Abstract: An information storage disc, a method of disc manufacture, and a scheme for improved disc surveillance are provided. Generally, the present invention utilizes the geometry and conductivity of a disc's information storage medium to establish an electrically resonant circuit in the disc body. The electrically resonant circuit may be used to detect, locate, and/or monitor the disc. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.72(b), the purpose of this abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract will not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive-integrated disk (an intelligent disk (ID)) having an electronic circuit controlling an external system as a peripheral. The drive-integrated disk comprises a disk block for storing information, a disk drive unit for accessing to the disk block, an electronic circuit block which connects to the disk drive unit via a bus, and a data input/output terminal group for connecting the electronic circuit block to an external apparatus, and is formed in a card shape.

Abstract: A dubbing system is provided in which information including lyrics, title, image of a piece of music is printed while audio data representing the piece of music distributed from an information center or supplied from a mass storage device installed in the dubbing system is being recorded onto a recording medium.

Abstract: A disc or like article (10, 115, 119) rotatable by drive means, such as a compact disc for use with a computer, includes indication means (12, 110, 120) which, when the disc is rotated at or above a predetermined angular velocity, provide an indication that rotation has occurred, which indication can be important if the disc contains confidential information. The indication device can be a tube formed with two enclosures separated by a breakable membrane (15, 16, 112, 122), a colored liquid/gel (17, 111 121) being in one enclosure and passing into the second enclosure, by breaking the membrane, when the disc is spun, thereby providing a visual indication thereafter of the spinning having occurred The invention also relates to such an indication means, per se, for after-fitting to a disc recorded on by spinning, and to a method of producing a disc with said indication means.

Abstract: An optical disc and a method of recording essential information in and reproducing the essential information from an optical disc are provided. The optical disc includes a pattern of crystalline and amorphous marks representing the essential information. The essential information recording method includes heating an amorphous recording layer above the temperature of crystallization by radiating a laser beam according to a photoelectrically converted signal, and slowly cooling the heated recording layer to the temperature of crystallization or below to form the pattern of crystalline and amorphous marks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage medium having intelligence that has, in one-piece, a storage medium and an electronic circuit, and has communication structure with an external apparatus to reduce loads of a main-frame of a system, and that can further manage and control external system equipment, the apparatus communicating information with the electronic circuit, and a system including them. The electronic circuit mounted on the intelligent disk 2 has a contact type or a non-contact type interface as communication structure. The contact type interface is connected to an external contact electrically and/or mechanically. The non-contact type interface is connected to an external interface via sound, light, radio waves, or induction. The non-contact type, a plurality of balanced microstrip lines are formed on a rotating medium and a fixed body in concentric circles, they are located so that respective balanced microstrip lines face.

Abstract: A CD Card for packaging card like information and digital information in the basic dimensions (length and width) of a business, credit or collectors card. The CD Card is made up of one, two, or three major components. The first component is a small compact disc with dimensions small enough to be contained within the typical dimensions (length and width) of a business card, credit card, or collectors card. The second component is a container shaped like a business, credit, or collectors card in length and width, but with a depth large enough to hold the small compact disc and adaptor (if required) discussed subsequently. The third component is an adaptor designed to position the small compact disc of the first and third embodiments of the present invention correctly in standard CD drives. A second embodiment of the small compact disc may not require an adaptor or case.

Abstract: Transfer of ancillary information, typically related to main information stored on an optical disk, to or from a storage on a disk is performed before the disk is capable of reproducing information. Described is a disk fitting aid member arranged in a recording and reproduction apparatus. Reproduction or recording of management information or catalog information for main information recorded or to be recorded is triggered by the operation of the fitting aid member. Alternatively, a recording and reproduction apparatus is mounted with a disk detector, with which the mounting of the disk on a tray can be detected, and the recording and reproduction of information to or from the storage is triggered by this detection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disc for use in an apparatus for signal processing, which apparatus comprises a digital audio source and a record player with a turntable and an arm carrying a pick-up element which is arranged to play a conventional record. The disc during its use is placed on the turntable and is provided with a groove which can be lowered by the pick-up element, and which comprises a time-code signal wherein during use of the disc the said time-code signal controls the digital audio source.

