Abstract:
An optical imaging system and method for the alignment of a light collector with a laser scanline. The optical imaging system includes: an optical assembly for producing a laser beam scanline directed at a scanning platen, the scanning platen including an opening disposed at each of its ends; first and second photodetectors disposed behind the scanning platen, one at each of the openings; a visual indicator coupled to each of the first and second photodetectors to visually indicate detection of the scanline at the openings of the scanning platen; and a light collector assembly for collecting light emitted, reflected or transmitted by a scanned information media, the light collector assembly being pivotable about a centerpoint of the scanning platen and including an adjustment member for pivotably moving the light collector assembly about the centerpoint to align the light collector assembly with the scanline.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates in general to optical imaging systems and more particularly to visual aids for facilitating alignment of a laser beam scanline at an imaging region.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Storage phosphor imaging systems are known. In one such system, a storage phosphor is exposed to an x-ray image of an object, such as a body part of a patient, to record a latent x-ray image in the storage phosphor. The latent x-ray image is read out by stimulating the storage phosphor with stimulating radiation. Upon stimulation, the storage phosphor releases emitted radiation of a particular wavelength. To produce a signal useful in electronic image processing, the storage phosphor is scanned, for example, by a laser beam deflected by an oscillating or rotating scanning mirror or by a rotating polygon. The emitted radiation from the storage phosphor is reflected by a collector and detected by a photodetector, such as a photomultiplier, to produce an electronic x-ray image signal. The x-ray image signal can then be viewed as a visual image produced by a softcopy display device, such as a CRT or LCD display, or a hardcopy display device, such as a x-ray film printer (laser printer, CRT printer, thermal printer). U.S. Pat. No. Re. 31,847, issued Mar. 12, 1985, inventor Luckey discloses a storage phosphor system. The reader is often referred to as a computed radiography (CR) reader.  
         [0003]     The storage phosphor can be disposed on a medium. Such a medium can be flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid, and can be configured as a sheet or other substantially planar arrangement.  
         [0004]     When the storage phosphor is being processed/scanned/read/exposed by the storage phosphor processor/reader, the position of the storage phosphor can be controlled so as to not introduce any artifacts in the processed image.  
         [0005]     During scanning, the laser beam is scanned in a scanline over the surface of a storage phosphor screen by a reciprocating galvanometer mirror or polygon rotating mirror in a fast scan direction while the screen is transported under the scanline in a slow scan direction. The reflected light is collected by a light collector and reflected into photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). The light levels are collected by the PMT&#39;s and transmitted to the reader electronics were the image is processed.  
         [0006]     Prior to operation, the scanline is adjusted to a particular position where the laser beam is not obstructed and the phosphor screen is well controlled for position height. The alignment of the scanline for rotation and translation to a required position is known, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 10/742,222, titled SCANLINE ALIGNMENT SENSORS, by Urbon et al., commonly assigned and incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0007]     To maximize the reflected light collected by the light collector, the input opening (e.g., slot) provided for the scanline to enter the light collector must be minimized and the light collector input opening needs to be aligned to the scanline. That is, the position of the scanline as it passes through the light collector is important to promote maximum light transmission by the laser while maintaining a minimum scanline slot opening to maximize the reflected light collected by the collector. Accordingly, there exists a need for an apparatus and method to correctly and accurately position the scanline so as to maximize the light transmission by the laser.  
         [0008]     Existing manual methods can be cumbersome and require particular safety precautions. For example, positioning of the scanline can be accomplished visually by an operator observing the scanline while adjusting two axes of a fold mirror, placed in the path of the scanline, as the scanline strikes a tool placed in the scanline path near the entrance of the collector. This technique requires safety hardware and procedures to be followed to ensure laser safety in the presence of the exposed laser beam. Yet, the process can result in significant residual misalignment since the adjustment process is subjective, operator dependent, and the tool is not able to directly interface with the limiting features of the opening.  
         [0009]     Accordingly, a need continues to exist for an apparatus and method for correctly and accurately position the scanline so as to maximize the light transmission by the laser while overcoming the problems of existing methods noted above.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     An object of the present invention is to an apparatus and method for position the scanline a laser.  
         [0011]     Another object of the present invention is to provide such a method for aligning a light collector to a laser scanline.  
         [0012]     These objects are given only by way of illustrative example, and such objects may be exemplary of one or more embodiments of the invention. Other desirable objectives and advantages inherently achieved by the disclosed invention may occur or become apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention is defined by the appended claims.  
         [0013]     According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an optical imaging system. The optical imaging system includes an optical assembly, first and second photodetectors, visual detectors, and a light collector assembly. The optical assembly produces a laser beam scanline directed at a scanning platen. The scanning platen includes an opening disposed at each of its ends. The first and second photodetectors are disposed behind the scanning platen, one at each of the openings. A visual indicator is coupled to each of the first and second photodetectors to visually indicate detection of the scanline at the openings of the scanning platen. The light collector assembly collects light emitted, reflected or transmitted by a scanned information media. The light collector assembly is pivotable about a centerpoint of the scanning platen and includes an adjustment member for pivotably moving the light collector assembly about the centerpoint to align the light collector assembly to the scanline.  
         [0014]     According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for aligning an optical imaging system. The method comprises the steps of: directing a laser beam scanline at a scanning platen, the scanning platen including an opening disposed at each of its ends; mounting a light collector assembly for pivotable movement about a centerpoint of the scanning platen, the light collector assembly being adapted for collecting light emitted, reflected or transmitted by a scanned information media; providing an adjustment member for pivotably moving the light collector assembly about the centerpoint to align the light collector assembly with the scanline; positioning first and second photodetectors behind the scanning platen, one at each of the openings; and coupling a visual indicator to each of the first and second photodetectors to visually indicate detection of the scanline at the openings of the scanning platen while pivotably adjusting the light collector assembly using the adjustment member. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other.  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  shows a front perspective view of a storage phosphor reader in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  shows a diagrammatic left side plan view of the storage phosphor reader of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  shows the scan reader assembly of the storage phosphor reader of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  shows a diagrammatic view of a portion of the scan reader assembly of the storage phosphor reader of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the storage phosphor reader of  FIG. 4 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a laser scanning optical system.  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  shows a side elevation of the laser scanning optical system of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  shows a diagrammatic view of the principle components of a laser scanning optical system in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  shows a diagrammatic view of a portion of the storage phosphor reader of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a portion of the storage phosphor reader of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 11  shows a flow diagram of a method of a first embodiment in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 12  shows a flow diagram of a method of a second embodiment in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 13  shows a diagrammatic top view of the scanning platen showing the openings and the photodetectors positioned behind the scanning platen at each of the openings.  
         [0029]      FIG. 14  shows an exemplary circuit diagram suitable for coupling a visual indicator to each of the first and second photodetectors. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0030]     The following is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the drawings in which the same reference numerals identify the same elements of structure in each of the several figures.  
         [0031]     As indicated above, storage phosphor can be disposed on a medium which can be flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid (i.e., a screen), and can be configured as a sheet or other substantially planar arrangement. For ease of discussion, the present invention will be described with regard to the medium being a flexible sheet. The medium is often referred to as a screen.  
         [0032]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an exemplary storage phosphor reader  10  in accordance with the present invention. Storage phosphor reader  10  processes images captured on storage phosphor using conventional radiographic equipments. Reader  10  then scans the storage phosphor and converts the latent x-ray image therein into an electrical x-ray image signal that can be viewed. Reader  10  can be operated using a computer interface keyboard, buttons, mouse, touch screen, or the like, generally illustrated in  FIG. 1  at  12 .  
         [0033]     The screen can be mounted in an x-ray cassette. An example of such a cassette is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,390, issued Aug. 24, 1999, inventors Wendlandt et al. and U.S. Ser. No. 10/767,277 (Kodak Docket No. 85921) provisionally filed on Feb. 3, 2003 as Provisional Application U.S. Ser. No. 60/444,462, both being commonly assigned and incorporated herein by reference. Such cassettes can be of varying sizes.  
         [0034]     Once the radiology technologist exposes a body part to an x-ray which is stored as a latent image on the screen, the cassette is loaded into reader  10  at a supply area or receiving station  14 . Receiving station  14  is shown in  FIG. 1  as a load platform. Scanning is then initiated, for example, by pressing a start button or automatically by insertion of the cassette into receiving station  14 .  
         [0035]     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-5 , inside reader  10 , using means known to those skilled in the art, the screen is extracted from the cassette and moved along a path P in a direction A through a scan reader assembly disposed in a scan area  16  wherein the screen is scanned.  
         [0036]     The storage phosphor used to hold the latent image can be erased and used repeatably. Therefore, once a portion of the screen has been scanned, it is erased by being moved through an erase assembly disposed in an erase area  18  wherein it is erased by exposure to light which removes the remnants of the image. Once the entire screen has been scanned and erased, the direction of the screen is reversed and the screen is returned to the cassette. Alternatively, the screen can be erased as the screen is being returned to the cassette (i.e., when traveling in the direction reverse to direction A).  
         [0037]     The screen is extracted from the cassette and moved along a path P in a direction A. Transport means known to those skilled in the art can be employed to transport the screen along path P. For Applicant&#39;s particular application, a first pair of rollers  19   a , 19   b  has been found suitable. A second pair of rollers  29   a ,  29   b  can be employed. In a preferred arrangement, roller  19   a  is fixed and is driven to form a nip which provides for the transport of the screen along path P.  
         [0038]     Rollers  19   a ,  19   b  move the screen along path P to scan area  16 . Typically, as indicated above, in a CR reader the laser beam is scanned in a scanline over the surface of a storage phosphor screen, for example, by a reciprocating galvanometer mirror or polygon rotating mirror, in a fast scan direction while the screen is transported under the scanline in a slow scan direction.  
         [0039]     Scan area  16  includes a laser scanning optical system for use in a computed radiography scanning system (or any other similar scanning system). Such a laser scanning optical system is well known to those skilled in the art, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 10/742,222 (Kodak Docket No. 85919) provisionally filed on Dec. 19, 2003 as U.S. Provisional No. 60/444,014, commonly assigned and incorporated herein by reference. The laser scanning optical system can includes a laser diode  5  which produces a laser beam  6  shaped by shaper lens elements. A reciprocating galvonometer mirror  7  can be employed to produce a laser beam scanline  17  in a fast scan direction (noted by arrow B in  FIG. 5 ). The scan line is directed onto a scan platen  20 . Scan platen  20  establishes an imaging region for a storage phosphor screen transported in a slow scan direction over platen  20 . As best shown in  FIG. 4 , scan platen  20  has a cylindrical surface and is recessed in a channel  22  of guide plate  24 . The surface of scan platen  20  locates the screen at the focal point F of the scanning laser beam during the reading process.  
         [0040]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-7 , the emitted radiation from the storage phosphor is collected and detected by a light collector assembly  30  and photodetector  32  (such as a photomultiplier tube). Light collectors are well known. Examples of light collectors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,758 (Chan), U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,290 (Boutet), U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,160 (Boutet), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,079 (Boutet), all commonly assigned and incorporated herein by reference. Light collector assembly  30  includes mirrors  34 ,  35 . Mirrors  34 ,  35  form slots  36   a , 36   b . The stimulating laser beam  6  passes through slots  36   a , 36   b  to stimulate the storage phosphor screen. Light emitted by the screen passes into collector assembly  30  through lower slot  36   b.    
         [0041]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a laser scanning optical system for use in a computed radiography scanning system (or any other similar scanning system) incorporating an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, laser scanning optical system  50  includes a laser diode  5  which produces a laser beam  6  shaped by shaper lens elements  56 . Reciprocating galvonometer mirror  7  produces a laser beam scan line  60  in a fast scan direction  61  shaped by lens  62  and lens  63 . Mirror  8  directs scan line  60  onto scan platen  20 . Scan platen  20  establishes an imaging region for a storage phosphor transported in a slow scan direction  78  over platen  26 .  
         [0042]     Sensors, photodetectors, or photodiodes  70  and  72  are located at the ends of scan line  60  and are activated by laser beam  6  passing through respective slots  74  and  76  in platen  20 . A rotating multifaceted polygon mirror can also be used in place of the reciprocating galvonometer mirror  7  to produce laser beam scan line  60 . Sensor or photodiode  70  is coupled to a visual indicator such as a light-emitting diode (LED)  100  and sensor/photodiode  72  is coupled to a light-emitting diode (LED)  102 . Accordingly, an LED  100 ,  102  is positioned behind scan platen  20  at each end of the scanline, and a photodiode is connected to each LED. Preferably, LEDs  100 ,  102  are of a different color. Alternatively, one multicolored LED can be used in place of two single color LEDs.  
         [0043]     The use of different color LEDs can allow the operator to detect any skew or twist in the open of light collector assembly  30 .  
         [0044]     Light collector assembly  30  is mounted within reader  10  so as to rotate/pivot about a center point of scan platen  20 . As best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , light collector assembly  30  pivots about a pivot point  80 , and a collector assembly adjustment member  82  is employed to adjust light collector assembly  30  at a desired position. Since light collector assembly  30  must be precisely positioned, adjustment member  82  provides a very fine adjustment. That is, several turns of adjustment member  82  provides an very small amount of movement of light collector assembly  30 . Light collector assembly  30  can be located relative to scan platen  20  using a “v” groove interface one both ends to the scanline.  
