Abstract: A data retrieval apparatus comprises: a local database which links data for retrieval with content attribute data and stores same; a data for retrieval extraction processing unit which extracts the data for retrieval from a medium; an attribute data retrieval processing unit which retrieves the attribute data corresponding to the data for retrieval from the local database; and a data for retrieval storage processing unit which stores the data for retrieval if the attribute data corresponding to the data for retrieval is not present in the local database.

Abstract: A playback device may operate based on detected position and/or orientation information. In one embodiment, a control device determines position and/or orientation of a playback device with respect to a base. The control device compares the determined position to a reference position. If the determined position corresponds to the reference position, the control device allows operation of the playback device. If the determined position does not correspond to the reference position, the control device limits operation of the playback device.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for indicating a page number of an active document page within a document are provided. Embodiments include detecting, by a presentation controller, activation of a document page on a presentation device; in response to detecting the activation of the document page on the presentation device, tracking, by the presentation controller, an amount of time that the document page is consecutively active on the presentation device; determining, by the presentation controller, that the amount of time that the document page is consecutively active on the presentation device exceeds a predetermined threshold; and in response to determining that the predetermined threshold has been exceeded, providing to a target source, by the presentation controller, an output indicating a page number of the document page while the document page is active on the presentation device.

Abstract: The embodiments provide for binding files to an external drive, a secured external drive, or portable data locker. The files are bound in order to help restrict or to prevent access and modification by certain computers or users. Computers or users that are authorized or within the authorized domain are permitted full access. The files stored on the external drive may be bound in various ways. The files may be encapsulated in a wrapper that restricts the use and access to these files. The bound files may require execution of a specific application, plug-in, or extension. A computer may thus be required to execute program code that limits the use of the secured files. In one embodiment, the external drive provides the required program code to the computer. In other embodiments, the required program code may be downloaded from a network or provided by an external authority.

Abstract: Systems and methods to determine a position of a base with respect to a playback device and evaluating whether the position is proper or improper given an orientation of the playback device are disclosed and described herein. In one aspect, a playback device is provided. The example playback device includes a first fastener located on a first side of the playback device, a processor, and memory having stored thereon instructions executable by the processor to cause the computing device to perform functions. The functions include determining that a base is not coupled to the playback device via the first fastener and, in response to determining that the base is not coupled to the playback device via the first fastener, adjusting a playback setting of the playback device. The functions further include facilitating output of content via the playback device according to the adjusted playback setting.

Abstract: An encoder that detects a position of a movable body from an origin includes a signal generation unit configured to generate an incremental signal and an origin candidate signal by using A-phase and B-phase voltages obtained from an orthogonal signal pattern, a reference position detection unit configured to detect a reference position signal by using a Z-phase voltage obtained from a reference position signal pattern, and a counter configured to reset a counted value of the incremental signal on the basis of the origin candidate signal.

Abstract: A load drive device (100) includes: a first terminal (LDOF) and a second terminal (LDOR) to which a load is connected; and a driver (103) which controls the terminal voltages of the first terminal (LDOF) and the second terminal (LDOR) according to an input signal (LDIN), where the driver (103) switches, based on an operation mode switching signal (MODE), between a first operation mode for driving the load by passing an output current between the first terminal (LDOF) and the second terminal (LDOR) and a second operation mode for driving the load by passing the output current both from the first terminal (LDOF) and from the second terminal (LDOR).

Abstract: A compact disc (CD) player and method for ejection control thereof is provided. The CD player has: a CD tray, an eject button, a front-end module, a back-end module, and a fast response eject module, wherein the front-end module and the back-end module are coupled to each other and integrated in an integrated circuit (IC). The fast response eject module has a second tray control module for detecting a status of the eject button, and a second ejection detection module for controlling the ejecting/inserting of the CD tray according to the detected status of the eject button after the CD player is powered up and before initialization of the first ejection detection module is completed. Accordingly, the CD player of the invention may quickly respond to the status of the eject button and control ejecting/inserting of the CD tray immediately after the CD player is powered up.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a connector electrically connected to a drive unit in a state where the drive unit is connected to the information processing apparatus, a detector configured to detect an operation performed on a specific button disposed on the drive unit based on a change in a voltage of a specific pin of the connector in a state where the drive unit is connected to the information processing apparatus and an operational voltage is not applied to the drive unit and a power controller configured to start applying the operational voltage to the drive unit via the connector in response to the operation detected by the detector.