Abstract: A storage card (1), for use together with a CD, DVD or similar device, has a rectangular shape that includes a circular segment (4) for storing information. The card has four right-angled corners (2) that are rounded and the rounding is equivalent to the circumference of the outer edge of mini-CD.

Abstract: The car navigation file of the optical disk stores data which is used for navigating the car, and the video title set stores a plurality of video titles concerning facilities located in districts included in the map data. A VOB comprising one scene of a video image of a video title is a filmed shot in high picture quality. The VOB includes a writing command that position information of a position associated with the video information be written in the rewitable area when the predetermined operation is performed during the reproduction of the optical disk. When the disk reproduction apparatus executes the writing command, the position information can be written in the rewritable area. Consequently, the user can easily have the destination written in the optical disk, enjoying the filmed shots.

Abstract: A CD Card for packaging card like information and digital information in the basic dimensions (length and width) of a business, credit or collectors card. The CD Card is made up of one, two, or three major components. The first component is a small compact disc with dimensions small enough to be contained within the typical dimensions (length and width) of a business card, credit card, or collectors card. The second component is a container shaped like a business, credit, or collectors card in length and width, but with a depth large enough to hold the small compact disc and adaptor (if required) discussed subsequently. The third component is an adaptor designed to position the small compact disc of the first and third embodiments of the present invention correctly in standard CD drives. A second embodiment of the small compact disc may not require an adaptor or case.

Abstract: In recording digital image data onto a CD, original images of the recorded digital image data are printed directly onto a surface of the CD to make the CD have a function equivalent to that of a conventional index print. The image recording medium and the index print are not separated.

Abstract: A planar sheet, non circularly shaped digital media hangtag has a centrally positioned circular band adapted for storage and/or retrieving of digital data in the form of a CD/DVD recording. The disk has a centrally positioned hole the same as a standard CD/DVD, so the hangtag is compatible with transport on standard record/playback devices. Because the circular recording area of hangtag does not fill the entire recordable sheet, there are unrecordable regions of the hangtag. This permits a hole to be pierced through the disc in an unrecorded region that will not interfere with the recorded material, and allows the attachment of the hangtag to a product by a plastic filament threaded through the hole. To protect the recording surface, a plastic cover, which may also carry printed information, is glued to a non recording area at the cover's edges over the recording area.

Abstract: A recording disk having a recording medium and a memory assembly which is disposed in an annular or spiral form at a certain position on the disk. The memory assembly which a memory which stores information, a signal processor which writes or reads out information to/from the memory, a transmitter-receiver for transacting information with an exterior of the disk, a controller which controls the memory, signal processor and transmitter-receiver, a receiver which receives power in the form of a signal supplied from an exterior of the disk for the operation of the memory, signal processor, transmitter-receiver and controller, and a rectifier converts the signal received by the receiver into power. The memory, signal processor, controller, rectifier, and transmitter-receiver and/or receiver are at least partially formed of a semiconductor integrated circuit and at least portions of the memory, signal processor and controller are covered with light-blocking resin.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disk barcode forming method wherein, as information to be barcoded, position information for piracy prevention, which is a form of ID, is coded as a barcode and is recorded by laser trimming on a reflective film in a PCA area of an optical disk. When playing back the thus manufactured optical disk on a reproduction apparatus, the barcode data can be played back using the same optical pickup.

Abstract: A storage medium having intelligence and manufacture thereof which reduce load on a system main body when processing information stored in the storage medium and further manage and control an external system device by integrating the storage medium with electronic circuits adapted to the storage medium. An intelligent DVD 2 has an information recording surface 30 for recording information, and an electronic-circuit mounting surface 20 where electronic circuits are mounted at least on one portion. The intelligent DVD 2 is manufactured by a process of manufacturing the information recording surface, a process of manufacturing the electronic-circuit mounting surface, and a process of attaching the information recording surface and the electronic-circuit mounting surface to each other.

Abstract: A compact disc has an image embossed thereon and has a rectangular planar body. The compact disc stores information relating to the image and is used as a trading card. The compact disc is smaller than standard compact discs; therefore the compact disc has two ridges on the bottom surface for alignment of the compact disc with an inner circular rim of a disc tray. A docking collar is mounted to the bottom surface of the compact disc between a spindle hole and the ridges.

Abstract: A dubbing system in which information including lyrics, title, image of a piece of music is printed while audio data representing the piece of music distributed from an information center or supplied from a mass storage device installed in the dubbing system is recorded onto a recording medium.

Abstract: The information carrier (1) contains a storage unit (9), an integrated circuit (10) and a first and a second coupling element (31,32). Said coupling elements (31,32) are intermediate in the transfer of data and energy from a base station (50) to the integrated circuit (10) and vice versa. Between the base station (50) and said coupling elements (31,32) the transfer of data and energy is contactless, and preferably by capacitive coupling. Between at least the first (31) of and preferably both of the coupling elements (31,32) data and energy are transferred by means of capacitive coupling. The base station (50) is preferably incorporated in an apparatus (40) further containing the reading device (60) of the storage unit (9). To facilitate the capacitive coupling, the base station (50) contains a first and a second capacitor plate (54,55).

Abstract: There is a desire to improve the different types of card that carry information. If the technology is going to be of interest for the user, the use of the card must be as problem-free as it is possible to achieve. The card must be adapted to fit writing and reading devices and provide a place for storing different kinds of information. One objective of the present invention is to realize this desire.

Abstract: A trading card optical compact disc and method of using and forming the compact disc are provided which are compatible with a disc reader having a centrally located spindle and a seating ring for supporting and rotating a compact disc positioned thereon. The trading card optical compact disc according to an embodiment of the invention preferably has at least a first plastic rectangular layer having a width of about 2.5 inches and a length of about 3.5 inches and having a pattern of digital data encoded thereon. A second metallic layer is formed on at least portions of the first plastic layer, and a third protective layer is formed on at least the second layer for protecting the metallic layer. An indicia bearing fourth layer is formed on the third layer and has a generally planar upper surface for displaying indicia therefrom. An opening extends through the first, second, third, and fourth layers in a medial portion thereof.

Abstract: A cut optical disk is provided. The optical disk includes a data region which may be read by and optical disk reader (CD/CD-ROM/DVD reader). Ticket/pass information as well as anti-counterfeit feature may be provided in a graphics region or in the data region or both. The data region may be provided with audio and/or video data. The data region may also have multimedia presentations which may be presented on a personal computer or through a DVD reader etc. The data region may also have data which is read for gaining access to the event or facility. The graphics region also may have machine readable features such as bar codes. Additionally, most printing techniques may be used in the graphics region to provide information and aesthetic attributes and attributes to avoid counterfeit problems. The cut optical disk includes a standard central opening (of a CD/CD-ROM/DVD type). The data region is provided in a region around the central opening. The data region may be on both sides of the disk.

Abstract: A cartridgeless data storage disk for a data storage disk drive has a latent irradiance marker. A light source illuminates the marker and the marker emits irradiance as phosphorescence. A photosensor detects the emitted irradiance, and the decay time is determined. The decay time is checked to provide identification of different types or generations of cartridgeless data storage disks.

Abstract: A hand-held data acquisition device includes a display presenting at least one of an address book, a date book, a memo pad, a to-do list, a contact manager, an expense tracker, an e-mail client, and a project manager, at least one of which contains multiple data items. An input device is operatively connected to the device is suitable to receive voice data from the user. The data acquisition device stores the voice data and associates the voice data with at least one of the data items.

Abstract: A trading card optical compact disc and method of using and forming the compact disc are provided which are compatible with a disc reader having a centrally located spindle and a seating ring for supporting and rotating a compact disc positioned thereon. The trading card optical compact disc according to an embodiment of the invention preferably has at least a first plastic rectangular layer having a width of about 2.5 inches and a length of about 3.5 inches and having a pattern of digital data encoded thereon. A second metallic layer is formed on at least portions of the first plastic layer, and a third protective layer is formed on at least the second layer for protecting the metallic layer. An indicia bearing fourth layer is formed on the third layer and has a generally planar upper surface for displaying indicia therefrom. An opening extends through the first, second, third, and fourth layers in a medial portion thereof.

