Abstract: The present invention provides a drive-integrated disk (an intelligent disk (ID)) having an electronic circuit controlling an external system as a peripheral. The drive-integrated disk comprises a disk block for storing information, a disk drive unit for accessing to the disk block, an electronic circuit block which connects to the disk drive unit via a bus, and a data input/output terminal group for connecting the electronic circuit block to an external apparatus, and is formed in a card shape.

Abstract: A media meter mounts to a surface of a removable storage media or other product, and provides a visual indication of one or more parameters of the storage media or other product. The media meter includes circuitry that detects status signals transmitted by rf transmissions or directly connected by wires between an auxiliary memory device mounted on the storage media or product, or receives status signals via rf transmissions directly from the auxiliary memory. As another alternative, the media meter may be integrated with the auxiliary memory to receive status signals directly from the auxiliary memory. The status signals indicate the capacity of the storage media, the number of read and/or write errors that have occurred during back-up and retrieval, the number of times the storage media has been loaded with data or other information, and other dynamically-varying parameters.

Abstract: Transfer of ancillary information, typically related to main information stored on an optical disk, to or from a storage on a disk is performed before the disk is capable of reproducing information. Described is a disk fitting aid member arranged in a recording and reproduction apparatus. Reproduction or recording of management information or catalog information for main information recorded or to be recorded is triggered by the operation of the fitting aid member. Alternatively, a recording and reproduction apparatus is mounted with a disk detector, with which the mounting of the disk on a tray can be detected, and the recording and reproduction of information to or from the storage is triggered by this detection.

Abstract: A long time optical recording and repeated reproduction of multimedia information is possible. Using a printer system or printing process system, on a recording medium such as a sheet, the so-called multimedia information in the form of dot codes (36) together with images (32) and characters (34) is recorded. The multimedia information includes audio information such as voices, image information obtainable from a camera and others, and digitally coded data obtainable from a personal computer and other. A pen-like information reproducing device (40) is manually moved to scan the dot codes (36) and to take in the dot codes. The original sound is generated by a voice output device (42) such as an earphone, the original image information is outputted on a display such as a CRT, and the digitally coded original data to a page printer or the like.

Abstract: A recording medium is disclosed which is removably loaded in an information providing apparatus and in which content information is recorded by the information providing apparatus. The recording medium includes a recording medium main body and a content identification section including content identification information detectable by the information providing apparatus, which indicates a kind of content information downloaded by the information providing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system for delivering an interactive multimedia work from a storage device, for example a hard disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a network server, etc. to a playback device, for example a personal computer, in a manner that provides improved performance regardless of the playback sequence selected by a user. In one embodiment of the present invention, for each segment of an interactive multimedia work, a probability factor is assigned to each possible alternative succeeding segment. In addition a retrieval and delivery time cost factor is also assigned to each possible succeeding segment. In one embodiment of the invention, the time cost factor for each resource is assigned a fixed value. In another embodiment, the time cost factor is recalculated periodically to reflect changes in location and status of resources. The probability and time cost factor for each possible succeeding segment are combined to produce a relative priority ranking.

Abstract: When recording using magnetic field modulation recording, the magneto-optical recording medium which is disclosed is capable of satisfactory recording with a low magnetic field. This recording medium is a layered superposition of a recording layer 13 and an auxiliary recording layer 14 having a film thickness of less than or equal to 100 angstroms. The recording layer 13 is a film having an easy perpendicular axis of magnetization whose value of magnetization at room temperature is at least 150 emu/cc, and for example a heavy rare earth—transition metal alloy, a magnetic multilayer film which employs a precious metal, an oxide like a garnet or Spinel ferrite, or some other magnetic alloy may be used. The auxiliary recording layer 14 is typically a heavy rare earth—transition metal alloy, and has a Curie temperature higher (desirably at least 30K higher) than that of the recording layer 13.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disk barcode forming method wherein, as information to be barcoded, position information for piracy prevention, which is a form of ID, is coded as a barcode and is recorded by laser trimming on a reflective film in a PCA area of an optical disk. When playing back the thus manufactured optical disk on a reproduction apparatus, the barcode data can be played back using the same optical pickup.

