Patents Issued in June 7, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070127294
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes memory cells, bit lines, source lines, and first and second voltage supply circuits. The memory cell includes a MOS transistor. The bit line connects in common drains of the MOS transistors. The source line electrically connects in common sources of the MOS transistors. The first voltage supply circuit applies voltages to the bit lines so that a first potential difference is made between the adjacent bit lines and so that a second potential difference smaller than the first potential difference is made between the bit lines adjacent to each other across the source line. The second voltage supply circuit applies voltages to the source lines so that a third potential difference larger than the second potential difference is made between the source line and bit line adjacent to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventor: Akira UMEZAWA
  • Publication number: 20070127295
    Abstract: Disclosed is a nonvolatile memory system including at least one nonvolatile memory each having a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells and a buffer memory; and a control device coupled to the nonvolatile memory. The control device is enabled to receive external data and to apply the data to the nonvolatile memory, and the nonvolatile memory is enabled to operate a program operation including storing the received data to the buffer memory and storing the data held in the buffer memory to ones of nonvolatile memory cells. Moreover, the control device is enabled to receive external data while the nonvolatile memory is operating in the program operation. Also, the buffer memory is capable of receiving a unit of data, equal to the data length of data to be stored at one time of the program operation, the data length being more than 1 byte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Masataka Kato, Tetsuo Adachi, Toshihiro Tanaka, Toshio Sasaki, Hitoshi Kume, Katsutaka Kimura
  • Publication number: 20070127296
    Abstract: A data input circuit of a semiconductor memory device and a data input operating method thereof, in which data input margin can be secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventor: Jae Hoon Cha
  • Publication number: 20070127297
    Abstract: A data processor includes an authentication function for judging access right. The data processor further includes a nonvolatile memory cell array formed on an insulator film or a chip, and a conductor layer provided between a logic circuit for the authentication and the nonvolatile memory. The nonvolatile memory can store at least part of authentication information or an authentication program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Ishii
  • Publication number: 20070127298
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device has SRAM cells each including: a pair of inverters; a feed control switch connected between a feeding point of the pair of inverters and a power supply voltage supply line; and a boosting device configured to boost a voltage of the feeding point electrically isolated from the power supply voltage supply line by the feed control switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Ikuhiro Yamamura
  • Publication number: 20070127299
    Abstract: There are provided a voltage level control circuit with a reduced power consumption and a method of controlling the same. When a signal “A” is in a “L” level and a signal PL entered from the outside of the voltage level control circuit becomes .“H” level, a latch signal La outputted from a latch (11) becomes “H” level, whereby NFETs (14, 17, 24) turn ON. A voltage dividing circuit comprising resistances (12, 13) and current mirror differential amplifiers (20, 27) are placed in active states to output “H” as a signal A which controls a boost voltage Vbt (word line driving voltage. As the boost voltage Vbt is increased and reaches to a reference voltage Vref2, a voltage V2 becomes “H”, whereby the signal A becomes “L”. After the signal A become “L”, the latch (11) is made through. At this time, the signal PL is “L”, the latch signal La outputted from the latch (11) becomes “L”, whereby the NFETs (14, 7, 24) turn OFF.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Atsushi Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20070127300
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a switch circuit that inverts input data or output data when burn-in mode enable signals are activated or a control signal switch that inverts external control signals or internal control signals when burn-in mode enable signals are activated. A burn-in test method for the semiconductor memory device performs a pass/fail decision to determine whether the output data has passed or failed based on an inverted logical value of the input data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Woo-Jin Kim, Kwang-Joon Park, Joo-Seok Kwak, Kwang-Won Lee, Jong-Jin Yi
  • Publication number: 20070127301
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes plates accessed by different row addresses and a sense amplifier column between the adjacent plates. The sense amplifier column is a mixture of configurations, one in which one of the pair of bit lines is twisted, and another in which neither of the pair of bit lines is twisted. If an address analysis indicates that there is an access through an input/output wiring, input/output data is not inverted. If the address analysis indicates that there is an access through another input/output wiring and that it is an access to a plate, the input/output data is not inverted, while if it is an access to another plate, the input/output data is inverted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Tomoko Nobutoki, Kyoichi Nagata
  • Publication number: 20070127302