Abstract: Provided is a driving circuit for an optical disc drive. The driving circuit includes a digital control processor (DCP) comprising an input port to which a signal for driving a tray is input, and an output port outputting a voltage representing an operating state of the optical disc drive. The driving circuit also includes a tray switch that is connected to the input port, an operation display lamp that is connected in parallel with the tray switch, and an electric connection device for connecting the input port and the output port to each other.

Abstract: A method for configuring a network device includes activating a sensor of the network device to receive data. The data from the sensor is analyzed to determine physical location information indicated thereby. A network address is automatically assigned to the network device based on the physical location information indicated by the data from the sensor. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also discussed.

Abstract: A storage system includes plural drive devices and a control device. Each of the plural drive devices reads or writes data from or to a portable recording medium. The control device performs a parallel process in which a first process and a second process are performed in parallel. The first process is to write specified data to a first portable recording medium via a first drive device of the plural drive devices. The second process is to write the specified data to a second portable recording medium via a second drive device of the plural drive devices. The control device cancels, upon completion of either one of the first process and the second process, the other one of the first process and the second process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical disc drive and computer. The optical disc drive comprises: a tray for laying a disc therein; a drive means connected to the tray; and a control circuit for connecting the drive means and a power supply of a computer connected to the optical disc drive, wherein the drive means establishes an electrical connection with the power supply via the control circuit. The control circuit comprises: a determination unit for determining whether a optical disc drive power-off condition is valid and acquiring a determination result; and a power supply control unit for transmitting a power-off instruction to a computer host when the determination result indicates that the optical disc drive power-off condition is valid. The power-off instruction is configured for instructing the computer to control the power supply to stop supplying power to the control circuit and the drive means.

Abstract: A reading apparatus and method for reading data from a digital versatile disc includes a specification section configured to specify a predetermined position of content. A controller generates information indicating a predetermined portion from a position specified by the specification section. A storage section reads the predetermined portion from the digital versatile disc on the basis of the information generated by the generation section and stores the predetermined portion on a storage medium. A reading controller controls reading of data from the storage medium and the digital versatile disc.

Abstract: Method for reading data from an optical disc comprising a substrate layer, a read-only data layer, and a nonlinear layer with a super-resolution structure disposed on the data layer, the read-only data layer including diffractive pits and lands having a length larger than the diffraction limit of the pickup and super-resolution pits and lands having a length smaller than the diffraction limit of the pickup, the method comprising the steps of using a pickup including a laser for providing a HF signal for retrieving of the data of the data layer, providing a constant laser power for retrieving of the data, and pulsing the laser at the end of a diffractive pit or land. The Apparatus comprises a pickup with a laser and a comparator responsive to a threshold level and to the HF signal, for providing a trigger signal for pulsing of the lamer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical disc drive and computer. The optical disc drive comprises: a tray for laying a disc therein; a drive means connected to the tray; and a control circuit for connecting the drive means and a power supply of a computer connected to the optical disc drive, wherein the drive means establishes an electrical connection with the power supply via the control circuit. The control circuit comprises: a determination unit for determining whether a optical disc drive power-off condition is valid and acquiring a determination result; and a power supply control unit for transmitting a power-off instruction to a computer host when the determination result indicates that the optical disc drive power-off condition is valid. The power-off instruction is configured for instructing the computer to control the power supply to stop supplying power to the control circuit and the drive means.

Abstract: A method for configuring a network device including an optical sensor includes activating the optical sensor of the network device to generate data representing an image in view thereof, and analyzing the data from the optical sensor to determine image information represented by the image. A network address is automatically assigned to the network device based on the image information represented by the image in view of the optical sensor. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also discussed.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the management of the hardware key of a library apparatus employing the LTO system, a write function of a noncontact memory (CM: cartridge memory) contained in an LTO tape cartridge is implemented in a medium carrying mechanism part of the library apparatus, and during an insertion to a tape drive, the IDs unique to a library control part and to the medium carrying mechanism part are recorded in the non-contact memory and utilized as the hardware key of an encrypting apparatus. The hardware key written once is overwritten (erased) during an ejection, thereby preventing leakage of key information.

