WO2002079996A1 - Media card - Google Patents

Media card Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002079996A1
WO2002079996A1 PCT/IL2002/000244 IL0200244W WO02079996A1 WO 2002079996 A1 WO2002079996 A1 WO 2002079996A1 IL 0200244 W IL0200244 W IL 0200244W WO 02079996 A1 WO02079996 A1 WO 02079996A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
media card
card according
code
media
compact disk
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2002/000244
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Igor Schneider
Original Assignee
M.M.I. - Media Music Israel Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by M.M.I. - Media Music Israel Ltd. filed Critical M.M.I. - Media Music Israel Ltd.
Publication of WO2002079996A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002079996A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B25/00—Apparatus characterised by the shape of record carrier employed but not specific to the method of recording or reproducing, e.g. dictating apparatus; Combinations of such apparatus
    • G11B25/04—Apparatus characterised by the shape of record carrier employed but not specific to the method of recording or reproducing, e.g. dictating apparatus; Combinations of such apparatus using flat record carriers, e.g. disc, card
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/70—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer
    • G06F21/78—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer to assure secure storage of data
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
    • G11B23/0014—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
    • G11B23/0014—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form
    • G11B23/0021—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form discs
    • G11B23/0028—Details
    • G11B23/0035—Details means incorporated in the disc, e.g. hub, to enable its guiding, loading or driving
    • G11B23/0042—Details means incorporated in the disc, e.g. hub, to enable its guiding, loading or driving with provision for auxiliary features
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B7/00—Recording or reproducing by optical means, e.g. recording using a thermal beam of optical radiation by modifying optical properties or the physical structure, reproducing using an optical beam at lower power by sensing optical properties; Record carriers therefor
    • G11B7/24—Record carriers characterised by shape, structure or physical properties, or by the selection of the material
    • G11B7/24003—Shapes of record carriers other than disc shape
    • G11B7/24012—Optical cards
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B7/00—Recording or reproducing by optical means, e.g. recording using a thermal beam of optical radiation by modifying optical properties or the physical structure, reproducing using an optical beam at lower power by sensing optical properties; Record carriers therefor
    • G11B7/24—Record carriers characterised by shape, structure or physical properties, or by the selection of the material
    • G11B7/24097—Structures for detection, control, recording operation or replay operation; Special shapes or structures for centering or eccentricity prevention; Arrangements for testing, inspecting or evaluating; Containers, cartridges or cassettes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to media cards.
  • the present invention relates in particular to a media card that includes a concealed number which only a purchaser may uncover.
  • Shape compact disks are known.
  • US Patent 5,982,736, to Pierson describes a trading card optical compact disk, shaped somewhat like a business card and arranged for insertion into a compact disk reader.
  • Various formats or data categories such as an audio compact disk, a digital versatile disk (DVD), or a read-only-memory compact disk (CD-ROM) can be embossed into and stored on the trading card optical compact disk, as digital data.
  • the digital data may include visual information of photographs, video, textual information such as a person's or team's statistics and biographies, historical information, music, and narration.
  • the data may relate to sports, music, entertainment, publishing, topical and other information.
  • Figs. 1A and IB together illustrate front and side views of a trading card optical compact disk 120, as described in US Patent 5,982,736.
  • Trading card optical compact disk 120 includes a first side 110 and a second side 112, and is formed of the following:
  • a first plastic rectangular layer 121 formed for example, of polycarbonate material or another optically transparent embossable plastic material, which includes a pattern of digital data encoded on it;
  • first plastic layer 121 for example, of aluminum, silver, gold, or another reflective metal, for providing a reflective surface for a light beam after the light beam passes through first optically transparent plastic layer 121, when reading the digitally encoded data from disk 120;
  • Trading card optical compact disk 120 further includes an opening 132, for example, at its midpoint, arranged for positioning onto a spindle (not shown) of an optical compact disk reader (not shown).
  • trading card compact disks such as trading card optical compact disk 120 of US Patent 5,982,736, a compact disk, an optical compact disk, or a DVD disk is formed and encoded with digital data in a conventional manner, and then cut to a desired shape, for example, to a shape of a trading card.
  • Figs. IC and ID together, illustrate a trading card 130, used to announce a rock concert, in which a mirror image of the textual information displayed on first side 110 (Fig. IC) is seen on second side 112 (Fig. ID), as a decorative display 134.