Abstract: A data carrier in the form of a write-once or rewritable compact disc (CD) includes a circular CD body with an information-carrying layer and a chip integrated in the CD body, the CD further including at least one CD coupling element for noncontact transfer of data between the chip and a data processing device, and of power from the data processing device to the chip. The CD coupling element can be implemented as a coil, an electrostatic coupling surface, or an optical coupling element. For reading out the information applied to the information-carrying layer of the CD, the CD can be inserted into a CD drive. The CD drive has a drive coupling element which, in correspondence with the CD coupling element, is likewise formed as a coil, an electrostatic coupling surface, or an optical coupling element and sends data to the CD coupling element or receives data therefrom.

Abstract: An optical data storage disc (e.g. a compact disc) carries a digital recording and also carries a holographic image. The holographic recording occupies an area separate from the area occupied by the digital recording, for example the holographic recording may be positioned in an annular area encircling the central area occupied by the digital recording.

Abstract: A trading card optical compact disc and method of using and forming the compact disc are provided which are compatible with a disc reader having a centrally located spindle and a seating ring for supporting and rotating a compact disc positioned thereon. The trading card optical compact disc according to an embodiment of the invention preferably has at least a first plastic rectangular layer having a width of about 2.5 inches and a length of about 3.5 inches and having a pattern of digital data encoded thereon. A second metallic layer is formed on at least portions of the first plastic layer, and a third protective layer is formed on at least the second layer for protecting the metallic layer. An indicia bearing fourth layer is formed on the third layer and has a generally planar upper surface for displaying indicia therefrom. An opening extends through the first, second, third, and fourth layers in a medial portion thereof.

Abstract: A memory chip mounted on an optical disk provided with a data recording region, a TOC (Table Of Content) recording region, a clamp region, and a center hole, includes an MID (Memory In Disk) chip on a portion of the optical disk for recording index data, and a plurality of input/output terminals which are in contact with the MID chip. The optical disk enables index data to be quickly and conveniently recorded and searched for in accordance with physical contact between input/output terminals provided in a recording/reading apparatus and the input/output terminals provided in the optical disk.

Abstract: An Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) marker is adapted for direct application to optically recorded media such as compact disks, CD-ROM's, laser disks, digital video disks, and the like. The marker includes a support sheet and one or more marker elements which are positioned such that the mass distribution of the marker is symmetrically disposed about the center of the marker. This ensures that when the marker is properly positioned on the optically recorded media, the marker does not adversely affect the mechanical balance of the media.

Abstract: A disc device includes a disc substrate having an information signal pattern formed on a surface thereof and a magnetic material layer formed on the information signal pattern which permits for detection of the device by an electronic article surveillance detection system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless apparatus for transferring information between computers. The communication device uses a diskette that transmits and receives information by using radio frequency. The diskette includes receiving and transmitting circuitry which is used in conjunction with software to facilitate the file transfer.

Abstract: An Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) marker is adapted for direct application to optically recorded media such as compact disks, CD-ROM's, laser disks, digital video disks, and the like. The marker includes a support sheet and one or more marker elements which are positioned such that the mass distribution of the marker is symmetrically disposed about the center of the marker. This ensures that when the marker is properly positioned on the optically recorded media, the marker does not adversely affect the mechanical balance of the media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmented cylindrical audio-visual device (10) having interlocking disks (12) a first disk (12A) has a first disk bottom side (12AB) with a first disk bottom side female connector (12ABB) centrally positioned thereon. The adjacent second disk (12B) has a second disk top side (12BA) with a second disk top side male connector (12BAB) centrally positioned thereon. The second disk top side male connector (12BAB) is complimentary to and inserts into the first disk bottom side female connector (12ABB) thereby interlocking the first disk (12A) to the adjacent second disk (12B). Each interlocked disk (12) has a disk side (12AC . . . 12JC) having a respective disk side audio-visual track (12ACA . . . 12JCA) thereon. The respective disk side audio-visual tracks (12ACA . . . 12JCA) each represent a separate audio and/or visual track analogous to a song and a music video, respectively.

