Abstract: The use of a pressure compensation system and composite polymer materials results in a new type of outboard sensor assembly, of the type used to monitor the status and location of towed array systems from boats. The inventive system is lower in cost, easier to manufacture in quantity, lighter weight, less likely to leak, and with a lower failure rate than conventional systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for housing an electronic audio device in harsh environments including aquatic and rugged environments. In one embodiment, a system is disclosed for allowing a user to control an audio device having a capacitive touch sensitive control feature from outside of a waterproof housing.

Abstract: In one aspect, a data communication system includes a modulator, an integrated acoustic data coupler, and a demodulator. The modulator modulates a carrier signal having a frequency in an operating frequency range in response to an input data signal and provides the modulated carrier signal at a modulator output. The integrated acoustic data coupler includes an acoustically resonant structure that has one or more acoustic resonant frequencies in the operating frequency range. The acoustically resonant structure includes a first thin film electro-acoustic transducer electrically coupled to the modulator output, a second thin film electro-acoustic transducer, and a substrate. The substrate supports, acoustically couples, and provides an electrical isolation barrier between the first and second thin film electro-acoustic transducers.

Abstract: An electronic data device used for reminding a user of an event, deadline, appointment, or the like. The device includes a housing which contains internal electronic components such as a microprocessor coupled to a data memory. These internal components are electrically coupled to external electronic components of the housing such as an input arrangement, for entering time and/or date data into the data memory, a data entry display for displaying the entry of data into the data memory, and a reminder display for indicating including an array of lights for displaying signals which indicate a continuous countdown of time corresponding to the time and/or date data from the data memory. In one embodiment the device includes an clip attachment mechanism for attaching the device to an article such as a file folder, a refrigerator, or the like.

Abstract: There is provided a multifunction timepiece wherein the visibility of pointers can be improved, and increases in the thickness of the timepiece can be reduced. This timepiece comprises a dial, an hour hand, a minute hand, a pointer, and a movement. The dial has a dial cover and a time display section on the inner periphery thereof. The hour hand is mounted on the time display section and has an hour hand rotating shaft disposed at a different position from the center position of the time display section. The minute hand is mounted on the time display section and has a minute hand rotating shaft disposed at a different position from the center position of the time display section. The pointer is mounted on the time display section and has a pointer rotating shaft. The dimension A from the pointer rotating shaft to the tip of the pointer is greater than the dimension B from the minute hand rotating shaft to the tip of the minute hand.

Abstract: A CD Card for packaging card like information and digital information in the basic dimensions (length and width) of a business, credit or collectors card. The CD Card is made up of one, two, or three major components. The first component is a small compact disc with dimensions small enough to be contained within the typical dimensions (length and width) of a business card, credit card, or collectors card. The second component is a container shaped like a business, credit, or collectors card in length and width, but with a depth large enough to hold the small compact disc and adaptor (if required) discussed subsequently. The third component is an adaptor designed to position the small compact disc of the first and third embodiments of the present invention correctly in standard CD drives. A second embodiment of the small compact disc may not require an adaptor or case.

Abstract: This invention achieves high-density recording while preventing recording units from overlapping. Recording is done to form a gap between predetermined recording units. Since this gap is formed, even when a rotation driving mechanism of a medium suffers rotation nonuniformity, two neighboring recording units never overlap each other, and destruction of recording data can be prevented.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for writing a playable unfinalized disc. The method generally includes the steps of (a) recording data to the disc, (b) calculating a length of metadata based at least in part on a writing position on the disc, (c) determining a content of the metadata based at least in part on a data format and/or a disc format, and (d) recording the metadata to the disc at a position following and adjacent to the data. The apparatus generally includes (a) a disc loader configured to write data to the disc and to write metadata to the disc at a position following and adjacent to the data, and (b) a burning engine configured to send the data to the disc loader and to calculate a length of the metadata based at least in part on a writing position on the disc. The present invention advantageously allows users to view and/or share video content at any time without finalizing the disc (e.g., without recording on the lead-in area of the disc).

