SCANtype

SCANtype is a term used in some engineering and imaging contexts to describe a classification framework for scanning methods. It refers to how data is collected from a scene or object, focusing on the pattern of sampling, the dimensionality of the data, and the modality used to acquire information. While not universally standardized, SCANtype serves as a shorthand in technical literature and vendor documentation to compare scanning strategies and to guide system design.

A practical SCANtype framework groups scanning methods by several core attributes. One attribute is the spatial sampling pattern, which can include linear or raster patterns, sector or fan scans, spiral or helical paths, and adaptive or random sampling. Another attribute is temporal sampling, addressing how often data are captured over time, including static versus dynamic scanning and frame rates. Dimensionality is also considered, with 2D, 3D, or volumetric acquisitions. Additional considerations include the energy or modality used (for example electromagnetic, acoustic, or optical), and the level of data density or sparsity, which affects reconstruction requirements.

In application domains, SCANtype helps describe common approaches. In medical imaging, spiral or helical CT scans are cited as specific SCANtypes due to their continuous motion and volumetric data collection. MRI often employs various k-space trajectories that constitute distinct SCANtypes, while ultrasound utilizes sector or linear scanning patterns. In remote sensing and industrial inspection, raster, push-broom, or line-scan modalities can be categorized as different SCANtypes based on how the scene is sampled.

Limitations of SCANtype taxonomy include its domain dependence and potential overlap between categories. Nevertheless, it provides a concise vocabulary for evaluating data acquisition strategies and informing reconstruction algorithms. See also imaging modality, sampling theory, raster scan, and scan trajectory.