WO1999022340A1

WO1999022340A1 - Optical disc authentication and data storage

Info

Publication number: WO1999022340A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/022871
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Weldon; Karl R. Schneck, Jr.; Hilary S. Lackritz; Jerry Smith; Mark Mclaughlin; J. Bradford Merry
Original assignee: Hide And Seek Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 1997-10-28
Filing date: 1998-10-28
Publication date: 1999-05-06
Also published as: AU1284299A; EP1025543A1; WO1999022340A9; AU769978B2; CA2311764A1

Abstract

A compact data storage device (12) having the approximate dimensions of a credit card that is capable of storing large amounts of data (e.g., 50-100 Megabytes). Moreover, the device (12) may encode data in both a linear magnetic stripe fashion so that the data can be read by typical card swipe data reading devices (e.g., magnetic card swipe devices) as well as optical disc readers that typically read tracks of spirally encoded optical data (40). Additionally, a method for purposefully manufacturing defects into optical discs for authenticating the manufactured optical discs.

Description

OPTICAL DISC AUTHENTICATION AND DATA STORAGE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a data storage device that provides high data storage capabilities and is easily carried by a user in that the device can be approximately the size of a credit card. In particular, the present invention can be used with both conventional magnetic card swipe readers and optical disk readers. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention may be viewed as a combination of a typical credit card with a (magnetic or optical) strip that is read via swiping the present invention through a card swipe reader and an optical disk such as a mini compact disc (e.g., DYD).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The need for individuals to easily carry potential large amounts of personal data is becoming increasingly desirable. For example, it is desirable for individuals to carry with themselves their entire medical history, including x-rays and HRIs. Additionally, detailed financial transaction data regarding hems purchased and funds available, as well as lines of credit and credit history, may be desirable for a user to easily carry. However, presently known devices for transporting such large amounts of data do not lend themselves to being carried in, for example, a wallet or purse. That is, there have heretofore been no known, readily available devices for reading and/or writing data to/from portable data storage devices, wherein the data storage devices are capable of being carried in a wallet or purse, and wherein large amounts of data (e.g., 50-100 megabytes or more) may be stored.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have portable personal data storage devices that can easily fit in a wallet or purse. In particular, it would be advantageous to have such a device having substantially the dimensions of a credit card.

Further, it would be advantageous to have such a device wherein the high data storage capabilities of such a device could be easily read from or written to using substantially conventional data read and/or write devices such as compact disc readers and magnetic card swipe readers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a data storage card that includes data stored thereon using a combination of data storage mediums including a magnetic strip, and an optical storage portion (e.g., one of an optical disk or a magneto optical disc). The card of the present invention is sufficiently small (e.g., approximately 2'/_β inches by 3³/₈ inches so that it can be used as a typical identification/financial transaction card wherein data included on the magnetic strip of the card can be swiped through a conventional magnetic strip reader for reading data from the card. Furthermore, the optical data storage portion of the card is capable of being read by a compact disc reader and/or a DVD reader when the card is rotated on the reader's optical disc spindle via the spindle penetrating hole in the card. That is the card can be used as a conventional optical disc.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method and system for the protection of optical disc data against copying and/or unauthorized use. In particular, the present invention contemplates purposefully inducing a physical alteration of one or more portions of an optical disc surface during the manufacturing process, within the data area, for the purpose of creating either a correctable or uncorrectable defect within the data stream of an attempted read of one of the physically altered portions of the optical disc. In particular, such read attempts may be performed in response to a query by a software module, either provided on an optical disc manufactured according to the present invention, or external thereto, for verifying the authenticity of the optical disc In performing this task, the present invention does not require the changing of any specific bit, rather, it utilizes the data area of the optical disc as a "canvas" on wh h to "paint" or distribute defects, subject to the requirement that such defects reside within some specific area of the optical disc. The physical alteration of the optical disc surface for providing the defects can be accomplished by first providing corresponding defects within an optical disk master from wh h the optical disk may be manufactured. Alternatively, the defects in the optical disc may be manufactured into the optical disc after the optical disc has had data from the master disc transferred to it.