Abstract: A digital jukebox (14) allows for playback of a first offering and a second offering. The contents of each offering are individually licensed for public performance at a particular location where the jukebox is found. The jukebox (14) displays advertisements that are selected in response to user interaction with the jukebox or a number of other factors. The jukebox (14) features a screen (18 and 20) that allows user to interact with the jukebox to select offerings, but also to respond to advertising. Jukebox can function in cooperation with a server (12), but in the alternate, can function as an independent and stand-alone device when connection (16) to server (12) is not available.

Abstract: The present invention enhances the usability of a write-once recording medium having a plurality of recording layers. The write-once recording medium has a plurality of recording layers each including a regular recording reproduction area, an alternate area, a first alternate-address management information area and a second alternate-address management information area (a TDMA). In addition, written unwritten state indication information (a space bitmap) is recorded therein. Typically, the written unwritten state indication information is recorded in the second alternate-address management information area. By additionally recording alternate-address management information related to an alternate-address process in the second alternate-address management information area, the second alternate-address management information area can be used as an area for implementing renewal of the alternate-address management information.

Abstract: The embodiment includes a data replacing area secured in preparation for a defect in a data area, a current DMA set for recording defect management information of a replacement process using the data replacing area, a plurality of unused DMA set areas for replacing a current DMA set, a current DMA managerset area for the current DMA manager set which manages the replacement process using the plurality of unused DMA set, and a plurality of unused DMA manager set areas for replacing the current DMA manager set area. In the unused DMA manager set, there are provided a manager data area describing FFh for showing it is unused, and an identifier area describing 0010h for showing an available manager set.

Abstract: The invention provides a recording/reproducing device which records management data unifying front and back sides. A management data input/output processing section reads data from a front side of an inserted recording medium, a management data creation section creates management data on the front side and temporarily stores it in a memory section. After prompting the user to turn over the recording medium, the device checks the turnover of the disk, and reads data on the back side and creates management data. The management data creation section creates unified management data which unifies the management data on the double-side and the unified management data is wrote onto the back side of the recording medium. When writing is completed, the device prompts the user to turn over the recording medium and records, upon recognizing that it is the front side, the unified management data onto the front side.

Abstract: A storage medium initializing method includes the steps of detecting a mode corresponding to a recording format to be loaded on a storage medium; and initializing the storage medium according to the mode detected in the detecting step. A recording and reproducing method and apparatus are configured to detect a type of storage medium loaded onto the apparatus and adjust the recording and reproducing processes accordingly.

Abstract: A disk holder, disk alignment mechanism and disk drive employing same that for permitting accurate alignment of a disk are provided. The disk drive comprises a disk holder 10 that comprises a plurality of holder plates 11 that individually hold disks D, a drive unit 62 that plays back disks D, disk selectors 41A and 41B that form a space above and below a desired disk D by raising and lowering the holder plates 11, and a drive base 60 that moves the drive unit 62 into the space that is formed as a result of raising and lowering the holder plates 11. Disk hold links 17 and 18 comprising catches 17a and 18a respectively that engage with and disengage from the center hole of disk D are provided on the holder plates 11 such that the disk hold links 17 and 18 are able to turn, and a disk hold arm 16 that allows the disk hold links 17 and 18 to turn is provided so as to be able to perform a sliding movement.

Abstract: A wobble signal synthesizer for generating a synthesized wobble signal synchronized with physical wobble signal is disclosed. The wobble signal synthesizer includes a variable-period signal generating module for generating the synthesized wobble signal; a first period calculating module, electrically coupled to the variable-period signal generating module, for calculating the number of periods of a second reference clock in a certain period of the synthesized wobble signal; a second period calculating module for calculating the number of periods of the second reference clock in a certain wobble period at a disc rotation speed; a comparison module, electrically coupled to the variable-period signal generating module, the first period calculating module, and the second period calculating module, for outputting the period error value; and a phase alignment module, electrically coupled to the variable-period signal generating module, for determining the phase error value.

