System and methods for imaging employing a levitating conveyor
A system and methodology for conveying generally planar substrates such as printed circuit board, flat panel display and interconnect device substrates, in a levitated state, to and from a scanning or imaging location, including an air flow conveyor having a substrate flattening functionality, and a scanning or imaging device, and scanning and imaging systems and methodologies employing such article conveying systems and methodologies.
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This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/342,374, filed Dec. 27, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to article transport and conveying systems and methodologies generally, and more particularly to imaging systems and methodologies employing such transport and conveying systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONSystems and methodologies for transporting and conveying articles that are suitable for use in imaging systems, such as laser direct write systems and inspection systems, are characterized, inter alia, by highly precise and highly repeatable rates of transport. Moreover such systems and methodologies are configured to maintain articles in a precise predetermined orientation, including a precise distance, relative to an imager and are configured to minimize mechanical disturbance to an article being transported at the imager by other articles that are being uploaded to or offloaded from the system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA general aspect of the present invention relates to improved article transport and conveying systems and methodologies employing an article levitator levitating an article during transporting and conveying. A flattener is provided to ensure that a levitated portion of the article is precisely held in a desired orientation relative to a processor during processing. Preferably the flattener operates in a non-contact manner.
Such transport and conveying systems may be employed for transporting and conveying generally planar substrates, particularly wherever there is required one or more of the following: a relatively high degree of uniformity in the rate of transport, a high degree of precision in the orientation of the substrate in relation to a processor (for example an image acquisition system or an image creator), or avoidance of disturbance to a substrate during process, for example due to the loading or unloading of other substrates onto or off of the transport and conveying system. Typical applications of such systems include inspection and testing, such as automated optical inspection, electrical testing and functional testing, of flat panel displays and electrical circuits such as printed circuit boards and semiconductor wafers, and image formation on a photosensitized surface such as in-fabrication flat panel displays, electrical circuits, reticules and photo tools. Other typical applications included systems for conveying planar sheet material such as metal foils, planar plastic laminates and any other suitable sheet material.
There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an imaging system for use with generally planar substrates including an air flow conveyor operative to convey planar substrates at least to an imaging location, the air flow conveyor having an air flow substrate flattening functionality at least at the imaging location; and an imager located at the imaging location for imaging the planar substrates when flattened by the air flow substrate flattening functionality.
Additionally, the air flow conveyor may be operative to convey the planar substrates away from the imaging location.
Preferably, the imager includes an image acquirer, such as an automated optical inspection device electrical testing, metrology or any other suitable image acquisition device. Alternatively or additionally, the imager may include an image creator such as a modulated laser scanner.
The air flow conveyor preferably includes an air flow levitator. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow conveyor may include an air flow hold down. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow conveyor may include a displacer for displacing the planar substrates towards the imaging location or away from the imaging location or both.
The air flow substrate flattening functionality, preferably, includes a vacuum hold down. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow flattening functionality includes an air flow evacuator or outlet operative to release air build up beneath the planar substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow substrate flattening functionality includes an air flow hold down. Preferably, the vacuum hold down, or the air flow hold down, are operative in combination with the air flow levitator to hold the substrate a precise distance from a reference surface.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a two-sided imaging system for use with generally planar substrates including an air flow conveyor operative to convey planar substrates in a levitated state at least to an imaging location; and an imager located at the imaging location for imaging two opposite sides of the planar substrates when levitated by the air flow conveyor.
Additionally, the air flow conveyor may be operative to convey the planar substrates away from the imaging location.
Preferably, the imager includes an image acquirer, such as automatic optical inspection device. Alternatively or additionally, the imager may include an image creator. Optionally the imager provides illumination from a first side of a planar substrate and acquires an image from the opposite side of the substrate.
Preferably, the air flow conveyor includes air flow substrate flattening functionality at least at the imaging location.
