Objective
The object of the MiLs project is the application of microsystems technology to the field of optical laser scanning. The output of the project will be a "hands free" micro-scan tool, to be carried on the arm or the finger of the operator, capable of deflecting a laser beam to obtain a scan line and to sense the light diffused by a target, typically a bar code, so producing an electrical output signal.
The micro-scan tool will be mainly designed for reading bar codes, but it can be seen as a component useful in many other applications in which a non-contact optical measurement is necessary : examples could be measurement of distance, dimension, surface roughness, presence / absence etc.
Current hand held readers on the market, have dimensions and shapes similar to a pistol or an electric razor and, obviously, must be held with one hand by the operator. For ergonomic and economic reasons the market for bar code readers requires systems with smaller dimensions that allow "hands free" operation. Thus, the reader must be small enough to be put, for example, in the shape of a ring.
While the electronic part of a bar code reader can be reduced in dimensions by means of the well-known microelectronics technologies, the optomechanical part of the reader has limitations in terms of dimensions. For this reason in the MiLS project the LIGA process will be used to fabricate the optomechanical part. The LIGA process allows the miniaturisation of the optical set-up by fabricating integrated optomechanical parts. They include optical structures, fixing structures for optical elements like laser and photodiodes as well as mirrors or lenses.
The architecture of a scan tool typically comprises a laser diode emitting a laser beam, optics to focus the laser beam to the desired distance, a moving part to deflect the laser beam (e.g. a rotating polygonal mirror), optics to collect the light diffused by the target and an optoelectronic sensor to transform the received light into an electrical signal.
The entire system is automatically assembled avoiding active alignment of the individual components. This results in a very compact bar code reader. Expected dimensions are 10 x 15 x 3 mm.
In addition to prototype fabrication and evaluation the main aim of the project is the definition of the production line and the adaptation of the most suitable techniques. The possibility of manufacturing on an industrial scale by means of a small series production will also be demonstrated. Experiences concerning LIGA technology will be transferred to other industrial partners.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics microelectronics
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
40012 Calderara di Reno Bologna
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.