U.S. patent application number 11/952435 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-15 for optical disc and remote control device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Osamu Mizuno, Yoshihiro Mushika, Koichi Ogawa, Mitsuaki OSHIMA.
Application Number | 20080115155 11/952435 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31719860 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080115155 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OSHIMA; Mitsuaki ; et
al. |
May 15, 2008 |
OPTICAL DISC AND REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE
Abstract
The objective of the present invention is to provide an optical
disc which solves the problem that search for data recorded on an
exchange-type medium such as an optical disc and the like and which
allows search for data recorded in an optical disc to be performed
with a simple operation. A transmitting/receiving antenna 231 is
provided in an inner peripheral portion of an optical disc. An IC
module 201 connected with transmission/reception IC 230 including
ID information is formed and embedded into a substrate the optical
disc. Thus, an optical disc incorporating an IC module which can be
produced on a mass-production basis can be achieved.
Inventors: |
OSHIMA; Mitsuaki; (Kyoto,
JP) ; Mushika; Yoshihiro; (Osaka, JP) ;
Mizuno; Osamu; (Osaka, JP) ; Ogawa; Koichi;
(Osaka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARK D. SARALINO (MEI);RENNER, OTTO, BOISSELLE & SKLAR, LLP
1621 EUCLID AVENUE
19TH FLOOR
CLEVELAND
OH
44115
US
|
Assignee: |
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.,
Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
31719860 |
Appl. No.: |
11/952435 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10523776 |
Feb 8, 2005 |
|
|
|
11952435 |
Dec 7, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
720/718 ;
G9B/23.006; G9B/23.087; G9B/23.088; G9B/27.021 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/42646 20130101;
G11B 20/10 20130101; H04N 21/42204 20130101; H04N 5/85 20130101;
G11B 2220/657 20130101; H04N 21/42222 20130101; G11B 27/11
20130101; H04N 21/4221 20130101; G11B 2220/2562 20130101; H04N
21/4334 20130101; G11B 2220/2537 20130101; G11B 20/00876 20130101;
G11B 20/00115 20130101; H04N 9/8233 20130101; G06K 19/044 20130101;
G11B 23/0042 20130101; G11B 7/24097 20130101; G11B 23/284 20130101;
H04N 21/4325 20130101; G11B 23/30 20130101; H04N 21/41265 20200801;
H04N 21/42209 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
720/718 |
International
Class: |
G11B 23/03 20060101
G11B023/03 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 9, 2002 |
JP |
2002-232405 |
Dec 20, 2002 |
JP |
2002-370328 |
Aug 8, 2003 |
JP |
PCT/JP03/10185 |
Claims
1. An optical disc comprising: an antenna formed along a
circumferential direction: and an IC for transmitting/receiving
radio waves via the antenna.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-provisional
application Ser. No. 10/523,776 filed Feb. 8, 2005, the contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to an optical disc and a
remote control device.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In recent years, ID information is becoming more important.
Experimentation on incorporating integrated circuits including ID
information has been attempted. Such kinds of applications are
expected to continue in the future (see, for example, Japanese
Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-83482). Conventionally, a method for
physically searching a portable-type optical disc which includes an
IC including ID information has not been proposed.
[0004] Portable-type optical discs are dispersed after recording of
the contents due to their portability. Thus, there is a demand for
a method of searching for contents which have been recorded in the
portable optical discs. The objective of the present invention is
to provide an optical disc and a remote control device which enable
searching for contents recorded on an optical disc by mounting an
IC including ID information on an optical disc.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to the present invention, a transmitting antenna
and a receiving antenna are provided in an inner peripheral portion
of an optical disc, and a transmission/reception IC which stores ID
information of the optical disc is connected to the antennas.
[0006] With such an optical disc, a system which can search for ID
information of an optical disc from a recording/reproduction
apparatus over radio waves can be provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a top view of an optical disc according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2(a) is a top view of an optical disc according to one
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2(b) is a top view of
a tip portion of an optical disc according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0009] FIG. 3(a) is an electrolytic profile showing a directivity
of an antenna A, and FIG. 3(b) is an electrolytic profile showing a
directivity of an antenna B, and FIG. 3(c) is an electrolytic
profile showing a directionality of the antenna A plus the antenna
B.
[0010] FIG. 4(a) is a top view of an optical disc according to one
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4(b) is a top view of
a tip portion of an optical disc according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an appearance of an optical disc
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing structures of an optical
disc, a remote control, and a recording/reproduction apparatus
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a timing diagram showing a reception signal and a
detection signal according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a waveform profile of a reception signal and a
detection signal according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a data structure of a disc
information file according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data structure of a disc
information file according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a procedure according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a procedure according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an operation of an optical disc
and a remote control according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an operation flow of an optical
disc and a remote control according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIGS. 15(a)-(c) show an operation of a tray of a
recording/reproduction apparatus according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a top view of an optical disc according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIGS. 17(a)-(d) are diagrams showing an attachment operation
of a disc according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a process procedure
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing a process procedure
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing a process procedure
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a structure of a
recording/reproduction apparatus according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0028] FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing a procedure according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing a procedure according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIGS. 24(a)-(c) are diagrams showing a method for detecting
ID information according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 25 is a top view of an optical disc according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing a procedure according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIGS. 27(a)-(c) are cross-sectional views illustrating a
step of forming a substrate with an embedding hole according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a step of
forming a substrate with an embedding hole according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIGS. 29(a)-(e) are diagrams showing a positional
relationship between an IC module and an information layer in a
substrate according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIGS. 30(a)-(e) are diagrams showing a step of forming an
angle identification mark according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0037] FIG. 31(a) is a top view of an antenna portion of an optical
disc according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
31(b) is a cross-sectional view of an antenna portion of an optical
disc according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an IC module
of an antenna portion of an optical disc according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIGS. 33(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views illustrating a
step of bonding an antenna portion of an optical disc according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIGS. 34(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views illustrating a
step forming an inner peripheral portion of an optical disc
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a step of producing an IC
module according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIGS. 36(a)-(f) are diagrams illustrating a step of
producing an IC module according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0043] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an efficiency of an antenna
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 38(a) is a diagram showing a directly-formed antenna;
FIG. 38(b) is a diagram illustrating a step of directly bonding an
IC according to one embodiment of the present invention; and FIG.
38(c) is a diagram illustrating a step of mounting an IC using a
sub-substrate according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0045] FIGS. 39(a)-(d) are diagrams illustrating a step of mounting
a single-wound antenna and an IC.
[0046] FIGS. 40(a)-(e) are diagrams illustrating a step of mounting
a multiple-wound antenna and an IC.
[0047] FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a structure of an information
layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a step of forming antenna
wiring, capacitor during a film formation step for an information
layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIGS. 43(a)-(c) are diagrams illustrating a step of forming
an IC, an antenna, and a capacitor according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0050] FIGS. 44(a)-(c) are diagrams showing a resonance circuit
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 45(a) is a diagram showing a shape of a mask according
to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 45(b) is a
diagram showing a step of forming four films at the same time
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 46(a) is a diagram showing a step of producing an IC
block according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
46(b) is a diagram showing a step of producing a disc according to
one embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 46(c) is a
diagram showing an equivalent resonance circuit according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 47(a) is a diagram showing a shape of a mask according
to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 47(b) is a top
view of an antenna and a reflective film which have been formed
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 48(a) is a diagram showing a shape of a mask according
to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 48(b) is a top
view of an antenna and a reflective film which have been formed
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 49(a) is a view of a back surface of an antenna
according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 49(b) is
a top view of an antenna according to one embodiment of the present
invention; FIG. 49(c) is a view of a back surface of an antenna
according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 49(d) is
a cross-sectional view of an antenna according to one embodiment of
the present invention; and FIG. 49(e) is an enlarged
cross-sectional view according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0056] FIG. 50(a) is a top view of a remote control according to
one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 50(b) is a side view
of a remote control according to one embodiment of the present
invention; and FIG. 50(c) is a view of a back surface of a remote
control according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 51 is a diagram showing a communication flow of a
remote control and a reproducing apparatus according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 52 is a diagram showing a communication flow of a
remote control and a recording/reproduction apparatus according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0059] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to the drawings.
(Structure of Optical Disc)
[0060] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention when
applied to a recording medium having a disc shape will be
described.
[0061] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a structure of an
optical disc 1 according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0062] In an inner peripheral portion of the optical disc 1, a
transmitting antenna 2 and a receiving antenna 3 are provided. The
transmitting antenna 2 and the receiving antenna 3 are formed along
a circumferential direction of the optical disc 1. In this example,
the transmitting antenna 2 and the receiving antenna 3 are both
dipole antennas.
[0063] In the inner peripheral portion of the optical disc 1, a
transmission/reception IC 4 connected to the transmitting antenna 2
and the receiving antenna 3 is further provided. The
transmission/reception IC 4 receives radio waves via the receiving
antenna 3 and transmits radio waves via the transmitting antenna 2.
In this example, the transmission/reception IC 4 is formed on a
chip. The chip is called an RFID chip.
[0064] In a central portion of the optical disc 1, a hole 5 which
allows the optical disc 1 to be attached to a rotation member for
rotating the optical disc 1 is provided.
[0065] In an outer peripheral portion of the optical disc 1, an
information layer 6, on which information can be recorded or from
which information can be reproduced, is provided. The information
layer 6 is formed between a substrate 7 and a transparent layer 8.
An adhesive layer 9 is formed between the substrate 7 and the
information layer 6.
[0066] FIG. 2(a) is an enlarged view of a portion around the
transmitting antenna 2 and the receiving antenna 3 shown in FIG.
1.
[0067] The transmitting antenna 2 includes transmitting antenna
portions 2a and 2b. The receiving antenna 3 includes receiving
antenna portions 3a and 3b. The transmitting antenna portions 2a
and 2b are arranged so as to have an orientation shifted by
90.degree. from an orientation of the receiving antenna portions 3a
and 3b.
[0068] FIG. 2(b) is a portion around the transmission/reception IC
4 shown in FIG. 1.
[0069] The receiving antenna portions 3a and 3b are connected to
the transmission/reception IC 4 via a relay substrate 11. The
transmitting antenna portions 2a and 2b are connected to the
transmission/reception IC 4 via wiring 10a and 10b and the relay
substrate 11. The wiring 10a extends the transmitting antenna
portion 2a. The wiring 10b extends the transmitting antenna portion
2b. The wiring 10a and 10b are parallel to each other.
[0070] As indicated by a cross-section along B-B' in FIG. 2(a), a
portion of the substrate 7 in which the relay substrate 11 is
located is dug down by thickness d. The thickness d is designed
such that the transmission/reception IC 4 will not be in contact
with a recording/reproduction apparatus when the optical disc 1 is
attached to the recording/reproduction apparatus. Herein, the
recording/reproduction apparatus is an apparatus which performs at
least one of a recording operation for recording information on the
optical disc 1 and a reproduction operation for reproducing
information recorded on the optical disc 1.
[0071] When the length of the transmitting antenna portions 2a and
2b (or the receiving antenna portions 3a and 3b) of a dipole
antenna is L and the wavelength is .lamda., L=.lamda./4 and
.lamda.=300/f. Thus, for a frequency of 2.4 GHz, .lamda.=125 mm and
L=31.3 mm. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the transmitting
antenna 2 and the receiving antenna 3 in an inner peripheral
portion of a standard optical disc having a diameter of 120 mm.