The air flow conveyor, preferably, includes an air flow hold down or a vacuum hold down. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow conveyor may include a displacer for displacing the planar substrates towards the imaging location or away from the imaging location or both.
The air flow substrate flattening functionality preferably includes a vacuum hold down. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow flattening functionality includes an air flow evacuator. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow substrate flattening functionality includes an air flow hold down. Preferably, the vacuum hold down, or the air flow hold down, are operative in combination with the air flow levitator to hold the substrate a precise distance from a reference surface.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an air flow conveyor system including: an air flow generator; and an air flow levitating conveyor operative to convey planar substrates. Preferably, the air flow conveyor includes: a displacer for displacing the planar substrates; and an air flow substrate flattener operative at least at one region of the levitating conveyor to flatten the planar substrate when in a levitated state.
The air flow conveyor, preferably, includes an air flow hold down.
The air flow substrate flattening functionality, preferably, includes a vacuum hold down. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow flattening functionality includes an air flow evacuator. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow substrate flattening functionality includes an air flow hold down. Preferably, the vacuum hold down, or the air flow hold down, are operative in combination with the air flow levitator to hold the substrate a precise distance from a reference surface.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a flat bed scanner system including: an air flow conveyor operative to convey planar substrates to be scanned at least to a scanning location, the air flow conveyor having an air flow substrate flattening functionality at least at the scanning location; and a scanner located at the scanning location for scanning the planar substrates when flattened by the air flow substrate flattening functionality.
Additionally, the air flow conveyor may be operative to convey the planar substrates away from the imaging location.
Preferably, the scanner includes, in part, an image acquirer. Alternatively or additionally, the scanner may include, in part, an image creator. Optionally, the scanner is a laser scanner employing a rotating polygon.
Preferably, the planar substrates include a photosensitive layer, where the image creator includes a data modulated laser beam device operative to expose a desired pattern on the photosensitive layer.
The air flow conveyor, preferably, includes an air flow levitator. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow conveyor includes an air flow hold down or a vacuum hold down. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow conveyor may include a displacer for displacing the planar substrates towards the imaging location or away from the imaging location or both.
The air flow substrate flattening functionality preferably includes a vacuum hold down. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow flattening functionality includes an air flow evacuator. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow substrate flattening functionality includes an air flow hold down. Preferably, the vacuum hold down, or the air flow hold down, are operative in combination with the air flow levitator to hold the substrate a precise distance from a reference surface.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a levitated conveyor system including: a levitator operative to levitate planar substrates with respect to a surface; and a displacer for displacing the planar substrates generally parallel to the surface; The conveyor system additionally includes a substrate flattener operative to flatten the planar substrate when in a levitated state.
Preferably, the levitator includes an air flow levitator.
Preferably, the substrate flattener includes a positive pressure device. Alternatively or additionally, the substrate flattener includes a vacuum or suction pressure device forming a region of sub-atmospheric pressure. Preferably, the flattener is operative in combination with the levitator to hold the substrate a precise distance from the surface.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a methodology for imaging generally planar substrates including: conveying the planar substrates, employing an air flow conveyor, to at least an imaging location, the air flow conveyor having an air flow substrate flattening functionality at least at the imaging location; and imaging the generally planar substrates, employing an imager located at the imaging location, when the generally planar substrates are flattened by the air flow substrate flattening functionality.
The conveying may also include conveying the planar substrates away from the imaging location.
The imaging preferably includes image acquisition. Alternatively or additionally, the imaging includes image creation. Optionally, imaging includes illuminating a substrate from a first side and acquiring an image from the opposite side thereof.
The air flow conveyor preferably includes an air flow levitator. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow conveyor includes an air flow hold down. The air flow conveyor also, preferably, includes a displacer for displacing the planar substrates towards the imaging location or away from the imaging location or both.
