Tracks Transverse To A Motion Component Patents (Class 369/97)
  • Patent number: 10406630
    Abstract: A multi-beam laser material processing system for processing a target includes a beam splitting system situated to receive an input beam, the beam splitting system including a beam splitter situated to receive and split the input beam into a plurality of subbeams, a focus lens situated to receive the subbeams and cause the subbeams to converge, a zoom lens system situated to receive the subbeams and adjust the magnification of the subbeams at the target, and a dispersion compensation system situated to receive the subbeams and compensate for dispersion associated with the subbeams, the dispersion compensation system including a negative diffractive lens and a positive diffractive lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: nLIGHT, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Karlsen
  • Patent number: 8988977
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for data storage based on fibers are described. Data are stored as marks in a surface of a fiber or in a volume near the surface of the fiber. Data marks are written to or read from the fiber by irradiating the surface of the fiber with at least one radiation beam. The fiber has calibration marks for controlling a speed of the fiber relative to the at least one radiation beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: Meinolf Blawat
  • Patent number: 8804473
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for writing data and location marks on an optical tape is provided. The apparatus comprises an optical system that includes at least one laser source for transmitting a laser beam therefrom. The optical system further includes a plurality of lenses for receiving the laser beam and for directing the laser beam onto at least one guard band on the optical tape to write the location marks thereon. The location marks being indicative of a longitudinal position of the data that is capable of being stored on a writeable section of the optical tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventor: Scott D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8526285
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for writing data and location marks on an optical tape is provided. The apparatus comprises an optical system that includes at least one laser source for transmitting a laser beam therefrom. The optical system further includes a plurality of lens for receiving the laser beam and for directing the laser beam onto at least one guard band on the optical tape to write the location marks thereon. The location marks being indicative of a longitudinal position of the data that is capable of being stored on a writeable section of the optical tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventor: Scott D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8520482
    Abstract: In an optical tape drive system, a movable planarizer subsystem includes a tape planarizer support structure for supporting an optical tape planarizer. The support structure is moveable between an operational position and a non-operational position. The movable planarizer subsystem also includes an actuator for moving the support structure and the optical tape planarizer between the operational position and the non-operational position. The operational position of the support structure positions the optical tape planarizer to permit reading/writing of information from/to an optical tape via an optical pickup unit (OPU), and the non-operational position of the support structure positions the optical tape planarizer to permit passage of a tape leader through the tape drive system without damage to the OPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventor: Faramarz Mahnad
  • Patent number: 8406102
    Abstract: An optical pickup includes: a light source; a first diffractive element which diffracts light polarized in a particular direction; an objective lens; a lens actuator which shifts the objective lens so that the magnitude of shift from its initial position in a tracking direction has an upper limit of 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm; a wave plate; a second diffractive element which has two diffraction regions configured to diffract light polarized in a direction that intersects with the particular direction at right angles and which splits the write beam reflected from the optical storage medium through each diffraction region into a transmitted light beam and at least one diffracted light beam; and a photodetector which detects the transmitted light beam, the diffracted light beams that have left the two diffraction regions, and the read beam reflected from the optical storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yohichi Saitoh, Jun-ichi Asada, Kazuo Momoo, Hideki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8289830
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing data is provided. One implementation involves providing a fiber medium for storing data, wherein the fiber medium has a characteristic configured to irreversibly change when exposed to write irradiation. The fiber medium is logically partitioned into cells along the length of the fiber medium. Data is stored in a cell of the fiber medium by exposing the cell to write irradiation to irreversibly change characteristic of the bulk of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph A. Becker-Szendy, Winfried W. Wilcke
  • Patent number: 8174950
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects of optical tape technology, tape manufacturing, and tape usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ritter, Faramarz Mahnad
  • Patent number: 8036088
    Abstract: In an optical tape drive system, a movable planarizer subsystem includes a tape planarizer support structure for supporting an optical tape planarizer. The support structure is moveable between an operational position and a non-operational position. The movable planarizer subsystem also includes an actuator for moving the support structure and the optical tape planarizer between the operational position and the non-operational position. The operational position of the support structure positions the optical tape planarizer to permit reading/writing of information from/to an optical tape via an optical pickup unit (OPU), and the non-operational position of the support structure positions the optical tape planarizer to permit passage of a tape leader though the tape drive system without damage to the OPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventor: Faramarz Mahnad
  • Patent number: 7969832