Abstract: An information recording medium having at least a read only area and a recording and reproducing area is composed of at least: a substrate; a recording layer formed on the substrate so as to record and reproduce information; and a light transmission layer having transparency formed on the recording layer. The information recording medium is further characterized in that a wobbling groove corresponding to the read only area and another wobbling groove corresponding to the recording and reproducing area is formed on the substrate without overlapping with each other, the recording and light transmitting layers are continuously adhered over at least two areas of the read only area and the recording and reproducing area, reflectivity of the recording layer is more than 5%, and a push-pull signal output T3 reproduced from the read only area and another push-pull signal output T4 reproduced from the recording and reproducing area before recording satisfies relations of T3?0.1, T4?0.1 and 1.5?T3/T4?0.5.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical pickup apparatus which can prevent an offset to a focus signal and can satisfactorily correct spherical aberration generated by difference in substrate thickness while achieving the formation of a thinner type of the apparatus. In the present invention, a parallel flat plate for correcting spherical aberration generated by difference in thickness of a transmissive substrate to the first and second recording layers of an optical disk is arranged between a beam splitter and a collimator, and in addition, the spherical aberration is corrected by inserting and removing the parallel flat plate, or switching and inserting another parallel flat plate having a different thickness to an optical path.

Abstract: An information recording medium having at least a read only area and a recording and reproducing area is composed of at least: a substrate; a recording layer formed on the substrate so as to record and reproduce information; and a light transmission layer having transparency formed on the recording layer. The information recording medium is further characterized in that a wobbling groove corresponding to the read only area and another wobbling groove corresponding to the recording and reproducing area is formed on the substrate without overlapping with each other, the recording and light transmitting layers are continuously adhered over at least two areas of the read only area and the recording and reproducing area, reflectivity of the recording layer is more than 5%, and a push-pull signal output T3 reproduced from the read only area and another push-pull signal output T4 reproduced from the recording and reproducing area before recording satisfies relations of T3?0.1, T4?0.1 and 1.5?T3/T4>0.5.

Abstract: A recording medium includes a substrate having a microscopic pattern, which includes a shape of continuous substance of approximately parallel grooves formed with a convex shaped section and a concave shaped section alternating on a surface of the substrate. A recording layer is formed on the microscopic pattern and a light transmitting layer has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.12 mm formed on the recording layer. The microscopic pattern satisfies a relation of P??/NA, wherein P is a pitch of the convex shaped section, ? is a wavelength of a reproducing light beam and NA is a numerical aperture of an objective lens. The microscopic pattern also includes modulated address information formed on both side walls of the convex shaped section viewed from the light transmitting layer as a wobble, both the side walls being parallel to each other, and furthermore wherein the address information is modulated by the phase-shift keying modulation system.

Abstract: A focus pull-in control device for focusing a light beam on an information recording surface of an information recording medium includes an optical pickup and a control unit. The optical pickup has a light source to emit a light beam, an objective lens to focus the light beam along an optical axis direction on the information recording surface, a focus actuator to move the objective lens in the optical axis direction, and a photodetector to detect the light beam reflected by the information recording medium and to convert the detected light beam into an electric signal. The control unit controls an access speed of the objective lens by driving the focus actuator with reference to a surface vibration data comprising a previously obtained surface vibration amount of the information recording medium to perform a focus search while moving the light beam across the information recording medium and while moving the objective lens.

Abstract: A disc-shaped information recording medium includes a first recording layer (L0 layer) having (I) a first trial write area (101P-1) for trial write of first trial write information for calibration of the laser beam along the first track path (TP1) from the inner circumference toward the outer circumference and (II) a first recording area for recording the first recording information along a first track path (TP1), in this order from the inner circumference side. Furthermore, the disc-shaped information recording medium includes a second recording layer (L1 layer) having (I) a second trial write area (101P-2) for trial write of second trial write information for calibration of the laser beam along the second track path (TP2) from the outer circumference toward the inner circumference and (II) a second recording area for recording the second recording information along a second track path (TP2), in this order from the inner circumference side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an optimal writing power for recording data on a recording medium such as an optical disk, are discussed. The method according to an aspect of the present invention includes (a) performing an optimal power calibration (OPC) operation on a first area of the recording medium, and detecting a first writing power based on the OPC operation performed on the first area; (b) performing an OPC operation on a second area of the recording medium after erasing data on the second area, and detecting a second writing power based on the OPC operation performed on the second area; and (c) determining an optimal writing power for recording data on the recording medium based on the detected first and second writing powers.

