Abstract: A disc-shaped optical data recording medium has a signal recording layer for reading and/or writing data using light, and a 10 ?m to 200 ?m thick transparent protective layer disposed over the signal recording layer. The optical data recording medium includes a protrusion projecting from a surface of the transparent protective layer on a light-incidence surface side to which light is emitted to the signal recording layer. The protrusion is disposed in an area between a center hole and a clamping area where the optical data recording medium is held when reading and/or writing data in the signal recording layer.

Abstract: A disc-shaped optical data recording medium has a signal recording layer for reading and/or writing data using light, and a 10 ?m to 200 ?m thick transparent protective layer disposed over the signal recording layer. The optical data recording medium includes a protrusion projecting from a surface of the transparent protective layer on a light-incidence surface side to which light is emitted to the signal recording layer. The protrusion is disposed in an area between a center hole and a clamping area where the optical data recording medium is held when reading and/or writing data in the signal recording layer.

Abstract: A disc-shaped optical data recording medium has a signal recording layer for reading and/or writing data using light, and a 10 ?m to 200 ?m thick transparent protective layer disposed over the signal recording layer. The optical data recording medium includes a protrusion projecting from a surface of the transparent protective layer on a light-incidence surface side to which light is emitted to the signal recording layer. The protrusion is disposed in an area between a center hole and a clamping area where the optical data recording medium is held when reading and/or writing data in the signal recording layer.

Abstract: A disc-shaped optical data recording medium has a signal recording layer for reading and/or writing data using light, and a 10 ?m to 200 ?m thick transparent protective layer disposed over the signal recording layer. The optical data recording medium includes a protrusion projecting from a surface of the transparent protective layer on a light-incidence surface side to which light is emitted to the signal recording layer. The protrusion is disposed in an area between a center hole and a clamping area where the optical data recording medium is held when reading and/or writing data in the signal recording layer.

Abstract: A process for durably protecting an image applied to a digital information disk includes providing an optical disk including an image disposed on a surface of the optical disk, and inkjet printing a clear coat composition supplied by an inkjet cartridge over the image.

Abstract: In a disc changer in which any one is selected from a set of disc-shaped recording media (2) stored in a disc compartment (3) and signals are written and/or read to and/or from the selected disc-shaped recording medium (2), resin layers (192), (194) and (195), softer than the disc-shaped recording medium (2) in a recording and/or playback apparatus (6) are formed on a pair of disc holding members (89) holding the selected disc-shaped recording medium (2) rotatably while chucking the latter and a disc tray (193) on which each of the disc-shaped recording media stored in the disc compartment (3) is placed. The resin layers assure to prevent the disc-shaped recording medium (2) from being damaged due to contact with the disc holding members (89) and disc tray (193).

Abstract: An optical storage medium has a substrate having a first surface and a second surface on both sides, the first surface allowing light to pass therethrough in recording or reproduction. The medium also has at least one composite layer having at least a first protective film, a second protective film and a recording film formed in order on the second surface, the first and second protective films exhibiting refractive indices n1 and n2, respectively, having the following relations therebetween, to the light having a specific wavelength ?: n1>n2, n1?n2?0.02 and 2.1?n1?2.5, 1.5?n2?2.1. The composite layer may have at least a first protective film, a second protective film, a third protective film and a recording film formed in order on the second surface, the first, second and third protective films exhibiting refractive indices n21, n22 and n23, respectively, having a relation n21>n22>n23 or n22>n21>n23 thereamong, to the light having a specific wavelength ?.

Abstract: A disc-shaped optical data recording medium has a signal recording layer for reading and/or writing data using light, and a 10 ?m to 200 ?m thick transparent protective layer disposed over the signal recording layer. The optical data recording medium includes a protrusion projecting from a surface of the transparent protective layer on a light-incidence surface side to which light is emitted to the signal recording layer. The protrusion is disposed in an area between a center hole and a clamping area where the optical data recording medium is held when reading and/or writing data in the signal recording layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating an optical media device with a conditional access mechanism is presented. The optical media device is configured with a conditional access system such as an optical shutter assembly and the apparatus is configured to receive such an optical media device and establish communication with the optical media device. The apparatus may include one or more electrodes that are positioned such that they come into physical or near physical contact with a corresponding electrode on the optical media device and thereby establish electrical communication. The apparatus may also be configured to send and receive acoustical signals to establish an acoustical communication path with the optical media device. A data communication path may also be established between the optical media device and the apparatus. Upon establishing communication with the optical media device, the apparatus may send an activation signal to the optical media device to activate the conditional access system.