Abstract: An optical disc drive for an electronic device is provided. The optical disc drive includes a rotating member, a spindle, a reading member and a controlling module. The rotating member includes a connecting member, and a first end fixed to a housing of the electronic device. The spindle is connected to a second end of the connecting member for rotating an optical disc arranged on the spindle. The reading member is fixed to the connecting member to read the optical disc. When a switch of the electronic device is actuated, a processing unit of the electronic device outputs a signal to the controlling module. The controlling module controls the rotating member to rotate. The connecting member moves the spindle and the reading member out of the housing, further controls the spindle to rotate the optical disc, and the reading member to read the optical disc.

Abstract: A limit switch controlling method and apparatus used in an optical drive are disclosed. When the optical drive is executing a tray-in/tray-out action or a move-sled home action, a detect-tray-in-switch pin, a detect-tray-out-switch pin, or a detect-sled-limit-switch pin of a controlling chip is used to receive a signal from a limit switch. When the optical drive is not executing the tray-in/tray-out action or the move-sled-home action, the detect-tray-in-switch pin, the-detect tray-out-switch pin, or the detect-sled-limit-switch pin of the controlling chip is used as an I/O port.

Abstract: A turntable having multiple-point touch function for a digital sound-signal device includes a base formed with a central insert hole having a lower side provided with a load sensor, with a photo-sensor installed at one inner end of the base. A multiple-point touch-induction circuit is fixed on the base, having different sensing regions and bored with a central through hole. A touch-control turntable assembled on the circuit board has a central post protruding downward to be inserted through both the through hole and the insert hole for combining the base, the circuit board and the turntable together, the combining post having its lower end touching the load sensor. The turntable has its outer end edge provided with lots of light-obstructing plates protruding downward for obstructing light with the photo-sensor. The touch-control turntable is preset with plural memory regions to be touched for outputting different sound effects.

Abstract: A method of controlling a transport mechanism allows a first mobile carrier to move based on a power source incorporated in the first mobile carrier when an instructions signal specifying an access to a cell defined in a storage is supplied to a controller. When a fault is detected in the first mobile carrier, the first mobile carrier is moved based on the action of a second mobile carrier. The method ensures the movement of the first mobile carrier with the assistance of the second mobile carrier even when the first mobile carrier suffers from a fault. The first mobile carrier can be moved out of the movable range of the second mobile carrier. The second mobile carrier is allowed to move in the own movable range without an interference to the first mobile carrier. The second mobile carrier keeps operating without an interruption.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reproducing titles are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method includes determining if at least one title satisfies a criterion, using an average length information of a plurality of titles recorded on a recording medium; and reproducing the at least one title if the determining step determines that the at least one title satisfies the criterion.

Abstract: An operating element for receiving from an operator an instruction about reading speed and reading order of stored data includes: a rotatable operating disc part (38) disposed at one end of a rotation shaft (40), for receiving a rotation operation by an operator; a sensor substrate part (34) through which the rotation shaft (40) is inserted and having a sensor pattern (44) for detecting capacitance disposed on a surface facing the operating disc part (38); and a conductive cover part (36) disposed between the operating disc part (38) and the sensor substrate part (34) so as to cover the sensor pattern (44) and to sag when the operating disc part (38) is pressed, the conductive cover part (36) being set to a ground potential.

Abstract: A standalone duplication system with network connection has a casing, multiple recording devices, a control module, a bridge unit, a storage device and a network module, wherein the bridge unit connects between the control module, the storage device and the network module. When the bridge unit confirms that the control module has disconnected from the storage device and the network module receives a data transfer command, the storage device can receive data via the network module and store data for duplication. Therefore, the standalone duplication system is capable of receiving data from different computers over a network without using a high-end central processing unit (CPU). The standalone duplication system need not be moved to different places and connected to and disconnected from different personal computers again and again. Users operate their own personal computers to send required data to the standalone duplication system via the network.

