Optical Storage Focus Servo System Using Sum-Curve Signal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical storage device optical pickup units have a limited range of continuous focusing operation, making them susceptible to media defects and external disturbances that can lead to data loss and performance degradation.

Innovation Solution

A focus servo system that includes a controller generating a focus error signal based on the intensity and shape of the reflected beam, using signal processing to extend the operational range by incorporating the Sum-curve signal, ensuring stability and controlled system response beyond the traditional ±A range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional focus servo system with limited operational range is used, then the system structure remains simple, but the system becomes susceptible to media defects and external disturbances causing data loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocus stabilityVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Sum-curve signal as an intermediary element that mediates between the reflected beam characteristics and the focus error signal. This Sum-curve signal serves as a additional information carrier that helps extend the operational range of the focus servo system beyond the traditional limited range, thereby improving reliability without excessively increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the focus error signal generation process into multiple components: the traditional S-curve signal and the Sum-curve signal. By dividing the signal processing into these distinct segments that can be independently processed and then combined, the system achieves extended operational range while maintaining manageable complexity through modular signal handling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the operational range is extended beyond the traditional ±A range, then the system becomes more robust against disturbances, but the system response becomes nonlinear and harder to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational rangeVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the focus servo system by incorporating the Sum-curve signal, which allows the system to operate beyond the traditional ±A range. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to larger focus deviations and media defects, achieving extended operational range while the combined signal processing maintains controllable system behavior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the focus servo system operates beyond the limited range, then it can handle media defects and external disturbances, but the system may experience loss of focus and require time-consuming reinitialization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous focusing capabilityVSAvoidreinitialization time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by continuously monitoring and processing the Sum-curve signal in real-time, which provides advance information about focus deviations beyond the traditional range. This allows the system to proactively adjust the focus position before complete focus loss occurs, preventing the need for time-consuming reinitialization sequences and maintaining continuous focusing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The system effectively maintains focus and stability even under large disturbances, preventing data loss and improving performance by using the Sum-curve signal to manage nonlinear system behavior and ensure robust dynamic behavior.

Implementation Method 1

receives information representing an intensity and shape of a beam reflected from an optical media

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

control a position of an astigmatic focusing lens relative to the optical media based on the focus error signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP2619760B1Optical storage focus servo system and method of controlling same
Publication Date: 2014.05.21 ORACLE INT CORP
  • EP2619760B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2619760B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2619760B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An optical storage focus servo system may include an optical pickup unit that includes an astigmatic focusing lens, a focusing actuator that controls a position of the lens relative to an optical media, and a plurality of detectors that detect an intensity and shape of a reflected beam from the media. The system may also include a controller that controls the focusing actuator based on the intensity and shape of the reflected beam.