Abstract: In one embodiment, a DRAM is provided that includes: a word line intersecting with a pair of bit lines, the DRAM including a memory cell at each intersection, each memory cell including an access transistor adapted to couple a storage cell to the corresponding bit line if its gate voltage is raised; and a word line compensation circuit adapted to compensate for a capacitively-coupled voltage increase on the corresponding bit line if the access transistor's gate voltage is raised.

Abstract: A multi-port volatile memory device can include a first port that is configured for data transfer to/from an external host system and the device. A volatile main memory core is configured to store data received thereat and read requested stored data thereform. A volatile sub memory core can be configured to store data received thereat and read requested stored data therefrom. A main interface circuit can be coupled to the first port and can be configured to provide data to/from the volatile main memory core and the first port in a master mode and can be configured to provide data to/from the volatile sub memory core and the first port in a slave mode. A second port can be configured for data transfer to/from an external non-volatile memory device and the device and a sub interface circuit can be coupled to the second port and configured to provide data to/from the volatile sub memory core and the second port in the slave mode.

Abstract: A static ram cell is described. The cell includes a pair of cross-coupled transistors and a pair of diode-connected transistors operated from a wordline that provides power to the cell. The cell has three main operating modes, reading, writing, and data retention. Reading is performed by sensing current flowing from a powered-up wordline through a conductive one of the cross-coupled transistors. Writing is performed by pulsing the source of the conductive one of the cross-coupled transistors with a positive voltage to flip the conductive states of the cross-coupled transistors. Data retention is performed by using leakage currents to retain the conductive states of the cross-coupled transistors. A decoder for an array of static ram cells may be operated synchronously and in a pipelined fashion using a rotary traveling wave oscillator that provides the clocks for the pipeline. The cell is capable of detecting an alpha particle strike with suitable circuitry.

Abstract: A redundancy replacement scheme for repairing a faulty memory cell including memory cells arranged in memory blocks containing word lines and column select lines. The redundancy replacement scheme including replacing the faulty memory cell in a second memory block with a spare memory cell in the second memory block based on a decoded address of a first memory block.

Abstract: Phase-change memory (PCM) cells store data using alloy resistors in high-resistance amorphous and low-resistance crystalline states. The time of the memory cell's set-current pulse can be 100 ns, much longer than read or reset times. The write time thus depends on the write data and is relatively long. A page-mode caching PCM device has a lookup table (LUT) that caches write data that is later written to an array of PCM banks. Host data is latched into a line FIFO and written into the LUT, reducing write delays to the relatively slow PCM. Host read data can be supplied by the LUT or fetched from the PCM banks. A multi-line page buffer between the PCM banks and LUT allows for larger block transfers using the LUT. Error-correction code (ECC) checking and generation is performed for data in the LUT, hiding ECC delays for data writes into the PCM banks.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hybrid DRAM is provided that includes: a sense amplifier including a differential amplifier and regenerative latch, wherein the differential amplifier and regenerative latch are constructed using core transistors; and a plurality of memory cells coupled to the sense amplifier through a pair of bit lines, wherein the memory cells are constructed using I/O transistors.

Abstract: A translator of an apparatus in an example through a serial connection external interface of a printed circuit board (PCB) communicates between a serial memory protocol within the PCB and a parallel memory protocol outside the PCB.

Abstract: A detect circuit may be used to detect one or more characteristics corresponding to the fuse being programmed. When the one or more characteristics of the fuse being programmed reach the desired states or values, the programming of the fuse is discontinued. Thus, the programming duration for each fuse is customized for each fuse. As a result, for some embodiments, there may be fewer fuses that have been over-programmed. In addition, for some embodiments, the range of impedances of the programmed fuses have a narrower distribution of impedances due to the use of the detect circuit.

Abstract: An approach to selectively powering a memory device is provided to improve the writeability of static random access memory (SRAM) cells without adversely compromising their stability. For example, various methods are provided to permit the voltage or current of a power supply line connected with one side of an SRAM cell to drop during write operations. This drop weakens one side of the SRAM cell and reduces the drive-fight between transistors of the SRAM cell and external write circuitry. As a result, the minimum voltage for writing new logic states into the SRAM cell is reduced to permit overall lower operating voltages for the SRAM cell and related circuitry. By continuing to maintain a second side of the SRAM cell at the reference voltage or current, the SRAM cell can successfully switch to a newly written logic state.

