Abstract: A compact disc player and a method and an article of manufacture for controlling ejection of a compact disc are provided. The compact disc player includes a temperature sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a temperature of the compact disc player utilizing a temperature sensor. The compact disc player further includes a controller operably communicating with the temperature sensor. The controller is configured to determine an ejection time interval value based on the signal. The controller is further configured to energize a motor coupled to a drive mechanism for a time internal corresponding to the ejection time interval value to induce the drive mechanism to move a compact disc to a predetermined position outwardly from a housing.

Abstract: An information recording medium and a recording and/or reproducing apparatus and method used to guarantee reproduction compatibility in consideration of the fact that content distribution may be performed according to various business models includes a management information zone in which management information is recorded, wherein the management information indicates an intended type of use of the information recording medium.

Abstract: An information storage medium and a recording/reproducing apparatus and method, the information storage medium includes: an area for recording information regarding a predetermined function applied thereto, wherein the information regarding the predetermined function includes specific information in which set information regarding the predetermined function is set by a recording/reproducing apparatus that can recognize the predetermined function, and common information set by the recording/reproducing apparatus that can recognize the predetermined function based on corresponding information dependent upon the set information so that a recording/reproducing apparatus that cannot recognize the predetermined function can use the predetermined function. Accordingly, a recording/reproducing apparatus that cannot recognize a predetermined function can properly use a medium having the predetermined function.

Abstract: An optical disc medium and corresponding optical recording method and optical recording apparatus. The optical disc medium comprises a substrate on which a shape according to modulated information data has been formed, and a coating film formed on the substrate. Known data is recorded in a predetermined location of the information data, with the known data being rewritten as postscript information by recording a postscript portion to the coating film to alter a portion of the known data, wherein the postscript information comprises readable non-error data.

Abstract: A high-density optical disc such as a high density-digital versatile disc (HD-DVD) or Blu-ray disc, and a method for reproducing or recording data of the high-density optical disc. The high-density optical disc includes a lead-in area, a data area and a lead-out area. The lead-in area has control information. A minimum mark or space length of the control information recorded in the lead-in area is longer than that of data recorded in the data area. The control information of the lead-in area is copied to the lead-out area. On the basis of the data reproduction or recording method, an optical disc device can correctly read and confirm the control information from the high-density optical disc, minimize the interference between a mark and space in high-density recording data, reduce the effects of scratches or dust on the disc, and efficiently prevent an erroneous data reproduction or recording operation.

Abstract: A method of determining a disk type of an optical disk is provided to comprise steps of: using a first light path for forming an incident beam; moving an objective lens system corresponding to the first light path from a start position towards the optical disk; receiving a sensor output signal during the movement of the objective lens system, wherein the sensor output signal includes a central aperture signal; determining the disk type of the optical disk according to the central aperture signal.

Abstract: An optical recording medium is provided for distributing content through a portable medium which can be transported by hand from one media player to another media player. The optical recording medium includes a read-only zone and a writable area. Copy control information is stored in the read-only zone. The copy control information specifies (a) an authorized content source and (b) content which is authorized to be downloaded from the authorized content source and recorded in the writable area of the optical recording medium.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing hidden data to a data storage medium. The hidden data are written by selectively adjusting at least one access parameter of the medium, and preferably by selectively adjusting multiple such parameters. The presence of the hidden data is preferably undetectable to the human eye during unaided visual inspection of the medium, but is revealed by a surface plot of at least a portion of the medium. The surface plot preferably provides a human detectable image of the hidden data to authenticate the medium as an authorized copy. The medium preferably comprises a pre-recorded or recordable optical disc, or a glass master from which such discs are formed. The adjusted access parameter(s) preferably include adjustments in motor velocity, data bit rate, latency time, adjusted symbol length, illegal symbol length, localized reflectivity of the medium, variations in pre-groove amplitude, error rates, and/or localized induced errors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preventing interchange of a first optical information carrier (1) with a second optical information carrier in an optical drive. Initially, the light (5) is focused at the first optical information carrier (1) in the optical apparatus followed by the steps of detecting reflected light (8) from the first optical information carrier (1) and generating a plurality of signals (CA, RF, FE) from the detected light (8), such as a focus error signal (FE). Upon obtaining an indication of a signal, e.g. the focus error signal (FE), is absent or reduced below a certain level, there is a step of assessing if the first optical information carrier (1) has been removed from the optical drive. If removed, reproduction of information by the optical drive is made impossible until some pre-determined measures have been taken, e.g. restart of the optical drive or other measures.

