WO2004107261A1

WO2004107261A1 - Optical read disk and production method for the same

Info

Publication number: WO2004107261A1
Application number: PCT/IT2003/000333
Authority: WO
Inventors: Corrado Modugno
Original assignee: FINANZIARIA SAMMARINESE SA
Current assignee: FINANZIARIA SAMMARINESE SA
Priority date: 2003-05-29
Filing date: 2003-05-29
Publication date: 2004-12-09
Anticipated expiration: 2005-11-29
Also published as: AU2003241165A1

Abstract

An optical read disk (1) for storing data, and having a passive transponder (2) for storing an identification code of the optical read disk (1); the passive transponder (2) having a transmitter-receiver circuit (3) for receiving an enabling signal from a control module, and a storage circuit (4) connected to the transmitter-receiver circuit (3) and for storing the identification code; the storage circuit (4) being enabled by the transmitter-receiver circuit (3) upon reception of the enabling signal, and supplying the transmitter-receiver circuit (3) with the identification code to generate an identification signal which is sent to the control module.

Description

OPTICAL READ DISK AND PRODUCTION METHOD FOR THE SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an optical read disk and relative production method.

More specifically, the present invention relates to an optical read disk storing any type of digital information (programs, images, sound, data) , such as a CD, CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) , to which the following disclosure refers purely by way of example .

BACKGROUND ART

As is known, optical read disks, in particular currently marketed CD's, CD-ROM's and DVD's, are packaged and sold in rectangular protective casings made of plastic material.

To prevent shoplifting of CD's and DVD's, a passive transponder is currently integrated in the protective casing, and stores a code specifically identifying the package and, therefore, the optical read disk inside.

The passive transponders communicate the respective identification codes to a security system, which cross- checks the identification codes to determine whether the package, and therefore the optical read disk, has been stolen.

The security systems are typically defined by a number of radiofrequency control modules, some of which are located at the pay-counter and activate the passive transponder in the casing, when the package is purchased, to receive the identification code from the transponder and transmit it to a central monitoring unit; and other control modules are installed at exit/entrance points of the store to activate and pick up the identification code stored in the passive transponder integrated in the casing, and determine, by cross-checking with the monitoring unit, whether the package containing the optical read disk has been duly purchased or stolen.

Unfortunately, though effective in combating shoplifting of optical read disks, integrating a passive transponder in the casing fails to provide an all-round solution to the problem. Frequently, in fact, CD's or DVD's are stolen by extracting and detaching them from the casings, thus eluding any type of security system based on a control threshold for controlling the identification code of the passive transponder integrated in the casing. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical read disk designed to eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks. According to the present invention, there is provided an optical read disk for storing data, characterized by comprising transponder means for storing information relating to said optical read disk. According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of producing an optical read disk, characterized by comprising the steps of storing on transponder means information relating to said optical read disk, and integrating said transponder means in said optical read disk.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of an optical read disk in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of an optical read disk in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic section of a third embodiment of an optical read disk in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a schematic section of a fourth embodiment of an optical read disk in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Number 1 in Figure 1 indicates as a whole an optical read disk, such as a CD, CD-ROM or DVD, for storing any type of digital information (computer programs, images, video, sound, data in general) , and which cooperates with a read unit (not shown) , such as an electronic CD, CD-ROM and/or DVD read module, for reading and decoding the information stored on optical read disk 1.

Unlike known optical read disks, optical read disk 1 comprises a transponder 2 storing a code specifically identifying optical read disk 1. Transponder 2 is preferably, though not necessarily, passive, i.e. has no power batteries, and, as shown schematically in Figures 1 and 2 (transponder 2 being known), comprises a transmitter-receiver circuit 3, and a transponder identification code storage circuit 4 connected to transmitter-receiver circuit 3.