  • This is achieved by arranging second metallic layer 124 to cover only a portion of first, transparent layer 121, so that mirror image of information, written on fourth indicia bearing layer 128, is seen through transparent layer 121.
  • USD 0435853 illustrates an ornamental design for a CD Card, wherein the compact disk portion of the card is encased, or embedded in a rigid body, shaped as a card.
  • a media card having a flat body, so dimensioned that it may be enclosed by a media disk; the flat body defining an opening, arranged to be mounted on a spindle of a media device, and the flat body including: first and second sides; a digitally encoded portion, on the second side, arranged to interact with the media device; a code, for facilitating a usage of the media card; and a cover which conceals the code, and which may be removed for exposing the code in order to exercise the usage.
  • the code is a number.
  • the code is a word.
  • the code is a bar code.
  • the code is an electromagnetic code. Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the code appears on the first side of the media card.
  • the code appears on the second side of the media card.
  • the cover is a deposit that may be scratched off, to expose the code.
  • the cover is a sticker that may be peeled off, to expose the code.
  • the sticker also covers the encoded portion, to protect it.
  • the cover is an envelope that encloses the media card.
  • the media card further includes a visual display.
  • the visual display further includes a name of the service provider.
  • the visual display further includes a logo of the service provider. Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the visual display further includes a title of the piece of digitally encoded information.
  • the visual display further includes a picture.
  • the visual display appears on the first side of the media card.
  • the visual display appears on the second side of the media card.
  • the encoded portion includes a portion of a digitized, audio-visual, read-only compact disk.
  • the encoded portion includes a portion of a digitized, audio, read-only compact disk.
  • the encoded portion is a portion of an interactive compact disk.
  • the encoded portion is a portion of a recordable compact disk.
  • the encoded portion is a portion of a rewritable compact disk.
  • the encoded portion is a portion of an optical compact disk.
  • the compact disk is a portion of a DVD.
  • the compact disk is a portion of a recordable DVD.
  • the compact disk is a portion of a rewritable DVD.
  • the media card is a prepaid card.
  • a media card which includes: a flat body, so dimensioned that it may be enclosed by a media disk; the flat body defining an opening, arranged to be mounted on a spindle of a media reader, and the flat body including: an unencoded portion on which digital information may be encoded; a code, for facilitating a usage of the media card; and a cover which conceals the code, and which may be removed for exposing the code in order to exercise the usage.
  • the encoded portion is a portion of a recordable compact disk.
  • the encoded portion is a portion of a rewritable compact disk.
  • the compact disk is a portion of a recordable DVD.
  • the compact disk is a portion of a rewritable DVD.
  • a media disk which includes: a flat body, which defines an opening, arranged to be mounted on a spindle of a media device; digitally encoded information, arranged to interact with the media device; a code, for facilitating a usage of the media disk; and a cover which conceals the code, and which may be removed for exposing the code in order to exercise the usage.
  • the digitally encoded information includes computer software.
  • the digitally encoded information includes a computer game.
  • FIG. 1 A and IB together, schematically illustrate front and side views of a trading card optical compact disk, as described in the prior art
  • Figs. IC and ID together, schematically illustrate front and back views of an alternate trading card, as described in the prior art
  • Fig. 2A schematically illustrates a process of forming a media card, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2B and 2C together, schematically illustrate a process of forming a media card, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3A - 3C together, schematically illustrate a media card with a concealed code, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGs. 4 A - 4C together, schematically illustrate a media card with a concealed code, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a media card with a concealed code, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 6A and 6B together, schematically illustrate a media card with a concealed code, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 7A schematically illustrates a media card with a concealed code, in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7B schematically illustrates a media card with a concealed code, in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 7C schematically illustrates a media card with a concealed code, in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 8A - 8B together, schematically illustrate a media disk with a concealed code, in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2A illustrates a process of forming a media card 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as follows:
  • Disk 30 has a first side (which is not seen in this figure) and a second side 13, which is the side to be digitally encoded. 2.
  • a region 21 of disk 30 is digitally encoded on second side 13, with some digital information that media card 10 is to include.
  • media card 10 is carved off disk 30, in a manner that leaves region 21 intact.
  • media card 10 may be cut to a card size of a length L and a width W, wherein L and W are smaller than diameter D of disk 30, but larger than diameter D ' of encoded region 21.
  • Textual and pictorial information may be provided on the first side of media card 10 either before or after it is carved off disk 30.
