Abstract: A system for reading and recording information on a double-striped card has a first laser and photodetector for reading and writing data on a strip of optical contrast direct-read-after-write laser recording material disposed on one side of the card. A second laser and photodetector read prerecorded data on a strip of optical contrast optical data storage material disposed on the card. This read only strip may be disposed either on the same or opposite sides of the card from the first strip. Independently controlled servo mirrors linked with software or mechanically linked servo mirrors allow simultaneous reading or reading and writing of data on opposite sides of the card. Annotations to prerecorded text from books, journals, manuals and the like may be recorded on the read/write strip in positions corresponding to positions on the read only strip containing corresponding text.

Abstract: A system for recovering data, both prerecorded and user data, from a reflective optical data storage medium, with the further capability of distinguishing data from foreign particulate matter on the data disk. A pair of detectors measures the fraction of light reflected from and transmitted through the data disk and, knowing the fraction of light absorbed by the disk, distinguishes user data from prerecorded data and particulate matter. The data disk has different optical characteristics for prerecorded and user data, the prerecorded information being black, highly absorptive silver, while the user data consists of pits of relatively high transmissivity in a reflective field. Particulate matter is recognized by intermediate reflectivity and transmissivity. The optical characteristics of the material are enhanced or exaggerated so that the two types of data and particulate matter can be distinguished.

Abstract: An optical data storage and retrieval system using a length of optical recording material in which data in the form of microscopic spots is disposed in cells forming a regularly spaced grid. While the material is being moved in a lengthwise direction by a transport, rows of cells are being read by a linear CCD array, one row at a time. A servo system advances the material so that successive rows can be read, while a second servo adjusts the position of the material in the crosswise direction for proper alignment with the CCD array.

Abstract: A laser recording apparatus for optically recording information on a medium. A laser radiates a beam through an off-center lens. The lens deflects and focusses the beam onto a recording medium at a slight angle. The reflected beam returns through the lens on the opposite side of the optic axis from the incident beam. A mirror in the optical path directs the beam to a photodetector. The apparatus has broadband capabilities and is particularly useful at eliminating unwanted optical feedback when recording onto media having a birefringent protecting layer. Recording errors due to dirt and scratches may be detected by a second embodiment that has two lasers emitting light of different frequencies which upon reflection are detected and compared.

Abstract: A data storage card having spaced apart data strips. The card is wallet-size and preferably the strips run parallel to the lengthwise dimension of the card. One strip is made of a high capacity reflective read-only optical memory (ROOM) material. The other strip is a magnetic recording material. The high capacity ROOM strip may be made of a laser recorded material or it may be made of a material which is prerecorded using a photographic process. The two strips store complementary data in database applications.

Abstract: A method for recording laser written information on motion picture film includes creating a visual image on the film photographically. A laser records sound information on a direct-read-after-write optical storage strip on an edge of the film. In one embodiment, the strip is made of reflective silver particles in a gelatin matrix. Different tracks may have different sound information such as foreign languages or stereophonic sound. Editing information is also writable on the strip.

Abstract: A servo tracking system for an optical record uses a pattern of preformed optically detectable uniform servo track marks disposed in parallel spaced apart columns in combination with a beam from a radiation source split by a diffraction grating into three beams having unequal power distribution. The placement of the beams across the pattern of preformed servo tracks on an optical recording material has one position for writing data by the center beam on an information track while the two outside beams intercept track marks on two adjacent tracks. For reading recorded data tracks, the beams shift to a second position in which the center beam intercepts marks on a servo track while the two outside beams read two adjacent data tracks. Because of the unequal power distribution, increasing the energy level of the radiation source causes the intensity of the middle beam during recording to reach a level sufficient to record while the two outside tracking beams remain below that threshold.

Abstract: An optical information-bearing debit card having servo tracks and calibration works on a recording medium for aligning a reading or writing light beam with a nearby value site area. The medium is an elongated strip of reflective information storage material adhered to a self-supporting card, like a credit card. The value site area may be decremented by the light beam changing the optical characteristics of the recording medium. The servo tracks are lengthwise, parallel to the long dimension of the strip of recording material while the calibration marks are non-continuous marks, aligned in a track parallel to the servo tracks. Tracks and calibration marks are disposed on the card so that the value area can be read bidirectionally starting from either end of the card.

