US20040081063A1 - Electromagnetically controlled drive system and method - Google Patents
Electromagnetically controlled drive system and method Download PDFInfo
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- US20040081063A1 US20040081063A1 US10/687,175 US68717503A US2004081063A1 US 20040081063 A1 US20040081063 A1 US 20040081063A1 US 68717503 A US68717503 A US 68717503A US 2004081063 A1 US2004081063 A1 US 2004081063A1
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- optical signal
- reflector element
- data storage
- storage medium
- electromagnetic field
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B7/00—Recording or reproducing by optical means, e.g. recording using a thermal beam of optical radiation by modifying optical properties or the physical structure, reproducing using an optical beam at lower power by sensing optical properties; Record carriers therefor
- G11B7/12—Heads, e.g. forming of the optical beam spot or modulation of the optical beam
- G11B7/135—Means for guiding the beam from the source to the record carrier or from the record carrier to the detector
- G11B7/1362—Mirrors
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B7/00—Recording or reproducing by optical means, e.g. recording using a thermal beam of optical radiation by modifying optical properties or the physical structure, reproducing using an optical beam at lower power by sensing optical properties; Record carriers therefor
- G11B7/08—Disposition or mounting of heads or light sources relatively to record carriers
- G11B7/085—Disposition or mounting of heads or light sources relatively to record carriers with provision for moving the light beam into, or out of, its operative position or across tracks, otherwise than during the transducing operation, e.g. for adjustment or preliminary positioning or track change or selection
- G11B7/0857—Arrangements for mechanically moving the whole head
- G11B7/08582—Sled-type positioners
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B7/00—Recording or reproducing by optical means, e.g. recording using a thermal beam of optical radiation by modifying optical properties or the physical structure, reproducing using an optical beam at lower power by sensing optical properties; Record carriers therefor
- G11B7/08—Disposition or mounting of heads or light sources relatively to record carriers
- G11B7/09—Disposition or mounting of heads or light sources relatively to record carriers with provision for moving the light beam or focus plane for the purpose of maintaining alignment of the light beam relative to the record carrier during transducing operation, e.g. to compensate for surface irregularities of the latter or for track following
- G11B7/0925—Electromechanical actuators for lens positioning
- G11B7/0932—Details of sprung supports
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B7/00—Recording or reproducing by optical means, e.g. recording using a thermal beam of optical radiation by modifying optical properties or the physical structure, reproducing using an optical beam at lower power by sensing optical properties; Record carriers therefor
- G11B7/08—Disposition or mounting of heads or light sources relatively to record carriers
- G11B7/09—Disposition or mounting of heads or light sources relatively to record carriers with provision for moving the light beam or focus plane for the purpose of maintaining alignment of the light beam relative to the record carrier during transducing operation, e.g. to compensate for surface irregularities of the latter or for track following
- G11B7/0925—Electromechanical actuators for lens positioning
- G11B7/0933—Details of stationary parts
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B7/00—Recording or reproducing by optical means, e.g. recording using a thermal beam of optical radiation by modifying optical properties or the physical structure, reproducing using an optical beam at lower power by sensing optical properties; Record carriers therefor
- G11B7/08—Disposition or mounting of heads or light sources relatively to record carriers
- G11B7/09—Disposition or mounting of heads or light sources relatively to record carriers with provision for moving the light beam or focus plane for the purpose of maintaining alignment of the light beam relative to the record carrier during transducing operation, e.g. to compensate for surface irregularities of the latter or for track following
- G11B7/0925—Electromechanical actuators for lens positioning
- G11B7/0935—Details of the moving parts
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B7/00—Recording or reproducing by optical means, e.g. recording using a thermal beam of optical radiation by modifying optical properties or the physical structure, reproducing using an optical beam at lower power by sensing optical properties; Record carriers therefor
- G11B7/08—Disposition or mounting of heads or light sources relatively to record carriers
- G11B7/085—Disposition or mounting of heads or light sources relatively to record carriers with provision for moving the light beam into, or out of, its operative position or across tracks, otherwise than during the transducing operation, e.g. for adjustment or preliminary positioning or track change or selection
- G11B7/08547—Arrangements for positioning the light beam only without moving the head, e.g. using static electro-optical elements
- G11B7/08564—Arrangements for positioning the light beam only without moving the head, e.g. using static electro-optical elements using galvanomirrors
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B7/00—Recording or reproducing by optical means, e.g. recording using a thermal beam of optical radiation by modifying optical properties or the physical structure, reproducing using an optical beam at lower power by sensing optical properties; Record carriers therefor
- G11B7/08—Disposition or mounting of heads or light sources relatively to record carriers
- G11B7/09—Disposition or mounting of heads or light sources relatively to record carriers with provision for moving the light beam or focus plane for the purpose of maintaining alignment of the light beam relative to the record carrier during transducing operation, e.g. to compensate for surface irregularities of the latter or for track following
- G11B7/095—Disposition or mounting of heads or light sources relatively to record carriers with provision for moving the light beam or focus plane for the purpose of maintaining alignment of the light beam relative to the record carrier during transducing operation, e.g. to compensate for surface irregularities of the latter or for track following specially adapted for discs, e.g. for compensation of eccentricity or wobble
- G11B7/0956—Disposition or mounting of heads or light sources relatively to record carriers with provision for moving the light beam or focus plane for the purpose of maintaining alignment of the light beam relative to the record carrier during transducing operation, e.g. to compensate for surface irregularities of the latter or for track following specially adapted for discs, e.g. for compensation of eccentricity or wobble to compensate for tilt, skew, warp or inclination of the disc, i.e. maintain the optical axis at right angles to the disc
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of data reading/writing drive systems and, more particularly, to an electromagnetically controlled drive system and method.
- Optical media eg., compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), and smart cards
- CDs compact discs
- DVDs digital video discs
- smart cards have become the standard media for storing and distributing large quantities of information in a relatively small and compact package.
- the mechanism or drive system for reading data from, or writing data to, these types of data storage media generally requires several different actuators and motors.
- the following motors and actuators ate generally required: 1) a spindle motor to rotate the media; 2) a sled motor to move an optical head across or along tracks of the media: 3) a loading motor for receiving and properly mounting the media on a spindle; 4) a tilt motor for adjusting an angle of the media or the optical head relative to each other; and 5) focus and tracking actuators for media tracking adjustments. Accordingly, the cost, power dissipation, and potential for mechanical malfunction associated with conventional drive systems may be significant.