Abstract: A reproduction apparatus has a player section, a content reproduction section, an interface section. The player section has a read section reading data from the record medium on which the content data containing at least one of a video data stream and an audio data stream and a reproduction control program controlling the reproduction of the content data are recorded, an input section accepting an input from a user, and an output section outputting the reproduced content data. The content reproduction section reproduces the content data according to the reproduction control program. The interface section interfaces among the content reproduction section, the reproduction control program, and the player section. When a command representing an end of the reproduced content data is described in the reproduction control program, the reproduction control program supplies the command to the interface section and the interface section executes a process corresponding to the command.

Abstract: To provide write protection of a disc in a bare state that is usually used in a cartridge having a recognition switch for write protection, such as a DVD-RAM, write protection information is recorded in a Lead-in area, a Lead-out area or a recording information area other than a user data area of the disc, and the data is protected from unwanted overwriting or erasing using the write protection information. Even when the write protection information stored on a disc does not match the state of a recognition switch of a case for write protection, the data can be prevented from unwanted overwriting or erasing. Thus, write protection can be ensured when a recordable and/or rewritable recording medium, such as a DVD-RAM, a DVD-R or a DVD-RW, is used in a bare state.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus includes a recording medium receiver to receive a recording medium whereon information may be recorded by the apparatus and a non-volatile memory to store management information about the recording medium provided in the recording medium receiver. The management information provides information about whether or not data can be recorded on the recording medium.

Abstract: A method of abolishing unauthorized copying of digital data stored on an optical disc includes the steps of distributing overwrite modules of a copy protection module into a data file that is to be protected against illegal copying, so as to form a copy-protected data file; and writing the copy-protected data file into a non-rewriteable optical storage media. The overwrite modules are respectively located between any two adjacent data blocks of the data file, such that each data block and a following overwrite module together form a group and the copy-protected data file includes a plurality of sequentially arranged groups of data block and overwrite module. With the overwrite modules, data blocks read out by a readout device are repeatedly overwritten by subsequent data blocks in a specified register, so that no data file from the optical storage media will be stored in the specified register and be illegally copied or pirated.

Abstract: An optical storage medium can be provided by which illegal usage of the optical storage medium involving an infringement on the copyright can be prevented effectively without impairment of the functions for reproducing physical format information and optical storage medium manufacturing information. The optical storage medium includes a main information region in which encrypted data information is recorded as a pit row that is capable of being read out by means of light and a control data region. In the control data region, key information for decoding the encryption of the data information, the physical format information and the optical storage medium manufacturing information are recorded by wobbling a groove.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for correctly controlling content recorded on an optical disc. An apparatus 600 for using content recorded on an optical disc 601, wherein the optical disc 601 includes a control information area 602 composed of partial areas 603a-603n, each being for recording control information indicating that use of the content is not permitted, the apparatus 600 comprises: a position information holding unit 612 holding therein position information indicating one of the partial areas 603a-603n that is allocated for the apparatus 600 to record the control information; a reading unit 613 reading information within the control information area 602; a judgment unit 614 judging whether use of the content is permitted, with use of the information read by the reading unit 613 and the position information; and a usage control unit 615 using the content when use of the content is judged to be permitted.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical disc recording method of irradiating an optical beam to an optical disc including a basal plate made of synthetic resin which has a concavo-convex pattern formed in advance on one surface thereof, and a reflective coat made of metal which is formed over the concavo-convex pattern on the basal plate, to physically change the concavo-convex pattern so as to record identification data.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for making copies of a master disc is described. The method includes receiving a master disc. The method also includes capturing an image of a label on a first side of the master disc. The method also includes generating a data image of data stored on the master disc. The method also includes making one or more copies of the master disc using one or more blank discs. Making the one or more copies includes recording the data image onto a data side of each of the one or more blank discs and printing the image of the label on an opposing side of each of the one or more blank discs.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and data erasing method make it possible to unrecoverably erase encrypted data recorded in an auxiliary storage device at high speed while reducing the load put on the CPU. Upon reception of a data erase request from a data utilizing process, the data requested to be erased is registered in a predetermined storage unit. The data registered in the storage is unrecoverably erased by overwriting, and an area in the auxiliary storage device in which the erased data was stored is released after the overwriting erasure process.