Abstract: An optical recording medium has a multi-layer structure recording layer structure recording layer portion including plural recording layers provided with tracks for guiding a recording light and being adapted to record data, where recording condition information and recording layer identification information for the recording layers are recorded on the tracks as information signals. Test writing is conducted on a recording layer that is subject to recording to derive a suitable recording condition based on recording condition information that is recorded on the recording layer, and direct recording is conducted according to a direct recording condition.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and apparatus for repositioning a data storage disc on a spindle assembly, to reduce eccentricity of data on the disc. The eccentricity can be identified and be reduced automatically by determining the magnitude and direction of an eccentricity vector that representing a misalignment of a central point around which the data are arranged on a data storage disk with an axis of a spindle, and moving the disc so that the eccentricity vector is reduced. One technique for moving the disc is to push the edge of the disc so that the central point moves closer to the axis of the spindle.

Abstract: An optical disk writing method including determining a writing scheme for recording information on the optical disc based on received tracking error signals. The method also includes moving an optical pickup across tracks of the optical disc while the optical pickup emits a laser beam, counting a number of the tracking error signal, and determining a storage capacity of the optical disc based on the counted number of tracking error signals.

Abstract: A disk discrimination method and apparatus of an optical disk system may be provided. The disk discrimination method of an optical disk system may include measuring a frequency of a tracking error signal during tracking control of a disk to be discriminated; and discriminating a type of the disk according to the frequency of the tracking error signal.

Abstract: Wobble detection for detecting data in a wobble signal modulated with a base signal includes sampling the wobble signal at a substantial maximum and a substantial minimum of a base signal within a wobble period, producing a value of the wobble signal at the substantial maximum of the base signal with an unchanged sign and a value of the wobble signal at the substantial minimum of the base signal with a reversed sign, determining a sum of the values within the wobble period, and decoding the sum to detect data.

Abstract: An information layer 0 comprises a system lead-in area, data lead-in area, data area, and middle area, an information layer 1 comprises a system lead-out area, data lead-out area, data area, and middle area, an end position of the data area of layer 1 is positioned outer than a start position of the data area of layer 0, the data lead-in area comprises a guard track zone wider than a test zone in the data lead-out area, the data lead-out area comprises a guard track zone wider than a test zone and a management zone in the data lead-in area, the middle area of layer 0 comprises a guard track zone wider than a test zone in the middle area of layer 1, and the middle area of layer 1 comprises a blank zone wider than a test zone in the middle area of layer 0.

Abstract: An optical drive writes information to an optical medium by obtaining a write strategy for the optical medium from a write strategy table embedded in the optical medium. A write module in the optical drive reads an optical drive identification code from the optical medium to select a write strategy associated with the optical drive. The write strategy of the embedded write strategy table that is identified for the optical drive is retrieved by the write module to write information to the optical medium with the optical drive using the identified write strategy. In one embodiment, a time stamp of the identified write strategy retrieved from the optical medium is compared with a time stamp of a write strategy already available to the optical drive to select the most recent write strategy for use by the optical drive. The write strategy table is embedded in the optical medium at manufacture of the optical medium, such as by stamping or burning the data into the optical material of the optical medium.

Abstract: A disk evaluating device includes a PR equalizer that equalizes reproduced signals from a disk to a response waveform of a partial response of a predetermined class, a maximum likelihood detector that performs maximum likelihood decoding on output signals from the PR equalizer, and an evaluating unit that classifies binary data output from the maximum likelihood detector into bit patterns of strings of consecutive bits, each of the strings having a predetermined length, and obtaines a histogram of amplitudes of the output signals from the PR equalizer for each of the bit patterns.

Abstract: A signal can be detected based on a level slice system and detection delay time can be reduced by setting the recording density of a header field in a linear direction lower (coarse) than that of a user data recording field. Further, a signal can be detected based on the level slice system and detection delay time can be reduced by using a mark position form having a large detection margin as an information recording system of the header field. A readout error of a sector number due to a detection error is compensated for by recording address marks AM for attaining byte synchronization of the header field in both of a head portion and tail portion of information recorded in the header field.

