Barcode Reader with Stacked Silicon Dies and Folded Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smartphone cameras are not optimized for barcode reading, leading to inefficiencies in aligning the camera with barcodes and delays in decoding due to general-purpose camera settings not being suited for this purpose.
Innovation Solution
A barcode reader system incorporating a three-dimensional semiconductor package with a two-dimensional array of photo sensors and image read-out circuitry, coupled with an optic system featuring a lens assembly and a mirror to optimize image capture and processing for barcode reading, allowing for improved focus and faster decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a general purpose camera is used for barcode reading, then the device can perform both photography and barcode reading, but the barcode reading efficiency and alignment accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into two separate camera systems: a general purpose camera for photography and a dedicated barcode reader camera for barcode scanning. This segmentation allows each camera to be optimized for its specific function, with the barcode reader camera featuring specialized optics and sensors that deliver superior barcode reading efficiency without compromising the versatility of the general purpose camera.
2Device complexity
If the camera position is optimized for general photography, then the device structure is simplified, but the alignment accuracy with barcodes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the barcode reading function from the general purpose camera system and implements it as a separate, dedicated barcode reader camera. This extraction allows the barcode reader to have its own optimized optical path, lens assembly, and sensor positioning specifically tuned for barcode alignment and reading, thereby achieving high measurement precision without complicating the overall device structure since the general purpose camera remains unchanged.
3Productivity
If a dedicated barcode reader camera is implemented, then barcode reading speed and accuracy improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the barcode reader camera integration with the existing mobile device architecture, utilizing the device's processing unit, memory, and communication interfaces for barcode data handling. The barcode reader camera is integrated into the device housing in a manner that leverages existing structural elements, thereby achieving fast barcode decoding speeds while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through shared components and streamlined integration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the efficiency of barcode reading by optimizing image capture and processing, enabling faster and more accurate decoding of barcodes within mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
The optic system is configured to focus an image of a barcode on the two-dimensional array of photo sensors. The optic system includes a lens assembly and a mirror.
Implementation Method 2
The mirror folds an optical path behind the lens assembly onto the array of photo sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
A barcode reader is disclosed. The barcode reader may include a semiconductor package and an optic system. The semiconductor package may include a plurality of silicon dies stacked vertically and interconnected by through-silicon vias (TSVs) or wires. A first die positioned on top of the plurality of stacked silicon dies includes a photo sensor array and image read-out circuitry. The image read-out circuitry is coupled to the photo sensor array and configured to generate a frame of image data, wherein the frame of image data is a sequence of values, each value representing an intensity of illumination focused on one of the photo sensors. The optic system is configured to focus an image of a barcode on the photo sensor array. The optic system includes a lens assembly and a mirror. The mirror folds an optical path behind the lens assembly onto the array of photo sensors.