- an electromagnetically controlled drive system for accessing a data storage medium comprises an optical signal generator and a reflector element adapted to receive an optical signal from the optical signal generator.
- the reflector element is also adapted to direct the optical signal toward the data storage medium.
- the system also comprises an electromagnetic element adapted to generate an electromagnetic field proximate to the reflector element.
- the reflector element is adapted to respond to the electromagnetic field to move the optical signal relative to the data storage medium in response to a change in the electromagnetic field.
- a method for accessing a data storage medium comprises directing an optical signal toward the data storage medium via a reflector element.
- the method also comprises generating an electromagnetic field proximate to the reflector element.
- the reflector element is adapted to respond to the electromagnetic field to move the optical signal relative to the data storage medium in response to a change in the electromagnetic field.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a top plan view of an electromagnetically controlled drive system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a side view of the system illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a magnetic field associated with an element of the system illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a top plan view of an electromagnetically controlled drive system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a side view of the system illustrated in FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an electromagnetic stator of the system illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating electromagnetic field generation of the system illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 1 through 7 of the drawings like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a top plan view of an electromagnetically controlled drive system 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a side view of the system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the system 10 includes a support 12 adapted to receive and support a data storage medium 14 .
- the data storage medium 14 comprises a smart card-type storage medium; however, it should be understood that other types of data storage mediums may be used with the present invention including, but not limited to, CDs and DVDs. Further, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
- optical signals for accessing optical-type data storage media; however, other types of non-optical data storage mediums and associated signal types may be used in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, including, but not limited to, magnetic tape data storage media.
- the system 10 also comprises a read/write system 20 and a controller 22 .
- the read/write system 20 generates an optical signal 24 and directs the optical signal 24 toward the data storage medium 14 to enable reading from, writing to, and/or erasing data from the data storage medium 14 .
- the controller 22 controls the position of the read/write system 20 , and thereby controlling the position of the optical signal 24 relative to the data storage medium 14 .
- the controller 22 is also used to generate an electromagnetic field such that changes in the electromagnetic field are used to modify or move the position of the optical signal 24 relative to the data storage medium 14 .
- the read/write system 20 is coupled to a carriage 30 to provide movement of the read/write system 20 in a direction corresponding to the X-axis 32 .
- the carriage 30 comprises a motor 34 having a rotatable drive shaft 36 .
- the drive shaft 36 includes a pinion 38 adapted to engage a corresponding rack 40 coupled to the read/write system 20 .
- the controller 22 is coupled to the motor 34 for transmitting control signals to the motor 34 to control rotational output provided to the drive shaft 36 by the motor 34 .
- Rotational movement of the drive shaft 36 causes corresponding movement of the read/write system 20 along the X-axis 32 via the rack 40 and pinion 38 interface.
- worm gear systems, belt drive systems, or other suitable drive systems may be used to transport the read/write system 20 along the X-axis 32 .
- the data storage medium 14 is oriented relative to the read/write system 20 such that a data track 42 of the data storage medium 14 is disposed primarily along a Y-axis 44 , thereby resulting in tracking position control of the read/write system 20 along the X-axis 32 and sweep control of the read/write system 20 along the Y-axis 44 .
- the orientation of the data storage medium 14 and the read/write system 20 relative to each other may be otherwise modified to provide movement of the read/write system 20 relative to the data storage medium 14 in the required directions.
- the read/write system 20 comprises a generator element 50 , a reflector element 52 , and an electromagnetic element 54 .
- the generator element 50 includes optical components and corresponding electronics associated with generating, transmitting, receiving, and detecting the optical signals 24 relative to the data storage medium 14 .
- the generator element 50 may include a laser, columnar lens, deflector, detector, quarter-wave plate, beam splitter, and other optical elements and associated electronic devices (not explicitly shown) associated with the optical signal 24 communication relative to the data storage medium 14 .
- the reflector element 52 is disposed in a spaced apart relationship relative to the generator element 50 and is configured to receive the optical signal 24 from the generator element 50 and direct the optical signal 24 between the generator element 50 and the data storage medium 14 .
- the reflector element 52 may include a mirror, an objective lens, and other associated optical devices (not explicitly shown) for receiving and directing the optical signal 24 between the generator element 50 and the data storage medium 14 .
- a support system 60 is coupled to the reflector element 52 to movably suspend the reflector element 52 proximate to the data storage medium 14 .
- the support system 60 comprises a plurality of springs 62 each coupled to the reflector element 52 to provide flexible movement of the reflector element 52 relative to the data storage medium 14 and suspend the reflector element 52 upwardly relative to the data storage medium.
- springs 62 each coupled to the reflector element 52 to provide flexible movement of the reflector element 52 relative to the data storage medium 14 and suspend the reflector element 52 upwardly relative to the data storage medium.
- other suitable systems and devices may be used to movably suspend the reflector element 52 proximate to the data storage medium 14 .
- the reflector element 52 is also adapted to be responsive to the electromagnetic field generated by the controller 22 , thereby providing movement of the reflector element 52 relative to the data storage medium 14 in response to changes in the generated electromagnetic field.
- the reflector element 52 comprises a magnet 64 disposed upwardly toward the electromagnetic element 54 .
- the forces generated by the magnetic field of the magnet 64 interact with the forces associated with the electromagnetic field generated by the controller 22 , thereby resulting in attracting and repelling forces between the corresponding magnetic and electromagnetic fields.
- changes in the generated electromagnetic field provide movement of the reflector element 52 relative to the data storage medium 14 .
- the electromagnetic element 54 of the read/write system 20 is disposed proximate to the reflector element 52 and comprises conductive coils 70 , 72 , 74 , and 76 for generating an electromagnetic field proximate to the reflector element 52 .
- the coils 70 , 72 , 74 , and 76 may comprise conductive wires spirally wound about a support member 78 , thereby forming a generally flattened-shaped coil.
- the coils 70 , 72 , 74 , and 76 may be otherwise wound and supported proximate to the reflector element 52 .
- the conductive wires used to form the coils 70 , 72 , 74 , and 76 may also include a protective coating to avoid shorting between each of the coils 70 , 72 , 74 , and 76 .
- the electromagnetic element 54 functions as an electromagnetic stator and the reflector element 52 functions as a rotor.
