WO2008020415A2

WO2008020415A2 - Scanner, method for creating an electronic reproduction of a two-dimensional information pattern, and data carrier

Info

Publication number: WO2008020415A2
Application number: PCT/IB2007/053272
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erwin R. Meinders
Original assignee: Moser Baer India Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-08-18
Filing date: 2007-08-16
Publication date: 2008-02-21
Also published as: WO2008020415A3; TW200822098A

Abstract

The invention is directed to a scanner (10) for scanning an at least two- dimensional information pattern (12) provided on a data carrier (14), wherein the scanner comprises: driving means (16) for rotating the data carrier (14); an optical pick up unit (18) for scanning the at least two-dimensional information pattern (12) while the data carrier (14) is rotated; and memory means (20) for storing an electronic reproduction of the at least two- dimensional information pattern (12). Furthermore, the invention is directed to a method for creating an electronic reproduction of an at least two-dimensional information pattern (12) provided on a data carrier (14), the method comprising the following steps: rotating the data carrier (14); picking up the at least two-dimensional information pattern (12) while rotating the data carrier (14); and storing an electronic reproduction of the at least two-dimensional information pattern (12). The invention is also directed to a data carrier (14) intended to be read by a scanner (10) while being rotated, the data carrier (14) comprising: a radial reference plane (32) for aligning a plurality of start addresses associated to a plurality of tracks (34); and an information layer (38) comprising or being adapted to receive an at least two-dimensional information pattern (12).

Description

Scanner, method for creating an electronic reproduction of a two-dimensional information pattern, and data carrier

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a scanner for scanning an at least two- dimensional information pattern provided on a data carrier, a method for creating an electronic reproduction of an at least two-dimensional information pattern provided on a data carrier, and a data carrier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional optical storage, as it is for example known from CD, DVD or BD applications, is characterized by sequential readout of data by a focused optical stylus that smoothly follows a pre-defined spirally shaped data track. This data track can be a spiral of pre-recorded pits or a spirally shaped groove. Address information is found on the fly, the push-pull and other signals generated by the optical grating enables the stylus to perfectly follow the track.

It is the object of the invention to broaden the above readout principle to areas other than optical storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention the above object is solved by a scanner for scanning an at least two-dimensional information pattern provided on a data carrier, wherein the scanner comprises: driving means for rotating the data carrier; an optical pick up unit for scanning the at least two-dimensional information pattern while the data carrier is rotated; and memory means for storing an electronic reproduction of the at least two-dimensional information pattern. This solution is based on the insight that the readout concept known for example from CD, DVD or BD applications may be adapted to be perfectly suited for making a reflection map of an information surface, i.e. an electronic reproduction of an at least two-dimensional information pattern. Because of the diffraction- limited optical stylus of conventional optical pick up units, a very high resolution can be obtained. If the CD-density is taken as example, a resolution of 500 nm in radial and tangential direction can be achieved. This resolution can go down to 100-200 nm in case of BD-optics (due to the track pitch of 320 nm and the Channel bit length of 74.5 nm of BD). In general, the data carrier comprises an information layer which is provided with the at least two-dimensional information pattern of which a reflection map or an electronic reproduction, respectively, is to be made. This reflection map can, for example, be an image or, for example, can be related to a derived quantity. The data carrier preferably contains also a focus plane. In such a case the focus plane is the layer with tracking data and has sufficient reflection for focussing. The reflection layer determines the focus plane. It is also possible that a spacer layer is added to level the groove/pit structure and/or to separate the information layer from the focus layer. The invention differs from known CD, DVD or BD applications in that a complete scan of the area of interest is provided for further processing. In contrary thereto, with known applications only the data sequentially read out is stored without correlating the data to its physical position on the data carrier. In accordance with the invention, the reflection signal from a pit pattern is preferably modulated (phase-modulation is the basic principle of readout of ROM data). In case of a semitransparent reflection layer, this modulated signal is added to the reflection levels of the information later. The address information can then be derived via filtered and correlation analysis from the total reflection signal. Such a modulation is preferably not present in case of pre-grooved discs.