Abstract: Recording media made up of two discs bonded together back to back have one disc on which programming information is recorded in light-readable form (generally similar to conventional CDs or CD-ROMs) and a second disc bearing visible indicia regarding the recording media. At least some of the visible indicia on the second disc are generic (i.e., are not specific to the particular programming on the other disc). These generic visible indicia are preferably formed on the second disc prior to the bonding of the two discs together. Additional visible indicia that are specific to the particular programming on the other disc may be added to the second disc. The visible indicia may be provided in several ways such as by "pit art", thermal branding, laser scribing, printing, labelling, etc. The second disc may also contain some recorded, generic, light-readable information such as "Wrong side--turn disc over.

Abstract: An Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) marker is adapted for direct application to optically recorded media such as compact disks, CD-ROM's, laser disks, digital video disks, and the like. The marker includes a support sheet and one or more marker elements which are positioned such that the mass distribution of the marker is symmetrically disposed about the center of the marker. This ensures that when the marker is properly positioned on the optically recorded media, the marker does not adversely affect the mechanical balance of the media.

Abstract: An optical tape including an optical recording layer for permitting information to be optically recorded thereon and a light-reflective magnetic layer; the light-reflective magnetic layer which reflects light projected onto the recording layer, also permits magnetic recording or magneto-optical recording to be performed thereon, thereby increasing a storage capacity of the optical tape remarkably; further, the optical tape is provided with a layer to form guiding grooves for tracking control, which layer to form guiding grooves is made up of ultraviolet-hardening resin, photo-resist, or a photochromic material.

Abstract: A method for providing compact discs with an antipiracy marking and a mold for pressing compact discs for making compact discs carrying an antipiracy marking as well as compact discs comprising an antipiracy marking pattern, the compact disc consisting of a substrate including on one of its sides the information to be read by the compact disc player and on the opposite side an antipiracy marking pattern.

Abstract: A packaged integrated information recording system has a plurality of information recording media radially arranged on a disk substrate. Each of the recording media comprises a liquid crystal recording medium including a liquid crystal-polymer composite layer with polymer balls filled in a liquid-crystal phase, stacked on a first electrode layer and a photoelectric sensor including a second electrode layer and a photoconductive layer formed on a transparent substrate. The liquid crystal recording medium and photoelectric sensor are stacked directly, or through an interlayer on each other while the liquid crystal recording layer and photoconductive layer are opposed to each other. The recording media may also be arranged in a row on a film substrate provided with feed holes on both side edges and received in a closable case such that it can be drawn. Alternatively, the recording media on a film substrate may be received in a packaging case having a window openable and closable by a shutter to unroll the film.

Abstract: A CDP-incorporated television receiver is provided which includes a CD reproducer, a CDG processor, a CDV processor, and a CD-OK processor. The CD reproducer reads data from an optical disk, and the CDG, CDV, and CD-OK processors input such data and respectively produce corresponding RGB, synchronization, and other signals, which respectively correspond to CD-graphics, CD-video, and CD-OK. A CD controller also receives a data signal from said CD reproducer, and determines the type of compact disk currently being reproduced by the CD reproducer based on the data signal. As a result, the CD controller produces a selection signal corresponding to the type of compact disk and outputs the selection signal to a switching matrix. The switching matrix selectively outputs one group of RGB, synchronization, and other signals based on the selection signal to an encoder, and the encoder converts the selected RGB signal into a CD video signal.

Abstract: A disk-shaped optical storage medium for binary information, stored seria as a sequence of pits and lands along a spiral track in the form of pits and lands readable by means of a laser beam according to the principle of interference may be identified in a manner preventing confusing and unauthorized duplication in that a selected number of the total lands is formed in the optical reference surface as depressions which are shallow in comparison to the depth of the pits. This identification feature of basically any form may be both so small that it can only be rendered visible by electron microscopic means and so large that it can be detected by the naked eye in diffused light.