Other features and aspects of the present invention will become evident from the detailed description and the accompanying figures herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figs. I A through I D show various orientations of a first embodiment of the carddisc 12 of the present invention.

Figs.2A through 2C show an alternative embodiment of the carddisc 12 of the present invention wherein the optical data storage area 40 is recessed in comparison to surrounding areas 50a and 50b, thereby providing protection to the optical data storage area.

Figs. 3A and 3B show another embodiment of the present invention wherein there is a protective cover 60 for protecting the optical data storage area 40 from damage.

Figs.4A and 4B provide yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein protective offset rings 86a and 86b are provided about the optical data storage area 40 for protecting this storage area.

Figs.5A through 5C illustrate another embodiment of the present invention, wherein an additional optical data storage area 40a is provided on an opposite side of the carddisc 12d from that of the optical data storage area 40. Additionally, note that this embodiment provides offset protectve rings 86 on both skies of the carddisc 12d.

Figs.6A through 6C illustrate another embodiment of the present invention, wherein there are separable portions of the carddisc In particular, the carddisc of the present embodiment includes a thin film data layer 200, having potentially large amounts of data storage for storing data encoded thereon for being optically read by substantially conventional optical disc readers, and a base portion 204 upon which the layer 200 may be provided when such data storage is to be accessed. Fig.7 illustrates an enlarged view of a data portion on an optical disk with pits 2010 aligned in rows or tracks extending radially outwardly in the direction 24 from a point about whkh the optical disk is intended to rotate when data is written or read. Further, this figure shows pit 2020 of extended length in the tracking direction 2028, wherein this extended pit is intentionally generated during the manufacturing of the optical disk and where this pit is detected as a defect in the optical disk.

Fig.8 is identical to Fig.7 except that the extended pit 2020 is replaced by an extended land 2022. Fig.9 is similar to Figs.7 and 8, except that the intentionally manufactured defect 2026 spans multiple rows or tracks on the optical disk;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In Figs. IA-ID, a card according to the present invention is disclosed (denoted hereinafter as a "CARDDISC" 12), wherein, in one embodiment, a first side of the card includes typical identification/financial card information and the second side has optical information stored substantially as is done on optical discs. Thus, since the CARDDISC 12 is approximately the size of atypical credit αrd, the present invention may provide dual purpose functionality in that it can be used in typical magnetic card swipe readers as well as optical disc readers. Accordingly, on side 1 (Fig. IA) of the CARDDISC 12, the following features may be provided: (a) a magnetic reading strip 20 for storing date that can be read by card swipe readers, (b) signature location 24 and imprinted identification information including: (i) the name 28 of the individual to whkh the CARDDISC is assigned (and/or the individual capable of providing access to the data encoded on the CARDDISC), (ii) an expiration date 32 of the carddisc, and (iii) a card holder identification number 36, wherein the name, date and identification number are embossed, printed and/or laminated or otherwise attached to the carddisc. Thus, side 1 provides the information typ alfy provided on, e.g., a credit card. On the opposite side of the carddisc 12, side 38 (Fig. I B), optical disc data is encoded in the optical data storage area 40 (shown as darkened). The optkal data storage area 40 of the carddisc 12 includes an optical medium that may be read, e.g., by a conventional optical reader such as a CD-ROM and/or DVD reader when the center hole 34 is aligned with a spindle of the optkal reader for spinning the carddisc 12 thereabout. Thus, detailed records relating to the cardholder and/or the use of the carddisc 12 can be stored on this portion of the carddisc. In partkular, 50 to 100 megabytes of data may be stored in the approximately inch inner radial extent of the optical data storage area 40 from the center of the center hole

