JP2007531184A - Method and apparatus for confirming the proper presence of a disk-shaped data carrier within a nominal position - Google Patents

Abstract

  In a method and device for confirming the proper presence of a disk-shaped data carrier, eg CD or DVD, in a playback device (1), starting at the first interface of the data carrier (8), the data carrier (8) A data carrier (8) having a transmission path that passes through and ends at the second interface of the data carrier (8) is used, the transmission path passes through the test beam, an optical test beam is provided, and the data carrier (8) is When in the nominal position, the test beam is passed through the data carrier (8) using a transmission path, and the test beam passed through the data carrier (8) using the transmission path is detected.

Description

  The invention relates to a method for confirming the proper presence of a disk-shaped data carrier in a nominal position.

  The invention further relates to an apparatus for confirming the proper presence of a disk-shaped data carrier in a nominal position.

  The invention further relates to a recording and / or reproducing device for a disc-shaped data carrier comprising a device of the kind described in the second paragraph.

  The invention further relates to the use of the method described in the first paragraph and the apparatus of the type described in the second paragraph.

  In connection with the use of a recording and / or playback device for a disk shape data carrier, such as a CD or DVD, for example, the disk shape data carrier is scanned by a laser beam and the user can It is necessary that the laser beam used to scan the disk-shaped data carrier cannot be looked into directly. It must therefore be ensured that the operation of the laser is reliably prevented, in particular if the disc-shaped data carrier is not in the playback device or if it is not located in the holder for the disc-shaped data carrier.

  In connection with a recording and / or playback device, or device for such a disk-shaped data carrier, the disk-shaped data carrier is housed on a holder that can be moved out of the device and designed similar to a drawer. The embodiment to be made is known and as soon as the data carrier is placed on the holder, the holder is pulled back into the device and the proper presence of the holder with the data carrier in a nominal position in the device is confirmed. Only the operation of the device can occur. In such a device, there is virtually no possibility of direct visual contact by the user with the laser beam, so in such a playback device, appropriate safety measures usually confirm the position of the holder. It is limited to doing.

  For example, in conjunction with a receiving opening arranged at the top of the device, the receiving opening can be opened and closed, for example by a pivotable cover, and the disc-shaped data carrier can be used as soon as the cover is opened or closed or swiveled. , Disposed in the receiving opening. The laser for forming the laser beam for scanning the data carrier, usually provided directly under the inserted disk-shaped data carrier, operates only when the data carrier is properly positioned in the device and the cover is closed. Must be guaranteed to be done.

  In this regard, for example, US Pat. No. 4,499,571 discloses a device design that includes a detector that can be used to determine and / or test the presence of a disk-shaped data carrier, eg, a CD. In addition, a detector is additionally provided for confirming or monitoring the rotational movement of the disk-shaped data carrier. With this known device design, the operation of the laser beam source can only occur as soon as the signals from the two detectors are evaluated and the proper presence of the disk-shaped data carrier in its nominal position is confirmed. However, in this known device design, a detector for examining the presence or absence of a holder or a disk-shaped data carrier in the receiving space, for example by means of a mirror or by arranging similar elements in the receiving space It has been found to be disadvantageous that there is a risk that the laser beam source can be operated even if the disc-shaped data carrier is not properly arranged or present in the device.

  For example, if for design reasons there is no cover or lid for the receiving opening for the disk-shaped data carrier, such possibility of bypassing the detector in a known type of device is even more pronounced. As such, in the case of improper use, there can be direct contact with the laser beam. The possibility of such a relatively simple bypass of a detector or safety device for checking the proper placement of a disk-shaped data carrier in a known device is in relation to various recording and / or playback devices, and Renders such known safety systems unsuitable, especially in those devices that have to meet higher safety requirements, for example in those devices designed for use by children or the disabled .

  A method of the type described in the first paragraph, a device of the type described in the second paragraph, a recording and / or playback device described in the third paragraph, and a fourth, which can avoid the disadvantages described above. It is an object of the present invention to provide the kind of use mentioned in the paragraph.

  In order to achieve the above object, the method according to the present invention can be characterized as follows.

