Abstract: An optical information storage apparatus includes an optical switch element and an optical fiber. The optical switch element receives an optical input and outputs an optical output only when the optical input is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The optical fiber constitutes a first optical path. The optical fiber has at least one end face and receives an optical output emitted from the optical switch element through the at least one end face, guides the optical output, and emits an output beam, constituting the optical input, onto the optical switch element.

Abstract: An optical memory is disclosed in which data is stored in an optical data layer capable of selectively altering light such as by changeable transmissivity, reflectivity, polarization, and/or phase. The data is illuminated by controllable light sources and an array of multi-surface imaging lenslets project the image onto a common array of light sensors. Data is organized into a plurality of regions or patches (called pages) and by selective illumination of each data page, one of the lenslets images the selected data page onto the light sensors. Light in the data image pattern strikes different ones of the arrayed light sensors, thereby outputting a pattern of binary bits in the form of electrical data signals.

Abstract: The multi-dimensional optical memory utilizes the wavelength and intensity dimensions to effect a high density record. With incorporation of a broadband light source, scanning monochromator and photo detector array, a high speed random access optical memory system is realized. The system is executed in terms of a silicon based manufacturing technology allowing advantages of low cost and small physical size resulting from photolithographic batch-processing producibility.

Abstract: An optical cache memory architecture is utilized that has the advantages of fast access time, high bandwidth and high density. The optical cache memory architecture stores data holographically with greatly reduced crosstalk and distortions. The memory architecture uses the beam fanning effect present within a high gain photorefractive crystal to eliminate the so-called Bragg degeneracy.

Abstract: This application concerns an optical storage with an optical storage medium having a plurality of storage fields arranged in matrix fashion, wherein each storage field of this storage field matrix comprises a storage position matrix consisting of a number of storage positions arranged in matrix fashion, and an X/Y deflection system for random-addressing a storage position of a storage field of the storage field matrix responsive to an X- and a Y-control signal generated by a control unit, so that a light beam impinging on the X/Y deflection system is directed to a storage position of a storage field of the optical storage medium corresponding to the position of the X/Y deflection system.

Abstract: A FIFO buffer in which respective portions are controlled in a distributed manner is provided. In the FIFO buffer, a number of loop circuits having delay elements are provided in which respective loop circuits are connected to one another in cascade manner. Additionally provided are a number of traffic control units for controlling the signal traffic between respective neighboring loop circuits. In the case where no signal is fed back to a traffic control unit from the output side and also a new signal is transmitted thereto from the input side, the traffic control unit transmits the new signal to the loop circuit which is on the output side. In the case where any signal is fed back to a traffic control unit from the output side and also a new signal is transmitted thereto from the input side, the traffic control unit again transmits the fed-back signal to the loop circuit which is on the output side and transmits the new signal to the loop circuit which is on the input side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus operate an optical memory to perform bit-slice associative memory operations by storing a plurality of keywords to define a keyword database and accessing the database by means of one of the keywords. Preferably, the plurality of keywords are unique and are used to retrieve data which corresponds individually to the keywords. Operation of the memory is by identification of a keyword, the location of which is to be determined within the memory, for example for data retrieval. The identified keyword is then used effectively as a retrieval mask to access the plurality of keywords. The keyword database and its complement are stored in an optical device with the keyword to be retrieved and its complement being stored in recall optical devices. The keyword database or its complement is repetitively swept by shifting output columnar vectors by one bit position until all bit positions have been swept.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical information recording apparatus for recording optical information in a phase change type optical recording medium and a method therefor. The order of the atomic arrangement of the optical recording medium is capable of changing between a first state of order thereof and a second state of order thereof higher than the first state. A first light source generates a first light including the optical information and projecting the generated first light on the optical recording medium so as to change the order of the atomic arrangement of the optical recording medium from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state, mainly by heating the optical recording medium.

