Optical Disk TPP Signal Frequency-Shifting for High-Density Data Reproduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical disk technologies face limitations in recording and reproducing high-density data due to resolution constraints imposed by light diffraction, particularly when attempting to read marks with periods below the λ/2NA resolution limit, which restricts the ability to store and retrieve high-definition and ultra-high definition image data effectively.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that employs a photo-detecting section with split detectors A and B to generate a Tangential Push-pull (TPP) signal, which is then processed to extract high-frequency components from the record signal on an optical disk. This involves frequency-shifting the TPP signal to the high-frequency range using a carrier signal, allowing for the reproduction of data beyond the conventional cut-off frequency limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the interval between marks on the optical disk is reduced to increase recording density, then data storage capacity is improved, but reproduction becomes infeasible when the interval falls below the resolution limit of λ/2NA

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata storage capacityVSAvoidreproduction feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the carrier signal to enable frequency-shifting of the TPP signal. By modulating the carrier frequency and performing frequency-shifting operations, the system can extract high-frequency components that were previously inaccessible, thus resolving the contradiction between increased recording density and reproduction feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a carrier signal as an intermediary to facilitate the extraction of high-frequency components. The carrier signal acts as a mediator that, when frequency-shifted and combined with the TPP signal, enables the recovery of mark information at intervals below the conventional resolution limit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the numerical aperture of the optical pickup is increased to improve resolution, then reproduction capability is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresolution capabilityVSAvoidoptical pickup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of changing the physical parameter of numerical aperture, the patent changes the signal processing parameters by introducing frequency-shifting operations. This allows the system to achieve enhanced resolution capability through signal processing rather than hardware modification, thereby avoiding increased device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical approach of increasing numerical aperture with an electrical signal processing approach. By using frequency-shifting and carrier modulation, the system achieves improved resolution without modifying the physical optical pickup components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If the wavelength of the laser beam is reduced to improve resolution, then reproduction capability is improved, but the energy consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresolution capabilityVSAvoidlaser energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the physical approach of reducing laser wavelength with an electrical signal processing approach. By using frequency-shifting operations on the TPP signal, the system achieves improved resolution without changing the laser characteristics, thereby maintaining energy consumption at acceptable levels

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 the successful reproduction of high-density data on optical disks, including ultra-high definition images, by overcoming the resolution limitations of traditional optical pickup systems, thereby increasing data storage capacity and quality.

Implementation Method 1

a photo-detecting section (22) configured to receive reflected light from the disk

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

this method of reproduction using an optical pickup is subject to resolution-level constraints stemming from diffraction of light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP3385952B1Information processing device, information processing method, and program
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3385952B1 patent drawingFigure 1(A)~1(B)
  • EP3385952B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3385952B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(B)

AI summary

There are provided an optical disk from which high-density data is reproduced and a reproduction apparatus that reproduces data from such an optical disk having high-density data recorded thereon. A photo-detecting section has two split detectors A and B in the direction of tracks on the disk. A signal processing section generates a TPP (Tangential Push-pull) signal made of a differential signal derived from detection signals from the detectors A and B, and further generates a reproduced signal by extracting from the TPP signal a high-frequency component signal in a record signal recorded on the disk. The disk is structured to have the record signal recorded on a carrier signal over the disk formed with a protruding and recessed pattern having a high frequency higher than or equal to a cut-off frequency. The signal processing section reconstitutes the high-frequency component signal in the record signal recorded on the disk by frequency-shifting the TPP signal obtained as a readout signal from a superimposed signal having the carrier signal and the record signal superimposed with each other.