Abstract: A tray control method for a disk drive including a tray for carrying a disk, a detect switch movable to different inclined positions for detecting different positions of the tray during tray ejection operation, a firmware for receiving signals transmitted by the detect switch upon reaching the different inclined positions. The voltage applied to the DC motor for moving the tray is lowered after receiving the first signal for a specific time.

Abstract: A tray control method for a disk drive including a tray for carrying a disk, a detect switch movable to different inclined positions for detecting different positions of the tray during tray ejection operation, a firmware for receiving signals transmitted by the detect switch upon reaching the different inclined positions. The voltage applied to the DC motor for moving the tray is adjusted based on the time difference between the signals.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for testing a removable storage media drive device are disclosed. According to teachings of the present disclosure, a simulated storage media may be disposed within a removable storage media drive device. In the event removable storage media is not present in the drive device when testing of the device is desired, the simulated storage media may be substituted for at least purposes of testing the operability of one or more device components. In one embodiment, the simulated storage media may be in the form of an annular ring of CD-ROM material. In a further embodiment, the simulated storage media may be in the form of a hologram designed to mimic one or more removable storage media characteristics.

Abstract: A optical disc drive is disclosed. The optical disc drive includes a housing and a tray configured to accommodate a disc therein. The optical disc drive also includes an automatic return-type eject switch, a drive controller, and an eject controller. Mounted in the housing, the automatic return-type eject switch is configured to generate an eject signal. In response to the eject signal, the drive controller ejects the tray. In response to the eject signal, the eject controller supplies an electric power to the optical disc drive, and transmits a pseudo eject signal to the drive controller to eject the tray by way of a line through which the eject signal has been transferred after a predetermined time period from the supply of the electric power has lapsed.

Abstract: A tray control method for a disk drive including a tray for carrying a disk, a detect switch movable to different inclined positions for detecting different positions of the tray during tray retraction operation, a firmware for receiving signals transmitted by the detect switch upon reaching the different inclined positions. The firmware determines whether the disk is present on the tray when a traverse module is raised from a lower position to an upper position.

Abstract: A tray control method for a disk drive including a tray for carrying a disk, a detect switch movable to different inclined positions for detecting different positions of the tray during tray ejection and retraction operation, a firmware for receiving signals transmitted by the detect switch upon reaching the different inclined positions so as to adjust a voltage applied to a DC motor and the speed for moving the tray to the different positions such that the tray moves stably when retracting into and ejecting from the disk drive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tray mechanism consisting of sliding means comprising an electrical tray motor, for moving a tray—provided for containing a disc (for example an optical disc) on which information is recorded—from a projected position, for the placement of the disc or its discharge, to a contained one, for the reproduction of recorded information, or reciprocally, and a drive power source, for supplying an applied voltage to said tray motor. Control means supply different values of the voltage applied to the tray motor according to different mechanical functions controlled by said motor.

Abstract: A data carrier drive apparatus (1) comprises data carrier loading means (3) for supporting a data carrier, which data carrier loading means (3) is movable between an open and a closed end position along a traveling path by means of a loading means motor (4); and detection means (23, 25) being arranged to monitor an electric driving current (IM) or a driving voltage (UM) impressed to the loading means motor (4), wherein the detection means (23, 25) is adapted to detect a predefined signal pattern of the driving current (IM) or voltage (UM), which signal pattern is representative for the traveling of the loading means along its traveling path at a specific position or section of the path.

Abstract: A motor control method for rotating an optical disc to be accessed by an optical head includes steps of: providing an increasing power to rotate a motor at increasing speed when a seeking operation of the optical head is performed; and interrupting the increasing power when a jumping operation of the optical head is performed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and a system to evaluate operational characteristics of an electronic circuit. The method includes generating a visual display, on a monitor, of an eye diagram viewer. The eye diagram viewer is used to establish a test parameter for the circuit. Accessed is data that includes a graphical file containing eye diagram information corresponding to the test parameter. A visually perceivable image of the eye diagram information is provided in response to the test parameter. Specifically, the eye diagram viewer is used to establish an eye diagram information identifier by displaying in a plurality of test condition selector screens one of a multiple condition values for the test condition parameters. The graphical file containing the eye diagram information corresponding to the eye diagram information identifier is obtained from the server and displayed.

