Abstract: A multitrack recorder can allocate an input source in a simple manner without regard to whether a track is a monaural type or a stereo type. The multitrack recorder can set tracks 3 and 4, among a plurality of tracks 1 through 4, to either a monaural type or a stereotype. Track types are stored in memory. On occasion of allocation of an input source to each of the tracks, available input source alternatives are displayed in a display section while being changed according to whether the track is a monaural type or a stereo type.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the optical read/write apparatus includes a plurality of optical pickups arranged to cross tracks of an optical storage medium and a control section. On finding the data that has been written by any of those optical pickups inaccurate or on detecting any defect at a location where data is going to be written by any of the optical pickups, the control section instructs another one of the optical pickups to write that data on a different track from a track on which the data should have been written.

Abstract: A multitrack recorder easily, reliably performs processing for replicating a sound signal recorded in a certain track to another track. A multitrack recorder can set tracks 3 and 4, among a plurality of tracks 1 through 4, to either a monaural track type or a stereo track type. The track types are stored in memory. When a sound signal recorded in a source track is recorded in a replicated manner to a destination track, tracks conforming to a track type of a source track are automatically presented on a display section as possible destination tracks by use of the track types stored in the memory.

Abstract: A player is provided that is capable of playing discs of either a first or a second configuration. Both types of discs can be double-sided optical discs formed with data tracks. In one configuration, the tracks on one side follow one spiral while the tracks on the other side follow a second spiral, the two spirals being oriented in opposite directions as viewed from the respective sides, and therefore being mirror images of each other. This allows data to be read by a player seamlessly from both sides of the disc without changing the direction of rotation of the disc. In the other configuration, the tracks follow identical spirals. The disc is then rotated in one direction for one side and the other direction for the other side.

Abstract: An optical data-storage hard disk drive that uses stationary Phase-Change Microhead Array Chips in place of conventional flying-heads, rotary voice-coil actuators, or other similar types of servo-tracking mechanisms to simultaneously record and/or reproduce data to and/or from a multitude of data-tracks located across the data-surfaces of a multitude of phase-change based disc media using a multitude of microheads.

Abstract: A tape recording system is provided for coupling the angular velocities of a pair of roller guides disposed one on either side of a head assembly. In one embodiment, the roller guides each comprise cylindrical first and second surfaces wherein the first surfaces guide a tape over the head assembly. An idler bearing comprising a cylindrical ring having an inside diameter surface engages in rolling contact the second surfaces of the pair of roller guides, thereby coupling the angular velocities of the pair of roller guides. In another embodiment, an idler bearing comprises a roller having an outside diameter surface that engages the surfaces of a pair of roller guides on each side of the head to couple the angular velocities of the pair of roller guides.

Abstract: A single high resolution holographic pickup, for reading/writing both a CD and DVD optical recording medium, has an electrical tuning control for applying a DC and AC signal to a tunable Bragg cell, which AC is phase locked with respect to the fundamental repetition frequency of the recorded data on the CD to produce accurate tracking. A special high resolution holographic lens is recorded within the Bragg cell that focuses the light signals read off of the optical storage mediums upon a pickup detector, and its focal length is varied to read a selected CD and or DVD from a group of CDs or DVDs in response to changes in the DC applied to the Bragg cell. The holographic lens within the Bragg cell is formed by an interference pattern produced by interfering light emitted from the tip of a one micron optical fiber and a plane broad light beam.

Abstract: Typical apparatus according to this invention comprises a host interface for receiving digital data interface input from a host computer and delivering digital data interface output to the host computer, the interface output data comprising a function of the interface input data; an optical storage device (herein sometimes called a “light drive”) for receiving the interface output data from the host interface and providing optical radiation (i.e. radiation of wavelength in the range at least of about ultraviolet to at least about infrared) to each of a series of pixels in a region of a member comprising an effective concentration of photoreceptive material (PRM) and wherein the wavelength and intensity of the radiation in each pixel are functions of the interface output data received from the host interface; and a transmission medium for providing a datum signal from each pixel via the host interface to the host computer.

