Abstract: A positioning system in an optical card reading apparatus, for accurately positioning the optical card (801) relative to the probe array (102) used to read the data stored on the card. The card (801) is provided with a pattern of servo bands (800) and the sensor (103) used to read out data stored on the optical card (801) has a windowing function which is used to narrow its field of view (802) to define a region of interest (900) corresponding to one or the servo bands (800), and the output is fed to an analogue-to-digital converter. Thus, the “windowing” function of the sensor (103) is used to increase the readout speed and, therefore, the speed of detection of servo marks (800) to enable more rapid positioning of the probe array (102) relative to the optical card (801).

Abstract: A search method of efficiently retrieving information is provided. A search light 21 is generated from a search condition (S1). The search light is irradiated onto a hologram 104a recorded in a hologram recording layer 104 (S2). When the search light interferes with the hologram and a reproduction light is generated, address information of the hologram from which the reproduction light is generated is identified using an address light 23 that reads the address information. The identified address light is recorded (S3). When the search light does not generate the reproduction light from the hologram, the search light is irradiated onto another hologram 104b recorded in the hologram recording layer.

Abstract: A system includes a first manufacturing apparatus (510) for manufacturing a plurality of record carriers, such as DVDs, with a pre-recorded area storing the same content. A second manufacturing apparatus (520) stores an identifier in an identifier area of the record carriers. The identifier is unique for distinct groups of record carriers. Each group is associated with a distinct playlist. The playlists differ in at least a selection of content parts that can be accessed and/or a sequence in which content parts can be accessed. A reading device (530) includes means (532) for receiving a record carrier, means (536) for reading an identifier stored in the identifier area, means (537) for obtaining an associated playlist for the read identifier, and means (538) for providing access for rendering to content parts on the playlist.