초록 ▼

Multi-layered optical data records and playback apparatus are described in which a plurality of optical data layers are provided on at least one side of a record substrate and the playback apparatus scans data tracks on such layers with a light beam to produce an electrical readout signal correspond

Multi-layered optical data records and playback apparatus are described in which a plurality of optical data layers are provided on at least one side of a record substrate and the playback apparatus scans data tracks on such layers with a light beam to produce an electrical readout signal corresponding to the data in the scanned tracks. The playback apparatus includes selection means for selectively playing back data tracks on different ones of the data layers. The data track may be formed by lines of data spots of binary coded digital information or such spots may be frequency modulated or pulse length modulated analog information which are photographically recorded at extremely high data density so that they may be used to record audio or video signals including television signals. While the optical data records may be light transparent, they are preferably light reflective so that the playback light source and associated focusing and scanning means may be supported on the same side of the record as the light detector to provide a more compact playback apparatus. This also enables at least some of the same optical elements to be used for transmitting the reflected light beam to the detector that are used for transmitting the playback light beam from the light source to the record. Selection of one data track for playback may be accomplished by changing the focus of the light beam from one data layer to another, or by making the data tracks of optically different materials, such as using different color dyes or different photoluminescent materials, and selectively positioning corresponding color filters in front of the light detectors.

대표청구항 ▼

A record playback apparatus for optical data records comprising: light source means for generating at least one light beam; a multi-layered optical data record having optical data information spots recorded in tracks on different layers of said record, each track including a plurality of track lines

A record playback apparatus for optical data records comprising: light source means for generating at least one light beam; a multi-layered optical data record having optical data information spots recorded in tracks on different layers of said record, each track including a plurality of track lines, said record including a base member and a plurality of data layers of different data provided on the same side of said base member and the thickness of said base member being many times the spacing between adjacent data layers; focusing means for focusing said at least one light beam on said record; scanning means for scanning said data tracks with said light beam including movable lens means having a plurality of lenses for moving said light beam across said record to cause said scanning, so that each lens scans a different track line; readout means for transmitting a readout portion of the scanned light beam from said record to at least one light detector means to cause said detector means to produce an electrical readout signal corresponding to the data on the scanned track; and selection means for selectively reading out one of the data layers of said plurality of data layers provided on said same side of the record to cause the selected data track of one layer to produce the readout signal.