Optical Disc Recording Layer Reflectivity Contrast for Focus Lead-In

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-layer optical discs with three or more recording layers face challenges in performing an easy focus lead-in operation due to variations in spherical aberration and reflectivity across layers, leading to errors in timing and classification determination.

Innovation Solution

Establishing a predetermined relationship between the reflectivity of the recording layer where information is first reproduced and other recording layers, specifically by adjusting the reflectivity of the target layer to be higher than others, ensures optimal focus lead-in by maximizing the amplitude of the focus error signal, allowing for correct detection and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the focus lead-in operation is conducted onto the deepest recording layer L0 where the BCA is disposed, then the classification determination can be performed, but the timing error occurs due to spike noises from the BCA in the focus error signal waveform

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming detection accuracyVSAvoidspike noises from BCA
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the reflectivity of the target recording layer L0 different from other layers. Specifically, the reflectivity of L0 is set to 90% or higher while other layers have lower reflectivity, creating a distinctive local property that enables reliable timing detection without interference from BCA spike noises.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses reflectivity contrast as an optical property change to distinguish the target layer L0 from other layers. By setting L0's reflectivity to 90% or higher, it creates a detectable optical signature that allows the focus lead-in operation to identify the correct layer timing without being misled by BCA interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Quantity of substance

If multiple recording layers are used to increase recording capacity, then the storage capacity increases, but the focus lead-in operation becomes difficult due to variations in spherical aberration and reflectivity across layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecording capacityVSAvoidfocus lead-in operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the target recording layer L0 distinct from other layers by setting its reflectivity to 90% or higher, while other layers have lower reflectivity. This local quality difference creates a clear optical signature that enables reliable focus lead-in operation even in multi-layer configurations with varying spherical aberration characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the reflectivity parameter of the target recording layer L0 to be 90% or higher, creating a detectable difference from other layers. This parameter change enables the focus lead-in operation to identify the correct layer by detecting the reflectivity contrast, solving the difficulty of performing focus lead-in in multi-layer discs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the reflectivity of all recording layers is made equal, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the focus lead-in operation cannot reliably distinguish the target layer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidlayer identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a local quality difference by setting the reflectivity of layer L0 to 90% or higher while other layers have lower reflectivity. This creates a distinctive property in the target layer that enables reliable identification during focus lead-in operation, while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses reflectivity as an optical property to distinguish the target layer L0 from other layers. By setting L0's reflectivity to 90% or higher, it creates a detectable optical contrast that enables accurate layer identification during focus lead-in, solving the problem of indistinguishable layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 enhances the focus lead-in operation by increasing the amplitude difference between the target and other recording layers, ensuring accurate detection and successful focus lead-in onto the desired recording layer, even in the presence of reflectivity and spherical aberration errors.

Implementation Method 1

the reflectivity of a recording layer, on which a focus lead-in operation is to be conducted at first, is higher than reflectivity of other recording layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2148331B1Multilayer optical disc
Publication Date: 2013.01.02 HITACHI CONSUMER ELECTRONICS CORP
  • EP2148331B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2148331B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2148331B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In a multi-layer optical disc, having three (3) or more recording layers thereof, for enabling an easy focus lead-in operation onto a desired recording layer, reflectivity of respective recording layers are so determined that a ratio between the reflectivity of the desired recording layer and the reflectivity of other recording layers is equal or greater than a predetermined value, upon basis of the reflectivity of the other recording layers.