         [0045]     The present invention is directed to a method of aligning light collector assembly to the scanline to ensure that laser beam  6  passes through slots  36   a ,  36   b  of light collector assembly  30  to emit light onto the screen.  
         [0046]     Generally, adjustment member  82 , when used with LEDs  100  and  102 , allows an operator to define the actual size and shape (skew) of the scanline opening, by moving (rocking/pivoting) light collector assembly  30  about the center of scan platen  20  and observing the LEDs conditions. The limits of the opening of the collector are detected, and the opening is centered.  
         [0047]     In one embodiment, the opening is centered by calculating the halfway travel distance and making the corresponding adjustment to that position. More particularly, for aligning the light collector assembly to the laser scanline, light collector assembly  30  is moved/pivoted about the center of scan platen  20  while observing the condition of LEDs  100 ,  102 . This method is more particularly described with reference to the flow diagram of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0048]     At step  200 , collector assembly adjustment member  82  is accessed so that light collector assembly  30  can pivot about pivot point  80 .  
         [0049]     At step  202 , laser scanning optical system  50  is activated whereby a laser beam is directed toward scanning platen  20  and both LEDs (LED  100  and  102 ) are actuated (i.e., lit).  
         [0050]     Next, at step  204 , adjustment member  82  is turned/moved/translated in one direction (for example, if turned, counter clockwise) to a position past wherein one of the LEDs (LED  100  or  102 ) is no longer actuated (i.e., goes out). This condition indicates that the laser beam is abutting or directed on one side of slot  36   a.    
         [0051]     (It is noted that continuing to turn adjustment member  82  in the first direction until the second LED goes out will indicate the amount of skew in the scanline opening in the collector. A numerical value for this skew can be calculated by converting the number of turns required, from the first LEDs deactuation to the second LEDs deactuation, into a linear measurement.)  
         [0052]     At step  206 , adjustment member  82  is turned/moved/translated in a second direction (opposite the first direction, for example, clockwise if the first direction was counter clockwise) until both LED&#39;s are re-actuated. This is referred to as a first position P 1 . Then, a number of turns (N) is counted from this first position P 1 , in the second direction, to reach a second position P 2  wherein one of the LEDs (LED  100  or  102 ) is no longer actuated (step  208 ). This condition indicates that the laser beam is abutting or directed on another side of slot  36   a . The number (N) of turns/movement in the second direction to reach the second position P 2  from the first position P 1  is counted/measured (step  210 ). As indicated above, adjustment member  82  may be sensitive, so it might be required to actuate  50  to  100  turns (i.e., N) of adjustment member  82  to reach the second position from the first position.  
         [0053]     The mid-point between the first position P 1  and second position P 2  is the center position CP (step  212 ). Therefore, a number (NCP) of turns to reach the center position CP is half of the distance/turns between P 1  and P 2 . (i.e., NCP=N/2) (step  214 ). Therefore, adjustment member  82  should be turned/moved NCP turns/movement in the first direction to reach the center position, that is, the alignment position (step  216 ). Once the desired position is obtained, the light collector assembly is locked/secured to that position to prevent loss of the adjustment (step  218 ).  
         [0054]     Compensations for other considerations, such as scanline bow, can be made be calculating the required travel distance. That is, there might be some bow to the scanline due to the alignment of optical components of the scanning subsystem. If such bow exists, it can be accounted for by adding or subtracting half the bow distance from the number (NCP) of turns to the center position, depending on the direction of the bow (i.e., positive or negative). A known amount of scanline bow may be compensated for by converting the known numerical (linear) value into turns of the adjustment member  82  and dividing by 2 (N B ). The number of turns (N B ) to compensate for scanline bow are then factored into the number of turns to center the scanline opening (NCP) in a direction corresponding to the direction of the bow.  
         [0055]     In a second embodiment of a method for aligning the light collector assembly to the laser scanline, statistical tolerancing is employed. This method is more particularly described with reference to the flow diagram of  FIG. 12 .  
         [0056]     At step  300 , collector assembly adjustment member  82  is accessed so that light collector assembly  30  can pivot about pivot point  80 .  
         [0057]     At step  302 , laser scanning optical system  50  is activated whereby a laser beam is directed toward scanning platen  20 .  
         [0058]     At step  304 , adjustment member  82  is assembled such that neither of the LEDs (LED  100  and  102 ) are actuated (i.e., neither are lit). This condition indicates that the scanline is completely blocked by the edge of the light collector scanline opening.  