- the coil 70 is spirally wound about the support member 78 in a direction corresponding substantially along the X-axis 32 , thereby forming the coil 70 extending substantially along the Y-axis 44 .
- the wire direction of the coil 70 may also be disposed at a slight angle relative to the X-axis 32 to accommodate winding formation of the coil 70 .
- the edges 82 and 84 of the support member 78 may be disposed at a nonorthogonal angle relative to the X-axis 32 , thereby resulting in substantial alignment of the wiring direction relative to the X-axis 32 . As illustrated in FIG.
- the coil 70 extends along the Y-axis 44 a sufficient distance relative to the data storage medium 14 to provide movement of the reflector element 52 along the Y-axis 44 to control sweep movement of the reflector element 52 along the track 42 .
- the coil 70 may extend slightly beyond a width of the data storage medium 14 extending along the Y-axis 44 to accommodate full access to the data stored on the data storage medium 14 .
- the coils 72 , 74 , and 76 are formed by spirally winding the conductive wire in a direction substantially corresponding to the Y-axis 44 about the support member 78 via openings 88 and 90 of the support member 78 , thereby resulting in the coils 72 , 74 , and 76 extending substantially along the X-axis 32 .
- the wire direction of the coils 72 , 74 , and 76 may be disposed at a slight angle relative to the Y-axis 44 to accommodate winding about the support member 78 .
- the wiring direction may also be disposed in substantial alignment with the Y-axis 44 , for example, by disposing edges 92 and 94 at a nonorthogonal angle relative to the Y-axis 44 .
- the coil 72 is medially disposed relative to the edges 82 and 84 of the support member 78 , thereby disposing the coil 72 directly upwardly relative to the reflector element 52 .
- the coil 72 is disposed within the boundaries of the magnet 64 formed by edges 96 and 98 of the magnet 64 to provide movement of the reflector element 52 along the X-axis 32 for fine tune tracking of the optical signal 24 relative to the track 42 .
- the coils 74 and 76 are disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from the coil 72 , thereby resulting in a position of the coils 74 and 76 outside the boundaries of the magnet 64 formed by the edges 96 and 98 .
- the position of the coils 74 and 76 relative to the magnet 64 provides movement of the reflector element 52 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the X-axis 32 and Y-axis 44 along a Z-axis, indicated generally at 100 and extending into and out of the page, thereby providing tilt and focus of the reflector element 52 relative to the data storage medium 14 .
- the controller 22 is coupled to the read/write system 20 to generate currents through the coils 70 , 72 , 74 , and 76 for generating an electromagnetic field proximate to the magnet 64 .
- the controller 22 may selectively energize and de-energize the coils 70 , 72 , 74 , and 76 , as well as vary current direction and current amplitude, to produce varying electromagnetic field forces proximate to the reflector element 52 .
- FIG. 3 there is shown a diagram illustrating a magnetic field 110 associated with the magnet 64 of the reflector element 52 . As illustrated in FIG.
- the magnetic field 110 generated by the magnet 64 corresponding to the north and south poles of the magnet 64 result in varying directional forces relative to the magnet 64 .
- the forces generated by the magnetic field 110 interact with the forces generated by the electromagnetic field associated with the coils 70 , 72 , 74 , and 76 to provide movement of the reflector element 52 relative to the data storage medium 14 .
- the controller 22 generates a current through the coil 70 to provide tracking movement of the reflector element 52 substantially along the Y-axis 44 .
- a current direction through the coil 70 substantially along the X-axis 32 combined with the forces caused by the magnetic field 110 of the magnet 64 results in forces applied to the reflector element 52 substantially along the Y-axis 44 .
- the controller 22 also generates a current through the coil 72 to provide fine tune tracking of the reflector element 52 substantially along the X-axis 32 .
- the current direction through the coil 72 substantially along the Y-axis 44 combined with the forces generated by the magnetic field 110 located upwardly from a face 112 of the magnet 64 results in forces applied to the reflector element 52 substantially along the X-axis 32 .
- the controller 22 also generates a current through the coils 74 and 76 5 to provide movement of the reflector element 52 substantially along the Z-axis 100 for focus and tilt of the optical signal 24 relative to the data storage medium 14 .
- the current direction through the coils 74 and 76 substantially along the Y-axis 44 combined with the forces generated by the magnetic field 110 disposed adjacent the boundaries of the magnet 64 formed by the edges 96 and 98 of the magnet 64 results in forces acting on the reflector element 52 substantially along the Z-axis 100 .
- disposing the coils 74 and 76 on each side of the magnet 64 may also produce rotational movement of the reflector element 52 about the Y-axis 44 .
- the present invention generates an electromagnetic field to control multi-directional movement of the element 52 relative to the data storage medium 14 to provide reading/writing/erasing of data associated with the data storage medium 14 .
- the electromagnetic field is used to control movement of the element 52 relative to the data storage medium 14 laterally along the X-axis 32 and Y-axis 44 as well as vertically along the Z-axis 100 .
- the present invention generates the electromagnetic field to also control rotation of the element 52 relative to the data storage medium 14 . Accordingly, the present invention substantially reduces the costs and power consumption associated with prior drive systems by substantially reducing the quantity of motors and actuators required for positional control of the optical signal 24 relative to the data storage medium 14 .
- the present invention may also be used in non-optical applications.
- the element 52 may be coupled to the element 50 via wires or other suitable devices for transmitting signals between the elements 50 and 52 .
- the element 52 may comprise a device configured for accessing or writing data to the particular type of storage medium 14 .
- the electromagnetic field may be used to control multidirectional movement of the element 52 relative to the data storage medium 14 .
- FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a top plan view of the system 10 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a side view of the system 10 illustrated in FIG. 4 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
- the electromagnetic element 54 comprises a printed circuit board 130 disposed proximate to the reflector element 52 .
- the coils corresponding to the electromagnetic element 54 of the read/write system 20 are formed by conductive traces 132 formed on the printed circuit board 130 .
- the reflector element 52 is suspended upwardly relative to the data storage medium 14 via the electromagnetic field generated by the controller 22 , thereby alleviating a requirement of the support system 60 .
- current directions and amplitudes may be varied and controlled to produce electromagnetic field forces interacting with the forces associated with the magnetic field 110 of the magnet 64 to movably suspend the reflector element 52 proximate to the data storage medium 14 .
- FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the electromagnetic element 54 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the printed circuit board 130 comprises a multi-layer printed circuit board 140 formed of layers 142 , 144 , 146 , 148 , 150 , and 152 .
- the multi-layer printed circuit board 140 comprises six layers; however, it should be understood that the quantity of layers may be otherwise increased or decreased to accommodate various coil formation quantities and properties and electromagnetic field generation applications. Additionally, it should be understood that the multi-layer printed circuit board 140 may also be replaced by one or more discrete single-layer printed circuit boards each having one or more coil formations disposed thereon and disposed proximate to the reflector element 52 for generating the electromagnetic field.
- the conductive traces 132 are formed on one or more layers of the multi-layer printed circuit board 140 to form electromagnetic coils extending in a desired direction.
- a “conductive trace” may include either a trace formed on a single layer of the board 140 or a continuous conductive path extending to a plurality of layers of the board 140 or sides of a single layer of the board 140 .
- the conductive traces 132 may extend about each side of a single layer of the multi-layer printed circuit board 140 or may extend to a plurality of layers of the multi-layer printed circuit board 140 to form a conductive coil.
- the conductive coils comprise a relatively continuous trace 132 extending spirally and longitudinally along the board 140 in a desired direction; however, it should be understood that the electromagnetic coil may also be formed using a plurality of discrete traces 132 disposed adjacent each other and extending in a desired direction along the board 140 about either a single layer or multiple layers of the board 140 . For example, a plurality of discrete traces 132 may be formed spaced apart from each other on the board 140 .
- Each of the traces 132 in the above-described example may extend about a single layer or multiple layers of the board 140 to form a plurality of discrete “coil segments” such that each “coil segment” comprises a conductive path forming an almost complete flattened circular path about the layer or layers.
- the plurality of discrete traces 132 form a conductive coil extending in a desired direction along the board 140 .
- a coil 160 may be formed extending substantially along the X-axis 32 by forming the conductive traces 132 extending substantially along the Y-axis 44 and extending from layer 146 to layer 152 .
- a coil 162 may be formed extending substantially along the Y-axis 44 by forming the conductive traces 132 extending substantially along the X-axis 32 and extending from layer 148 to layer 150 . Because layers 148 and 150 are disposed between the layers 146 and 152 , the coil 162 is disposed between the layers 146 and 152 and essentially within the coil 160 . However, it should be understood that the routing of the conductive traces 132 between the various layers of the multi-layer printed circuit board 140 may be otherwise modified.
- the layers 142 and 144 may be used to form additional conductive traces 132 or may be used to provide board 140 symmetry.
- the layers 140 and 142 may also provide a location for additional signal circuitry and electronic component attachment to the multi-layer printed circuit board 140 .
- a conductive trace 170 may be formed on the layer 152 and extend to a conductive trace 172 formed on the layer 146 through vias 174 , 176 , 178 , and 180 formed in each of the respective layers 152 , 150 , 148 , and 146 .
- the conductive trace 172 may then extend upwardly through vias 182 , 184 , 186 , and 188 formed in each of the respective layers 146 , 148 , 150 , and 152 to a conductive trace 190 formed on the layer 152 .
- the spiral formation of the conductive traces on the layers 146 and 152 may be repeated as previously described, thereby forming the coil 160 extending substantially along the X-axis 32 .
- the coil 162 may be formed similarly to that described above for the coil 160 .
- a conductive trace 192 may be formed on the layer 150 extending substantially along the X-axis 32 .
- the trace 192 extends to a trace 194 formed on the layer 148 through vias 196 and 198 formed in the respective layers 150 and 148 .
- the trace 194 then extends upwardly from layer 148 to layer 150 to a conductive trace 200 .
- the spiral formation of the conductive traces on the layers 148 and 150 may be repeated as previously described, thereby forming the coil 162 extending substantially along the Y-axis 44 .
- coils 160 and 162 as illustrated extend to only two different layers of the board 140 , it should be understood that the coils 160 and 162 may also extend to greater than two layers of the board 140 . Additionally, as will be described in greater detail below, multiple discrete coils, similar to the coils 160 and 162 , may be formed extending across the length and width of the board 140 , thereby providing greater electromagnetic field generating flexibility.
- FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating electromagnetic field generation of the system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 4 - 6 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the conductive traces 132 are formed on the printed circuit board 130 relative to the reflector element 52 .
- the substrate of the printed circuit board 130 has been omitted in FIG. 7 for clarity to better illustrate the interaction of forces between the magnetic field 110 and the electromagnetic field generated via the electromagnetic element 54 .
- Each conductive trace 132 illustrated in FIG. 7 may comprise a plurality of conductive traces spirally wound about the printed circuit board 130 , either about a single layer or extending to multiple layers, thereby forming a plurality of discrete conductive coils extending along the X-axis 32 and the Y-axis 44 .
- a coil 210 may be formed extending along the X-axis 32 by spirally forming a plurality of conductive traces about the printed circuit board 130 in a direction substantially along the Y-axis 44 .
- Coils 212 and 214 extending along the X-axis 32 may be formed similarly as described above for coil 210 .
- a coil 216 may be formed extending along the Y-axis 44 by spirally winding a plurality of conductive traces about the printed circuit board 130 in a direction corresponding to the X-axis 32 .
- Coils 218 and 220 may be formed extending along the Y-axis 44 similarly as described above for the coil 216 .
- each horizontal and vertical line illustrated in FIG. 7 represents a discrete electromagnetic coil extending along either the Y-axis 44 or the X-axis 32 , respectively.
- the controller 22 is coupled to each of the coils of the printed circuit board 130 .
- the controller 22 selectively energizes and de-energizes each of the coils of the printed circuit board 130 to generate electromagnetic forces that interact with the forces associated with the magnetic field 110 to provide movement of the reflector element 52 relative to the data storage medium 14 .
- the controller 22 may also control an amplitude and direction of the current generated in each of the coils to provide for the desired movement of the reflector element 52 relative to the data storage medium 14 . For example, generating a current through the coil 218 generates electromagnetic forces that interact with the forces generated by the magnetic field 110 resulting in forces acting on the reflector element 52 along the Y-axis 44 .
- Generating a current through the coil 212 generates electromagnetic forces that interact with the forces associated with the magnetic field 110 resulting in forces acting on the reflector element 52 along the X-axis 32 .