  • Figs. 2B and 2C illustrate a process of forming media card 10, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, as follows: 1. As a first step, standard media disk 30 is formed as before.
  • region 21 of disk 30 is digitally encoded on second side 13, as before.
  • a portion 22 of disk 30, containing encoded region 21, is carved off disk 30.
  • portion 22 of disk 30 is encased in a rigid body 15, such as a rigid plastic, for example, in a shape of a rectangle, having length L and width W.
  • textual and pictorial information may be provided on the first side of media card 10, after it is encased in body 15.
  • FIG. 3 A and 3B illustrate a first side 12 of media card 10, and to Fig. 3C, which illustrates second side 13 of media card 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • media card 10 includes a name 18 of its service provider, and optionally also a logo 20 of the service provider. Additionally, on first side 12, media card 10 may further include a title 26 of the digital information encoded on media card 10, for example, a name of a song, and its singer, or a name of a cartoon and its maker.
  • media card 10 further includes, on first side 12, a deposit 14 (Fig. 3A) which conceals a code 16 (Fig. 3B).
  • code 16 is a number, preferably of several digits.
  • Deposit 14 may be scratched off by a purchaser, to expose code 16.
  • Media card 10 may be, for example, a prepaid cellular phone card. After exposing code 16, it may be entered into the cellular phone (not shown). Calls may then be made from the phone, up to the value of media card 10.
  • media card 10 includes encoded portion 21, which contains the digital information, such as the song or the cartoon described by title 26.
  • Opening 24 perforates media card 10, for example, at its midpoint.
  • FIG. 4 A illustrates first side 12 of media card 10 and to Figs. 4B and 4C, which together, illustrate second side 13 of media card 10 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein concealed code 16 is arranged to be shown through a clear portion 25 of second side 13, that has no metallic layer, in a manner somewhat akin to decorative display 134 of Fig. ID.
  • code 16 shown through clear portion 25 of second side 13 is an information bearing display, rather than a mere decorative display.
  • a sticker 28 covers both code 16 and encoded portion 21, thus concealing code 16 and protecting encoded portion 21. Sticker 28 may be peeled off by the purchaser.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates first side 12 of media card 10 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein media card 10 includes compact disk portion 22, encased in body 15 of a rigid material, such as rigid plastic, cut to an odd shape, and containing deposit 14 which conceals code 16.
  • media card 10 may be carved off disk 30 to an odd card shape, without plastic body 15.
  • FIGs. 6A and 6B illustrate side 12 of media card 10, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein media card 10 is wrapped or enclosed in a sealed envelope 32, so as to conceal code 16 and protect encoded portion 21 (Fig. 2C).
  • FIGs. 7A - 7C illustrate code 16 in accordance with fifth, sixth and seventh embodiments of the present invention.
  • code 16 is a word.
  • Fig. 7B illustrating the sixth embodiment of the present invention
  • code 16 is an electromagnetic strip, arranged to be read by an electromagnetic reader.
  • Fig. 7C illustrating the seventh embodiment of the present invention, code 16 is a bar code, arranged to be read by an optical reader.
  • encoded portion 21 may be a portion of a digitized, audio-visual, read-only compact disk (CD).
  • encoded portion 21 may be a portion of a digitized, audio, read-only compact disk (audio CD).
  • encoded portion 21 may be a portion of an interactive compact disk (GDI).
  • GDI interactive compact disk
  • encoded portion 21 may be a portion of a recordable compact disk (CD- R).
  • encoded portion 21 may be a portion of a rewritable compact disk (CD- RW).
  • CD- RW rewritable compact disk
  • encoded portion 21 may be a portion of a high-density, digital versatile compact disk (DVD).
  • encoded portion 21 may be a portion of a recordable digital versatile compact disk (DVD-R).
  • encoded portion 21 may be a portion of a rewritable digital versatile compact disk (DVD-RW).
  • DVD-RW digital versatile compact disk
  • portion 21 may be a blank portion of a CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R or DVD- RW, to be encoded by the purchaser.
  • encoded portion 21 maybe a portion of an optical compact disk.
  • portion 21 may be an unencoded portion on which digital information may be encoded
  • media card 10 is arranged to be inserted into a compact disk device, such as a computer CD-ROM, an audio CD player, a CD recorder, a DVD player, a DVD recorder, a digital camera CD recorder, an optical compact disk player, or an optical compact disk recorder.