Abstract: A system and method for wireless activation of a target. A communication device transmits an ID associated with the target to a network operations center. The network operations center provides an activation signal to the communication device. The communication device wirelessly transmits an acoustic activation signal to a nearby activation device. The activation device is positioned proximate the target and causes a change in at least one physical property of the target. The target may be an optical media containing an electrochromic material with optical properties that change on application of an electric signal.

Abstract: A limited play optical storage medium for data is described which comprises a first substrate, a reflective layer, a data layer disposed between said substrate and said reflective layer; a reactive layer comprising at least one carrier, and at least one reactive material, and an optically transparent second substrate comprised of a polymethacrylate copolymer or blend comprising a polymethacrylate copolymer or homopolymer. The second substrate is disposed between the reactive layer and a laser incident surface and is tailored to provide an oxygen permeability in a range between about 0.1 Barrers and about 1.35 Barrers at 25° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a formulation for a reactive dye layer for a limited-play optical storage medium, the reactive formulation including at least one carrier material or curable acrylate monomer, at least one reactive material disposed within the carrier material or acrylate monomer, and at least one photo-bleaching retarder material disposed within the at least one adhesive material. The at least one photo-bleaching retarder material includes at least one polymeric polyhydroxy compound selected from the group consisting of polyhydroxystyrenes, cellulose, and functionalized cellulose derivatives.

Abstract: A multimedia card, including, a multimedia portion, a multimedia card holder portion, and a multimedia cover portion, and wherein the multimedia cover portion and the multimedia card holder portion releasably cover the multimedia card portion in between the multimedia cover portion and the multimedia card holder portion.

Abstract: In an optical disc, an information signal area on which an information signal can be recorded and/or reproduced is formed on a major surface of a disc substrate thereof; a light transmitting layer which can transmit a laser beam used in a process for recording and/or reproducing the information signal is formed on a side on which the information signal area is present; and a clamp reference plane is arranged on a major surface of the light transmitting layer in a clamp region. If the optical disc is clamped by a chucking unit of a drive, it is clamped by making the clamp reference plane on the major surface of the light transmitting layer contact with a mounting surface of a table for mounting the disc, and making a magnetic metal plate contact with the major surface of the disc substrate, and then sandwiching the optical disc between.

Abstract: A recording-medium management system comprising: a reproduction part; a recording part; and a control part. The control part performs a first through fourth control. The first control is to obtain a first data line from an authentication region of a recording medium by making the reproduction part read the authentication region, the authentication region including a first data pattern of a RAM bit and a ROM bit, the first data line being corresponding to the first data pattern, the RAM bit being over-writable of data at least once by a first writing condition, and the ROM bit being not over-writable of data by the first writing condition. The second control is to make the recording part overwrite predetermined data to the RAM bit. The third control is to obtain a second data line from the recording-medium, the second data line being corresponding to a second data pattern of the over-written RAM bit and the ROM bit.

Abstract: A simple method for evaluating an optical information medium by judging quantitatively and reproducibly the surface quality of the optical information medium by the use of an artificial fingerprint liquid as an evaluation dispersion liquid, is provided. An optical information medium having a remarkably excellent anti-staining property of the surface which is on the incident side of recording/reproducing beam is provided. A method for evaluating an optical information medium, comprising: adhering an artificial fingerprint liquid containing a fine-particle-form substance and a dispersion medium capable of dispersing the fine-particle-form substance onto the surface of the optical information medium which is on the incident side of a recording/reproducing beam; observing the state of the artificial fingerprint liquid droplets adhered to the surface; and judging the quality of the medium surface.

Abstract: A disc drive according to the present invention is adapted to a disk cartridge including: a disk; a body to contain the disk; a window provided for the body to allow a data reading and/or writing head to access the disk; a shutter for opening or closing the window; and a rotational member including a gear as a part of its outer periphery and rotating to open or close the shutter. The drive includes a shutter driving mechanism for opening and closing the shutter by rotating the rotational member of the disk cartridge, and the shutter driving mechanism includes a driving gear, which engages with the gear of the rotational member and which turns around a first rotation shaft. The first rotation shaft swings around the center of rotation of the rotational member of the disk cartridge that is held on the holding portion.

