Three-dimensional optical data storage and retrieval
US5592462A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B2007/0013
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A three dimensional optical data storage and retrieval system includes a three dimensional optical data storage medium and an apparatus for providing access to data stored on the medium. According to one aspect of the invention, the data storage medium includes a number of concentric shells each of which has a curvilinear data storage surface for storing data in a number of substantially parallel data tracks. According to another aspect of the invention, the data storage medium includes a number of data storage surfaces which are rotatable about a common axis, each data storage surface for storing data in a number of substantially circular data tracks and having an optically transparent window which transects each of the data tracks. Each shell or data storage surface preferably has a drive engagement portion for engaging a driver to rotate the shells or data storage surfaces individually about a common axis. Several embodiments of spherical and cylindrical shell media are provided and a stacked discs embodiment is disclosed. Apparatus for accessing data on the medium includes a number of drivers for selectively rotating the shells and a laser-optical device. In some embodiments, a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.