[0072] With reference to FIG. 3, a directivity of dipole antennas
will be described.
[0073] FIG. 3(a) shows a directivity of a dipole antenna A. It is
shown that the antenna A is not sensitive in a longitudinal
direction of dipoles of the antenna A (i.e., y direction).
[0074] FIG. 3(b) shows a directivity of a dipole antenna B shifted
by 90.degree. with respect to the dipole antenna A. It is shown
that the antenna B is not sensitive in a longitudinal direction of
dipoles of the antenna B (i.e., x direction).
[0075] FIG. 3(c) shows a directivity of an antenna in the case in
which the dipole antenna A and the dipole antenna B are arranged in
combination. The dipole antenna B is arranged so as to be shifted
by 90.degree. with respect to the dipole antenna A. It is shown
that an antenna which is sensitive in all directions can be
implemented by arranging the antennas A and B such that a dead zone
of the antenna A and a dead zone of the antenna B are orthogonal to
each other.
[0076] The transmitting antenna 2 (FIG. 1) and the receiving
antenna 3 (FIG. 1) are arranged so that the dead zone of the
transmitting antenna 2 and the dead zone of the receiving antenna 3
are orthogonal to each other. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3(c) an
antenna which is sensitive in all directions can be implemented. As
a result, regardless of an orientation of the optical disc 1, ID
information (RFID) stored in the transmission/reception IC 4 of the
optical disc 1 can be detected.
[0077] FIG. 4(a) shows another example of the structure of the
optical disc 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In this example, a loop-type antenna is used instead of a dipole
antenna.
[0078] In an inner peripheral portion of the optical disc 1, a
transmitting antenna 2 and a receiving antenna 3 are provided. The
transmitting antenna 2 and the receiving antenna 3 are formed along
a circumferential direction of the optical disc 1. In this example,
the transmitting antenna 2 and the receiving antenna 3 are both
loop antennas. The receiving antenna 3 is positioned such than it
is closer to the outer periphery compared to the receiving antenna
2.
[0079] In the inner peripheral portion of the optical disc 1, a
transmission/reception IC 4 connected to the transmitting antenna 2
and the receiving antenna 3 is further provided (see FIG. 4(b)).
The transmission/reception IC 4 receives radio waves via the
receiving antenna 3 and transmits radio waves via the transmitting
antenna 2.
[0080] FIG. 4(b) is an enlarged view of portion A shown in FIG.
4(a). Terminals 2a and 2b of the transmitting antenna 2 and
terminals 3a and 3b of the receiving antenna 3 are connected to the
transmission/reception IC 4 via a relay substrate 11.
[0081] When the length of the circumference of the loop antenna is
L and the wavelength is .lamda., the antennas are set to be
L=.lamda.. Since .lamda.=300/f, .lamda.=125 mm. For a frequency f
GHz, based on an empirical rule, a film thickness of an antenna is
2/ {square root over ( )}f .mu.m. Accordingly, when f=2.45 GHz, a
film thickness of an antenna may be 1.5 .mu.m or more.
[0082] As described above, an antenna formed along a
circumferential direction of an optical disc 1 and an optical disc
1 including a transmission/reception IC 4 for
transmitting/receiving radio waves via the antennas are within the
scope of the present invention. An antenna which is formed on the
optical disc 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned two-types of
antennas (i.e., dipole antenna and loop antenna).
(Method for Obtaining ID by Remote Control)
[0083] FIG. 5 shows an appearance of the optical disc 1, a remote
control 15, a recording/reproduction apparatus 35 and a display
portion 100. FIG. 6 shows an example of the structure of the
optical disc 1, remote control 15 and recording/reproduction
apparatus 35.
[0084] When a view button 16 of the remote control is pressed,
radio waves having a particular frequency (for example, 2.45 GHz)
radiate from a transmitting section 17 and a transmitting antenna
18 to the optical disc 1, as indicated by an arrow 19a. Such radio
waves are received by the receiving antenna 3 of the optical disc 1
and detected by a detection section 21 of a receiving circuit 20.
Thus, power 22 and a signal are obtained. The power 22 is sent to a
signal generation section 23 and temporarily accumulated in a power
accumulation section 24 such as a capacitor or the like. This
feeble power is used to read out ID 25 in an ID number storage
section 26. An ID number generation section 27 and a modulation
section 28 generate a modulation signal including the ID number.
The modulation signal is delayed by a time period corresponding to
a time constant 30 by a time adjusting section 29. The time
constant 30 is preset when the transmission/reception ICs 4 is
fabricated such that every transmission/reception ICs 4 has a
different time constant 30.
[0085] The ID 25 is information for identifying the optical disc 1.
The ID 25 is also called ID information. The ID 25 is not limited
to a number (it may be a combination of alphanumeric characters,
symbols and the like). The signal generation section 23 generates a
signal including ID information in response to a signal output from
the receiving circuit (receiving section) 20.
[0086] FIG. 7 shows an example of waveforms of a reception signal
received from the remote control 15, response signals from a
plurality of optical discs 1 (#1-#4) responding to the reception
signal, and a detection signal detected by the remote control
15.
[0087] The optical discs #1, #2, #3, and #4 have different response
times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, t.sub.3 and t.sub.4 to the reception signal
from the remote control 15. This is because the time constants 30
in the transmission/reception ICs 4 mounted on the optical discs #1
through #4 are different from each other. Thus, waveforms of the
response signals from the optical discs #1 through #4 are different
as shown in FIG. 7.
[0088] The waveform of the detection signal detected by the remote
control 15 is as shown in FIG. 7. The response signals from the
optical discs #1 through #4 are separated in a time-wise manner
from each other. Thus, even when a plurality of optical discs 1 are
present within the scope that the radio waves from the remote
control 15 can reach, the remote control 15 can separate signals
transmitted from a plurality of optical discs 1 in a time-wise
manner and detect them. In this way, collision of the response
signals from a plurality of optical discs 1 can be prevented.
[0089] In the remote control 15, the response signals from a
plurality of optical discs 1 are separated in a time-wise manner by
time separation means 32 (FIG. 6). Thus, IDs of the optical discs 1
can be identified stably.
[0090] Instead of presetting the time constants 30 such that every
transmission/reception IC 4 has a different time constants 30, a
random number generation section 34 for generating time constants
at random may be provided to achieve similar effects.
[0091] FIG. 8 shows another example of waveforms of a reception
signal received from the remote control 15, response signals from a
plurality of the optical discs 1 (#1-#4) responding to the
reception signal, and a detection signal detected by the remote
control 15.
[0092] The optical discs #1, #2, #3, and #4 have response signals
having different amounts of shifts f.sub.1, f.sub.2, f.sub.3 and
f.sub.4 in central frequencies from that of the reception signal
from the remote control 15 (for example, an excitation signal
having a particular central frequency). This is because the
frequencies set by frequency setting sections 31 in the
transmission/reception ICs 4 mounted on the optical discs #1
through #4 are different from each other. Thus, waveforms of the
response signals from the optical discs #1 through #4 are different
as shown in FIG. 8.
[0093] The waveform of the detection signal detected by the remote
control 15 is as shown in FIG. 8. The response signals from the
optical discs #1 through #4 are separated from each other with
respect to the frequencies. Thus, even when a plurality of optical
discs 1 are present within the scope that the radio waves from the
remote control 15 can reach, the remote control 15 can separate
signals transmitted from a plurality of optical discs 1 with
respect to the frequencies and detect them. In this way, collision
of the response signals from a plurality of optical discs 1 can be
prevented.
[0094] In the remote control 15, the response signals from a
plurality of optical discs 1 are separated with respect to the
frequencies by frequency separation means 33 (FIG. 6). Thus, IDs of
the optical discs 1 can be identified stably even within one time
zone.
[0095] In the examples shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the number of
optical discs 1 which respond to the reception signal is not
limited to four. N number of optical discs 1 may respond to the
reception signal. Herein, n is any integer of 1 or greater.
[0096] Further, in an example shown in FIG. 6, the time adjusting
section 29 and the frequency setting section 31 are both included
in the signal generation section 23. This example is preferable
because the response signals from a plurality of optical discs 1
can be separated in a time-wise manner and also with respect to the
frequencies. However, the signal generation section 23 may include
only one of the time adjusting section 29 and the frequency setting
section 31. In this case, it is sufficient if only one of the time
separation means 32 and the frequency separation means 33 is
included in the receiving section of the remote control 15.
(Management of Disc Information by Recording/Reproduction
Apparatus)
[0097] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, exchange of data between the
remote control 15 and the recording/reproduction apparatus 35 will
be described.
[0098] ID reproduction section 36 receives a reception signal
including ID and generates ID information 37. The ID information 37
is output to a processing section 38. The processing section 38
displays the ID information 37 on a display portion 39 of the
remote control 15 and transmits the ID information 37 to a
receiving section 44 of a communication section 41 of the
recording/reproduction apparatus 35 from a transmitting section 42
of a communication section 40. A method of communication between
the communication section 40 and the communication section 41 may
be an optical communication or may be a radio communication.
[0099] In the case where the communication between the
communication section 40 and the communication section 41 is an
optical communication, a light emitting portion for transmitting a
remote control signal which is normally equipped to the remote
control 15 may also serve as the transmitting section 42 and a
light receiving portion for receiving the remote control signal
which is usually equipped to the recording/reproduction apparatus
35 may also serve as the receiving section 44. In this case, it is
not necessary to additionally provide a transmitting section 42 and
a receiving section 44. Thus, a set of a transmitting/receiving
unit (light receiving/emitting unit) can be omitted.
[0100] In the case where the communication between the
communication section 40 and the communication section 41 is a
radio communication, bidirectional communication can be performed
between the communication section 40 and the communication section
41 by providing a transmitting antenna 46 and a receiving antenna
47 in the communication section 40, providing a transmitting
antenna 49 and a receiving antenna 48 in the communication section
41, and using Bluetooth using radio waves of frequency 2.4 GHz or
local area wireless network such as IEEE 802.11b. In this case, a
transmitting antenna 46 of the remote control 15 may also serve as
the transmitting antenna 18 and a receiving antenna 47 may also
serve as the receiving antenna 50. Thus, a set of
transmitting/receiving antennas can be omitted.
[0101] The receiving section 44 of the communication section 41
outputs the received ID information 37 to the processing section
51. In the processing section 51, a search section 52 searches a
disc information file 53 and obtains disc physical property
information 54, disc logic information 55 or the like corresponding
to the ID information 37.
[0102] FIG. 9 shows an example of the data structure of the disc
information file 53.
[0103] In the disc information file 53, a disc management number 57
is assigned to the ID information 37. ID information 37 is data
equal to or greater than 100 bits (for example, data of 128 bits).
By using disc management number 57 (for example, "04"), i.e., a
virtual ID having a data amount smaller than that of the ID
information 37, it becomes possible to manage IDs with smaller
amount of data.
[0104] The disc information file 53 includes the disc physical
property information 54 and the disc logic information 55 for each
ID.
[0105] The disc physical property information 54 includes data
indicating a total storage capacity 58 of the disc, a remaining
capacity 59 of the disc, disc type 60 (such as rewritable type,
write-once type, or ROM), the number of layers 61 of the disc
(single layer or double layer) and the like.
[0106] The disc logic information 55 includes information regarding
a program recorded on the disc (program information 70). The
program information 70 includes property data of the program,
information regarding contents, thumbnails of the contents and the
like.