Abstract: A memory power supply circuit configured for supplying power to two types of memories slots of a motherboard includes a slot detecting terminal configured to connect with a detecting pin of the motherboard which is used to detect the memory slots, an electrical switch element, a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor, and a voltage output terminal connected to power input pins of the two types of memories slots. The second resistor and third resistor are connected in series between a first power supply and ground. The slot detecting terminal is connected to a first terminal of the electrical switch element. A second terminal of the electrical switch element is grounded. A third terminal of the electrical switch element is connected to the voltage output terminal via the first resistor and connected to a node between the second and third resistors.

Abstract: Integrated circuits are provided that have volatile memory elements. The memory elements produce output signals. The integrated circuits may be programmable logic device integrated circuits containing programmable core logic including transistors with gates. The core logic is powered using a core logic power supply level defined by a core logic positive power supply voltage and a core logic ground voltage. When loaded with configuration data, the memory elements produce output signals that are applied to the gates of the transistors in the core logic to customize the programmable logic device. The memory elements are powered with a memory element power supply level defined by a memory element positive power supply voltage and a memory element ground power supply voltage. The memory element power supply level is elevated with respect to the core logic power supply level.

Abstract: A voltage booster and a memory structure using the same are provided. When a data storage unit in the memory structure is in normal operation, all voltage pumps in the voltage booster are turned on for boosting a supply voltage. However, when the data storage unit is in standby state, in the voltage booster, some voltage pumps are turned on while other voltage pumps are turned off, for boosting the supply voltage. Accordingly, the standby current and power consumption are reduced and the pump efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device having a plurality of memory locations is presented. The plurality of memory locations includes a plurality of primary memory locations and a plurality of spare memory locations. The device includes an address decoder configured to receive a memory location address and process the address to select one of the memory locations. The device further includes control logic configured to receive control signals and process the control signals to determine whether the selected one of the memory locations is one of the primary memory locations or one of the spare memory locations, and to provide access to the selected one of the memory locations via data lines.

Abstract: A signaling system includes a signaling path, a master device coupled to the signaling path, a slave device coupled to the signaling path, and a clock generator. The slave device includes timing circuitry to generate an internal clock signal having a phase offset relative to a clock signal supplied by the clock generator, the phase offset being determined at least in part by a signal propagation time on the signal path.

Abstract: In a method for enabling a root device to access a plurality of memory locations in an address space in an endpoint device, a first access is sent to the endpoint device by transmitting a first header and a first address. The header includes a continue bit that is set at a first state that indicates that the first access is accessing a selected first memory location that the address is being sent. A first memory location is accessed when the continue bit is in the first state. A second access, which accesses accessing a second memory location that is contiguous to an immediately previously accessed memory location, is sent to the endpoint device by transmitting a header that includes a continue bit set to a second state and not sending an address. The second memory location corresponds to the first address plus a predetermined address offset.

Abstract: A method for dosing an additive in an injection-moulding unit, and an injection-moulding unit. The injection-moulding unit (1) comprises a screw (2) that comprises at least a feed zone (4). The injection-moulding unit (1) also comprises feed devices (7) that dose the plastic raw material into a space between the screw (2) and a cylinder through a feed opening (9) onto the feed zone (4) of the screw. The additive is fed to the feed zone (4) of the screw from the dosing channel (10) that opens into the space between the screw (2) and cylinder (3) in the flow direction of the plastic raw material.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus including a mixing chamber comprising two intersecting housing bores and an inlet positioned to receive material into the mixing chamber. Two screw shafts are supported for rotation about respective generally parallel axes and include respective screw sections positioned for co-wiping intermeshing rotation within the respective housing bores of the mixing chamber. The apparatus supports screw shaft rotational speeds greater than approximately 800 rpm and includes screw shaft conveying portions that are rotatably cantilevered for self-journaled support within respective separate conveying chambers arranged generally parallel to one another downstream of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a mixture of various bulk material components, with supply containers for the individual bulk material components and with a weighing container with an integrated mixing device which is suspended or supported on a weighing device, and to which the desired mixture of the bulk material components is supplied from the supply containers by means of feed devices via an upper inlet. The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus such as this in which the ratio of the empty weight of the weighing container to the items being weighed is considerably improved, in order to increase the measurement accuracy. This object is achieved in that the mixing device (18) projects into the weighing container (10) from above, but is suspended free of the weighing container (10).