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects of optical tape technology, tape manufacturing, and tape usage. Methods and systems of tape technology disclose optical tape media including: configurations, formulations, markings, and structure; optical tape manufacturing methods, systems, and apparatus methods and systems including: curing processes, coating methods, embossing, drums, testing, tracking alignment stamper strip; optical tape methods and systems including: pick up head adapted for the disclosed optical tape; and optical tape uses including optical storage media devices for multimedia applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: George Raniuk, Tzuo-Chang Lee, Michael Kearnan, Paul Coles, Faramarz Mahnad, Joseph Panish, Carl A. Maietta, John Ritter, Satya Mallick, Timothy J. Frey, Dennis Lauze, Makoto Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7920451
    Abstract: A recording apparatus to record data on a recording medium including a plurality of recording layers is provided. The recording apparatus includes a recording circuit adapted to record data on a recording layer selected from among the plurality of recording layers included on the recording medium; a recordable capacity detecting circuit adapted to detect recordable capacity of each of the plurality of recording layers; an instructing circuit adapted to provide instructions to start recording of the data; and a selecting circuit adapted to select a recording layer on which the data is to be recorded in accordance with the instructions to start recording provided from the instructing circuit based on the recordable capacity of the plurality of recording layers detected by the recordable capacity detecting circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7898925
    Abstract: An information recording medium includes a substrate and a recording portion having recording layers on the substrate, wherein the recording portion is capable of three-dimensional recording by changing an optical constant of the recording layers by irradiation of recording light, and a first reflected-light reducing portion for reducing reflected lights of reproducing light from the substrate side is provided at a side opposite to an incident side of the reproducing light with respect to the recording portion, and an optical information recording/reproducing apparatus records and reproduces information to and from the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Teruhiro Shiono, Tatsuo Itoh, Seiji Nishino
  • Patent number: 7646694
    Abstract: A method and system for formatting of recording media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Opternity Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Marinus J. Monen, Maarten R. de Haan
  • Patent number: 7391701
    Abstract: Methods and systems for formatting of optical media used for data or information storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Opternity Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Marinus J. Monen, Maarten R. deHaan
  • Patent number: 7292518
    Abstract: An apparatus for recording information, which comprises a one-dimensional diode array (21) constituted with a plurality of laser diodes arranged in a line, a modulation control signal generator (23) for supplying the laser diodes constituting the one-dimensional diode array with modulation control signals based on information to be recorded, and an optical system (24) for causing laser light beams obtained from the one-dimensional diode array to be incident upon an optical tape (26), wherein said optical system is operative to focus the laser light beams which have been modulated in response to the modulation control signals and obtained from the one-dimensional diode array so that geometric optical images of the modulated light beams are reduced over the diffraction limit thereof on the optical tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yujiro Ito, Masaaki Hara, Jun Sawai, Tsunenori Shiimoto, Nobuchika Momochi, Tadaaki Yoshinaka, Takashi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7209425
    Abstract: An apparatus for driving a tape-shaped optical recording medium, which comprises a supply reel (41) for supplying an optical tape (40), a take-up reel (42) for taking-up the optical tape (40), a friction capstan (43) for driving the optical tape (40) to run to the take-up reel (42) from the supply reel (41) and a running guide member (46) for guiding the optical tape (40) running between the supply reel (41) and the take-up reel (42). The running guide member (46) has a flat portion forming a guide face portion (70) for facing to the optical tape (40) is operative to cause the optical tape (40) to run along the flat portion. Thereby, an area on the guide face portion (70) of the running guide member (46) where an incident position on the optical tape (40) of a light beam is fixed invariably can be stably maintained to be relatively wide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Hara, Jun Sawai, Yujiro Ito
  • Patent number: 7185814
    Abstract: This invention discloses an optical memory strip and a data card that has at least an optical memory strip as a cutoff piece bonding and attaching to the data card for storing data accessible with an optical read/write head. The data card can further includes at least a magnetic data track for storing data accessible with a magnetic data read/write head. In another data card of this invention, it further includes a semiconductor data storage card for storing data that is accessible by using a semiconductor chip data read/write device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Dcard, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Liu, Francis K. King
  • Publication number: 20040233820
    Abstract: An apparatus for driving a tape-shaped optical recording medium, which comprises a supply reel (41) for supplying an optical tape (40), a take-up reel (42) for taking-up the optical tape (40), a friction capstan (43) for driving the optical tape (40) to run to the take-up reel (42) from the supply reel (41) and a running guide member (46) for guiding the optical tape (40) running between the supply reel (41) and the take-up reel (42). The running guide member (46) has a flat portion forming a guide face portion (70) for facing to the optical tape (40) is operative to cause the optical tape (40) to run along the flat portion. Thereby, an area on the guide face portion (70) of the running guide member (46) where an incident position on the optical tape (40) of a light beam is fixed invariably can be stably maintained to be relatively wide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Masaaki Hara, Jun Sawai, Yujiro Ito
