Abstract: A recording medium transport device has: a pair of transport roller units which nip and transport a recording medium and which are disposed at an upstream side and a downstream side of a recording area respectively, the transport roller unit in the upstream side including a drive shaft and an upstream side transmission gear attached to the drive shaft, the transport roller unit in the downstream side including a drive shaft and a downstream side transmission gear attached to the drive shaft; an output shaft; and a drive pinion gear attached to the output shaft and engaging with both the transmission gears. Each of the upstream side transmission gear, downstream side transmission gear and the drive pinion gear is a gear in which two spur gears are integrally formed while phases of the two spur gears are shifted from each other by a half pitch.

Abstract: An optical storage drive with functions of detecting turn over is disclosed. When it is detected that an optical storage drive is turned over, the power of the optical storage drive is turned off, or the operation of the optical storage drive is stopped, or the optical disc originally in the optical storage drive is ejected, or some warning reactions are generated so as to prevent a user that accidentally turns over an optical storage drive from operating the optical storage drive.

Abstract: In one aspect and one example, a method for calibrating robotic picker mechanisms in automated storage library systems includes detecting a calibration mark with at least one sensor from a first position and a second position, where the first position and the second position are separated by an offset distance. Further, the method includes determining a shift in the calibration mark between the first position and the second position, and determining a distance between a reference position and the calibration mark based on the shift in the calibration mark, the offset distance, and the focal length of the sensor.

Abstract: A portable information equipment of this invention has a jog switch for generating different events in correspondence with flip directions and times, and means for executing a process corresponding to a type of event generated by the jog switch.

Abstract: An information recording medium reproducing system has an insertion opening, a recording medium storing portion and a medium carrying device. Photodetectors are provided for detecting passing of the recording medium and for producing a passing signal when the medium passes. A controller is provided for controlling operation of the medium carrying device. The controller applies a discharge signal to the medium carrying device when the passing signal is not produced within a predetermined time, whereby the medium carrying device is actuated in discharge operation.

Abstract: A protection method for manual ejection operation of optical disk drive is proposed. In the present method, a locked state is set when the optical disk drive is in normal rotation. The load-sensing switch would turn to the on position (stage) when the optical disk is loaded in the tray and in the rotating state. When a manual ejection operation with manual ejection function is activated, the load sensing switch would turn to the off position (stage). A controller senses the stage change from on position to off position. Then, the controller applies a voltage to the tray motor and the position of the load-sensing switch is returned to the on position. Therefore, a locked state is maintained.

Abstract: In an optical disc apparatus, a loading operation and an unloading operation are performed a plurality of times while changing the movement speed of a tray. A movement speed of the tray at which a shock that is produced during a movement of the tray is smaller than an upper limit, and a time period required for the loading operation and the unloading operation is shortest is determined as the movement speed of the tray in the loading operation and the unloading operation. An optical disc placed on the tray can be prevented from being damaged by a shock produced during a movement of the tray, and the time period required for the loading operation and the unloading operation can be prevented from being prolonged.

Abstract: Provided are: a turn table for storing a disk shaped recording medium Dn to be vertically placed; a disk drive unit disposed at the center part of the table, the disk drive unit mounting a recording medium Dn to record and/or reproduce an information signal SIN; disk carrying means for carrying the recording medium Dn between the disk drive unit and the turn table; and a control device, wherein the control device controls the turn table and disk carrying medium so as to detect whether or not the recording medium Dn is stored in the disk storage unit, judge an information recording face of the recording medium Dn removed from the disk storage unit, and based on the judgment result, mount the recording medium Dn intact on the disk drive unit or invert the recording medium Dn, thereby remounting the medium on the disk drive.

Abstract: A loading motor control device of an optical device, which controls a loading motor to move a tray for loading or unloading a disc, and to raise and lower a pickup deck. The loading motor control device includes an optical sensor that has a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion, which are separated by a predetermined space and are face with each other; and a shutter that is provided on a sliding cam to move back and forth in the predetermined space, and that has a plurality of opening holes, through which a light beam emitted from the light-emitting portion passes, wherein the loading motor is controlled in multiple modes corresponding to the respective positions of the plurality of opening holes. The loading motor can be controlled adequately and correctly in multiple modes and with a simple structure.

