginary fiber axis. The movement system rotates the focusing element about the focusing element optical axis to scan the light ray. In other embodiments, a scanning system comprises optical elements and a movement system. The optical elements comprise an optical fiber, a focusing element, and a prism. The prism has a prism optical axis and receives the light ray from the focusing element. The movement system rotates the prism about the prism optical axis to scan the light ray.