    Abstract: There is provided a high-density mask ROM operable at a high speed. With the mask ROM, respective source lines are disposed so as to be shared by memory cells in respective columns adjacent to each other, and bit lines are disposed so as to correspond to the respective columns of the memory cells. Further, the dummy cells are disposed for the respective columns of the memory cells. The dummy cells are each made up of a series-circuit including a first switching transistor that is turned into the conducting state in response to a signal potential on a dummy word line (DWL), and a second switching transistor 17 for coupling an adjacent source line to the bit line corresponding thereto in response to a potential of the source line in a column corresponding thereto. The memory cells each are made up of one unit of a transistor and a data storage formed by mask wiring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Okamoto, Kazumasa Yanagisawa
  • Publication number: 20070127303
    Abstract: An MRAM device having a plurality of MRAM cells formed of a fixed magnetic layer, a second soft magnetic layer and a dielectric layer interposed between the fixed magnetic layer and the soft magnetic layer. The MRAM cells are all formed simultaneously and at least some of the MRAM cells are designed to function as antifuse devices whereby the application of a selected electrical potential can short the antifuse device to thereby affect the functionality of the MRAM device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Mirmajid Seyyedy, Mark Tuttle, Glen Hush
  • Publication number: 20070127304
    Abstract: A memory module includes a first memory group including a plurality of memory devices, a second memory group including a less number of memory devices with respect to the memory devices in the first memory group, a register configured to provide a command/address signal to the first memory group and a delayed command/address signal to the second memory group, a first signal line configured to transfer the command/address signal to the first memory group, and a second signal line configured to transfer the delayed command/address signal to the second memory group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Chil-Nam Yoon, Young-Man Ahn, Young-Jun Park, Sung-Joo Park
  • Publication number: 20070127305
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory includes memory cells for even addresses arranged in a first memory array and storing even addressed data, word lines for even addresses arranged parallel to a row direction of the first memory array and selecting the memory cells for even addresses, bit lines for even addresses arranged parallel to a column direction of the first memory array and transferring the even addressed data to the memory cells for even addresses, memory cells for odd addresses arranged in a second memory array and storing odd addressed data, word lines for odd addresses arranged parallel to a row direction of the second memory array and selecting the memory cells for odd addresses, and bit lines for odd addresses arranged parallel to a column direction of the second memory array and transferring the odd addressed data to the memory cells for odd addresses
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Seiro Imai, Yukihiro FUJIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20070127306
    Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed relating to a memory circuit architecture. In an example embodiment, which may accommodate a change to a new memory size or cell aspect ratio, while migrating between different process nodes or the same process generation, while retaining at least a portion of the periphery circuitry, a memory circuit architecture may be employed in which the memory array is divided into an upper half and a lower half, thereby splitting the cache Ways among the two halves. The wordline may be split among the two array halves, with each half driven by a half wordline driver. Also, in another embodiment, two sets of bitlines may be provided for each column, including a contacted set of bitlines and a feed-through set of bitlines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Raymond Sung, Dongwook Suh, Daniel Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20070127307
    Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a kneader capable of eliminating the cleaning process in the kneading process by preventing gushing of the filler through the clearance between the mixing tank and the pressurizing lid, stabilizing the blending ratio of the filler, and preventing defective dispersion due to fall and mixing of filler after the completion of kneading, for promoting improvement of dispersion and uniformity of kneaded materials such as rubber, plastics, etc. as well as stability of quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventor: Shinichi Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20070127308
    Abstract: There is provided an extrusion auger having auger segments that are removable from an auger shaft and that include a recess to facilitate removal of the auger segments. A pulling tool is also provided to engage the recess of the auger segment and to facilitate the removal of auger segment from the auger shaft in an axially forward direction. The auger segment includes an access way to provide access to the recess and the recess includes an engaging surface. The pulling tool includes a flanged end that can pass through the access way of the auger segment and contact the engaging surface of the auger segment. The recess of the auger segment may be located in a bore of the auger hub such that the pulling tool can be advanced along a keyway in the auger shaft, rotated to pass the flanged end of the pulling tool through the access way, and pulled axially forward to contact the engaging surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Charles Whittaker, Jr., Joey Bowles
  • Publication number: 20070127309