[0107] FIG. 10 shows program information 70a and 70b as examples of
the program information 70 in the disc logic information 55.
[0108] The program information 70a indicates program information of
program 1. The program information 70a includes a program ID 71,
property data 72, and contents data 86.
[0109] The property data 72 includes a start address 73, an end
address 74, total recording time 75, an ID of the program coming
after the current program (program ID of link destination) 76, time
to start and finish recording (recording time) 77, a recording
source or a TV channel number 78, a program title 79, property
information of the contents of the program 80 (a category of the
program 81, a name of the characters appearing in the program 82,
an area 83, program contents 84 and the like). Furthermore, in the
case of a program linked to a web site, the property data 72
further includes an address of a web site of a link destination
(URL) 85.
[0110] The contents data 86 includes a still picture 87 (for
example, a still picture in JPEG format or the like of the first
scene of program 1) and motion picture data 88 for first few
seconds (a low-resolution motion picture 89 in MPEG 4 format or the
like and a representative screen (thumbnail) of a high-resolution
motion picture 90 at a high rate in MPEG 2 format or the like. The
contents data 86 may include thumbnail data 91 which is a
collection of the thumbnails.
[0111] With reference to flow charts of FIGS. 11 and 12, a method
for obtaining ID and displaying property information and thumbnails
of the contents of the corresponding disc by using the ID will be
described.
[0112] In step 95a, the recording/reproduction apparatus 35 waits
to obtain the ID information that is to be sent from the remote
control 15. In step 95b, the recording/reproduction apparatus 35
obtains new ID information which is different from the current ID
information it has. Then, in step 95c, the processing section 51
defines the new ID information as the n-th ID information (i.e.,
ID(n)). In step 95d, the processing section 51 searches the disc
information file 53 (FIGS. 9 and 10) using the search section 52.
In step 95e, the processing section 51 determines whether there is
data regarding ID(n) in the disc information file 53. If it is
determined "Yes" in step 95e (i.e., if there is data regarding
ID(n) in the disc information file 53), in step 95f, the processing
section 51 determines whether the remote control 15 has the
capability to display the image, or there is an image display
request from the remote control 15. If it is determined "Yes" in
step 95f, m=0 in step 95g and m is incremented by 1 in step 95h. In
step 95j, the processing section 51 reads out image data (motion
picture data 89 and 90, still picture data 87, or thumbnail data 91
(FIG. 10)) of m-th program information 72 (program m) corresponding
ID(n) from the disc information file 53 by using the search section
52. In step 95k, the processing section 51 transmits image data to
the remote control 15 via the communication channel (a transmitting
section 45 and the transmitting antenna 49). In step 95m, the
receiving section 43 of the remote control 15 receives the image
data. In step 95n, the processing section 38 extends the received
image data using an image decoder 100 and displays the extended
image data in the display portion 39 (FIG. 13(d)). In this way,
motion picture or still picture of thumbnails of data of contents
recorded in the optical disc 1 can be confirmed by only bringing
the remote control 15 close to the optical disc 1, without
attaching the optical disc 1 to the recording/reproduction
apparatus 35. In step 95p, the processing section 38 determines
whether the display of the image data is completed or not and
continues displaying the image data until the display of the image
data is completed. Even after the display of the image data is
completed, in step 95q, the processing section 38 continues
displaying the image data until a next new image display request
arrives, or until a certain amount of time has elapsed. The next
new image display request may be issued by, for example, a user
pressing a next screen button 101 of the remote control 15 (FIG.
5). If there is a next new image display request, it is determined
"Yes" in step 95q, and the process proceeds to step 95y. In step
95y, it is determined whether m is the last or not. If m is not the
last, the process proceeds to step 95h. In step 95h, m is
incremented by 1. In step 95j, the processing section 38 displays
the next new image on the display portion 39.
[0113] For example, in the case where the motion picture of a
thumbnail of the program is displayed on the display portion 39 of
the remote control 15, motion picture data is sent from the
recording/reproduction apparatus 35 (server) to the remote control
15. The processing section 51 reads out motion picture data showing
a thumbnail of program 1 (for example, motion picture data for the
first 5 seconds of program 1) from the disc information file 53 and
sends it to the remote control 15. The motion picture data is, for
example, low-resolution motion picture data 89 of MPEG 4 grade. The
processing section 38 receives the motion picture data and displays
it on the displaying portion 39 (FIG. 13(d)). When the user presses
the next screen button 101 of the remote control 15, the processing
section 51 reads out motion picture data showing a thumbnail of
program 2 (for example, motion picture data for the first 5 seconds
of program 2) from the disc information file 53 and sends it to the
remote control 15. The processing section 38 receives motion
picture data and displays it on the displaying portion 39 (FIG.
13(d)).
[0114] In step 95q, in the case where the next image display
request is issued, or a previous screen display request is issued
by the user pressing a previous screen button 102 of the remote
control 15, if m is the last in step 95y, the process returns to
the first step 95a and the recording/reproduction apparatus 35
waits to obtain the next ID information. Thereafter, the same
operation as described above is performed.
[0115] In this embodiment, normal quality images and low resolution
motion picture 89 are both recorded in the disc information file
53. However, only normal quality images may be recorded in the disc
information file 53. In this case, when a normal quality image is
output, by performing rate conversion for a normal quality image
(for example, MPEG2 image of 6 Mbps), the low-resolution motion
picture 89 (for example, MPEG 4 image of 384 kbps) may be obtained
and the low-resolution motion picture 89 may be sent to the remote
control 15.
(Operation when an Image is not Displayed on Remote Control)
[0116] If it is determined "No" in step 95f (i.e., when an image is
not displayed on the remote control 15), the process proceeds to
steps 96a through 96c shown in FIG. 12. If it is determined "No" in
step 96c, the process proceeds to step 96d. In step 96d, the
processing section 51 reads out the property data 72 of m-th
program information 72 (program m) corresponding to ID (n) using
the search section 52, and, in step 96e, transmits it through a
communication path and finally to the remote control 15. In step
96f, the receiving section 43 of the remote control 15 receives the
property data. In step 96g, the processing section 38 displays the
property data (for example, remaining capacity) or the program list
on the display portion 39. When the program list is displayed on
the display portion 39, if the user presses a down key 104 of the
remote control 15 (FIG. 14), the program in a downward direction in
the screen is selected.
[0117] For displaying the program list on the display portion 39 of
the remote control 15, as shown in FIG. 14, the user may (1) bring
the remote control 15 close to the optical disc 1 and (2) press a
view button 16 of the remote control 15. In response, the remote
control 15 (3) reads out the ID of the optical disc 1 and (4)
transmits the ID read by the remote control 15 to the
recording/reproduction apparatus 35. The recording/reproduction
apparatus 35 (5) searches the database to obtain the program list
data and (6) sends the program list data to the remote control 15.
Thus, the program list is displayed on the display portion 39 of
the remote control 15. When the user presses the down key 104 of
the remote control 15, (7) the program in a downward direction is
selected.
[0118] With reference to the flow chart of FIG. 12, a procedure for
displaying the program list will be explained.
[0119] In step 96h, the processing section 38 determines whether or
not displaying the property data or the program list is completed
and continues displaying the property data or the program list
until displaying the property data or the program list is completed
(FIG. 14). In step 96i, the processing section 38 determines
whether the program list is displayed on the display portion 39. If
it is determined "Yes" in step 96i, in step 96k, the processing
section 38 determines whether any of the scroll buttons 101 through
104 (FIG. 14) is pressed or not. If it is determined "Yes" in step
96k, in step 96m, the processing section 38 changes a program mark
in the program list. Next, if a selection button 105 or an image
button 106 (FIG. 14) is pressed, in step 96p, the processing
section 38 determines whether it is possible to display the image.
If it is determined "Yes" in step 96p, in step 96q, the processing
section 38 displays a thumbnail image, motion picture, or still
picture of the selected program on the display portion 39. In step
96r, the processing section 38 determines whether or not the
program list is completed. If it is determined "Yes" in step 96r,
the process proceeds to step 96J. If it is determined "No" in step
96p (i.e., if the image cannot be displayed), the process proceeds
to step 96s. In step 96s, the processing section 38 displays the
detailed property data of the marked program on the display portion
39. The property data is read from the disc information file 53,
sent to the remote control 15, and displayed on the display portion
39 of the remote control 15. As shown in FIG. 10, the property data
includes, for example, category 81, name 82, area 83 and contents
84 of the program, billing identifier 85a which indicates whether
or not viewing the program requires payment, and link destination
address 85 which indicates an address or URL of a website for
decoding and billing. In step 96f, the processing section 38
determines whether the program list is completed. If it is
determined "Yes" in step 96f, the process proceeds to step 96J. In
step 96j, the processing section 38 determines whether there is a
request for displaying the next property data. If it is determined
"Yes" in step 96j, the process returns to step 96b, and the
operation of incrementing m by 1, reading out the m-th property
data from the disc information file 53, and displaying the read out
property data on the display portion 39 is repeated.
(Operation Linked with Other Machines)
[0120] In step 95r, the processing section 51 determines whether or
not it is possible to connect to other machines or servers. If it
is determined "No" in step 95r, the process proceeds to step 95u.
In step 95u, the processing section 51 sends a message of "No data"
or information indicating the message to the remote control 15 via
the communication channel and displays the message or the
information indicating the message on the display portion 39. If it
is determined "Yes" in step 95r, in step 95s, the processing
section 51 connects to another submachine 35a via the communication
section 41, a communication channel 283 and a communication section
41a. The communication channel 283 may be wired or wireless, or may
be the internet 284 as shown in FIG. 6. In step 95s, a processing
section 51a of the submachine 35a searches a disc information file
53. In step 95t, the processing section 51a determines whether the
disc information file includes the data corresponding to ID (n). If
it is determined "Yes" in step 95t, the process proceeds to step
95v. In step 95v, the processing section 51 determines whether the
remote control 15 has a capability to display the image, or there
is an image display request from the remote control 15. If it is
determined "Yes" in step 95v, in step 95w, the processing section
51 reads out the image data corresponding to ID (n) from the disc
information file 53. In step 95x, the processing section 51 sends
the read out image data to the master machine (i.e., the
recording/reproduction apparatus 35 in FIG. 6) via the
communication section 41a, the communication channel 283 and the
communication section 41. Then, the process returns to step
95k.
[0121] If it is determined "No" in step 95v (i.e., if the remote
control 15 cannot display the image), the process proceeds to step
96J of FIG. 12, the processing section 51 reads out m-th property
data corresponding to ID(n) from the disc information file 53. In
step 95k, the processing section 51 sends the read out property
data to the master machine (i.e., the recording/reproduction
apparatus 35 in FIG. 6) via the communication section 41a, the
communication channel 283 and the communication section 41. Then,
the process proceeds to step 96e. In step 96e, the property data is
finally sent to the remote control 15 from the master machine.
Finally, the property data is displayed on the display portion 39
of the remote control 15.
(Method for Reducing Time Loss during Recording/Reproduction in
Recording/Reproduction Apparatus)
[0122] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 18, a
procedure for creating a disc information file in the
recording/reproduction apparatus 35 will be described.
[0123] As shown in FIGS. 15(a) and (b), a main unit antenna 110 is
provided near a tray 113 in which the optical disc 1 is set. A tray
antenna 112 is provided inside the tray 113.