  • Patent number: 6819459
    Abstract: A scanning device optically scans picture information and further information provided on an original film and makes the information available as digitized data, the scanned information not being converted into the original information contents. A storage device stores the data obtained from the film scanner as digital data, and a display device separates data reproduced by the storage device in accordance with their original location on the original film and makes them available as separate data signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventor: Dieter Poetsch
  • Patent number: 6775051
    Abstract: Systems and methods for scanning a beam of light over a specimen are provided. A system may include a pre-scan acousto-optical deflector (AOD) configured to deflect a beam of light, a second AOD configured as a traveling lens to focus the scanning beam, a relay lens, and an objective lens. The relay lens may be centered on the scan line produced by the second AOD, while the objective lens may be substantially de-centered with respect to the relay lens to produce a telecentric scanning spot with no field tilt. The system may modulate the amplitude of the sound wave in the first AOD to compensate for attenuation in the second AOD. The system may pre-fill one chirp packet in the second AOD while another chirp packet is scanning to substantially reduce a delay between consecutive scans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies
    Inventors: Jamie Sullivan, Ralph Johnson, John Gibson, Mingguang Li, Eric Vella
  • Patent number: 6744719
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical tracking in an edge-guided tape recorder is provided. In one embodiment, an optical tape guiding system for use in an optical tape drive which may write to optical tape is provided. The optical tape has a first edge and is disposed to be transported through the optical tape drive, and the optical tape exhibits transverse motion during transport through the optical tape drive. The system includes a curved edge guide disposed to maintain contact with the first edge of the optical tape during transport through the optical tape drive. The system may further include a mirror galvanometer disposed to direct a record beam of the optical tape system to the optical tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventor: William S. Oakley
  • Patent number: 6690636
    Abstract: A method for preformatting an optical recording medium with a plurality of parallel guide tracks, each guide track controlling the recording of a band of data tracks; said method includes providing a source laser beam along a predetermined path at a wavelength which is selected to be within the sensitivity range of the optical recording medium and providing a beam splitter in the predetermined path which divides the source laser beam into a multiplicity of preformatted recorded beams directed to impinge upon the optical recording medium. The spacing or pitch between the beams at the optical recording medium is uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Alan B. Marchant
  • Patent number: 6597397
    Abstract: A digital still camera for receiving a optical tape cassette having optical tape including an image sensor for capturing an image; focusing an image of a subject onto the image sensor which in response thereto captures such image; a structure for receiving the optical tape cassette; an optical writer for effecting a change in the optical properties of the optical tape. The optical tape is movable into operative relationship with the optical head; the image sensor and the optical writer causes the optical head write to effect changes in the optical properties of the optical tape in accordance with the image captured by the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Stanley W. Stephenson, Dale F. McIntyre
  • Publication number: 20020181382
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical tracking in an edge-guided tape recorder is provided. In one embodiment, an optical tape guiding system for use in an optical tape drive which may write to optical tape is provided. The optical tape has a first edge and is disposed to be transported through the optical tape drive, and the optical tape exhibits transverse motion during transport through the optical tape drive. The system includes a curved edge guide disposed to maintain contact with the first edge of the optical tape during transport through the optical tape drive. The system may further include a mirror galvanometer disposed to direct a record beam of the optical tape system to the optical tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: William S. Oakley
  • Patent number: 6480351
    Abstract: The optical servo system for a tape drive that functions to align a read/write head with the data tracks written on a recording surface of a tape by reading optical servo tracks that are formed on the back side of the tape. This process decouples the magnetic recording of data on the recording surface of the tape from the optical servo system which makes use of servo tracks formed on the back side of the tape. The data storage capacity of the tape is increased since the entire recording surface of the tape is filled with data tracks and the precise alignment of the read/write head makes it possible to place the data tracks closer together. Regions of contrasting reflectivity or phase are also provided on a surface of the read/write head to enable the optical servo system to view an image of both the read/write head and the entire back side of the tape to thereby align the movable read/write head with the data tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence Leonhardt, Scott David Wilson
  • Publication number: 20010033446
    Abstract: This invention discloses a data access system for access data stored on a flat medium. The data access system includes a pickup head rotating over the flat medium. The data access system further includes at least one stepping motor for discretely moving the flat medium substantially along at least one lateral direction perpendicular to a rotational axis of the pickup head. The data access system further includes a closed loop control mechanism for controlling the stepping motor for allowing the pickup head to read data from a servo segment on the flat medium. The controller further includes an open loop control mechanism for rotating the pickup head for reading data from and writing data to a data segment disposed right next to the servo segment on the flat medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Applicant: DCARD, INC.