34. Thus, detailed financial, medical, educational and/or vocational records can be provided thereon.

The carddisc 12 may be circular in shape or, in some embodiments, contain straight edges and/or a combination of straight and curved edges. Note that a combination of straight and curved edges may facilitate the carddisc 12 being used both for financial transaction data transfers via, e.g., in magnetic card swipe readers, as well as being used in conventional optkal compact disc and DVD readers for reading and/or writing, more copious amounts of data. Moreover, the carddisc 12 can be square or rectangular in shape and may also contain some or all of the features in Figs. Iλ-ID. Further, note that protection of the optical data storage area 40 of the carddisc may be enhanced by the addition of a sleeve, wherein the optkal data storage area is rotatable within the protective sleeve in a manner similar to magnetic diskettes typically used with personal computers for storing data.

The optkal data storage area 40 may be of any type such as: (a) a read-only (e.g., CD-ROM or CD DVD), (b) read/ write-once (e.g, CD-R or DVD-R), or (c) read write many times (e.g., CD-RW or DVD-RW). The optical data storage area 40 may also utilize technologies for copy protection such as optically sensitive polymers, oxidat^'rve polymers, embedded or painted defects and protection bands and software to limit or control usage as, for example, disclosed in the patent application having international application number PCT/US97/08842, herein incorporated by reference. The optical data storage area 40 may also utilize other protection technologies such as encryption and/or passwords to limit access or control usage.

Additionally, note that at least on the side 38 of the carddisc 12, the areas 50a and 50b may include decorative artwork including pit art (where instead of using optically reflective pits and lands for encoding data bits, the pits and lands are used for creating a picture), and printed materials such as logos.

Further note that an embodiment of the carddisc 12 having the ability to (re)write to the optkal data storage area 40, may also be used as a "Smart Card" with vastly superior storage capabilities to prior art Smart Card technologies and at a much cheaper cost to manufacture. Figs.2 through 5 show alternative embodiments of the present invention wherein comparable features to those in

Figs. I A-l D have identical numerical labels. Referring to Figs.2A and 2B, the side 38 of the carddisc 12a having the optkal data storage 40 has raised decorative areas 50a, 50b. Such raised areas may be utilized to protect the optical data storage area 40 from abrasive damage when the carddisc 12a is swiped through credit card readers for reading, e.g., the magnetic strip 20 on the opposite side (side 16) of carddisc 12a, (this opposite side including some or all of the features included in side 16 of the carddisc 12 embodiment of fig. IA). Additionally, as shown in Fig.2C, the optkal data storage area 40 may have a protective plastic covering 56 to further protect the optkal storage area 40.

Referring to Figs.3A and 3B, another embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein a carddisc 12b includes a protective cover 60 that is attached to an edge 64 by one or more hinges 70 so that the cover 60 is capable of folding adjacent to side 38 for protecting optkal data storage area 40 when the carddisc 12b is used in card swipe readers, and is capable of folding adjacent to the opposite side (side 16) when the data encoded in optkal data storage 40 is to be accessed.

Accordingly, protective cover 60 includes a center hole 74 that aligns with the center hole 34 when the protective cover is folded adjacent to side 16 so that an optical reader spindle can align with the center holes and spin the carddisc 12b substantially as a conventional optkal disc. Additionally, note that the edge 78 of the protective cover 60 may include one or more latches (not shown) that can be used for securing the protective cover 60 to the edge 82 when the protective cover is folded adjacent to side 16 and/or side 38. Additionally, note that the surface of protective cover 60 that becomes adjacent to side 38 when the side 38 is protected may also include a second optkal data storage area (not shown). In Figs.4A and 4B an embodiment 12c of the carddisc is shown wherein side 38 includes one or more raised offset rings 86 both for protecting the optkal data storage 40 from damage during use of the carddisc in a magnetk card swipe card reader, and for assisting in alignment of the carddisc when provided in an optkal disc reader. In particular, the offset ring 86b may be used for mounting carddisc 12c so that this ring aligns with a minidisc recess provided on a typical compact disc cradle. That is, this offset ring 86b has a radius from the center of the center hole 34 that allows this offset ring to fit within the recess that is used for aligning minidiscs within the compact disc cradle and thereby assists in aligning the carddisc with the optkal reader so that the carddisc rotates properly.

