US 12,762,780 B2 · Read head and methods for reading multilayer optical data storage media

Abstract

Provided are a read head and methods for reading a multi-layered optical data storage medium comprising a transparent substrate having layers of voxels embedded therein. The read head comprises an imaging system for capturing images of groups of voxels, wherein the read head is configured to bring the imaging system into focus on variable depths in a multi-layered optical data storage medium; and an autofocus system for identifying depth positions of voxels in the multi-layered optical data storage medium by sampling an area in the optical data storage medium. The autofocus system comprises a light source for illuminating the area; and a detector for detecting light from the light source transmitted through the multi-layered optical data storage medium. A method of reading data from a multi-layered optical storage medium comprises capturing, using an imaging system, images of sectors in a first track. The multi-layered optical data storage medium and imaging system are held at fixed lateral positions during the capture of the images.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A read head for reading a multi-layered optical data storage medium, the multi-layered optical data storage medium comprising a transparent substrate having layers of voxels embedded therein, which read head comprises:

a controller;
an actuator;
an imaging system operably linked to the controller, the imaging system capturing an image of a group of voxels, wherein the actuator brings the imaging system into focus on variable depths in the multi-layered optical data storage medium;
and
an autofocus system operably linked to the controller, the autofocus system identifying depth positions of the group of voxels in the multi-layered optical data storage medium including sampling an area in the multi-layered optical data storage medium;
wherein the autofocus system comprises:
a light source, the light source illuminating the area;
and
a detector, the detector detecting light from the light source transmitted through the multi-layered optical data storage medium;
and
wherein the controller:
determines, using the autofocus system, a depth position of the group of voxels in the multi-layered optical data storage medium;
and
in response to the determination, causes the imaging system to capture the image of the group of voxels.

11 more elements

A method of reading data from a multi-layered optical data storage medium, the multi-layered optical data storage medium comprising a transparent substrate having layers of voxels embedded therein, which method comprises:

determining a depth position of a group of voxels in the multi-layered optical data storage medium by sampling the multi-layered optical data storage medium using an autofocus system;
and
capturing an image of the group of voxels using an imaging system having a focal depth corresponding to the depth position;
wherein the autofocus system comprises:
a light source for illuminating an area on the multi-layered optical data storage medium;
a detector for detecting light from the light source transmitted through the multi-layered optical data storage medium.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Read head and methods for reading multilayer optical data storage media

Life of this patent

Read head and methods for reading multilayer optical data storage media

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20