Abstract: A disc drive apparatus using a disc-like recording medium includes a casing, a substrate, two LEDs, a light guiding member, a white print portion, and a motor. The light guiding member is arranged adjacent to the two LEDs on the substrate for guiding light emitted from the LEDs. The white print portion is positioned in a light emitting direction of the LEDs, and is formed on a surface of the substrate positioned below the light guiding member. The motor is arranged adjacent to the light guiding member and the white print portion on the substrate. The light guiding member is provided with a satin finish at a surface of a portion facing the LEDs. The front panel includes a protrusion protruding below a portion that is farthest from the LEDs in a portion adjacent to a light emitting indication portion of the light guiding member.

Abstract: HDD boxes 831 to 83n are each incorporated with a secondary battery box 87, a non-isolated DC/DC converter 89, and an HDD 91. Logical circuit boards 851 to 85n are each incorporated with the secondary battery box 87, fast-transient-response-type non-isolated DC/DC converters 931 to 933, and a plurality of loads 951 to 953. Every secondary battery box 87 is provided with a charge/discharge circuit 97, and a plurality of in-line secondary batteries 99. In the HDD box, the output voltage from the secondary battery box 87 goes to an HDD 91 via the DC/DC converter 89. In the logical circuit board, the output voltage from the secondary battery box 87 goes to the corresponding loads 951 to 953 via the DC/DC converters 931 to 933. With such a structure, in a disk array apparatus, realized are higher energy efficiency and less space occupation through reducing power loss and optimizing power capacity setting for a backup power.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to mass storage devices and, more particularly, to transferring data between mass storage devices.

Abstract: A record medium playback apparatus includes a playback section and a playback control section. The playback control section is adapted to control a playback start position of the program information when the record medium playback apparatus is restarted after power thereof was turned off. The playback control section determines the playback start position of the program information using a first sequence when the record time of the whole program information corresponding to the playback position at the power off is less than a predetermined time. The playback control section determines the playback start position of the program information using a second sequence when the record time of the whole program information corresponding to the playback position at the power off is equal to or longer than the predetermined time.

Abstract: A recording medium loading apparatus. When the position detection of the carrier unit 70 capable of loading different types of recording medium 11, 12, 13 is performed, switches SW1˜3 are installed on the carrier unit 70 and carrier position detecting cam 140 is installed on the holder 40 for selectively operating the switches SW1˜SW3 in response to the move of the carrier unit 70. Then, the position detection of the carrier unit 70 is performed by the combination of on/off of the switches SW1˜SW3. Therefore, the structure is simplified and the cost is reduced.

Abstract: A magnetically suspended CD-ROM drive is proposed, which is characterized by using electromagnetic attraction/repulsion force to move a disc-holding support tray for loading or ejecting a compact disc into or out of the CD-ROM drive. Without employing a gear mechanism of a conventional CD-ROM drive for mechanically operating the support tray, this magnetically suspended CD-ROM drive is beneficial as not having to install additional equipment such as a read/write head moving device, thereby making fabrication processes and equipment maintenance more cost-effective to implement.

Abstract: An information recording medium conveyer is provided, which provides countermeasures against power interruptions with high reliability. When a power interruption occurs during a loading operation with a conveying roller, the first unloading operation is initiated. When the outputs from detection sensors satisfy a predetermined condition during the first unloading operation, the process is initialized to cause the conveying roller to initiate a re-loading operation, thereby loading an information recording medium into a tray. On the other hand, when the outputs from the detection sensors do not change in accordance with a predetermined sequence during the re-loading operation, the process initiates the second unloading operation.

Abstract: A disc device comprising a transfer unit operable to provide a transferring force to a disc inserted from the outside to transfer the disc into a storage area in the device, a sensor unit for detecting the position of the inserted disc, and a control unit for controlling a operational speed of the transfer unit. The control unit controls the operational speed of the transfer unit in the disc loading direction at a low-speed until the disc inserted from the outside reaches the transfer unit. The control unit then adjusts the operational speed of the transfer unit in the disc loading direction from a low-speed to a high-speed when the sensor unit detects that the disc is inserted into the position in which a transferring force from the transfer unit is given to the disc, or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Accordingly, the disc device reduces operation noise and resistance when the disc is inserted.

