US5251198A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reading device for multi-layered optical information carrier
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1992-05-29
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Granted: 1993-10-05
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Expires: 2012-05-29
Abstract
Abstract A device for reading data stored in a high density multi-layered optical information carrier. Data which is stored in a carrier having a plurality of partially reflective data layers is read by wavefront shearing interferometry with low interlayer crosstalk. This allows data layers to be more closely spaced than previously possible thereby reducing spherical aberration and increasing the data density.
Inventors
- 👤 James H. Strickler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 03:30
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B7/00; G11B7/12; G11B7/135; G11B7/1359; G11B7/004; G11B7/005; G11B7/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A device for reading an optical information carrier having a plurality of partially reflective data layers comprising: light beam means for illuminating said carrier; shearing means for splitting said light beam into two divergent component light beams; focusing means for focusing said component light beams to adjacent locations at one of said data layers; collection means for collecting component light beams reflected from said carrier; recombining means for merging said reflected component light beams to form a single beam; detection means for determining the intensity of said single beam.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
89 words
A device for reading an optical information carrier having a plurality of partially reflective data layers comprising: light beam means for illuminating said carrier; shearing means for splitting said light beam into two divergent component light beams; focusing means for focusing said component light beams to adjacent locations at one of said data layers; collection means for collecting component light beams reflected from said carrier; recombining means for merging said reflected component light beams to form a single beam; detection means for determining the intensity of said single beam.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
98 words
A device for reading an optical information carrier having a plurality of partially reflective data layers comprising: polarized light beam means for illuminating said media; shearing means for splitting said light beam into two divergent component light beams; focusing means for focusing said component light beams to adjacent locations at one of said data layers; means for collecting component light beams reflected from said information carrier; recombining means for merging said reflected component light beams to form a single beam; analyzer means for determining polarization state of said single beam, said polarization state being indicative of said data.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
98 words
A device for reading an optical information carrier having a plurality of partially reflective data layers comprising: polarized light beam means for illuminating said media; shearing means for splitting said light beam into two divergent component light beams; focusing means for focusing said component light beams to adjacent locations at one of said data layers; means for collecting component light beams reflected from said information carrier; recombining means for merging said reflected component light beams to form a single beam; analyzer means for determining polarization state of said single beam, said polarization state being indicative of said data.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device for reading a multi-layered reflective information carrier, as in claim 2, wherein said polarized light beam is linearly polarized.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device for reading a multi-layered reflective information carrier, as in claim 2, wherein said polarized light beam is circularly polarized.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device for reading a multi-layered reflective information carrier, as in claim 2, wherein said shearing means is a birefringent prism.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device for reading a multi-layered reflective information carrier, as in claim 5, wherein said shearing means is a Wollaston prism.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device for reading a multi-layered reflective information carrier, as in claim 5, wherein said shearing means is a Nomarski prism.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device for reading a multi-layered reflective information carrier, as in claim 2, wherein said focusing means is a lens.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device for reading a multi-layered reflective information carrier, as in claim 2, wherein said focusing means is a diffractive optical element.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device for reading a multi-layered reflective information carrier, as in claim 2, wherein said collecting means is a lens.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device for reading a multi-layered reflective information carrier, as in claim 2, wherein said collecting means is a diffractive optical element.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device for reading a multi-layered reflective information carrier, as in claim 2, wherein said recombining means is a birefringent prism.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device for reading a multi-layered reflective information carrier, as in claim 12, wherein said recombining means is a Wollaston prism.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device for reading a multi-layered reflective information carrier, as in claim 12, wherein said recombining means is a Nomarski prism.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device for reading a multi-layered reflective information carrier, as in claim 2, wherein said analyzer means is a polarizer followed by a light detection means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device for reading a multi-layered reflective information carrier, as in claim 2, wherein said analyzer means is a polarizing beam splitter followed by a pair of light detection means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-10-04 | 1997-04-05 | 1997-10-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-10-04 | 2001-04-05 | 2001-10-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-10-04 | 2005-04-05 | 2005-10-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |