Patent ID: 7130115
Filing Date: 2006-10-31
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A multi-mode scanning imaging system for imaging an object, comprising: a plurality of discrete two-dimensional microscope arrays for scanning along a single linear motion of scan, each microscope array being configured to image the object with a plurality of optical elements arranged in rows, said rows being staggered with respect to said motion of scan such that each of the optical elements images a respective continuous strip of the object along the motion of scan, said continuous strip being substantially free of overlap with continuous strips imaged by all other optical elements of said plurality of optical elements; a scanning mechanism for producing said scan as a result of a relative movement between the microscope arrays and the object along said single linear motion of scan; image sensors corresponding to the microscope arrays for capturing image data representative of respective images of the object imaged thereby; and a mode implementation system for combining the image data captured by said image sensors during said scan of the scanning mechanism; wherein said scan is implemented through said single linear motion of scan across the object; said microscope arrays are configured to operate according to different modes of operation of the imaging system and produce correspondingly different images of the object during said scan of the scanning mechanism; and said microscope arrays sequentially scan and image a same area of the object during said scan of the scanning mechanism.