- Energizing coils 216 and 220 , as well as coils 210 and 214 generates electromagnetic forces that interact with the forces associated with the magnetic field 110 resulting in forces acting on the reflector element 52 along the Z-axis 100 , as well as providing rotational movement of the reflector element 52 about the X-axis 32 and the Y-axis 44 .
- the present invention generates an electromagnetic field to control and direct the optical signal 24 relative to the data storage medium 14 for reading, writing, or erasing data associated with the data storage medium 14 . Accordingly, the present invention substantially reduces the quantity of motors and actuators required by prior drive systems, thereby substantially reducing the cost of the drive system and the potential for mechanical failure.
- the embodiments described above illustrate the electromagnetic element 54 functioning as an electromagnetic stator and the reflector element 52 functioning as a rotor relative to a stationary storage medium 14 , it should be understood that the interactive magnetic and electromagnetic forces may be otherwise generated or located relative to each other to provide movement of the respective elements relative to each other.
- the electromagnetic and magnetic fields may be reversed between the elements 52 and 54 by, for example, providing electromagnetic coils coupled to the element 52 and magnets coupled to the element 54 .
Abstract
An electromagnetically controlled drive system for accessing a data storage medium comprises an optical signal generator and a reflector element adapted to receive an optical signal from the optical signal generator. The reflector element is also adapted to direct the optical signal toward the data storage medium. The system also comprises an electromagnetic element adapted to generate an electromagnetic field proximate to the reflector element. The reflector element is adapted to respond to the electromagnetic field to move the optical signal relative to the data storage medium in response to a change in the electromagnetic field.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to the field of data reading/writing drive systems and, more particularly, to an electromagnetically controlled drive system and method.
- Optical media, eg., compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), and smart cards, have become the standard media for storing and distributing large quantities of information in a relatively small and compact package. The mechanism or drive system for reading data from, or writing data to, these types of data storage media, however, generally requires several different actuators and motors. For example, in rotating media applications, the following motors and actuators ate generally required: 1) a spindle motor to rotate the media; 2) a sled motor to move an optical head across or along tracks of the media: 3) a loading motor for receiving and properly mounting the media on a spindle; 4) a tilt motor for adjusting an angle of the media or the optical head relative to each other; and 5) focus and tracking actuators for media tracking adjustments. Accordingly, the cost, power dissipation, and potential for mechanical malfunction associated with conventional drive systems may be significant.
- In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an electromagnetically controlled drive system for accessing a data storage medium comprises an optical signal generator and a reflector element adapted to receive an optical signal from the optical signal generator. The reflector element is also adapted to direct the optical signal toward the data storage medium. The system also comprises an electromagnetic element adapted to generate an electromagnetic field proximate to the reflector element. The reflector element is adapted to respond to the electromagnetic field to move the optical signal relative to the data storage medium in response to a change in the electromagnetic field.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for accessing a data storage medium comprises directing an optical signal toward the data storage medium via a reflector element. The method also comprises generating an electromagnetic field proximate to the reflector element. The reflector element is adapted to respond to the electromagnetic field to move the optical signal relative to the data storage medium in response to a change in the electromagnetic field.
- For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
- FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a top plan view of an electromagnetically controlled drive system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a side view of the system illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a magnetic field associated with an element of the system illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a top plan view of an electromagnetically controlled drive system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a side view of the system illustrated in FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an electromagnetic stator of the system illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
- FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating electromagnetic field generation of the system illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Embodiments of the present invention and the advantages thereof are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1 through 7 of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a top plan view of an electromagnetically controlled
drive system 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a side view of thesystem 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thesystem 10 includes asupport 12 adapted to receive and support adata storage medium 14. In the illustrated embodiment, thedata storage medium 14 comprises a smart card-type storage medium; however, it should be understood that other types of data storage mediums may be used with the present invention including, but not limited to, CDs and DVDs. Further, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 contemplates the use of optical signals for accessing optical-type data storage media; however, other types of non-optical data storage mediums and associated signal types may be used in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, including, but not limited to, magnetic tape data storage media. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
system 10 also comprises a read/writesystem 20 and acontroller 22. Briefly, the read/write system 20 generates anoptical signal 24 and directs theoptical signal 24 toward thedata storage medium 14 to enable reading from, writing to, and/or erasing data from thedata storage medium 14. Thecontroller 22 controls the position of the read/write system 20, and thereby controlling the position of theoptical signal 24 relative to thedata storage medium 14. Thecontroller 22 is also used to generate an electromagnetic field such that changes in the electromagnetic field are used to modify or move the position of theoptical signal 24 relative to thedata storage medium 14. - In the illustrated embodiment, the read/
write system 20 is coupled to acarriage 30 to provide movement of the read/writesystem 20 in a direction corresponding to theX-axis 32. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, thecarriage 30 comprises amotor 34 having arotatable drive shaft 36. Thedrive shaft 36 includes apinion 38 adapted to engage acorresponding rack 40 coupled to the read/write system 20. Thecontroller 22 is coupled to themotor 34 for transmitting control signals to themotor 34 to control rotational output provided to thedrive shaft 36 by themotor 34. Rotational movement of thedrive shaft 36 causes corresponding movement of the read/write system 20 along theX-axis 32 via therack 40 andpinion 38 interface. However, it should be understood that worm gear systems, belt drive systems, or other suitable drive systems may be used to transport the read/writesystem 20 along theX-axis 32. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
data storage medium 14 is oriented relative to the read/writesystem 20 such that adata track 42 of thedata storage medium 14 is disposed primarily along a Y-axis 44, thereby resulting in tracking position control of the read/writesystem 20 along theX-axis 32 and sweep control of the read/write system 20 along the Y-axis 44. However, it should be understood that the orientation of thedata storage medium 14 and the read/writesystem 20 relative to each other may be otherwise modified to provide movement of the read/writesystem 20 relative to thedata storage medium 14 in the required directions. - In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the read/