    Inventors: Francis K. King, Jeffrey F. Liu
  • Patent number: 6141312
    Abstract: An optical tape drive that performs direct read after write (DRAW) operations with a plurality of optical heads, each capable of reading data from and writing data to an optical tape. The optical tape drive includes control apparatus that positions each of the optical heads at any position along the width of the optical tape, that controls each of the optical heads to either read or write data, and that receives and moves the optical tape in either one of two directions. The control apparatus performs bidirectional DRAW operations by reversing the direction of the tape and swapping the read/write functions of corresponding head units aligned with a same track. The optical tape drive may include as few as two optical heads, each operable independent of the other, so that the drive may read or write up to two tracks at a time. DRAW operations are performed on multiple tracks by increasing the number of optical head units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Coporation
    Inventors: John R. Masters, Keith Pollock, A. Rene Martinez, James R. Luttrall
  • Patent number: 6088319
    Abstract: In writing of optical data in an optical memory, the optical memory is linearly transported along a path past two or more physically separated write units. The two write units are provided at a distance from one another along the path and are mutually stepwise displaced in the path's transverse direction. The distance along the path separating write units is greater than a width of a preceding write unit. Each write unit is assigned to a section of the optical memory, with the result that the writing data is performed in the transport direction in separate and successive stages. Each stage contributes a fraction of the volume of information to be recorded during the writing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Thin Film Electronics ASA
    Inventor: Hans Gude Gudesen
  • Patent number: 6075759
    Abstract: An optical record medium has an information record surface on which a plurality of circular arc tracks are arranged such that centers of the circular arc tracks are arranged in a straight line direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoharu Yanagawa, Fumihiko Sano, Hiroshi Suzuki, Shinji Suzuki, Yasumitsu Suzuki, Masanori Nakahara
  • Patent number: 6058092
    Abstract: An optical tape drive including redundant optical heads to continue reading and writing data to an optical tape in the event of failure of one or more optical heads. The optical tape drive includes a plurality of optical heads, each capable of reading data from and writing data to an optical tape, detection logic that detects failure of any of the optical heads and control apparatus. The control apparatus positions each of the optical heads along the width of the optical tape, controls each of the optical heads to either read or write data, receives and moves the optical tape, detects failure of any of the optical heads and performs failure recovery by continuing to read and write data with remaining optical heads. The data throughput rate during failure recovery may be the same as the normal rate for some operations, such as direct read after write. Several different optical head configurations are contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Masters, Keith Pollock, A. Rene Martinez, James R. Luttrall
  • Patent number: 5963525
    Abstract: A process for reading binary information written on a carrier. The carrier has at least one track and the binary information is written onto the carrier at a frequency Fbit. The process includes the step of reading binary information at the sampling frequency F.sub.e to form a succession of successive read samples SAM(k) of the same track. SAM(k) is the read sample of order k, each read sample having a phase .phi.(k) lying between 0 and 2.pi.. The method further includes a step of interpolating to make it possible to calculate an interpolated sample I(k) with phase equal to .pi. which corresponds to read sample SAM(k) on the basis of the read sample and on the i+j read samples which bracket the original read sample SAM(k) such that:I(k)=a.sub.k-i SAM(k-i)+ . . . +a.sub.k SAM(k)+ . . . +a.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignees: Thomson-CSF, Thomson Multimedia
    Inventors: Michel Audoin, Charaf Hanna, Joseph Colineau, Mario De Vito
  • Patent number: 5872758
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a prerecorded tape (9), the master taking the form of a helical pattern (13) on a cylinder (10). This cylinder (10) is rolled over a web-like intermediate carrier (1), the pattern (13) being replicated in strips (5) by a contact between the cylinder (10) and the intermediate carrier (1), which strips extend at an acute angle (.alpha.) relative to the longitudinal direction (3) of the intermediate carrier (1). The intermediate carrier (1) is cut along the strips (5) to form tapes (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Paul L. M. Put, Henricus F. J. J. Van Tongeren, Marinus J. J. Dona, Petrus J. H. Van Dooren
  • Patent number: 5825740