  A method for confirming the proper presence of a disk-shaped data carrier at a nominal position in a recording and / or reproducing device, starting at the first interface of the data carrier, passing through the data carrier, and Use a data carrier with a transmission path that terminates at the second interface, the transmission path passes the test beam, an optical test beam is provided, and when the data carrier is in a nominal position, the test beam uses the transmission path. A test beam that is passed through the data carrier and is passed through the transmission path using the transmission path.

  In order to achieve the above object, the device according to the present invention may be characterized as follows.

  A device for ascertaining the proper presence of a disk-shaped data carrier at a nominal position in a recording and / or reproducing device, the data carrier starting at the first interface of the data carrier and the first of the data carriers A transmission path that terminates at two interfaces, the transmission path being a device for passing a test beam, a supply means for providing the test beam, and a second interface when the data carrier is in its nominal position Detecting means for detecting at least one test beam emerging from said transmission path at said at least one test beam when the data carrier is in its nominal position. A device designed and arranged to be able to be fed into the transmission path at the interface.

  To achieve the above object, an apparatus according to the present invention is provided in a recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.

  To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a method according to the present invention and / or a device according to the present invention are provided in a children's toy.

  By means of the present invention, it is no longer substantially possible to bypass the detector or the safety device formed by the detector, which was possible in known embodiments. Because, according to the present invention, only when the provided optical test beam properly passes through the transmission path of the disk-shaped data carrier, which is not harmful even in direct contact with the user's eyes. Activation of the laser beam or laser beam source occurs, and the transmission path has a specific path. Thus, in essence, the transmission path of the disk-shaped data carrier is used in the same way as an optical waveguide, so that only when the disk-shaped data carrier is correctly positioned at the nominal position within the device or the holder of the device. Detection of the test beam by means is possible. Because, only after the disk-shaped data carrier is properly positioned correctly, the transmission path from the light source to the detection means can be used to transmit the test beam through at least a partial area of the disk-shaped data carrier, The transmission path is formed by a part of the data carrier. Thus, using simple means, in particular without posing a risk to the user, only when the disk-shaped data carrier is properly positioned in the device or on the data carrier. It is ensured that the laser beam used to scan the stored data is activated.

  Furthermore, in the context of the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention, it is not possible to bypass the safety device formed by the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention. This is because an optical waveguide in which a disk-shaped data carrier is used when properly placed in a playback device can be immediately made available to properly send a test beam transmitted by the light source to the detection means. Because there is no. Due to the fact that the safety system provided by the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention cannot be substantially bypassed by the normal user, the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention Is also particularly suitable in children's toys where higher than normal safety standards must be satisfied.

  According to the measures of claims 2 and 8, at least one receiver in which the test beam is provided adjacent to the circumference of the disk-shaped data carrier within the context of confirmation of the correct position or presence of the disk-shaped data carrier. Since the test beam must pass at least approximately radially through the disk-shaped data carrier at least once before reaching the signal, the signal required to subsequently activate the laser beam is Even in the case of a slight deviation from the correct position or presence, the advantage is obtained that it cannot be received by at least one receiver. By providing a light emitting diode (LED) as the test beam source, only simple means can be used and the LED can also be manufactured in an inexpensive manner.

  According to the measures of claims 3 and 9, it is ensured that the test beam is in the region of the edge of the disk-shaped data carrier even in the normally limited space conditions in the region of the holder of the device for the disk-shaped data carrier. So that the test beam is properly introduced into the disk-shaped data carrier and can pass at least partly in the direction of the disk plane of the disk-shaped data carrier, the disk-shaped data carrier being essentially optical The advantage of being used as a wave tube is obtained. By appropriately deflecting the beam device of the test beam, in particular, proper penetration of the light beam in the edge region of the disc-shaped data carrier can be ensured from time to time independent of the positioning of the light source. Instead of a deflecting mirror, for example for deflecting the light beam, a suitable optical waveguide can also be used, for example to bring the test beam to a desired position in the edge region of the disk-shaped data carrier.