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 disc-shaped optical data recording medium has a signal recording layer for reading and/or writing data using light, and a 10 ?m to 200 ?m thick transparent protective layer disposed over the signal recording layer. The optical data recording medium includes a protrusion projecting from a surface of the transparent protective layer on a light-incidence surface side to which light is emitted to the signal recording layer. The protrusion is disposed in an area between a center hole and a clamping area where the optical data recording medium is held when reading and/or writing data in the signal recording layer.

Abstract: An anti-reflection coating layer is formed on the surface portion of a recording medium. This enables to obtain a margin for the air gap thickness change when recording/reproducing an information signal using the “near-field technique” as well as minimize a data loss caused by a collision. Furthermore, the present invention provides a film configuration which can easily be produced.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical information recording medium, for use with a laser irradiating a laser beam having a wavelength of 380 to 500 nm through an objective lens with a numerical aperture of at least 0.7, the optical information recording medium comprising, in the following order: a substrate; a recording layer; a layer of acrylic adhesive; and a cover layer. A light reflecting layer may be provided between the substrate and the recording layer. Also a cover layer formed by an acrylic adhesive material may be provided instead of the layer of the acrylic adhesive material and the cover layer.

Abstract: A protective cover for a data storage disc such as a compact disc (CD) includes a disc which has a central retainer for engaging the hole in the data storage disc. The protective cover may placed on both the data storage side and the opposite side of the data storage disc. In one embodiment the retainer consists of a plurality of upstanding members disposed on one side of the protective cover, and a corresponding plurality of cavities disposed on the other side of the protective cover. The cavities of one protective cover receive the upstanding members of another protective cover so that a plurality of protective covers may be stacked.

Abstract: A disk dispenser including a spindle having a first end and a second end, the second end having a disk support foot arranged to support a stack of disks, wherein the disk support foot is movable from an extended position at which a portion of the disk support foot is axially extending beyond a diameter of the spindle for supporting a stack of disks and a withdrawn position at which the portion of the disk support foot is not substantially axially extending beyond the diameter of the spindle for loading the stack of disks onto the spindle; and a pusher for separating at least one disk from the stack of disks on the spindle.

Abstract: An optical media disc protector comprising a transparent plastic disc formed in a substantially circular configuration with a center-hole, and a temporary adhesive applied to one side of said plastic disc for removable bonding with a media disc. The laser of a conventional player can read the contents of the optical disk through the disc protector. In one embodiment, water-soluble adhesive is applied to one side of the optical media disc protector, such as in an inner ring around the center-hole, and a peripheral outer ring. In another embodiment, the transparent plastic disc is formed in a substantially circular configuration with a center-hole and a plurality of axial tabs protruding from about its periphery. Temporary pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to one side of each of the tabs. In both cases a removable backing may be supplied to protect the adhesive until application.

Abstract: A CD player is equipped with a CD inserting mechanism without loading plate; the CD inserting mechanism is equipped with single transmission gear set to be simple in structure and have reduced numbers of parts; the transmission gear set consists of a rubber roller, a tremor gear, and is a support; a belt is connected to a motor and the transmission gear set so that rotation of the motor can be passed on to the gear set; a compact disk will come into contact with the rubber roller to be conveyed towards inside of the CD player by means of the rubber roller after it is inserted into the inserting mechanism.

Abstract: A super-resolution recordable optical disk includes a substrate and forms sequentially on the substrate an under dielectric layer, a mask layer, an interface layer, an organic dye layer, an isolation layer, and a protection layer. A laser beam is projected into the organic dye layer through the substrate to record signals. And a super-resolution recordable optical disk for high numerical apertures also is provided that includes a substrate and forms sequentially on the substrate an organic dye layer, an interface layer, a mask layer an under dielectric layer, and a thin polycarbonate layer. A laser beam is projected into the organic dye layer through the thin polycarbonate layer to record signals.

