WO2001003133A1

WO2001003133A1 - Improvements relating to compact discs

Info

Publication number: WO2001003133A1
Application number: PCT/AU2000/000727
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ka Ho Tsun
Original assignee: Ka Ho Tsun
Priority date: 1999-07-01
Filing date: 2000-06-28
Publication date: 2001-01-11
Also published as: AUPQ132799A0

Abstract

A compact disc in which there is a distribution of materials forming the disc which is other than uniform. This is described as being attributable in one case to electronic components being with the disc and in another case there is described a three dimensional shape which is other than planar. There is also described such an arrangement also with a non circular periphery. A balancing of the disc to facilitate use in a reader where the disc is to be rotationally driven except where there is a carrier in which the disc nests so that it is a combination that is balanced.

Description

TITLE

Improvements relating to compact discs.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to discs of a type such as compact discs which are used to hold digitally recorded information which information can be accessed by spinning the disc and reading the digital information through reflection from selected portions of the rotating disc.

Such devices are commonly referred to as compact discs, CD roms, CVD, DVD or CD cleaning discs.

BACKGROUND ART

These devices are conventionally of circular periphery and have on both sides of the disc a flat face which are parallel one to the other thereby defining a planar shape except in the case of a slightly raised rim immediately adjacent an innermost locating circular aperture. Conventionally there is some information printed on one flat side of a disc , and a smooth and flat surface on the other side allows for transmission of an electromagnetic beam such as a laser beam in an appropriate wave length and its reflection being read by use of laser reading devices as the compact disc or its like is rotated about its central locating aperture.

Discs of this type are now very popular and are conventionally manufactured and marketed throughout the world.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

This invention has for its general purpose an arrangement whereby compact discs can be either more useful or can appeal to a broader range of public or at the least provide the public with a useful alternative. In accordance with one aspect of this invention there is proposed a compact disc which has a central aperture for location of the disc with respect to a reader and a digital track readable through a flat face on one side of the disc characterized in that there is a distribution of materials forming the disc which is other than uniform.

In preference in one form this lack of uniformity arises by materials being with the disc that have a density which is different from other of the materials.

In preference, such materials in one instance are electronic components embedded within the plastics material of the disc.

in a further example in preference there is a compact disc which has at least one further portion of the disc which is such as to effect a variation in thickness of the material of the disc.

In preference, there is further provided a disc of a type described having a shape on the same or opposite side of the disc to that on which digitally readable data can be read, having a three dimensional shape that is other than planar and which lies within a range of thickness which are within three millimetres from a highest to a lowest point.

This preferred feature follows from the discovery that compact discs conventionally are held so that there is a clearance between parts of the playing mechanism and a surface of the disc of conventional type opposite to that through which the digital data can be read, of a clearance of at least approximately the thickness of an existing conventional disc which is in the range from one to three millimetres.

By reconsidering the shape of both sides of a disc, this then allows for a number of optional variations to be introduced so as to enable those with marketing skill to devise many types of devices which could add to the marketing appeal.

In nreferenee. such a chanπe in shane allows for introduction of electronic components so that a battery and other integrated circuit devices can then be located on the disc to provide intriguing effects.

Further, such electronic components can include a central processing unit and memory with a program that can be run from time to time by appropriate electrical or magnetic activation.

Such a program could include generation of a signal which could be useful for identification of any use of the compact disc.

In another instance the circuit can be used as a traditional smart card that and there is further information available from the digital track.

In a further instance, such an effect can be intermittent lighting of light emitting diodes in a pattern which can either effect in a dynamic way an image appropriate for the subject matter of the material recorded in the disc or it can have separate information for instance relating to the time of the day or the date which lighting of LEDs is synchronised with any rotational speed of the disc so that inteφretation of the information will only be achieved as the disc is rotating and will appear to exist as a virtual image.

There can therefore also be messages that are embedded within the device that can be activated only in accord with a time of the day or after or before a selected date. For instance, the disc may incorporate smart card type technology where electrical contacts can also be incorporated in the disc and in order for the disc to be further used for the playing of its audio or visual information from time to time it needs to be coupled to a smart card reader for "payment " to be further made into the device. By now being able to make a disc such as a compact disc an active unit rather that as previously a passive unit allows for further significant improvements to be made.