  According to the measures of claims 4 and 11, an additional advantage is obtained that, for example, the effects of environmental influences, such as scattered light, can be largely excluded. The safety and reliability of the evaluation is further increased within the context of the method according to the invention and when using the device according to the invention. Because activation of the laser beam or laser beam source occurs only when the signal is detected by at least one receiver, the pulse shape and / or pulse train of the detection signal is output by the light source of the test beam This is because it is compared with the pulse shape and / or pulse train of the signal sequence.

  According to the measures of claim 5, the reliability during the evaluation of the detection signal can be further increased so that the environmental impact is further minimized.

  According to the means of claims 6 and 9, the accuracy of the evaluation and thus the safety is further increased. This is because the signal must be received at multiple points adjacent to the circumference of the data carrier before the laser source is activated. In general, by using a light source for a non-bunched light beam or test beam, this test beam is optionally assisted by a suitable reflector in the disk shape data carrier to provide disk shape data. Appropriate signals that can be evaluated can be actually received at a plurality of points adjacent to the circumference of the disk-shaped data carrier, since it is distributed over a relatively large part of the area of the carrier.

  In addition to the safety that can be achieved by distributing the visible light beam through the range of the disk-shaped data carrier, an optically recognizable effect can also be achieved, in particular a reproduction having a receiving room without a cover. In the case of a device this is advantageous.

  Only when the proper and correct presence or position of the disk-shaped data carrier in the receiving chamber or holder of the recording and / or reproducing device is confirmed, the laser beam source provided for scanning the data carrier is The method and apparatus according to the invention can advantageously be used to pass to an active position under the disk-shaped data carrier. In the rest position, the laser or laser beam source takes a position outside the outer dimensions of the disk-shaped data carrier, in particular under an additional cover or protective device.

  As already mentioned several times above, they meet the increased safety standards, so that the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention make it more difficult or practical to operate or bypass the safety device. According to the present invention, the method according to the present invention and the device according to the present invention are preferably used or integrated in a children's toy.

  The above-mentioned features and further features of the present invention emerge from the example embodiments described below and are explained with reference to these examples of embodiments.

  The invention will be further described with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 1 shows a recording and / or playback device 1 having a housing 2. The optical scanning device 3 includes, inter alia, a laser beam source 4, and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the optical scanning device 3 can be brought into an active position or a scanning position so that the optical scanning device 3 and the laser light source 4 can be brought into an active position or a scanning position. Along a guide or guide rail 6 for scanning a disk-shaped data carrier (schematically shown in FIG. 1) between a rest position shown in FIG. Thus, it can be moved back and forth along the guide 6 in the direction of the double arrow 7.

  The mode of operation of the optical scanning device 3 as well as the drive movements required to scan the disk-shaped data carrier 8 are generally known and will not be described here in any greater detail.

  Furthermore, it can be seen from FIG. 1 that a drive element 9 (also known per se) is provided for driving the disk-shaped data carrier 8, which is essentially the same as the disk-shaped data carrier 8. Acts in the region of the central passage opening 10 and cooperates with the data carrier 8.

  Also provided in FIG. 1 is a light source 11 formed, for example, by a light emitting diode (LED), which, as will be described in more detail below, at least partially comprises a disk-shaped data carrier 8. Resulting in a test beam that is passed through and received in a receiver 13 arranged on the circumference of the receiving aperture or holder for the disk-shaped data carrier 8. For subsequent activation of the laser beam source 4, an evaluation of the signal obtained in the receiver 13 based on the received test beam is specifically described below with reference to FIGS.

  A drive stage 14 for moving the optical scanning device 3 along the guide 6 is shown in FIG. Also shown is a further drive stage 15 for driving the drive element 9.

  An enlarged access opening 16 is also provided along the receiving opening 12 for the disk-shaped data carrier 8 through which the user can access the data carrier 8 manually.

  In the drawing shown in FIG. 2, the light source 11 for the test beam is arranged substantially below the plane of the disk-shaped data carrier 8 and is shown in more detail in the schematic diagrams of FIGS. As can be seen, the test beam is introduced into the disk-shaped data carrier 8 in the region of the central passage opening 10. In the drawing shown in FIG. 2, an additional clamping device 17 for the proper holding of a disk-shaped data carrier, in particular a CD or DVD, is located in the area of the drive element 9 in its nominal position. Is provided.