In Figs.5A through 5C, an embodiment 12d of the carddisc is shown, wherein in addition to the optkal data storage area 40 being provided on side 16, there is another optical data storage area 40a provided on side 16. Accordingly, to protect the optkal data storage areas 40 and 40a, the present embodiment provides offset rings 86a and 86b on side 38, and offset rings 86c and 86d on side 16. However, it will be appreciated that any of the other features for optkal data protection described in previous embodiments of a carddisc can be utilized here as well.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figs.6A-6C. In the embodiment of these figures, a thin film data layer 200 is provided with a data storage area 40, and decorative areas 50a and 50b. The layer 200 can be repeatedly attached and detached from a carddisc base 204, whkh in some embodiments, is clear and is sufficiently rigid to maintain a substantially planar surface 208 upon which the thin film layer 200 can be attached and reattached. In addition to having the data storage area 40 and the decorative areas 50a and 50b, the layer 200 may also include a magnetk strip area (e.g,on the same side 212 of the layer as the data storage area 40, or on an opposite side 216 of the layer 200). Moreover, the layer 200 may contain other forms of identification such as a user name area 28, signature location 24, one or more account numbers and an expiration date.

The data layer 200 can be produced by printing and/or bonding the above-mentioned data areas to, e.g., a Mylar sheet or substrate. In particular, such printing and/or bonding techniques can be used to provide the optkal data storage area 40. That is, such techniques are capable of providing metallized optically detectable data structures corresponding to the pits and lands of compact disc data encodings. Accordingly, various types of optkal data storage technologies may be used for the data storage area 40. In particular, the data storage area 40 may be read-only, write once (e.g., CDR, DVDR) and/or read- write many times (e^ CDRW, DDDRW). The layer 200 also includes a center hole 220 that is intended to substantially align with a center hole 224 in the carddisc base 204 when the layer 200 is properly aligned on the base 204 so that similarly shaped edges coincide.

Regarding the carddisc base 204, in one embodiment, the base is a clear plastic that is effective for providing both proper support and for providing a surface 208 with adherence qualities that are compatible with repeatedly attaching and detaching a thin film layer 200. In another embodiment, the carddisc base 204 may be hinged along an edge such as in Figs. 3. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the layer 200 may be placed between the hinged portions of the base 208 when data on the layer 200 is to be accessed. In another embodiment, a slot (not shown) may be provided within the thickness of the base 204, wherein a layer 200, enclosed within a laminate for providing greater rigidity, is able to be inserted within the slot when the data on the layer is desired to be read. Subsequently, the layer can be removed from the slot when it is not desired to (optically or magnetically) access the data on the layer. A plurality of layers 200 may be easily carried by a user in, e.g., a compact carrying case, and when desired, the user can select one of the plurality of layers 200 to be combined with a carddisc base 204 for communicating data with a compatible optical or magnetk device such as a CD or DVD optkal data reader, or a magnetk card swipe reader.

Note additionally, that a base 204 need not be carried by a user. For example, a base 204 may be provided for use with each optkal or magnetic device for exchanging data with a layer 200 selected by a user. Also, note that various encryption, authentication, and/or copy protection techniques may be used with the present invention. In particular, chemically reactive polymers, purposefully embedded defects, and/or protection bands may be provided on either side of the layer 200 and/or the base 204. More particularly, the optkal protection techniques disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No.08/780,098 having the same assignee as the present application is incorporated herein by reference for thereby providing illustrative and enabling techniques for providing such copy protection. Moreover, additional copy protection techniques are also illustratively disclosed in international patent application PCT/US97/08842, which is additionally incorporated herein by reference.

Regarding the aspect of the present invention related to manufacturing of defects into an optkal disc the following techniques, I through 4, hereinbelow, are within the scope of the present invention.