Abstract: This invention related to an optical disc recording apparatus, an optical disc recording method, and an optical disc, and the present invention is applied to, for example, apparatus for recording on a compact disc, compact discs, and compact disc players, and sub-data strings are recorded so that the main data strings is reproducible by an optical pickup for reproducing the main data string and the main data strings are protected from being copied illegally without any adverse effect on reproduction of the pit-and-land main data strings. The sub-data string ED is recorded by locally changing the reflectance of the reflection film in the form of irregularity such as pit or mark at the timing which does not affect the position information of the edge.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical disc assembly capable of receiving an insert upon which an analyte of interest may be disposed. The optical disc assembly can be read by an optical disc reader, such as by a standard CD or DVD reader, and the analyte disposed on the insert can be detected by the optical disc reader. The optical disc assembly may have one or more data layer in which operational information or assay information is encoded. Hologram may be used to encode operational information or assay information.

Abstract: Information is recorded on a light transmission material such as a light transmission substrate (1) or a light transmission protecting film as a change of refractive index or a change of extinction coefficient or a change of transmittance or a change of reflectance

Abstract: For providing a recording disc, on which information can be renewed by signals, such as electromagnetic waves, and further with which unnecessary vibration due to an eccentricity in center of gravity of the disc can be reduced when the disc is rotated at high rotation velocity, wherein there are positioned an antenna portion, which enables to receive information and/or electric power on the disc, and a memory chip(s) for transmitting the information received to the disc and for renewing that information. Further, for reducing the eccentricity in center of gravity of the disc, a counter balance and/or a label portion and/or the antenna portion and/or an other memory chip(s) and/or a battery are positioned so that they are in balance to the memory chip(s) on the disc.

Abstract: Disk formatting pattern methods and apparatus are disclosed. The methods feature forming a magnetic disk format information pattern on magnetic disk media by elevating the temperature of a pattern area and exposing the area to a magnetic field. The magnetic field has a field strength sufficient to alter magnetic properties of the elevated temperature region, but insufficient to substantially alter magnetic properties of disk regions at the disk's ambient temperature. A patterning system is also featured. The system includes a light source assembly, a pattern mask, and a magnetic field source. The light source assembly is arranged to project a light beam toward a surface of a magnetic disk. The pattern mask is arranged in the path of the light beam to produce a pattern image on the disk surface, and the magnetic field source produces a magnetic field at disk surface regions receiving the pattern image.

Abstract: An optical disc has a data disc, a transparent disc to enclose and protect the data disc and an annular control chip securely attached to the clamping area of the transparent disc. The control chip records the data area allocation. Consequently, the data area allocation written in the control chip will not be copied by conventional copying techniques. An infringing disc will not work even when all of the data files on the data disc are completely copied. Therefore, a good security is provided, and infringement can be avoided. In addition, the optical disc can work as a smart card after bonding with a chip on it. The function of the optical disc can be improved.

Abstract: The CD credit card includes vendor and cardholder information and a magnetic strip attached to the front surface designed to be used with a standard reading terminal. Formed on the rear surface is a CD media surface capable of being read in a standard CD-ROM player. In one embodiment, the CD media surface is a “multiple write and read” media surface capable of being produced by a CD-RW device. In a second embodiment, the CD media surface is in “write once, read many” media surface capable of being produced by a CD-R device. Formed centrally on the disc body is a spindle hole which enables the disc to be placed in a CD player. An optional plug may be inserted into the spindle hole.

Abstract: A game system utilizes a first game machine and a second game machine. The backup data obtained through playing a first game on the first game machine is memorized in a first game cartridge. The first game cartridge is attached to an extension adapter, and the extension adapter is in turn mounted on a controller for the second game machine. Accordingly, the backup data of the first game machine is taken into the second game machine. The second game machine is attached with a second game cartridge. The second machine executes a second game by processing the backup data according to a second game program set up in the second game cartridge.