Abstract: An optical article comprising a mark disposed on the optical article; wherein the mark comprises an optical state change material; wherein the optical state change material undergoes a change in its optical state when exposed to an activation signal selected from one or more of a laser, thermal energy, infrared rays, X-rays, gamma rays, microwaves, visible light, ultraviolet light, ultrasound waves, radio frequency waves, electrical energy, chemical energy, magnetic energy, and mechanical energy; wherein the optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an activated state when an authorized activation method is used; and wherein the optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an incorrectly activated state when an unauthorized activation method is used. A method and a system for changing the functionality of the optical article are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information recording device and method, a program storage medium, and a program, wherein updated file system information can be recorded without changing a logical address. As shown to the upper side in FIG. 18, in the event that data has been recorded, upon a file (Files (Stream+DB)) recorded in region B112 being updated, an updated file is recorded at region B112? as shown at the middle in FIG. 18. In conjunction with this, main FS (FS (Metadata)), inner side volume structure information, and anchor information, which had been recorded in region B111 until this time, is rendered unreadable, and newly-generated file system information (FS (Metadata)), inner side volume structure information, and anchor information, are recorded in region B111? in an ISA which is an inner side SA region. The present invention can be applied to a Blu-Ray Disc recording/playing device.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating a digital optical medium, such as a CD-ROM, determine whether the medium is an unauthorized copy, or the original. The original media is created, or altered, so as to contain anomalous locations from which the transfer of data is accomplished at different rates than a standard digital copy would exhibit. One implementation of the process involves timing analysis of the differences in data transfer rates. Another implementation involves the determination of digital signatures during multiple read operations performed on a data segment. The process can be employed in systems that control access to unauthorized copies, or may be used for other informative purposes.

Abstract: To limit the time capable of reproducing a plurality of contents as a whole recorded on a recording medium. Provided herein are a recording medium on which a plurality of contents and reproduction-enabled time which is a period of time for allowing a user to freely reproduce the plurality of contents as a whole are recorded, a reproduction device having an acquisition unit which acquires the reproduction-enabled time and a reproduction inhibit unit which inhibits the reproduction of each of the contents when the accumulated reproduction time of the plurality of contents as a whole exceeds the acquired reproduction-enabled time during the reproduction of each of the contents.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for controlling access to information stored on memory or data storage devices are disclosed. In various embodiments, fluid-mediated modification of information or access to information is utilized. According to various embodiments, data storage devices designed for rotating access are described which include rotation-activated fluid control mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of managing CPI (Copy Protection Information) for preventing unauthorized copy of encrypted content recorded on a high-density recording medium such as a BD-ROM (Blu-ray Disc ROM). In the present method, when main content data is recorded in encrypted manner, CPI that is necessary to decrypt the encrypted main content data is written in a predetermined PIC area and is also copied at least once in an area other than the PIC area.

Abstract: A recording medium, such as a high-density and/or read-only recording medium, such as BD-ROM, capable of preventing unauthorized duplication of data streams, written thereon, onto another medium, such as a BD-RE or BD-R, which includes physical mark information, and to methods and apparatuses for forming, recording, reproducing, and restricting playback of the recording medium to prevent unauthorized duplication.

