Optical Disc Layer Switching via Radio Wave Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of methods for efficiently searching and managing content on portable optical discs, particularly those with integrated circuits containing ID information, and for controlling laser tracking without a pre-defined track on the disc.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a transmission/reception IC connected to transmitting and receiving antennas on the optical disc, allowing for radio wave communication to identify and switch between layers without applying voltage to a conducting layer, and controlling laser tracking using another laser beam.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conducting layer is used for layer switching in multi-layer optical discs, then layer switching capability is improved, but the risk of external voltage interference and data corruption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayer switching capabilityVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical/conductive layer switching mechanism with an optical mechanism. A control beam (tracking prevention beam) is used to control the objective lens positioning, thereby preventing unintended track following on non-target layers. This substitution of electrical control with optical control eliminates the vulnerability to external voltage interference while maintaining layer switching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If tracking control is implemented on layers without pre-defined tracks, then versatility of the optical disc system is improved, but the complexity of the tracking control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking control capabilityVSAvoidtracking control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control beam as an intermediary element between the tracking control system and the optical disc layers. This control beam serves as a mediator that enables tracking control on layers without pre-defined tracks by preventing the objective lens from following non-existent tracks, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking prevention mechanism using the control beam serves multiple functions: it prevents unintended track following on non-target layers during layer switching, enables tracking control on layers without pre-defined tracks, and maintains compatibility with traditional tracked layers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for different layer types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If physical searching methods are used for portable optical discs with IC, then content retrieval capability is improved, but the time required for searching increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent retrieval capabilityVSAvoidsearching time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical searching methods with radio wave communication. The IC chip on the optical disc communicates with the reproducing apparatus via radio waves transmitted and received by antennas, eliminating the need for physical insertion and manual searching. This substitution dramatically reduces searching time while maintaining content retrieval capability.

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

Enables efficient searching of content on optical discs by radio waves and switching between layers without direct voltage application, ensuring accurate tracking even without pre-defined tracks, thus enhancing content management and retrieval.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitting antenna 2 and a receiving antenna 3 are provided in an inner peripheral portion of an optical disc 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

controlling tracking of a laser light to be irradiated onto a target layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUSRE45695E1Optical disc

Publication Date: 2015.09.29 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA

AI summary

An optical disc according to the present invention includes a plurality of recording layers; a receiving section for receiving, from outside an optical disc, a switching instruction for switching a target layer to be targeted for recording or reproducing information among the plurality of the recording layers; and a switching section for switching the target layer among the plurality of recording layers, based on the switching instruction received.