Abstract: An optical disk drive includes a case, a tray which is slidably provided to the case and receives an optical disk, and a ground member which is electrically connected to the case and contacts one side of the optical disk as the tray slides in or out of the case. In the optical disk drive, by removing a static electricity remaining on the optical disk through the ground member, where the tray is loaded, foreign materials such as dust can be prevented from adhering to the optical disk. Accordingly, a stable and accurate optical signal processing can be guaranteed, thereby improving the reliability of the optical disk drive and the optical disk.

Abstract: This invention relates specifically to a method for controlling the disc tray of a data reproducing device, in which the data reproducing device comprises at least a tray motor for driving the disc tray. The method comprises the following steps, including: a step for disposing a detection circuit electrically connected with the motor for detecting a back emf, which is generated when the motor is driven to rotate by an external force; a step for outputting from the detection circuit a signal of moving disc tray when the back emf is sensed; a step for a servo-controller to receive a signal of moving disc tray; and a step for the servo-controller to move the disc tray into the data reproducing device after the signal reception is completed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disc drive sharing switching device, method and associated application system. The optical disc drive sharing switching device integrates a personal computer and an optical disc player together inside an information-processing appliance. The personal computer and the optical disc player share the use of an optical disc drive. The user is free to switch connections between the personal computer and the optical disc player with the optical disc drive. The device uses a simple switching program and the computer functions normally even if the optical disc drive is not under its control.

Abstract: During an ejecting or unloading operation of an information recording medium by a conveying roller, if detection signals are output from detecting sensors indicating that the object being ejected or unloaded has already been discharged from an insertion hole although it has not, then the insertion hole is closed by the door. If, for some reasons, the door fails to close the insertion hole within a predetermined time, the conveying roller performs a forcible ejecting operation, whereby the object left inside is forcibly ejected to the outside. Thus, ejection or unloading of a medium is carried out without failure.

Abstract: An information recording medium reproducing system has an insertion opening, a recording medium storing portion and a medium carrying device. Photodetectors are provided for detecting passing of the recording medium and for producing a passing signal when the medium passes. A controller is provided for controlling operation of the medium carrying device. The controller applies a discharge signal to the medium carrying device when the passing signal is not produced within a predetermined time, whereby the medium carrying device is actuated in discharge operation.

Abstract: An image information detecting cassette accommodating an image information detecting section capable of reducing its power consumption when not used. When the handle of the cassette is gripped by the operator for carrying, the handle grip signal is outputted from the handle grip detecting section. If the readout signal from the scan/readout section, X-ray ready signal from the external system controller, and release signal from the release switch are not outputted, that is, when the cassette is carried and not used, it is determined to be the out-of-use state by the out-of-use determining means. The low power consumption mode is set by the control section, and the power supply to the image information detecting section, reading light emitting section, detecting section driving section, nonvolatile memory, X-ray buzzer, and matrix indicator is discontinued by the power supply suppressing section.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory card stores a plurality of audio objects (AOBs) that compose a plurality of tracks and playlist information showing a reproduction order for the tracks. The semiconductor memory card also stores, as resume information (PLMG_RSM_PL), (1) a Playlist_Number showing which playlist information was used the last time playback was performed for the semiconductor memory card, (2) a Track_Number showing the last track to be played back, and (3) a Playback_Time showing a position at which where playback was stopped as a time expressed in relation to the start of the track.

Abstract: A touching plate of the emergency mechanism, which is located near the front panel of a casing, is rotatably pivoted, an arm is protruded from the touching plate so that it is opposite to a lever protruded from the end of a slide bar, a nozzle having a prescribed length, which is located near the thin rod contact face of the touching plate, is protruded concentrically to a through-hole integrally from the inner face of the front panel, the thin rod passed through the through-hole is guided by the nozzle so that the tip of the thin rod is brought into contact with the thin rod contact face of the touching plate. In this way, by pushing in the touching plate about the pivoting shaft, the slide bar is slid through the arm and lever, thereby slightly moving the tray forward.

Abstract: A disk drive includes a plurality of optical heads corresponding to a plurality kind of disks, and a disk distinction device for distinguishing whether a set disk is a first disk or a second disk when a disk is set on a disk tray, a first disk tray conveying mechanism for the first disk and/or the second disk tray conveying mechanism for the second disk conveys the disk tray to a first tray position in which recording and/or reproducing is performed on the first tray or the second tray position in which recording and/or reproducing is performed on the second tray, according to a result distinguished by the disk distinction device, thereby, an optical head corresponding to a disk set to the disk tray is selected correctly and a recording or reproducing operation is performed on the disk.

Abstract: A tray for mounting a cartridge incorporating a flat information recording medium includes sliders sliding in a loading direction of the cartridge on a tray base in cooperation with the mounting action of the cartridge, and a slider moving mechanism for moving the slider between an initial position, and a plurality of stopping positions remote from the initial position by specific distances in the loading direction. The plurality of stopping positions are at least in two stopping positions, that is, a first stopping position remote from the initial position by a first distance in the loading direction, and a second stopping position remote from the initial position by a second distance longer than the first distance in the loading direction. Thereby, if a cartridge is mounted on a tray in a wrong direction, the user can easily recognize its wrong mounting.

Abstract: According to the invention, case members each include a main surface and side surfaces provided at ends of the main surface. At a corner where a pair of side surfaces in at least one of the case members adjoin, an integral part having at least one pair of continuously integrated side surfaces is provided. Therefore, the corners of the case members can be prevented from bending or deforming, and the mechanical strength of the main surface can be improved. Therefore, the shock resistance can be improved, and the thickness of the case members can be reduced in order to reduce the size and weight of the device.

Abstract: When an error requiring a retry operation has occurred, information concerning the error requiring a retry operation is stored every time. The information includes a sector number (or beginning sector number and number of sectors), the content of the command; a write or read designation, and the number of the times of error occurrence in the sector (or number of the times of retry operation), for example. In case of recording information, like the prior art, information to be written which is stored in a buffer memory is held as it is. Since the information concerning an error requiring a retry operation is stored, even though an error requiring a retry operation occurs repeatedly, a write and/or read operation of the next executable command to another track is executed without immediately switching to the retry operation. Thus, other commands are executed between the occurrence of the error requiring a retry operation and actual execution of the retry operation.

Abstract: A guide member (20) is disposed between a body chassis (2) of a disk driving apparatus (1) and an electric connection wire (15). The guide member (20) moves together with a tray (3) to prevent the body chassis (2) and the electric connection wire (15) from coming into contact with each other and moving. In a state in which the tray (3) is sufficiently pulled out from the body chassis (2), the guide member (20) projects from the tray (3) to prevent the electric connection wire (15) from coming into contact with the body chassis (2).

Abstract: A disk drive includes a main frame; a cartridge slidably installed in the main frame; a plurality of trays stacked in the cartridge and slidably installed therein; an elevation unit for controlling a height of a turn table; a tray selecting unit for locking each tray to a state that each tray can be loaded or unlocking a specific tray among a plurality of locked trays to draw it out of the main frame; a loading unit for loading the specific tray, among the plurality of trays locked by the tray selecting unit to reproduce/record a disk by means of an optical pick-up unit, onto the turn table; and a driving unit for driving the cartridge, the elevation unit, the tray selecting unit and the loading unit.

Abstract: A clamp means of a disk loading device has a turntable, a clamper, and a supporter for restricting a rotational range of a clamper holder. The supporter is connected to a lower surface of the clamper holder, and a distal end of the supporter extends to a position above a top plate (fixing member) provided in a housing. Therefore, the turntable can be stably pulled from the clamper, and the disk loading device can be made compact.