[0124] The main unit antenna 110 transmits radio waves periodically
or when the tray 113 is slid out (step 111a). Thus, when the
optical disc 1 on which an ID chip is mounted is brought near the
tray 113 (step 111b), ID information of the optical disc 1 is read
out by radio waves transmitted from the main unit antenna 110. It
is determined whether reading out the ID information of the optical
disc 1 is completed (step 111c).
[0125] When the optical disc 1 is set in the tray 113, the set
signal is turned ON (step 111d). When the set signal is turned ON,
the tray antenna 112 transmits radio waves (step 111e). By the
radio waves transmitted from the tray antenna 112, the ID
information of the optical disc 1 is read out. It is determined
whether reading out the ID information of the optical disc 1 is
completed (step 111f).
[0126] At this step, it is recognized which of the optical discs 1
will be inserted into the recording/reproduction apparatus 35 for
reproduction or recording. Thus, the reproduction or recording can
be started using data in the disc information file 53 in the
recording/reproduction apparatus 35.
[0127] After reading out the ID information is completed, the tray
113 is stored as shown in FIG. 17 (step 111g), and the optical disc
1 is attached to a rotation motor member 121. Rotation of the
optical disc 1 is started (step 111h).
[0128] As shown in FIG. 16, in an inner peripheral portion of the
optical disc 1, bar codes 114 called BCA are formed
circumferentially. The bar codes 114 record ID numbers which are
different for every optical disc 1. In the factory, BCA
information, which corresponds to the ID information stored in the
transmission/reception IC 4 to be mounted on the optical disc 1
(hereinafter, referred to as the ID information of the IC), is
recorded in the BCA. Of course, BCA information same as the ID
information of the IC may be included. Hereinafter, ID information
included in BCA information is referred to as ID information of the
BCA. In the normal optical disc 1, the ID information of the IC and
the ID information of the BCA match. The recording/reproduction
apparatus 35 reads out the ID information of the BCA (step 111j),
verifies the ID information of the BCA and the ID information of
the IC (step 111j), and determines whether they match or have a
particular relationship (step 111k). If it is determined "No" in
step 111k, the recording/reproduction apparatus 35 regards the
optical disc 1 as an invalid disc and stops recording or
reproduction (step 111m). The tray 113 is slid out (step 111n), and
"Invalid ID information" is displayed on a display portion 151
(FIG. 21) (step 111p). In this way, invalid use of a disc such as
an unauthorized duplication, an unauthorized reproduction and the
like can be prevented.
[0129] If the optical disc 1 is used in the recording/reproduction
apparatus 35 for the first time, the ID information 37 read from
the optical disc 1 by radio waves and optical ID information 115
optically read from the BCA are recorded in the disc information
file 53 as shown in FIG. 9. Media ID 116 and a cryptographic key
block 117 are recorded in the disc information file 53 as shown in
FIG. 9 (step 111q). Further, in the case where the optical disc 1
is a writable-type disc, a key which is suitable for the machine is
selected from the cryptographic key block 117 which is called MKB
(Media Key Block) for copyright protection which limits duplication
over multiple generations, and encodes the contents or the
information corresponding the contents using the cryptographic key
and the media ID 116 corresponding to the optical ID information
115 to record in the recording region of the optical disc 1 (step
111r).
[0130] In step 111s, a still picture image encoder 131 (FIG. 21)
compresses the first still picture of each scene in the contents
input from an input section 130. A thumbnail processing section 135
records still pictures compressed by the still picture image
encoder 131 in the disc information file 53. A low-definition image
encoder 132 (FIG. 21) creates thumbnails of low-definition image
such as MPEG 4 based on contents input from the input section 130
for a particular amount of time (for example, 20 seconds). The
thumbnail processing section 135 records thumbnails of
low-definition image created by the low-definition image encoder
132 in the disc information file 53. Further, a normal quality
image is compressed by an image encoder 133 and recorded in the
disc information file 53. If it is determined that a copyright
protection flag is ON in step lilt, contents encrypted by an
encryption encoder 134 is recorded in the disc information file 53
(step 111u).
[0131] With reference to a flow chart of FIG. 19, the procedure
continued from the flow chart of FIG. 18 will be described. In step
119a, when an optical disc 1 is brought close to the tray 113,
detection signal is ON because an approach sensor 150 is provided
in front of the tray 113 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 21. In step 119b,
the antenna 110 transmits radio waves for detection. In step 119c,
a response signal including the ID information is sent back from
the optical disc 1. Thus, reading out the ID information is
completed. In step 119d, when the optical disc 1 is set in the tray
113, a set signal is ON and the antenna 112 transmits radio waves
to the optical disc 1 (step 119e). If it is determined that reading
out the ID information is completed in step 119f, in step 119g, the
ID information or the property information of the optical disc 1
(for example, the remaining capacity of the optical disc 1) is
displayed on the display portion 151. If it is determined that
there is a disc information file 53 regarding the optical disc 1 in
step 119o, a latency time for reproduction or recording can be
reduced. If it is determined that reproduction start button is
pressed in step 119h, the tray 113 is stored and the optical disc 1
is rotated (step 119j). In step 119k, the media ID, the
cryptographic key block such as MKB and the like are read out from
the disc information file 53 recorded in the recording/reproduction
apparatus 35. In step 119m, contents information recorded in HDD or
the like in the recording/reproduction apparatus 35 is readout. In
the case where the contents are encrypted, the process proceeds to
step 119p, and a cryptographic key for decoding is created by using
the media ID and cryptographic key block to obtain plaintext by
decoding the encrypted contents. In step 119q, the plaintext is
decoded by an AV decoder to output a digital audiovisual signal.
The data is read out from the contents recording section of the
disc information file.
[0132] Next, the data read out from the optical disc 1 is output.
More specifically, in step 119r, the tray 113 is stored and the
reproduction of the optical disc 1 is started. The optical ID
information of the optical disc 1 is optically read out from the
optical disc 1, and, in step 119t, it is verified whether the
optical ID information and the radio wave ID information match or
have a particular relationship. If it is determined "No" in step
119t, the optical ID information is given a higher priority, and,
if there is a disc information file corresponding to the optical ID
information, a thumbnail therein is output. If there is no disc
information file corresponding to the optical ID information, the
process is held until a signal from the optical disc 1 is obtained
(step 119u). In step 119v, it is determined whether the
reproduction of the optical disc 1 is started. In step 119w, it is
prepared for the switching an output signal from the signal read
out from the disc information file to the reproduction signal from
the optical disc 1. Switching of the output signal is performed so
that a time stamp of the signal read out from the disc information
file matches a time stamp of the reproduction signal from the
optical disc 1. In step 119x, the output signal is switched at the
same time and at an interval of GOPs (step 119y). The reproduction
is started in a normal reproduction mode (step 119z).
[0133] If it is determined "No" in step 119h in FIG. 19 (i.e., when
the reproduction start button is not pressed), it is determined
whether a recording start button is pressed in step 119i. If it is
determined "Yes" in step 119i, the process proceeds to step 120 of
FIG. 20.
[0134] In step 120, it is determined whether the optical disc 1 has
been recorded one time or more, and thus, the disc information file
has already been obtained. If it is determined "Yes" in step 120,
in step 120a, a procedure of storing the tray 113 and recording to
the optical disc 1 is started. In step 120b, the media ID and the
cryptographic key block corresponding to the ID is read out from
the disc information file. In step 120c, coded information, which
is coded contents information, is encrypted using the media ID and
the cryptographic key block read out from the disc information file
to create a code. In step 120d, the code is temporarily recorded in
a memory other than the optical disc, such as an IC. In other
words, the code is recorded in an IC or HDD during a preparation
time (normally, 30 seconds to 1 minute) for recording to the
optical disc 1. In step 120e, the ID information of the optical
disc 1 (referred to as optical ID information) is optically read.
In step 120f, it is determined whether the optical ID information
and the radio wave ID information matches or have a particular
relationship. If it is determined "No" in step 120f, the process
proceeds to step 120g and the optical ID information is used in
precedence. The tray 113 is slid out and the radio wave ID
information is read out again. Then, the optical ID information and
radio wave ID information are verified. If the verification result
is satisfactory, the code is restored to the original coded
information, and, by using the media ID and the cryptographic key
block of the disc information file 53 corresponding to the optical
ID information, the coded information of the contents is encrypted
again to create a code. If it is determined "Yes" in step 120f, it
is determined whether preparation for recording to the optical disc
is finished or not in step 120h. If it is determined "Yes" in step
120h, the rotational velocity of the optical disc 1 is set to be
double-speed or higher in step 120i. In step 120j, the code
recorded in a memory such as an IC or the like is recorded to the
optical disc 1 from the start time.
(Method for Creating Thumbnails of Disc Information File)
[0135] In step 120k, an image for a certain amount of time or a
still picture of low-definition coded information which is contents
coded at a bit rate lower than that for the above coded information
is recorded in the disc information file as a thumbnail. In step
120m, when the recording rate to the optical disc 1 is S.sub.R and
the rate of input signal is S.sub.I, recording is performed for a
certain amount of time with S.sub.R>S.sub.I maintained. In step
120n, time information t.sub.R of the contents currently recorded
in the optical disc 1 and time information t.sub.I of the contents
which are currently being input are compared. If t.sub.I>t.sub.R
in step 120p, the process returns to step 120m. If t.sub.I=t.sub.R,
approximately (i.e., a difference between t.sub.I and t.sub.R is 1
to 2 frames), in step 120q, the contents are directly recorded to
the optical disc 1. In step 120r, when recording rate of the
optical disc is S.sub.R and the rate of the input signal is
S.sub.I, S.sub.R.apprxeq.S.sub.I. Then, normal recording is
performed in step 120s.
(Method for Searching Corresponding Disc IC)
[0136] Next, a method for searching desired disc ID information and
further physically locating the disc by using property information
of the disc information file will be described.
[0137] First, in step 135a of FIG. 22, property information of the
contents is input. Physical information such as a disc capacity, a
remaining capacity and the like, and property information of the
contents such as a name of an actor featured in the program, trade
name, place name and the like. In step 135b, the disc information
file is searched using the property information of the input
contents as keywords. If the ID corresponding to the property
information of the contents is located in step 135c, it is
determined whether the optical disc of the ID is the desired
optical disc in step 135d. If it is determined "Yes" in step 135d
(i.e., when the optical disc of the ID is the desired disc), the
process proceeds to step 135k and a termination process is
performed. If it is determined "No" in step 135d, the property
information of the disc (for example, remaining capacity or the
like) is input in step 135e. In step 135f, the input property
information of the disc is used as keywords to search the disc
information file. If the ID corresponding to the property
information of the disc is located in step 135g, it is determined
whether the optical disc of the ID is the desired disc in step
135h. If it is determined "Yes" in step 135g, the process proceeds
to step 135k and the termination process is performed. If it is
determined "No" in step 135g, the process proceeds to step 135i and
access to other machines (for example, a server connected to a
network) is made using the communication means and the disc
information file is searched. In this case, if the corresponding ID
is located in step 135j, the process proceeds to step 135k and the
corresponding ID is displayed on the display portion of the
recording/reproduction apparatus and the display portion of the
remote control. If it is determined "No" in step 135j, the process
proceeds to step 135m and the display portion displays that there
is no corresponding ID. Then, the process ends.
(Method for Physically Searching Optical Disc)
[0138] With reference to the flow chart of FIG. 23, the procedure
continued from the flow chart of FIG. 22 will be described. The ID
number of the optical disc to be searched for is specified in step
135k. Next, a method for searching for an optical disc having a
specified ID number will be described.
