Interlaced scan patterns based on progressive hexagonal grids

Progressive acquisition of slowly-scanned images is desirable for drift correction and real-time visualization. Interlacing methods are common approaches to storing and transmitting data on rectilinear grids, and here we propose using them for acquisition in scanning-mode image modalities. Especially in these cases, it is essential to make optimal use of sample points to speed up the scan and reduce damage to the subject. It has long been known that optimal sampling of band-limited signals is achieved using hexagonal scanning grids. In this note, we demonstrate two new methods for interlacing hexagonal grids, which enable early full field-of-view imaging with optimal sampling and resolution doubling.