With preferred embodiments of the scanner in accordance with the invention, the scanner is an optical drive comprising or interacting with a controller capable for crating the electronic reproduction of the at least two-dimensional information pattern. If the optical drive is, for example, a separate device like a CD, DVD or BD player/recorder, then the controller (and preferably also the memory means for storing the electronic reproduction) can be part of such a separate device. However, if the optical drive is, for example, part of a computer system, then the controller (and also the memory means for storing the electronic reproduction) can be formed by any suitable components of the computer. In any case, the controller is preferably adapted to control the optical pick up unit and to provide data from the data carrier with respect to the respective position of the data on the data carrier. To achieve this, it is preferred that the controller is capable to perform transformations between polar and Cartesian coordinates. As it will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings below, it is possible, as a first step, to define the position of a specific data fragment scanned by the scanner in polar coordinates. To create the electronic reproduction of the scanned information pattern, it is, however, regarded as advantageous to define the positions of the respective data fragments in Cartesian coordinates. In accordance with a first group of preferred embodiments of the scanner, the at least two-dimensional information pattern is associated to a sensor, particularly to a biosensor or a chemical sensor. In connection with biosensors it is, for example, possible to carry out DNA analysis and/or to detect and quantify (immobile) bio molecules (for instance proteins). An other interesting application in this connection is the readout of biosensor membranes that are provided with inkjet printed solutions.

In accordance with a second group of preferred embodiments of the scanner, the at least two-dimensional information pattern is a nano-scale information pattern. In this connection applications in the field of chromatography or picture and/or image processing are for example possible. For example, high-resolution photographs can be scanned (for example the resolution of a 400 ASA picture is much higher than conventional scanners can capture).

In accordance with a third group of preferred embodiments of the scanner, the at least two-dimensional information pattern is associated to a contamination counter. For example, particles can be captured with an adhesive layer provided on the information layer. In such a case the scanner can be used to count the number of particles and/or to classify a contamination.

In accordance with a fourth group of preferred embodiments of the scanner, the at least two-dimensional information pattern is associated to a microfluidic carrier. In such a case the data carrier can, for example, comprise a micro-channel structure for analysing the presence of liquids and/or gases.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for creating an electronic reproduction of an at least two-dimensional information pattern provided on a data carrier, the method comprising the following steps: rotating the data carrier; picking up the at least two-dimensional information pattern while rotating the data carrier; and storing an electronic reproduction of the at least two-dimensional information pattern. This method can, for example, be carried out with a scanner in accordance with the invention, as described above. Thereby, the same or similar benefits as described above can be achieved. Therefore, to avoid repetitions, reference is made to the above discussion of the scanner in accordance with the invention. Also in connection with the method of the invention it is preferred that positions on the data carrier are transformed from polar to Cartesian coordinates to create the electronic reproduction of the at least two-dimensional information pattern.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided a data carrier intended to be read by a scanner, particularly by a scanner in accordance with the invention, while being rotated, the data carrier comprising: a radial reference plane for aligning a plurality of start addresses associated to a plurality of tracks; and an information layer comprising or being adapted to receive an at least two-dimensional information pattern. The data carrier can, for example, be a 12 cm (or smaller) disc with tracking grooves and/or pre-recorded data. The start addresses are preferably provided by prerecorded pit patterns. However, if grooves are present, the tracking and addressing is done similarly as for conventional recordable and rewritable optical discs. If pre-pits are present, the tracking signal and address information are contained by the pit pattern. The optical spot is preferably designed for readout through the substrate in case of CD and DVD kind of substrates, and through the, for example, 100-micron cover layer in case of BD-kind of substrates. The data carrier can be a subsection of a cartridge- like 12 cm (or smaller) disc. Both the cartridge and data carrier preferably contain tracking grooves or pre-recorded data in a spiral shape. The alignment of the data carrier and the cartridge can be important for two main interfaces, namely the tracking spiral and the focus plane. The tracking spiral in the cartridge is preferably only used to guide the stylus to the data carrier. The address information in the tracks in the data carrier is preferably used for coordinate mapping, and for reconstruction of the reflection map of the surface. The data carrier can be provided with tracks that are arranged similarly as the optical discs (a partition of the spirally shaped track). The reconstruction area is preferably marked with leading and trailing markers to indicate the start and end of the relevant information. According to the concept of optical disc readout, the reflection is measured along the spiral way. Conventionally, the formatting (and thus addressing) is performed sequentially. Therefore, it is very difficult or even impossible to derive for a specific address the corresponding absolute position on the disc in Cartesian or polar coordinates. However, if the grooves and pits are mastered in constant angular velocity mode, synchronization of the data with respect to the rotation of the master substrate is possible. In that case, each track is synchronized with respect to a reference plane.