Abstract: A protective cover for a data storage disc such as a compact disc (CD) includes a disc which has a central retainer for engaging the hole in the data storage disc. The protective cover may placed on both the data storage side and the opposite side of the data storage disc. In one embodiment the retainer consists of a plurality of upstanding members disposed on one side of the protective cover, and a corresponding plurality of cavities disposed on the other side of the protective cover. The cavities of one protective cover receive the upstanding members of another protective cover so that a plurality of protective covers may be stacked.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for write protection of rewritable compact disks and digital video disks. A Power Calibration Area is covered to prevent the drive laser from completing a calibration procedure. In one embodiment, the disk has an indented area formed around the central hole in the disk. A ring shaped plug is inserted into the indented area, with an extended surface that covers the calibration area. In an alternative embodiment, an adhesive label, ink, dye or paint is used. In still another alternative embodiment, the calibration area is mechanically abraded to provide permanent write protection. Finally, the laser in the drive may be used to darken, damage or destroy the calibration area or a transparent label over the calibration area, for permanent write protection.

Abstract: A disk case in which the downsizing of a disk is enabled, maintaining the ease of handling in the same manner as the current 8-cm disk cartridge, and that can be mounted on the current 12-cm drive by using a simplified adapter is provided. The shape of the disk case that involves an 8-cm disk is not a square but almost a circle. Further, the opening width of the disk case is 39 mm or more. An arm for ejecting the disk is arranged at the disk case opening side.

Abstract: In an information recording medium, a first protective layer, a recording film, a second protective layer and a reflective layer are provided on a substrate sequentially from a side where light is irradiated, the first protective layer having a film thickness of 2 nm to 25 nm. 95 atomic % or more of a material of the first protective layer is SiO2—In2O3—SnO2—ZnS, and a ZnS amount in the first protective layer is in the range of 4 mol % to 33 mol %.

Abstract: An injection molded plastic disc substrate incorporating a stiff insert made of a very stiff material (metal, ceramic, composite . . . e.g. silicon) embedded in the plastic matrix. Preferably, the insert has a circular center region and radially extending fingers. Additional features of the web may include one or more chordal connecting elements extending between the fingers. In this way, both vibration or flutter in the circumferential or radial direction is suppressed by the insert.

Abstract: In an optical recording medium having a super-resolution layer structure using near-field light, comprising a readout layer 3 for forming a light scattering region 9 in the center portion of a laser spot, and a recording layer 5 for receiving near-field light 10 generated from the light scattering region 9 of the readout layer 3, scattering bodies 61 for increasing the generated near-field light are provided while enhancing a scattering effect of the near-field light 10 applied to a mark 51 of the recording layer 5.

Abstract: Device and method for removing contaminant particles from an optical disk, the optical disk having an optical disk substrate, a reflective layer on the disk substrate, a first insulating layer on the reflective layer, a recording layer on the first insulating layer for recording/reproducing a data thereon/therefrom, and a second insulating layer on the recording layer, the device including an electrode pattern of a plurality of concentric circles on the optical disk except the recording layer, a third insulating layer on the electrode pattern to expose a region of the electrode pattern, and a number of connection electrodes in contact with the exposed electrode pattern for applying dust collecting voltages to the electrode pattern.

Abstract: A protective film for optical disks comprising an acrylic adhesive layer disposed on one face of a light transmitting substrate film, wherein a change in transmittance (X) expressed by equation [1] is 10% or smaller and the amount of elution of halogen ions and the amount of alkaline ions from an acrylic adhesive constituting the acrylic adhesive layer are each 10 ppm or smaller; and an optical disk using the protective film. X(%)=[(Ta−Tb)/Ta]×100  [1] (Ta: an initial transmittance of light of 405 nm through the protective film, Tb: a transmittance of light of 405 nm through the protective film after the protective film is left standing at 80° C. in 85% RH for 1,000 hours). The protective film is used for protecting the information recording layer of the optical disk and the functions of recording and regeneration of the optical disk are not adversely effected.

Abstract: An optical disc holder made of molded elastomeric material designed to protect the recorded side of the optical disc and provide a convenient storage method. The holder includes a flat, circular body with a circular, central space formed therein designed to receive the optical disc. Formed on the body is a raised perimeter edge with an undercut ledge formed on its inside surface that engages the perimeter edge of the optical disc when the optical disc is inserted into the central space. The inside surface of the body is concave, thus creating an air space between the recorded surface of the optical disc and the inside surface of the body. Formed on the lower edge of the body is an offset step or beveled edge that creates a circular, downward extending portion on the body that fits snugly into the central opening on a lower disc. The diameter and height of the downward extending portion is sufficient so that adjacent holders may be stacked and locked together.