    Abstract: A device for electromagnetically scanning information tracks on a record carrier, such as an optical tape, via a scanning beam is described. On this tape, information tracks are arranged substantially parallel and substantially transverse to a transport direction of the record carrier. The device is provided with a scanning unit for scanning, with the beam always following parallel scanning paths, and a control system for controlling an angle of the scanning paths with respect to the transport direction, dependent on a tilt signal. According to the invention, the device is provided with angle-measuring means for generating the tilt signal dependent on a tracking error signal which is indicative of a difference between a scanning path and the relevant information track. In addition to a tilt signal, a speed signal may also be derived from the tracking error signal. Both the tilt signal and the speed signal are derived from the tracking error signal in a captured and in a non-captured state of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Josephus A. H. M. Kahlman, Gerard E. Van Rosmalen
  • Patent number: 5815481
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for transverse registration of image exposures on photoreceptive belts subject to lateral deviation from linear travel in which targets, corresponding in location to the image areas to be exposed, are used for the detection of lateral belt displacement and to control the transverse location of exposure scan. The targets each comprise a group of three slots formed in the belt, each slot inclined by some angle .theta. with respect to the transverse process direction of belt travel so that the duration of time between passage of the slots with respect to a spatially fixed sensing axis will vary with lateral displacement of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Ssujan Hou, Lam F. Wong
  • Patent number: 5802033
    Abstract: An optical apparatus for scanning a tape-shaped record carrier, which apparatus uses a mirror polygon for scanning tracks extending perpendicularly to the tape travel direction. Since at least one facet, or a part thereof, of the mirror polygon extends at a different angle to the axis of rotation, the scanning spot is periodically moved transversely to the track direction, so that a tracking signal can be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Gerard E. Van Rosmalen
  • Patent number: 5802034
    Abstract: A multi-track optical read/write head uses a light valve to split the beam from a single laser diode to a large number of channels, recorded on an optical disc or tape. Readout is achieved by line illumination and a linear array of detectors. The number of channels in the light valve exceeds the number of recorded tracks and a single light valve channel is smaller than the optical resolution of the system. The division into a large number of channels allows to modulate the width of the written mark in order to achieve increased data recording density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel Gelbart
  • Patent number: 5732067
    Abstract: An information recording medium having recorded thereon picture information and/or speech information, a plurality of items consisting of the picture information and/or the speech information, and reproduction control information comprised of a plurality of lists for controlling the reproduction of the items, wherein at least a portion of the lists includes item information specifying one or more items reproduced in accordance with the lists and pointers represented by an offset from a leading end of the reproduction control information specifying another list to be linked, and wherein at least one of the lists is a first list including the item information specifying the one or more items, a plurality of pointers associated with plural lists branched according to a user selection and a plurality of region data defining regions of alternatives for menu display of the contents of the pointers according to a priority sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hidenori Aotake
  • Patent number: 5715225
    Abstract: A multilayer optical data storage device is disclosed which has at least two spaced apart storage layers, each of such layers being adapted to store information; a spacer layer positioned between alternating storage layers; and at least one of the layers including tracking and/or format information, and at least one storage layer that does not include substantial tracking and/or format information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Randall Harry Victora, Edward Charles Gage
  • Patent number: 5710751
    Abstract: An imaging system for forming multiple superimposed image exposure frames on a photoconductive member moving in a process direction including a rotating polygon having a plurality of facets. A raster output scanner forms a plurality of scanlines in a transverse direction across the photoconductive member by reflecting modulated beams from the rotating polygon. A control provides a start of scan (SOS) signal for each of the facets of the rotating polygon, determines the facet related to the first scanline of a first image exposure frame on the photoconductive member, and initiates the first scanline of each succeeding superimposed image exposure frame on the photoconductive member in relation to the facet related to the first scanline of the first image exposure frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Martin E. Hoover, Orlando J. Lacayo, Roy W. Rivers
  • Patent number: 5710752
