Conveyor-Positioner Layout for Compact Optical Data Readers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage and retrieval technologies face challenges in efficiently reading back data from optical substrates due to the need for high-precision positioning in multiple directions, which increases cost and physical size, limiting the integration and bandwidth of optical data readers.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system moves optical substrates in one direction while using higher-precision positioners to adjust the optical axis and focal plane, allowing for a multi-lane configuration where each lane can accommodate multiple substrates, and a controller coordinates the movement of the optical system to optimize data reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-precision positioning is used in multiple directions to read data from optical substrates, then data reading accuracy is improved, but device cost and physical size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning task into two segments: a conveyor system handles positioning in the first direction (along the lane) with lower precision requirements, while a positioner handles positioning in the second direction (across lanes) with higher precision requirements. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining data reading accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-lane configuration where optical substrates are arranged in multiple parallel lanes. By adding the lane dimension (second direction), the system can read data from multiple substrates simultaneously or switch between them, improving throughput without requiring high-precision positioning in both directions for every substrate.
2Productivity
If high-precision positioning in multiple directions is implemented, then data reading capability is improved, but integration and bandwidth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is designed to be multi-functional, capable of reading data from multiple optical substrates arranged in different lanes. The positioner enables the optical system to switch between lanes and between substrates within lanes, providing universal data reading capability across the entire array without requiring separate reading systems for each substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
By organizing substrates in a multi-lane two-dimensional arrangement, the system increases data reading capability by processing multiple substrates in parallel. The positioner enables movement across lanes (second direction) while the conveyor handles movement along lanes (first direction), creating an efficient bandwidth utilization pattern that improves productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If conventional positioning systems are used, then device size is reduced, but transition between verification and retrieval operations is slower
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic positioning control where the conveyor and positioner can be independently controlled to optimize performance for different operational modes. During routine verification, the system operates in a streamlined mode with faster transitions. For on-demand retrieval, the positioner provides precise positioning capability. This dynamic adaptability reduces transition latency between different operational states while maintaining a compact device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is configured to pre-position optical substrates in optimal locations within the multi-lane arrangement based on the anticipated operation type. By preparing the system in advance for either routine verification or on-demand retrieval operations, the transition latency between these modes is minimized, improving response time without requiring a larger device.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical data reader comprises a conveyor, an optical system, and a controller. The conveyor is configured to move an optical substrate in a first direction. The optical substrate includes a plurality of waveplates arranged along the first direction and along a second direction non-parallel to the first direction. The optical system is configured to observe one or more of the waveplates in its field-of-view. The optical system is mechanically coupled to at least one positioner configured to move at least a portion of the optical system in the second direction, thereby displacing the field-of-view along the second direction. The controller is coupled operatively to the conveyor and positioner and configured to vary, in the first and second directions, the relative position of the optical system versus the optical substrate, thereby controlling which of the plurality of waveplates are observed.