Abstract: A data recording method of optical storage medium is disclosed. The method employs the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) to record the data in order to increase the usage efficiency of the storage channel. The method evolves dividing a storage channel into multiple sub-channels, and then determining the recordable bits of the multiple sub-channels according to the signal to noise ratio of the storage channel; next, an input signal to be recorded on the optical storage medium is transformed from frequency domain to time domain such that a time-domain signal is obtained; at last, recording the time-domain signal on the optical storage medium through a compositive modulation of pulse width and pulse amplitude.

Abstract: A processing scheme for digital storage media using multi-user detection to separate tracks of data or remove interference from neighboring tracks. In one embodiment, data is written on a plurality of tracks positioned sufficiently close together so that multiple tracks are detected simultaneously by the read access sensor. Upon scanning the surface for data, the read element simultaneously receives the data signals from a plurality of tracks. Joint detection signal processing resolves the interference and data bits from the multiple sensed tracks, enabling closer packing of data with minimal guard space.

Abstract: A method for preformatting an optical recording medium with a plurality of parallel guide tracks, each guide track controlling the recording of a band of data tracks; said method includes providing a source laser beam along a predetermined path at a wavelength which is selected to be within the sensitivity range of the optical recording medium and providing a beam splitter in the predetermined path which divides the source laser beam into a multiplicity of preformatted recorded beams directed to impinge upon the optical recording medium. The spacing or pitch between the beams at the optical recording medium is uniform.

Abstract: An optical data-storage hard disk drive that uses stationary Phase-Change Microhead Array Chips in place of conventional flying-heads, rotary voice-coil actuators, or other similar types of servo-tracking mechanisms to simultaneously record and/or reproduce data to and/or from a multitude of data-tracks located across the data-surfaces of a multitude of phase-change based disc media using a multitude of microheads.

Abstract: Spiral tracks are formed on a recording surface of an information disk such as an optical disk, and data is recorded by interleaving technique as well as adding error correction information. A disk driver rotates the information disk at a specified speed. Plural tracks are read simultaneously by a reading device. Analog data of the plural lines are converted into digital data by an A/D converter, and stored in a frame data buffer memory by each line. The data are respectively decoded sequentially in a decoder. When the disk makes one rotation, the data of next track is read in duplicate as much as the portion of the interleaving length of the tail data of each one of the plural tracks being read on the information disk. By data aligning means, according to a command from a controller, the data—corresponding to the number of tracks that can be read simultaneously—being output in parallel from the decoder are aligned sequentially from the head data on the information disk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical data recording device using SIL (Solid Immersion Lens) in order to store information with high capacity, and more particularly to the multiple optical-recording apparatus capable of doing multiple information storage and play by forming multiple focus within the SIL. The present invention utilizes the optical technology by multiple source in order to overcome the limit of improving the recording speed and transfer rate due to the mechanical transfer and access, the flying head technology, which was proposed to increase the transfer rate and recording access speed in the near-field recording technology. The present invention can increase the recording speed and transfer rate using optical technology transcending the limit of mechanical transfer and access according to the number of the optical sources and focuses by recording and playing several pits simultaneously after forming multiple optical focus by multiple sources on the recording medium.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for reducing cross-talk and jitter caused by track offsets in multi-beam optical disks. The method and apparatus involve using split detectors and cross-talk cancellation algorithms in the multi-element photodetector of the multi-beam optical disks. The cross-talk cancellation algorithms are applied according to the value of the track offset as a function of the track pitch.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a two dimensional array of modulated light beams. A laser and a collimator are used to generate a single collimated light beam. This collimated light beam is passed through a two dimensional holographic beam splitter. Thereupon, the holographic beam splitter produces a two dimensional divergent array of diffraction limited collimated light beams. These light beams are then independently modulated by a two dimensional modulator array.

Abstract: A light beam encoded with data simultaneously reads out data stored in tracks on an optical disk and produces a reflected beam directed to a detector array. The data stored on the optical disk and the encoded data may be components of vector arrays. As the light beam illuminates the rotating optical disk, the data stored on the disk is multiplied by the encoded data. The products of the multiplication are encoded in the reflected beam. A multiplicity of data is read out in parallel from the optical disk and simultaneously correlated with the encoded data. This comparison or correlation operation is performed on digitally encoded data utilizing convolution, or with analog encoding. The present invention can be utilized in pattern matching.