I . A defect in a master disc (a "mastered defect") may be created by: (a) generating a continuous data land or data pit of sufficient length in the tracking direction; or (b) generating a series of defective data lands and/or data pits of sufficient frequency and/or length and/or data encoding peculiarity in the tracking direction to induce either a correctable or uncorrectable data error when the defect is transferred to an optical disc and an attempt to read the optkal disc is performed by an optkal disc reader. To generate such mastered defects, note that the process of mastering involves the conversion of a digital or analog source signal to code for subsequent translation into a digital pattern of pits and lands, wherein the transitions between lands and pits of the master disc are intended to then translate into readable data on an optkal disc generated from the master disc. The software for the present invention is intended to be incorporated into the software for controlling a master disc generating device. In particular, this software modifies the code derived from the source signals by replacing portions thereof with code interleaved with one or more encodings of purposefully induced defects, in some embodiments, the appropriate coding to decode a specified encoded pattern of purposefully induced defects is incorporated into the original program content.

The placement of the defects is controlled such that the created errors are individually detectable. One method of this may be the placement of defects in no more than every third sector, so that the effect of the normal interleaving of the original data is negated such that a detected error in a specific block of 3 sectors can be identified as being the effect of a purposefully induced defect in a specific sector.

Further, this software determines the areas of a master disc in whkh to place each purposefully induced defect by its sector address or time code. Subsequently, the software of the present invention causes the master disc generating devke to use the modified code in place of the code derived directly from the source signals to thereby generate defects on a master disc. For example, the defective code may be a continuous data pattern of "I '"s or a continuous pattern of "O's", which, in turn causes an LBR (Laser Beam Recorder) of a master disc generating devke to either remain in an "on" condition, creating a continuous pit, or to remain "off, creating a continuous land, as one skilled in the art will understand. Accordingly, by replacing a valid data pattern within an area of the master disc with a continuous data pit 20 (Fig.7) or data land 22 (Fig. 8), a corresponding digital error can be generated on an optkal disc generated from the disc master, wherein the error is either correctable or uncorrectable, depending on the size of the defect 20 and its position with regard to surrounding data bits. For example, an uncorrectable such continuous data pit or data land may be at least approximately 300 μm in length, and a correctable such data pit or data land may be less than approximately 300 μm in length. Such a defect 20 or 22 may be of normal track width in the radial direction 24 for the optkal disc medium. Note that in a typical optkal disc manufacturing process, commercially distributable optkal discs have their data encodings created through a variety of manufacturing processes including: injection/compression molding, utilizing a metal stamper whkh is a generated metal part that is the "inverse image" of the original master disc, or in some cases, the original master disc, where the original master disc is inscribed with the inverse image of the final disc data pattern; and a printing method that creates the data pattern on a subsurface of the final disc. 2. Alternatively, a mastered defect may be created that spans multiple tracks. In Fig.9, a mastered defect

26 is shown that is of multi-track width in the radial direction 24. The defect 26 may be of sufficient length in the tracking direction 28, or include a long enough series of smaller mastered defects that are of multi-track width in the radial direction 24 so that either a correctable or uncorrectable data error is generated when a read is attempted.

Accordingly, such a defect 26 can replace the legitimate data that would normally reside in that particular area. 3. In another embodiment, a mastered defect may be etched into either a glass master or one of the series of metal parts generated from it. Accordingly, the etched defect will be duplicated in the commercially distributable optkal discs that are either directly or indirectly generated from the master so that the commercially distributable optkal disks have corresponding defects of sufficient length in the tracking direction or there are a series of etched defects of sufficient quantity and length in the tracking direction to cause either a correctable or uncorrectable data error to be generated when such a generated commercially distributable disk is supplied to an optkal reader. The process of etching in defects may be accomplished by any means that is adequate to create the desired defect (for example: laser etching, burning, drilling, cutting, slicing, punching, etc.). Such a defect replaces the data that normally resides in the area etched. The defect can be either of normal track width or of multi-track width in the radial direction 24 for that particular optkal disc medium. Such etching may also be controlled by a locating technique which provides a similar data location accuracy as provided by the software program described hereinabove for placing defective data pits or data lands on a master disc. This locating technique may involve: (a) inscribing a radial line outwardly from a center of the surface of the disc; (b) utilizing testing devke to locate both this radial line and the location of a specific data area with respect to the radial line; and (c) having the testing devke provide the position of the specific data area with respect to the radial line, wherein the defect will be created on this specific area.