write system 20 comprises agenerator element 50, areflector element 52, and anelectromagnetic element 54. Thegenerator element 50 includes optical components and corresponding electronics associated with generating, transmitting, receiving, and detecting theoptical signals 24 relative to thedata storage medium 14. For example, thegenerator element 50 may include a laser, columnar lens, deflector, detector, quarter-wave plate, beam splitter, and other optical elements and associated electronic devices (not explicitly shown) associated with theoptical signal 24 communication relative to thedata storage medium 14. - The
reflector element 52 is disposed in a spaced apart relationship relative to thegenerator element 50 and is configured to receive theoptical signal 24 from thegenerator element 50 and direct theoptical signal 24 between thegenerator element 50 and thedata storage medium 14. For example, thereflector element 52 may include a mirror, an objective lens, and other associated optical devices (not explicitly shown) for receiving and directing theoptical signal 24 between thegenerator element 50 and thedata storage medium 14. In the illustrated embodiment, asupport system 60 is coupled to thereflector element 52 to movably suspend thereflector element 52 proximate to thedata storage medium 14. In this embodiment, thesupport system 60 comprises a plurality ofsprings 62 each coupled to thereflector element 52 to provide flexible movement of thereflector element 52 relative to thedata storage medium 14 and suspend thereflector element 52 upwardly relative to the data storage medium. However, it should be understood that other suitable systems and devices may be used to movably suspend thereflector element 52 proximate to thedata storage medium 14. - The
reflector element 52 is also adapted to be responsive to the electromagnetic field generated by thecontroller 22, thereby providing movement of thereflector element 52 relative to thedata storage medium 14 in response to changes in the generated electromagnetic field. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, thereflector element 52 comprises amagnet 64 disposed upwardly toward theelectromagnetic element 54. Briefly, the forces generated by the magnetic field of themagnet 64 interact with the forces associated with the electromagnetic field generated by thecontroller 22, thereby resulting in attracting and repelling forces between the corresponding magnetic and electromagnetic fields. Thus, changes in the generated electromagnetic field provide movement of thereflector element 52 relative to thedata storage medium 14. - The
electromagnetic element 54 of the read/write system 20 is disposed proximate to thereflector element 52 and comprisesconductive coils reflector element 52. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, thecoils support member 78, thereby forming a generally flattened-shaped coil. However, it should be understood that thecoils reflector element 52. The conductive wires used to form thecoils coils electromagnetic element 54 functions as an electromagnetic stator and thereflector element 52 functions as a rotor. - As best illustrated in FIG. 1, the
coil 70 is spirally wound about thesupport member 78 in a direction corresponding substantially along theX-axis 32, thereby forming thecoil 70 extending substantially along the Y-axis 44. However, the wire direction of thecoil 70 may also be disposed at a slight angle relative to theX-axis 32 to accommodate winding formation of thecoil 70. For example, theedges support member 78 may be disposed at a nonorthogonal angle relative to theX-axis 32, thereby resulting in substantial alignment of the wiring direction relative to theX-axis 32. As illustrated in FIG. 1, thecoil 70 extends along the Y-axis 44 a sufficient distance relative to thedata storage medium 14 to provide movement of thereflector element 52 along the Y-axis 44 to control sweep movement of thereflector element 52 along thetrack 42. For example, thecoil 70 may extend slightly beyond a width of thedata storage medium 14 extending along the Y-axis 44 to accommodate full access to the data stored on thedata storage medium 14. - The
coils axis 44 about thesupport member 78 viaopenings support member 78, thereby resulting in thecoils X-axis 32. As described above, the wire direction of thecoils axis 44 to accommodate winding about thesupport member 78. However, it should be understood that the wiring direction may also be disposed in substantial alignment with the Y-axis 44, for example, by disposingedges axis 44. - As illustrated in FIG. 1, the
coil 72 is medially disposed relative to theedges support member 78, thereby disposing thecoil 72 directly upwardly relative to thereflector element 52. As will be described in greater detail below, thecoil 72 is disposed within the boundaries of themagnet 64 formed byedges magnet 64 to provide movement of thereflector element 52 along theX-axis 32 for fine tune tracking of theoptical signal 24 relative to thetrack 42. Thecoils coil 72, thereby resulting in a position of thecoils magnet 64 formed by theedges coils magnet 64 provides movement of thereflector element 52 in a direction substantially orthogonal to theX-axis 32 and Y-axis 44 along a Z-axis, indicated generally at 100 and extending into and out of the page, thereby providing tilt and focus of thereflector element 52 relative to thedata storage medium 14. - In operation, the
controller 22 is coupled to the read/write system 20 to generate currents through thecoils magnet 64. For example, thecontroller 22 may selectively energize and de-energize thecoils reflector element 52. Referring briefly to FIG. 3, there is shown a diagram illustrating amagnetic field 110 associated with themagnet 64 of thereflector element 52. As illustrated in FIG. 3, themagnetic field 110 generated by themagnet 64 corresponding to the north and south poles of themagnet 64 result in varying directional forces relative to themagnet 64. The forces generated by themagnetic field 110 interact with the forces generated by the electromagnetic field associated with thecoils reflector element 52 relative to thedata storage medium 14. - Referring to FIG. 1, the
controller 22 generates a current through thecoil 70 to provide tracking movement of thereflector element 52 substantially along the Y-axis 44. For example, applying the right-hand rule, a current direction through thecoil 70 substantially along theX-axis 32 combined with the forces caused by themagnetic field 110 of themagnet 64 results in forces applied to thereflector element 52 substantially along the Y-axis 44. Thecontroller 22 also generates a current through thecoil 72 to provide fine tune tracking of thereflector element 52 substantially along theX-axis 32. For example, applying the right-hand rule, the current direction through thecoil 72 substantially along the Y-axis 44 combined with the forces generated by themagnetic field 110 located upwardly from aface 112 of themagnet 64 results in forces applied to thereflector element 52 substantially along theX-axis 32. Thecontroller 22 also generates a current through thecoils reflector element 52 substantially along the Z-axis 100 for focus and tilt of theoptical signal 24 relative to thedata storage medium 14. For example, applying the right-hand rule, the current direction through thecoils axis 44 combined with the forces generated by themagnetic field 110 disposed adjacent the boundaries of themagnet 64 formed by theedges magnet 64 results in forces acting on thereflector element 52 substantially along the Z-axis 100. Accordingly, disposing thecoils magnet 64 may also produce rotational movement of thereflector element 52 about the Y-axis 44. - Thus, the present invention generates an electromagnetic field to control multi-directional movement of the