Abstract: Disclosed is an applicator system for mixing, homogenizing and/or emulsifying two or more solutions and/or substances prior to application. The system includes a first and a second container of solution, a hand-held homogenizer having a homogenizing assembly and an applicator assembly configured to fluidly communicate the first and second containers with the homogenizing assembly. The solution from each container is mixed by the homogenizing assembly when the solution is dispensed from the containers. The applicator assembly may be integrally formed with the homogenizer and may be configured to include an outlet for dispensing the homogenized solution. The outlet may form an applicator tip or a connection for releasably securing a hose or tube. The homogenizing assembly may be integrally formed with the applicator and may include rotors and stators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for mixing fluids. It is a hydraulic or pneumatic apparatus, depending on the fluid used for transportation. It is static and has the characteristics of both an extractor and a fluid mixer. Extraction is effected by dragging the suction elements, by means of the circulation of a transporting fluid injected at low pressure. The injection inlets (5 or 6) and suction inlets (6 or 5) are interchangeable and lead to a single outlet (3). The injection tube (1) formed by a helical spiral on the outside surrounded by the sheath (4) increases the pressure in the transporting fluid and creates outward helical movement with centrifugal force in all the fluid that circulates on the outside.

Abstract: The device (10) comprises a substantially stationary outer frame (14) and a movable inner frame (18) supported by the outer frame (14). The inner frame (18) is provided with a lower support plate (26) for a receptacle (C) containing the product to be mixed and with an upper clamping plate (30) which can be moved towards the inner plate (26) to clamp the receptacle (C). The lower and upper plates (26, 30) are both rotatably mounted about a vertical axis (Z). The device comprises a first electric motor (32), first driving means (38, 40, 42, 44, 45) arranged to impart a vertical oscillation movement to the receptacle (C) and second driving means (38, 40, 42, 58, 60, 56, 54, 52, 48, 26) arranged to impart a rotational movement about a vertical axis (Z) to the receptacle (C) at the same time as the vertical oscillation movement. The first and second driving means are both operated by the first electric motor (32).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a non-Newtonian fluid product including a non-Newtonian fluid base product including at least one second phase is disclosed. A second phase dispersion apparatus is disclosed which receives the at least one second phase and the non-Newtonian fluid base product and disperses the at least one second phase within the non-Newtonian fluid base product to produce the non-Newtonian fluid product.

Abstract: Systems and methods for marine seismic cable deployment and retrieval are described. One system comprises a plurality of portable containers, each container temporarily storing a marine seismic component, at least some of the containers able to be removably fastened to a deck of a vessel of opportunity, and at least one of the portable containers storing a main cable winch on which is wound a marine seismic cable. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently acquiring towed streamer marine seismic data are described. One method and system comprises positioning a plurality of source-only tow vessels and one or more source-streamer tow vessels to acquire a wide- and/or full-azimuth seismic survey without need for the spread to repeat a path once traversed. Another method and system allows surveying a sub-sea geologic feature using a marine seismic spread, the spread smartly negotiating at least one turn during the surveying, and shooting and recording during the turn. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, allowing a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An improved energy efficient intelligent pulser driver used for generating a mud pulse in a MWD (measurement while drilling) application. In the pulser driver, a direct current (DC) powered control circuit activates a three-phase DC brushless motor that operates a servo-valve. Opening of the servo-valve equalizes pressure in a plenum causing the operation of a main valve reducing flow area and causing a pressure spike in the mud column. Closing of the servo-valve creates a reduction in mud pressure that operates the main valve and increases the flow area causing an end to the pressure spike. The servo-valve is powered both in opening and closing operations by the motor.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting, identifying, and fixing the location of the source of an acoustic event. The inventive system includes: a plurality of sensors dispersed at somewhat regular intervals throughout a monitored area; a communication network adapted to deliver information from the sensors to a host processor; and a process within the host processor for determining, from the absolute times of arrival of an event at two or more sensors, a position of the source of the event. Acoustic events are detected and analyzed at each sensor so that the sensor transmits over the network: an identifier for the sensor; an identifier for the type of event; and a precise absolute time of arrival of the event at the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the system also identifies the type of weapon firing a gunshot.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting, identifying, and fixing the location of the source of an acoustic event. The inventive system includes: a plurality of sensors dispersed at somewhat regular intervals throughout a monitored area; a communication network adapted to deliver information from the sensors to a host processor; and a process within the host processor for determining, from the absolute times of arrival of an event at two or more sensors, a position of the source of the event. Acoustic events are detected and analyzed at each sensor so that the sensor transmits over the network; an identifier for the sensor; an identifier for the type of event; and a precise absolute time of arrival of the event at the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the system also identifies the type of weapon firing a gunshot.

