Scanning Fiber Device Temperature Control for Image Distortion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Scanning fiber devices experience image distortion due to positional inaccuracy, which is exacerbated by environmental and manufacturing variables, including temperature variations and changes in light intensity, that current calibration and remapping methods fail to fully address.

Innovation Solution

Adjusting the setpoint temperature of the scanning fiber device based on changes in light intensity to maintain a constant temperature of the cantilevered optical fiber and adhesive, thereby reducing distortion by offsetting temperature changes caused by intensity variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the intensity of light transmitted through the cantilevered optical fiber is changed, then the brightness or illumination capability is improved, but temperature changes occur that cause positional inaccuracy and image distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight intensityVSAvoidpositional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the setpoint temperature parameter in response to light intensity changes. When light intensity increases, the setpoint temperature is adjusted to compensate for thermal expansion effects, thereby maintaining positional accuracy despite the temperature rise caused by higher intensity illumination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where changes in light intensity are detected and used to adjust the setpoint temperature. This closed-loop control compensates for thermal effects dynamically, maintaining positional accuracy across varying illumination conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If the setpoint temperature is maintained constant, then thermal stability is improved, but distortion occurs when light intensity changes cause temperature variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature stabilityVSAvoidimage distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the setpoint temperature parameter based on light intensity changes. By changing the setpoint temperature in response to illumination variations, the system compensates for thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining consistent fiber position and preventing image distortion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If calibration and remapping methods are applied, then initial positional accuracy is improved, but they fail to address dynamic temperature changes caused by varying light intensity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to intensity changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static calibration to dynamic compensation by continuously adjusting the setpoint temperature based on real-time light intensity changes. This dynamic approach maintains positional accuracy across varying operational conditions, unlike fixed calibration methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from light intensity measurements to dynamically adjust the setpoint temperature, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions. This feedback mechanism provides ongoing compensation that static calibration cannot achieve

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Substantially reduces image distortion by maintaining a stable temperature, minimizing positional inaccuracy and improving image quality across varying light intensities, with a reduction of at least 50% in distortion.

Implementation Method 1

changes in intensity of light transmitted through the scanning fiber device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

The piezoelectric tube actuator 232 receives actuator drive signals 120 from the base station 102 and acts to vibrate the cantilevered optical fiber 234

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

changing a setpoint temperature for the scanning fiber device based at least in part on changes in intensity of light transmitted through the scanning fiber device... maintain a constant temperature of the cantilevered optical fiber and adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion compensation: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP2229602B1Reducing distortion in scanning fiber devices
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 UNIV OF WASHINGTON
  • EP2229602B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2229602B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2229602B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Methods of reducing distortion in scanning fiber devices are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes changing an intensity of light transmitted through a cantilevered optical fiber (134) of a scanning fiber device (130). The method also includes changing a setpoint temperature for the scanning fiber device based at least in part on the change in the intensity of the light. Other methods, apparatus, systems, and machine-readable mediums are also disclosed.