Abstract: A micrographic film member has a micrographic image and borders surrounding the image. A strip of laser recording material is disposed on a border. Laser written indicia related to the micrographic image is recorded on this strip. The information may include indexing information, information for controlling an optical micrographic reader, and information relating to the position or sequencing of image portions within the micrographic image. The indicia may be machine readable, eye readable alphanumerics or laser written speech. The speech can be either digitized human speech or artificial speech such as phoneme speech.

Abstract: A skew correction system for data media, especially optical data storage media wherein a pair of identical geometric marks are spaced apart in a band or track parallel to a data track, the data tracks being transverse to the directions of relative motion of the data storage medium with respect to a detector. As the medium moves relative to the detector, a linearly scanning detector, portions of each geometric mark are observed by the detector. A ratio of picture elements is determined using the two sets of observed picture elements. If the ratio is other than 1, skew exists. A closed-loop servo system is used to restore the ratio to 1, thereby eliminating skew. The geometric marks may be disposed forward of the data tracks, astride the data tracks, behind the data tracks, interspersed with the data tracks, or if different colors of light are used, atop the data tracks.

Abstract: A laser beam scanner system records medical information on a direct-read-after-write optical data storage strip. The strip is adhered to a medium containing a picture, such as X-ray pictures, CAT-scan pictures, ultrasonic or NMR images, or microscope photos of tissue samples. The strip may record information such as a description or diagnosis related to the picture for archival storage.

Abstract: An optical data retrieval system featuring probe beams of different wavelengths directed onto an optically reflective recording medium having different spectral responses to the probe beams. A first probe beam is directed onto the reflective medium in a manner such that the amount of light reflected from the medium may be detected while a second probe beam is directed through the medium in a manner such that the amount of light passing through the medium may be measured. Different amounts for both beams are detected at pits in the medium and in the reflective field surrounding the pits. The redundancy provided by two probe beams eliciting different spectral responses from the medium reduces errors due to dirt and media defects.

Abstract: A data card having an optical, high resolution laser recording material, such as a metal-containing film, adhering to it. The strip of laser recording material has a capacity for recording at least 250,000 data bits represented by optically contrasting spots having a dimension of less than 25 microns. The optical contrast of the spots with respect to the surrounding field is at least two to one. The strip may have a preinscribed formatting pattern for positioning, timing, programming and related functions.

Abstract: A method for protecting the recording surfaces of optical data storage and recording tape provides the tape edges with protuberances formed by plastic coatings, embossments or thickness gradients of the recording material.

Abstract: A method for making a data card involving photolithographically prerecording information, such as reference position information or servo tracks, on a strip of high resolution, direct-read-after-write laser recording material, then adhering the strip to a card such that the strip is recordable in place. A protective transparent laminating material is bonded to the recording surface and then user information is recorded on the strip using a laser aimed at the strip through the laminating material.

Abstract: A tape cartridge for optical data recording and storage tape has a large diameter capstan tangent on three sides to transparent windows. Simultaneous operations may be performed both widthwise and lengthwise on the tape tracks by multiple laser energy beams and detectors. The capstan may be driven by external mechanical or magnetic means.

Abstract: An optical data and image medium having a visual image area and a laser recordable reflective direct-read-after-write data strip in proximity to the image area. The medium is made from photographic film to which data strip is joined. Data may be recorded on the reflective strip by a laser beam prior to, during, or after photographic exposure of the visual image areas, thereby providing a compact record for archival storage of data-visual information.

Abstract: A data card having an optical, high resolution reflective laser recording material, such as a metallic film adhered thereon. The strip of laser recording material has a capacity for recording at least 250,000 bits represented by bits having a dimension less than 50 microns. The data card is used in electronic passbook banking or identification uses.

Abstract: An improved reflective silver laser recording and data storage medium for direct read after writing, having a protective gold plating on the silver particles of the reflective surface. The gold plating increases the recording sensitivity resulting in higher contrast ratios for the recorded data. Increased contrast ratios between recorded and non-recorded reflective areas are obtained by the gold plating allowing lower laser energy for readout of recorded data. The reflective silver surface is plated with gold by an electroless ion displacement procedure.

Abstract: An underlayer for a laser recording and data storage medium with a light absorption characteristic suited to a recording laser. The underlayer is formed by creating a nuclei layer in a silver-halide photosensitive emulsion layer and then contacting the emulsion layer with a chromogenic reducing agent and a chromogenic dye coupler. The reflective layer may be formed prior to this step by subjecting the nuclei layer to a monobath having a silver-halide solvent and a silver reducing agent until a reflective surface layer of non-filamentary silver particles is formed, or after the step by chemical vapor deposition or sputtering of a reflective metal layer over the underlayer.