4. In another embodiment, one or more defects can be created in each commercially distributable optkal disc by physically damaging each such optkal disk directly during the manufacturing process by techniques such as cutting, slicing, punching, burning, etching, painting, sticking the disk with a sharp pointed implement, etc., so that a purposefully induced defect of sufficient length in the tracking direction is produced, or a series of physical defects of sufficient quantity and length in the tracking direction is produced to generate one or more correctable or uncorrectable data errors when a read of the defective area is attempted. As in previous embodiments, the defects for the present embodiment replace the data that would normally reside in the particular areas having the defects. Moreover, such one or more defects are either of normal track width or of multi-track width in the radial direction for the particular optkal disc medium being utilized.

The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Further, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill and knowledge of the rekvant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain the best mode presently known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention as such, or in other embodiments, and with the various modifications required by the particular application or uses of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An identification card, comprising: a magnetk strip for encoding data thereon, wherein said strip is capable of being read when said card is swiped through a magnetic strip reader, said strip detectable from a first surface of said card; an optkal data storage portion for encoding data thereon, wherein said optkal data storage portion is capable of being read from one of: said first surface, and a second surface of said card, when an optkal disc reader rotates said card about a hole in said card.

2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim I , wherein said card is approximately 2'/₄ inches by 3 V₈ inches.

3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim I , wherein said optical data storage portion includes data readable by one of a compact disc reader, and a DVD reader.

4. An apparatus as claimed in Claim I , further including visually detectable information on one of said first and second surfaces.

5. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, wherein a name identifying a person that can provide access to the data encoded on the card is provided on one of said first and second surfaces.

6. An apparatus as claimed in Claim I , wherein said optkal data storage portion is recessed from at least a raised boundary area surrounding said optical data storage area.

7. An apparatus as claimed in Claim I, wherein said card includes a protective covering for said optkal data storage portion.

8. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said protective covering is foldable so that said protective covering is capable of folding adjacent to said first side in a first configuration, and adjacent to said second side in a second configuration.

9. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said optical data storage portion is provided on said protective covering.

10. An apparatus as claimed in Claim I , wherein a second optkal data storage portion is included on one of said first and said second sides not having said optical data storage portion.

11. A method for creating physical defects on an optkal disc for identifying said optkal disc, comprising: receiving source signals of data to be encoded onto said optkal disc; combining a representation of said source signals with one or more defective codes; encoding said representation having said defective codes onto said optical disc so that sites of said optical disc having encodings of said defective codes are capable of generating one or more errors when said optical disc is read by an optical reader, wherein said one or more errors are capable of being identified for identifying said optkal disc.

12. A method as claimed in Claim 11 , wherein said step of encoding includes encoding said combination of said representation and said one or more defective codes onto a master disc.

13. A method as claimed in Claim 11 , wherein said step of combining includes distributing said defective codes within said representation.

14. A method as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said step of combining includes replacing one or more portions of said representation with said defective codes.

15. A method, as claimed in Claim 11 , wherein said defective codes include at least one code for one of: a continuous data pit along an optkal disc track, and a continuous data land along an optkal disc track.

16. A method, as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said defective codes include a code for a defect that is of multi- track width in a radial direction of said optical disc.