Abstract: A tracking device is incorporated into a watch. The tracking device appears as an ordinary watch, but cannot be removed by the individual wearing it. If necessary, the location of the tracking device can be determined by a central server and reported to the authorities or to the individual's family.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an input unit for generating control signals according to operations of a user, a power supply unit for supplying power to the electronic device, a first timer for measuring and signaling the end of a first time interval by outputting a first end signal, a second timer for measuring and signaling the end of a second time interval by outputting a second end signal, a notifier for generating a notice signal based on a notice file, and a controller. The controller is for restarting the first timer and disabling the second timer whenever receiving one of the control signals, restarting the second timer and enabling the notifier when receiving the first end signal, and disabling the power supply unit when receiving the second end signal. A related automatic turnoff method for automatically turning off an electronic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric counter circuit (30, 40, 80) comprises a clock generator (1, 54, 111, 120, 130) for generating a plurality of clock signals (21-24, 121-125, 131-134) and a sampling device (32, 81) for sampling the clock signals (21-24, 121-125, 131-134) at a first moment in time when a first characteristic signal section (LE) of a digital signal (DS) appears. Furthermore, the circuit (30, 40, 80) comprises a calculation device (33) for calculating the time between the first moment and a second moment which is later than the first moment. This calculation is based on the clock signals (21-24, 121-125, 131-134) at the first moment and based on the clock signals (21-24, 121-125, 131-134) at the second moment. The clock signals (21-24, 121-125, 131-134) each have the same cycle duration (T) and are phase-shifted with respect to each other.

Abstract: A watchcase is provided including a watchcase and an exoskeleton. The exoskeleton is aesthetically pleasing and engineeringly sound, encompassing the watchcase and protecting it from everyday wear and tear, of which it could be totally independent from the watchcase or could be attached to the watchcase in a supportive manner with connectors attaching it to the watchcase and connected with screws and separate supportive parts, reinforced from the exoskeleton mainframe to the top of the watchcase. The supports or connections could be engineered to evenly distribute any stress points, creating a ridged protective barrier for the watchcase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a media device apparatus having an improved design for auto-calibration providing efficient operation and improved engagement to one or more storage discs. In one aspect, the present invention provides a disc transport movable along at least one axis, one or more media device components including an engagement area, and a calibrating device for aligning the disc transport with the engagement area, the calibrating device including a first member associated with the disc transport and a second member associated with the media device component, wherein either the first member or the second member moves along a first axis until a calibration position is sensed, which is at a known distance from the engagement area. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for calibrating at least one of the disc transport and the one or more media device components along an engagement axis.

Abstract: When tracking a dual-layer optical disc by a differential push-pull method, the adverse effect of the reflected light from an adjacent layer, which produces stray light, on a tracking control signal is prevented. A split wavelength plate 20 is inserted in the optical path of the reflected light from the optical disc including the stray light from the adjacent layer so as to detect a region having no interference with the stray light with a four-quadrant detector, and then a push-pull signal by a sub-beam is formed.