The data carrier can be adapted to different fields of application. For example, the information layer can be adapted to receive at least one of the following: bio molecules, a nano-scale two-dimensional relief structure, environmental particles, fluids. In connection with biosensors it is, for example, possible to carry out DNA analysis and/or to detect and quantify biomolecules. An other interesting application in this connection is the readout of biosensor membranes that are provided with inkjet printed solutions. As regards nano-scale two-dimensional relief structures, applications in the field of chromatography or picture and/or image processing are for example possible. For example, high-resolution photographs can be scanned (for example the resolution of a 400 ASA picture is much higher than conventional scanners can capture). In connections with environmental particles it is for example possible that the scanner in accordance with the invention is used to count the number of particles and/or to classify a contamination. Particularly in the latter case it is preferred that the information layer comprises an adhesive layer to capture biomolecules and/or environmental particles.

An other possibility is that the information layer comprises a carrier for carrying one or more fluids.

Such a carrier can, for example, comprise a micro-channel structure. At least for some embodiments of the data carrier in accordance with the invention it is preferred that it comprises: a substrate; a pre-groove and/or prerecorded pit pattern provided in the substrate; a semi-transparent reflection layer provided on the substrate; an optional spacer layer provided, if applicable, on the semi-transparent reflection layer; an information layer provided on the semi-transparent reflection layer or, if applicable, on the spacer layer; and an optional cover layer provided, if applicable, on the information layer. As regards the specific construction of the data carrier, various variations are possible. For example, the focus and information layer can coincide, particularly if the focus layer already contains reflection contrast. The information layer can be adjacent to the focus layer, with the constraint that both layers are within the depth of focus to allow a high resolution. The focus layer is preferably semi-transparent to enable readout of the information layer. It is also possible that the information layer is purposely placed out of focus (because of the required spacer layer, or because of the reduced resolution). The information layer can be covered by a cover layer, or it can be directly adjacent to the atmosphere.

In summary, a device, a method (with control mechanism), and an data carrier for performing a high-resolution two-dimensional scan of nano-scale information is proposed. The readout device, i.e. the scanner, preferably comprises a conventional optical drive (CD, DVD, BD). The data carrier is preferably an optical disc-based substrate that can be loaded in the optical drive. The data carrier preferably contains pre-grooves or prerecorded data for tracking of the optical stylus (like in conventional optical discs) and for addressing. Reflection or other measurements along the spirally shaped track are reconstructed via coordinate mapping and address recognition to an at least two-dimensional information map (reflection map, high-resolution scan, etc.).

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 schematically shows a block diagram of a scanner in accordance with the invention, wherein the illustrated scanner is suitable to carry out the method in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 schematically shows a general embodiment of a data carrier in accordance with the invention, accommodated in a cartridge;

Figure 3 schematically shows a first practical embodiment of a data carrier in accordance with the invention, accommodated in a cartridge; Figure 4 schematically shows a second practical embodiment of a data carrier in accordance with the invention;

Figure 5 schematically shows a third practical embodiment of a data carrier in accordance with the invention;

Figure 6 schematically shows a fourth practical embodiment of a data carrier in accordance with the invention, accommodated in a cartridge;