Abstract: A storage media is disclosed and comprises a storage body and a readable indelible mark formed in the body such that portions thereof are indelibly altered. The mark is read by writing first data to the body in the region of the mark, and reading second data from the body in such region. The written first data is not accepted where the portions of the body are indelibly altered. Accordingly, the read second data corresponds to the written first data with segments thereof missing. The missing segments of the first data correspond to the portions of the body indelibly altered. In a preferred embodiment, the storage media comprises a magnetic rotatable disk having a substantially planar substrate and a magnetizable layer deposited thereon. The reading and writing are therefore performed magnetically.

Abstract: A camera system is disclosed having a sensor for sensing an image; a processor for processing the sensed image in accordance with a predetermined processing requirement, if any; an audio recorder for recording an audio signal to be associated with the sensed image; a printer for printing the processed sensed image on a first area of a print media supplied with the camera system, in addition to printing an encoded version of the audio signal on a second area of the print media. Preferably the sensed image is printed on a first surface of the print media and the encoded version of the audio signal is printed on a second surface of the print media. The print media can be is supplied in the camera system on a detachable print roll and the printer means includes at least one ink jet print head for printing the processed sensed image and a second pring head for the encoded version of the audio signal. The encoding can include Reed-Solomon encoding of the audio-signal.

Abstract: A reproduction power test method for setting an optimal power of a reproduction light beam for reproducing an information from a domain wall displacement type magneto-optical medium comprises the steps of detecting a domain wall displacement start reproduction power Prwd at which the domain wall starts to be displaced, and a maximum reproduction power Prmax allowing the domain wall displacement, and setting an optimal reproduction power Pr based on the obtained domain wall displacement start reproduction power Prdwd and maximum reproduction power Prmax.

Abstract: Promotion of effective use in accordance with different types of media, reduction in the load on users, and promotion of diversified use modes by use of media. A plurality of types of recording media (disk media, IC media, and hybrid media) are respectively almost the same in cartridge shape and any of them can be mounted in the recording media mounting part of a drive unit to enable recording or reproduction operations. The drive unit has a recording media mounting part in which the plurality of types of recording media can be respectively mounted, identifies the type of recording media mounted in the recording media mounting part in accordance with an identification feature formed on the cartridge of the recording media, and in accordance with the type of the identified recording media, performs a recording or reproduction operation on the mounted recording media by either or both of disk drive means and IC memory drive means.

Abstract: The invention relates to the devices for reading the information from magnetic carriers of recording, more detailed, to magneto-optical heads for reproducing the information. The technical result is substantiated in higher resolution, increase of ratio of useful signal to noise, simplification of construction and manufacturing process of the head, extending the service life. Magneto-optical head for reproducing of information consists of underlay 2 made of material characterized by high transparency in the spectral range of the source of the reading polarized light, for example, from a mono-crystalline gadolinium-gallium garnet. On the side of the underlay 2, that is turned towards magnetic medium 4 with the stored information, a magneto-optical transducer 3 is placed in form of a ferrite-garnet film, on the free side of which a reflective mirror layer 6 can be deposited.

Abstract: A magneto-optical recording medium is composed of a base which has a property that a light can be transmitted therethrough, a readout layer formed on the base, which has in-plane magnetization at room temperature, whereas, a transition occurs from in-plane magnetization to perpendicular magnetization as the temperature thereof is raised and a recording layer formed on the readout layer for recording information magneto-optically. A recording and reproducing method and the optical head are designed for the magneto-optical recording medium. By the recording and reproducing method using the optical head, information recorded at high density can be reproduced.