    Abstract: A chemical supply system comprises, as principal elements, a chemical storage tank in which a liquid chemical for cleaning is stored in the state of its formulated concentrate, a chemical supply apparatus connected to the chemical storage tank for positively performing chemical supply, a piping system connected to the chemical supply apparatus to form a supply flow passage that is a passage for ultrapure water which the liquid chemical is to be mixed with, a pair of discharge nozzles disposed at end portions of the piping system so as to oppose surfaces of a wafer set in a cleaning chamber to supply a cleaning liquid onto the surfaces. Thereby, remarkable miniaturization/simplification of a cleaning liquid supply system including chemical tanks is intended, it is made possible easily and rapidly to compound and supply a cleaning liquid at an accurate chemical concentration, and particles or the like being generated and mixing in a cleaning liquid, are suppressed to the extremity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: Sipec Corporation
    Inventors: Takahisa Nitta, Nobuhiro Miki, Yoshiaki Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20070127310
    Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed which includes an elongate fluid duct having a series of openings and an outer sleeve disposed outside and extending along the duct to cover the openings. A drive motor is provided for imparting relative motion between the duct and the sleeve so that the sleeve moves across the openings in the peripheral wall of the duct. A temperature control device which may include an outer jacket arranged about the sleeve to define a chamber for receiving a heat exchange fluid, an electric heating element for supplying current to the outer sleeve or duct to heat the outer sleeve or duct, a series of burners for heating the outer surface of the sleeve, or a heating element incorporated in one of the duct and sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: COMMONWEALTH SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ORGANISATION
    Inventors: Guy Metcalfe, Murray Rudman
  • Publication number: 20070127311
    Abstract: A method and system for calibrating acoustic receivers. The method and system facilitate calibrating the acoustic receivers while they are mounted to a downhole acoustic tool. Calibrating the acoustic receivers in situ provides more accurate results than previously available. The method and system provide separate compensation factors for the acoustic receivers at different frequencies and for different transmission sources. The separate compensation factors facilitate more accurate signal acquisition over a wider range of conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: FERNANDO GARCIA-OSUNA, TORU IKEGAMI, VIVIAN PISTRE, Shu-Kong Chang, YOKO MORIKAMI
  • Publication number: 20070127312
    Abstract: A method for use in seismic surveying includes determining the shape of a seismic cable during a seismic survey; determining the tension on the seismic cable at a plurality of points along the seismic cable; and predicting a current that will impact the seismic cable from the determined shape and the determined tension. The method may be practiced two-dimensionally in the context of a marine survey employing a towed streamer array or three-dimensionally in the context of laying an array of ocean bottom cables on the seabed. The predicted currents can, in some embodiments; be used to make steering corrections for the seismic cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Eskild Storteig, William Lionheart
  • Publication number: 20070127313
    Abstract: A method for hydraulic fracture imaging consistently integrates ground deformation data and microseismic data. A time sequence of hydraulic fracture images is computed from the combined data by first computing an orientation and location of the fracture. A size of the fracture (e.g., length, width, and opening) and detailed shape is then computed consistent with the computed orientation using a stochastic optimization procedure. This procedure may be performed by selecting a candidate model of the fracture consistent with the computed orientation, computing a predicted surface deformation from the candidate model (e.g., using elastic crack theory), computing a predicted seismic activity from the candidate model (e.g., using Dieterich seismicity rate theory), and comparing the predicted surface deformation and predicted seismic activity with the collected ground deformation data and earthquake locations derived from the collected seismic activity data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Segall, Sang-Ho Yun
  • Publication number: 20070127314
    Abstract: A resistivity logging tool suitable for downhole use includes a transmitter and two spaced apart receivers. The measured signals are inverted to determine the distance to an overpressured zone in the earth formation. The overpressured zone may be a transition zone in resistivity. The direction of drilling may be controlled based on the determined distance. Optionally, seismic-while drilling measurements may be made from which a separate estimate of the distance can be obtained. The SWD® measurements may also be processed to estimate the pore pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tsili Wang, Daniel Georgi, Michael Phillips, Eduard Van Wijk, Christian Fulda
  • Publication number: 20070127315
    Abstract: A method of analyzing results from an underwater controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) survey of an area that is thought or known to contain a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir is described. The method is based on a wavefield extrapolation of narrow-band electromagnetic field data obtained from pairs of source and receiver locations. The data comprise a plurality of discrete frequencies between 0.01 Hz and 60 Hz. The wavefield extrapolation is performed for each of these discrete frequencies to provide distributions of electromagnetic scattering coefficient as a function of position and depth beneath the survey area. These distributions may then be combined to provide a displayable image of electromagnetic scattering coefficient. The method is able to quickly provide a displayable image that is readily interpretable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Tompkins