Abstract: A disk recording apparatus for recording data to a disk is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a reading and writing element for emitting a read beam onto the disk to read out recorded data therefrom while emitting a plurality of write beams simultaneously onto the disk to record data thereto in parallel; and a controlling element for controlling where to emit on the disk the plurality of write beams in accordance with the data read out by the reading and writing element.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical disk drive for writing multiple tracks of an optical disk.

Abstract: A magneto-optical data storage hard disk drive that uses stationary “Light Intensity Modulated Direct Over-Writey” (LIMDOW) or “Magnetically induced Super Resolution” (MSR) ‘Magneto-Optical Microhead Array Chips’ in place of conventional flying-heads, rotary voice-coil actuators, or other similar types of ‘servo-tracking’ mechanisms to simultaneously record and/or reproduce data to and/or from a multitude of data-tracks located across the data-surfaces of a multitude of LIMDOW or MSR disc media that comprise two or more different coercive force regions at room temperature, using a multitude of microheads.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recording on DVD-like recording media in which audio content is stored in a high-capacity multi-channel (e.g., six-channel) format are provided. Various channels may use various resolutions. A two-channel audio output may be derived from the multi-channel audio data stream during playback. To facilitate an accurate derivation, the mixing coefficients to be used in generating the derivation can be supplied along with the six-channel audio data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of recording/reproducing information signals at an access speed in the order of &mgr;s, a recording density of 1 to 10 GBs/cm2, and a data transfer rate in the order of Gbit/sec without breakage of the data. The method includes the steps of: making a head device face to a memory medium having a flat recording surface, the head device including a plurality of head elements two-dimensionally arranged each of which has at its leading end a flat portion having an area of 0.1 &mgr;m2 or less; moving the head device relative to the memory medium a distance more than a gap between two adjacent ones of the head elements; and recording an information signal at a specific position of the recording surface at a recording density of 1 Gbit/cm2 or more, or reproducing an information signal previously recorded on the recording surface at a specific position by the head device.

Abstract: A field mark_type is provided within title_info( ) to set a kind of mark and moreover the time having passed from the leading area of title is set to relative_time_stamp_in_title. Thereby many kinds of indices can be recorded without limitation on the format.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of recording/reproducing information signals at an access speed in the order of As, a recording density of 1 to 10 GBs/cm2, and a data transfer rate in the order of Gbit/sec without breakage of the data. The method includes the steps of: making a head device face to a memory medium having a flat recording surface, the head device including a plurality of head elements two-dimensionally arranged each of which has at its leading end a flat portion having an area of 0.1 &mgr;m2 or less; moving the head device relative to the memory medium a distance more than a gap between two adjacent ones of the head elements; and recording an information signal at a specific position of the recording surface at a recording density of 1 Gbit/cm2 or more, or reproducing an information signal previously recorded on the recording surface at a specific position by the head device.

Abstract: A focus detection system for use in a multi-beam optical pickup assembly is provided that uses an optical element, either a holographic element or diffractive element, to split beams reflected off of a data-bearing surface of an optical disk into a plurality of data beams and a plurality of focus beams. The optical element also introduces astigmatism into the focus beams. The focus beams are projected onto focus detectors configured to account for overlap between adjacent focus beams to produce an accurate focus error signal.

