Abstract: A means of delivering software comprises at least two storage media comprising at least two different versions of a software program. A first version of the software program comprises a full version of the program and a second version comprises a limited version of the program. Due to the presence of identification means, such as a security tag, the first version of the software program can only be executed in the presence of to second storage medium, or vice versa. The security tag may be an RF-ID dongle. Also, a system and a method is provided, for executing data stored on a data carrier, and wherein related data are stored on two separate data carriers. At least one of the data carriers comprises identification means, and the presence of this identification means authorizes the use of one of the data carriers in one of the devices.

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: 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 a recording medium (2), particularly an optical recording disk, which comprises at least one record track (3) having a physical volume (32) with addressable blocks (4). The physical volume (32) is divided into spare area (36;38) and user-accessible logical volume (37). A single spare area (36) is only located at the beginning of the physical volume (32), or a single spare area (38) is only located at the end of the physical volume (32). Alternatively, a first spare area (36) is located at the beginning of the physical volume (32) and a second spare area (38) is located at the end of the physical volume (32). Thus, the logical volume (37) is physically contiguous, that is, not interrupted by any spare area. The recording medium according to the invention can be used both for storing computer data as well as for recording audio and/or video information. The invention also relates to methods and a device for use in conjunction with the recording medium.

Abstract: When recording data on a medium where a certain data rate is required, an allocation manager in the player must allocate sections of the logical space in such a way that the recording medium is efficiently filled and that an adequate data rate can be guaranteed even in the presence of defective ECC blocks. The allocation rules for the allocation manager are complex. The rules can be simplified by placing a lower limit on the size of an extent and by increasing the size of the extent depending on the number of defect ECC blocks in the extent.

Abstract: A storage unit for a portable radio-communication device includes a main data carrier and a contactless chip associated with the main data carrier. Device data descriptive of the storage unit is transmitted to the portable radio-communication. Further, a warning is transmitted to the portable radio-communication device in response to a storage unit wanted notice. A powering signal is transmitted to the contactless chip. The powering signal provides power to the contactless chip and is modulated with data. Specific data sent by the portable radio-communication device is stored on the contactless chip and, on request, data is returned.

Abstract: A dynamic memory buffer buffers between software applications executing on a processor and data generating and/or receiving devices in communication through the buffer with the applications. The buffer includes buffer manager for controlling allocation of one or more portions of the buffer to the applications so as to reduce power dissipation occurring within the devices.

Abstract: In a method and a device for reading and a method and a device for recording files on a sequential medium as well as the sequential medium itself, in order to enable the use of sequential write-once mediums, the file system descriptor pointing to a current version of a management information area, is recorded on a reserved track being located at the beginning of the volume. Thereby, the management information area is recorded at a location behind files being recorded onto the volume.

Abstract: A storage medium for thermally-assisted magnetic recording has a recording layer which substantially parallel tracks for recording information. The recording layer includes a series of recording regions, each region comprising a plurality of tracks for magnetically recording information. The tracks in a region have a pitch p, and a region extends a distance ½ p beyond a centre line of the outermost track of the region. Neighbouring regions are separated from one another by magnetically non-recording areas having a width substantially equal to or larger than the pitch p. The writing of one region does not have thermal cross-talk on other regions.

Abstract: A storage medium for thermally-assisted magnetic recording has a recording layer which substantially parallel tracks for recording information. The recording layer includes a series of recording regions, each region comprising a plurality of tracks for magnetically recording information. The tracks in a region have a pitch p, and a region extends a distance ½ p beyond a centre line of the outermost track of the region. Neighbouring regions are separated from one another by magnetically non-recording areas having a width substantially equal to or larger than the pitch p. The writing of one region does not have thermal cross-talk on other regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for reading and a method and a device for recording files on a sequential medium as well as the sequential medium itself. In order to enable the use of sequential write-once mediums according to the invention the file system descriptor pointing to a current version of a management information area is recorded on a reserved track being located at the beginning of the volume. Thereby, the management information area is recorded at a location behind files being recorded onto the volume.