Monolithic Optical Array Eliminates Moving Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser barcode scanners with rotating or vibrating mirrors are costly to manufacture, prone to breakage, and require separate circuit boards for the light source and sensor, leading to manufacturing challenges and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated, solid-state monolithic structure with a matrix array of light sensors and light emitting elements on a substrate, where the light sensors and emitting elements are optically and electrically isolated, and a circuit generates and detects light signals without moving parts, using a light directing member external to the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotating or vibrating mirrors are used to scan the barcode, then the scanning function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device becomes more fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mirror scanning system with a solid-state monolithic integrated circuit that uses electronic control to direct light. The light source and sensor arrays are integrated on a single substrate with no moving parts, eliminating the mechanical complexity and fragility of rotating or vibrating mirrors while maintaining the barcode scanning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light source, sensor array, and control circuitry into a single monolithic integrated structure. Previously separate components (light source on one circuit board, sensor on another, plus mechanical mirror assembly) are combined into one unified device, reducing overall complexity and improving reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate circuit boards are used for light source and sensor, then the components can be independently manufactured, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source array and sensor array onto a single monolithic substrate, creating one integrated circuit board instead of multiple separate boards. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of assembly steps and components while maintaining the ability to independently control each array through integrated circuitry.
3Reliability
If moving parts are used in the optical system, then the scanning motion is achieved, but the device becomes more prone to breakage and malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates all mechanical moving parts by using electronic switching and control within the monolithic integrated circuit. The scanning function is achieved through electronic control of the light source and sensor arrays rather than physical motion, thereby improving reliability while maintaining operational capability.
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
This solution reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by eliminating the need for separate circuit boards and moving parts, enhancing the reliability and performance of optical information detecting devices.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light emitting elements disposed on the substrate... a circuit connected to the light emitting elements to generate light towards a target
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light sensors disposed on the substrate... connected to the light sensors to detect reflected light from the target
Data Source
AI summary
An optical information detecting apparatus is formed as an integrated, solid state monolithic structure. The monolithic structure includes a plurality of light sensors disposed on a substrate and electrically isolated from one another, a plurality of light emitting elements disposed on the substrate and electrically isolated from one another, the light sensors being optically isolated from the light emitting elements, and a circuit connected to the light emitting elements to generate light towards a target and connected to the light sensors to detect reflected light from the target, wherein a signal is generated in response to the detected light. The signal is indicative of an optical characteristic of the target.