Preferably, the air flow substrate flattening functionality includes an a vacuum hold down. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow flattening functionality includes an air flow evacuator. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow substrate flattening functionality includes an air flow hold down. Preferably, the vacuum hold down, or the air flow hold down, are operative in combination with the air flow levitator to hold the substrate a precise distance from a reference surface.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a methodology for two-sided imaging of generally planar substrates including: conveying the planar substrates in a levitated state, employing an air flow conveyor, to at least an imaging location; and imaging two opposite sides of the planar substrates when levitated by the air flow conveyor, employing an imager located at the imaging location.
The conveying may also include conveying the planar substrates away from the imaging location.
The imaging preferably includes image acquisition. Alternatively or additionally, the imaging includes image creation. Optionally, imaging includes illuminating a substrate from a first side and acquiring an image from the opposite side thereof.
Preferably, the air flow conveyor includes air flow substrate flattening functionality at least at the imaging location. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow flattening functionality includes an air flow evacuator. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow conveyor includes an air flow hold down. Preferably, the vacuum hold down, or the air flow hold down, are operative in combination with the air flow levitator to hold the substrate a precise distance from a reference surface. The air flow conveyor also, preferably, includes a displacer for displacing the planar substrates towards the imaging location or away from the imaging location or both.
Preferably, the air flow substrate flattening functionality includes vacuum hold down. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow substrate flattening functionality includes an air flow hold down.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an air flow conveying methodology including: generating an air cushion beneath a generally planar substrate using an air flow generator; and conveying planar substrates using an air flow levitating conveyor. The conveying includes: displacing the planar substrates using a displacer; and flattening the planar substrates when in a levitated state, the flattening employing an air flow substrate flattener at least at one region of the levitating conveyor. The flattening positions at least a portion of the substrate in a given plane of reference in a levitated state.
Preferably, the air flow conveyor includes an air flow hold down. Preferably, the air flow substrate flattening functionality includes vacuum hold down. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow flattening functionality includes an air flow evacuator or outlet operative to release air build up beneath the planar substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow substrate flattening functionality includes an air flow hold down. Preferably, the vacuum hold down, or the air flow hold down, are operative in combination with the air flow levitator to hold the substrate a precise distance from a reference surface.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a methodology for scanning generally planar substrates including: conveying planar substrates to be scanned, employing an air flow conveyor, to at least a scanning location, the air flow conveyor having an air flow substrate flattening functionality at least at the scanning location; and scanning the planar substrates, employing a scanner located at the scanning location, when flattened by the air flow substrate flattening functionality.
The conveying may also include conveying the planar substrates away from the imaging location.
The scanning preferably includes, in part, image acquisition. Alternatively or additionally, the scanning includes, in part, image creation.
Preferably, the planar substrates include a photosensitive layer. Preferably, the image creation includes exposing a desired pattern on the photosensitive layer, employing a modulated laser beam device.
The air flow conveyor preferably includes an air flow levitator. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow conveyor includes an air flow hold down or a vacuum hold down. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow flattening functionality includes an air flow evacuator. Preferably, the vacuum hold down, or the air flow hold down, are operative in combination with the air flow levitator to hold the substrate a precise distance from a reference surface.
The air flow conveyor also, preferably, includes a displacer for displacing the planar substrates towards the imaging location or away from the imaging location or both.
Preferably, the air flow substrate flattening functionality includes an air flow levitator. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow substrate flattening functionality includes an air flow hold down.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a levitating methodology for conveying generally planar substrates including: levitating planar substrates with respect to a surface, employing a levitator; displacing the planar substrates generally parallel to the surface employing a displacer; and flattening the planar substrates when in a levitated state, employing a substrate flattener.
In an embodiment of the invention the levitating includes vacuum levitation.