  • a compact disk device such as a computer CD-ROM, an audio CD player, a CD recorder, a DVD player, a DVD recorder, a digital camera CD recorder, an optical compact disk player, or an optical compact disk recorder.
  • encoded portion 21 may include a popular song, a short movie, a video clip, or a cartoon.
  • encoded portion 21 may include a home page of a web site of the service provider.
  • encoded portion 21 may be blank so that the purchaser may record on it information in accordance with his or her needs.
  • media card 10 may be a prepaid card, such as a prepaid card commonly used with cellular phones.
  • Media card 10, containing code 16 may be purchased from a cellular phone provider, whose name 18 may also appear on media card 10.
  • the code on the card is generally concealed, by a deposit or by a sticker. Only the purchaser may expose the code, scratching off the deposit or peeling off the sticker. After exposing the code, it may be entered into the cellular phone. Calls may then be made from the phone, up to the value of the prepaid card.
  • media card 10 may be used with a regular phone, a public phone, or any telephone or facsimile system.
  • Media card 10, containing a concealed code may be used in a variety of other ways.
  • a lottery ticket wherein the concealed code is the lottery number. It may be used with Laundromats, videomats, parking meters, copying cards (for copying machines such as Xerox), vending machines, or gasoline filling stations.
  • media card 10 may be used with a time sharing system, for which prepayment is required, for example, a time sharing system for using a computer, a stereo system, a video, or a DVD in a university lounge.
  • FIGs. 8 A and 8B illustrate first side 12 of a media disk 40, in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Media disk 40 may be for example, a compact disk of a computer game.
  • First side 12 of media disk 40 may include game title 26, name 18 of the service provider, optionally, logo 20 of the service provider, and optionally, a picture 27, which relates to the game.
  • first side 12 also includes a concealed license code 16, covered by deposit 14. The purchaser may uncover code 16 by scratching off deposit 14. Other methods of concealing code 16, as has been described in conjunction with other embodiments, may be used.
  • disk 40 may contain any computer software that requires licensing.
  • media disk 40 may be a DVD disk that requires licensing.

Abstract

A media card (10), having a flat body, so dimensioned that it may be enclosed by a media disk (30). The flat body of the media card defines an opening arranged to be mounted on a spindle of a media device. The flat body includes first and second sides (13), a digitally encoded portion (21) on the second side (13) arranged to interact with the media device, a code for facilitating usage of the media card, and a cover which conceals the code and which may be removed for exposing the code in order to exercise usage of the media card (10).

Description

MEDIA CARD
FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to media cards. The present invention relates in particular to a media card that includes a concealed number which only a purchaser may uncover.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Shape compact disks are known. US Patent 5,982,736, to Pierson describes a trading card optical compact disk, shaped somewhat like a business card and arranged for insertion into a compact disk reader. Various formats or data categories, such as an audio compact disk, a digital versatile disk (DVD), or a read-only-memory compact disk (CD-ROM) can be embossed into and stored on the trading card optical compact disk, as digital data. The digital data may include visual information of photographs, video, textual information such as a person's or team's statistics and biographies, historical information, music, and narration. Alternatively, the data may relate to sports, music, entertainment, publishing, topical and other information.
Figs. 1A and IB together, illustrate front and side views of a trading card optical compact disk 120, as described in US Patent 5,982,736. Trading card optical compact disk 120 includes a first side 110 and a second side 112, and is formed of the following:
1. a first plastic rectangular layer 121, formed for example, of polycarbonate material or another optically transparent embossable plastic material, which includes a pattern of digital data encoded on it;
2. a second metallic layer 124, formed on first plastic layer 121, for example, of aluminum, silver, gold, or another reflective metal, for providing a reflective surface for a light beam after the light beam passes through first optically transparent plastic layer 121, when reading the digitally encoded data from disk 120;
3. a third protective layer 126, preferably of a lacquer or another thin, hard coating to protect layers 121 and 124; 4. a fourth indicia bearing layer 128, having a surface for displaying indicia 129 such as a photograph, sketch, or some textual information, or another image formed for example, by ink, on first side 110. Trading card optical compact disk 120 further includes an opening 132, for example, at its midpoint, arranged for positioning onto a spindle (not shown) of an optical compact disk reader (not shown).