Abstract: A three dimensional optical data storage and retrieval system includes a three dimensional optical data storage medium and an apparatus for providing access to data stored on the medium. According to one aspect of the invention, the data storage medium includes a number of concentric shells each of which has a curvilinear data storage surface for storing data in a number of substantially parallel data tracks. According to another aspect of the invention, the data storage medium includes a number of data storage surfaces which are rotatable about a common axis, each data storage surface for storing data in a number of substantially circular data tracks and having an optically transparent window which transects each of the data tracks. Each shell or data storage surface preferably has a drive engagement portion for engaging a driver to rotate the shells or data storage surfaces individually about a common axis.

Abstract: An optically readable data storage medium includes a thin film data carrier fabricated from first and second juxtaposed plastic layers. A microembossed data surface is positioned within an interface zone and includes physically displaced surface elements which encode digital data. An adaptor temporarily receives and supports the thin film data carrier from below and includes a centrally located aperture geometrically compatible with a standard CD player spindle to enable the adaptor to be supported and rotated by the spindle. The adaptor includes a refraction zone having an area and a location underlying the microembossed data surface to enable the light beam from the light source of the CD player to be focussed onto the rotatable data surface. The reflected light beam modulated by the digital data encoded within the microembossed data surface is intercepted and converted to an electrical signal by the CD player optical readout device.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically reproducing digital speech data recorded on a motion picture film is disclosed. The digital speech data recorded on an emulsifier surface of the motion picture film is illuminated with an illuminating light from the side of a base surface of the motion picture film, and the light transmitted through the emulsifier surface is collected as an incident light by a reproducing lens. With the present apparatus, it is possible to reduce the variations in the volume of the light of the reproduced digital signals otherwise caused by the scratch of dust present on the film base surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical recording medium having copy protection measures, production method thereof and a reproducing apparatus therefor. The optical disc comprises a data recording area recorded with ciphered digital signals and a cipher key information recording area provided other than the data recording area in the optical recording medium for recording cipher key information to determine a deciphering method of the ciphered digital signals. The cipher key information is provided along a peripheral edge surface which is outside the surface of the optical recording medium in a serrated pattern, perpendicular to the surface having the recording layer. The serrated pattern is formed by an injection molding machine using a metal mold having an injection molding member provided with a serrated negative pattern in accordance with the recording cipher key information to be recorded.

Abstract: A machine-readable serial number is formed on a CD-ROM by using a laser to selectively remove a reflective layer from the CD-ROM, Removal of the reflective layer creates defects in addressable information storage locations on the CD-ROM, The serial number is read by detecting the defects, The serial number is used in a software distribution system in which many different software programs are distributed on a single CD-ROM and an access code based on the desired software program and the serial number of a particular CD-ROM is used to "unlock" the desired program on the particular CD-ROM,

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus, in which a reference electrostatic capacity is formed by a wide pattern (23) radially formed over a plurality of recording tracks (22) and a calculation is performed by utilizing this reference electrostatic capacity so as to eliminate the fluctuation of stray capacitance in each of the electrodes (63a) and (63b) of a recording and reproducing head. Thus, the change of stray capacitance occuring due to the drift of temperature, the vibration of interconnection or the like can be eliminated.

Abstract: The information processor uses a portable memory formed on a transparent substrate which is able to be overwritten by laser power modulation system. The memory includes a disk type recording medium rotatably incorporated within a thin case, and carries out write/read/erase by means of a first magnetic field application device, a second magnetic field application device, and an optical head radiating light through the case which has at least a transparent light-incident portion. The case includes therein a rotation means for rotating the recording medium within the case, thereby enabling even further reduction in size of the information processor.

Abstract: A process for producing an optical data storage disc (e.g., a compact disc) carrying a digital recording and also carries a holographic image is disclosed. The holographic recording occupies an area (14) separate from the area (12) occupied by the digital recording, for example, the holographic recording may be positioned in an annular area encircling the central area occupied by the digital recording.