Single Laser Line IC Device Detection in Compact Holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuit manufacturing and testing systems face challenges in determining the position and orientation of IC devices, particularly when space constraints prevent the use of dual laser lines, which are necessary for accurate detection.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus comprising a device holder with a laser line generator producing a single laser line that spans both the device placement area and a peripheral shoulder, along with a camera and processor to analyze the laser line patterns and determine the device's position, orientation, and potential misalignment or double-stacking, without requiring additional space for a second laser line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two laser line generators are used to achieve accurate device position and orientation detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate laser line generators into a single laser line generator that produces one laser line. This single laser line is strategically positioned to serve multiple detection purposes: determining device presence, orientation, position, and detecting double-stacking conditions. By combining multiple detection functions into one laser source, the system achieves accurate measurement without requiring two separate laser generators, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If two laser line generators are used for accurate detection, then measurement precision is improved, but the space required in the device holder increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates two laser line generators into one, directly reducing the space required in the device holder. The single laser line generator is positioned to project a laser line that interacts with both the device under test and the holder structure, enabling comprehensive detection within a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The single laser line generator is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: detecting device presence, determining orientation, measuring position, and identifying double-stacking conditions. This multi-functionality allows one compact component to replace two larger components, reducing the overall space requirement while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Device complexity
If a single laser line generator is used to reduce space and complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the single laser line generator to serve multiple detection purposes through strategic positioning and angle selection. The laser line is configured to create distinct interaction patterns with the device and holder that enable extraction of multiple measurement parameters (presence, orientation, position, double-stacking detection) from a single laser line, maintaining measurement precision while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the angular dimension of the laser line relative to the holder and device to encode multiple pieces of information. By measuring the angle and position of the laser line interactions, the system can determine device orientation and position simultaneously, effectively using angular information as an additional dimension for measurement without requiring additional laser sources.
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 enables accurate and efficient detection of IC device placement, orientation, and stacking conditions within limited spaces, enhancing the system's accuracy and usability while reducing costs and design complexities.
Implementation Method 1
a laser line generator configured to generate a laser line that includes (i) a device placement area laser line portion extending across at least a portion of the device placement area
Implementation Method 2
a camera configured to obtain an image of at least the laser line generated by the laser line generator
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a device holder including a device placement area configured to hold an electronic device, and a shoulder extending peripherally around the device placement area; a laser line generator configured to generate a laser line that includes (i) a device placement area laser line portion, and (ii) a shoulder area laser line portion; a camera configured to obtain an image of at least the laser line; and a processor configured to: receive the image from the camera, determine (i) an angle of the device placement area laser line portion, and/or (ii) an offset between the location of the device placement area laser line portion and the location of the shoulder area laser line portion, and determine whether an electronic device is positioned in the device placement area or positioned incorrectly in the device holder.