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 recordable optical data storage medium comprising:
 a substrate incorporating a data recording and playback structure configured to provide for the recording and playback of optical data;   a light sensitive material, characterized in displaying at least two distinct optical states to an optical reader, placed on said substrate in a pattern associated with said data recording and playback structure;   said pattern of said light sensitive material configured to provide an unique code as read by optical reader.   
     
     
         2 . The recordable optical data storage medium, in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the said light sensitive material is configured to provide for the reading of the unique code when the said light sensitive material is in one of said at least two distinct optical states. 
     
     
         3 . The recordable optical data storage medium, in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the said light sensitive material is configured to provide for the reading of said unique code by detecting difference between subsequent readings of the same portion of said light sensitive material. 
     
     
         4 . The recordable optical data storage medium in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said substrate is a CD. 
     
     
         5 . The recordable optical data storage medium in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said substrate is a DVD. 
     
     
         6 . A method for distributing data files comprising:
 providing a recordable optical storage medium comprising a substrate incorporating a data recording and playback structure configured to provide for the recording and playback of optical data, said recordable optical storage medium comprising a light sensitive material placed on said substrate, in a pattern, and associated with said data recording and playback structure, said material characterized as displaying at least two distinct optical states to an optical reader, said pattern of said light sensitive material configured to provide unique code as read by optical reader;   remotely providing said data files to said recordable storage medium, wherein said data files are in encoded form that requires said unique code to be read with an optical reader, for said encoded data files to be decoded; and   providing instructions necessary to decode said data files using said unique code   
     
     
         7 . The method for distributing data files, in accordance with  claim 6 , where the INTERNET is used to provide said data files in encoded form. 
     
     
         8 . The method for distributing data files, in accordance with  claim 6 , where said data files are selected from the group consisting of movies, software and music. 
     
     
         9 . The method for distributing data files, in accordance with  claim 6 , wherein the recordable optical data storage medium is a CD. 
     
     
         10 . The method for distributing data files, in accordance with  claim 6 , wherein the recordable optical data storage medium is a DVD.