Abstract: There is provided, according to the present invention, a reproducing device capable of preventing illegal duplication and reproduction, as well as of reproducing content without degrading the quality of the audio and visual contents. The reproducing device (100) comprises a first storage area (110), in which data is stored, using file system which is not supported by operating system of the reproducing device, an interface part (120) supporting the file system which the first storage area uses, accepting only reproducing request, reading out and supplying the data stored in the first storage area, wherein the reading out and supplying operations are hidden, and a reproducing part (132) reproducing the data supplied by the interface part.

Abstract: A system for altering a functionality of an optical article from a pre-activated state to an activated state, comprising an optical article comprising an optical data layer for storing data, an external radiation source for generating an external stimulus adapted to interact with the optical article, such interaction causing a change in optical accessibility of optically stored data, a directing material, wherein said directing material is for directing the external stimulus to selective portions of the optical article, thereby altering the functionality of the optical article from a pre-activated state to an activated state; a convertible element capable of responding to the external stimulus to irreversibly alter the optical article from the pre-activated state of functionality to the activated state of functionality, wherein said convertible element comprises a color-shift dye, a magnetic material, a thermo-chromic material, a magneto-optical material, a light scattering material, a phase-change material,

Abstract: Protection against data overwrite of a rewritable non-WORM data storage cartridge is provided by a data storage drive operating cartridge data overwrite protection procedures independent of, or not withstanding, the absence of cartridge controls relating to data overwrite protection. Also for the non-WORM cartridge, the drive responds to an allow data overwrite command to allow an immediately subsequent write type command to write to the cartridge even if the write command overwrites existing data. The overwrite protection procedures and data overwrite procedures may be configured and enabled for the data storage drive.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to retrieve and process a piece of content to be processed by a simple method at the time of storing content recorded in a CD into an HDD or the like, reading desired content out of the content stored in the HDD from the HDD, and performing a process such as reproduction on the read content. A processor of the invention includes: a storage 1 for storing at least one piece of information so as to be associated with jacket image information of an image related to the content; means for obtaining target medium image data by capturing an image of a jacket of a CD related to the content to be reproduced; means for collating the target medium image data with jacket image information stored in the storage 1 and obtaining the content corresponding to the target medium image data from the storage 1; and means for reproducing the obtained content.

Abstract: A disk operation protection method and a disk controller are disclosed herein. The method includes: receiving a request for a disk operation; obtaining, by a disk controller, operation control parameters corresponding to the current disk area to be operated, and determining whether to allow operation of the current disk area according to the operation control parameters; if determining that the current disk area is allowed to be operated according to the operation control parameters, performing the disk operation. By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the operation of the data stored in a disk is protected, illegal disk operations such as maliciously intended modification are prevented, the disk is protected in the process of generating data, and the defects of the disk protection mechanism in the prior art are overcome.

Abstract: Embodiments of system and method for protection of data in a portable data storage device are provided. In one aspect, a portable data storage device includes a first portable storage identification (PSID) parameter unique to the portable data storage device, one or more data storage media in which the first PSID parameter is stored, and control logic coupled to the one or more data storage media. The one or more data storage media include a data file section to store therein a data file, which includes data and a rights object. The rights object contains a second PSID parameter. The control logic controls access to the one or more data storage media by a user of the portable data storage device. The control logic determines whether or not the first PSID parameter and the second PSID parameter are equal and, if the first PSID parameter and the second PSID parameter are equal, causes the data in the data file to be provided to the user in response to a request for the data from the user.

Abstract: A method for encoding in a holographic disk storage medium is provided. The method includes recording multiple micro-holograms such that the micro-holograms are aligned across a respective plurality of tracks and across a respective plurality of layers at a pre-determined location of an original holographic disk. The method also includes detecting a characteristic waveform signal of a reflected beam from the original holographic disk. The method further includes detecting a second waveform signal from a second holographic disk. The method also includes comparing the second waveform signal with the characteristic waveform signal. The method further includes determining authenticity of the second holographic disk based upon comparison.