Abstract: A light-signal transfer apparatus capable of continuously reproducing signals even if the transfer passage is temporarily intercepted, the apparatus being structured in such a manner that a delay memory delays time-sequential digital data to generate digital data, a multiplexer multiplexes two digital data items to transfer the data items as infrared rays. An error correction circuit corrects the transmitted signals to output multiplexed data and outputs error detection signal indicating a fact that correction cannot be performed because of interception of the transfer passage or the like. A demultiplexer separates transmitted multiplexed data into two digital data items, and a delay memory delays one of the digital data items to make coincide the time bases of the two data items. A data selector selects either of the two digital data items in accordance with information of the error detection signal.

Abstract: A magneto-optical recording medium having a substrate and a magnetic layer composed of at least a recording layer and a supporting layer and being capable of retrieving information by utilizing the fact that when it is irradiated with a laser beam it produces the magneto-optical effect which affects its reflected light, characterized in that the recording layer has a lower Curie temperature than has the supporting layer and recording layer is thin enough for the laser beam to pass through. A magneto-optical recording medium as defined above, wherein the supporting layer is composed of a first supporting layer and a second supporting layer, and the recording layer, the first supporting layer, and the second supporting layer have Curie temperatures of T1, T2, and T3, respectively, which satisfy the following relationship. T1<T2 and T2≧T3 A magneto-optical recording medium defined as above, wherein the recording layer has a higher Curie temperature than has the supporting layer.

Abstract: A near-field optical or MO data storage system uses an optical focusing device for focusing an incident optical beam to a small size focal spot. The optical focusing device includes an optically transmissive body which is defined by a generally flat incident surface, a flat, bottom surface disposed opposite and parallel to the incident surface, and a reflective side coated with a reflective layer for reflecting the optical beam through the body toward the bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a focal plane on which the focal spot is formed, for generating a localized evanescent field. The focal spot is located along a central axis P, in very close proximity to the data storage disk, such that the localized evanescent field interacts with the disk, for enabling data to be transduced to and from the disk by effecting near field coupling. An electro-magnetic coil or coil assembly, can optionally be formed on the bottom surface, co-axially with the focal spot, for generating a desired write magnetic field.

Abstract: A near-field optical or magneto-optical data storage system uses an optical focusing device for focusing an incident optical beam to a small size focal spot. The optical focusing device includes an objective lens, an optically transparent base plate, and an optically transparent adapter. The adapter is secured to, and disposed intermediate the objective lens and the base plate, and includes an opening that faces the base plate. A fluid fills the adapter opening to form a fluid cell when the adapter is secured to the base plate. The fluid has an index of refraction that substantially matches the index of refraction of the base plate.

Abstract: An optical head is provided for transmission of light between a source of light and a storage location along an optical path that includes at least one offset optical element.

Abstract: An optical disk apparatus of the present invention forms, in a first embodiment, two laser beams for erasure of data and irradiates the two laser beams from a single erasing head 102 so that focuses 207 and 208 thereof may be disposed on a same track of an optical disk 206. In order to construct the erasure head so as to provide two beams, either a two beam semiconductor laser 201 may be used or a beam from a semiconductor laser 215 may be divided into two beams. For the means for dividing the beam into two beams, a Wollaston polarizing prism 216, a Bragg diffraction grating 218, a Foucault prism 219 or some other suitable element can be used. Meanwhile, in a second embodiment, data are reproduced by an optical equivalence method using an optical disk 82, 100 or 206 of a phase change medium which exhibits a phase difference smaller than 180 degrees in reflected light therefrom based on recorded data. The phase difference preferably ranges from 120 degrees to 150 degrees.