Abstract: First and second mobile carriers are accessible to individual cells defined in a storage. The first and second mobile carriers move along overlapped paths. First and second controller circuits are connected to the first and second mobile carriers, respectively. The second controller circuit is also connected to the first mobile carrier. Even when a defect occurs in the first controller circuit, the transport mechanism allows the second controller circuit to take over the control on the first mobile carrier from the first controller circuit. The control on the first mobile carrier serves to avoid interference between the first mobile carrier and any obstacle on the path. If the first mobile carrier is removed from the path of the second mobile carrier, the second mobile carrier is allowed to keep operating. The operation of the transport mechanism can be kept without any interruption.

Abstract: A computer system and method is disclosed that transfer collections of CD's and/or DVD's containing audio and/or video to a digital format in an automated fashion. A computer system and method is disclosed that includes a computer, computer accessible media changer, and one or more CD/DVD information databases. Media changer can be an optical media changer, or a robotic device that loads CD's/DVD's from a stack into one or multiple optical media readers. As one example, the system and method can be used to transfer multiple music CD's to another computer-accessible media.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disc drive apparatus capable of identifying a disc (12 cm) having a small data area (8 cm) in central as same as an ordinary 12 cm disc. The apparatus having a light receiving unit 105b and a push switch 106b. The unit 105b is arranged in a position where the unit 105b detects the disc having the small data area in central when the switch 106b detects the same, and where the unit 105b does not detect a disc (12 cm) having a hole (8 cm) in central when the 106b detects the same. The apparatus also has an disc identifier for identifying type of the disc based on the detected results of the light receiving units and/or the push switches.

Abstract: An information retrieval device having an insertion slot for inserting a medium having data to be retrieved includes an input unit for sending a signal upon accepting an input, an eject unit for ejecting the medium in the insertion slot and a control unit for controlling the eject unit upon receiving the signal from the input unit after an ejection instruction is accepted by the input unit. The signal to the control unit from the input unit after the ejection instruction on the input unit establishes an ejection prohibition control with the eject unit for prohibiting media ejection operation of the eject unit while an ejection prohibition state of the eject unit is brought into effect by using the input unit.

Abstract: Provided is an information recording apparatus including: a memory for storing image pickup data; a recording circuit for intermittently recording the image pickup data stored in the memory on a disc-like medium from the memory; a setting circuit for setting an ejection mode of the disc-like medium; and a control circuit for ejecting the disc-like medium without recording the image pickup data stored in the memory on the disc-like medium when a first ejection mode is set by the setting circuit. The apparatus enables to immediately remove a disk-like medium.

Abstract: A detachable optical driver includes a detachable box, a signal import and export device installed in the detachable box, a playing platform; and an encoding/decoding module connecting to and positioned inside the playing platform for being able to export said data to a display facility. The detachable optical driver is a modulized design by enhancing a media playing platform with detachable various functions, such as CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RW, DVD-Dual and digital camcorder, home gateway, media database and so on. When the reading device of the optical drive malfunctions, only that malfunctioned reading device needs to be changed.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing integrated circuits is disclosed. The apparatus for testing integrated circuits comprises an integrated circuit and a tester. The integrated circuit undergoing testing receives an input signal, and outputs an output signal from a first output terminal or a second output terminal according to a first pulse width of the input signal, and outputs an error signal according to a difference between the first pulse width and a second pulse width. The tester outputs the input signal according to the output signal and the error signal.

Abstract: A method for discriminating the operation type of a disk device uses an optical head carrying an objective lens. The gravity doesn't affect the control force of the optical head in the horizontal operation type, reduces the control force in a vertical operation type, and increases the control force in inverse operation type. Control forces based on various operation types forms different motion features of the optical head to discriminate the operation type. Damping characteristic parameters of each operation type of the optical head are previously determined by test first. The Control force is transported to the optical head, and the timer is reset. The displacement of the optical head is continuously detected till reaching a predetermined situation. The time of timer is read to compare with the threshold of each operation type for distinguishing the operation type.

