Scanning Beam Image Noise Reduction via Variable Velocity Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scanning beam image acquisition systems, such as scanning fiber devices, often suffer from image noise and non-optimal image quality due to electrical noise and shot noise, which affect the quality of the acquired images.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that involves scanning a beam of light over a surface with a variable velocity and detecting backscattered light at a substantially constant rate, using reduced-noise representations generated by grouping detected light points to improve image quality, and employing a low-pass filter to reduce noise, particularly in regions with lower velocity where oversampling occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a scanning beam device is used to acquire images, then image acquisition is achieved, but image noise and non-optimal image quality occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detected light points into groups to form composite measurements. By merging multiple measurements of the same spatial location, the system creates a more reliable image data set that reduces the impact of random noise while preserving the underlying structural information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary grouping and filtering of detected light points before final image reconstruction. By organizing measurements into groups and applying noise reduction algorithms in advance, the system prepares cleaner data for image generation, improving overall image quality before the final rendering step.
2Loss of information
If backscattered light is detected at a substantially constant rate during variable velocity scanning, then oversampling occurs in low velocity regions, but valuable measurement information is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selectively discards redundant measurements from oversampled regions while recovering and utilizing unique information from all measurement groups. By identifying and removing only the redundant portion of oversampled data while preserving unique information, the system reduces data volume without losing valuable measurement content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement data into distinct groups based on spatial location and sampling characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to process different regions with appropriate strategies - reducing redundancy in oversampled areas while maintaining full information in adequately sampled regions.
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 effectively reduces noise and improves image quality by utilizing oversampled points and filtering techniques, enhancing the representation of image data without discarding valuable measurement information.
Implementation Method 1
scanning a beam of light over a surface... detecting backscattered light
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for reducing noise in images acquired with a scanning beam device are disclosed. A representative method may include scanning a beam of light over a surface in a scan with a variable velocity. Light backscattered from the surface may be detected at different points in time during the scan at a substantially constant rate. Reduced-noise representations of groups of the detected light that each correspond to a different position in an image of the surface may be generated. The reduced-noise representations may be generated for groups having multiple different sizes. The image of the surface may be generated by representing the different positions in the image with the reduced-noise representations of the corresponding groups. Other methods and apparatus are disclosed.