It should be pointed out that, in use, when optical read disk 1 is located a given distance, below a minimum distance threshold, from an electronic radiofrequency control module (not shown) , this supplies transponder 2 with an enabling signal, which is received by transmitter- eceiver circuit 3 of transponder 2, and which supplies transponder 2 with the necessary operating power; transmitter-receiver circuit 3 thus enables storage circuit 4, which supplies transmitter-receiver circuit 3 with the identification code specific to each transponder and, therefore, each optical read disk 1; transmitter-receiver circuit 3 generates and transmits an identification signal on the basis of said identification code; and the electronic control module (not shown) facing transponder 2 receives and decodes the signal to identify transponder 2 and, therefore, the relative optical read disk 1. The identification code transmitted by transponder 2 may be binary coded in N bits to obtain 10^N different identification codes, which number represents the number of optical read disks 1 that can be identified. For example, if N=64 bits, the number of identification codes, and therefore transponders 2, that can be identified is 10⁶⁴. Obviously, in addition to the identification code, storage circuit 4 may also store information relating to the optical read disk.

Transponders 2 may be read-only or read/write types, and may have a predetermined work frequency. In the example shown, the work frequency of transponders 2 may, for example, be about 13.56 MHz or within the 125-140 kHz band. The work frequency of transponder 2 may obviously be other than as indicated above. With reference to Figure 1, transponder 2 may preferably, though not necessarily, be annular, and may be fixed to optical read disk 1 with its axis B coaxial with the axis A of rotation of optical read disk 1, so as not to affect the balance of optical read disk l as it rotates about axis A, and so ensure high-quality reading by the read unit of the information stored on optical read disk 1, regardless of its rotation speed.

Transponder 2 may be so sized as to occupy a non- data-storage area of optical read disk 1. More specifically, as shown more clearly in the Figure 1 example, transponder 2 is located on optical read disk 1 so as to be coaxial with axis A of rotation. In the example shown, transponder 2 may be sized so that its inside diameter is approximately equal to but no smaller than the diameter of the central hole la of optical read disk 1, so that the rotation shaft of the read unit (not shown) can be inserted inside central hole la. In connection with the above, it should be pointed out that annular transponder 2 may be so sized as to be located anywhere on optical read disk 1.

More specifically, in the second embodiment shown in Figure 2, annular transponder 2 is so sized as to have an outside diameter roughly equal to the outside diameter of optical read disk 1, and is fixed to optical read disk 1 so as to cover the outer peripheral edge opposite central hole la.

Transponder 2 may be fixed to optical read disk 1 during manufacture of optical read disk 1, or at any later stage, e.g. the packaging stage.

More specifically, during manufacture (known and therefore not described in detail) of optical read disk 1, transponder 2 may be integrated in the body of optical read disk 1.

In the example shown, with reference to Figure 3, optical read disk 1 may comprise at least two half-disks 6 fixed rigidly to each other coaxially with axis of rotation A of optical read disk 1. More specifically, prior to fixing the two half-disks 6, the inner face 7 of at least one half-disk 6 undergoes a data "recording" or storage operation. In other words, optical read disk 1 is produced as follows:

- by storing information on inner face 7 of at least one of the two half-disks 6; this may be done in one or a number of layers (multilayer storage) ; - assigning and storing in transponder 2 the identification code specific to the optical read disk 1 being produced;

- integrating transponder 2 between the two half- disks 6; this may be done by gluing - or using other similar fastening systems - transponder 2 to inner face 7 of one of the two half-disks 6, or by integrating transponder 2 in the body of one of the two half-disks 6;

- fixing the two half-disks 6 to each other.

As shown in the Figure 4 variation, transponder 2 may be integrated on optical read disk 1 after manufacture, e.g. at the packaging step; in which case, transponder 2 may be appropriately miniaturized for integration in the body of a label 8, e.g. an adhesive label of plastic or paper material fixed to an outer face of optical read disk 1. More specifically, label 8 may be of any shape, e.g. disk-shaped, annular, rectangular or square, and have a through hole 8a coaxial with axis A.

In connection with the above, it should be pointed out that transponder 2 may be other than annular as described above, i.e. may be cylindrical, elongated and straight (string-shaped) , or other similar shapes.

Operation of optical read disk 1 is easily deducible from the foregoing description with no further explanation required.