  In the drawing of FIG. 3, a plurality of possible transmission paths or beam paths are shown within the disc-shaped data carrier 8. Here, on the one hand, due to the fact that it is a source for a non-bundled beam, on the other hand it is generated by the light source 11, in particular because of a plurality of reflectors on the outer circumference 18 of the disk-shaped data carrier 8. The test beam is distributed over the range of the disk-shaped data carrier 8 starting from the central region of the disk-shaped data carrier 8, so that the test beam is It can be seen that the signals are received by a plurality of receivers 13 distributed over the circumference. As a result of receiving the test beam, a detection signal is generated by the receiver 13, and then the detection signal is evaluated as will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

  Before the signal is received by at least one receiver 13 on the outer circumference of the receiving aperture 12, the test beam passes through the disk-shaped data carrier 8 at least once, essentially along a direction corresponding at least approximately to the radial direction. It can further be seen from FIG. 3 that it must pass. Since the disc shape data carrier 8 is essentially used as a light source for the test beam, the disc shape data carrier 8 is actually properly positioned in its receiving aperture 12, in other words in its nominal position. Only when the detection signal caused by the test beam can be generated in the receiver 13. Thus, the disc-shaped data carrier 8 or the plurality of transmission paths formed thereby are used directly to detect the correct position of the data carrier 8.

  A light source 11 for the test beam again formed by the LED is arranged below the disk-shaped data carrier 8 and the light beam generated by the LED 11 to ensure proper introduction of the test beam into the disk-shaped data carrier 8. Are sequentially generated in the propagation direction or beam direction, and the deflection elements 19 and 20 are shown in FIG. In particular, the deflection element 20 can in this case be integrated or accommodated in the drive element 9 for the rotational drive of the disc-shaped data carrier 8.

  Instead of such deflection elements 19, 20, a corresponding optical waveguide can be provided which ensures that the test beam of the light source 11 is introduced into the edge region of the disk-shaped data carrier 8, so that the disk shape in the device 1 In order to confirm the proper presence or position of the data carrier 8, the test beam passes through at least one partial area of the disk-shaped data carrier 8.

  FIG. 4 shows that electromagnetic radiation is introduced into the disk-shaped data carrier 8 because the electromagnetic radiation in the disk-shaped data carrier 8 propagates essentially by the information of the disk-shaped data carrier 8 and total reflection at the lower interface. By using total reflection at the lower interface, at least most of the introduced test beam penetrates the material of the disk-shaped data carrier 8 at an appropriate planar angle so that it can pass through the upper and lower interfaces. Must be guaranteed.

  Since the disk-shaped data carrier 8 is usually made of a transparent material, in addition to the safety that can be achieved when passing the disk-shaped data carrier 8 with respect to confirming the correct position of the data carrier 8 in the device 1, In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the design effect can be achieved when using visible light, particularly when distributed over the disk-shaped data carrier 8, so that, for example, the data carrier 8 The edges can flicker in the color of the test beam.

  FIG. 5 shows the essential component circuits for implementing the method of confirming the proper presence of the disc-shaped data carrier 8 in the playback device, which is not shown any greater detail in FIG. This circuit includes a driver 21 for generating a test signal, which is supplied to a light source 11 for providing a test beam, the test beam being transmitted in a data carrier 8 or in a data carrier 8. It is supplied to the path 22. As indicated schematically by the transmission path, as soon as the test beam passes at least partly through the data carrier 8, the test beam reaches a receiver 13 that detects the test beam and generates a detection signal; Signal processing is performed using the downstream filter 23 and the comparator 24. The output signal of the comparator 24 forming the detection signal is made available to the evaluation device 25 including the control device, and if the proper position of the disk-shaped data carrier 8 at its nominal position is confirmed, the evaluation device 25 A control signal for activating the optical scanning device 3 (not shown in FIG. 5) is output via the output unit 26. Alternatively, further control signals can be output at the output 27 of the evaluation device 25. If a signal indicating the proper presence of the disk-shaped data carrier 8 cannot be detected by the at least one receiver 13, the further output signal is sent to the optical scanning device 3 in a rest or standby position (eg in FIGS. 1 and 3). To be moved back to (shown).

