Perishable media system and method of operation

A perishable media system including a media writer for writing information to a perishable media information storage mechanism, a media reader for reading information written on the perishable media information storage mechanism, a data access eliminator for eliminating access to the information written on the perishable media information storage mechanism, and an interpretation mechanism. The system operates by writing information to the perishable media information storage mechanism with the media writer, thereafter reading the information with the media reader. Once the information is read by the media reader and interpreted by the interpretation mechanism, the data access eliminator, in the form of a light, magnetic field, or bias eliminates access to the information.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention pertains to the field of media information systems, 
and more particularly to the elimination of information contained on an 
information storage mechanisms when read by a reader and method of 
operation. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Information storage mechanisms currently found in today's market include 
many durable media formats. The most common of these durable medias are 
compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), and magnetic tapes. 
Durable medias are commonly found in many industries including the movie 
and music industry, and are often utilized in the dissemination of 
consumer information. At a basic level, the information contained on 
existing durable media often lasts an inappropriately long time given the 
content, sensitivity, or application of the contained information. 
Forecasts, census data, safety procedures, and the like, all have 
lifetimes after which the data can no longer be relied upon as current. 
Unfortunately, the durable media on which it is distributed lasts beyond 
this useful life allowing careless individuals the opportunity to misuse 
the outdated information. 
In the video rental industry, movies are typically contained on durable 
media which last beyond the rental period, thus the media must be returned 
to the store. This is both inconvenient for the consumer and the vendor in 
keeping track of the media. In the instance of sensitive material that is 
contained on a durable media, the information must be tracked extensively 
and explicitly destroyed at a costly price, in that the data will last for 
an extended period of time. 
One of the most common of the durable medias, CD-Rs (recordable compact 
discs), employs dyes and variants which exhibit widely different 
tolerances to light exposure in determining the media lifetime. 
Specifically, cyanine dyes are most commonly used in CD-Rs which are 
considered to be relatively stable and therefore provide for recordation 
of data for an extended period of time. In many instances, such as those 
described above, this extended period of time in which the recordation of 
information is contained on the durable media presents a problem. 
Thus, there is a need for a media system in which information can be 
written on an information storage mechanism that upon the interaction with 
a media information system reader, the stored information is eliminated or 
access to the information is eliminated. 
Accordingly, it is highly desirable to provide for a new and improved 
perishable media system including a means for writing information onto a 
perishable media information storage mechanism, wherein the information on 
the media information storage mechanism is deemed perishable in nature 
upon the happening of a preset determined occurrence. The compatible media 
reader includes a means for eliminating information or eliminating access 
to information stored on the media information storage mechanism, and an 
interpretation mechanism. 
It is yet a further purpose of the present invention to provide for a new 
and improved media system in which information recorded on a compatible 
media information storage mechanism is eliminated or access to the 
information is eliminated upon interaction with the media reader based on 
a predetermined use factor. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The above problems and others are substantially solved and the above 
purposes and others are realized in an perishable media system, including 
a means for writing information to a perishable media information storage 
mechanism, a means for reading information written on the perishable media 
information storage mechanism. The means for reading the information 
includes a means for eliminating the information or eliminating access to 
the information written on the perishable media information storage 
mechanism, once the information has been read by the means for reading. 
The perishable media disc generally includes a substrate, a data layer for 
recording data thereon the perishable media information storage mechanism, 
including a material responsive to at least one predetermined access 
elimination factor, and a protective lacquer coating. The means for 
reading generally includes a means for eliminating access to the 
perishable media information storage mechanism dependent upon the 
perishable media structure. 
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth 
in the claims. The invention itself, however, as well as other features 
and advantages thereof will be best understood by reference to detailed 
descriptions which follow, when read in conjunction with the accompanying 
drawings, wherein: 
FIG. 1 is a simplified isometric diagram of a perishable media system 
according to the present invention; 
FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a perishable media system according 
to the present invention; and 
FIG. 3 is a simplified sectional view, illustrating a portion of a 
perishable media information storage mechanism including a data layer, the 
data layer including properties responsive to a predetermined data 
elimination use factor, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
During the course of this description, like numbers are used to identify 
like elements according to the different figures that illustrate the 
invention. The present invention is based on utilizing a reader that has 
fabricated as a part thereof a means for data access elimination when 
interacting with a perishable media information storage mechanism. The 
system includes a means for writing information to the media information 
storage mechanism prior to reading by the media reader. 
