Abstract: An optical storage reconditioning module extends the life of re-writable optical medium, such as DVD+RW optical storage disks, by writing random information to recondition commonly used portions of the optical medium before re-writing information to those portions of the optical medium. For instance, a stored file system structure of an optical medium, such as a UDF random writable file system, is updated by reading to a buffer the structure from the optical medium, over writing the structure with random information recondition transitions between data points of the structure, updating the file system structure in the buffer and writing the updated file system structure over the random information.

Abstract: An optical medium storage device improves the usable life of re-writable optical storage mediums, such CD-RW, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM disks, by adjusting write parameters to compensate for time between an initial write on the optical storage medium and the current time, with adjusted write parameters fine-tuning signal-to-noise ratios and improving the number of reliable overwrites for the optical storage medium.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for testing a removable storage media drive device are disclosed. According to teachings of the present disclosure, a simulated storage media may be disposed within a removable storage media drive device. In the event removable storage media is not present in the drive device when testing of the device is desired, the simulated storage media may be substituted for at least purposes of testing the operability of one or more device components. In one embodiment, the simulated storage media may be in the form of an annular ring of CD-ROM material. In a further embodiment, the simulated storage media may be in the form of a hologram designed to mimic one or more removable storage media characteristics.

Abstract: A record carrier is described for optically writing and reading information, which record carrier is provided with a pre-formed track. This track is formed by a ridge disposedon the substrate surface and the recording layer comprises a dye layer having such a thickness at the location of the ridge that a write beam can produce a maximum optical effect therein, the dye layer being thicker at locations outside the ridge.

Abstract: A set of high density codes for optical recording of binary data. The data bits of each set are encoded into a block code having a plurality of symbols, each symbol having a plurality of symbol position with an even number of holes with the constraint that there be at least two symbol positions between holes or groups of holes. Additionally, a least one hole is never recorded at a predetermined boundary symbol position. This "empty" symbol position permits symbol position dimensions to be reduced while maintaining good read margins to provide high density recording.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of radiant energy information storage devices and provides for a low reading level, an intermediate level and a high writing level of power from the radiation source so as to lower the overall power requirements of the radiation source and increase availability and accuracy of the verification read directly after or during writing, without causing unwanted damage to the information recording media. A circuit is described to accomplish this. The circuit basically employs two power sources, one for reading power, one for writing power and an intermediate ("Pedestal") circuit to employ a portion of the writing power source's power to provide the step-up in power to the intermediate level.

Abstract: An optical recording element having a recording layer which comprises an alkylpyrylium-squarylium dye, as well as novel alkylpyrylium-squarylium compounds.