[0139] In step 136a, a question "Search for disc?" is displayed on
the display portion. In the case of searching for a disc (i.e.,
when it is determined "Yes" in step 136b), radio waves for a search
are transmitted in step 136a. For example, as shown in FIG. 24(a),
the radio waves for a search are transmitted from transmitting
antennas 18a, 18b, and 18c in three directions in a time-division
manner. As shown in FIG. 24(b), response signals from optical discs
are time-divided into time slots A, B and C, and thus, they can be
readily separated. IDs are read from each of the reception signals
139a, 139b in step 136d, and determined whether each of them is a
corresponding ID or not in step 136e. If there is a corresponding
ID, the corresponding ID is displayed in step 136f. For example, as
shown in FIG. 24(c), an arrow 140a is displayed on the displaying
portion 39 of the remote control 15. The arrow 140a indicates that
the optical disc which is being searched for is in the direction of
the arrow. An alarm sound is activated in step 136g. The alarm
sound may be activated at the same time as displaying the
corresponding ID in step 136f. In step 136h, it is determined
whether the search for all the optical discs which are being
searched for is completed. If it is determined that the search has
been completed, all the IDs are displayed (step 136i) and the
process stops (step 136j). If it is determined that the search is
not completed yet, the number of remaining IDs is displayed (step
136k) and the process returns to the step 136c.
(Method for Updating Disc Information File)
[0140] A method for updating a disc information file in the case
where a plurality of recording/reproduction apparatuses are used in
one household.
[0141] As shown in FIG. 25, in an inner peripheral portion of the
writable-type optical disc 1 according to the present invention, a
disc information file region 144 is provided. The
recording/reproduction apparatuses respectively access to this
portion, compare the disc information file with those of themselves
and update only new information.
[0142] More specifically, in step 143b of FIG. 26, the
recording/reproduction apparatuses read the data in the disc
information file region 144 shown in FIG. 25. In step 143a, it is
determined data regarding the inserted optical disc is recorded in
the disc information file in the recording/reproduction apparatus.
If it is determined "No" in step 143c, the disc information file of
the optical disc is created and added to the disc information file
53 of the recording/reproduction apparatus (main unit) in step
143k. If it is determined "Yes" in step 143c, the process proceeds
to step 143d. It is determined whether the update time 141 of the
disc information file of the main unit (FIG. 9) is older than the
update time of the disc information file of the optical disc. If it
is determined to be old (i.e., it is determined "Yes" in step
143d), the data of the main unit is replaced with the corresponding
data of the disc (step 143e). In this case, the reliability of data
is high. Thus, a data reliability flag 142 (FIG. 9) is set to 1
(high) (step 143f).
[0143] In step 143g, it is determined whether data of disc
information files of discs different from the inserted optical disc
are recorded in the disc information file region 144. If it is
determined "Yes" in step 143g, it is determined whether the disc
information files regarding the discs are new compared with the
disc information file of the main unit (step 143h). If it is
determined "Yes" in step 143h, the data of the main unit is
replaced with data of the disc for only a disc information file of
a disc of a particular ID (step 143i). The data reliability flag of
the disc information file of another disc replaced in step 143i is
set to 0 (low) (step 143j). In this way, every time a disc is
inserted into apparatuses, data of the disc information file is
updated.
(Method for Fabricating Antenna)
[0144] A method for fabricating an antenna according to the present
invention includes a first method of first creating an IC module,
in which an IC, antennas, components such as capacitors or the like
and wiring are integrated, and then fixing the IC module onto a
disc substrate by adhesion or the like, and a second method for
directly forming antennas or wiring, or a capacitor on a disc
substrate. First, the module method is described.
(Method for Fabricating Antenna in Module Scheme)
[0145] A skin depth of an antenna will be 8 .mu.m and 0.6 .mu.m
when transmitting/receiving frequency is 13.5 MHz or 2.5 MHz,
respectively. In order to efficiently receive radio waves of 13.5
MHz, the thickness of the antenna has to be 8 .mu.m or greater.
Thus, forming an antenna portion by a thick film process such as an
electrolytic plating used in the normal fabrication process of a
print substrate is suitable for this application, which requires
sensitivity. The process is as follows. First, a substrate 1 which
has an embedding hole for embedding an IC module is created. The
substrate 7 may be used as a substrate for an optical disc.
Separately, an IC module 201 is created and the IC module 201 is
embedded in the embedding hole in the substrate 7. In the case of
an optical disc of a type in which two substrates are bonded, after
the two substrates are bonded, a label printing is performed to
complete the optical disc.
[0146] With reference to FIG. 27, the method will be described in
detail. FIG. 27(a) shows a shape of an IC module with an adhesive
layer added therein. For forming an embedding hole 202 for
embedding the IC module 201 on a side of the substrate 7, an
embedding protrusion 212 is provided in a stamper 206. A guard band
203 is provided across a distance Lg from one end of the embedding
protrusion 212. In a peripheral portion of the stamper 206, outside
the guard band 203, protrusions for forming an information layer 6,
on/from which information can be recorded/reproduced. The guard
band 203 is provided for preventing disturbances in the flow of the
adhesive layer due to presence of the embedding hole 202 from
affecting the information layer 6 in the later bonding step. When a
width of the guard band 203 is Lg, the width is set to be
Lg.gtoreq.1 mm. This allows the adhesive layer to be formed stably
on the information layer 6 in a bonded disc. Therefore, degradation
in optical property of the adhesive layer in the case of a
two-layer disc can be prevented. Further, in a single-layer disc,
since there is no gap in a bonded portion, degradation of the
information layer in an environment of after a long amount of time
has elapsed is prevented.
[0147] FIG. 27(b) shows an entire process of an injection molding
process. First, the stamper 206 is attached to a stamper holder 204
and fixed so as to oppose a fixed mold 205. A resin 208 is injected
from an injection hole for resin 207 in a direction of an arrow 209
into the fixed mold 205. A cutting punch 210 punches a central
hole. Then, the resin 28 is separated from the stamper 206 by an
ejector 211. Thus, a substrate 7 formed of the resin 28 can be
removed. The embedding hole 202 having a doughnut-shape is formed
in the substrate 7. Thus, the IC module 201 shown in FIG. 27(a) can
be accommodated without a gap.
[0148] FIG. 27(c) shows an example in which the embedding
protrusion 212 of the IC module 201 is formed in the stamper holder
204 instead of the stamper 206. In this example, it is sufficient
if protrusions of pits 213 or tracks 214 of the information layer 6
are formed in the stamper 206. This provides an effect of
simplifying the fabrication of the stamper 206.
[0149] The IC module 201 is formed on the substrate 7 on a side of
the information layer 6.
[0150] As shown in FIG. 29(a), by bonding a substrate 215 which
does not have an information layer and the substrate 7 which has
the information layer 6 with an adhesive layer 216, a single
optical disc 217 is completed. In this example, the IC module 201
is protected by the adhesive layer 216, providing a significant
effect that a step of forming a protection layer can be
omitted.
[0151] FIG. 29(c) shows an example in which the substrate 7 is
formed on a side away from the side to be read from, while the
information layer and the IC module 201 are formed in the substrate
7 on the side to be read from. In this example, an IC portion of
the IC module 201 can be prevented from being seen from the label
side, providing an effect of improving the design.
[0152] FIG. 29(d) shows an example in which the substrate 7 is
formed on the side to be read from. In this example, by setting the
thickness of two substrates within the range of 0.55 to 0.64 mm and
the thickness of the adhesive layer 216 to 0.055.+-.0.015 mm, an
effect that the disc can be reproduced by a player of DVD standards
can be achieved.
[0153] FIG. 29(e) shows an example in which a blue laser is used.
The thickness of the substrate 7 is set to be 1.1 mm or smaller and
the thickness of the adhesive layer is set to be 0.025 mm.
[0154] In an optical disc in which two substrates are bonded, if
the information layer 6 is formed on only one substrate, the other
substrate 215 does not have an information layer 6. In this case,
as shown in FIG. 29(b), a substrate 215a, and, also, the IC module
201 are formed on the side of the optical disc 217 opposite to the
side to be read from. The contents of the information layer are
different for every title. In the methods shown in FIGS. 27(b) and
(c), the optical disc 217 is defective in both of the cases where
the IC module is defective and where the information layer 6 is
defective, increasing the total number of possible defects. In the
method shown in FIG. 29(b), defects of the substrate 215a and the
defects of the substrate 7 can be separated from each other. By
bonding only good substrates 215a to the substrate 7, an effect of
reducing the number of defects of the completed optical disc 217
can be achieved.
[0155] Next, a method for fabricating the substrate 215a will be
described with reference to FIG. 28. First, a stamper holder 204a
having the embedding protrusion 212 is fixed to the fixed mold 205.
Then, the resin 208 is injected to form the substrate 7.
(Formation of Angle Identifying Mark)
[0156] In the conventional type optical disc, it is not necessary
to specify the orientation of the substrate of the optical disc.
Thus, the optical disc has no mark for identifying an angle and
merely has means for recognizing characters and symbols on the
substrate. Thus, a high precision for detecting an angular position
cannot be achieved. In the present invention, in the case of
mounting the IC, antennas or components on the substrate, the
angular position has to be adjusted with high precision. Therefore,
as shown in FIG. 30(a), a mechanical angle identifying recessed
portion 220 is provided with high precision along an A-A' cross
section of a liquid pool protrusion 222 of the stamper holder 204.
The mechanical angle identifying recessed portion 220 is a notch
having a depth of d mm. By providing the notch 220 as such, as
shown in FIG. 30(b), an angle identifying mark 223 composed of a
protrusion of height d is formed in a circumferential trench of the
substrate 7 of the optical disc. By using the angle identifying
mark 223, mounting and formation at a high precision become
possible in later steps of attaching the IC module 201 and the
like, directly forming antennas which will be described later, or
mounting an IC.
[0157] As shown in FIG. 30(c), in a cross-section along C-C' of the
stamper holder 204, an angle identifying protrusion 221 is provided
at an angle of .theta.. As shown in FIG. 30(d), a corresponding
angle identifying recessed portion is provided in an embedding
protrusion 224. The angle identifying protrusion 221 and the angle
identifying recessed portion are fitted into each other. The
embedding hole 202 and the angular identifying mark 223 are formed
on the substrate 7 in a relative position at a high angle. FIG.
30(e) is a cross-sectional view of the stamper holder 204 and the
embedding protrusion 224.
(Description of IC Module)
[0158] FIG. 31(a) is a top view of the IC module 201 having a
double-wound antenna 231, an IC 230, an insulating layer 232, and
wiring 233. FIG. 31(b) shows a cross-sectional view along A-A' of
FIG. 31(a).
[0159] A process for fabricating the IC module 201 will be
described with reference to FIG. 31(b).
[0160] A wiring substrate 234 having a thin sheet shape of 10 to 20
.mu.m, such as a flexible substrate is prepared. More specifically,
a plurality of wirings are created together using a sheet having a
large area, and then, after completion, the sheet is punched into
doughnut-shapes as shown in FIG. 31(a). Thus, mass production is
possible. A notch at a particular angular position is provided in
an inner periphery or an outer peripheral portion at a particular
angular position to form a similar angle identifying mark 223a.