Generally, in producing trading card compact disks such as trading card optical compact disk 120 of US Patent 5,982,736, a compact disk, an optical compact disk, or a DVD disk is formed and encoded with digital data in a conventional manner, and then cut to a desired shape, for example, to a shape of a trading card.
Figs. IC and ID, together, illustrate a trading card 130, used to announce a rock concert, in which a mirror image of the textual information displayed on first side 110 (Fig. IC) is seen on second side 112 (Fig. ID), as a decorative display 134. This is achieved by arranging second metallic layer 124 to cover only a portion of first, transparent layer 121, so that mirror image of information, written on fourth indicia bearing layer 128, is seen through transparent layer 121.
USD 0435853 illustrates an ornamental design for a CD Card, wherein the compact disk portion of the card is encased, or embedded in a rigid body, shaped as a card.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide a media card that includes a concealed number which only a purchaser may uncover. There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a media card, having a flat body, so dimensioned that it may be enclosed by a media disk; the flat body defining an opening, arranged to be mounted on a spindle of a media device, and the flat body including: first and second sides; a digitally encoded portion, on the second side, arranged to interact with the media device; a code, for facilitating a usage of the media card; and a cover which conceals the code, and which may be removed for exposing the code in order to exercise the usage. Additionally, the code is a number.
Alternatively, the code is a word.
Alternatively, the code is a bar code.
Alternatively, the code is an electromagnetic code. Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the code appears on the first side of the media card.
Alternatively, the code appears on the second side of the media card. Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover is a deposit that may be scratched off, to expose the code.
Alternatively, the cover is a sticker that may be peeled off, to expose the code.
Additionally, the sticker also covers the encoded portion, to protect it.
Alternatively, the cover is an envelope that encloses the media card.
Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the media card further includes a visual display.
Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the visual display further includes a name of the service provider.
Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the visual display further includes a logo of the service provider. Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the visual display further includes a title of the piece of digitally encoded information.
Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the visual display further includes a picture.
Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the visual display appears on the first side of the media card.
Alternatively, the visual display appears on the second side of the media card.
Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the encoded portion includes a portion of a digitized, audio-visual, read-only compact disk.
Alternatively, the encoded portion includes a portion of a digitized, audio, read-only compact disk.
Alternatively, the encoded portion is a portion of an interactive compact disk.
Alternatively, the encoded portion is a portion of a recordable compact disk.
Alternatively, the encoded portion is a portion of a rewritable compact disk.
Alternatively, the encoded portion is a portion of an optical compact disk. Alternatively, the compact disk is a portion of a DVD.
Alternatively, the compact disk is a portion of a recordable DVD.
Alternatively, the compact disk is a portion of a rewritable DVD.
Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the media card is a prepaid card. There is thus also provided, in accordance with the present invention, a media card which includes: a flat body, so dimensioned that it may be enclosed by a media disk; the flat body defining an opening, arranged to be mounted on a spindle of a media reader, and the flat body including: an unencoded portion on which digital information may be encoded; a code, for facilitating a usage of the media card; and a cover which conceals the code, and which may be removed for exposing the code in order to exercise the usage. Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, the encoded portion is a portion of a recordable compact disk.
Alternatively, the encoded portion is a portion of a rewritable compact disk. Alternatively, the compact disk is a portion of a recordable DVD. Alternatively the compact disk is a portion of a rewritable DVD. There is thus also provided, in accordance with the present invention, a media disk which includes: a flat body, which defines an opening, arranged to be mounted on a spindle of a media device; digitally encoded information, arranged to interact with the media device; a code, for facilitating a usage of the media disk; and a cover which conceals the code, and which may be removed for exposing the code in order to exercise the usage.
Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, the digitally encoded information includes computer software. Alternatively, the digitally encoded information includes a computer game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be more clearly understood from the accompanying detailed description and drawings, in which same number designations are maintained throughout the figures for each element and in which: Figs. 1 A and IB together, schematically illustrate front and side views of a trading card optical compact disk, as described in the prior art;
Figs. IC and ID together, schematically illustrate front and back views of an alternate trading card, as described in the prior art;
Fig. 2A schematically illustrates a process of forming a media card, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 2B and 2C together, schematically illustrate a process of forming a media card, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 3A - 3C together, schematically illustrate a media card with a concealed code, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figs. 4 A - 4C together, schematically illustrate a media card with a concealed code, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a media card with a concealed code, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 6A and 6B together, schematically illustrate a media card with a concealed code, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 7A schematically illustrates a media card with a concealed code, in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 7B schematically illustrates a media card with a concealed code, in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7C schematically illustrates a media card with a concealed code, in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention; and
Figs. 8A - 8B together, schematically illustrate a media disk with a concealed code, in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference is now made to Fig. 2A, which illustrates a process of forming a media card 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as follows:
1. As a first step, a standard media disk 30, such as a compact disk, an optical compact disk, or a DVD disk, having a diameter D, and defining an opening 24 of a diameter d, is formed. Opening 24 is arranged for positioning disk 30 onto a spindle (not shown) of a media device (not shown). Opening 24 may be for example, 15 mm, to fit a standard compact disk spindle size. Disk 30 has a first side (which is not seen in this figure) and a second side 13, which is the side to be digitally encoded. 2. As a second step, a region 21 of disk 30 is digitally encoded on second side 13, with some digital information that media card 10 is to include.
3. As a third step, media card 10 is carved off disk 30, in a manner that leaves region 21 intact. For example, media card 10 may be cut to a card size of a length L and a width W, wherein L and W are smaller than diameter D of disk 30, but larger than diameter D ' of encoded region 21.
4. Textual and pictorial information may be provided on the first side of media card 10 either before or after it is carved off disk 30.
Reference is now made to Figs. 2B and 2C, which illustrate a process of forming media card 10, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, as follows: 1. As a first step, standard media disk 30 is formed as before.
2. As a second step, region 21 of disk 30 is digitally encoded on second side 13, as before.
3. As a third step, a portion 22 of disk 30, containing encoded region 21, is carved off disk 30. 4. As a fourth step, portion 22 of disk 30 is encased in a rigid body 15, such as a rigid plastic, for example, in a shape of a rectangle, having length L and width W.
5. As a fifth step, textual and pictorial information may be provided on the first side of media card 10, after it is encased in body 15.
Reference is now made to Figs. 3 A and 3B, which together, illustrate a first side 12 of media card 10, and to Fig. 3C, which illustrates second side 13 of media card 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, on first side 12, media card 10 includes a name 18 of its service provider, and optionally also a logo 20 of the service provider. Additionally, on first side 12, media card 10 may further include a title 26 of the digital information encoded on media card 10, for example, a name of a song, and its singer, or a name of a cartoon and its maker.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, media card 10 further includes, on first side 12, a deposit 14 (Fig. 3A) which conceals a code 16 (Fig. 3B). Preferably, code 16 is a number, preferably of several digits. Deposit 14 may be scratched off by a purchaser, to expose code 16. Media card 10 may be, for example, a prepaid cellular phone card. After exposing code 16, it may be entered into the cellular phone (not shown). Calls may then be made from the phone, up to the value of media card 10.
On second side 13, media card 10 includes encoded portion 21, which contains the digital information, such as the song or the cartoon described by title 26.
Opening 24 perforates media card 10, for example, at its midpoint.
Reference is now made to Fig. 4 A which illustrates first side 12 of media card 10 and to Figs. 4B and 4C, which together, illustrate second side 13 of media card 10 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein concealed code 16 is arranged to be shown through a clear portion 25 of second side 13, that has no metallic layer, in a manner somewhat akin to decorative display 134 of Fig. ID. However, in accordance with the present embodiment, unlike the prior art, code 16, shown through clear portion 25 of second side 13, is an information bearing display, rather than a mere decorative display. A sticker 28 covers both code 16 and encoded portion 21, thus concealing code 16 and protecting encoded portion 21. Sticker 28 may be peeled off by the purchaser.
Reference is now made to Fig. 5 which illustrates first side 12 of media card 10 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein media card 10 includes compact disk portion 22, encased in body 15 of a rigid material, such as rigid plastic, cut to an odd shape, and containing deposit 14 which conceals code 16. Alternatively, media card 10 ma be carved off disk 30 to an odd card shape, without plastic body 15.
Reference is now made to Figs. 6A and 6B, which together, illustrate side 12 of media card 10, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein media card 10 is wrapped or enclosed in a sealed envelope 32, so as to conceal code 16 and protect encoded portion 21 (Fig. 2C). Reference is now made to Figs. 7A - 7C, which illustrate code 16 in accordance with fifth, sixth and seventh embodiments of the present invention. In Fig. 7A, illustrating the fifth embodiment of the present invention, code 16 is a word. In Fig. 7B, illustrating the sixth embodiment of the present invention, code 16 is an electromagnetic strip, arranged to be read by an electromagnetic reader. In Fig. 7C, illustrating the seventh embodiment of the present invention, code 16 is a bar code, arranged to be read by an optical reader.
