Multi-Lane Optical Data Reader for Precision Substrate Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage and retrieval technologies face challenges in efficiently reading back stored data due to the need for high-precision positioning of read optics in multiple directions, which increases cost and physical size, limiting the integration and bandwidth of optical data readers in data centers.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lane conveyor system is employed, where each lane can accommodate multiple optical substrates, with independently controllable positions, and a combination of straightforward conveyance mechanisms and higher-precision positioners are used to align optical substrates and focal planes, allowing for increased data-reading bandwidth and reduced latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-precision positioning of read optics in multiple directions is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and physical size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the positioning task into two segments: the conveyor handles coarse positioning in the direction of motion, while the focal plane positioner handles fine adjustments perpendicular to the motion direction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from requiring high-precision positioning in multiple directions (3D positioning) to high-precision positioning in only one direction (perpendicular to conveyor motion). The conveyor's motion direction becomes a lower-precision dimension, effectively reducing the dimensional complexity of precision requirements.
2Measurement precision
If high-precision positioning of read optics in multiple directions is used, then measurement precision is improved, but the physical size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the positioning functions between the conveyor (coarse positioning) and the focal plane positioner (fine positioning), the system eliminates the need for large, complex multi-axis precision stages. This segmentation allows for a more compact overall design while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system reduces the dimensional requirements for precision positioning by concentrating high-precision requirements into a single dimension (perpendicular to conveyor motion). This reduces the physical size needed for precision mechanisms compared to requiring high precision in all three dimensions.
3Device complexity
If a single-lane conveyor system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the substrate processing into multiple parallel lanes, allowing simultaneous reading of multiple substrates. Each lane operates independently with its own substrate, enabling parallel processing that increases productivity without requiring each individual lane to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple single-lane conveyor systems into a multi-lane configuration, merging their capabilities to achieve high productivity. The shared optical system and control architecture reduce the overall complexity compared to having multiple independent single-lane systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical data reader comprises a conveyor, an optical system, and a controller. The conveyor is configured to move a plurality of optical substrates along a plurality of lanes. Each optical substrate includes a plurality of waveplates arranged along its direction of movement within any of the plurality of lanes. The optical system is configured to observe one or more of the waveplates in its field-of-view; the optical axis crosses the plurality of lanes such that movement of at least one of the optical substrates brings one or more different waveplates into the field-of-view. The controller is coupled operatively to the conveyor and configured to control the position of the optical substrate in each occupied lane.