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrated in isometric diagram and block 
diagram, respectively, is a perishable media system 10 according to the 
present invention. Perishable media system 10 includes a media writer 12, 
a perishable media information storage mechanism 14, a media reader 16, an 
interpretation mechanism 18 and an interface 20. Media writer 12, in this 
particular embodiment is fabricated as a programmed user device on which 
is provided a plurality of user control keys 22. It should be understood 
that user control keys 22 are specific to this preferred embodiment, and 
that alternate user interface means are anticipated by this disclosure 
such as a voice interface, a touch screen, joysticks, mouse, or the like. 
As illustrated, user control keys 22 are provided as part of a display 24. 
Media writer 12 as illustrated is a stand alone device which may be 
provided in a free-standing kiosk type structure that would allow for the 
downloading of music, video, consumer information, or the like to media 
information storage mechanism 14. In this particular embodiment, media 
writer 12 includes a laser writer 13 for the downloading, or writing, of 
information to media information storage mechanism 14 which contains 
recordable properties. It should be understood that alternative means for 
writing information to perishable media information storage mechanism 14 
such as the use of electromagnetic techniques, and opto-magnetic 
techniques are anticipated by this disclosure. 
Media information storage mechanism 14 generally includes a recordable data 
layer, which in response to predetermined factors and conditions is 
perishable, thus eliminating access to recorded data by simply blocking 
access or actually destroying the data. The basic predetermined factor 
utilized for the elimination of access to the recorded data is based on 
use. More specifically, data recorded on media information storage 
mechanism 14 having included as a part thereof a perishable data layer, is 
readable based on a use factor. When the recorded data on the media disc 
is read utilizing reader 16 such as a CD player, or the like, the data 
read is automatically erased. This perishing of data is typically based on 
the use of a perishable data layer that utilizes decayable dyes, magnetic 
properties, such as magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), liquid 
crystal materials, or photosensitive materials. During operation, that 
portion of data that has been read in response to either magnetic forces, 
a bias, or light exerted by the player becomes inaccessible either through 
destruction of the recorded information or by denying access to the 
recorded information, leaving unread portions in an unaltered state. 
Media reader 16 is fabricated generally similar to a standard CD or DVD 
player with the addition of data access elimination capabilities. The 
ability to deny access to information, or destroy recorded information, is 
based on the type of perishable media disc utilized as enumerated above. 
Accordingly, media reader 16 includes a means for data access elimination, 
referred to in the broadest sense as a data access eliminator 17. 
Dependent upon the type of media disc, (decayable dye based, liquid 
crystal based, MRAM based, photosensitive based, etc.) data access 
eliminator 17 includes a laser, characterized as generating a light of a 
specific wavelength, a means for generating a magnetic field, or a means 
for generating a bias. In each instance, information recorded on media 
information storage mechanism 14 would be either destroyed or access to 
the information would be eliminated. 
Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is a sectional view of recordable 
media information storage mechanism 14. More specifically, illustrated is 
a portion of a recordable media information storage mechanism 14. 
Recordable media information storage mechanism 14 includes a substrate 30 
having an uppermost surface 31. Substrate 30 is generally composed of a 
clear optical quality polycarbonate transparent material. Substrate 30 is 
formed through injection molding techniques. Substrate 30 has formed on 
uppermost surface 31 a data layer 34. In this particular embodiment, data 
layer 34 is formed of a decayable dye material 35 such as 
Bis(p-dimethylaminophenyl)phenyl-4-methylaminomethylium chloride; Methyl 
Violet; CI Basic. Violet 1 (4-NHMe) C.sub.24 H.sub.28 N.sub.3 Cl(393.5), 
Bis(4-dimethylam-inophenyl) streptopolymethinecyanine (n=2) C.sub.21 
H.sub.25 N.sub.2 Cl(340.5), 4-(4'-Dimethylaminostyryl)-2, 
6-diphenyltelluropyrylium tetrafluoroborate(n=1; tetrafluoroborate) 
C.sub.27 H.sub.24 NBF.sub.4 Te(576.4), Bis(chalcogenopyrylo) methine (n=1; 
X=S; Y=Se; Z=ClO.sub.4) C.sub.37 H.sub.27 O.sub.4 ClSSe(681.6), other dyes 
from the polymethine family or basic dyes, or other typically known dyes 
utilized in the information storage field when fabricated in a thin state, 
typically less than 100 nm in thickness. 
Data layer 34 serves to record data when recording laser 13 (FIG. 2) 
selectively changes the characteristics of dye layer 35 by simply melting 
portions of it slightly. This causes portions of data layer 34 to become 
translucent so that the reading laser device 19 (FIG. 2) is reflected back 
to the reader's sensors rather than absorbed. 