When the IC module 201 is adhered to the substrate 7 of the optical
disc in a later step, relative positions in terms of angles with
respect to each other can be precisely adjusted by corresponding
the angle identifying mark 223a with the angle identifying mark 223
of the substrate 7. This provides an effect that the IC module 201
can be precisely embedded into the embedding hole in an angular
direction. Since the optical disc is fabricated at a good precision
in the circumferential direction inherently, it is not necessary to
add special means for improving a precision of attaching in the
circumferential direction.
[0161] With reference to FIG. 31(b), in step 1, the antenna 231
(231a, 231b and 231c) is formed. The antenna 231 of a thick film
can be fabricated by, for example, an electroless plating or
printing method. In step 2, the insulating layer 232 is formed. In
step 3, the wiring 233 of a bridge-type is formed over the
insulating layer 232 such that the bridge crosses over the antenna
231b. In step 4, the IC 230 is attached to two terminals of the
antenna 231 by bonding. A bonding method can be, for example, a
method using an anisotropic conductive sheet or the like. By using
this method, a flat back surface of the print substrate 234 is
obtained. Thus, a flow of an adhesive resin is not blocked during a
step of boding substrates, thereby preventing deterioration in the
optical property. By providing a capacitor for resonance which is
not shown in FIG. 31 and will be described later with reference to
FIG. 44, the antenna sensitivity can be substantially improved.
Instead of forming the insulating layer 232, wiring 233 for a
bridge may be formed at the back surface of the print substrate 234
and connected by providing two through holes in the print substrate
234.
(Method for Attaching IC Module)
[0162] A method for attaching the IC module 201 to the embedding
hole 202 of the substrate 7 of the optical disc shown in step 1 of
FIG. 32 will be described. As shown in step 2 of FIG. 32, when a
maximum height of the IC portion or the like of the IC module 201
is d4, the IC module 201 is attached to the substrate 7 by using an
adhesive sheet 235 having a sheet thickness of d2 and a maximum
depth of d4. In step 3, the adhesive sheet is cured by heating,
ultraviolet rays, or the like and fixing of the IC module 201 to
the substrate 7 of the optical disc is completed. As shown in FIG.
32, the IC module 201 is flat with respect to the surface of the
substrate 7 of the completed disc. Between the IC module 201 and
the information layer 6, a guard band having a distance of Lg is
provided. In the optical disc of the type in which two substrates
are bonded (for example, the optical disc as shown in FIG. 29(c)),
the substrate 7 of the optical disc fabricated as shown in FIG.
33(a) and the other substrates 218 are opposed to each other with a
gap of 0.025 mm to 0.05 mm therebetween and an adhesive 236 having
a light transmittance is enclosed in the gap. The adhesive 236
flows in a direction of an arrow 237. In this case, if the IC
module 201 has the structure shown in FIG. 32, the IC module 201 is
flat at the same level as the surface of the substrate 7. Thus, a
flow of the adhesive 236 is flat on an attaching portion of the IC
module 201 as indicated by arrows 237a, 237b, and 237c. Thus, no
disturbance is generated in the flow of the adhesive 236.
Therefore, a precision in intervals between the gaps is achieved
and the flow of the adhesive 236 is not affected, thereby causing a
significant effect that optical properties such as birefringence or
the like after the adhesive 236 is cured are not deteriorated. The
height d5 as shown in step 3 of FIG. 32, which is a difference in
levels of the IC module 201 and the surface of the substrate, is
maintained within the range of .+-.0.015 mm. Thus, the optical disc
can meet the standards for DVD or the like. In the case where an
ultra-ray curable resin is used as the adhesive 236, the adhesive
236 is irradiated with ultra rays and cured to form the adhesive
layer 216 (FIG. 33(b)). In this way, an optical disc of the type in
which two substrates are bonded is completed. By providing a guard
band having the width Lg of 1 mm or greater, an effect on an
optical property of the adhesive layer of the information layer 6
by adding the IC module 201 can be eliminated.
(Method for Mounting Non-Flat IC Module)
[0163] A method for making the substrate surface flat after
embedding by previously providing an embedding hole having
protruded and recessed portions on the substrate 7 side has been
described above. Hereinafter, a method of forming a flat embedding
hole 238 in the substrate 7 will be described. As shown in FIG.
34(a), the embedding protrusion 212 having a height of d7 is
provided in the stamper 206 and injection molding is performed.
Thus, the substrate 7 having a flat embedding hole 238 of a depth
of d7 can be obtained. In this case, an effect of preventing
deterioration in optical properties such as birefringence or the
like of the transparent substrate 7 of the information layer 6 or
the adhesive layer 216 can be achieved by providing a guard band,
which satisfies Lg.gtoreq.1 mm, between the information layer 6 and
the embedding hole 238. Further, as shown in FIG. 34(b), instead of
providing the embedding protrusion 212 in the stamper 206, the
embedding protrusion 212 may be provided in the stamper holder 204.
This structure provides an effect of reducing a time for
fabricating the stamper 206.
[0164] FIG. 35 shows a method for mounting the IC module onto the
substrate. In step 1, the IC module 201 is mounted into the
embedding hole 238 of the substrate 7, described above, via an
adhesive sheet 235 from the print substrate 234 side opposite to
the side on which the IC 230 is attached. Step 2 shows the IC
module 201 being embedded into the embedding hole 238. In this
case, when a height of the IC 230 from the substrate surface is
d11, and a height of the print substrate 234 from the substrate
surface is d12, by maintaining the sum of d11+d12 within the rage
of .+-.0.015 mm, i.e., 0.03 mm, the disc will meet the standards
for the optical disc and thus have the compatibility.
[0165] Furthermore, the IC 230 and the antenna 231 are formed on
the print substrate 234 such that the volume of the IC module 201
within the range of d11 (i.e., a total sum of the volume of a
portion of the IC module 201 protruding from a surface of the
substrate 7 to be bonded) and the volume of a gap portion except
for an antenna or IC within the range of d12 (i.e., a total sum of
the volume of a gap portion which is recessed with respect to the
surface on which the substrate 7 is bonded) are about the same.
With such a structure, if an adhesive 236 is enclosed in a step of
bonding the substrate 7 and the substrate 218 shown in step 3, when
the volumes are averaged, they are even out to be zero. Thus, the
embedding portion of the IC module 201 can be regarded equivalently
that it has the same height as the surface on which the substrate 7
is bonded. Since they have equivalently the same heights, the same
volume of the adhesive is enclosed in the IC module region, the
substrate portion, and the portion of the information layer 6.
Thus, the adhesive 236 is distributed with a uniform thickness.
This provides an effect that the thickness of the adhesive layer
216 becomes uniform. In such a structure, an alignment in an
angular direction is not necessary. This eliminates not only the
need for an angle identifying mark but also a step for aligning in
an angular direction.
(Method for Attaching IC to IC Module on Disc Substrate Side)
[0166] FIG. 36 shows an embodiment in which the IC 230 and the
bridge wiring 233 are provided on a side of the embedding hole of
the substrate, and the antenna 231 is provided on the side opposite
to the embedding hole of the substrate 7.
[0167] As shown in FIG. 36(a), the double-wound antenna 231 is
formed on a top surface (surface) of the print substrate 234. As
shown in FIG. 36(b), the bridge wiring 233, the wiring 239 and the
IC 230 are formed on a back surface of the print substrate 234. By
forming the components on the top surface and the back surface of
the print substrate 234 as such, the IC module is fabricated.
[0168] FIG. 36(c) shows across-section along A-A' of the IC module
shown in FIG. 36(b). The thickness d17 of the antenna 231 is 8
.mu.m of skin depth for 13.5 MHz as described above. When the
thickness d13 of the print substrate 234 is 15 through 20 .mu.m,
the thickness d14 of the wiring 239 is 8 .mu.m, the thickness d19
of the IC 230 is 50 .mu.m, the thickness d16 of an adhesive layer
is 15 .mu.m, and the maximum thickness d22 is 100 .mu.m. Thus, if
there is no embedding hole, the adhesive layer 216 of the bonded
portion cannot fall within the range of 55.+-.15 .mu.m.
[0169] FIG. 36(e) shows a cross-section of the substrate 7. The
maximum depth d20 of the embedding hole 202 of the substrate 7 is
about 90 .mu.m, and the minimum depth d21 is about 30 .mu.m.
[0170] FIG. 36(f) shows the IC module (FIG. 36(c)) being adhered
onto the substrate 7 (FIG. 36(e)) via the adhesive layer (FIG.
36(d)). As shown in FIG. 36(e), the IC module is adhered onto the
substrate 7 via the adhesive layer such that the antenna 231 is on
the opposite side to the embedding hole of the substrate 7 and the
bridge wiring 233, the wiring 239 and the IC 230 are on the side of
the embedding hole of the substrate 7. As can be seen in FIG.
36(f), the print substrate 234 and the IC 230 are suitably
accommodated below a surface of the substrate 7 and only the
antenna 231 protrudes from the surface of the substrate 7. The
protruded height d22 of the antenna 231 is 8 .mu.m for 13.5 MHz.
Thus, an effect is that the embedding hole allows the adhesive
layer 216, to be maintained within the thickness range of 55.+-.15
.mu.m.
[0171] As described with reference to step 2 of FIG. 35, by
embedding the IC module 201 more deeply so that the level of the IC
module 201 is equivalently the same as the level of the substrate
surface, the flow of the adhesive 236 during the bonding step is
improved. This provides an effect that the optical property is not
deteriorated and the thickness of the adhesive layer 216 becomes
more uniform. Further, since the angle identifying mark 223a is
provided in the IC module, the embedding hole of the substrate and
the IC module can be mounted with a high precision in an angular
direction.
[0172] The IC module produced as described above is mounted into
the embedding hole on the side on which the substrate is bonded and
the substrates are bonded. Firstly, the IC module can be protected
by the adhesive layer without providing a special step for forming
a protection layer, and thus, the effects that the number of steps
for forming a protection layer can be reduced and the reliability
of an environmental resistance is improved, are obtained.
Furthermore, since the IC module is at about 0.6 mm or 1.1 mm
inside the disc, the effect that the IC module is prevented from
being destroyed by a mechanical contact from outside the completed
bonded disc, is provided. Similar effects can be obtained by a
method for directly forming an antenna which will be described
below.
(Method for Directly Forming Antenna: Single-Wound Type)
[0173] A method for producing an IC module and attaching the IC
module to an embedding portion of the substrate has been mainly
described above. Hereinafter, a method for forming an antenna
directly on a disc substrate will be described. A skin depth of an
antenna will be 8 .mu.m and 0.6 .mu.m for 13.5 MHz or 2.5 MHz,
respectively. Thus, for 2.5 GHz, an antenna can be formed by a
thin-film method such as sputtering or the like. For 13.5 MHz, as
shown in FIG. 37, an electric field of the antenna is decreased
exponentially as the depth of a metal film increases. The energy is
the integrated value of a square of the electric field. Thus, for a
film thickness of about 1 .mu.m, the sensitivity is not
deteriorated that much and only the reception distance is
shortened. Therefore, a thin-film method can be applied to both if
the application is selected. The same is also true of 2.5 MHz, and
the method can also be applied to the case of about 0.07 to 0.1
.mu.m. Thus, a process of forming silver alloy or aluminum alloy on
an optical disc substrate of polycarbonate has already been used
for many years in mass-production factories and the reliability has
been established. Therefore such a method can be used.
[0174] With reference to FIG. 38, a method for forming a
single-wound antenna will be described.
[0175] In step 1 of FIG. 38(a), the antenna 231 is formed along a
circumferential direction of the substrate 7 of the optical
disc.