  Although it is possible to manage using a simple evaluation by confirming the occurrence of a detection signal at at least one receiver 13, the pulse signal is shown in FIG. 5 as a line 28 to the evaluation device 25. Is additionally shown to be supplied to the driver 21 via the light source 11 correspondingly outputs a pulsed test beam. At this point, it should be mentioned that in general a modulation signal may be used which may have, for example, amplitude modulation or pulse width modulation or any other suitable form of modulation.

  Subsequently, in the case of the correct presence or position of the disk-shaped data carrier 8, the pulse signal is confirmed in the receiver 13, so as to increase the safety of the scattered light and reduce the environmental influence, for example. The pulse shape and / or pulse width of the detection signal detected or received by the at least one receiver 13 is compared and compared with the pulse shape and / or pulse width supplied to the driver 21 via the line 28. The optical scanning device 3 is activated only when the pulse to be tested, in other words the pulse shape or pulse width or amplitude value of the test signal and the detection signal are correspondingly evaluated.

  From the circuit shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of sensors or receivers 13 arranged around the disk-shaped data carrier 8 are coupled together so that their signals are collected in a common collection or summing junction 29. It can be seen that the collected or summed signal is again made available to the evaluation device 25. In the variant embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a circuit can be provided so that the activation of the optical scanning device 3 occurs only if, for example, the detection signal is present in all receivers 13.

  In the modified variant embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the detection signals from the plurality of receivers 13 are essentially supplied directly to the evaluation device 25, so that, for example, in the evaluation device 25 a predetermined number If the detection signal from the receiver 13 is present, the correct position or presence of the disc-shaped data carrier 8 is confirmed and the optical scanning device 3 is subsequently activated.

  Instead of the essentially central arrangement of the light source 11 for the test beam and the arrangement of the disk-shaped data carrier 8 essentially along the circumference, as shown in FIGS. The relative positioning with the device 13 can be reversed.

  For example, the light source 11 can be provided in the circumferential region of the disk-shaped data carrier 8 and electromagnetic discharge can be introduced into the disk-shaped data carrier 8 in the peripheral region of the disk-shaped data carrier 8, in which case Can further be described, for example, that a plurality of receivers 13 are likewise provided in a distributed manner over the circumference of the disc-shaped data carrier 8. Before the test beam can be received by the at least one receiver 13, it must be ensured again that at least a partial area of the range of the disk-shaped data carrier 8 is passed by the test beam. Such a beam path or such a transmission path is shown schematically in FIG.

  As an alternative to the design of a device 1 without a cover or lid for a receiving opening 12 for placing and holding a disk-shaped data carrier 8 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a disk for carrying out the method The device for confirming the proper arrangement of the shape data carrier 8 can also be integrated in the device 1 with an additional cover for the disk shape data carrier 8.

  As already mentioned several times, the device according to the invention for carrying out the method for confirming the proper presence of the disc-shaped data carrier 8 is in particular an undesirable operation of the safety device formed thereby. Or in view of the fact that diversion is not possible or hardly possible, it is particularly suitable for use or integration in the design of the device 1 in or as a children's toy.

  It should further be mentioned that it is also possible to provide a number of light sources, for example light emitting diodes, in order to generate a number of test beams. However, it is also possible to provide other electrical or electronic light sources instead of the light emitting diodes. The light source is preferably designed to generate visible light. However, it is also possible to use a light source for generating infrared light or ultraviolet light.

  It must further be mentioned that the data carrier can have multiple transmission paths. However, in all cases it is important that each transmission path starts at the first interface of the data carrier and ends at the second interface of the data carrier, which is different from the first interface. . It has to be further mentioned that the data carrier can also be a data carrier that can be magnetically scanned.