Figure 7 schematically shows a first possible structure of a data carrier in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 8 schematically shows a second possible structure of a data carrier in accordance with the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 schematically shows a block diagram of a scanner 10 in accordance with the invention, wherein the illustrated scanner is suitable to carry out the method in accordance with the invention. The scanner 10 comprises driving means 16 for rotating a data carrier 14 in accordance with the invention. A conventional optical pick up unit 18, for example of the CD, DVD and/or BD type, is used to scan an at least two-dimensional information pattern (not shown in Figure 1) which is carried by the data carrier 14. At least two-dimensional in this context means that the information pattern extends at least in a plane parallel to the surface of the data carrier. However, it is also possible that the information pattern is a three-dimensional data pattern, for example a relief structure. The optical pick up unit 18 measures the reflection of the information pattern along a spiral way. The corresponding data is fed to a controller 22 which is suitably adapted to realize the present invention. Particularly, the controller 22 is able to make transformations between polar and Cartesian coordinates. The controller 22 is coupled to memory means 20 which are used to store an electronic reproduction of the at least two-dimensional data pattern of the data carrier 14. Electronic reproduction is meant to indicate that not only the reflection properties of a scanned area are stored, but also the relative position of the respective scanned area with respect to a reference system, for example with reference to a Cartesian coordinate system associated to the data carrier 14. The way how the relative position is determined will be explained in greater detail with reference to Figure 2 below.

Figure 2 schematically shows a general embodiment of a data carrier in accordance with the invention, accommodated in a cartridge 60. The data carrier 14 is a subsection of a 12 cm (or smaller or larger) disc serving as the cartridge 60. Both the cartridge 60 and data carrier 14 preferably contain tracking grooves or pre-recorded data in a spiral shape. The alignment of the data carrier 14 and the cartridge 60 is important for two main interfaces, namely the tracking spiral and the focus plane. The tracking spiral in the cartridge 60 is preferably only used to guide the stylus to the data carrier 14. According to the general concept of optical disc readout, the tracks 34 are oriented in a spiral way. The reflection is measured along this spiral. In accordance with the prior art, the formatting (and thus addressing) is performed sequentially. Therefore, it is impossible to derive for a specific address the corresponding absolute position on the disc in (x, y) or (r, θ) coordinates. However, if the grooves and pits are mastered in constant angular velocity mode, synchronization of the data with respect to the rotation of the master substrate is possible. In that case, each track 34 is synchronized with respect to a reference plane 32. The reference plane 32 is denoted with θ_0 in Figure 2. Track t_i starts with address_i, track t_(i+l) starts with address_(i+l), etc., i.e. each track 34 starts with a unique address at the reference plane 32. Therefore, the start address of each track 34 is related to the reference plane 32 on the data carrier 14. From geometries, one can derive the absolute position along the track 34. The radius of the spiral is expressed as: r spot = r init + t/T*TP, where r init is the initial radius, t is the elapsed time, T is the period for one revolution, TP is the distance between adjacent tracks 34 (track pitch). The angle θ of the spot is expressed as: θ_spot = θ _init + t/T*2π. During mastering, the relation between addressing and substrate position is determined. A coordinate transformation is required to obtain a Cartesian reflection map or electronic reproduction from the reflection measurements in polar coordinates (R, θ) according to the following mapping formulas: x = R cos(θ) and y = R sin(θ). Preferably, the data carrier 14 is provided with start and end addresses. In summary, printed biomolecules, or any other information pattern elements, can be related to a specific address. In other words, the address information in the tracks 34 in the data carrier 14 is used for coordinate mapping, and for reconstruction of the reflection map of the surface, i.e. for creating the electronic reproduction.

Figure 3 schematically shows a first practical embodiment of a data carrier 14 in accordance with the invention, accommodated in a cartridge 60. In this case the data carrier 14 is a sensor 24, particularly a biosensor. In such a case it is for example possible to carry out DNA analysis and/or to detect and quantify (immobile) bio molecules 40 (for instance proteins) which then form the information pattern 12.

Figure 4 schematically shows a second practical embodiment of a data carrier 14 in accordance with the invention, wherein the at least two-dimensional information pattern 12 is a nano-scale information pattern. In this connection applications in the field of chromatography or picture and/or image processing are for example possible. Illustrated is a high-resolution photography 12 that can be scanned with a very high resolution in accordance with the invention (for example the resolution of a 400 ASA picture is much higher than prior art scanners can capture). Figure 5 schematically shows a third practical embodiment of a data carrier 14 in accordance with the invention, wherein the at least two-dimensional information pattern 12 is associated to a contamination counter 28. Particles 42 can be captured with an adhesive layer 46 provided on the information layer. In such a case the scanner can be used to count the number of particles 42 and/or to classify a contamination. Figure 6 schematically shows a fourth practical embodiment of a data carrier

14 in accordance with the invention, accommodated in a cartridge 60, wherein the at least two-dimensional information pattern 12 is associated to a microfluidic carrier 30 supported by the cartridge 60. In such a case the data carrier 14 can, for example, comprise a micro- channel structure 48 (not shown to scale) for analyzing the presence of liquids and/or gases 44.