Abstract: The invention relates to disc drive mechanism (100) which comprises an actuator (113) controlling a radial movement of a lens (109). An actuator controller (115) generates an actuator control signal which is fed to the actuator (113). An activation time processor (125) determines an amplitude variation characteristic of the actuator control signal. Specifically, the activation time processor (125) determines how the amplitude varies as a function of the rotation angle. The activation time processor (125) determines an activation time for a position change actuator signal component which causes the actuator (113) to move the lens (109) to jump to a different track. The position change actuator signal component is added to the actuator control signal in the actuator controller (115) thereby generating a combined actuator control signal which both tracks the disc and effectuates a jump. The activation time is selected such that the dynamic range of the actuator control signal is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of ejecting an optical disc for an optical drive. First of all, a first voltage to a tray motor for moving a tray positioned at a first position inside the optical drive is provided. Next, a time required for moving the tray from a first position to a second position is measured, wherein the second position is positioned between the first position and a complete-ejection position. After that, a second voltage according to the time is determined. Lastly, the second voltage to the tray motor for moving the tray to the complete-ejection position is provided.

Abstract: An information recording device is used for recording record information in an information recording medium at least including a first recording layer capable of forming a first recording area and a second recording layer capable of forming a second recording area. The information recording device includes: write elements; acquisition elements for acquiring offset information indicating a relative shift; calculation elements for calculating an address (“Y?=Inv Y??”) indicating a second boundary point opposing to a first boundary point according to the offset information; and control elements for controlling the write elements so as to write record information (i) while making the first boundary point a recording end or start position and (ii) making the second boundary point indicated by the calculated address a recording start or end position.

Abstract: To reduce the occurrence of fragmentation when variable-bit-rate digital data is recorded on a continuous area of unit periods. When the amount of data in the buffer memory is larger than that for one unit period, the digital data in the buffer memory is read every unit period, and the read digital data is recorded as a continuous area (step S106). When the amount of data in the buffer memory is less than that for one unit period, the amount of data is estimated from the time corresponding to the amount of data less than that for the unit period and the length of the unit period (step S112). The digital data of the unit period is recorded on a recordable area in which the estimated amount of digital data can be recorded continuously (step S106).

Abstract: An optical disc controller of the present invention servo-controls an optical disc device which comprises a disc motor rotating an optical disc and an optical head emitting a light beam for recording data on the optical disc and/or reproducing data from the optical disc. The optical disc controller comprises: a variable clock output section for outputting a plurality of clock signals of different frequencies, and a control section which receives from the optical head a signal indicating a deviation from a predetermined target value to servo-control the light beam of the optical disc device and performs an operation according to the signal indicating the deviation so as to obtain and output a signal indicating a control amount.

Abstract: According to the invention, an optical disc reproducing apparatus includes a housing for: a reading section which reads data recorded on an optical disc, a data storing section and a reproducing section which reproduces the stored data. A reference discal unit outside the housing rotates at a pre-determined reference rotational speed and direction. An operation discal unit mounted on the reference discal unit, may rotate at a desired speed and direction. A detection discal unit is coupled with the operation discal unit, to rotate in sync with the operation discal unit. First and second detecting sections detect a rotational speed and direction of the detection discal unit and the reference discal unit, respectively. A control section determines the rotational speed and direction of the detection discal unit based on detected results and controls the reading section, the storing section and the reproducing section, thereby performing a desired data reproduction.

Abstract: There is provided an optical disc reproducing apparatus which reads out data from an optical disc, stores the data, and reproduces the stored data. The apparatus includes: a casing; an operation disc unit for accepting an instruction as to a speed and a sequence for reading the stored data via a rotational operation therewith, the operation disc unit being provided on a surface of the casing; and depression detecting element for accepting an instruction as to a predetermined operation by way of a depression of the operation disc unit, the depression detecting element being provided below the operation disc unit and on the surface of the casing.