Non-mechanical recording and retrieval apparatus

Details Non-mechanical recording and retrieval apparatus Non-mechanical recording and retrieval apparatus

1998-09-30

2001-09-11

Nguyen, Hoa T. (Department: 2651)

Dynamic information storage or retrieval

Specific detail of information handling portion of system

Radiation beam modification of or by storage medium

C126S032000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06288995

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to recording and retrieval devices and, more particularly, to a device for recording data on an electron-sensitive and/or UV light-sensitive (e.g., x-ray mammography) film and a device for retrieving the recorded data from the film.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The storage and retrieval of digital data plays a significant role in many areas of modem technology. For example, computers, compact disk players, digital video disk players, digitized medical x-rays, and other devices all utilize digital data. As such, each of these devices requires a medium for storing digital data and, one or more mechanisms for storing and/or retrieving such data to and from the storage medium.
Due to the critical role digital data plays in the operation of many devices, it is essential to store such data in a manner that ensures reliable retrieval. In many instances, it is also important to substantially optimize the speed at which such data can be retrieved.
Heretofore mechanical devices have played a significant role in retrieval and recording devices. By way of example, floppy disk drives, hard disk drives, compact disk drives and digital video disk players, all require sophisticated mechanical structures which rotate the storage medium during retrieval of digital data. However, such mechanical devices are susceptible to premature failure. Indeed, in the typical case, the mechanical components of conventional storage and retrieval devices fail long before the useful lives of the electronics and electrical components associated with those devices have expired. Thus, there is a need for improved apparatus for reliably storing and retrieving digital data from a storage medium.
There are many well known storage media for storing digital data. Exemplary media include floppy disks, hard disks, compact disks, and digital video disks. Such media can be read-only, such as is typically the case with compact disks and digital video disks, or read-write, such as is typically the case with floppy disks and hard disks.
Traditional storage media have suffered from certain drawbacks. For example, some traditional storage media are expensive to manufacture. In addition, some traditional storage media are limited in the amount of data they can store per unit of space they consume. For example, a traditional 3½ inch floppy disk can only store 1.44 megabytes of digital data. Thus, there is a need for an improved storage medium that is relatively inexpensive to produce and copy, and which has improved data storage density capabilities and a longer reliable lifespan. Some of these storage media use magnetic technology which has a very short reliable lifespan. The cd storage media may have a longer lifespan than the magnetic storage media, but its reliable lifespan is also considerably shorter than the recently developed electron-sensitive and/or UV light-sensitive film.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for recording digital data on a film is provided. The apparatus includes a vacuum tube having first and second ends; an electron gun disposed at the first end of the vacuum tube for discharging a beam of electrons into the tube; and at least one set of focusing lenses associated with the vacuum tube for focusing the electron beam discharged by the electron gun. It also includes a support for securing a sheet of film at the second end of the vacuum tube; a beam deflection system for directing the electron beam to follow a controlled path; and, means for controlling the electron gun to adjust a characteristic of the electron beam to selectively expose portions of the film to thereby record digital data on the film without moving the film.
In some embodiments, the apparatus is further provided with a faceplate disposed at the second end of the vacuum tube and an anode disposed adjacent the support externally to the vacuum tube.
In some embodiments, the beam deflection system comprises deflection electrodes and a control circuit. In some such embodiments, the control circuit comprises a synchronization generator.
In some embodiments, the control means comprises a control grid coupled to a grid control circuit which modulate the electron beam between on and off states representative of digital data. In such embodiments, the control means modulates the beam to controllably switch between a natural threshold of radiation associated with a faceplate disposed at the second end of the vacuum tube.
In some embodiments, the control means exposes the portions of the film to create a pattern of at least partially transparent spots corresponding to digital data.
In some embodiments, the control means periodically records variable coordinate values with the digital data to facilitate playback. In some such embodiments, the variable coordinate values are referenced to a predefined location on the film. Preferably, a reference target is recorded at the predefined location on the film.
In any of the foregoing embodiments, the film can be either electron sensitive or UV light sensitive. In embodiments, employing UV sensitive film, the apparatus further includes a phosphor coated faceplate disposed adjacent the second end of the vacuum tube, and the beam deflection system directs the electron beam across a surface of the faceplate and the control means adjusts the beam characteristic to selectively illuminate positions on the faceplate. The illuminated positions expose corresponding locations of the film.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for use with a light source is provided. The apparatus is adapted for retrieving digital data stored on a film. It includes a vacuum tube having first and second ends; an electron gun disposed at the first end of the vacuum tube for discharging a beam of electrons into the tube; and at least one set of focusing lenses associated with the vacuum tube for focusing the electron beam discharged by the electron gun. The apparatus also includes a support for securing a sheet of film at the second end of the vacuum tube such that light from the light source passes through exposed portions of the film; a target for generating electrical signals when simultaneously exposed to light and electrons; and a beam deflection system for directing the electron beam towards at least one predefined location on the faceplate to retrieve data stored on the film without moving the film.
Preferably, the apparatus further includes an output associated with the target for coupling the electrical signals generated by the target to an external device. The electrical signals are representative of digital data stored on the film.
Preferably, the apparatus is also provided with a faceplate disposed at the second end of the vacuum tube, and the target is preferably implemented as an electrode disposed on the faceplate. In such embodiments, the target generates electrical signals when the electron beam traverses a spot on the target illuminated by the light passing through an exposed portion of the film.
In some embodiments, the apparatus is further provided with an optical lens for focusing the light passing through the exposed portions of the film on the target. In some such embodiments, the lens is integrally focused with a faceplate disposed at the second end of the vacuum tube.
Preferably, the apparatus is further provided with an output circuit coupled to the target. The output circuit includes a power supply and a biasing resistor.
In some embodiments, the beam deflection system comprises a drive circuit and a set of electrostatic grids. In such embodiments, the drive circuit may optionally comprise a microprocessor, and/or the drive circuit may optionally drive the electrostatic grids to cause the electron beam to traverse predefined locations of the faceplate. In some such embodiments, the predetermined locations are identified by referencing a target location recorded on the film.
In some embodiments, the apparatus is provided with a map stored on the film and identifying star

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Non-mechanical recording and retrieval apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Non-mechanical recording and retrieval apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Non-mechanical recording and retrieval apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2465387