In another arrangement, the shape moulded within plastic on an upper side or opposite side of the disc can either be the shape of an image for instance the trade mark of an appropriate entity or it can be a face impressed within the shape for instance in a similar manner to that of a coin. In a further instance there can be provided in relief the outline of a famous cartoon character.

In preference there is further provided a disc of a type described having a shape on the same or opposite side of the disc to that on which digitally readable data can be read, further characterized in that an arrangement of all of the portions of the disc is such that they are symmetrically positioned about a central axis of the locating aperture and thus rotational axis.

In preference there is further provided a disc as above further characterized in that an arrangement of all of the portions of the disc is such that there is an addition of shapes or removal of shapes such as to effect an arrangement where the central aperture has its central axis substantially coincident with a central axis of the locating aperture and thus rotational axis.

In preference there is further provided a disc as above further characterized in that an arrangement of all of the portions of the disc is such that the disc is adapted to be held with a holder which will rotate with the disc where the holder has corresponding weight distributions such as to effect in combination with the disc, a rotationally balanced combined device.

In preference there is further provided a disc as above further characterized in that an arrangement of all of the portions of the disc is such that disc has an outermost peripheral shape which is other than circular and is other than concentric with a central locating aperture.

A first difficulty arrises, however, in relation to discs when they are played and do not have their centre of gravity coincident with the centre of the locating aperture about which they are to be rotated.

Devices for capturing and rotating such discs are relatively fragile and are generally susceptible to out of balance forces that might occur if a disc is not rotational balanced.

This is esDeciallv the case with faster and faster rotational SDeeds beinα used particularly for computer based program and data applications.

Further, there can be apertures other than the central locating aperture through the disc and if such other than circular profiles are used in combination with non-planar shapes at least on the side opposite to that from which digital data is to be read, then there can be further substantial advantage by those able to put images, shapes, whether of famous personalities, coφorate logos or the like which will have significant potential marketing advantage.

In the event that the shape is other than circular or at least is not concentric with a central locating aperture or is of a diameter other than that which is the standard diameter required for use within conventional playing machines, then there can be further difficulties.

In some of the playing machines, there is a tray which requires the accurate location of the disc within a shaped depression so that subsequent to the tray being reinserted into the machine, there is a spindle that rises locating the central locating aperture and hence the disc for then subsequent rotation of the disc.

If the disc itself is not accurately located in the initial place on the tray, then the spindle may intersect with parts of the disc other than the central locating aperture and this will either cause the central spindle to jam, the playing mechanism to jam, the disc to be pushed into a jamming position or the disc to be rejected.

As will be readily understood, if this is the case, such discs are not appropriate for the commercial market.

In accordance with this further concept, there is proposed that there are at least two parts of the outer periphery which are generally equal distance from the central axis of the central locating aperture and which have a distance from the axis of the central locating aperture which corresponds to a selected distance which is in accord with a standard radius of compact discs or laser discs. In preference, such distal points are displaced no more than approximately 140 degrees which is to say the angle between the radii in relation to each point and the central axis of the locating aperture is equal to or less than 140 degrees.

In preference, the location of the points are also reasonably spaced apart so as to provide sufficient placement or accuracy for alignment and in preference, there is a minimum displacement of 5 degrees although in preference this is greater than this and perhaps at 10 degrees in one case or better still a minimum of 15 degrees.

This then allows a user of a discs to locate the disc by use of the distal points as locating points on a tray having a raised portion against which the points on the disc can be positioned thereby being able to reasonably accurately align the disc with respect to its subsequent actions.

In a further preferred arrangement, the disc does not have any portion which is of such a radius but is adapted to be used in combination with a correspondingly shaped holder which holder is adapted to have nested within it the disc and the holder itself then provides a periphery which will allow for location of the combination in relation to a tray for insertion into the playing machine where the combination can of itself have a fully circular and concentric periphery or it also provides a relative balance arrangement so as to in combination with the inserted disc then provide for a dynamically balanced result so that the disc then can rotate with relative uniformity of weight distribution about its central locating aperture.

Reference has been made to a central locating aperture on the presumption that this is circular.

However, it is possible to have a shape of central locating aperture which is not circular but has a sufficient periphery to be useful to provide a location for a locating spindle or other devices which are used for holding and playing of compact discs. It is understood throughout this specification that an aperture having for its purpose a central location function for the disc will provide a shape which will define a central aperture around which the disc would be rotated in play and it is this axis that is being used in reference throughout.

