Remapping methods to reduce distortions in images

1. A method of remapping an image that is obtained or generated by a scanning beam device, the method comprising:

a) characterizing a scan pattern of a scanning beam device prior to scanning a target area with the device, the characterizing comprising:

scanning an illumination spot in a scan pattern; and

capturing a position of the scanning illumination spot at selected time points in the scan pattern;

b) positioning the scanning beam device adjacent a target area and scanning the illumination spot over the target area in the scan pattern;

c) capturing backscattered light from the target area at a plurality of time points in the scan pattern; and

d) constructing an image of the target area by placing the captured backscattered light in a pixel position that corresponds to the position of the illumination spot for the same time point in the scan pattern during the capturing step.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the scanning beam device is an endoscope.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the illumination spot is scanned with a mirror.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the illumination spot is scanned with a cantilevered optical fiber.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein scanning the illumination spot comprises deflecting the cantilevered optical fiber with a deflection drive assembly.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein scanning the illumination spot comprises driving the optical fiber substantially at its resonant frequency.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein the deflection drive assembly comprises a piezoelectric drive assembly.

8. The method of claim 1 comprising the captured position of the illumination spot with the time points in a look-up table or as an algorithm.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the captured positions of the illumination spot are indexed sequentially in the look-up table based on its time after a beginning of a drive signal.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein scanning the illumination spot and capturing the position of the scanning illumination spot is carried out in a calibration chamber.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the calibration chamber comprises a photosensitive position sensor, wherein capturing the position of the scanning illumination spot is carried out with the photosensitive position sensor.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the scan pattern is a spiral scan pattern.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the scanning beam device is a display.

14. A method of remapping an image that is obtained or generated by a scanning beam device, the method comprising:

a) characterizing a scan pattern of a scanning beam device prior to scanning a target area with the device, the characterizing comprising:

positioning the scanning beam device adjacent to one or more sensors of a calibration apparatus;

enabling an illumination source to deliver light through the scanning beam device;

scanning an illumination spot in a scan pattern over the one or more sensors;

capturing a position of the scanning illumination spot at selected time points in the scan pattern; and

storing the time points and the positions of the illumination spot in a memory module;

b) positioning the scanning beam device adjacent a target area and scanning the illumination spot over the target area in the scan pattern;

c) capturing backscattered light from the target area at a plurality of time points in the scan pattern; and

d) constructing an image of the target area by placing the captured backscattered light in a pixel position that corresponds to the position of the illumination spot for the same time point in the scan pattern during the capturing step.