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  Labeling apparatus and method for disk storage mediaUSPTO Application #: 20070222851Title: Labeling apparatus and method for disk storage media Abstract: A label printer system includes a disk storage medium including a thermally-sensitive layer formed on at least a portion of an upper surface. A rotational drive rotates the disk storage medium and a transverse drive moves a laser substantially transversely with respect to the disk storage medium. A memory includes a symbol set and a label printer driver. A processor uses the label printer driver to control the rotational drive and the transverse drive in order to thermally write the symbol set to the thermally-sensitive layer of the disk storage medium, using the laser. (end of abstract) Agent: Hewlett Packard Company - Fort Collins, CO, US Inventor: Barry Bronson USPTO Applicaton #: 20070222851 - Class: 347224000 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070222851. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to labeling for a computer disk storage media, and more particularly to labeling employing a computer disk drive. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Increasingly large amounts of information are stored on various types of storage media. The popularity of larger and larger capacity storage media is growing due to increasing computer use. Therefore, many types of large data storage needs exist. Examples of situations where computer users need or desire large storage media are for holding database records, software programs, graphics, audio, video, etc. This increasing demand for digital storage media has resulted in the popularity of optical storage media, such as compact disks (CDs) and digital video disks or digital versatile disks (DVDs). [0003] This need for data storage corresponds with a need for labeling of disk contents. The explosion of user writable optical media, such as writable CDs and the recent emergence of writable DVDs, has resulted in large quantities of user created disks. [0004] In the prior art there are several approaches to disk labeling. The first and simplest prior art labeling approach is marking on the disk with a pen or marker. However, while being simple and fast, it has several drawbacks. It could damage the disk and it may increase the likelihood of read errors during use of the disk. In addition, the hand marking approach cannot record detailed or large amounts of information, is not as visually pleasing, generally does not allow for graphics, and may smudge and degrade over time. [0005] A second approach to labeling is an adhesive label that may be independently created and stuck to the disk. The drawbacks of this approach is that extra effort is required by the person making such a label. Moreover, the creation of the label may be easily put off and forgotten because it may require too much effort to always be done at the time of disk creation recording. Moreover, it requires extra effort if additional information is later recorded onto the disk. [0006] A third approach is a digital label approach wherein digital data is internally stored as part of the information on the disk and not on an external label. This may allow permanent marking and may allow for larger quantities of data. However, the drawbacks are that a person or user cannot visually read the label and must insert the disk into a disk drive to read the label. [0007] A fourth approach is an approach illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,031 to Kahle, wherein a bubble jet or inkjet label printer is built into a disk drive. Although this allows a user to put large quantities of data on the label and allows it to be printed in a professional and neat manner, there are still several drawbacks. One drawback is that it is expensive. This prior art approach adds to the cost of a disk drive and requires frequent re-supply of materials such as ink or ink cartridges. Furthermore, it will increase the size of the disk drive. Another drawback is that the ink from the label printer may get into the drive mechanism and may foul the read and writing lasers of the disk drive. Yet another drawback is a recurring effort of maintaining and resupplying ink to the label printer. Yet another drawback is that heat in the drive mechanism may dry out the ink. [0008] Therefore, there remains a need in the art for improvements to computer disk media labeling. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] A label printer system comprises a disk storage medium including a thermally-sensitive layer formed on at least a portion of an upper surface. A rotational drive rotates the disk storage medium and a transverse drive moves a laser substantially transversely with respect to the disk storage medium. A memory includes a symbol set and a label printer driver. A processor uses the label printer driver to control the rotational drive and the transverse drive in order to thermally write the symbol set to the thermally-sensitive layer of the disk storage medium, using the laser. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a label printer system according to one embodiment of the invention; [0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic of a label printer system according to another embodiment of the invention; [0012] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a label printing method according to one embodiment of the invention; and [0013] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a label printing method according to another embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a label printer system 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The label printer system 100 includes a disk drive 110, a processor 133, and a memory 130. The disk drive 110 includes a rotational drive 113 capable of controlling the rotation of a disk storage medium 115, such as a CD or DVD disk, for example. The disk drive 110 further includes a transverse drive 121 capable of controlling a transverse motion of the laser head 118 toward the center of the disk storage medium 115. The disk drive 110 further includes a laser head 118, including at least a writing laser 109 for reading from and writing to the disk storage medium 115. The laser head 118 may alternatively include both a read laser 108 and a writing laser 109. [0015] The processor 133 may be any type of general purpose processor capable of controlling the rotational drive 113 and the transverse drive 121 for normal disk read and write operations. In addition, the processor 133 is capable of controlling the rotational drive 113, the transverse drive 121, and the laser head 118 for a label printing operation. [0016] The memory 130 may be any type of digital memory. The memory 130 may store, among other things, a disk orientation variable 149, a symbol set 146, a label printer driver 138, a disk rotational position 162, and a transverse position 166. In addition, the memory 130 may store software or firmware to be executed by the processor 133. [0017] The processor 133 and memory 130 may comprise a specially programmed disk controller that is part of the disk drive 110. Alternatively, the processor 133 and the memory 130 may be part of a personal computer or work station (not shown), and may perform additional control of the disk drive 110. [0018] The disk storage medium 115 may be any type of disk medium wherein a rotational and transverse drive are used to read and write data from the disk storage medium 115. This may include a CD disk, a DVD disk, etc. [0019] The disk storage medium 115 includes a thermally-sensitive layer 117 that changes color when heated. The heating is accomplished by a writing laser. The color change may be used in order to form alpha-numeric characters, graphics, etc. The thermally-sensitive layer 117 may change to a black color when heated, for example. Alternatively, the thermally-sensitive layer 117 may change to other colors, as desired. Continue reading... Full patent description for Labeling apparatus and method for disk storage media Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Labeling apparatus and method for disk storage media patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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