Abstract: In a method for optical data storage, a write/read device is employed with a first optical lens system consisting of an array of lenslets which are associated with one or more areas on a data-carrying medium which forms part of the optical data memory. During writing/reading of data in the data-carrying medium the optical data medium is positioned on one or more reference surfaces. When localizing or reading data which are stored in an optical data memory in this fashion, the data-carrying medium is brought in register with the first optical lens system in the write/read device, whereupon light from the write/read device passes through a set of angular coordinates, the optical response from the data-carrying medium being detected simultaneously and in parallel by means of the write/read device.

Abstract: The optical storage device and method includes a fluorescent layer arranged on a substrate and having a surface. The fluorescent layer is composed of fluorescent dye molecules embedded in a transparent polymeric base material. A group of data-carrying structures are arranged in the fluorescent layer. Each of the data-carrying structures has more than two optical states represented by a specific degree of quenching of fluorescence emitted from the data-carrying structure when irradiated with a fluorescence exciting radiation.

Abstract: In a method for parallel writing and reading of data in an optical memory, the optical memory includes one or more microlenses for accessing a memory medium, individually addressable elements arranged in one or two-dimensional matrices in a write/read device are activated. The activation of an element physically influences one or more localized areas in a data carrying layer in the memory for writing and reading of data carrying structures in the localized area. Writing and reading is thus performed on the basis of a relationship between the geometric location of the element in the matrix and the position of the localized area(s) in the data carrying layer of the memory. A write/read device includes individually addressable elements which are arranged in one or two-dimensional matrices, the addressable element being arranged to be activated in order to physically influence one or more of the above-mentioned localized areas.

Abstract: A system for transmitting films to consumers having reduced response time, an increased number of available films and improved user interactivity. The system utilizes a simple inexpensive communication system and can avoid the need to transfer data from external sources. The system also provides mechanism to prevent fraud and a simple updating mechanism. The system has the capability to process large volumes of data locally and includes an input/output interface and at least one output interface for transferring data to a playback drive.