  • Publication number: 20070127316
    Abstract: The sonar device includes a sonar transducer, a noise filter, a microprocessor and an output device. The system warns the user when a hazardous objects is detected or when signals from companions decrease. The portable sonar device can be built into various watersport devices including scuba diving equipment, surfboards and windsurfboards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventor: Matthew Pope
  • Publication number: 20070127317
    Abstract: An apparatus for reminding individuals of preselected important times and dates such individuals wish to remember. The apparatus includes a housing member having each of a predetermined shape, a predetermined size and a predetermined color. There is an audio receiving and recording mechanism disposed within such housing member for both receiving and recording preselected messages therein. A speaker mechanism is also disposed within the housing member. Such speaker mechanism is connected to the audio receiving and recording mechanism for receiving such message recorded by the audio receiving and recording mechanism and delivering the message in an audible voice to an individual at an appropriate time. Further, the apparatus includes a clock mechanism disposed within such housing member and connected, to the audio receiving and recording mechanism for causing such audio receiving and recording mechanism to send such message to the speaker mechanism at such appropriate time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventor: Leonard Chattle
  • Publication number: 20070127318
    Abstract: Generally, the embodiments are directed to circuits and methods for time stamping an event at a fraction of a clock cycle. A time stamping circuit comprises two or more detection circuits. The detection circuits receive an event-in signal and generate event signals based on a clock phase at which the event-in signal was received. A decoder receives the event signals and outputs an event-out signal and a time stamp that represents the phase at which the event-in signal was detected. By time stamping the event-in signal to a phase division, the time stamping circuit detects event signals that occur at a rate faster than the clock cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Vamsi Srikantam, Andrew Fernandez, Dietrich Vook
  • Publication number: 20070127319
    Abstract: The movement (1) of the watch includes a constant force device (14) inserted in a going rain connecting a spring barrel (2) to an escapement having an escapement wheel and including a third wheel which completes one revolution in several minutes. The input element of the constant force device (14) is the third wheel (12), the output element of said device (14) being a second third wheel (20) connected via gearing to the seconds pinion (38). The second third wheel is secured to a star wheel (26) that only releases the train upstream of the constant force device once per minute, thus forming an independent minutes display because the minute hand (7) jumps forward at each minute. This arrangement minimises the transmission of shocks between the constant force device and the escapement and can advantageously be combined with a tourbillon (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: MONTRES BREGUET SA
    Inventor: Eric Goeller
  • Publication number: 20070127320
    Abstract: An educational/entertainment apparatus generally includes a controller (20) for use with a multimedia device (10). The controller includes a platform (26) for receiving a disc (50), the disc including a plurality of graphical images on at least one surface that correspond to a plurality of multimedia options, the disc also including an identifier that identifies the disc. The controller further includes a reader (42) for reading the identity of the disc, a selector (28) for a user to select one of the plurality of graphical images, and a controller/transmitter (61, 63) for determining the selected graphical image and transmitting a multimedia control signal (60) that contains information that identifies the selected graphical image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: Screenlife, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Caffrey, John Hendricks
  • Publication number: 20070127321
    Abstract: Audio-centered information is stored on a unitary medium by using a Table-of-Contents (TOC) mechanism that specifies an actual configuration of various audio items on the medium. In particular, each one of a set of one or more Track Areas gets at least two mutually logically conforming Sub-TOCs assigned. This allows to retrieve any constituent Sub-TOC part from at least any correct copy of the Sub-TOCs. Furthermore, one or more Master-TOCs are provided for specifically pointing to each of the Sub-TOCs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Verbakel, Johannes Mons, Muneyasu Maeda, Yoshizumi Inazawa, Tadao Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20070127322
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing control path commands in an automated data storage library. The present invention teaches a data storage library with stored data and at least one controller. The present invention also teaches at least one command source that provides commands to the data storage library via at least one control path. The data storage library stores a last successful command for each control path in the data storage library, receives a new command from a control path, compares the new command with one or more of the last successful commands, and executes the new command if the new command is unique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Gary Anna, Brian Goodman, Leonard Jesionowski, Timothy Pierce
  • Publication number: 20070127323