Preferably, the substrate flattener includes a positive pressure device. Alternatively or additionally, the substrate flattener includes a a vacuum or suction device forming a region of sub-atmospheric pressure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
Reference is now made to
As used herein the term “flow of fluid” or “air flow” refers to the formation of a region of pressure, greater than atmospheric pressure, at least in the vicinity of a substrate. The formation of such a region of pressure may be done for example by generating an active flow of fluid. Alternatively the formation of such a region of pressure may be done without generating an active flow of fluid, or by generating an insignificant active flow of fluid, for example using apparatus and methods described in published PCT Patent Application WO 01/14782 A1, published PCT Patent Application WO 01/14752 A1 and published PCT Patent Application WO 01/19572 A1. As used herein, the term generally “planar substrate” refers to any suitable generally planar sheet material such as, for example, paper, cardboard, metallic sheet, glass, fiberglass sheets, celluloid, sheet film, silicon wafers and the like. Uses of such materials include planar substrates bearing pixel arrays employed in flat panel displays, mask works employed in electrical circuit production, printed circuit board substrates bearing portions of an electrical circuit pattern, semiconductor chips and interconnect devices interconnecting between semiconductor chips and printed circuit boards. Generally planar substrates include planar sheet materials which already have formed thereupon portions of a flat panel display or of an electrical circuit, as well as planar sheet materials which are suitable to have formed thereupon flat panel display portions or electrical circuit patterns. The generally planar surface may have a photosensitized surface, for example a photoresist material deposited thereon.
It is appreciated that when a generally planar substrate 100 is levitated as seen in
Reference is now made to
It is appreciated that in such a case, normally the planar substrate 150 would be bowed, or otherwise not uniformly flat, as shown in dashed lines at reference numeral 158. In order to flatten the planar substrate 150, at least over a given portion thereof, there is provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, suction from a multiplicity of nozzles 162 connected via a manifold 164 to a source of suction 166. In the embodiment of
It is appreciated that alternatively any other suitable type of levitation may be employed, such as, for example, magnetic levitation, in conjunction with a suitable article.
Reference is now made to
It is appreciated that absent the presence of a counter-flow of fluid, or other suitable hold down force, the levitated planar substrate may be bowed, or otherwise not uniformly flat, as shown at reference numerals 212 and 214. As shown in
The levitated conveyor system of
Reference is now made to
It is appreciated that absent the presence of a counter-flow of fluid, or other suitable hold down force, the levitated planar substrate may be bowed, or otherwise not uniformly flat, as shown at reference numerals 262 and 264. As shown in
The levitated conveyor system of
It is a particular feature of the embodiment of
-
- Published PCT Patent Application WO 01/14782 A1
- Published PCT Patent Application WO 01/14752 A1
- Published PCT Patent Application WO 01/19572 A1.
It is appreciated that any other suitable adaptive or non-adaptive orifice devices may be used.
Reference is now made to
It is appreciated that absent the presence of a counter-flow of fluid, or other suitable hold down force, the levitated planar substrate 304 may be bowed, or otherwise not uniformly flat, as shown at reference numerals 312 and 314. As shown in
The levitated inspection system of
Reference is now made to
It is appreciated that absent the presence of a counter-flow of fluid, or other suitable hold down force, the levitated planar substrate may be bowed or otherwise not uniformly flat, as shown at reference numerals 362 and 364. As shown in
Accordingly, there is provided, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a counter flow of fluid. The counter flow may be simply provided by a fluid evacuator providing an outlet for evacuating air accumulating between planar substrate 354 and static levitation table 350. Preferably the counter flow of fluid is a vacuum flow or suction operative to hold at least a portion of planar substrate 354 in a plane that is located a precise distance from the surface of table 300, or any other suitable reference surface. The counter flow preferably is provided by a multiplicity of nozzles 372 connected via a manifold 374 to a source of suction 376. In the embodiment of
The levitated conveyor system of
It is a particular feature of the embodiment of
-
- Published PCT Patent Application WO 01/14782 A1
- Published PCT Patent Application WO 01/14752 A1
- Published PCT Patent Application WO 01/19572 A1.
It is appreciated that any other suitable adaptive or non-adaptive orifice devices may be used.