Optical read disk 1 as described above has the big advantage of providing an extremely straightforward, low- cost solution to the problem of preventing shoplifting of CD's, CD-ROM's and DVD's by means of security systems employing radiofrequency control modules. Transponders 2, in fact, are extremely straightforward, relatively inexpensive electronic components that can be integrated easily in optical read disk 1. Optical read disks 1 as described above also have numerous practical applications.

In particular, integrating transponders 2 on optical read disks 1 enables immediate detection of counterfeit CD's or DVD's by appropriate control operatives, such as customs and revenue inspectors, who, by means of portable radio control modules, can rapidly inspect one or more entire lots of CD's or DVD's to determine counterfeits or other product irregularities.

Transponder 2 integrated in optical read disk 1 may also code a password assigned to the manufacture of optical read disk 1, and the read unit of optical read disk 1 may comprise an electronic radio device for activating transponder 2 to receive the password when the optical read disk is connected to the read unit. In which case, the electronic radio device selectively activates the read unit to read the CD or DVD as a function of the password supplied by transponder 2, thus preventing the reading of counterfeit CD's or DVD's.

Clearly, changes may be made to optical read disk 1 as described and illustrated herein without, however, departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

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1) An optical read disk (1) for storing data, characterized by comprising transponder means (2) for storing information relating to said optical read disk

(1) -

2) An optical read disk as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that said transponder means (2) are fixed rigidly to an outer surface of said optical read disk (1) .

3) An optical read disk as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that said transponder means (2) are fixed to said outer surface of said optical read disk (1) by means of adhesives . 4) An optical read disk as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that said transponder means (2) are integrated in the body of said optical read disk (1) .

5) An optical read disk as claimed in Claim 1, characterized by comprising at least two half-disks (6) for storing data, and which are fixed to each other; said transponder means (2) being integrated in one of said half-disks (6) .

6) An optical read disk as claimed in Claim 1, characterized by comprising at least two half-disks (6) for storing data, and which are fixed to each other; said transponder means (2) being fixed to an inner face of one of said half-disks (6) .

7) An optical read disk as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims, characterized in that said transponder means (2) are annular; said transponder means (2) being coaxial with the axis of rotation (A) of said optical read disk (1) . 8) An optical read disk as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims, characterized by being a DVD type.

9) An optical read disk as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized by being a CD or CD-ROM type. 10) An optical read disk as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims, characterized in that said transponder means (2) comprise an active transponder (2) .

11) An optical read disk as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said transponder means (2) comprise a passive transponder (2) .

12) An optical read disk as claimed in Claim 11, characterized in that said passive transponder (2) comprises transmitter-receiver means (3) for receiving an enabling signal from control means; and storage means (4) connected to said transmitter-receiver means (3) and for storing said identification code associated with said optical read disk (1) ; said storage means (4) being enabled by said transmitter-receiver means (3) upon reception of said enabling signal, and supplying said transmitter-receiver means (3) with said identification code to generate an identification signal which is sent to said control means.

13) A method of producing an optical read disk, characterized by comprising the steps of storing on transponder means (2) information relating to said optical read disk (1) , and integrating said transponder means (2) in said optical read disk (1) . 14) A method of producing an optical read disk as claimed in Claim 13, characterized by comprising the step of gluing said transponder means (2) to an outer surface of said optical read disk (1) .

15) A method of producing an optical read disk as claimed in Claim 13, wherein said optical read disk (1) comprises at least two half-disks (6) for storing data, and which are fixed to each other; said method being characterized by comprising the step of integrating said transponder means (2) in at least one said half-disk (6) prior to fixing said half-disks (6) to each other.

16) A method of producing an optical read disk as claimed in Claim 13, wherein said optical read disk (1) comprises at least two half-disks (6) for storing data, and which are fixed to each other; said method being characterized by comprising the step of fixing said transponder means (2) between said half-disks (6) prior to fixing said half-disks (6) to each other.

17) A method of producing an optical read disk as claimed in Claim 13, characterized by comprising the steps of integrating said transponder means (2) on supporting means, and applying said supporting means to an outer surface of said optical read disk (1) .