Method and apparatus for controlling access to storage media

Abstract

In embodiments, a method and apparatus for controlling access to a storage medium, such as an optically readable medium. Light sensitive or other materials that are adapted to change state and affect reading of a storage medium are used to control access to data that may be stored on optical medium and/or to control use of the medium.

1 . A method for controlling accessibility to data stored on a data storage medium comprising:
 providing a data storage medium comprising a substrate incorporating a data structure readable by an optical reader; a material placed on said and associated with said data structure, said material characterized as displaying at least two distinct optical states to said optical reader and configured to modify the read data; where said material, in its initial condition exhibits first of said optical states which exists for a defined duration, said material exhibits second of said optical states at conclusion of said defined duration;   recording data into said data structure;   providing optical reader readable instructions for execution by a processor to perform a method further comprising:
 prescribing rules for reading of said data based on optical state of said material; 
 determining the optical state of said material using said optical reader; and 
 enabling the reading of said data, by said optical in accordance with said rules. 
   
     
     
         2 . The method for controlling accessibility to data accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said material in said first optical state is configured to allow reading the said data structure and said material in said second optical state is configured to impede reading of said data structure. 
     
     
         3 . The method for controlling accessibility to data in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said material is configured to permit reading of said data structure by detecting difference between subsequent readings of the same portion of said material. 
     
     
         4 . The method for controlling accessibility to data in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said material is placed into its said initial condition by exposure to activating radiation. 
     
     
         5 . The method for controlling accessibility to data in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said substrate is a CD. 
     
     
         6 . The method for controlling accessibility to data in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said substrate is a DVD. 
     
     
         7 . The method for controlling accessibility to data in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said duration is time duration. 
     
     
         8 . The method for controlling accessibility to data in accordance with  claim 1 , where said duration is a number of readings of said data structure. 
     
     
         9 . The method for controlling accessibility to data in accordance with  claim 1 , where said distinct optical states differ in optical transparency. 
     
     
         10 . The method for controlling accessibility to data in accordance with  claim 1 , where said distinct optical states differ in optical reflectivity. 
     
     
         11 . The method for controlling accessibility to data in accordance with  claim 1 , where said material is a persistent light sensitive compound and said distinct optical states differ in persistence.