Reference is now made to
As seen in
It is appreciated that absent the presence of a counter-flow of fluid, or other suitable hold down force, the levitated planar substrate 404 may be bowed, or otherwise not uniformly flat, as shown at reference numerals 412 and 414. As shown in
At the imaging location 416, it is desired that the planar substrate be flattened or otherwise maintained in a given orientation relative to imaging device 418 during imaging. Accordingly, there is provided, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a counter flow of fluid, preferably air, forming a counter pressure cushion, preferably from a multiplicity of nozzles 422 connected via a manifold 424 to the source of positive fluid pressure 410. In the embodiment of
The levitated imaging system of
Reference is now made to
As seen in
It is appreciated that absent the presence of a counter-flow of fluid, or other suitable hold down force, the levitated planar substrate may be bowed, or otherwise not uniformly flat, as shown in at reference numerals 462 and 464. As shown in
At the imaging location 466, it is desired that the planar substrate be flattened or otherwise maintained in a given orientation relative to, for example a precise distance from, imaging device 418 during imaging. Accordingly, there is provided, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a counter flow of fluid. The counter flow may be simply a fluid evacuator providing an outlet for evacuating air accumulating between planar substrate 454 and static levitation table 450. Preferably counter flow is a vacuum flow operative to hold at least a portion of planar substrate 450 in a plane that is located a precise distance from the surface of table 400. The counter flow preferably is provided by multiplicity of nozzles 472 connected via a manifold 474 to a source of suction 476. In the embodiment of
The levitated imaging system of
It is a particular feature of the embodiment of
-
- Published PCT Patent Application WO 01/14782 A1
- Published PCT Patent Application WO 01/14752 A1
- Published PCT Patent Application WO 01/19572 A1.
It is appreciated that any other suitable adaptive or non-adaptive orifice devices may be used.
Reference is now made to
As seen in
It is appreciated that absent the presence of a counter-flow of fluid, or other suitable hold down force, the levitated planar substrate may be bowed, or otherwise not uniformly flat, as shown in at reference numerals 512 and 514. As shown in
It is appreciated that the two-sided imaging device may comprise a pair of imaging devices or an integrated two-sided imaging device. The imaging device which is disposed to image the underside of the planar substrate, i.e. the side facing the table 500, preferably views the planar substrate through a gap or a transparent portion of the table 500 which is not interfered with by the levitating and flattening functionalities.
At the imaging location 516, it is desired that the planar substrate 504 be flattened or otherwise maintained in a given precise orientation relative to two-sided imaging device 518. Accordingly, there is provided, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a counter flow of fluid, preferably air, forming a counter pressure cushion preferably from a multiplicity of nozzles 522 connected via a manifold 524 to the source of positive fluid pressure 510. In the embodiment of
The levitated two-sided imaging system of
Reference is now made to
As seen in
It is appreciated that absent the presence of a counter-flow of fluid, or other suitable hold down force, the levitated planar substrate 554 may be bowed or otherwise not uniformly flat, as shown in at reference numerals 562 and 564. As shown in
It is appreciated that the two-sided imaging device may comprise a pair of imaging devices or an integrated two-sided imaging device, or an illuminator illuminating first side of planar substrate 554 and an imager acquiring an image of light passing through the planar substrate 554. The imaging device which is disposed to image the underside of the planar substrate, i.e. the side facing the table 500, preferably views the planar substrate through a gap or a transparent portion of the table 550 which is not interfered with by the levitating and flattening functionalities.