Abstract: A turntable provided in the carousel changer has a plurality of trays provided around its rotating shaft. The turntable is provided with an annular rib including a plurality of recessed portions and a plurality of raised portions. A sensor is provided to have the rib passed therethrough and detects recessed portions and raised portions in the rib as the turntable is driven by a motor to rotate. The controller receives a detection result by the sensor and controls the motor based on the ratio of the widths of a raised portion and a recessed portion adjacent to each other in the rib. Therefore, this carousel changer can accurately stop a tray carrying an optical disk desired to be reproduced in a prescribed position.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a disk apparatus having a function of externally the forcible unloading manipulation of an optical disk, and for enabling the forcible unloading manipulation only on the basis of clear recognition that a user intentionally performed the unloading of the optical disk, the disk apparatus enforcing such recognition. In the disk apparatus for loading and driving an optical disk, and for recording or reproduction of data on the optical disk, the disk apparatus comprises first release means and second release means for a mechanism for unloading a loaded optical disk to be manipulated externally, wherein manipulation of the second release means forcibly unloads the loaded optical disk by manipulation of the first release means.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus, such as an on-vehicle navigation system, is provided. The apparatus comprises a hard disc container (2) and a contacting piece (31) for grounding. The hard disc container contains a hard disc unit (7) detachably loaded thereinto. A loading/unloading passage (21) through which the hard disc unit is loaded and unloaded is formed in the container. The contacting piece is disposed in the loading/unloading passage. When the hard disc unit is loaded into the container, the hard disc unit is made to come into contact to the contacting piece before an electrical connection between the hard disc and the hard disc container is realized. Thus, even if static electricity is charged on the hard disc unit, the static electricity is grounded steadily prior to the electrical connection, thereby no harm being given to data stored by a hard disc incorporated in the hard disc unit.

Abstract: An accessor moveably disposed within a data storage and retrieval system which includes at least one electromagnetic radiation emitter and at least one electromagnetic radiation detector, where each emitter/detector combination have a facing relationship. A data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more of Applicants' accessors moveably disposed therein. A method using Applicants' accessor to assist the inventory of Applicants' data storage and retrieval system. A method to prevent collisions between Applicants' accessor and one or more portable data storage cartridges improperly stored within Applicants' data storage and retrieval system. A method using Applicants' accessor to monitor the insertion and/or retrieval of a portable data storage cartridge from a storage slot, a data storage device, an import/export station, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retrieving data related to a data cartridge contained in a media storage system. A transponder (e.g., an RFID transponder) is attached to the data cartridge for storing the related data and a reader attached to a cartridge access device of the media storage system is positionable adjacent the data cartridge for reading the related data from the transponder. The reader is attached to a cartridge plunge mechanism so that the reader is positioned near the transponder regardless of the mechanical tolerances of the media storage system. Once positioned adjacent one another, the transponder is activated and queried by the reader. The transponder transmits a data signal containing the related data to the reader and a controller operatively associated with the reader processes the data signal.

Abstract: Media storage system and control panel for use therewith. One embodiment of the control panel may comprise a frame assembly, and a quick-release attachment system operable to readily mount the frame assembly to the media storage system and readily release the frame assembly from the media storage system.

Abstract: Each pivot shaft of a drive chassis has hooks to allow the drive chassis to be held by a main chassis. Preferably, each bearing portion of the main chassis corresponding to each of the pivot shafts has an engagement groove, while the main chassis has stoppers for preventing positional slippage of the pivot shafts. Thus, in case a force is applied to the drive chassis in a direction perpendicular to an optical disc insertion direction, the hooks of the each shaft of the drive chassis are stopped by an inner wall of the engagement groove and the stopper, respectively, of the main chassis. Thereby, the drive chassis is prevented from falling off the main chassis.

Abstract: In an optical disk apparatus, after chucking an optical disk, the optical disk apparatus defers the start of the rotation of the optical disk, and measures the focusing drive voltage at two points, i.e., a point near a center of the optical disk and a point near an outer edge of the optical disk. Then, based on the measured values, the optical disk apparatus determine the angle at which the optical disk is slanted. Therefore, when the optical disk has been chucked inappropriately, the chucking state can be determined without rotating the optical disk, and scratching of the optical disk and damage to the optical disk apparatus can be prevented.

Abstract: A drive device has a feed mechanism that causes a control object to move in order to control the positioning of the control object, a motor that serves as the drive source of said feed mechanism, and a control means that controls this motor. The control means has an operation history memory unit that stores the operation history of whether the motor is doing an initial start or a restart, and a command selection unit that selects control commands and outputs them to said motor based on information stored in said operation history memory unit. Because intermittent operation that repeatedly drives and stops the motor occurs when there is a restart, the thermal shutdown associated with overheating of the driver IC is avoided, and any difference between the feed amount due to the control means and the actual feed amount can be prevented.