Abstract: An optical disk memory content display device, system and display control method are disclosed which are capable of more quickly retrieving an index of a data for a CD-RAM. An integrated circuit memory device (Memory In Disk: MID) is integrated with an optical disk to store the index of the data on the optical disk. A reader device is, e.g., integrated into a remote control device for the optical disk read/write device, reads the index stored in the IC memory device integrated with the optical disk.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved disc drive. In one embodiment of the present invention a disc drive capable of spinning a disc, which contains more than one type of data is disclosed. A first type of data is associated with a first speed, and a second type of data is associated with a second speed that is faster than the first speed. The disc drive includes a drive mechanism, which may spin the compact disc at the first and second speeds and retrieve data from the compact disc at either speed. The disc drive also includes an elastic buffer, which is in communication with the drive mechanism. The buffer receives data from the drive mechanism at a variable input data rate and outputs data at a variable output data rate. Whereby when the drive mechanism spins the compact disc at the second speed the buffer may receive the first type of data without causing the drive mechanism to slow down to the first speed, and the buffer may output the first type of data at the variable output data rate.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system for delivering an interactive multimedia work from a storage device, for example a hard disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a network server, etc. to a playback device, for example a personal computer, in a manner that provides improved performance regardless of the playback sequence selected by a user. In one embodiment of the present invention, for each segment of an interactive multimedia work, a probability factor is assigned to each possible alternative succeeding segment. In addition a retrieval and delivery time cost factor is also assigned to each possible succeeding segment. In one embodiment of the invention, the time cost factor for each resource is assigned a fixed value. In another embodiment, the time cost factor is recalculated periodically to reflect changes in location and status of resources. The probability and time cost factor for each possible succeeding segment are combined to produce a relative priority ranking.

Abstract: A recording medium recording apparatus includes data input means for inputting data to be recorded on a recording medium, data recording means for recording the data onto the recording medium, related information input means for inputting information relating to the data, and related information recording means for recording the related information onto the recording medium. When data is recorded onto the recording medium, related information is recorded onto the recording medium by the related information recording means. The recording medium has a related information recording section where related information is to be recorded. Related information is recorded onto the related information recording section by the related information recording means so as to be visually recognizable.

Abstract: A film image reproducing apparatus for reproducing images recorded on successive frames of a film includes: an illuminator which illuminates the film; a detector which detects an illuminating characteristic of the illuminator; a recorder which records the illuminating characteristic detected by the detector on the film; a reader which reads the recorded illuminating characteristic; a setter which sets based on the characteristic recorded on the film a condition for picking up a film image; and a picking-up device which picks up the film image at the set picking-up condition.

Abstract: A magneto-optical recording medium of a three-layered structure (consisting of a readout layer, an intermediate layer, and a recording layer), capable of double-mask magnetically-induced super-resolution readout, has magnetic properties such that the exchange coupled force between the readout layer (a GdFeCo film) and the intermediate layer (a GdFe film) decrease with increasing temperature, while the exchange coupled force between the intermediate layer and the recording layer (a TbFeCo film) increase with increasing temperature. The magnetic property of the readout layer is transition-metal magnetization dominant, and that of the intermediate layer is rare-earth magnetization dominant.

Abstract: In a first step, a phase change recording film is irradiated with a laser beam at two different power levels provided alternately, one being such as to cause fusion of the phase change recording film, the other being such as to cause crystallization of the recording film. Subsequently, in a second step, the recording film is irradiated with a laser beam at a power level such as to cause crystallization of the recording film.

Abstract: In a method for optical data storage with high density, there are employed as the data carrying medium a number of flat, thin memory components in the form of cards or discs. Two or more of the memory components are arranged in a stack, thus enabling each individual memory component to be manoeuvred in relation to the other memory components by means of a manoeuvring device, and a given memory component is moved in relation to the other memory components in the stack in order to write or read data in a data carrying area on the memory component, which can be addressed optically during the write or read operation without interference from the other memory components. A data carrying medium for use with the method for optical data storage with high density comprises a number of flat, thin memory components in the form of cards or disks.