Abstract: A reproduction apparatus for reproducing data recorded on a disk having a plurality of tracks includes a spindle motor for rotating the disk, N reading components (N being a positive integer greater than one) for respectively producing N analog reading signals representing data recorded on the disk, N data reproduction circuits for converting the N analog reading signals to N serial digital signals, N memories for storing the N serial digital signals, a track jump device for moving the N reading means over adjacent N+1 tracks of the plurality of tracks, and a central processing unit for controlling operations of the N reading components, the N data reproduction circuits, the N memories, and the track jump device, and for rearranging the N serial digital signals so as to output a reproduction signal corresponding to the data recorded on the disk.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for buffering and reordering data blocks read simultaneously from multiple tracks of an optical disk, so that they may be delivered in sequential order to a host computer. The methods involve the use of numerous processes to receive read commands, position an optical pickup, handle memory management tasks, process data blocks as they arrive, and send data blocks to the host computer in sequential order as they become available. The reordering of data blocks is achieved by checking each data block as it arrives in a "read process" to see if it may be linked in a sequential chain with a data block that arrived from the next track. Additionally, methods for determining if a requested data block is in the range of blocks that are currently being read, and methods for determining when the optical pickup may be moved to read the next set of tracks are described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for synchronously reading data from multiple tracks of an optical disk using multiple illumination beams. Circuitry is provided for use with a photodetector array to read and buffer data in parallel from the multiple adjacent tracks, while asynchronously providing processed data to a host processor. Circuitry is further provided for correcting phase errors resulting from variations in the linear velocity of the tracks being read, depending upon the radial position of the tracks.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for simultaneously reading data from multiple tracks of an optical disk at a high rate. Circuitry is provided for generating a reference data clock independently of spindle motor speed and the spindle motor speed servo circuitry. Circuitry is also provided for deriving individual track data clocks from the reference data clock, while correcting for phase and frequency errors resulting from variations in the linear velocity of the tracks being read, depending upon the radial position of the tracks.

Abstract: A method of scanning multiple tracks uses an optical pickup to simultaneously emit a plurality of beams on a plurality of tracks on a disk, and satisfies the equations: N.sub.j =(N.sub.b -1)N.sub.g -1 and N.sub.r =N.sub.b N.sub.g -1. Here, N.sub.j represents the number of jumped tracks, N.sub.b represents the number of light beams, N.sub.g represents the interval between the light beams, and N.sub.r represents the number of reproduced tracks during a reproduction period.

Abstract: A multi beam track system and method is used for the retrieving of information stored in optical memories like optical disks. The information carrying beams reflected on the surface of such a optical disk results in spots on the surface of a detector array. Because these beams are very close to each other, the resulting spots tend to overlap so that cross talk conditions between neighboring channels occur. As result the S/N ratio becomes worse. According to the present invention a plurality of laser beams arranged in a row is used, where the laser beams are linear polarized and the polarization of neighboring beams differ by 90.o slashed., i.e. neighboring laser beams have perpendicular linear polarization. After reflection on the surface of the optical disk the row of reflected laser beams is separated into two rows by an separating means which is polarization dependent so that beams are separated in space according to the polarization.

Abstract: Learning marks are recorded in a learning region preceding a data recording region of the track. The positions of information recording lattice points are staggered by one lattice point between two contiguous tracks. At reading of recorded information, a two-dimensional information leakage amount is detected by the reproduced signals from a learning mark preceding a target information recording lattice point on a track, and from the information recording lattice points immediately before and after the learning mark in question. The equalization coefficients are calculated from leakage amount thus obtained. The crosstalk present in a reproduced signal for the target lattice point is removed by using this equalization coefficients and a pair of reproduced signals from intermediate lattice points which are located immediately before and after the current lattice point and which are not used to record information marks.

Abstract: A tape cartridge is received into one end of an information recording and/or reproducing apparatus conforming to an 8 inch Form Factor Size. A first reel is held inside this tape cartridge, and a tape wound onto this first reel is extracted from a cartridge including the first reel and threaded by a simple pivotal motion of a tape threading arm, and wound onto a second reel disposed at the other end of the information recording and/or reproducing apparatus. The pivotal center of the tape threading arm and a recording head are disposed at opposite sides respectively with regard to a line joining a first and second reel axes to facilitate a compact overall construction. Tape guides formed into cylindrical rollers and the recording head are disposed on the inner side of the trajectory of the tape threading to transfer the tape smoothly. The tape guides and the recording head may be arranged substantially in line. Also, the tape guides next to the recording head may be fixed rollers.