    Abstract: An apparatus recovers audio information from analog and digital motion picture film soundtracks using a single optical sensor that senses across the widths of both soundtracks. Symbols representing audio information in the digital soundtrack are encoded in two dimensions and are recovered by oversampling the symbols in two dimensions. The two-dimensional encoding of digital information can be used with a variety of recording media; however, in one embodiment, the symbols are carried on motion picture film between the sprocket holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Gordon Seagrave, Martin John Richards, Douglas Evan Mandell, Mark Leighton Atherton
  • Patent number: 5673245
    Abstract: An optical pickup device includes: a stationary optical system for emitting a light beam and for producing a tracking error signal; and a rotary optical system rotatable around a rotary axis. The rotary optical system includes: a dividing unit for dividing the light beam emitted from the stationary optical system into a main beam and sub-beams; an objective lens for converging the main beam and the sub-beams on a recording surface of an optical tape and for receiving the main beam and the sub-beams reflected by the recording surface; and a guiding unit for guiding the main beam and the sub-beams to the objective lens and for guiding the main beam and the sub-beams reflected by the recording surface to the stationary optical system. The dividing unit, the objective lens and the guiding unit are arranged so as to be integrally rotated along with the rotary optical system, and the dividing unit is arranged on an optical path of the light beam between the stationary optical system and the objective lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoharu Yanagawa, Susumu Nomura, Fumihiko Sano
  • Patent number: 5661710
    Abstract: A tape-like record carrier (109) is disclosed which comprises paths (A, B). Each path (A, B) contains substantially parallel tracks (1) the path width (1s) in length and the direction of the tracks is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the path (A, B). The diameters (10) of the paths have various directions. The ends of the paths (1) are overlapping. In these overlapping areas the tracks (1) belonging to the various paths are positioned in interlineated manner. Said record carrier (109) is advantageous in that no time is lost during recording or reading when a path is changed. Furthermore, a recording and reading device is disclosed which are applicable in combination with the record carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Josephus A. H. M. Kahlman, Gerard E. Van Rosmalen
  • Patent number: 5654951
    Abstract: An imaging system for forming multiple image exposure frames on a photoconductive member moving in a process direction including a raster output scanner forming a plurality of scanlines in a transverse direction across the width of the member by reflecting modulated beams from a plurality of facets of a rotating polygon. Hall effect magnetic sensors mounted with respect to a motor driving the polygon provide a first speed control of the polygon with the laser in a not ready or an off state and start of scan signals detecting the beginning of a scan line provide a second speed control of the polygon with the laser in an on or ready state. Circuitry or control code responds to the SOS signals and the magnetic sensors to dynamically switch between the first speed control and the second speed control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Martin E. Hoover, Orlando J. Lacayo
  • Patent number: 5633851
    Abstract: A scanning device for repeatedly scanning a scanning surface of a record carrier (e.g., a tape) by means of a first and a second scanning spot produced by respective scanning beams. The scanning spots perform synchronous movements along a first and a second scanning path, respectively, having different given scanning directions, as a result of which, the distance, viewed in a direction transverse to the scanning paths, between the first and the second scanning spot changes during scanning. The scanning device can be used in a recording and/or read apparatus which further includes a detection system for converting radiation emanating from the second scanning spot into a corresponding detection signal, and a measurement circuit which derives a position measurement signal indicative of deviation of track pitch based on a deviation in a relationship between the detection signal and a reference signal indicative of the position of the first scanning spot on the first scanning path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Josephus A. H. M. Kahlman, Gerard E. Van Rosmalen
  • Patent number: 5633747
    Abstract: An apparatus for both deflecting a beam of light illuminating a spot on a surface and varying the size of the spot, electronically, without changing any system components. The apparatus includes an acousto-optic deflector driven with a linear FM signal produced by a chirp signal generator. The linear FM signal is characterized with a dispersion rate, and the chirp signal generator includes a chirp dispersion selector to vary the dispersion rate. A beam of collimated light passes through the acousto-optic deflector and appropriate focusing optics image the beam onto a spot in a nominal focal plane. The chirp dispersion selector sets the dispersion rate in accord to a nominal rate, resulting in the beam illuminating a spot in the focal plane. Generally, the focal plane coincides with a wafer surface, of the type having periodic and non-periodic features on it. The spot size may be varied from that of a diffraction limited spot to a spot whose maximum size is system dependent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Tencor Instruments