Abstract: An information recording disc demagnetization apparatus according to the present invention demagnetizes information recording discs whose information is read by irradiating a laser beam, such as a music CD (audio compact disc), a photographic CD, DVD, MD, etc. The demagnetization process performed by the apparatus of the present invention successfully recovers tone quality, image quality, and the like, of the information recording disc, all of which are deteriorated by magnetism attained by the disc during reproduction of the disc.The information recording disc demagnetization apparatus has a disc-shaped air-core coil for creating an alternating magnetic field having a decremental intensity, and a means for holding the information recording disc in a stationary state within the alternating magnetic field.

Abstract: A long time optical recording and repeated reproduction of multimedia information is possible. Using a printer system or printing process system, on a recording medium such as a sheet, the so-called multimedia information in the form of dot codes (36) together with images (32) and characters (34) is recorded. The multimedia information includes audio information such as voices, image information obtainable from a camera and others, and digitally coded data obtainable from a personal computer and other. A pen-like information reproducing device (40) is manually moved to scan the dot codes (36) and to take in the dot codes. The original sound is generated by a voice output device (42) such as an earphone, the original image information is outputted on a display such as a CRT, and the digitally coded original data to a page printer or the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing a data storage medium having raised and lowered portions indicative of data stored on the medium. Energy is supplied to a sensor which is moved relative to, and in close proximity to, a surface of the medium on which the data in the form of raised and lowered portions is stored. The sensor and the storage medium are moved in relation thereto, such that the sensor remains at a substantially constant fly spacing therefrom. A decrease in temperature of the sensor is detected when it is in proximity to a variation, i.e., a raised portion on the medium. This detected decrease in temperature associated with a raised variation, e.g., asperity, can be used as the basis upon which to detect the data on the data storage medium. The data storage medium may also contain magnetically stored data, such that the surface variations and the magnetic characteristics of the data storage medium can both be utilized to store data thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to the devices for reading the information from magnetic carriers of recording, more detailed, to magneto-optical heads for reproducing the information. The technical result is substantiated in higher resolution, increase of ratio of useful signal to noise, simplification of construction and manufacturing process of the head, extending the service life. Magneto-optical head for reproducing of information consists of underlay 2 made of material characterized by high transparency in the spectral range of the source of the reading polarized light, for example, from a mono-crystalline gadolinium-gallium garnet. On the side of the underlay 2, that is turned towards magnetic medium 4 with the stored information, a magneto-optical transducer 3 is placed in form of a ferrite-garnet film, on the free side of which a reflective mirror layer 6 can be deposited.

Abstract: A data carrier in the form of a write-once or rewritable compact disc (CD) includes a circular CD body with an information-carrying layer and a chip integrated in the CD body, the CD further including at least one CD coupling element for noncontact transfer of data between the chip and a data processing device, and of power from the data processing device to the chip. The CD coupling element can be implemented as a coil, an electrostatic coupling surface, or an optical coupling element. For reading out the information applied to the information-carrying layer of the CD, the CD can be inserted into a CD drive. The CD drive has a drive coupling element which, in correspondence with the CD coupling element, is likewise formed as a coil, an electrostatic coupling surface, or an optical coupling element and sends data to the CD coupling element or receives data therefrom.

Abstract: A magnetooptical recording medium includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer whose Curie temperature is lower than that of the first magnetic layer, and a third magnetic layer, comprising a vertically-magnetizing film, whose Curie temperature is higher than that of the second magnetic layer. The first magnetic layer, the second magnetic layer and the third magnetic layer are in a state of exchange coupling with each other at a portion of a vertically-magnetizing film. A domain walls formed in the first magnetic layer moves when the temperature of the medium has been raised to at least the Curie temperature of the second magnetic layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method which can be performed on the same device with application of a modulated magnetic field to read a magneto-optical recording disk through a series of processes involving "copy of recorded magnetic domains.fwdarw.enlargement of copied magnetic domains.fwdarw.reproduction of copied magnetic domains.fwdarw.size reduction and disappearance of copied magnetic domains", and to read an ordinary magneto-optical recording medium. For reading information recorded on the first magneto-optical recording disk, the first magneto-optical recording disk is irradiated with a laser beam having a first reading power, and the alternating magnetic field is then applied thereto after synchronization by which the alternating magnetic field is applied thereto at a recorded mark position. For reading information recorded on the second magneto-optical recording disk, the second magneto-optical recording disk is irradiated with a second laser beam.