Abstract: A protection method for manual ejection operation of optical disk drive is proposed. In the present method, a locked state is set when the optical disk drive is in normal rotation. The load-sensing switch would turn to the on position (stage) when the optical disk is loaded in the tray and in the rotating state. When a manual ejection operation with manual ejection function is activated, the load-sensing switch would turn to the off position (stage). A controller senses the stage change from on position to off position. Then, the controller applies a voltage to the tray motor and the position of the load-sensing switch is returned to the on position. Therefore, a locked state is maintained.

Abstract: A driver IC 1 has a bias terminal 20a via which a bias voltage fed from a microcomputer 2 to drive and control a loading motor 4 is fed in and a bias terminal 20b via which a bias voltage fed from a DSP 3 to drive and control a focus coil 5, a tracking coil 6, a sled motor 7, and a spindle motor 8 is fed in.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a type of a disc in a disc drive system includes measuring an elapsed time between when a disc tray is in an open state and when it completely closes, comparing the elapsed time with a predetermined reference value, and determining whether the disc is a cartridge-type or a general-type based on the comparison result.

Abstract: An optical disc player such as a digital versatile disc (DVD) player and a play control method thereof can include setting a reproduction mode for a disc loaded in the digital versatile disc player, storing the set reproduction mode, and reading out and reproducing information recorded on the disc and subsequent discs in accordance with the stored reproduction mode. In accordance with this method, it is possible to carry out play operations of optical discs of different types in the DVD player in accordance with the set and stored reproduction modes. The reproduction modes can include subtitle languages, audio languages, audio formats and the like recorded on each optical disc. According to preferred embodiments it is unnecessary to set desired reproduction modes for each optical disc subsequently used in the DVD player.

Abstract: This invention relates specifically to a method for controlling the disc tray of a data reproducing device, in which the data reproducing device comprises at least a tray motor for driving the disc tray. The method comprises the following steps, including: a step for disposing a detection circuit electrically connected with the motor for detecting a back emf, which is generated when the motor is driven to rotate by an external force; a step for outputting from the detection circuit a signal of moving disc tray when the back emf is sensed; a step for a servo-controller to receive a signal of moving disc tray; and a step for the servo-controller to move the disc tray into the data reproducing device after the signal reception is completed.

Abstract: Data cartridge detection systems and methods. An embodiment of a method comprises detecting a signal reflected from a data cartridge in a picker assembly. Moving the picker assembly after a loading operation only if the detected signal indicates the data cartridge is engaged in the picker assembly. The method may further comprise moving the picker assembly after an unloading operation only if the detected signal indicates the data cartridge is disengaged from the picker assembly.

Abstract: An optical disk changer that is capable of automatically playing both sides of a dual-sided optical disk. By coordinated delivery of disks between a disk reader, a disk transfer mechanism, or a disk turner and a carrousel that is approximately toroid shaped, both sides of a dual-sided optical disk can be automatically accessed.

Abstract: A loading mechanism includes a frame and a tray on which an information recording medium is placeable. The tray includes a groove part and is movable between a first position where the information recording medium is contained completely inside the frame and a second position where the information recording medium is exposed completely outside the frame. The loading mechanism further includes at least three projections arranged on the frame at predetermined intervals along the sliding directions of the tray. The projections include first and second guide and support parts forming the first and second ends of the arrangement of the projections. The first and second guide and support parts come into substantially point or linear contact with the groove part of the tray so as to guide and support the tray when the tray is in the second position.

Abstract: To provide a disc-transfer roll which can be applied to a disc circumference under pressure strong enough to allow the roll to rotate without slipping assuring that the disc can be transferred in a stable condition and can be put on the turntable with precision and can be easily mass-produced at an increased efficiency, it is made of an elastic material, and it comprises an inner cylindrical wall, an annular joint integrally connected to and extending radially outwards from one end of the inner cylindrical wall, and an outer cylindrical wall integrally connected to the annular joint and encircling the inner cylindrical wall, leaving a predetermined space between the outer and inner cylindrical walls.