Abstract: An electro optical random access memory uses a film of bacteriorhodopsin or similar photochromic substance which can change between two light absorbing states in response to light of each of two wavelengths. In one embodiment combined red and green laser beams are steered in two orthogonal directions to memory locations on the film. The relative amounts of the light of the two wavelength reflected from memory cell is sensed and discriminated to indicate "1" or "0". A crowbar circuit holds one or the other of the two laser beams on to compensate for degradation that occurs in a read cycle. In another embodiment a single wavelength is employed for read and write operations, but at a much greater strength for the write operation.

Abstract: An image memory comprises a random access memory, a serial access memory including a main register and a preregister, a data transfer section for carrying out data transfer between the random access memory and the serial access memory, and a designation section for designating an address of serial access. The data transfer section serves to transfer data from the random access memory to the main register of the serial access memory through the preregister. Furthermore, a serial access to the serial access memory is made on the basis of an address designated by the designation means. Thus, a transfer system defined as a hidden transfer for carrying out data transfer only between the random access memory and the preregister is set as a technique for relaxing the restriction on the transfer timings. This technique permits the serial access memory to be used with the divided or split segments having arbitrary lengths, respectively.

Abstract: A random access memory addressing system utilizing optical links between memory and the read/write logic circuits comprises addressing circuits including a plurality of light signal sources, a plurality of optical gates including optical detectors associated with the memory cells, and a holographic optical element adapted to reflect and direct the light signals to the desired memory cell locations. More particularly, it is a multi-port, binary computer memory for interfacing with a plurality of computers. There are a plurality of storage cells for containing bits of binary information, the storage cells being disposed at the intersections of a plurality of row conductors and a plurality of column conductors. There is interfacing logic for receiving information from the computers directing access to ones of the storage cells. There are first light sources associated with the interfacing logic for transmitting a first light beam with the access information modulated thereon.

Abstract: An optical recording medium which has data tracks and tracking lines juxtaposed with each other in a data recording region so as to write/read data into/from the data tracks, using the tracking lines as a reference. The data recording region is so configured as to have recessed portions and raised portions arranged alternatingly and extending along each other in a direction of data reading/writing. The so formed recessed portions and raised portions provide data tracks. With this configuration, the boundary edges between the respective recessed portions and the respective raised portions are used as tracking lines, so that data can be written in the recessed or raised portions, referring to the boundary edges as tracking lines.

Abstract: An optical neural net, content addressable memory that does not include electronics or slow optics in the feedback path. The memory comprises an optical vector-matrix multiplier that includes a spatial light modulator and input and output optics, and optical feedback means for returning the outputs of the multiplier to the inputs. Presentation of partial data at selected inputs causes the neural net to iterate at light speed to determine the corresponding output data. An arrangement is described for providing bipolar operations and for letting any group of elements act as the net stimulus.

Abstract: An image recording and/or reproducing apparatus including a recording unit having a recording driving mechanism for recording a plurality of images in the form of electrostatic pattern on different regions of a photosensitive member, a reading unit having a beam source and capable of scanning the photosensitive member by an electron beam so as to convert the recorded pattern into electric signals, and a connecting member for connecting the recording unit and the reading unit without causing any change in the states of these units. This apparatus makes it possible to record and/or to reproduce images with a high image quality. The connecting member includes a container accommodating the recording unit and the reading unit. Alternatively, the connecting member is adapted to keep a portion of the recoding unit and a portion of the reading unit in close contact with each other.

Abstract: An optical data processing unit for parallel processing operation is based on one or more successively mutually superimposed optical memory plates and light directing members for controlling the application of input optical data to the memory plates, each memory plate being formed of a planar array of electro-optical memory elements capable of memorizing optical data incident thereon and emitting corresponding optical data thereafter. The memory elements preferably consist of bistable semiconductor laser diodes, enabling an extremely high speed of data processing and logic function switching to be achieved.

Abstract: A block oriented solid state optical memory having a distributed data storage architecture comprises a lens array including a plurality of laterally separated lenslets which have numerical apertures selected to cause them to focus essentially diffraction limited images of a photoemitter array in parallel onto laterally displaced sections of a data mask, so that the images optically align with respective photosensors. The lenslets are formed on the first surface of the lens array, and the data mask is supported on or very close to the last surface of the lens array to minimize the scattering of reflected light. An opaque light shield on the first surface of the lens array optically masks the area between the lenslets to eliminate unwanted stray light. Furthermore, in at least some embodiments of the invention, the light shield extends into the apertures of the lenslets to stop them down sufficiently to obtain substantially diffraction limited performance.

Abstract: An eraseable solid state optical memory has an array of selectively energizeable photoemitters which are imaged by suitable imaging means onto a data mask to optically address data stored thereon. To that end, the data mask is an eraseable optical recording medium, such as a tellurium suboxide or other chalcogenide material. A data writer is provided for programming, erasing and re-programming the data mask in situ while self-aligning the imaging means with the programmed data mask. The data mask may be erased and/or re-programmed in whole or part, thereby extending the utility of these memories to the storage of data that is subject to change.

Abstract: In a video and/or audio disc information recording and reproducing apparatus including a coarse tracking control means, to coarsely vary the positions of the turntable and the pickup means relative to each other in a radial direction of the disc on the turntable, is driven to move in a direction and over a distance to lessen the difference between the address picked up and the address to be searched and at a speed varying with the absolute value of the difference between such addresses and decreasing at a deceleration rate which increases as absolute value decreases within a predetermined range. The apparatus includes a fine tracking control means to minutely vary the relative positions of the turntable and the pickup means. The fine tracking control is made operative when the absolute value is reduced to the lower limit of the above mentioned predetermined range and the coarse tracking control means is made inoperative.

Abstract: An electrostatic image of binary data representing elements is formed on a particular electrophotographic member disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,025,339. The electrostatic image is toned and the toned image is transferred to a storage medium. The storage medium is in the form of an extended length of dual-layer transparent synthetic resin material. One of the layers has a softening range of temperature less than the substrate. At the transfer, the one layer is heated and the toned image is pressed into the one layer. The storage medium carrying the toned image then is wound up on a storage or take-up spool while fresh medium is fed from a supply spool. The two spools are carried by a housing and the housing, spools and medium form an optical mass memory cassette. Reading of the data occurs by deflecting rays of light across the medium and the light that is transmitted through and blocked by the medium is sensed in bar sensors, one for each ray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectably retrieving information from any of a plurality of spirally-formed information tracks formed in a video disc by means of controlling a carriage for translating the video disc in a forward or a reverse direction relative to radiant beam information recovery means in a video disc player. Each information track is identified by a unique address and means are provided for selecting the address of a particular track to be retrieved. A prescribed sequence of drive signals is applied to a carriage motor dependent on the distance to be traveled by the carriage to retrieve the selected information, the drive signals being successively stepped downward to intermittently redetermine carriage motor speed as predetermined location thresholds are reached during carriage translation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a data recording medium reproducing device in which a pick-up device reads address data from a recording medium such as a video disc. The read off data is compared with a supply desired address data to form a signal which represents whether the present position is inside, outside, or coincident with the desired position. A sequence controller operates in response to the output of the comparison to drive coarse and fine adjustment devices which position the pick-up device successively until the desired position or a position within the vicinity of desired position is reached.

Abstract: The invention is a matrixing system, involving optical fibers, for accessing data encoded on an optical disk. Illustratively, a plurality of first fiber bundles couples optical sources to disk locations along angular coordinates, and a plurality of second fiber bundles couples disk locations along radial coordinates to optical detectors. Selective activation of a particular source and particular detector enables a predetermined disk location to be read. The system is characterized by a random access time on the order of 100 .mu.s or less.