Abstract: This invention pertains to protection and preservation of optical disks. This includes but is not limited to DVDs music CDs and video game disks. It is designed to be used as a protector of the surface of said disk, which is used for recording and/or playback. It will adhere to and lay flat on the optical disk and be transparent to the playback/recording device. It will serve as a “skin” to the disk to prevent damage rendering the disk useless.

Abstract: An optical media disc protector comprising a transparent plastic disc formed in a substantially circular configuration with a center-hole, and a temporary adhesive applied to one side of said plastic disc for removable bonding with a media disc. The laser of a conventional player can read the contents of the optical disk through the disc protector.

Abstract: A disk cartridge is provided which, with a small number of parts, can reduce manufacturing costs and facilitate assembly. In particular, the disk cartridge can be assembled easily even if a disk medium is small-sized. Case members of a same configuration are superposed together so as to form a case. Shutter members of a same configuration are disposed so as to correspond to openings of the case members. A lock member and a spring member are provided in common for the two shutter members. The case members of the same configuration and the shutter members of the same configuration are used, and only one lock member and only one spring member are provided. Thus, a number of parts can be reduced, manufacturing costs can be reduced, and assembly can be facilitated.

Abstract: A disc cartridge can prevent a disc from being damaged, and smoothly enable a disc rotation, by forming a protruding supporting member to have a predetermined height from an inner surface of a casing receiving the disc, and by preventing the disc from interfering with an outer surface of the casing or other components. The structure of the disc cartridge includes the casing receiving the disc, and a disc holder disposed separably at the casing, having tension arms elastically holding the disc, and guiding the disc into or out of the casing, the protruding supporting member having a predetermined height from the inner surface of the casing and being contacted with a non-recording region of the disc, which height is equal to or greater than a sum of a vertical deflection of the disc due to gravity, a vertical deflection of the tension arms, and an air gap which must be maintained between surfaces of the disc and flanges of the tension arms.

Abstract: A disc cartridge according to the present invention includes a cartridge body and a shutter. The cartridge body includes a disc storage portion, a chucking opening and a head opening. The disc storage portion stores a disc, having first and second sides, therein so that the disc is rotatable in the disc storage portion. The shutter is supported to, and rotatable with respect to, the cartridge body between the second side of the disc and the bottom of the disc storage portion so as to expose or cover the chucking opening and the head opening.

Abstract: An anti-reflection coating layer is formed on the surface portion of a recording medium. This enables to obtain a margin for the air gap thickness change when recording/reproducing an information signal using the “near-field technique” as well as minimize a data loss caused by a collision. Furthermore, the present invention provides a film configuration which can easily be produced.

Abstract: A protective cover for protecting a read side of an optical disk, the protective cover including a substantially planar body being transparent and having a center hole, an outer edge and a generally planar annular surface extending between the outer edge and the center hole. A circumferential engagement structure is coupled to the outer edge of and completely encircles the planar body for engaging an outer edge of the optical disk.

Abstract: A disk cartridge assembly that allows a storage medium to be inserted and removed from a reusable disk cartridge for use in a disk drive. The assembly has an insert that contains a storage medium and a reusable disk cartridge that can be opened and closed for insertion and removal of the insert.

Abstract: A storage system comprising a magneto resistance sensor for reading and writing information to a storage disk is provided. The storage disk is comprised of multi-layer media or optically assisted media. The storage disk includes an overcoat and lubricant disposed on a top surface of the media.

Abstract: A data storage disk capable of limiting a crack from extending during operation is provided. The data storage disk has a center, an outer edge, an inner edge, and at least one slot. The slot is disposed between the outer edge and the inner edge. When a crack occurs in the disk, the slot disperses a stress which forces the crack to extend. Therefore, the slot hinders extension of the crack to prevent the disk from break.

Abstract: An optical disc for storage and retrieval of digital data, and a system and method for protecting the optical disc is disclosed. The optical disc has projections or embossments on one or both surfaces. When the optical disc is placed on a substantially flat surface such as a tabletop or a desktop, the projections act as pedestals that elevate the optical disc above the flat surface. The resulting gap or clearance helps prevent damage to the optical disc caused by contaminants on the flat surface or by defects in the flat surface. The projections are sized to provide adequate clearance between the disc and the flat surface, while minimizing interference between the projections and components of optical disc readers and drives. The optical disc may also include one or more depressions that are sized and configured to receive projections from another disc, which facilitates stacking of the optical discs.