[0176] With reference to FIG. 38(b), a step of directly attaching a
bare IC chip on the substrate 7 will be described. In step 1, an
embedding hole 240 which has a shape elongated in the
circumferential direction is pre-formed on the substrate 7 by an
injection molding. In step 2, the antenna 231 is formed by
sputtering with a notch 242 locally formed using a mask 241. In
step 3, the IC 230 is bonded to a portion of the notch 242 of the
antenna 231. The IC 230 is fixed by bonding or the like using wire
bonding or an anisotropic conductive sheet. Then, in the case of an
optical disc in which two substrates are bonded, as shown in step 3
of FIG. 35, another substrate is provided to oppose and the
adhesive 236 is enclosed therebetween to complete an optical disc.
In this case, the IC 230 is enclosed within the adhesive 236. Thus,
a step of forming a protection layer is not necessary. During the
process from the bonding of the IC chip to the step of boding the
substrates, if a step of sputtering a record layer or the like is
performed, the protection layer 243 is provided over the IC 230 as
shown in step 4 in FIG. 38(b). Thus, an effect on the IC by the
sputtering in later steps can be eliminated.
[0177] In step 3 of FIG. 38(c), a sub-substrate 244 is formed. In
step 4, a small IC block 247 is formed by attaching the IC 230 to
the sub-substrate 244. In step 5, the adhesive sheet 235 is
attached. In step 6, the small IC block 247 is attached to an
embedding hole 240 of the substrate. In this step, the IC 230 is
protected by the sub-substrate 244. This provides an effect that
the sputtering step can be performed after this step. As will be
described later, in the case where a capacitor or the like is
formed by a method for forming a recording layer, sputtering is
required. Thus, the effect is significant because the influence of
the sputtering on the IC can be prevented.
[0178] In a method for forming a thin film by sputtering or the
like, an antenna conductor having a thin thickness in the order of
sub-micron is formed. Thus, when a low frequency is used, the
thickness of the antenna conductor does not reach the skin depth
and the transmission/reception efficiency of the antenna may be
deteriorated. In the case where such a low frequency is used, for
example, the antenna conductor may be treated with electrolytic
plating or electroless plating without electrodes. The electrolytic
plating may be performed by, for example, attaching electrodes to
the antenna conductor and covering other metal portions, and/or
recording film portions with a protection film, and immersing the
antenna conductor into an electrolytic solution and then placing it
into an electrolytic plating bath. By treating the antenna
conductor with electrolytic plating or electroless plating without
electrodes, a thickness of the antenna conductor can be increased
and the thickness of the antenna conductor will become close to the
skin depth. By adding such a plating step after the step of forming
a thin film, the thickness of the antenna conductor can be
increased. As a result, it becomes possible to improve the
transmission/reception efficiency of the antenna.
(Method for Forming Antenna after Attaching IC)
[0179] FIG. 38 shows a method in which the antenna 231 is first
formed and then the IC is mounted. With reference to FIG. 39, a
method in which the antenna 231 is formed after the IC 230 is
mounted will be described.
[0180] As shown in FIG. 39(a), a rectangular embedding hole 240
which is elongated in the circumferential direction is formed at
the time of the injection molding in step 1, similarly to the
method shown in FIG. 38. In step 2 of FIG. 39(b), the sub-substrate
244 of thickness d5 is formed. In step 3, electrodes 245 and 246
which are divided into two are formed around the sub-substrate 244.
In step 4, the IC 230 is attached. In step 5, the adhesive sheet
235 is attached. In step 6, the sub-substrate 244 is attached into
the embedding hole 240. As shown in a top view, the electrodes 245
and 246 are exposed. In step 7 of FIG. 39(c), terminals 231a and
231b of the antenna 231 are formed by sputtering or the like. Thus,
the antenna 231 and the IC 230 are electrically connected. In this
case, the IC 230 is protected by the sub-substrate 244. Thus, a
sputtering step can be performed in later steps. Further, the
electrodes 245 and 246 and the substrate surface have the same
level of height and they are continuous. Therefore, even when the
antenna 231 is formed using a thin-film process and connected, the
possibility of later destruction is reduced, thereby providing an
effect of improving reliability. Moreover, the sub-substrate with
electrodes in step 3 can be produced on a mass-production basis by
only providing two electrodes in both ends of a long sheet of the
substrate and cutting the sheet into strips. Thus, a sub-substrate
can be implemented at an extremely low cost. A step of forming a
metal film on an aluminum alloy or a silver alloy, by sputtering,
is carried out in a production process of an optical disc of a RAM
type or a ROM type. In the present invention, such a step of
forming a metal film is utilized to form the antenna. Thus, the
antenna and/or wiring can be formed in the inner peripheral portion
of the optical disc without increasing the steps of forming a film.
This provides a significant effect that the IC of RF-ID and the
antenna can be formed in the optical disc without increasing the
cost, except for the cost for the IC.
(Method for Directly Forming Multiple-Wound Antenna)
[0181] In the previous section, an embodiment of the single-wound
antenna has been described. For 2.5 GHz, the single-wound antenna
does not cause any problem. In the case of 13.5 MHz, the
sensitivity is deteriorated. For an application which requires a
higher sensitivity, a multiple-wound type antenna wound for n times
is required.
[0182] FIG. 40(a) is a top view of an optical disc provided with a
multiple-wound antenna. An IC block 247, which has the positions of
electrodes shifted from those in the rectangular IC block 247
described with reference to FIG. 39(b), is embedded into the
rectangular embedding hole 240 of the substrate 7. Two terminals of
the three-time-wound antenna 231 are formed at both ends thereof by
sputtering.
[0183] The method is described in more detail with reference to the
cross-sectional views shown in FIG. 40(b). In step 1, the IC block
247 is fixed into the embedding hole 240 with the adhesive sheet
235. The electrodes 245 and 246 are exposed on the substrate
surface. In step 2, on the exposed electrodes 245 and 246, both
ends of the antenna 231 are formed by sputtering. Thus, the
electrodes 245 and 246 and the terminals 231a and 231d at both ends
of the antenna 231 are electrically connected respectively.
[0184] FIG. 40(c) shows steps 1 and 2 described above, when viewed
from the top. FIG. 40(d) is a cross-sectional view when a liquid
adhesive is used for adhesion. Some rises of adhesive are observed
between the substrate 7 and the electrodes 245 and 246 of the IC
block 247, but bonding therebetween become more firm. Thus, in the
case where the terminals of the antenna 231 are formed by
sputtering as shown in step 2, the possibility of a break in wire
can be reduced.
[0185] FIG. 40(e) shows an example in which four bent portions
248a, 248b, 248c, and 248d are provided in the wiring of the
antenna 231 of FIG. 40(a). In this example, the wiring of the
antenna 231 has a spiral shape with a diameter decreasing as the
spiral extends from the outer periphery to the inner periphery of
the optical disc. The bent portions of the wiring of the antenna
231 are formed in order of the bent portions 248b, 248a, 248d, and
248a from the outer periphery to the inner periphery of the optical
disc. At each of the bend portions 248b, 248a, 248d, and 248a, the
diameter of the wiring (winding) of the antenna 231 changes. In the
example shown in FIG. 40(e), in an interval between the end of the
outer periphery and the bent portion 248b, the diameter of the
wiring (winding) of the antenna 231 increases. In an interval
between the bent portion 248b and the bent portion 248a, the
diameter of the wiring (winding) of the antenna 231 decreases once.
In an interval between the bent portion 248a and the bent portion
248d, the diameter of the wiring (winding) of the antenna 231
increases. In an interval between the bent portion 248d to the bent
portion 248c, the diameter of the diameter of the wiring (winding)
of the antenna 231 decreases once. In an interval between the bent
portion 248a and the end of the inner periphery, the diameter of
the wiring (winding) of the antenna 231 increases. A bridge portion
(the IC block 247 or a metal conductor) which bridges over the
wiring of the antenna 231 between the bent portions 248b and 248a
and the wiring of the antenna 231 between the bent portion 248d and
248c is provided. The bridge portion is connected to the end of the
inner periphery of the wiring of the antenna 231 and the end of the
outer periphery of the wiring of the antenna 231.
[0186] Such a winding arrangement of the antenna provides an effect
that the antenna can be accommodated within a smaller circle. In an
optical disc, the recording region starts at a diameter of about 23
mm. Thus, only a narrow region from the inner periphery to a
central hole can be utilized as an antenna area. Thus, forming bent
regions provides a significant effect for an optical disc because
an antenna having a larger number of windings can be
accommodated.
(Method for Forming Circuit or Part of Components by Utilizing the
Step of Formation of Recording Disc)
[0187] In a recording-type disc, a recording region is formed by
film formation steps for 6 to 8 layers. These layers include a
metal layer which reflects a light and has a high electric
conductivity. There is also a plurality of layers for adjusting
absorption of light. These layers are insulators having low
electric conductivity. Further there is a semiconductor layer. The
semiconductor layer is formed by a sputtering method. The
semiconductor layer can also be formed by evaporation. The present
invention is characterized in that an antenna, capacitor,
resistance, and wiring are formed in the same step by utilizing
film formation steps of the metal layer, dielectric, and
semiconductor. Thus, production in a short time and at a low cost
can be implemented by omitting a part or all of the steps for an
antenna, wiring and the like.
[0188] For example, at least a part of an antenna can be formed by
utilizing a film formation step for a metal reflection film
included in an information layer on/from which information can be
recorded/reproduced. In this case, a metal reflection film and an
antenna are formed such that the thickness and the composition of
the metal reflection film are substantially the same as the
thickness and the composition of at least a part of the
antenna.
[0189] With reference to FIG. 41, an example of the structure of an
information layer of a current recording-type disc. The lowermost
layer in FIG. 41 is the substrate 7, which is composed of a
transparent layer of polycarbonate and has a thickness of 0.6 mm,
1.1 mm, or 0.75 mm for the case of the bonded disc, and 0.8 mm or
1.2 mm for the case of a single plate. On the substrate 7, an
interface layer 252 composed of a dielectric having a thickness of
few nm, a recording layer 253, an interface layer 254, a dielectric
layer 255 having a thickness of 30 nm, a light absorption layer 256
having a thickness of 10 nm, and a reflection layer composed of Ag
alloy or Al alloy having the thickness of 100 nm, are formed. In
the case where the information is read out from the side of the
substrate 7, the films are formed in the above-mentioned order. In
the case where the information is read out from the side of
reflection of the substrate 7, naturally, films are formed in the
reversed order, i.e., the reflection layer 257 is formed on the
substrate 7, the light absorption layer 256 is formed thereon, and
so on. Such a case can be implemented by performing the steps of
the present invention in the reversed order.
(Fabrication Step of Multiple-Wound Antenna and Capacitor)
[0190] With reference to FIGS. 42 and 43, a method for fabricating
an antenna and a capacitor, by utilizing a film formation step for
an information layer of an optical disc, will be described.
[0191] As shown in FIGS. 42 and 43(a), in step 1, the embedding
hole 202 is provided on the substrate 7. In step 2, the IC block
247 is attached. As shown in step 3 of FIG. 42, sputtering by metal
targets 261a using a mask 260a is used to form the antenna 231 as
shown in FIG. 43. In step 4, sputtering by a dielectric target 261a
is performed to form a dielectric layer 255 in the recording region
and the region of the capacitor by the mask 260b. Step 4 of FIG. 43
shows a top view. In step 5, the region of the antenna 231 and the
capacitor 263 are covered with the mask 260a and the interface
layer 254 and the recording layer 253, as shown in FIG. 41, are
sequentially formed in the recording region by sputtering. In step
6, sputtering is performed by a metal target 261 of an aluminum or
silver alloy, after the mask 260d is formed, on at least a part of
the antenna 231 to form the reflection layer 257 and the electrode
262.