Abstract: An optical disk apparatus that performs focus control and tracking control, the focus control focusing an objective lens on an optical disk, and the tracking control making the objective lens track a partial area on the optical disk. The optical disk apparatus has a light-blocking element and a light detector. The light-blocking element is disposed on a first light path on which light reflected by the optical disk travels, and blocks a part of the reflected light. The light detector detects, for the focus control, the reflected light which passes the light-blocking element. The light-blocking element has a predetermined area for blocking the reflected light, the predetermined area extending along a direction optically corresponding to the tracking direction in which the objective lens tracks, for the tracking control, the partial area on the optical disk.

Abstract: A wide test region is ensured in an optical disk and the number of repeated recording instances is suppressed so that the optical disk is made insusceptible to damage and the test region can effectively be utilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for reading data on a data layer (105) of an information carrier (101) comprising one or more servo marks (108, 109) positioned relative to said data layer (105), the system comprising: probe array generation means (104, 102) for generating a probe array comprising an array of light spots (103) intended to be applied to said information carrier (101) so as to generate output beams representative of said one or more servo marks (108, 109) and said data, wherein the distance between the focal point of one or more light spots of a portion of said probe array and a respective portion of said information carrier corresponding to at least one servo mark is different to the distance between the focal points of the light spots of the rest of the probe array and the rest of said information carrier; an image sensor (106) for receiving said output beams and generating a corresponding image; means (116) for deriving a contrast value in respect of at least of a portion of said

Abstract: An optically detectable information recording medium is at least comprised of a substrate and a recording layer, wherein a surface of the recording layer opposite to another surface of the recording layer in contact with the substrate has a Root Mean Square roughness R? of less than 5 nm, and wherein the recording layer has dye recording material selected from cyanine dye, phthalocyanine dye, naphtalocyanine dye, azo dye, naphtoquinone dye, fulgide dye, polymethyne dye, and acridine dye.

Abstract: A method and system for improving reliability in an optical storage system (100) is disclosed. A time shift measurement between two streams of information (150, 151) is performed during a writing operation of said optical storage system (100) to an optical storage medium (101), such as a CD, DVD or BluRay Disc (BD). Writing operation of the optical storage system is interrupted when the time shift measurement is greater than a predetermined level for detecting an irregularity in said optical storage system (100) during said writing operation, e.g. caused by a tangential shock, vibration, eccentricity or unbalance of the optical storage medium (101). Thus the irregularity, causing a faulty writing operation, the optical storage system (100) is quickly detected in order to prevent wasting a disc by interrupting recording as soon as a shock, vibration, etc. is detected by means of the measurement.

Abstract: A method of controlling the positioning of an objective lens of a lens system for controlling an optical beam used in reading and/or recording information from/onto a track of an optical disc, the method comprising steps of detecting modulated optical signals corresponding to the intensity of a reflected optical beam, the reflected optical beam being modulated by the periodic structures of the track of the optical disc, deriving a radial tilt error signal from the modulated optical signals indicative of a radial tilt, wherein the radial tilt refers to the tilt of the objective lens with respect to the optical disc in a radial direction; using the radial tilt error signal for adjusting the position of the objective lens with respect to the optical disc in a radial direction, the method characterized by using the radial tilt error signal for adjusting the position of the objective lens by means of a feedback loop.

Abstract: This optical disk device includes a read means which reads data from an optical disk upon which data is recorded at a variable bit rate for each sector. Moreover, this optical disk device includes a buffer memory which sequentially stores data which has been read by the read means, and a replay means which sequentially reads out and decodes data stored in the buffer memory, and replays that data. Furthermore, this optical disk device includes a control means which, when a command for special replay is issued, calculates the address of the sector currently being decoded by the replay means based upon the address of the sector currently being read by the read means, and upon the amount of data stored in the buffer memory. And the control means commands the read means to read out, from the optical disk, a sector to be jumped to.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for optimizing optical disc writing strategy. The method for optimizing optical disc writing strategy comprises the steps of obtaining the information concerning whether said area to be written has experienced any writing before; searching for an area that has the corresponding information in the writing optimization area on said optical disc; and performing writing test on said area that has the corresponding information to optimize and determine an optical disc writing strategy for writing said optical disc. The method and apparatus could not only reduce the difference between the optical disc writing strategy and the real optical disc writing condition as much as possible, but also lower the requirement on the optical disc writing equipment and the cost, and could be easily realized.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information recording apparatus which records content compliant with a second DVD standard on an information storage medium, the second DVD standard being a DVD standard later than a first DVD standard defined for a first image quality and being defined for a second image quality higher than the first image quality, includes a determination unit configured to determine whether narrow burst cutting area (NBCA) of the information storage medium is valid or not, and whether supported maximum recording speed of the information storage medium is triple speed or more of a predetermined recording speed, and a recording unit configured to perform real-time recording of the content compliant with the second standard on the information storage medium on the basis of the determination.