At the imaging location 566, it is desired that the planar substrate 554 be flattened or otherwise maintained in a given orientation relative to, for example a precise distance from, two-sided imaging device 568. Accordingly, there is provided, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a counter flow of fluid. The counter flow may be simply a fluid evacuator providing an outlet for evacuating air accumulating between planar substrate 554 and static levitation table 550. Preferably counter flow is a vacuum flow operative to hold at least a portion of planar substrate 554 in a plane that is located a precise distance from the surface of table 500, or any other suitable reference surface. The counter flow preferably is provided by a multiplicity of nozzles 572 connected via a manifold 574 to a source of suction 576. In the embodiment of
The levitated two-sided imaging system of
It is a particular feature of the embodiment of
-
- Published PCT Patent Application WO 01/14782 A1
- Published PCT Patent Application WO 01/14752 A1
- Published PCT Patent Application WO 01/19572 A1.
It is appreciated that any other suitable adaptive or non-adaptive orifice devices may be used.
Reference is now made to
The two sets of selectably raisable rollers preferably include an input set 608, which receives and conveys a generally planar substrate 606 to be inspected and an output set 610, which receives and conveys a generally planar substrate 606 from an inspection station 612 after inspection. It is appreciated that inspection station may include any suitable optical inspection sensor, or other suitable device operative to sense a desired physical attribute of generally planar substrate 606.
Disposed in slits 604 are a multiplicity of levitation nozzles 614 which are operative to produce selectable levitation of generally planar substrates 606. Nozzles 614 preferably are coupled via a manifold (not shown) to a source of positive fluid pressure (not shown).
It is a particular feature of the embodiment of
-
- Published PCT Patent Application WO 01/14782 A1
- Published PCT Patent Application WO 01/14752 A1
- Published PCT Patent Application WO 01/19572 A1.
At the inspection station 612, it is desired that the generally planar substrate 606 be flattened and held at a precise distance from the surface of table 600 (or from imagers such as cameras 628) as it is transported therethrough. Accordingly, in addition to levitation nozzles 614, there is provided, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a counter flow of fluid, preferably suction or a vacuum flow, preferably to a multiplicity of counter-force nozzles 616, connected via a manifold (not shown) to a source of suction (not shown). In the embodiment of
The inspection system of
Preferably, the inspection station 612 comprises a plurality of static cameras 628, preferably mounted on a first bridge 630 spanning table 600, and connected to an image processing computer (not shown). Inspection station 612 preferably also comprises a movable video camera 632, preferably mounted on a second bridge 634, downstream of first bridge 630, spanning table 600, and connected to a image post processing computer (not shown). A movable video camera 632 is preferably operative in response to inputs received from the image processing computer (not shown) for selectably viewing portions of the generally planar substrate 606 which are suspected as being defective.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the specification and which are not in the prior art.
Claims
1-32. (canceled).
33. A method for scanning generally planar substrates, comprising:
- conveying a generally planar substrate to be scanned with an air flow conveyor, to at least a scanning location, said planar substrate being selected from the group consisting of printed circuit board, flat panel display and interconnect device substrates;
- flattening said planar substrate with an air flow substrate flattener at least at said scanning location; and
- scanning said planar substrate with a scanner located at said scanning location, when flattened by said air flow substrate flattener, to acquire an image.
34. A scanning methodology according to claim 33 and wherein said air flow conveyor comprises an air flow levitator.
35. A scanning methodology according to claim 33 and wherein said air flow conveyor comprises an air flow hold down.
36. A scanning methodology according to claim 33 and wherein said air flow substrate flattening functionality comprises a suction hold down.
37. A scanning methodology according to claim 33 and wherein said air flow substrate flattening functionality comprises an air cushion hold down.
38. A scanning methodology according to claim 33 and wherein said conveying also comprises conveying said planar substrates away from said imaging location.
39. A scanning methodology according to claim 33 and wherein said air flow conveyor includes a displacer for displacing said planar substrates at least towards said imaging location.
40. A scanning methodology according to claim 33 and wherein said air flow conveyor includes a displacer for displacing said planar substrates away from said imaging location.
41 to 82. (canceled).
83. A flat bed scanner system comprising:
- an air flow conveyor operative to convey printed circuit board substrate to be scanned at least to a scanning location, said air flow conveyor having an air flow substrate flattening functionality at least at said scanning location; and
- a scanner located at said scanning location for scanning said printed circuit board substrate when flattened by said air flow substrate flattening functionality.
84. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 83 and wherein said scanner forms part of an image acquirer.
85. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 83 and wherein said scanner forms part of an image creator.
86. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 85 and wherein said planar substrates include a photosensitive layer.
87. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 86 and wherein said image creator comprises a modulated laser beam device operative to expose a desired pattern on said photosensitive layer.
88. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 83 and wherein said air flow conveyor comprises an air flow levitator.
89. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 83 and wherein said air flow conveyor comprises an air flow hold down.
90. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 83 and wherein said air flow substrate flattening functionality comprises an air cushion.
91. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 83 and wherein said air flow substrate flattening functionality comprises a suction hold down.
92. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 83 and wherein said air flow conveyor is also operative to convey said planar substrates away from said imaging location.
93. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 83 and wherein said air flow conveyor includes a displacer for displacing said planar substrates at least towards said imaging location.
94. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 83 and wherein said air flow conveyor includes a displacer for displacing said planar substrates away from said imaging location.
95-110. (canceled).
111. A method for scanning printed circuit board substrates, comprising:
- conveying a printed circuit board substrate to be scanned with an air flow conveyor, to at least a scanning location;
- flattening said printed circuit board substrate with an air flow substrate flattener at least at said scanning location; and
- scanning said planar substrate with a scanner located at said scanning location, when flattened by said air flow substrate flattener, to create an image of a portion of an electrical circuit.
112. A scanning methodology according to claim 111 and wherein said air flow conveyor comprises an air flow levitator.
113. A scanning methodology according to claim 111 and wherein said air flow conveyor comprises an air flow hold down.
114. A scanning methodology according to claim 111 and wherein said air flow substrate flattening functionality comprises a suction hold down.
115. A scanning methodology according to claim 111 and wherein said air flow substrate flattening functionality comprises an air cushion hold down.
116. A scanning methodology according to claim 111 and wherein said conveying also comprises conveying said printed circuit board substrate away from said imaging location.
117. A scanning methodology according to claim 111 and wherein said air flow conveyor includes a displacer for displacing said printed circuit board substrate at least towards said imaging location.
118. A scanning methodology according to claim 111 and wherein said air flow conveyor includes a displacer for displacing said printed circuit board substrate away from said imaging location.
119-138. (canceled).
139. A flat bed scanner system comprising:
- an air flow conveyor operative to convey planar substrates to be scanned at least to a scanning location, said air flow conveyor having an air flow substrate flattening functionality at least at said scanning location; and
- a scanner located at said scanning location for scanning said planar substrates when flattened by said air flow substrate flattening functionality.
140. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 139 and wherein said scanner forms part of an image acquirer.
141. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 139 and wherein said scanner forms part of an image creator.
142. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 141 and wherein said planar substrates include a photosensitive layer.
143. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 142 and wherein said image creator comprises a modulated laser beam device operative to expose a desired pattern on said photosensitive layer.
144. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 139 and wherein said air flow conveyor comprises an air flow levitator.
145. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 139 and wherein said air flow conveyor comprises an air flow hold down.
146. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 139 and wherein said air flow substrate flattening functionality comprises an air flow levitator.
147. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 139 and wherein said air flow substrate flattening functionality comprises an air flow hold down.
148. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 139 and wherein said air flow conveyor is also operative to convey said planar substrates away from said imaging location.
149. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 139 and wherein said air flow conveyor includes a displacer for displacing said planar substrates at least towards said imaging location.
150. A flat bed scanner system according to claim 139 and wherein said air flow conveyor includes a displacer for displacing said planar substrates away from said imaging location.
151-201. (canceled).
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 11, 2004
Publication Date: Jan 20, 2005
Applicant:
Inventors: Raanan Adin (Rishon Lezion), Yuval Yassour (Haifa)
Application Number: 10/915,342