Holographic Storage Parallel Access via Multiple Emitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current holographic storage devices perform read and write operations serially, relying on spinning technology to align the storage medium with light emitters and detectors, limiting the rate at which data can be written to and read from the medium.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple light emitters and detectors positioned around the storage medium allows for simultaneous or overlapping read and write operations without the need for medium rotation, enabling parallel data access and storage across multiple regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If spinning technology is used to align the storage medium with light emitters and detectors, then read and write operations can be performed, but the data transfer rate is limited due to serial operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spinning system with multiple stationary light emitters and detectors arranged around the storage medium. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical rotation while enabling parallel read/write operations across multiple regions, thereby increasing data transfer rate without the limitations of serial operations imposed by the spinning mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the storage medium into multiple addressable regions and positions multiple light emitters and detectors around it. Each emitter-detector pair can independently access different regions simultaneously, segmenting the data access operations into parallel channels that increase overall productivity without requiring a complex spinning mechanism to sequentially position components
2Productivity
If medium rotation is used to access different regions, then data can be read and written, but the operation rate is limited by the rotation speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions multiple light emitters and detectors around the storage medium in advance, with each component pre-aligned to access specific regions. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for time-consuming medium rotation and alignment during operation, as all necessary access points are already in position to perform parallel read/write operations immediately
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with a static array of multiple light emitters and detectors. This substitution eliminates the time loss associated with rotating and aligning the medium, as all access points remain stationary and simultaneously accessible, thereby dramatically increasing the operation rate without temporal delays
3Productivity
If serial read and write operations are performed, then the system is simpler to implement, but the data storage and retrieval efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage medium into multiple independently addressable regions and assigns dedicated light emitters and detectors to each region. This segmentation enables parallel read/write operations across multiple regions simultaneously, dramatically increasing data storage and retrieval efficiency. The added complexity of multiple components is justified by the exponential improvement in productivity from parallel operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal system where multiple light emitters and detectors can simultaneously perform both read and write operations across different regions of the storage medium. Each component is multi-functional, capable of accessing any region it is aligned with, thereby achieving high efficiency through parallel operations while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized component design
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
This approach significantly increases the data transfer rate by eliminating the need for medium rotation and allowing multiple operations to occur simultaneously, enhancing the efficiency of holographic storage devices.
Implementation Method 1
beam source 10 emits a reference beam towards a region of storage medium 20
Implementation Method 2
Storage medium 20 stores a pattern whose properties are based on properties of the reference beam
Implementation Method 3
Reflection beam 25 is the reflection of the reference beam from the region
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described that can be used to store information onto a holographic storage medium. Techniques are described that can be used to access information from a holographic storage medium. Multiple beam sources and multiple detectors can be used to store and/or read information. At least one detector can be available to read information available from a beam reflected from the medium. Multiple read and/or write operations may take place at substantially the same time.