    Inventor: Mehrdad Nikoonahad
  • Patent number: 5617391
    Abstract: An optical recording and reproducing system has an optical recording and reproducing head driving arrangement including an optical pick-up and has an optical recording medium provided between the recording heads. The optical recording and reproducing head is mounted on a rotating arrangement. The head scans tracks while a relative position of the recording medium and rotating arrangement is changed. Each track has an address recorded at the beginning of scanning and a hold signal at the end of scanning. The recording and reproducing heads are separated one track. The recording head makes recording while the reproducing head makes reproduction. In the recording or reproducing mode of operation, the track address is looked. If wrong, it is corrected. The hold signal is detected to operate a tracking device and focusing device. Scanning the next track is determined by the address before tracking is made for recording or reproduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Ono, Kenmei Masuda, Katsuo Konishi, Hiroyuki Nagatomo
  • Patent number: 5615198
    Abstract: A first optical head comprising: a laser diode (LD) array, including N LDs having N emitting portions respectively arranged in a line at a predetermined interval, for emitting N laser beams of single mode; an optical system for forming a single spot as a pixel on a recording medium from the N laser beams such that images of the N emitting portions are contracted and overlapped each other; and a driver for driving the N LDs according to a single video signal. A second optical head comprising: M LD arrays, each including N LDs having N emitting portions respectively arranged in a line and emitting N laser beams of single mode from the N emitting portions; an optical system for forming M single spots as M pixels on a recording medium from the M of N laser beams such that images of the N emitting portions of each LD arrays are contracted and overlapped each other on the recording medium; and a driver for driving the M LD arrays according to M video signals respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Matsushita Graphic Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Hideji Kubokawa
  • Patent number: 5604838
    Abstract: The present invention relates to video recording and playback techniques and devices which create relative movement between a laser and an optical medium such as a flexible optical tape to permit recording of relatively high bandwidth signals. Further, the present invention relates to video recording and playback techniques and devices which optimize relative movement between a laser source and the optical medium in a cost-effective manner. Data spots having a set of predetermined feature sizes (i.e., set of varying hole sizes) can thus be recorded at a rate useful for high bandwidth signals (e.g., television video signals). Further, recording on a flexible optical medium (e.g., optical tape) can be performed in a manner which optimizes space efficiency on the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Louis F. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 5600617
    Abstract: A data recording device for a motion picture film is provided in which one ends of plural optical fibers are connected to light emitting devices and the other ends of the optical fibers are arrayed in accordance with a dot pattern of audio data to be recorded. The light emitting diodes are turned on responsive to the audio data to be recorded on the motion picture film. The audio data carrying light, produced by the turning on of the LEDs, is conducted via the optical fibers to a head unit so as to be radiated on the motion picture film via a radiating port of the head unit. By the above arrangement, the optical fibers may be arrayed optionally at the head unit without regard to the array of the LEDs. Consequently, the LEDs are affected to a lesser extent by heat evolved on turning on the LEDs. By linearly arraying the optical fibers at the head unit 1, a larger quantity of audio data may be recorded on the motion picture film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Cinema Products Corporation
    Inventor: Etsuro Saito
  • Patent number: 5561654
    Abstract: A write module for an optical tape recorder for optically writing a data signal on light sensitive recording media. The write module comprises a rotated linear edge emitter diode array or vertical cavity emitter diode array comprising a plurality of emitter diodes. The diodes emit a plurality of write beams for writing the data signal on the recording media in a plurality of data channels. An actuator subsystem focuses and positions the write beams on the recording media. The rotation angle of the diode array is a predetermined angle to provide a predetermined separation distance between adjacent data channels. Each write beam is modulated by a designated portion of the data signal to generate a plurality of data signal modulated write beams to optically record the data on the recording media. The data signal modulating each write beam is delayed by a predetermined time value for writing a word of the data signal in adjacent data marks along a line transverse to the length of the data channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: E-Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Hamilton, Billy C. Frederick, Rodney C. Hibner, II