Disc Cartridge with RFID Tag for Optical Media Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic tapes used for backup are prone to damage due to sequential access and contact-based reading/writing, leading to reduced lifespan and increased risk of data integrity issues, while optical disc cartridges offer random access and reduced damage risk but face challenges in verifying authenticity and proper combination of media.

Innovation Solution

A disc cartridge with an RFID tag for non-contact storage and transmission of unique information, allowing verification of optical information recording media authenticity and detection of improper exchanges, integrated within an accommodation body that securely holds multiple optical discs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetic tape is used for backup storage, then sequential access and contact-based reading/writing enable data storage, but the tape is likely to be damaged and lifetime is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidtape lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based reading/writing system of magnetic tapes with an optical non-contact system using laser beams. The optical head reads and writes data on optical discs without physical contact, eliminating wear and tear on the storage medium while maintaining data integrity and extending the operational lifetime of the backup medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy verification system where the unique information read from the optical disc is compared with the unique information stored in the RFID tag. This copying and comparison mechanism ensures data integrity by verifying that the disc has not been improperly exchanged or tampered with, thereby maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If optical information recording media are used in disc cartridge, then random access and non-contact reading/writing reduce damage risk, but verification of authenticity and proper combination becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia normalityVSAvoidverification system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an RFID tag as an intermediary component that stores unique information about the optical discs in the cartridge. This intermediary enables automatic verification by providing a reference against which the actual disc information can be compared, simplifying the authentication process while ensuring media normality and proper combination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback verification system where the changer reads the unique information from the optical disc, compares it with the unique information stored in the RFID tag, and determines whether the disc is properly combined with the cartridge. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures authenticity verification without requiring complex manual checking procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If magnetic tape is used for backup, then contact-based reading and writing enable data access, but the number of times of attaching or detaching shortens the lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accessVSAvoidtape lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based system with an optical non-contact system. The optical head can read and write data on the optical disc without physical contact, allowing for repeated access operations without wearing down the storage medium. This maintains ease of operation while dramatically extending the operational lifetime of the backup medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures the integrity and authenticity of optical information recording media by enabling non-contact verification and detection of improper exchanges, thereby confirming the normality and proper combination of media, enhancing data protection and reducing the risk of damage.

Implementation Method 1

an identification device configured to store the unique information of the plurality of optical information recording media and supply the unique information to a changer in a non-contact manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8953423B2Disc cartridge and changer

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided a cartridge including a plurality of optical information recording media having unique information recorded thereon, an accommodation body configured to accommodate the plurality of optical information recording media, and an identification device configured to store the unique information of the plurality of optical information recording media and supply the unique information to a changer in a non-contact manner, the identification device being provided in the accommodation body.