element 52 relative to thedata storage medium 14 to provide reading/writing/erasing of data associated with thedata storage medium 14. For example, the electromagnetic field is used to control movement of theelement 52 relative to thedata storage medium 14 laterally along theX-axis 32 and Y-axis 44 as well as vertically along the Z-axis 100. The present invention generates the electromagnetic field to also control rotation of theelement 52 relative to thedata storage medium 14. Accordingly, the present invention substantially reduces the costs and power consumption associated with prior drive systems by substantially reducing the quantity of motors and actuators required for positional control of theoptical signal 24 relative to thedata storage medium 14. - As described above, the present invention may also be used in non-optical applications. For example, in a magnetic-type or other type of
data storage medium 14 application, theelement 52 may be coupled to theelement 50 via wires or other suitable devices for transmitting signals between theelements element 52 may comprise a device configured for accessing or writing data to the particular type ofstorage medium 14. The electromagnetic field may be used to control multidirectional movement of theelement 52 relative to thedata storage medium 14. - FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a top plan view of the
system 10 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a side view of thesystem 10 illustrated in FIG. 4 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, theelectromagnetic element 54 comprises a printedcircuit board 130 disposed proximate to thereflector element 52. As will be described in greater detail in connection with FIG. 6, the coils corresponding to theelectromagnetic element 54 of the read/write system 20 are formed byconductive traces 132 formed on the printedcircuit board 130. Additionally, in this embodiment, thereflector element 52 is suspended upwardly relative to thedata storage medium 14 via the electromagnetic field generated by thecontroller 22, thereby alleviating a requirement of thesupport system 60. For example, current directions and amplitudes may be varied and controlled to produce electromagnetic field forces interacting with the forces associated with themagnetic field 110 of themagnet 64 to movably suspend thereflector element 52 proximate to thedata storage medium 14. - FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the
electromagnetic element 54 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the printedcircuit board 130 comprises a multi-layer printedcircuit board 140 formed oflayers circuit board 140 comprises six layers; however, it should be understood that the quantity of layers may be otherwise increased or decreased to accommodate various coil formation quantities and properties and electromagnetic field generation applications. Additionally, it should be understood that the multi-layer printedcircuit board 140 may also be replaced by one or more discrete single-layer printed circuit boards each having one or more coil formations disposed thereon and disposed proximate to thereflector element 52 for generating the electromagnetic field. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
conductive traces 132 are formed on one or more layers of the multi-layer printedcircuit board 140 to form electromagnetic coils extending in a desired direction. As used herein, a “conductive trace” may include either a trace formed on a single layer of theboard 140 or a continuous conductive path extending to a plurality of layers of theboard 140 or sides of a single layer of theboard 140. For example, the conductive traces 132 may extend about each side of a single layer of the multi-layer printedcircuit board 140 or may extend to a plurality of layers of the multi-layer printedcircuit board 140 to form a conductive coil. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive coils comprise a relativelycontinuous trace 132 extending spirally and longitudinally along theboard 140 in a desired direction; however, it should be understood that the electromagnetic coil may also be formed using a plurality ofdiscrete traces 132 disposed adjacent each other and extending in a desired direction along theboard 140 about either a single layer or multiple layers of theboard 140. For example, a plurality ofdiscrete traces 132 may be formed spaced apart from each other on theboard 140. Each of thetraces 132 in the above-described example may extend about a single layer or multiple layers of theboard 140 to form a plurality of discrete “coil segments” such that each “coil segment” comprises a conductive path forming an almost complete flattened circular path about the layer or layers. Thus, together, the plurality ofdiscrete traces 132 form a conductive coil extending in a desired direction along theboard 140. - As illustrated in FIG. 6, a
coil 160 may be formed extending substantially along theX-axis 32 by forming theconductive traces 132 extending substantially along the Y-axis 44 and extending fromlayer 146 tolayer 152. Acoil 162 may be formed extending substantially along the Y-axis 44 by forming theconductive traces 132 extending substantially along theX-axis 32 and extending fromlayer 148 tolayer 150. Becauselayers layers coil 162 is disposed between thelayers coil 160. However, it should be understood that the routing of theconductive traces 132 between the various layers of the multi-layer printedcircuit board 140 may be otherwise modified. Thelayers 142 and 144 may be used to form additionalconductive traces 132 or may be used to provideboard 140 symmetry. Thelayers 140 and 142 may also provide a location for additional signal circuitry and electronic component attachment to the multi-layer printedcircuit board 140. - To further illustrate the formation of the
coil 160 of FIG. 6, aconductive trace 170 may be formed on thelayer 152 and extend to aconductive trace 172 formed on thelayer 146 throughvias respective layers conductive trace 172 may then extend upwardly throughvias respective layers conductive trace 190 formed on thelayer 152. The spiral formation of the conductive traces on thelayers coil 160 extending substantially along theX-axis 32. - The
coil 162 may be formed similarly to that described above for thecoil 160. For example, aconductive trace 192 may be formed on thelayer 150 extending substantially along theX-axis 32. Thetrace 192 extends to atrace 194 formed on thelayer 148 throughvias respective layers trace 194 then extends upwardly fromlayer 148 to layer 150 to aconductive trace 200. The spiral formation of the conductive traces on thelayers coil 162 extending substantially along the Y-axis 44. Although thecoils board 140, it should be understood that thecoils board 140. Additionally, as will be described in greater detail below, multiple discrete coils, similar to thecoils board 140, thereby providing greater electromagnetic field generating flexibility. - FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating electromagnetic field generation of the
system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, theconductive traces 132 are formed on the printedcircuit board 130 relative to thereflector element 52. The substrate of the printedcircuit board 130 has been omitted in FIG. 7 for clarity to better illustrate the interaction of forces between themagnetic field 110 and the electromagnetic field generated via theelectromagnetic element 54. - Each
conductive trace 132 illustrated in FIG. 7 may comprise a plurality of conductive traces spirally wound about the printedcircuit board 130, either about a single layer or extending to multiple layers, thereby forming a plurality of discrete conductive coils extending along theX-axis 32 and the Y-axis 44. For example, acoil 210 may be formed extending along theX-axis 32 by spirally forming a plurality of conductive traces about the printedcircuit board 130 in a direction substantially along the Y-axis 44.Coils X-axis 32 may be formed similarly as described above forcoil 210. - A
coil 216 may be formed extending along the Y-axis 44 by spirally winding a plurality of conductive traces about the printedcircuit board 130 in a direction corresponding to theX-axis 32.Coils axis 44 similarly as described above for thecoil 216. Thus, each horizontal and vertical line illustrated in FIG. 7 represents a discrete electromagnetic coil extending along either the Y-axis 44 or theX-axis 32, respectively. - In operation, the