         [0059]     Next, at step  306 , adjustment member  82  is turned/moved/translated in one direction (for example, if turned, clockwise) to a first position P 1  wherein both of the LEDs (LED  100  or  102 ) are actuated (i.e., lit).  
         [0060]     At step  308 , the statistical tolerance data for the scanline opening in the light collector, for a given lot/grouping of assemblies, is known. This linear distance is divided in half and converted into a required number (NCP) of turns of adjustment member  82  to reach the center position of the scanline opening, in the light collector, relative to the scanline (step  310 ). Adjustment member  82  should be turned/moved NCP turns/movement in the first direction from the first position to reach the statistical center position, that is, the alignment position (step  312 ). Once the desired position is obtained, the light collector assembly is locked/secured to that position (step  314 ).  
         [0061]     As with the method of the first embodiment, there may be bow in the system. Like the first method, if such bow exists, it can be accounted for by adding or subtracting half the bow distance from the number (NCP) of turns to the center position depending on the direction of the bow (positive or negative). A known amount of scanline bow may be compensated for by converting the known numerical (linear) value into turns of adjustment member  82  and dividing by 2 (N B ). The number of turns (N B ) to compensate for scanline bow are then factored into the number of turns to center the scanline opening (NCP) in a direction corresponding to the direction of the bow.  
         [0062]     A linkage or extension is can be employed to adjustment member  82  to allow adjustment to occur from the exterior of reader  10 .  
         [0063]     The fidelity of adjustment member  82  can be set to meet the needs of the product. Fine or course or both can be built into the adjustment member.  
         [0064]     It is noted that, using the apparatus and method of the present invention, the adjustment of light collector assembly  30  can be accomplished without direct observation of the beam. As such, the present invention reduces laser safety hazards and provides repeatable and known alignment precision since the light collector entrance ( 36   a ) is aligned to the laser scanline by direct detection of the size of the opening ( 36   a ) of the light collector entrance, and then centering the collector entrance opening with respect to the scanline.  
         [0065]      FIG. 13  shows a diagrammatic top view of the scanning platen showing the openings disposed at each of the ends and the photodetectors positioned behind the scanning platen at each of the openings.  FIG. 14  shows an exemplary circuit diagram suitable for coupling a visual indicator to each of the first and second photodetectors to visually indicate detection of the scanline at the openings of the scanning platen. As discussed above, mechanical adjustments are made until the sweeping laser is projecting within the slots. The energy from the laser on the pin diode causes the diode conduct, in turn turning on the LED associated with that diode.  
         [0066]     A computer program product may include one or more storage medium, for example; magnetic storage media such as magnetic disk (such as a floppy disk) or magnetic tape; optical storage media such as optical disk, optical tape, or machine readable bar code; solid-state electronic storage devices such as random access memory (RAM), or read-only memory (ROM); or any other physical device or media employed to store a computer program having instructions for controlling one or more computers to practice the method according to the present invention.  
         [0067]     The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a presently preferred embodiment, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.  
       Parts List  
       [0000]    
       
           5  laser diode  
           6  laser beam  
           7  galvonometer mirror  
           8  mirror  
           10  storage phosphor reader  
           12  touch screen display  
           14  receiving station  
           15  cassette  
           16  scan area  
           17  scanning laser beam  
           18  erase area  
           19   a - 19   b  rollers  
           20  scan platen  
           22  channel  
           24  guide plate  
           26  platen  
           29   a , 29   b  rollers  
           30  light collector assembly  
           32  photodetector  
           34 , 35  mirrors  
           36   a , 36   b  upper and lower slots  
           50  laser scanning optical system  
           56  lens element  
           60  laser beam scan line  
           61  scan direction  
           62 , 63  lens  
           70 , 72  photodiodes  
           74 , 76  slots  
           80  collector mount pivot point  
           82  assembly adjustment member  
           100 , 102  LEDs  
           200  step-collector assembly adjustment member  
           202  step-laser scanning optical system  
           204 , 206  step-turn adjustment member  
           208  step-adjust member  
           210  step-count turns  
           212  step-determine mid-point  
           214  step-determine number NCP  
           216  step-determine alignment position  
           218  step-lock/secure light collector assembly  
           300  step-access collector assembly adjustment  
           302  step-activate laser scanning optical system  
           304  step-assemble adjustment member  
           306  step-adjustment member  
           308  step-determine statistical tolerance data  
           310  step-divide statistical scanline opening distance  
           312  step-adjustment member NCP  
           314  step-lock/secure light collector assembly