    Abstract: The present network attached mountable optical disc storage library provides a plurality of disc media drives and at least one removable disc storage magazine. A picker traveling on a picker track transports the discs between the disc storage cartridges that are located in the disc storage magazines and the disc media drives. The disc media drives and the disc storage cartridges are coplanar and horizontally located around the picker track such that as the picker travels along the picker track, the disc media drives and the disc storage cartridges are aligned with the picker. The disc storage magazines are located one on each side of the picker track and the disc media drives are radially arranged around the end of the picker track so the picker executes a rotational movement when it reaches the end of the picker track to access the disc media drives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventor: John Owens
  • Publication number: 20070127324
    Abstract: An optical disc apparatus includes a main guide shaft and a subsidiary guide shaft disposed so as to guide movement of a sliding base which holds an optical pickup. The optical pickup enables information recording and reproducing operations on an optical disc. The main guide shaft and the subsidiary guide shaft are configured so as to suppress vibrational resonance caused between the main guide shaft and the subsidiary guide shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Yukio Katou, Yoshiaki Yamauchi, Ikuo Nishida, Kouhei Takita, Seiichi Katou
  • Publication number: 20070127325
    Abstract: A lens driving unit includes a lens holder accommodating a lens or a group of lenses. A coil is disposed on a surface of the lens holder. The lens driving unit is provided with a magnet disposed at a position spaced from the coil by a predetermined distance to move the lens holder along an optical axis according to current flowing in the coil. The lens driving unit is further provided with a guide member guiding movement of the lens holder along the optical axis. Further, a magnetic member is disposed at the lens holder to fix a position of the lens holder by magnetic attraction force exerted by the magnet when no current flows in the coil. The lens driving unit can achieve downsizing, improved resistance to impact, stabilized lens attitude, and reduced power consumption when an auto-focus function is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20070127326
    Abstract: Pluralities of lens parts 20, 22 are formed on a lens substrate 16 by dry-etching. The lens parts 20 and 22 have same structures, and the lens part 20 includes toroidal lens surfaces S1 and S2 opposing to each other on one principal surface and another principal surface of the substrate 16. Assuming that a cross section in a y-axis direction of a laser beam emitted from a laser active layer in a z-axis direction is long and narrow in an x-axis direction, the lens surface S2 is formed to have a radius of curvature R21 in the x-axis direction smaller than a radius of curvature R22 in the y-axis direction, and the lens surface S1 is formed to have a radius of curvature R11 in the x-axis direction smaller than a radius of curvature R12 in the y-axis direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: TOSHIHIRO NAKAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20070127327
    Abstract: An objective lens actuator according to the present invention includes: an objective lens; a lens holder that fixes the objective lens; a pair of tracking coils; a pair of radial tilt coils; a pair of focus coils superimposed and attached to the radial tilt coils; a pair of tracking magnets disposed so as to face the tracking coils; and a pair of the focus magnets disposed so as to face the focus coils. The pair of the focus coils and the pair of the focus magnets are each asymmetric in at least one of shape, size, mass, and location, and each have balanced moments about the radial tilt axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Makoto Nagasato, Kenya Kurokawa
  • Publication number: 20070127328
    Abstract: A small form factor optical disk drive is provided that incorporates a hybrid solid immersion objective lens (SIOL). The SIOL includes a central aspheric lens portion and a surrounding diffractive optical element portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Bernard Bell, Scott Wilson, David Davies, David Blankenbeckler
  • Publication number: 20070127329
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for storing holographic data comprising providing an optically transparent substrate comprising a photochemically active dye and a photo-acid generator; irradiating the optically transparent substrate with a holographic interference pattern, wherein the pattern has a first wavelength and an intensity both sufficient to convert, within a volume element of the substrate, at least some of the photochemically active dye into a photo-product, producing within the irradiated volume element concentration variations of the photo-product corresponding to the holographic interference pattern, thereby producing a first optically readable datum corresponding to the volume element; and irradiating the optically transparent substrate at a second wavelength and intensity sufficient to activate the photo-acid generator to stabilize the optically readable datum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christoph Erben, Eugene Boden, Xiaolei Shi
  • Publication number: 20070127330
    Abstract: A method for a focus error signal adjustment in an optical disk device which shapes a focus error signal and enables a high-accuracy focus servo is provided. In a DVD-RAM having an emboss data zone and a rewritable data zone, a focus error signal is generated with the DVD-RAM remaining still in a position where an emboss pit is not formed in the rewritable data zone, and a waveform of the FE signal is shaped so that the waveform is symmetrical with respect to a reference point. Then, the FE signal is generated in the emboss data zone and an amplitude of the FE signal is adjusted. The amplitude of the signal which is obtained by increasing the the amplitude of the FE signal whose amplitude is adjusted by approximately 6 dB is applied to the amplitude of the focus error signal in the rewritable data zone. Consequently, a high-accuracy focus servo based on the FE signal, whose amplitude is adjusted and waveform is shaped, can be achieved without an error caused by the emboss pit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Mitsuda
