Abstract: In optical disc systems, read-out is hampered because of spherical aberrations resulting from cover layer thickness variations or because discs consists of multiple layers. The aberration correcting apparatus (1) of the present invention is arranged to correct such an optical aberration. Therefore, the aberration correcting apparatus (1) comprises a fluid chamber containing a first fluid and a second fluid having different indices of refraction. The first (5) and second fluid (6) are in contact over a meniscus (7) acting as a refractive surface, wherein the shape of the meniscus (7) can be influenced by a magnetic field generated by a magnetizing coil (20).

Abstract: An optical recording apparatus with a small form factor optical drive for driving an optical record carrier is operable in different accessing modes having different data rates depending on the power mode of the recording apparatus. A Switch is provided in the recording apparatus for switching a controller for accessing the optical record carrier for reading data from or recording data to the optical record carrier. A first accessing mode has a low data rate and is used in a low power mode, while a second accessing mode has a high data rate and is used or allowed to be used in a high power mode.

Abstract: A storage medium for storing digital information is disclosed. The storage medium comprises a label comprising a light addressable electrophoretic ink layer. Further, a method for labeling a storage medium provided with an electrophoretic ink label is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of applying a voltage between a first and a second electrode being arranged on mutual sides of a electrophoretic ink layer; irradiating selected pixel areas of the electrophoretic ink for addressing a change of visual state. Further, a recorder for an optical storage medium and a label writer for labeling an optical storage medium are disclosed. The recorder and the label writer comprise a light source and a charging device. The charging device is arranged to apply an electric field across an electrophoretic ink layer of the storage medium, and the light source is arranged to write a label on said storage medium by addressing pixel areas of said electrophoretic ink layer.

Abstract: An optical pickup actuator for low building height includes a suspended lensholder (101) with a lenssystem (102), focusing (106a, 106b, 106c 106d) and tracking coils (109) and magnets (107a, 107b, 107c) for cooperation with the focusing and tracking coils. The focusing and tracking coils may be arranged for tilting the lensholder in the actuator. The lowest entrance position for a radiation beam to enter a beam entrance (113) at a side of the actuator is not determined by the height and location of the coils.

Abstract: In the invention, e-book information is distributed on un-cartridged small media that can be made cheaply enough for use in free distribution of information. The e-book information is encoded and stored on a read-only optical disc that is 2 to 4 cm in diameter and 0.6 to 1.2 mm thick, the information being encoded with sufficient redundancy and sufficient tolerance for missing information that the disc can be conveniently handled and pocketed without losing reliability of information access. The disc has a lead-in area that is prior to all the e-book information and that contains a disc navigation area, and a lead-out area that follows all the e-book information. The disc may include multiple partitions, each partition containing sufficient access information for independent access of the e-book information within the partition without accessing any other partition. Alternatively, the disc may include multiple slots for files and that are equally spaced.

Abstract: The invention relates to variable focus lenses based on magneto wetting and related devices, wherein two fluids, one of which is magnetically susceptible, are in contact over a meniscus. The shape of the meniscus is controlled by means of an applied magnetic field gradient. The contact angle between the chamber wall and the meniscus is a conserved. Implementation of special shaping to the internal or external walls of the chamber, while conserving the contact angle, results in better lens shape in the variable focus lens and lower levels of lens distortion.