In the present invention for a disk shape data carrier, in particular a CD or DVD, having a device according to the present invention for verifying the proper placement of the disk shape data carrier for carrying out the method according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the recording and / or reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a manner similar to FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a part of the recording and / or reproducing device according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 for a test beam in which a disk-shaped data carrier is inserted and passes through the disk-shaped data carrier The transmission path is shown. FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of an alternative embodiment in a manner similar to FIG. 2, with the light beam being deflected for introduction into a disk-shaped data carrier. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the circuit of an apparatus according to the invention for confirming the proper presence of a disk-shaped data carrier. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a circuit as shown in FIG. 5 with a modified design compared to the circuit. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a further modified design of the circuit.

Claims (13)

A method for confirming the proper presence of a disc-shaped data carrier at a nominal position inside a recording and / or reproducing device, comprising:
Using a data carrier having a transmission path starting at the first interface of the data carrier, passing through the data carrier and ending at the second interface of the data carrier, the transmission path passing a test beam When an optical test beam is provided and the data carrier is in a nominal position, the test beam is passed through the data carrier using the transmission path and passed through the data carrier using the transmission path. Wherein the test beam is detected.   A data carrier is used having a central passage opening delimited by a passage opening interface, an outer periphery delimited by an outer periphery interface, and a transmission path extending from the passage opening interface to the outer interface, The test beam is supplied to the transmission path via the path opening interface of the data carrier, and after the test beam exits the data carrier via the outer peripheral interface of the data carrier, the test beam The method of claim 1, wherein is detected.   The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the test beam is deflected with respect to its beam direction before entering the transmission path.   The provided test beam is generated using a test signal that is modulated with respect to a modulation parameter, and a detection signal that is modulated with respect to the modulation parameter is passed through the data carrier using the transmission path. The method of claim 1, wherein the modulation parameter values of the test signal and the detection signal are evaluated.   The receiver for receiving the test beam passed through the data carrier is matched to the characteristic features of the source providing the test beam, such as the wavelength of the test beam and the like. The method described.   2. The test beam is detected at a plurality of positions along the circumference of the disc-shaped data carrier, a plurality of detection results are formed correspondingly, and the detection results are passed for joint evaluation. The method described in 1. A device for confirming the proper presence of a disc-shaped data carrier at a nominal position inside a recording and / or reproducing device, the data carrier starting at a first interface of the data carrier; and A transmission path ending at the second interface of the data carrier, the transmission path being a device for passing the test beam,
Supply means for providing a test beam; and detection means for detecting at least one test beam emerging from the transmission path at the second interface when the data carrier is in its nominal position; The supply means is designed and arranged such that when the data carrier is in its nominal position, at least one test beam can be supplied to the transmission path at a first interface of the data carrier .   The data carrier has a central passage opening delimited by a passage opening boundary surface, an outer periphery delimited by an outer peripheral boundary surface, and a transmission path extending from the passage opening boundary surface to the outer peripheral boundary surface. The supply means is formed by a light source disposed adjacent to the passage opening interface of the data carrier, and the detection means is formed by a plurality of test beam receivers, the test beam receivers comprising: The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the apparatus is arranged adjacent to the outer peripheral interface along the outer peripheral interface of the data carrier.   The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of test beam receivers are distributed and arranged at essentially equidistant angular intervals.   At least one deflecting element, in particular a deflecting mirror, is provided for deflecting the test beam, by means of the at least one deflecting element, the test beam with respect to its beam direction towards the transmission path. 10. A device according to claim 7, 8 or 9, which can be deflected.   The providing means is configured to generate a test beam that is modulated with respect to a modulation parameter, the test beam can be used to generate at least one test beam, and the detection means is related to the modulation parameter. Configured to generate a detection signal to be modulated, wherein the detection signal is generated by the test beam passed through the data carrier using the transmission path, and an evaluation means is provided, the evaluation means comprising: 10. An apparatus according to claim 7, 8 or 9, coupled to a providing means and configured to evaluate values of the modulation parameters of the test signal and the detection signal.   A recording and / or reproducing device comprising the device according to claim 7.   Use of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and / or the device according to any one of claims 7 to 11 in a children's toy.

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