Abstract: An optical information recording/regenerating apparatus includes an optical head for irradiating a regeneration light spot to a plurality of tracks on an optical recording medium simultaneously via an objective optical system. A regenerating arrangement is provided for simultaneously scanning the plurality of tracks to which the optical head has irradiated the regeneration light spot, and then reading recorded information from the plurality of tracks. An error-correcting arrangement is provided which receives the recorded information read by the regenerating arrangement for performing error correction using the error-correcting codes for the plurality of tracks. An error-correction result memory arrangement is provided for storing results that indicate whether or not the error-correcting arrangement succeeded in error correction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reading digital data stored on an optical tape are achieved with a digital optical tape read system including an optical tape and an illumination arrangement. The optical tape has bit cells which are stored along a plurality of tracks of bit cells. Each track includes a line of bit cells, and each bit cell has either a first spot power reflectance representative of a first binary value, or a second spot power reflectance representative of a second binary value. The illumination arrangement functions to illuminate a predetermined area of the optical tape covering a plurality of bit cells with incident light that provides substantially a 180.degree. phase difference between adjacent bit cell locations on the optical tape to be concurrently read.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus for receiving recording information and index information with respect to the recording information, and recording the recording information on a recordable disc medium, including memory device for storing the index information as first index information, first recording device for recording the recording information on the disc recording medium in accordance with the first index information, control device for producing second index information on the basis of the first information, and second recording device for recording the second index information on the disc recording medium in parallel with the recording by the first recording device.

Abstract: A disk memory device is provided that will maximize the storage capacity of a memory disk while at the same time maximize the record and playback data rate. Two recording disks are mounted upon a common shaft that is rotated at a fixed speed. Each disk has a recording area including a surface upon which data can be recorded/read in the form of tracks arranged either in concentric tracks or in a spiral. The recording area surfaces are divided into multiple concentric track groups. Two read/write heads and two head positioning servos (including electronic controls) are mounted such that each disk recording surface can be read out or written by the read/write heads. Each track of the multiple track groups of the first disk are given designated numbers beginning with the outer track of the outermost or edge track group and continuing in higher consecutive numbers until the inner track of the innermost track group is designated.

Abstract: An optical pickup scans a target track and scans a track preceding to the target track to store respectively read information therefrom to read out information from a preceding track scanning signal corresponding to a jump portion when a track jump occurs, thus to combine it into normal read information.

Abstract: In the optical memory device of this invention, an annular information recording area is formed on one surface of a disc-shaped subplate which is rotatable about a center hole. Information is recorded on, or read from, the circular or spiral track of the information recording area, the track being centered on the center hole. On the same surface of the subplate is formed a position signal area of the same material as that of the information recording area, but at a different position from the information recording area. As the device is rotated, the time when the position signal area passes a given point may be detected and used as a reference, so that the location within the track of recording or reproducing information can be determined.

Abstract: A video disc record having a spiral video record track which can provide reproduced video signals with a desired frame rate such as thirty frames per second while the disc record is rotated at a very low speed such as two revolutions per minute. A preferred transducer machine uses a pulsed light source to supply successive light images to a video camera readout. Control signals are recorded on helical control tracks so that reproduction thereof facilitates the generation of a desired standard video signal from the video camera.

Abstract: System, method and record medium for the reproduction of pictures and related audio information on a television receiver or monitor. Video information for discrete frames of the picture is recorded in spaced apart tracks on the record medium, and extended audio information for each frame is recorded in a plurality of individually transcribable tracks between the video tracks. The information is read simultaneously from one of the video tracks and from all of the audio tracks for one frame, and the information from successive ones of the audio tracks is processed sequentially to provide extended sound during repeated reproduction of the picture.

Abstract: DVD 1? has recording information areas VOR, AOR in which recording information is recorded and reproducing procedure information recording areas VNA, ANA in which reproducing procedure information indicating reproducing procedures of the recording information is recorded. In addition, this DVD 1? has an integrated reproducing procedure information recording area GNA in which an integrated reproducing procedure information is recorded. The integrated reproducing procedure information indicates reproducing procedures to sequentially reproduce a plurality of recording information including recording information recorded in other DVD. Upon reproducing, the recording information recorded astride a plurality of DVDs is reproduced in accordance with the integrated reproducing procedure information.