  • Publication number: 20070127331
    Abstract: A layer jump control apparatus and method is provided to control an optical drive during a layer jump operation. According to the magnitude variations of a focus error signal during a predetermined period, the invention estimates the position and relative velocity of a pickup head and a disk so as to dynamically modify the magnitude of a braking force, causing the optical pickup head to make a stable jump on the target layer, then brake and finally reactivate a closed-loop focus control process without going into an out of lock state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Yao-Yu Lee, Ching-Chuan Chen, Jung-Huang Huang
  • Publication number: 20070127332
    Abstract: Optical recording media are provided. An optical recording medium for an optical pick-up unit includes a first substrate, a recording layer disposed on the first substrate, a second substrate, a thermo-sensitive layer disposed on the second substrate, a reflective layer disposed on the thermo-sensitive layer and an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer connects the reflective layer and the recording layer, such that the first and second substrates are fixed. When the optical pickup unit is in a recording mode, it emits a laser beam to the recording layer for data recording. When the optical pick-up unit switches from the recording mode to a labeling mode, the laser beam focuses on the reflective layer, and the thermo-sensitive layer is heated to change color thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: DAXON TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Fung-Hsu Wu
  • Publication number: 20070127333
    Abstract: The invention relates to a record carrier carrying a stereo signal and a data signal. The data signal comprises a first portion and a remaining portion. A first channel on the record carrier comprises a composite signal. The composite signal is obtained by combining the stereo signal and the first portion of the data signal, preferably by using buried data techniques. A second channel on the record carrier comprises the remaining portion of the data signal. The invention further relates to a method, a recording apparatus and a reproducing apparatus for recording/reproducing the stereo signal and the data signal on a record carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Arnoldus OOMEN, Leon VAN DE KERKHOF
  • Publication number: 20070127334
    Abstract: A power adjusting method for a pickup head accessing an optical disc. The method includes identifying a target data transfer rate utilized by the PUH for accessing the optical disc; calculating an appropriate laser power according to the target data transfer rate; and accessing the optical disc by the PUH at the target data transfer rate with the appropriate laser power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Shu-Ching Chen, Chi-Pei Huang
  • Publication number: 20070127335
    Abstract: An optical disk recording apparatus includes an optical pickup that emits laser light to illuminate a recording surface of an optical disk, receives reflected light resulting from the laser light reflected off the recording surface, and generates a light reception signal based on the thus received reflected light; a laser power controller that sets a laser power setting and controls the power of the laser light emitted from the optical pickup based on the thus set laser power setting; and a signal generator that, when a plurality of trial write areas provided on the recording surface of the optical disk are successively illuminated with the laser light in order to write trial write data, generates a timing notification signal that notifies laser arrival timing when the laser light sequentially reaches trial write start positions of the plurality of trial write areas based on the light reception signal generated by the optical pickup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Tadatsugu Morimoto, Takashi Fujimoto, Yoshie Hayashida, Rumi Fukuda, Jumpei Kura, Takeshi Yuwaki
  • Publication number: 20070127336
    Abstract: According to the present invention, an optimum value of a laser power for recording data on a high-density optical disk can be set with high accuracy. A test signal whose erase power Pe is fixed and recording power Pw is varied is recorded on the optical disk. The recorded signal is reproduced and a ? value representing asymmetry of the reproduced signal is obtained for each recording power. An optimum recording power Pwo is set from a recording power with which the obtained ? value becomes a target ? value. Hereby, the fixed erase power Pe is determined from measurement results of a value of a modulation factor M of another test signal recorded. Alternatively, the fixed erase power Pe follows strategy information defined in advance for the optical disk. Or Pe?0 is used regardless of the optical disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Mitsunori Kobayashi, Koichi Watanabe, Kazutoshi Shigeta
  • Publication number: 20070127337
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for driving an optical recording medium for recording and/or reproducing various information for the optical recording medium, in which the output power ratio of the light source may be reduced for recording and reproduction, for optical recording media of different sorts, or for respective recording surfaces of a multilayered optical recording medium, so that optimum characteristics may be realized even with use of an easy-to-fabricate light source or a light source with a smaller light output rating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noriaki NISHI, Kenji Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20070127338