In accordance with the present invention, encoded portion 21 may be a portion of a digitized, audio-visual, read-only compact disk (CD). Alternatively, encoded portion 21 may be a portion of a digitized, audio, read-only compact disk (audio CD).
Alternatively, encoded portion 21 may be a portion of an interactive compact disk (GDI).
Alternatively, encoded portion 21 may be a portion of a recordable compact disk (CD- R).
Alternatively, encoded portion 21 may be a portion of a rewritable compact disk (CD- RW).
Alternatively, encoded portion 21 may be a portion of a high-density, digital versatile compact disk (DVD). Alternatively, encoded portion 21 may be a portion of a recordable digital versatile compact disk (DVD-R).
Alternatively, encoded portion 21 may be a portion of a rewritable digital versatile compact disk (DVD-RW).
Alternatively, portion 21 may be a blank portion of a CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R or DVD- RW, to be encoded by the purchaser.
Alternatively, encoded portion 21 maybe a portion of an optical compact disk.
Alternatively, portion 21 may be an unencoded portion on which digital information may be encoded
In accordance with the present invention, media card 10 is arranged to be inserted into a compact disk device, such as a computer CD-ROM, an audio CD player, a CD recorder, a DVD player, a DVD recorder, a digital camera CD recorder, an optical compact disk player, or an optical compact disk recorder.
In accordance with the present invention, encoded portion 21 may include a popular song, a short movie, a video clip, or a cartoon. Alternatively, encoded portion 21 may include a home page of a web site of the service provider. Alternatively, encoded portion 21 may be blank so that the purchaser may record on it information in accordance with his or her needs.
In accordance with the present invention, media card 10 may be a prepaid card, such as a prepaid card commonly used with cellular phones. Media card 10, containing code 16 may be purchased from a cellular phone provider, whose name 18 may also appear on media card 10. The code on the card is generally concealed, by a deposit or by a sticker. Only the purchaser may expose the code, scratching off the deposit or peeling off the sticker. After exposing the code, it may be entered into the cellular phone. Calls may then be made from the phone, up to the value of the prepaid card. Alternatively, media card 10 may be used with a regular phone, a public phone, or any telephone or facsimile system.
Media card 10, containing a concealed code may be used in a variety of other ways. For example, as a lottery ticket, wherein the concealed code is the lottery number. It may be used with Laundromats, videomats, parking meters, copying cards (for copying machines such as Xerox), vending machines, or gasoline filling stations. Alternatively, media card 10 may be used with a time sharing system, for which prepayment is required, for example, a time sharing system for using a computer, a stereo system, a video, or a DVD in a university lounge.
Reference is now made to Figs. 8 A and 8B, which together illustrate first side 12 of a media disk 40, in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Media disk 40 may be for example, a compact disk of a computer game. First side 12 of media disk 40 may include game title 26, name 18 of the service provider, optionally, logo 20 of the service provider, and optionally, a picture 27, which relates to the game. In accordance with the present invention, first side 12 also includes a concealed license code 16, covered by deposit 14. The purchaser may uncover code 16 by scratching off deposit 14. Other methods of concealing code 16, as has been described in conjunction with other embodiments, may be used. In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, disk 40 may contain any computer software that requires licensing. Alternatively, media disk 40 may be a DVD disk that requires licensing.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited by what has been specifically shown and described hereinabove, merely by way of example. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited solely by the claims, which follow.

Claims

1. A media card, having a flat body, so dimensioned that it may be enclosed by a media disk; said flat body defining an opening, arranged to be mounted on a spindle of a media device, and said flat body including: first and second sides; a digitally encoded portion, on said second side, arranged to interact with said media device; a code, for facilitating a usage of said media card; and a cover which conceals said code, and which may be removed for exposing said code in order to exercise said usage.
2. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said code is a number.
3. A media card according to claim 1 , wherein said code is a word.
4. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said code is a bar code.
5. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said code is an electromagnetic code.
6. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said code appears on said first side of said media card.
7. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said code appears on said second side of said media card.
8. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said cover is a deposit that may be scratched off, to expose said code.
9. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said cover is a sticker that may be peeled off, to expose said code.
10. A media card according to claim 9, wherein said sticker also covers said encoded portion, to protect it.
11. A media card according to claim 1 , wherein said cover is an envelope that encloses said media card.
12. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said media card further includes a visual display.
13. A media card according to claim 12, wherein said visual display further includes a name of the service provider.
14. A media card according to claim 12, wherein said visual display further includes a logo of the service provider.
15. A media card according to claim 12, wherein said visual display further includes a title of the piece of digitally encoded information.
16. A media card according to claim 12, wherein said visual display further includes a picture.
17. A media card according to claim 12, wherein said visual display appears on said first side of said media card.
18. A media card according to claim 12, wherein said visual display appears on said second side of said media card.
19. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said encoded portion includes a portion of a digitized, audio-visual, read-only compact disk.
20. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said encoded portion includes a portion of a digitized, audio, read-only compact disk.
21. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said encoded portion is a portion of an interactive compact disk.
22. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said encoded portion is a portion of a recordable compact disk.
23. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said encoded portion is a portion of a rewritable compact disk.
24. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said encoded portion is a portion of an optical compact disk.
25. A media card according to claim 1 , wherein said compact disk is a portion of a DVD.
26. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said compact disk is a portion of a recordable DVD.
27. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said compact disk is a portion of a rewritable DVD.
28. A media card according to claim 1, wherein said media card is a prepaid card.
29. A media card which includes: a flat body, so dimensioned that it may be enclosed by a media disk; said flat body defining an opening, arranged to be mounted on a spindle of a media reader, and said flat body including: an unencoded portion on which digital information may be encoded; a code, for facilitating a usage of said media card; and a cover which conceals said code, and which may be removed for exposing said code in order to exercise said usage.
30. A media card according to claim 29, wherein said code is a number.
31. A media card according to claim 29, wherein said code is a word.
32. A media card according to claim 29, wherein said code is a bar code.
33. A media card according to claim 29, wherein said code is an electromagnetic code.
34. A media card according to claim 29, wherein said code appears on said first side of said media card.
35. A media card according to claim 29, wherein said code appears on said second side of said media card.
36. A media card according to claim 29, wherein said cover is a deposit that may be scratched off, to expose said code.
37. A media card according to claim 29, wherein said cover is a sticker that may be peeled off, to expose said code.
38. A media card according to claim 37, wherein said sticker also covers said encoded portion, to protect it.
39. A media card according to claim 29, wherein said cover is an envelope that encloses said media card.
40. A media card according to claim 29, wherein said media card further includes a visual display.
41. A media card according to claim 40, wherein said visual display further includes a name of the service provider.
42. A media card according to claim 40, wherein said visual display further includes a logo of the service provider.
43. A media card according to claim 40, wherein said visual display further includes a title of the piece of digitally encoded information.
44. A media card according to claim 40, wherein said visual display further includes a picture.
45. A media card according to claim 40, wherein said visual display appears on said first side of said media card.
46. A media card according to claim 40, wherein said visual display appears on said second side of said media card.
47. A media card according to claim 29, wherein said encoded portion is a portion of a recordable compact disk.
48. A media card according to claim 29, wherein said encoded portion is a portion of a rewritable compact disk.
49. A media card according to claim 29, wherein said compact disk is a portion of a recordable DVD.
50. A media card according to claim 29, wherein said compact disk is a portion of a rewritable DVD.
51. A media card according to claim 29, wherein said media card is a prepaid card.
52. A media card according to claim 18, wherein said media card is a prepaid card.
53. A media disk which includes : a flat body, which defines an opening, arranged to be mounted on a spindle of a media device; digitally encoded information, arranged to interact with said media device; a code, for facilitating a usage of said media disk; and a cover which conceals said code, and which may be removed for exposing said code in order to exercise said usage.
54. A media disk according to claim 53, wherein said digitally encoded information includes computer software.
55. A media disk according to claim 53, wherein said digitally encoded information includes a computer game.
56. A media disk according to claim 53, wherein said code appears on said first side of said media card.
57. A media disk according to claim 53, wherein said code appears on said second side of said media card.
PCT/IL2002/000244 2001-04-02 2002-03-25 Media card WO2002079996A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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IL142382 2001-04-02
IL14238201A IL142382A0 (en) 2001-04-02 2001-04-02 Media card

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