Abstract: A signal can be detected based on a level slice system and detection delay time can be reduced by setting the recording density of a header field in a linear direction lower (coarse) than that of a user data recording field. Further, a signal can be detected based on the level slice system and detection delay time can be reduced by using a mark position form having a large detection margin as an information recording system of the header field. A readout error of a sector number due to a detection error is compensated for by recording address marks AM for attaining byte synchronization of the header field in both of a head portion and tail portion of information recorded in the header field.

Abstract: A signal can be detected based on a level slice system and detection delay time can be reduced by setting the recording density of a header field in a linear direction lower (coarse) than that of a user data recording field. Further, a signal can be detected based on the level slice system and detection delay time can be reduced by using a mark position form having a large detection margin as an information recording system of the header field. A readout error of a sector number due to a detection error is compensated for by recording address marks AM for attaining byte synchronization of the header field in both of a head portion and tail portion of information recorded in the header field.

Abstract: An information storage medium includes an area in which updated disc-related information and recording-related information updated with a change in at least one of a disc version number and a recording speed is recorded along with existing disc-related information and recording-related information. The existing disc-related information and recording-related information are recorded, and the updated disc-related information and recording-related information is recorded in an area in which the existing disc-related information and recording-related information is recorded. Accordingly, data can be recorded/reproduced on/from a new version of information storage medium even using an existing drive.

Abstract: An electronic device for reading data from a removable storage medium includes a switch to generate a signal that circuitry of the device receives. The switch is connected to the circuitry and disposed outside a housing of the device. Or, in another embodiment, the switch is connected to a circuit board of the device and disposed in the interior of the device, but not mounted to the circuit board. The circuitry of the device can read data stored on a removable storage medium. The housing protects the circuitry and has a plurality of sides that define an interior in which the circuitry is disposed. With the switch disposed outside the housing, the switch may be located where it will be easier to see and reach. Thus, one can more easily avoid damaging the device when one inserts and removes storage media from the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical holographic device for recording data bits in a holographic medium (106). The device comprises a light modulator (103) with addressable elements (301), each having an area and at least one optically active sub-area (302) smaller than said area, means for directing a radiation beam towards the light modulator to form an encoded radiation beam so as to record at least first and second data bits (401, 402) in the holographic medium, means (200) for displacing the encoded radiation beam with respect to the holographic medium and means for controlling the displacing means so as to record a third data (403) bit between the first and second data bits.

Abstract: An optical disc comprises a data layer defining a data side of the disc, the data layer being writable or readable with a data laser tuned to a first wavelength, and an imaging layer on the data side of the disc, the imaging layer comprising a colorformer and a developer.

Abstract: This invention describes a novel coding and implementation techniques for high-speed high-density optical disk data storage. Multiple narrowband spectral beams, either coherent or non-coherent, are combined together by optical fiber couplers or lenses assembly and are then focused into a photosensitive film with diffraction limited spot size through a specially designed hybrid diffractive/refractive lens with extended depth of focus, so that the beam size remains diffraction limited size in the whole depth of the recording medium volume. Multiple reflection gratings which are respectively corresponding to these used spectral bands are recorded in the medium through interferences between the incident beams and the reflected beams from a reflection mirror which is attached at the back surface of the recording film.

Abstract: Providing an objective lens with a large numerical aperture (NA), the present invention records or plays conventional optical disks such as CDs and DVDs at high light usage efficiency, using an optical head capable of recording or reproducing high-density optical disks. A diffraction optical element (8) is disposed in a light path of a first light beam of a first wavelength ?1 (400 nm to 415 nm) and a second light beam of a second wavelength ?2 (650 nm to 680 nm). And, the present invention principally emits 5th order diffracted light with respect to the first light beam, and principally emits 3rd order diffracted light with respect to the second light beam, from the diffraction optical element (8). Thus, a high diffraction efficiency of substantially 100% can be obtained with respect to both wavelengths.

Abstract: First and second photo detector cells are independently provided. At the time of a disk reproducing laser power, an addition output of electric signals subjected to opto-electric conversion from the first and second photo detector cells is derived as a control signal of a laser drive circuit by a first processing circuit. At a disk recording laser power, on the other hand, an electric signal subjected to opto-electric conversion from any one of the first and second photo detector cells is derived as a control signal of the laser drive circuit by a second processing circuit.