Abstract: In an optical recording system, a media disk for writing information has a plurality of information tracks with preformatted clock location indications written on the tracks. Writing is accomplished by making a written indication at a predetermined location between preformatted clock locations where the predetermined location is representative of the particular data to be written. Proper location of the preformatted clock location indicia on adjacent tracks provides for proper track crossing information when track addressing occurs as well as proper address location on particular tracks.

Abstract: A high-speed search system in a rotary recording medium reproducing apparatus having a reproducing transducer including a reproducing element for reproducing recorded signals from a rotary recording medium in which an information signal and a chapter address signal including a program number of the information signal are recorded, and transferring mechanism for transferring the reproducing transducer along the radial direction of the rotary recording medium, comprises a designating circuit for designating a program number of a desired program which is to be reproduced, a reproducing circuit for reproducing a chapter address signal from a signal reproduced by the reproducing transducer; and a control circuit for comparing the designated program number with a program number of the reproduced chapter address signal and transferring the reproducing transducer at a high speed by the transferring mechanism towards a direction where the two program numbers coincide when the two program numbers differ, and controllin

Abstract: Disclosed is a record carrier for storage of digital data which is provided with a first periodic track variation having a period corresponding to a frequency at which the power spectrum of the digital signals is at a zero level. The first track variation produces a corresponding modulation of the radiation when scanned by a beam so that a clock signal can be derived from the detected radiation for synchronizing readout or recording of the data. The record carrier is further provided with a second periodic track variation in a direction transverse to the track direction having a period of the same order of magnitude, and preferably equal to the period of the first periodic track modulation. The second track variation produces a corresponding modulation of the beam which is detected and is used to generate to a tracking signal, the clock signal being used as phase reference signal for demodulation of the tracking signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectably retrieving information from any of a plurality of spirally-formed information tracks formed in a video disc by means of controlling a carriage for translating the video disc in a forward or a reverse direction relative to radiant beam information recovery means in a video disc player. Each information track is identified by a unique address and means are provided for selecting the address of a particular track to be retrieved. A prescribed sequence of drive signals is applied to a carriage motor dependent on the distance to be traveled by the carriage to retrieve the selected information, the drive signals being successively stepped downward to intermittently redetermine carriage motor speed as predetermined location thresholds are reached during carriage translation.

Abstract: Periodic clock pulses are pre-recorded on each servo track of an optical disk to provide a local self-synchronizing source of clock frequency information for read only or direct read after write optical digital disk memories. In keeping with accepted practices, the servo track or tracks additionally function as references for controlling the radial positioning of a read head or a read/write head of such a memory.

Abstract: The output beam of a read laser for an optical memory is diffracted to provide a plurality of read beams of substantially equal intensity for simultaneously scanning all of the data tracks of a selected data channel with a different one of the read beams, whereby each of the read beams is optically modulated in accordance with the data recorded on a respective one of the data tracks. The optically modulated read beams are applied to respective detectors, whereby the data recorded on the different data tracks is simultaneously converted into corresponding video electrical signals. Those signals are, in turn, output selectively or in parallel.

Abstract: A three dimensional memory having an increased storage capacity. The memory block has a matrix of cylindrical cavities, each of which has a fiber optic light guide means disposed therein. Each light guide means is comprised of a cylindrical core having a first index of refraction and a cladding surrounding the core having a second, smaller index of refraction; a plurality of spaced deformations are formed at the core-cladding interface for allowing light to leak out of the guide laterally.

Abstract: A disc-shaped record carrier having an information track which is divided into a plurality of sectors per track circumference. Each sector is divided into a data section, in which the data can be recorded, and a synchronizing section. This synchronizing section consists of an optically detectable relief structure and comprises an indicator portion and an address portion. The address portion contains the information about the track number and the sector number. The indicator portion serves to define the beginning of the address portion unambiguously and for this purpose has such a relief structure that the indicator signal produced after cooperation with the radiation beam has a frequency which is clearly distinguishable from signal components resulting from the address portion.