[0192] In this way, at least a part of the antenna 231 is formed by
utilizing film formation steps of metal reflection films included
in the information layer. In this case, the metal reflection film
and the antenna are formed such that the thickness and the
composition of the metal reflection film are substantially the same
as the thickness and the composition of at least a part of the
antenna 231. Further, at least a part of the capacitor 263 is
formed by utilizing the film-formation step for a dielectric film
included in the information layer. In this case, the dielectric
film and the capacitor 263 are formed such that the thickness, and
the composition of the dielectric film, are substantially the same
as the thickness and composition of at least part of the capacitor
263.
(Capacitance of Capacitor)
[0193] The capacitor 263 is formed for producing a resonance
circuit as shown in FIG. 44(a), (b), and (c) when an inductance of
the antenna is L. Setting f=1/2.pi. (Route LC) as a frequency for
transmission/reception provides an effect of improving a total
antenna sensitivity.
(Fabrication Method of Antenna Portion)
[0194] FIG. 45(a) is a top view of the mask 260b used for step 3
shown in FIG. 42. The antenna 231 is formed by sputtering using the
mask 260b. In a mass-production process of optical discs, formation
of a reflection film of an Ag alloy having a thickness of 0.05
.mu.m takes 1 second. Thus, in order to improve the sensitivity, it
takes nearly 10 seconds to form a skin depth of 0.6 .mu.m for 2.5
GHz even if it is cooled. In order to shorten a cycle time for
sputtering in factories, four discs are put in a chamber of
sputtering at the same time as shown in FIG. 45(b). Thus, the cycle
time becomes one fourth the original length, 2-3 seconds for each
disc. The step can be introduced in a mass-production line in view
of the cycle time. Implementing the skin depth of 8 .mu.m for 13.5
MHz is difficult to be intruded into a mass-production line in view
of the cycle time. The mass-production step can be implemented by
improving the substantial sensitivity by making the film thickness
about 1-2 .mu.m, lowering the antenna sensitivity, and introducing
a resonance circuit in the capacitor of the present invention.
(Fabrication Method for Another Resonance Circuit)
[0195] By using the structure shown in FIG. 43, the resonance
circuit of FIG. 44(a) is obtained. Hereinafter, a method for
fabricating the resonance circuit having a shape shown in FIG.
44(b) will be described with reference to FIG. 46. A first
difference is the structure of the IC block 247. As shown in FIG.
46(a), one electrode 246 is separated into an electrode 246a and an
electrode 246b. In step 2, the IC 230 is connected to the electrode
246a. In step 3, the IC block 247 is mounted. In step 4, the
antenna 231 is formed such that one terminal 231b of the antenna is
electrically coupled to the electrode 246b. In step 5, the
dielectric layer 251 is formed. In step 6, the reflection layer 257
is formed by sputtering such that the electrode 262 is electrically
coupled to the terminal 231b of the antenna 231. In this way, a
step of fabricating the antenna and IC portion having a resonance
circuit as shown in FIG. 46(c) can be performed while also serving
as a film formation step of the recording film.
(Method for Fabricating Antenna and Reflection Film in the Same
Step)
[0196] With reference to FIG. 42, an example of fabricating the
antenna 231 and the reflection film in the same step has been
described. By using a mask 260e as shown in FIG. 47(a), the antenna
231 and the reflection layer 257 can be formed in the same film
formation step. For the ROM disc, there are only two steps for the
reflection film and the protection film. Thus, the effect caused by
this method is significant.
[0197] By using the mask 260f as shown in FIG. 48(a), sputtering is
performed by a target 260 of Al or Ag. A single-wound antenna 231
and the reflection film 257 as shown in FIG. 48(b) are formed. By
only providing the embedding hole 240 and bonding the IC 230, a
disc with an antenna and IC can be formed. This is achieved by only
adding one step of IC bonding, there is an effect that the disc can
be fabricated extremely easily at a low cost. This method can be
applied to both a RAM disc and a ROM disc. Further, two discs are
bonded with the IC 230 inside to form one disc. The antenna and IC
are protected from the external environment. Thus, a high
reliability can be achieved. The simplest method is to use an IC
with an antenna for RF-ID, embed the IC in the embedding hole 240
of the substrate 7, and bond the disc with the IC inside. If the
cost of such an IC is reduced, a disc with a high reliability can
be readily fabricated with this method.
(Fabrication Method for Thin Film Antenna)
[0198] FIG. 49(a) is a diagram showing a back surface of a thin
film antenna 231g. Through holes 271a and 271b are provided in an
antenna 231h on the inner peripheral portion. FIG. 49(b) is a top
view showing the antenna 231d formed. With reference to FIG. 49(e),
a fabrication step of a through hole will be described. In step 1,
sputtering is performed using the metal target 261 from a surface
to the through hole 271 of the substrate 7 to form a metal layer
272a on the upper half part of the through hole 271. In step 2, a
metal layer 272b is formed on the lower half part of the through
hole 271 from the back surface side. The metal layer 272a on the
surface side and the metal layer 272b on the back surface side are
electrically coupled. In step 3, the IC 230 is bonded on the back
surface to complete the antenna and the IC portion. As shown in
FIG. 49(d), this disc is bonded with another disc to complete one
disc. In this case, the adhesive 236 for bonding flows into the
through hole and fills the hole. Thus, the IC and the like inside
is not affected by the external environment. For protecting the
antenna 231a on a top surface, a protection layer 272 is formed.
The antenna has two poles of surface and the back surface. Thus, it
also serves as a dipole antenna.
(Structure and Operation of Remote Control)
[0199] The structure of the remote control 15 which is described
with reference to FIG. 5 will be described in more detail.
[0200] FIG. 50(a) is a top view of the remote control 15. FIG.
50(b) is a side view thereof. The remote control 15 incorporates an
antenna 282, an activation switch 280, and a speaker 281. As shown
in FIG. 50(b), when the remote control 15 is horizontally placed in
a usual manner, the activation switch 280 is not pressed and thus
it is not activated. As shown in FIG. 50(d), when the remote
control is inclined and pressed against the optical disc 1, as
shown in FIGS. 51 and 52, the activation switch is turned on and
the RF signal is transmitted and received by the antenna 231 of the
optical disc 1, and the IC 230 transmits a response signal
including an ID from the antenna 231. The signal is received by the
antenna 282 and a confirmation sound is produced from the speaker
281 to notify the operator. After a certain amount of time has
elapsed, power supply to the transmission circuit is stopped.
[0201] Since the remote control 15 is mounted with a battery of a
small capacity, it is necessary to limit an operation of the
circuit for transmitting an RF signal as small as possible. The
method shown in FIG. 50 provides an effect of reducing power supply
consumption and extending the lifetime of the battery of the remote
control since the power supply is turned on, the RF signal is
transmitted, and the ID is detected for a certain amount of time
when the switch 280 is pressed against the disc 1.
[0202] At least the following items are within the scope of the
present invention.
A1. An optical disc comprising: an antenna formed along a
circumferential direction; and an IC for transmitting/receiving
radio waves via the antenna.
A2. An optical disc according to item A1, further comprising an
information layer to/from which information can be
recorded/reproduced.
A3. An optical disc according to item A2, wherein the antenna and
the IC is provided in an inner peripheral portion of the optical
disc, and the information layer is provided in an outer peripheral
portion of the optical disc.
[0203] A4. An optical disc according to item A1, wherein the IC
includes: a receiving section for receiving the radio waves; an ID
information storage section for storing the ID information for
identifying the optical disc; a signal generation section for
generating a signal including the ID information in response to a
signal output from the receiving section; and a transmitting
section for transmitting the signal.
[0204] A5. A remote control apparatus for performing wireless
communication with the optical disc according to item A4,
comprising: a transmitting section for transmitting radio waves to
the optical disc; a receiving section for receiving a response
signal from the optical disc; and an ID reproduction section for
reproducing ID information in response to an output from the
receiving section.
[0205] A6. A remote control apparatus according to item A5, further
comprising a transmitting section for transmitting the ID
information to a recording/reproduction apparatus which performs at
least one of a recording operation of recording information on the
optical disc and a reproduction operation of reproducing
information recorded on the optical disc.
[0206] Further, at least the following items are within the scope
of the present invention.
B1. A substrate of having a disc shape, provided with an embedding
hole for embedding a wiring substrate having an IC attached
thereto.
B2. An optical disc comprising a first substrate having a disc
shape, which has an embedding hole and a wiring substrate having an
IC attached thereto, wherein the wiring substrate is embedded into
the embedding hole of the first substrate.
B3. An optical disc according to item B2, further comprising: a
second substrate having a disc shape, which opposes the first
substrate, and an adhesive layer for bonding the first substrate
and the second substrate.
B4. An optical disc according to item B2, wherein the first
substrate is provided with an angle identifying mark which
indicates a predetermined angle.
[0207] B5. An optical disc according to item B2, wherein the IC and
the wiring board are included in an IC module, the IC module is
embedded in the embedding hole of the first substrate, and a level
of a surface of the first substrate and a level of a surface of the
IC module embedded into the embedding hole are substantially the
same.
[0208] B6. An optical disc according to item B2, wherein the IC and
the wiring board are included in an IC module, a part of the IC
module protrudes from a surface of the first substrate, and a total
sum of a volume of a portion protruding with respect to the surface
of the first substrate and a total sum of a volume of a gap, which
is a portion recessed with respect to the substrate of the first
substrate.
B7. An optical disc according to item B2, further comprising an
antenna connected to the IC, the IC transmits/receives radio waves
via the antenna.
[0209] B8. An optical disc according to item B7, wherein the IC,
the wiring substrate, and the antenna are included in the IC
module, the antenna is formed on a surface of the wiring substrate,
which is a surface opposite to the first substrate, and the IC is
formed on a surface of the wiring substrate, which is a surface on
the first substrate side.
[0210] B9. An optical disc according to item B7, wherein the
antenna includes antenna wiring of a spiral shape having a diameter
decreasing as it extends from the outer peripheral portion to an
inner peripheral portion of the optical disc, and the antenna
wiring is provided with a plurality of bent portions where the
diameter of the antenna wiring changes.
[0211] B10. An optical disc according to item B7, further
comprising an information layer to/from which information can be
recorded/reproduced, wherein the information layer includes a metal
reflection film, and the metal reflection film and the antenna are
formed such that a thickness and a composition of the metal
reflection film are substantially the same as the metal reflection
film and the antenna.
B11. A method for fabricating an optical disc comprising forming a
first substrate having a disc shape, which has an embedding hole,
and embedding a wiring substrate having the IC attached thereto
into the embedding hole.
[0212] B12. A method for fabricating an optical disc according to
item B11, further comprising forming a second substrate having a
disc shape, which opposes the first substrate, and bonding the
first substrate and the second substrate via an adhesive layer.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0213] As described above, it becomes possible to manage IDs of
discs by attaching a radio wave transmission/reception IC,
including ID information, to the discs.
[0214] As described above, it becomes easy to fabricate an optical
disc having a radio wave transmission/reception IC, including ID
information, attached thereto.
* * * * *