It is known that compact discs and discs of this type can now have digital data recorded which can be accessible from both sides of the disc.

Currently, it is generally understood that there is not technology that would provide for acceptable reading of digital data put through an overlaying transparent surface other than where this is generally planar because otherwise the laser beam and resultant reflector beam could be distorted.

For the general purpose of this invention, it is presumed that we are talking about and constraining this invention to the case where a compact disc has only one side through which digital data is to be read and alterations in peripheral shape, and changes to the planar shape of the opposite side then are in accord with the so called one sided disc.

Accordingly, in a further form of this invention, there can be a compact disc which is readable from both sides of the disc where those parts of the disc not being used for imprinting or reading of digital data are then able to be modified in accordance with the general descriptions given in this invention. In the event that the discs has three dimensional shape on an undemeath side in the case of a single sided disc, then there is a further advantageous feature which is to provide that for location of such a disc in relation to a tray, there are at least two supporting points so as to support the disc in the preliminary positioning mode in a tray for insertion into a playing machine, where the disc will be held relatively co-planar with the locating parts of the tray.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of this invention it will now be described with some reference to illustrations of embodiments wherein Figures 1 is a top plan view of the conventional compact disc,

Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of Figure 1 ,

Figure 3 is a plan view of a first embodiment and Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of the same first embodiment as in Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a plan view of a second embodiment,

Figures 7 and 9 are perspective views of the second embodiment, and Figure 8 is a view from an opposite side of the second embodiment from that shown in Figure 6;

Figures 10, 11 ,12 and 13 show views of a third embodiment,

Figure 14 illustrates a way in which balancing of a fourth embodiment can be established which is useful for each of the other referred to embodiments;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a further balancing arrangement, and

Figures 17,18,19 and 20 illustrate a fifth embodiment with a balancing technique.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Now referring to the drawings in detail Figures 3, 4 and 5 illustrate one way in which three dimensional shapes are integrated into an upper side of a disc shape. Such shapes can include an integrated circuit 1 , a battery 2, an liquid crystal display 3, and a light emitting diode 4.

These are shown as being typical but require that the disc is then balanced as is shown in Figures 14, 15,16 or 17 and 18 which will be described in greater detail later.

Figures 6 through 9 show a further version of a three dimensionally modified disc where the shapes are showing a face with protruding eyes 5, apertures 6 on each side showing as ears, a mouth 7 and a central locating aperture 8 which also has the appearance of a nose.

As with the first embodiment this is to be also balanced as in Figures 14 through 18. The third embodiment in Figures 10-13 is different in so far that the outer periphery is not circular which introduces more challenge to achieve both balancing for playing of the disc in a vulnerable player. Further however, also in arranging that there are at least two separated points 9 and 10 which have an equal distance from a central axis of the central locating aperture which is also equal in radius to the radius of a conventional CD. In this case the peripheral shape includes a portion 11 which is a part of a circular periphery having a conventional CD radius.

Now referring to Figure 14, 15 and 16, these illustrate the fourth embodiment in which an irregular peripheral shaped disc 21 can have its centre of gravity 22 located and then have either a part of the disc removed or something can be added to bring the member into a balanced arrangement which is to say here that the centre of gravity coincides with the central axis of the central locating aperture.

A first technique to achieve a balanced disc is to locate the disc on a single support point 12 which is located at the centre of the support axis 13 by having a balanced blank infill 15 in the aperture and add or remove parts of the disc until a balance is achieved.

This needs to be done only once for a selected design and then the design with balanced parts can be repeated through any number of repeats.

This same balancing technique applies to the fifth embodiment as well shown in the Figures 17,18 ,19 and 20 where there is a support point which is located at the centre of the support axis 17 by having a balanced blank infill 18 in the aperture and addition of shape 19 so that the entire combination is rotational balanced.

Once the balance weight position is established this can then be repeated as necessary,

Figure 20 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figures 17- 19 having a non circular outer profile with the digital data 20 imprinted thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A compact disc which has a central aperture for location of the disc with respect to a reader and a digital track readable through a flat face on one side of the disc characterized in that there is a distribution of materials forming the disc which is other than uniform.

2. A compact disc as in claim 1 further characterized in that the lack of uniformity arises by materials being with the disc that have a density which is different from other of the materials.