17. A method for creating physical defects on an optkal disc for ^'identifying said optkal disk, comprising: receiving a source signal of data to be encoded onto said optkal disc; encoding a representation of said source signals onto a master optkal disc; purposefully damaging said master optical disc for providing one or more defective data areas; transferring data from said master disc to said optkal disc, said optkal disc including one or more corresponding data areas corresponding to said one or more defective data areas of said master optical disc, wherein when said corresponding data areas are read by an optkal reader, one or more errors are generated that are capable of being identified for identifying said optical disc.

18. A method, as claimed in Claim 17, wherein said step of purposefully damaging said master optkal disc includes etching said defective data areas into said master disc.

19. A method for creating physical defects on an optkal disc for use in identifying said optkal disc, comprising: transferring data from a master optkal disc to said optkal disc; determining one or more areas of said optkal disc having data thereon; purposefully damaging said one or more areas so that when said areas are read by an optkal reader, read errors are generated that are capable of being identified for identifying said optkal disc.

20. A method as claimed in Claim 19, wherein said step of purposefully damaging said optical disc includes predetermining said one or more areas.

21. A method as claimed in Claim 19, wherein said step of determining includes determining a relative position of each of said areas with respect to an identifiable location on said optkal disc. II

22. A method for creating physical defects on an optkal disc for ^'identifying said optical disc, comprising: receiving a source signal of data to be encoded onto said optkal disc; encoding a representation of said source signals onto a master optkal disc; creating a metal part or a series of metal parts from the master optical disc; purposefully damaging said metal part for providing one or more defective data areas; transferring data from said metal part to said optkal disc, said optkal disc including one or more corresponding data areas corresponding to said one or more defective areas of said master optkal disc, wherein said corresponding data areas are read by an optkal reader, one or more errors are generated that are capable of being identified for identifying said optkal disc.

23. A method, as claimed in Claim 22, wherein said step of purposefully damaging said metal part includes etching said defective data areas into said metal part.

24. A method, as claimed in Claim 22, wherein said step of purposefully damaging said optkal disc includes predetermining one or more areas for purposefully damaging.

25. A method, as claimed in Claim 22, wherein said step of purposefully damaging includes locating a particular one of said areas to be damaged by determining a relative position of the particular one area with respect to an identifiable location on said optical disc.

26. An apparatus for creating physical defects on an optkal disc, comprising: means for receiving source signals of data to be encoded onto said optkal disc; means for combining a representation of said source signals with one or more defective codes; means for encoding said representation having said defective codes onto said optkal disc so that sites of said optkal disc having encodings of said defective codes are capable of generating one or more errors when said optkal disc is read by an optical reader, wherein said one or more errors are capable of being identified for identifying said optical disc.

27. An apparatus for creating physical defects on an optkal disc, comprising: means for receiving a source signal of data to be encoded onto said optkal disc; means for encoding a representation of said source signals onto a master optical disc; means for purposefully damaging said master optkal disc for providing one or more defective data areas; means for transferring data from said master disc to said optkal disc, said optkal disc including one or more corresponding data areas corresponding to said one or more defective data areas of said master optkal disc, wherein when said corresponding data areas are read by an optical reader, one or more errors are generated that are capable of being identified for identifying said optical disc.

28. An apparatus for creating physical defects on an optical disc, comprising: means for transferring data from a master optkal disc to said optical disc; means for determining one or more areas of said optkal disc having data thereon; means for purposefully damaging said one or more areas so that when said areas are read by an optical reader, read errors are generated that are capable of being identified for identifying said optkal disc.

29. An apparatus for creating physical defects on an optical disc, comprising: means for receiving a source signal of data to be encoded onto said optical disc; means for encoding a representation of said source signals onto a master optical disc; means for creating a metal part or a series of metal parts from the master optical disc; means for purposefully damaging said metal part for providing one or more defective data areas; means for transferring data from said metal part to said optical disc, said optkal disc including one or more corresponding data areas corresponding to said one or more defective areas of said master optkal disc, wherein said corresponding data areas are read by an optical reader, one or more errors are generated that are capable of being identified for identifying said optical disc.