Figure 7 schematically shows a first possible structure of a data carrier in accordance with the invention. The data carrier 14 comprises a substrate 50 provided with a prerecorded pit structure 36 used for addressing. On the substrate 50 there is provided a semi- transparent reflection layer 52 carrying a spacer layer 54 used for leveling the pit structure 36 and for separating the focus plane from an information layer 38 which is covered by a cover layer 56. The information layer 38 carries or forms the at least two-dimensional information pattern 12. To scan the information pattern 12 the optical pick up unit shown in Figure 1 moves an incident focused laser beam 58 spirally over the data carrier 14 and measures the reflected or transmitted light. Figure 8 schematically shows a second possible structure of a data carrier 14 in accordance with the invention. The data carrier 14 shown in Figure 8 differs from the one shown in Figure 7 in that the information layer 38 contains immobile bio molecules forming the information pattern 12. As may be seen, the biomolecules do not extend through the entire information layer 38 but are arranged only in its upper portion.

Finally, it is to be noted that equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A scanner (10) for scanning an at least two-dimensional information pattern (12) provided on a data carrier (14), wherein the scanner comprises: driving means (16) for rotating the data carrier (14); an optical pick up unit (18) for scanning the at least two-dimensional information pattern (12) while the data carrier (14) is rotated; and memory means (20) for storing an electronic reproduction of the at least two- dimensional information pattern (12).

2. The scanner (10) according to claim 1, wherein the scanner (10) is an optical drive comprising or interacting with a controller (22) capable for crating the electronic reproduction of the at least two-dimensional information pattern (12).

3. The scanner (10) according to claim 2, wherein the controller (22) is capable to perform a transformation from polar to Cartesian coordinates.

4. The scanner (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least two-dimensional information pattern (12) is associated to a sensor (24), particularly to a biosensor or a chemical sensor.

5. The scanner (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least two-dimensional information pattern (12) is a nano-scale information pattern (26).

6. The scanner (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least two-dimensional information pattern (12) is associated to a contamination counter (28).

7. The scanner (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least two-dimensional information pattern is associated to a microfluidic carrier (30).

8. A method for creating an electronic reproduction of an at least two- dimensional information pattern (12) provided on a data carrier (14), the method comprising the following steps: rotating the data carrier (14); - picking up the at least two-dimensional information pattern (12) while rotating the data carrier (14); and storing an electronic reproduction of the at least two-dimensional information pattern (12).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein positions on the data carrier (14) are transformed from polar to Cartesian coordinates to create the electronic reproduction of the at least two-dimensional information pattern (12).

10. A data carrier (14) intended to be read by a scanner (10) while being rotated, the data carrier (14) comprising: a radial reference plane (32) for aligning a plurality of start addresses associated to a plurality of tracks (34); and an information layer (38) comprising or being adapted to receive an at least two-dimensional information pattern (12).

11. The data carrier (14) according to claim 10, wherein the information layer (38) is adapted to receive at least one of the following: biomolecules (40), a nano-scale two- dimensional relief structure (26), environmental particles (42), fluids (44).

12. The data carrier (14) according to claim 11, wherein the information layer (38) comprises an adhesive layer (46) to capture biomolecules (40) and/or environmental particles (42).

13. The data carrier (14) according to claim 11, wherein the information layer (38) comprises a carrier (46) for carrying one or more fluids (44).

14. The data carrier (14) according to claim 13, wherein the carrier (46) comprises a micro-channel structure (48).

15. The data carrier (14) according to claim 11, comprising: a substrate (50); a pre-groove and/or prerecorded pit pattern (36) provided in the substrate (50); a semi-transparent reflection layer (52) provided on the substrate (50); - an optional spacer layer (54) provided, if applicable, on the semi-transparent reflection layer (52); an information layer (38) provided on the semi-transparent reflection layer (52) or, if applicable, on the spacer layer (54); and an optional cover layer (56) provided, if applicable, on the information layer (38).