controller 22 is coupled to each of the coils of the printedcircuit board 130. Thecontroller 22 selectively energizes and de-energizes each of the coils of the printedcircuit board 130 to generate electromagnetic forces that interact with the forces associated with themagnetic field 110 to provide movement of thereflector element 52 relative to thedata storage medium 14. Thecontroller 22 may also control an amplitude and direction of the current generated in each of the coils to provide for the desired movement of thereflector element 52 relative to thedata storage medium 14. For example, generating a current through thecoil 218 generates electromagnetic forces that interact with the forces generated by themagnetic field 110 resulting in forces acting on thereflector element 52 along the Y-axis 44. Generating a current through thecoil 212 generates electromagnetic forces that interact with the forces associated with themagnetic field 110 resulting in forces acting on thereflector element 52 along theX-axis 32. Energizingcoils coils magnetic field 110 resulting in forces acting on thereflector element 52 along the Z-axis 100, as well as providing rotational movement of thereflector element 52 about theX-axis 32 and the Y-axis 44. - Thus, the present invention generates an electromagnetic field to control and direct the
optical signal 24 relative to thedata storage medium 14 for reading, writing, or erasing data associated with thedata storage medium 14. Accordingly, the present invention substantially reduces the quantity of motors and actuators required by prior drive systems, thereby substantially reducing the cost of the drive system and the potential for mechanical failure. Although the embodiments described above illustrate theelectromagnetic element 54 functioning as an electromagnetic stator and thereflector element 52 functioning as a rotor relative to astationary storage medium 14, it should be understood that the interactive magnetic and electromagnetic forces may be otherwise generated or located relative to each other to provide movement of the respective elements relative to each other. For example, the electromagnetic and magnetic fields may be reversed between theelements element 52 and magnets coupled to theelement 54.
Claims (20)
1. An electromagnetically controlled drive system for accessing a data storage medium, comprising:
an optical signal generator;
a reflector element adapted to receive an optical signal from the optical signal generator and direct the optical signal toward the data storage medium; and
an electromagnetic element adapted to generate an electromagnetic field proximate to the reflector element, the reflector element adapted to respond to the electromagnetic field to move the optical signal relative to the data storage medium in response to a change in the electromagnetic field.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the reflector element is disposed spaced apart from the optical signal generator.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electromagnetic element comprises at least a plurality of conductive coils adapted to generate the electromagnetic field.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the reflector element is disposed in movable relation relative to the optical signal generator.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electromagnetic element comprises at least a multi-layer printed circuit board with conductive traces formed on at least one layer of the printed circuit board.
6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a controller coupled to the electromagnetic element and adapted to selectively alter the electromagnetic field to move the reflector element relative to the optical signal generator.
7. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a support system configured to movably suspend the reflector element relative to the data storage medium.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the support system comprises a plurality of springs coupled to the reflector element.
9. A method for accessing a data storage medium, comprising:
directing an optical signal toward the data storage medium via a reflector element; and
generating an electromagnetic field proximate to the reflector element, the reflector element adapted to respond to the electromagnetic field to move the optical signal relative to the data storage medium in response to a change in the electromagnetic field.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein generating the electromagnetic field comprises generating a current through a conductive coil of an electromagnetic element, the electromagnetic element disposed in a spaced apart relationship relative to the reflector element.
11. The method of claim 9 , further comprising generating the optical signal via an optical signal generator, the reflector element disposed spaced apart from the optical signal generator and adapted to receive the optical signal from the optical signal generator.
12. The method of claim 9 , wherein generating the electromagnetic field comprises selectively generating a current through at least one of a plurality of conductive coils of the electromagnetic element.
13. The method of claim 9 , wherein generating the optical signal comprises generating the optical signal via an optical signal generator, the reflector element disposed in movable relation relative to the optical signal generator and adapted to receive the optical signal from the optical signal generator.
14. The method of claim 9 , further comprising movably suspending the reflector element relative to the data storage medium, the reflector element configured to direct the optical signal toward the data storage medium.
15. The method of claim 9 , wherein generating the electromagnetic field comprises selectively generating a current through at least one of a plurality of conductive traces formed on a printed circuit board.
16. An electromagnetically-controlled drive system for accessing a data storage medium, comprising:
an optical signal generator;
a reflector element disposed in movable relation relative to the data storage medium and the optical signal generator, the reflector element adapted to receive an optical signal from the optical signal generator and direct the optical signal toward the data storage medium; and
an electromagnetic element configured to generate an electromagnetic field proximate to the reflector element, the reflector element adapted to move relative to the data storage medium and the optical signal generator in response to a change in the electromagnetic field.
17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the electromagnetic element comprises a plurality of conductive coils configured to generate the electromagnetic field.
18. The system of claim 16 , wherein the electromagnetic element comprises a plurality of conductive traces formed on a printed circuit board configured to generate the electromagnetic field.
19. The system of claim 16 , further comprising a support system configured to movably suspend the reflector element relative to the data storage medium.
20. The system of claim 19 , wherein the reflector element comprises a magnet.
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US8549574B2 (en) * | 2002-12-10 | 2013-10-01 | Ol2, Inc. | Method of combining linear content and interactive content compressed together as streaming interactive video |
US20090118019A1 (en) * | 2002-12-10 | 2009-05-07 | Onlive, Inc. | System for streaming databases serving real-time applications used through streaming interactive video |
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US9138644B2 (en) * | 2002-12-10 | 2015-09-22 | Sony Computer Entertainment America Llc | System and method for accelerated machine switching |
US20100166056A1 (en) * | 2002-12-10 | 2010-07-01 | Steve Perlman | System and method for encoding video using a selected tile and tile rotation pattern |
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US7633839B2 (en) * | 2004-08-20 | 2009-12-15 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Self-sensing active-damping voice coil |
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US6798819B1 (en) * | 1999-04-20 | 2004-09-28 | Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho | Optical pickup apparatus and method of manufacturing the same |
US6721260B2 (en) * | 2001-09-04 | 2004-04-13 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company L.P. | Electromagnetically controlled drive system and method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6721260B2 (en) | 2004-04-13 |
US20030043725A1 (en) | 2003-03-06 |
TWI251827B (en) | 2006-03-21 |
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