Abstract: A method for recording information which cannot be easily copied on a BCA is provided so as to prevent pirated copies from being made. The BCA recording device for optical discs records, on the BCA on an optical disc, identifying information unique to the optical disc. The BCA recording device is provided with: a BCA data generating section which generates BCA mark signals and BCA code signals which indicate the identifying information; a BCA mark generating section which, based on the BCA mark signals, generates BCA marks by recording marks on the recording film in the BCA on the optical disc, thereby partially changing the reflectance of the recording film; and a BCA code generating section which, based on the BCA code signals, generates BCA codes by partially removing the recording film on the BCA.

Abstract: Based on the demand of developing a data encryption technique for the optical storage media, the present invention discloses a cryptography for data encryption based on a design of specific hardware conditions, so as to achieve the security requirements for the encrypted digital data stored in the optical storage media and the design requirements for the security issues on the optical storage media for software vendors in the current market.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of managing CPI (Copy Protection Information) for preventing unauthorized copy of encrypted content recorded on a high-density recording medium such as a BD-ROM (Blu-ray Disc ROM). In the present method, when main content data is recorded in encrypted manner, CPI that is necessary to decrypt the encrypted main content data is written in a predetermined PIC area and is also copied at least once in an area other than the PIC area.

Abstract: The optical storage medium comprises a substrate layer, and a data layer disposed on the substrate layer, the data layer comprising data being arranged in tracks as marks and spaces. A protection code is coded in one of the tracks or a part of a track which code comprises marks of a first size and marks of a smaller, second size. The marks of the second size have in particular a width being smaller than the width of the marks of the first size. To obtain the protection code, a method is used comprising the steps of reading a track or a part of a track with a first laser power for obtaining a first data signal, reading the same track or the same part of a track in another step with a second laser power being different from the first laser power for obtaining a second data signal, and calculating the protection code by taking into account the first and the second data signals. The protection code may be calculated for example by a microprocessor of a respective data reading apparatus.

Abstract: User data is recorded onto a DVD by the incremental recording method and by using padding when closing a recording zone, read error data is recorded onto the DVD. The read error data is generated by making a sector error detection code or a PI/PO error correction code in the ECC block different from a correct value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical recording apparatus which may record post pre-format recording information on an optical recording medium which has a guide portion formed in advance for guiding a light beam and a plurality of address portions for specifying individual positions of the guide portion, which may include position information detection means for detecting position information of a recording region in which significant information is recorded along the guide portion and a breakdown region which is part of the guide portion or/and the address portions and is broken down so as not to be detected using the light beam, servo means for controlling the position of the light beam based on the position information, and laser light intensity adjustment means for adjusting the intensity of the light beam in order to record information based on a predetermined format in the recording region and thermally break down the breakdown region.

Abstract: A device for preventing and controlling copying of data from an optical storage disc utilizing physical modifications in or on a storage capable optical disc. Also described is, a method for authenticating and controlling reading or copying of information or data in or on optical discs as, for example, wherein a locus on or in the optical storage disc is initially read to produce a signal and is then re-read by a reader to produce a second signal. The signal detected upon re-reading is different from the signal that is detected upon initial sampling.

Abstract: Content data (11), handling limit data (12), and a check program (13) are provided in a data group (10) recorded on an information recording medium (1). The check program (13) causes a reproducing device to read the content data so as to make the reproducing device function as a check device for checking the data state of the handling limit data. Thus, when the handling limit data (12) is tampered, the check program (13) is executed by the reproducing device to find the tamper.

Abstract: An optical disc has a recording format including a first index indicating the positions of each of a plurality of program blocks within a program area, the program blocks comprising one or more content blocks containing readable data, and one or more unrecoverable blocks containing unrecoverable data, the recording format including a second index indicating the positions of the content blocks without indicating the positions of the unrecoverable blocks. Preferably, the second index indicates preferred start points for playing content on the optical disc.

Abstract: Copy-Protected Audio, Video and or Data Optical Disk and the Protection Process for such Disk includes a TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident) program which when once installed onto a computer system blocks any attempt to copy any designated Audio, Video or any Data on such Copy-Protected Optical Disk and or the Hard Drive. Additionally this system further includes a means of an optional Password Key which could be a Key Floppy or any suitable media. Optionally the password could be obtained by logging-on to an Internet based authentication terminal that unlocks the system and allows access to the stored contents on the disk for the first time user of the Copy-Protected Optical Disk thus increasing the pay per use revenues for Audio, Video and or Software Sales, Registration and or Rentals.

