Data reading devices using semiconductor lasers

Details Data reading devices using semiconductor lasers Data reading devices using semiconductor lasers

1997-04-14

2000-07-25

Lee, Michael G

Registers

Coded record sensors

Particular sensor structure

G06K 0710

Patent

active

060927275

ABSTRACT:
A data reading device for reading digital data encoded in one or a plurality of data-carrying surfaces directs the output from a single wavelength laser diode at the surface of the data carrier, by focusing the light from the laser using an objective lens. The data may be decoded by sensing anomalies in current flow through a precision shunt which is series connected with the laser diode, because light reflected back off the data-carrying surface is re-directed back to impinge on the laser, and the reflected light will cause anomalies in the current flowing through the diode. Alternatively, the reflected light can be deflected using a prism towards a photo-sensor. In either event, the digital data can then be decoded. A pinhole diaphragm is interposed between the laser and the objective lens, or an objective lens assembly, and the pinhole will function as a point source of light. That point source of light can be re-focused with high resolution on the data-carrying surface. Moreover, if the pinhole diaphragm is mounted in a piezoelectric ring which is subjected to high frequency pulses from a pulse generator, it will move upwardly and downwardly along the axis of light transmission from the laser diode, moving the point source of light and also the focus point of the light. Therefore, a number of data-carrying surfaces can be stacked, where each is transparent, and the light will be focused on any of those surfaces as the pinhole diaphragm oscillates. Using appropriate synchronization, data from all of the surfaces can be decoded.

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