Abstract: An optical read apparatus for reading a disc-shaped record carrier. A read element is mounted on an adjusting member by means of which the read element is radially movable. Moreover, there is provided a deflection element for correcting the radial position of the scanning spot. In order to enable an arbitrary information unit on the record carrier to be read with a short searching time, the drive of both the adjusting member and the deflection element is controlled. In order to enable the adjusting member to be moved in a rapid and controlled manner there is provided a position indicator, which indicates the instantaneous radial position of the read element. Moreover, there is included a correction circuit which eliminates the adverse effect of inaccuracies in the position indicator on the searching time.

Abstract: A method of recording multiple segments of data on a high-density disc such as an optical disc when the recording of data is done on a non-continuous basis. The method comprises: recording first data in a first portion of the tracks on the disc; recording at least a first reference file associated with the first data in a second portion of the tracks adjacent to the first portion, with the second portion including a last recording track; recording a character which is repeated in a third portion of the tracks to signify the end of the first data and the associated reference file; and leaving a recording gap on the optical disc between the third portion and a fourth portion, which fourth portion will subsequently be used for recording second or additional data thereon. Coherent light is used to electro-optically record on the disc.

Abstract: An optical system for recording n information signals on a photosensitive tape in the form of a discontinuous track made up of parallel track sections by means of n light beams having a two states modulated intensity, being simultaneously deflected by an acousto-optical deflector and focusing on the tape in the form of n equidistant spots aligned in a direction x. The combination of the deflection and a translation movement of the tape produces a scanning movement of said n spots in a direction perpendicular to x. The same system is made for the reading of the information transcribed on the tape, the beams being then not modulated, by means of photodetector means which receive the light emerging from the tape and provide information signals in relation with the physical modifications obtained on the tape during the recording.

Abstract: In a storage apparatus wherein signals recorded on tracks assigned addresses in advance on a rotary recording medium such as an optical video disk are randomly searched at high speed, a random access storage apparatus is provided in which erroneous searches attributed to a transient phenomenon due to a jump for the search, a drop-out, etc. are prevented.The storage apparatus includes an error check circuit. In a random access operation, a read head is mechanically moved to the vicinity of a target address, whereupon an address signal of a track to which the head has been moved is read. Whether or not the address signal is normal is determined by the error check circuit. If the address signal is determined to be normal, it is stored in a register as a reference address. A light spot is deflected by the number of tracks which corresponds to the address difference between the reference address of the register and the target address.

Abstract: A copying machine is provided for reproduction of a stationary original by progressively scanning a surface of the original and directing a scanning beam on to a photosensitive device which either generates an image of the original or an electric signal representing that image. A photosensitive device is mounted on the carriage and the beam is reflected back and forth in parallel with the surface such that the overall length of the scanning beam remains constant during scanning.

Abstract: A large number of closely spaced holograms are formed on a sheet, each hologram comprising an information portion and an identification portion. First scan means movably position the sheet relative to a reconstruction beam and a sensor means for reading a selected hologram. The sensor means reads the identification portion of the reconstructed hologram to determine whether said hologram is the selected hologram. If said hologram is the selected hologram, a second scan means is actuated to read the information area. If said hologram is not the selected hologram, the first scan means is actuated to move to the next hologram. The process is continued until the selected hologram is located. The identification area further comprises a density reference section which is read to produce a bias reference signal for combination with the information signals. In digital applications the bias reference signal establishes the quantization threshold.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically recording and reading information on a disc medium rotating surface. The information is recorded on concentric or spiral tracks continuously or in parts. The information, which can represent, for example, television video, x-ray, or digital data signals, are addressed by codes that identify the track on which the information is recored preceded by the address code. The recording mechanism can record a new track adjacent to the previous track if the disc has been moved between recordings. There are also means for compensating for eccentricity errors introduced by small changes in the radial dimensions of the disc. The spacing between tracks is typically 2.5 microns although the eccentricity errors may exceed the span of ten tracks. Typically, 4,000 tracks per cm can be recorded.

