Microsoft patents 3D optical storage reader that focuses on data layers
Microsoft has patented a read head for optical storage media that stores data in three-dimensional layers of tiny units called voxels. The device uses an autofocus system to detect the depth of these layers and adjusts the camera focus to capture images of the data without moving the storage medium sideways.
In the filing’s own words
Provided are a read head and methods for reading a multi-layered optical data storage medium comprising a transparent substrate having layers of voxels embedded therein. The read head comprises an imaging system for capturing images of groups of voxels, wherein the read head is configured to bring the imaging system into focus on variable depths in a multi-layered optical data storage medium; and an autofocus system for identifying depth positions of voxels in the multi-layered optical data storage medium by sampling an area in the optical data storage medium. The autofocus system comprises a light source for illuminating the area; and a detector for detecting light from the light source transmitted through the multi-layered optical data storage medium. A method of reading data from a multi-layered optical storage medium comprises capturing, using an imaging system, images of sectors in a first track. The multi-layered optical data storage medium and imaging system are held at fixed lateral positions during the capture of the images.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A read head for reading a multi-layered optical data storage medium, the multi-layered optical data storage medium comprising a transparent substrate having layers of voxels embedded therein, which read head comprises: a controller; an actuator; an imaging system operably linked to the controller, the imaging system capturing an image of a group of voxels, wherein the actuator brings the imaging system into focus on variable depths in the multi-layered optical data storage medium; and an autofocus system operably linked to the controller, the autofocus system identifying depth positions of the group of voxels in the multi-layered optical data storage medium including sampling an area in the multi-layered optical data storage medium; wherein the autofocus system comprises: a light source, the light source illuminating the area; and a detector, the detector detecting light from the light source transmitted through the multi-layered optical data storage medium; and wherein the controller: determines, using the autofocus system, a depth position of the group of voxels in the multi-layered optical data storage medium; and in response to the determination, causes the imaging system to capture the image of the group of voxels.
Facts
- Company
- Microsoft (Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC)
- Official title
- Read head and methods for reading multilayer optical data storage media
- Patent number
- US12762780B2
- Application number
- 18580880
- Filed
- Aug 30, 2022
- Granted
- Oct 13, 2026
- Inventors
- 6
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G06T 15/00 Physics & computingG02B 5/3025 Physics & computingG03B 13/36 Physics & computingG06T 7/50 Physics & computingH04N 23/67 Electricity & electronicsMore from Microsoft in Chips & hardware
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.