    Abstract: An optical disk device includes a rewriting and reading means, which includes a pickup head which irradiates laser light upon a rewritable type optical disk, and which rewrites data to or reads data from the rewritable type optical disk. Furthermore, this optical disk device includes a control means which controls rewriting and reading of data by the rewriting and reading means, and which moreover, when a command is issued to rewrite data upon the rewritable type optical disk, acquires, via the rewriting and reading means, from a region upon the rewritable type optical disk which is determined in advance, deterioration information which specifies the extent of progression of the deterioration of the rewritable type optical disk. Furthermore, this optical disk device includes a display means which displays the extent of progression of the deterioration, based upon the deterioration information which has been acquired by the control means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: FUNAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Koji Fujita
  • Publication number: 20070127339
    Abstract: Reflected light caused by reflection of a laser beam at a first layer of an optical disc is converted into a main signal. Reflected light caused by reflection of the laser beam at a second layer of the optical disc is converted into a sub signal. An address of a currently-accessed position in the first layer is detected from the main signal. A reference address in the first layer corresponds to a boundary between a signal recorded area and a signal unrecorded area in the second layer. A specified address in the first layer corresponds to a position radially separated from the position at the reference address by an allowable range. A misalignment between tracks on the first and second layers is concluded to be within the allowable range in cases where the sub signal substantially takes a reference level when the detected address reaches the specified address.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunori Tokiwa
  • Publication number: 20070127340
    Abstract: With an information recording method for recording desired information on an information recording surface of a rewritable optical disk, through a read modify write operation with recoding or reproducing of information, determining is made on whether a write command is in consistent or not, with a unit of cluster of said rewritable type optical disk, when the write command onto the rewritable type optical disk needs no verify process thereon, and the read modify write operation is executed when determining inconsistency between them, as well as, conducting the verify process only upon a part of the information, which is written through the read modify write operation, thereby providing an information recording/reproducing apparatus and a method thereof, for achieving both an increase in recording speed and an improvement on reliability of recorded information through the read modify write, even when the verify process is unnecessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: Hitachi-LG Data Storage, Inc.
    Inventor: Atsushi Fuchiwaki
  • Publication number: 20070127341
    Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus includes optical head means for writing and reading information expressed by a mark and a space on an optical recording medium by irradiating laser light to the optical recording medium, laser-drive pulse generating means for creating and supplying a laser-driven pulse in accordance with information to write to the optical head means and causing the optical head means to perform the irradiation of laser light for writing, mark edge error detecting means for detecting an error of the edge position of the mark from a signal read out from the optical recording medium by the optical head means; and adjustment control means for defining the adjustment on a laser-driven pulse generated by the laser-driven pulse generating means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichi Sagara, Jumpei Kura, Naoyuki Nishigata
  • Publication number: 20070127342
    Abstract: In a rewritable compact disc having a wobble groove on a substrate, crystal and amorphous states of a phase-change recording layer are an unrecorded/erased state and a recorded state, respectively. When the recording layer is exposed to recording light, amorphous marks assuming the recorded state are formed. At any of 2-, 4- and 8-times velocities with respect to a reference velocity (1-times velocity) whose linear velocity is 1.2-1.4 m/s, modulation m11 of a recorded signal when the recording light of approximately 780 nm in wavelength irradiates the recording layer via an-optical system with NA=0.5 or 0.55 is 60-80%. A topmost level Rtop of reflectivity of the eye pattern of the recorded signal during retrieving at the 1-times velocity is 15-25%, and a jitter of the individual length of marks and inter-mark spaces during retrieving at 1-times velocity is 35 ns or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Natsuko Nobukuni, Takashi Ohno, Masae Kubo, Michikazu Horie
  • Publication number: 20070127343
    Abstract: An information recording device and related method are disclosed. The information recording device is capable of adjusting a phase difference between a first synchronization signal and a second synchronization signal. The information recording device includes an encoder for generating a run-length of an encoded data; a phase detector for detecting the phase difference between the first and the second synchronous signals; a shift offset controller, electrically connected to the phase detector, for generating a shift information according to the phase difference; and a write pulse generator, electrically connected to the encoder and the shift offset controller, for generating a write pulse signal according to the run-length of the encoded data and the shift information, thereby making the first synchronous signal synchronized with the second synchronous signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Wei-Hsiang Tseng, Jin-Bin Yang, Hsin-Cheng Chen