Wafer Level Camera Stacked IC Barcode Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional barcode scanners require multiple Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) due to the large and bulky nature of components like image sensors, lenses, and light sources, leading to increased costs and risks of product failure from connection issues, as well as size constraints.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves placing multiple required components, such as a wafer level camera, illumination light source, and aimer light source, on a common PCB with integrated circuit chips stacked in an X-Y plane, reducing the need for multiple PCBs and allowing for smaller device sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components (image sensor, lens, light source) are placed on separate PCBs, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall device size increases and connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the image sensor, lens, and light source components onto a single PCB substrate. The image sensor is positioned at a first location and the light source at a second location on the same PCB, eliminating the need for multiple separate PCBs and reducing connection complexity while maintaining component functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The single PCB serves multiple functions by integrating different components with distinct roles - the image sensor captures optical images while the light source provides illumination. This multi-functional integration reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining the independent operational capabilities of each component
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple components are placed on separate PCBs, then component layout flexibility is maintained, but device size increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple components onto a single PCB, the patent reduces the total number of substrates required, thereby decreasing manufacturing steps, reducing assembly complexity, and lowering overall manufacturing costs while compacting the device volume
3Volume of moving object
If image sensor and light source are on the same PCB, then device size decreases, but layout constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical characteristics to different regions of the same PCB - the image sensor area and light source area are positioned to utilize different portions of the PCB surface, allowing each component to operate optimally in its designated local region while maintaining overall device compactness
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 approach decreases the overall cost and risk of failure for barcode scanner engines while enabling the creation of smaller devices by consolidating components on a single PCB, improving the efficiency and reliability of barcode scanning systems.
Implementation Method 1
a wafer level camera with a sensor and a lens
Implementation Method 2
a wafer level camera with a sensor and a lens
Implementation Method 3
at least one light source
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in decoding a bar code symbol includes a first integrated circuit chip with a wafer level camera, at least one light source, and a plurality of contact pads on a surface of the chip and a second integrated circuit chip with a processor, memory, plurality of contact pads on a surface of the chip, and plurality of contact pads on another surface of the chip. The apparatus includes a PCB having a plurality of contact pads disposed on at least one surface of the PCB and wherein the first and second integrated circuit chips are vertically stacked on the PCB and the plurality of contact pads on the first and second integrated circuit chips interface with the contact pads of the second integrated circuit chip and PCB. The apparatus is operative for processing image signals generated by the WLC for attempting to decode the bar code symbol.