Abstract: The optical reader, for information discs of which the items of information are locatable by addresses previously recorded on each of the grooves forming the track, comprises a device for counting the number of grooves traversed during search phases which simultaneously uses the envelope of the reading signal and the signal representing the radial error in the position of the head relative to the nearest track, for algebraically counting the number of tracks traversed. After comparison with the number of grooves to be traversed, the counting device controls the deceleration of the radial advance when the spot is at a predetermined distance from the groove to be reached and also its total stoppage and the closure of the radial servocontrol loop when the groove is reached.

Abstract: An optical data recording system in which during recording the writing beam is made to move at the same velocity as the recording medium whereby motion blur is minimized or reduced. Movement of the writing beam at the same velocity as the recording medium is achieved by supplying a constantly varying frequency RF signal to an acousto-optic device which deflects (diffracts) the writing beam in accordance with the instantaneous frequency of the RF signal. The acousto-optic device can also be utilized to amplitude modulate the writing beam.

Abstract: An optical storage system for the simultaneous or random storage of digital information in a plurality of channels, comprising a rotating storage disc which is scanned by a light beam. The digital information of each channel is stored in points along a spiral track comprising interruptions. A concentrical guide track is associated with each channel. The light beam being focussed onto both tracks of each channel for optical addressing. The light beams of all channels are controlled via deflection systems so that, during the interruptions, they are briefly directed onto the guide tracks while following the spiral tracks. From the radial deviation of the moving disc, measured by way of a detector system, control signals are derived by the deflection systems to compensate for undesired radial motions of the spiral-shaped tracks.

Abstract: A system for recording and reproducing information using Fourier transform holography wherein original information to be recorded as holograms is divided into a number of groups each including N(N .gtoreq.2) information units, each unit including a given amount of information. This information is recorded by a holographic technique on a track or tracks of a record medium as a series of holograms from a plurality of unit-information input positions, or from a single unit-information input position when a reference light having a plurality of incident angles is used. In reproducing, the images either analog or digital are reproduced such that images reproduced from adjacent holograms in the series of holograms on the track appear at, at least two different positions on an image plane of a reproducing system such as pickup tubes or a photodiode array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectably retrieving information from any of a plurality of spirally-formed information tracks formed in a video disc by means of controlling a carriage for translating the video disc in a forward or a reverse direction relative to radiant beam information recovery means in a video disc player. Each information track is identified by a unique address and means are provided for selecting the address of a particular track to be retrieved. A prescribed sequence of drive signals is applied to a carriage motor dependent on the distance to be traveled by the carriage to retrieve the selected information, the drive signals being successively stepped downward to intermittently redetermine carriage motor speed as predetermined location thresholds are reached during carriage translation.

Abstract: In an optical recording system, a media disk for writing information has a plurality of information tracks with preformatted clock location indications written on the tracks. Writing is accomplished by making a written indication at a predetermined location between preformatted clock locations where the predetermined location is representative of the particular data to be written. Proper location of the preformatted clock location indicia on adjacent tracks provides for proper track crossing information when track addressing occurs as well as proper address location on particular tracks.

Abstract: A multiple-faced optical device comprising a light-responsive element having multiple faces, at least two of the faces constituting input faces for receipt of non-collinear light signals and at least one of the faces other than the input faces constituting an output face from which light signals transmitted through the light-responsive element are emitted. The light-responsive element is further configured to have optically-induced non-linear susceptibility to light signals transversely propagated through the light-responsive element such that at least one portion of the light-responsive element switches between two stable optical states in dependence on the total intensity of the light signals within the light-responsive element. The above-described optical device can be configured to perform various operations, such as AND/OR and INVERT/PASS logic operations, data line branching, signal time delay, and memory storage.