Abstract: Disclosed are various systems, methods, and programs embodied in a computer readable medium for calibration of a lens position in an optical disc drive. In one embodiment, a method is provided that comprises manipulating a lens focus actuator to relocate the lens from a first position to a second position. The lens substantially focuses a laser onto the surface of the optical disc when in the second position. The method also comprises determining a first input setting delta to the lens focus actuator that corresponds to a predefined position offset of the lens. The first input setting delta is determined based upon a second input setting delta corresponding to a distance between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An optical scanning device and method are provided for marking an optically sensitive layer. The device can include an optical source capable of emitting a beam. At least one pivot can be configured to enable the beam to travel through a beam output arc. In addition, a mirror surface can be oriented toward the optically sensitive layer. The mirror surface can be configured to reflect the beam within the defined beam output arc onto a plurality of locations of the optically sensitive layer.

Abstract: An embodiment includes disposing optically visible marks along one or more spiral segments on a rotating medium, where the one or more spiral segments include a plurality of seams, and locating the seams at different angular locations on the rotating medium.

Abstract: A series of signals is applied to a lens actuator of a disc media marking device to respectively position a lens at a series of distances from an optical disc. A mark is formed on the optical disc at each of the distances of the lens from the optical disc by passing a light beam through the lens and onto the optical disc. The darkest of the marks is determined. The signal applied to the actuator corresponding to the darkest mark is determined.

Abstract: Optically visible marks are disposed on a medium by exposing at least a portion of a coating disposed on the medium to thermal energy from a thermal print head in an optical disc drive.

Abstract: An optical disc drive includes an optical mechanism and a preheating mechanism. The optical mechanism optically writes a label to an optically writable label area of an optical disc inserted into the optical disc drive, by heating pixels on the optically writable label area of the optical disc. The preheating mechanism, separate from the optical mechanism, preheats the optical disc prior to the optical mechanism heating the pixels on the optically writable label area of the optical disc.

Abstract: As an optical disc is being rotated within an optical drive, an optical mechanism of the optical drive traces a discrete spiral path relative to the optical disc. As the discrete spiral path is traced by the optical mechanism of the optical drive, the optical mechanism selectively writes to the optical disc.

Abstract: A method of compensating for output variations in laser power output over time in a system using a laser to record visible marks on an optical disc, the method comprising (a) applying a test light beam from the laser to the optical disc to determine a test value of an optical parameter, (b) determining a difference between the test value and a predetermined reference value for the optical parameter, and (c) adjusting the laser power output to compensate for the difference.

Abstract: Focus calibration in an optical drive. Optics are moved with respect to a disc in the optical drive. A first interface of the disc is optically detected at a first distance, and a first drive signal value is detected at the first interface. A drive signal change is determined using a second drive signal value at a second distance. A gain is determined using the drive signal change and a thickness associated with the first and second distances.

Abstract: Calibration of a focus offset in an optical drive. A calibration pattern, comprising a plurality of marked areas, is marked upon a medium. A user input is received, identifying a perceived darkest marked area of the calibration pattern. The focus offset is determined corresponding to the perceived darkest marked area.

Abstract: For at least some layers of a number of stacked layers of an optical disc that correspond to different colors, an optical beam is selectively impinged on a region of the optical disc. The optical beam has a wavelength to which the layer is uniquely sensitive as compared to other of the layers, to sufficiently heat the layer so as to cause the region to change from at least substantially translucent to a color to which the layer corresponds.

Abstract: A method of mapping a surface of a printable medium comprises illuminating the surface with electromagnetic radiation and focusing the electromagnetic radiation with a focusing means. The method also includes modulating the position of the focusing means using an actuator, wherein the actuator has a resonant frequency. An input signal is provided to the actuator, wherein the input signal comprises an AC waveform having a frequency. The frequency does not correspond to the resonant frequency of the actuator. The waveform does not have higher harmonics corresponding to the resonant frequency of the actuator.

Abstract: A method of measuring a relative darkness of an image recorded on a recording medium, comprising: applying first electromagnetic energy having a first wavelength to the recording medium to record an image thereon, applying second electromagnetic energy having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength to the recorded image on the recording medium, and measuring a reflection of the second electromagnetic energy from the recorded image to determine the relative darkness of the recorded image.