Abstract: To improve the sync code detection reliability while simplifying the sync code position detection process, when a first pattern as a combination of three successive sync codes is compared with a second pattern in which the allocation of sync codes is shifted by one code from the first pattern, two or more sync codes are changed.

Abstract: To improve the sync code detection reliability while simplifying the sync code position detection process, when a first pattern as a combination of three successive sync codes is compared with a second pattern in which the allocation of sync codes is shifted by one code from the first pattern, two or more sync codes are changed.

Abstract: To improve the sync code detection reliability while simplifying the sync code position detection process, when a first pattern as a combination of three successive sync codes is compared with a second pattern in which the allocation of sync codes is shifted by one code from the first pattern, two or more sync codes are changed.

Abstract: Optical disc apparatuses. The apparatus comprises an optical pickup and a data recovery unit. The optical pickup irradiates laser light onto a disc, receives light reflected from the disc, and generates an RF signal in response to the received light. The data recovery unit comprises a first configuration and a second configuration. The data recovery unit receives the RF signal from the optical pickup, reproduces data according to the RF signal in the first configuration, and performs a signal quality index measurement of the RF signal in the second configuration.

Abstract: When external and internal environmental variation factors (characteristics of medium, variation in voltage, deterioration of medium and the like) occur, a reproduced signal is varied. In a learning system for reproduction of a voltage layer selection type multi-layer optical disk which making recording or reproducing by irradiation of energy, a level and/or pattern of an application voltage is adjusted in accordance with a reproduced signal at a predetermined position. Even if the reproduced signal, from the reflectivity down, is varied due to the external and internal environmental variation factors (characteristics of medium, variation in voltage, deterioration of medium and the like), the reproduced signal with the high quality can be obtained from the voltage layer selection type medium.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a thin optical disc having remote reading capability is provided. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the optical disc includes a central clamping area that defines a central aperture operable to be engaged by a spindle mechanism of an optical disc drive, an optically-readable data storage area substantially surrounding the central clamping area, the optically-readable data storage area having a planar thickness of less than 1.20 mm, and an electronic tag coupled to or embedded within the optical disc, the electronic tag comprising a radio frequency tag or radio frequency identification tag.

Abstract: A signal can be detected based on a level slice system and detection delay time can be reduced by setting the recording density of a header field in a linear direction lower (coarse) than that of a user data recording field. Further, a signal can be detected based on the level slice system and detection delay time can be reduced by using a mark position form having a large detection margin as an information recording system of the header field. A readout error of a sector number due to a detection error is compensated for by recording address marks AM for attaining byte synchronization of the header field in both of a head portion and tail portion of information recorded in the header field.

Abstract: A basic data structure in a lead-in area is made coincident with each other in all of a read only type, write once type, and a rewritable type. The lead-in area is divided into a system lead-in area and a data lead-in area. A track pit and a pit pitch of pits in the system lead-in area are made longer than those in the data lead-in area. In the system lead-in area, a reproduction signal from a bit is detected in accordance with a Level Slice technique, and, in the data lead-in area and data area, a signal is detected in accordance with a PRML technique. In this manner, in any of the read only type, write once type, and rewritable type, there can be provided an information recording medium and an information reproducing apparatus or information recording and reproducing apparatus therefor, capable of a stable reproduction signal from a lead-in area of the write once type recording medium while maintaining format compatibility.

Abstract: A basic data structure in a lead-in area is made coincident with each other in all of a read only type, write once type, and a rewritable type. The lead-in area is divided into a system lead-in area and a data lead-in area. A track pit and a pit pitch of pits in the system lead-in area are made longer than those in the data lead-in area. In the system lead-in area, a reproduction signal from a bit is detected in accordance with a Level Slice technique, and, in the data lead-in area and data area, a signal is detected in accordance with a PRML technique. In this manner, in any of the read only type, write once type, and rewritable type, there can be provided an information recording medium and an information reproducing apparatus or information recording and reproducing apparatus therefor, capable of a stable reproduction signal from a lead-in area of the write once type recording medium while maintaining format compatibility.

Abstract: To improve the sync code detection reliability while simplifying the sync code position detection process, when a first pattern as a combination of three successive sync codes is compared with a second pattern in which the allocation of sync codes is shifted by one code from the first pattern, two or more sync codes are changed.