Abstract: A system for selectively enabling or disabling an optical device. In an illustrative embodiment, the system implements an optical-device theft-prevention system. The theft-prevention system includes a material that is selectively positioned on, in, or relative to the optical device so that the transparency of the material affects a desired operation of the optical device. An energy beam is selectively employed to enable or disable the optical device by affecting the transparency of the material. In a specific embodiment, the fist material includes a dye, such as an energy-sensitive dye. The optical device includes an optical disc, such as Compact Disc (CD) or Digital Video Disc (DVD). The energy-sensitive dye is disposed over an entire readable surface of the optical device.

Abstract: A system for selectively inhibiting unauthorized use of an optical device. In an illustrative embodiment, the system implements an optical-device play-prevention system and copy-prevention system. The system includes a first set of data that is encoded via pit structures of the optical disc. A read system, such as a disc drive, which includes a read laser, is adapted to read the first set of data. A first material, which is positioned on or within the disc, changes transparency to laser light from the read laser in response to a first predetermined energy, such as ultrasound. A second material that is positioned on or within the disc temporarily changes transparency to the laser light, in response to a second predetermined energy, such as energy from the read laser. Changes in transparency of the first material and the second material change accessibility of the first set of data to the read system.

Abstract: A system for selectively enabling or disabling an optical device. In an illustrative embodiment, the system implements an optical-device theft-prevention system. The theft-prevention system includes a material that is selectively positioned on, in, or relative to the optical device so that the transparency of the material affects a desired operation of the optical device. An energy beam is selectively employed to enable or disable the optical device by affecting the transparency of the material. In a specific embodiment, the fist material includes a dye, such as an energy-sensitive dye. The optical device includes an optical disc, such as Compact Disc (CD) or Digital Video Disc (DVD). The energy-sensitive dye is disposed over an entire readable surface of the optical device.