Micro-image acquisition and transmission system
View Patent ↗A micro-image acquisition and transmission system is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the system is comprised of an image acquisition chip comprising an electronic imager, control electronics and a micro powered rotary stage comprising a transceiver array that acts as a hub to optically link a group of distributed image acquisition chips. A preferred embodiment is further comprised of a transceiver array chip comprising one or more micro-powered rotary stages having a transceiver array assembly disposed thereon. The micro-powered rotary stage is supported by a micro-brush bearing.
1. A micro-brush bearing comprising a plurality of electrically conductive columns comprising a semiconductor material, each of the conductive columns having a terminal end, the columns configured to transfer electrical power to a plurality of contact pads on a stage rotatably supported by the columns.
2. The micro-brush bearing of claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive columns are comprised of silicon.
3. The micro-brush bearing of claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive columns are substantially circular in cross-section along their length.
4. The micro-brush bearing of claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive columns are tapered along their length.
5. A micro-powered rotary stage system comprising: a micro-brush bearing comprising a plurality of electrically conductive columns comprising a semiconductor material, each of the conductive columns having a terminal end, the columns configured to transfer electrical power to a plurality of contact pads on a stage rotatably supported by the columns, a pair of electrostatic actuators, an actuator blade, and, at least one capacitive feed-through.
6. The micro-powered rotary stage of claim 5 further comprising a Binary Reflected Gray Code pattern configured to be read by a series of capacitive sensors.
7. The micro-powered rotary stage of claim 5 wherein the electrically conductive columns are comprised of silicon.
8. The micro-powered rotary stage of claim 5 wherein the electrically conductive columns are substantially circular in cross-section along their length.
9. The micro-powered rotary stage of claim 5 wherein the electrically conductive columns are tapered along their length.