Abstract: A magneto-optic memory medium comprising a dielectric film, a magneto-optic memory film, a dielectric film and a reflective film superposed in layers on a light trnasmitting substrate, the magneto-optic memory film being a rare earth-transition metal alloy film having the composition formula of:(Gd.sub.x Tb.sub.1-x).sub.y Fe.sub.1-ywherein x is 0.58 to 0.62, and y is 0.27 to 0.33, which is useful as a magneto-optic disc or magneto-optic card.

Abstract: A magneto-optic recording system employing near-field optics which includes a read/write head having a pair of crossed tapered optical waveguides closely adjacent to the recording medium to provide light coupling between the tapered ends of the waveguides and the recording medium. The length of the waveguides being greater than one-half the wavelength of the light transmitted by the waveguides to transmit all light entering the waveguide to the tapered end and the width being a fraction of a wavelength of the light.

Abstract: A method for retrieving information in a data storage medium includes a decision function for determining the longest character train corresponding to an inputted character train which exists on the storage medium and a correction function for converting the inputted retrieval character train existing on the storage medium. In the case that the item corresponding to the inputted retrieval character train does not exist within the storage medium, the decision function detects the maximum effective portion of the retrieval character train and the correction function changes the retrieval character train to the longest character train in response to a correction instruction by the operator. A storage medium stores a software program implementing the method.

Abstract: The data recorded on an optical disk is read by an optical pickup. After the thus obtained signal has been subjected to a waveform equalization process by a waveform equalizer, it is demodulated via a data slicer. A parameter for obtaining a waveform equalization characteristic best suited for reading the recorded data has been recorded on the optical disk. The demodulated parameter is decoded by a data processor. The data processor switches the waveform equalization characteristic of the waveform equalizer.

Abstract: An optical data storage system utilize a fully or partially transmissive data storage medium or disk. The optical system includes a platform capable of moving either radially or pivotally relative to the disk. A head has a first and a second optical arms secured to the platform. One optical arm is positioned below the storage medium, and the other optical arm is positioned above the storage medium. One of the two optical arms includes a light source connected to the platform for generating a collimated light beam, and a first reflective mirror distally connected to the platform for reflecting the collimated light beam toward the storage medium. The other optical arm includes a photo-detector connected to the platform, and a second reflective mirror distally connected to the platform for reflecting the light beam impinging upon it to the photo-detector. In one embodiment the light source is disposed below the disk while in another embodiment the light source is disposed above the disk.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recording and reproducing data with respect to closely spaced magnetically recording areas or tracks of a magnetic recording member such as a card, tape or magnetic disc wherein scanning, tracking and reproduction functions are controlled by electro-optically scanning markers or indicia which are predeterminately recorded with respect to the magnetic recordings of the record member. Signals generated when such electro-optically scannable markers are detected are employed to control either or both the functions of selectively tracking and locating a magnetic transducer with respect to a select recording area or track of the magnetic record member and selectively controlling magnetic reproduction of information from the select recording area by either controlling the driving of the magnetic transducer mount or the operation of the transducer as it scans a select portion of the recording area or track along which it scans.

Abstract: An audio data recording/reproduction system including an independent, portable camera for respectively recording still image data on a silver salt region of a film and audio data on a magnetic recording region of the film. A silver salt film developing/printing device is provided for developing the still image data recorded in the silver salt region of the film, and for printing the developed still image data on a front surface of a photographic paper as visible data. A conversion device is provided for reproducing the audio data recorded in the magnetic recording region of the film, and for converting the reproduced audio data into an optically readable code. And a recording device is provided for printing the optically readable code produced by the conversion device on a rear surface or a blank section of the front surface of the photographic paper.