3. A compact disc as in either one of claim 1 or 2 further characterized in that such materials are electronic components embedded within the plastics material of the disc or attach on either one or both flat surfaces of the disc.

4. A compact disc as in any one of the preceding claims further characterized in that there is at least one further portion of the disc which is such as to effect a variation in thickness of the material of the disc.

5. A compact disc as in any one of the preceding claims further characterized in that the disc has a three dimensional shape that is other than planar and which lies within a range of thickness which is within three millimetres from a highest to a lowest point.

6. A compact disc as in any one of the preceding claims further characterized in that the disc has with it electronic components which include a central processing unit and memory with a program that can be run from time to time by appropriate electrical activation.

7. A compact disc as in any one of the preceding claims further characterized in that there are electrical components which will provide an effect of intermittent lighting of light emitting diodes

8. A compact disc as in any one of the preceding claims further characterized in thot thoro ar_ mαceanαc that ara omhαHHαH u ithin th-a riawm' a that MΠ ho activated only in accord with a time of the day or after or before a selected date.

9. A compact disc which has a central aperture for location of the disc with respect to a reader and a digital track readable through a face of the disc on one side of the disc characterized in that a further portion of the disc other than adjacent a rim of the circular aperture, is shaped so as to be a three dimensional shape which is other than planar.

10. A compact disc as in any one of the preceding claims further characterized in that it has a shape on the same or opposite side of the disc to that on which digitally readable data can be read, where the shape is a three dimensional shape that is other than planar and which lies within a range of heights which are within a range of from zero to three millimetres.

11. A disc as in any one of the preceding claims further characterized in that in connection with any non-planar shape that there is an arrangement of the non-planar parts of the disc such that they are symmetrical about the central axis of the locating aperture and thus rotational axis.

12. A disc as in any one of the preceding claims further characterized in that there are the addition of portions or removal of portions such as to effect a dynamic balancing about a central axis of the locating aperture and thus rotational axis.

13. A disc as in any one of the preceding claims further characterized in that it is adapted to be held with a holder which will rotate with the disc where the holder has corresponding weight distributions such as to effect in combination with the disc, a rotational balanced combined device which together is then adapted to be played as a conventional disc.

14. A disc as in any one of the preceding claims further characterized in that an outermost peripheral shape of the disc is other than circular and is other than concentric with a central locating aperture.

15. A disc as in any one of the preceding claims further characterized in that there are apertures other than the central locating aperture through the disc.

16. A disc as in any one of the preceding claims further characterized in that at least two parts of the outer periphery which are generally equal distance from the central axis of the central locating aperture and which have a distance from the axis of the central locating aperture which corresponds to a selected distance which is in accord with a standard radius of compact discs or laser discs.

17. A disc as in any one of the preceding claims further characterized in that distal points of the non circular and non co-annular periphery are displaced no more than approximately 140 degrees which angle is the angle between a radii in relation to each point and the central axis of the locating aperture which will be equal to or less than 140 degrees.

18. A disc as in preceding claim 17 further characterized in that the displacement is greater than 5 degrees.

19. A disc as in preceding claim 17 further characterized in that the displacement is greater than 10 degrees.

20. A disc as in preceding claim 17 further characterized in that the displacement is greater than 15 degrees.

21. A disc as in any one of the preceding claims further characterized in that the shape of a central locating aperture is not circular but has a periphery of a shape have inner location portions which are positioned so as to provide a location for a locating spindle or other devices which are used for holding and playing of compact discs and which then has a coincident axis with the compact disc.

22. A disc of the type described which is readable from both sides of the disc where those Darts of the disc not beinα used for imDortinα or readinα of digital data have at least some portions which are other than planar.

23. A compact disc having an electronic component or components therein or attached thereto.

24. A compact disc having electronic part or parts therein.

25. A compact disc having a magnetic component or components therein or attached thereto.

26. A method of balancing an otherwise unbalanced compact disc as in any one of the preceding claims which includes the steps of determining a centre of gravity of the unbalanced disc, then adding a weight which is positioned so as to be aligned on a line that passes through both the centre of gravity and a central axis of the disc and selecting a distance from the central axis to effect a counter moment with the weight to an extent that then effects a balancing for balanced rotation of the disc.

27. A method of designing a compact disc as in any one of the preceding method claims further characterized in that there are the steps of then applying that design to a further compact disc.