Abstract: A recording medium on which a recording/reproducing unit block is recorded, an apparatus to record and/or reproduce data on/from the recording medium, and a method of recording/reproducing the data on/from the recording medium. The recording/reproducing unit block comprises invalid data used in disc certification, and an identifier to indicate that the invalid data is included in the recording/reproducing unit block, the invalid data being used during the disc certification on a portion of the recording medium or the entire recording medium.

Abstract: An external compact disc drive for data encryption and decryption and the method is disclosed. The back up data is encrypted, via an encryption key generated by an encryption/decryption unit of the external compact disc drive during the recording of back up data to a compact disc. The encrypted back up data is saved to a public area of the compact disc. An authentication key is generated via an authentication password set up by a user. The encryption key is encrypted via authentication key and saved to a private area of the compact disc. The authentication password and the authentication key are not recorded in the external compact disc drive or the compact disc. Thus, encryption key can only be retrieved with a correct authentication password via a compact disc drive having the encryption/decryption unit. Following that, the back up data can be decrypted and retrieved.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optical disk apparatus is provided with a read section which reads data from an optical disk to output read information, a determination section which determines presence/absence of an error of the read information to output an error presence/absence signal, a transfer processing section which receives the error presence/absence signal and receives a hash request signal and transfers the hash request signal when the error presence/absence signal indicates the absence of an error, and does not transfer the hash request signal when the error presence/absence signal indicates the presence of an error, and a processing section which performs hash processing to the read information upon reception of the hash request signal.

Abstract: In an optical disk, a substrate has main data recorded in the form of a combination of pits and lands on one side thereof, and at least a reflective layer and cover layer are stacked on the substrate to cover the pits and lands on the substrate. To the optical disk, sub data is recorded in the form of marks formed by irradiating writing-power laser light to the reflective layer. The marks are formed so that reading signal level will be raised where the marks are formed while it will be lowered where the marks are formed in a counterfeit disk produced based on an authenticated disk, namely, the reading signal level where the marks are formed is different in polarity between in the authenticated and counterfeit disks. Further, in a player for the optical disk, discrimination is made between the authenticated and counterfeit disks by detecting the sub data recorded in the optical disk and judging whether the value of the detected sub data has been read at a correct polarity.

Abstract: An improved holographic data storage disc is provided. The holographic data storage disc includes multiple multimedia content, wherein at least one of the multimedia is locked via one or more cryptographic keys.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus provided with identifying information acquisition means to read recording medium identify information recorded on a recording medium and a storage unit to store the recording medium identify information acquired by the identifying information acquisition means so that the recording media which have been played are registered as library information. When a recording medium is to be played, this library information is used to determine whether to allow bonus images to be reproduced.

Abstract: An optical disk with an embedded security device, or wafer, is presented. The security device includes security features that enable the identification of genuine optical disks versus counterfeit optical disks. Methods for creating optical disks embedded with security devices are also presented. A security device is placed on the center pin of an open mold before the optical disk is formed. Alternatively, an optical disk having a cavity formed on a surface to receive a security device is created. A special mold with a raised platform creates the cavity on the optical disk. As a further alternative, two optical platters, each having a complementary cavity to accommodate a security device are created using a special mold having a raised platform. The security device is inserted into the complementary cavities and the optical platters and security device are bonded together.

Abstract: A method for protecting disc copy of the present invention includes the steps of detecting an identifier of a disc to be reproduced and determining if a disc copy is permitted or not using copy protection disc information and the identifier. A recording and reproducing apparatus having a disc copy-protection function of the present invention includes a reproducing drive for reading data from a disc, a recording drive for writing data on other disc, storage unit for storing a copy-protection disc information for judging whether a disc copy is permitted or not, and control unit for controlling a disc copy from the disc in the reproducing drive to the other disc in the recording drive.