Abstract: A sensor for a vehicle that conserves power by alternately switching between a power on and a reduced power state. The circuit compares a most recent sensor measurement with an earlier measurement while in the power-on state and then switches to a reduced power state. A time delay generation function determines when the circuit switches out of the reduced power state depending on the result of the comparison. The duration of the reduced power state can be increased depending on the similarity of the most recent measurement to an earlier measurement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a disk labeling system is configured to use calibration indicia to produce calibration data. A disk is then marked using a laser in a first position. The laser is then deflected from the first position into a second position, by applying an input according to the calibration data. The disk is then marked using the laser in the second position.

Abstract: A control circuit creates a self-sensing active-damping voice coil. The control circuit includes a current sensor coupled to a voice coil. A first filter is coupled to the current sensor to create an error voltage that is proportional to the integral of an external acceleration applied to the voice coil. A second filter with a lead-lag component is coupled to the error voltage to create a voltage applied to the voice coil that substantially cancels the external acceleration below a pole defined by a lead-lag component thereby damping the external accelerations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for playing content. In one embodiment, an identification key is generated. The identification key is encrypted and transmitted to a playback drive. Encrypted content containing a content identification key is received. If the content identification key matches the identification key that was generated, the content is decrypted and played.

Abstract: An optical system configured for optical data processing is disclosed. In one example of the system, a photodetector array is configured to obtain an image of light modulated by reflection off a data track defined on optical media. In this example, the image contains at least one framing mark and at least one data region. A post-processor is configured to analyze the image and to recognize the framing mark and data within the data region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a content encryption scheme using programmable hardware. In one embodiment, a content request is transmitted to a content provider. In response to the content request, a session key is received and programmable hardware is configured using the session key to produce a first configuration. An identification key is generated and the first configuration of the programmable hardware is used to encrypt the identification key. The encrypted identification key is transmitted to the content provider. Encrypted content containing the identification key is then received.

Abstract: An error correction circuit for determining an error in rotational speed of a recordable disk of a disk drive includes a sinusoidal error calculation portion adapted to generate a true oscillation error signal, and a summation portion adapted to combine the true oscillation error with a spindle error signal to generate a total error signal. The sinusoidal error calculation portion is adapted to generate a new true oscillation error based on the total error signal.

Abstract: A method of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that determines optical disc vertical displacement information at a number of positions on an optical disc. The method interpolates optical disc vertical displacement information at a number of other positions on the optical disc from the vertical displacement information determined.

Abstract: A disc media marking systems and methods facilitate optical disc labeling through calibration of a fine actuator using a reference pattern.

Abstract: Timing information from the label side of an optical disc is used to generate a drive current profile. The drive current profile can be applied to a spindle motor in order to maintain a rotational speed of the optical disc in the absence of the timing information.

Abstract: A system provides a signal to an actuator within an optical pickup unit of an optical disk drive. In one implementation, SUM signal data (an output from the quad sensors typically present in the optical pickup unit) is recorded within a SUM table. An error term generator processes the SUM signal data from the SUM table to produce an error term. An actuator control signal generator generates a signal to control movement of the actuator, wherein the signal is a function of a prior actuator position, the error term and an adaptation coefficient, wherein the adaptation coefficient impacts a rate at which the error term is allowed to modify the prior actuator position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for regulating the viewing of a device among multiple users. Briefly described, one embodiment comprises assigning at least one programming time period block to at least one user, each of the programming time period blocks defining a unique period of time that the user is uniquely authorized to select programming on the device, receiving an identity signal from the user, determining if the identity signal corresponds to an identity of an authorized user who is currently authorized to select programming on the device, enabling selection of programming by the user when the identity signal corresponds to the identity of the authorized user, and disabling selection of programming by the user when the identity signal does not correspond to the identity of the authorized user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending a bus to support at least one auxiliary function. A filter may intercept and route a signal issued over the bus. The filter may comprise control logic for reading the intercepted signal and for determining a destination therefor. The filter may also comprise a multiplexer operatively associated with the control logic for reissuing the intercepted signal to the destination. When the intercepted signal is designated as function-specific, the multiplexer reissues the intercepted signal to one of the at least one auxiliary function. When the intercepted signal is designated as device-specific, the multiplexer reissues the intercepted signal over the bus to a peripheral device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a disk labeling system is configured to use calibration indicia to produce calibration data. A disk is then marked using a laser in a first position. The laser is then deflected from the first position into a second position, by applying an input according to the calibration data. The disk is then marked using the laser in the second position.

Abstract: A reference pattern on the non-data side (or label side) of an optical data storage disc enables optical disc devices to register a position of a laser to an absolute radial location on the disc's non-data side. The absolute radial location serves as a reference track to which that all radial positioning can be referenced.

Abstract: Timing information from the label side of an optical disc is used to generate a drive current profile. The drive current profile can be applied to a spindle motor in order to maintain a rotational speed of the optical disc in the absence of the timing information.

Abstract: A disc media marking systems and methods facilitate optical disc labeling through calibration of a fine actuator using a reference pattern.

Abstract: A method of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that determines optical disc vertical displacement information at a number of positions on an optical disc. The method interpolates optical disc vertical displacement information at a number of other positions on the optical disc from the vertical displacement information determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a high-resolution image comprises a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and a generation routine stored in the memory and executable by the processor. The generation routine is adapted to receive a plurality of sub-images from a medium player where the medium player is generally associated with providing a resolution-limited image to a display device. The generation routine is further adapted to generate the high-resolution image from the plurality of sub-images.

Abstract: An electromagnetic stator comprises a printed circuit board. The stator also comprises at least one conductive coil formed on the printed circuit board for generating an electromagnetic field.