Abstract: A method of generating a position error signal for a desired radial position of a read/write head relative to a data track of a disk is disclosed. The track has a plurality of servo bursts defining a plurality of servo nulls for the track, and are positioned such that they are at more than four different radial positions relative to the track, and define a predetermined locus having a known position relationship with the track. The method comprises determining a target null position on the null locus corresponding to the radial position of the head relative to the track; detecting the position of the servo null with the head; determining from the detected servo null position the position error of the head relative to the target null position; and, generating a position error signal.

Abstract: The disk recording device of the present invention includes a recording means and a file system recording means. The recording means performs recording of an image signal upon a recordable type optical disk. The file system recording means includes an address information search means and an address information recording means. If the recording of the file system has failed, the address information recording means records the address information in the lead-in region, but does not thus record the address information if it is already recorded in the lead-in region, or the like.

Abstract: In a recordable data storage medium on which property data was recorded after having been modulated and on which data that is decodable by a cryptographic key to be generated from the property data was recorded, the property data was preferably modulated by a different method from that applied to a read-only data storage medium. Then, an optical disc drive, having no ability to distinguish the recordable data storage medium from the read-only data storage medium, cannot read the recordable data storage medium. Consequently, a greater number of drives should be equipped with the function of recognizing the type of a given data storage medium and the copyright protection function should be consolidated.

Abstract: A ROM disk having a block data format provided with linking areas as with a rewritable disk. Main data recorded in a main data area and linking data recorded in a linking area in each block are scrambled by identical scrambling data. The scrambling data is generated by a random sequence using address information of the block as an initial value.

Abstract: A recording apparatus that can record a content on a first recording medium, and on a second recording medium taking longer time to record a content than the first recording medium does, the recording apparatus includes: a recording control means for controlling recording of a transferred content such a way that when the transferred content that is a content sent from another device is recorded on the second recording medium, the transferred content is recorded on the first recording medium prior to the second recording medium and the transferred content recorded on the first recording medium is recorded on the second recording medium; and a notifying means for notifying the another device that reception of the transferred content is completed at a time when the recording of the transferred content on the first recording medium is completed before the recording of the transferred content on the second recording medium is completed.

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 information recording medium (100) is provided with: a first recording layer (L0) in which record information is recorded toward one direction directed from an inner circumferential side to an outer circumferential side, or directed from the outer circumferential side to the inner circumferential side, by irradiating laser light (LB) thereon; and a second recording layer (L1) in which the record information is recorded toward another direction which is different from the one direction, by irradiating the laser light thereon, directions of recording the record information being equal, in a particular recording area for focus-in of the laser light in said first recording layer and in at least one recording area of said second recording layer corresponding to the particular recording area.

Abstract: A device reads and/or records marks in a track on a record carrier via near field optical recording. The device has a head including a lens to be positioned at a near field distance from a surface of the record carrier. An air gap controller is for controlling an air gap between the lens and the surface, and has an approach mode for bringing the lens from a remote distance in the far field (72) to the near field distance. Thereto the controller provides an increasing periodical excitation signal (73) for generating a sequence of approach instants (77) at which the lens approaches the surface. At the approach instants the lens has substantially zero velocity (76). The sequence of approach instants brings the lens subsequently closer to the surface. When the lens enters in the near field range (71) at one of the approach instants (77), the air gap controller is switched to closed loop mode.