As stated, in this particular embodiment, data layer 34 is fabricated from 
a decayable dye material. Dye material 35 includes inherently weaker 
chemical bonds which accelerate its destruction, thus the loss of 
recordable data in response to a predetermined use factor. Dye material 35 
in an un-melted state absorbs laser wavelengths used to read data. To 
represent bits, spots of dye material 35 on media information storage 
mechanism 14 are melted which allows the light from the disc reader 16 to 
reflect back to the detector. When dye material 35 breaks down, due to 
heat or exposure to light, reflection is enabled, effectively destroying 
the data recorded on the media information storage mechanism 14. During 
operation of media information storage mechanism 14 having data recorded 
thereon, dye material 35 is decayable after information is read by reader 
16. More specifically, media information storage mechanism 14 which is 
typically able to be read by a standard CD reader, is exposed to data 
access eliminator 17, which in this particular example is a specific laser 
light. This exposure to laser light causes the melting of dye material 35, 
thereby eliminating access to the data recorded on media information 
storage mechanism 14 by actually destroying the data. Media information 
storage mechanism 14, more particularly dye material 35 is fabricated to 
allow for the melting of dye material only to the extent of the actual 
data read. Accordingly, the user of media information storage mechanism 14 
would have the ability to stop the reading of data contained on media 
information storage mechanism 14 at a random point without the destruction 
of data unread and remaining on media information storage mechanism 14. It 
should be understood that a combination of use and time factors can be 
combined so as to permit the destruction of data recorded on media 
information storage mechanism 14 at a certain predetermined time, i.e. ten 
days from time of recordation, regardless of whether or not the 
information has been read by reader 16. 
Media information storage mechanism 14 has positioned on an uppermost 
surface 37 of recordable data layer 34, a reflective layer 36. Reflective 
layer 36 is composed of a metal material positioned on top of dye material 
35. Reflective layer 36 serves to reflect the reading laser beam 19 (FIG. 
2) back to the reading assembly. In a preferred embodiment, reflective 
layer 36 is formed of a 24K gold material, but the use of silver and 
aluminum are anticipated by this disclosure. 
There is positioned on an uppermost surface 38 of reflective layer 36, a 
protective layer 39. Protective layer 39 is typically formed of a 
protective lacquer coating and serves to protect the underlying structure. 
Protective layer 39 is spincoated in a thin layer on top of reflective 
layer 36 to protect it from abrasion and corrosion. 
Alternative embodiments of media information storage mechanism 14 are also 
disclosed in which data layer 34 is essentially formed as a liquid crystal 
memory cell, includes MRAM, or includes a photosensitive material. In the 
instance where data layer 34 is formed as a liquid crystal memory cell, 
steps are completed so as to record varying data information in data layer 
34 utilizing laser writing techniques in combination with liquid crystal 
material characteristics. During operation, data recorded within data 
layer 34 is read by reader 16 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Once data is read, in 
response to an exerted bias, that portion of data contained in data layer 
34 is destroyed, thus erased. The destruction of data is accomplished by 
biasing portions of the liquid crystal memory cell, thus changing the 
molecular structure of liquid crystal material contained therein. 
Data layer 34 can additionally be formed to include a photosensitive 
material such as silver halide, or other similar material characterized as 
undergoing a change in composition upon the exposure to light exerted by 
reader 16 (FIGS. 1 and 2) and a recording medium. The recording medium is 
disclosed as being formed of an organic dye material, such as cyanine, 
typically used for the recordation of data therein. As an alternative, 
data can be formed as part of substrate 30, and is pressed into the 
uppermost surface 31 of substrate 30 by a "stamper" during the injection 
molding process. The recording medium serves to record data when recording 
laser 13 (FIG. 2) selectively exposes portions of the recording medium. 
This causes portions of the recording medium to become either opaque so 
that reading laser beam 13 (FIG. 2) is refracted rather than reflected 
back to the reader's sensors or recording medium becomes translucent so 
that the reading laser beam 13 is reflected back to the reader's sensors. 
The photosensitive material is formed on an uppermost surface of the 
recording medium and includes light reactive properties that make it 
reactive to the exposure of light, hence reactive to the reading, or use, 
when data is read in reader 16 (FIGS. 1 and 2). 
During operation of media disc 14 having data recorded therein the 
recording medium or stamped thereon a surface 31 of substrate 30, the 
photosensitive material is initially transparent to the wavelength of 
light utilized by reader 16 (FIGS. 1 and 2). After information is read by 
the reading laser 16, the photosensitive material changes from a 
transparent state to an opaque state, thereby eliminating access to the 
recorded information in that reflection is prevented, effectively 
eliminating access to the data on the media information storage mechanism 
14. Media information storage mechanism 14, more particularly the 
photosensitive material is fabricated to allow for the exposing to the 
point of elimination of access of recorded data only to the extent of the 
actual data read. Accordingly, the user of media information storage 
mechanism 14 would have the ability to stop the reading of data contained 
on media information storage mechanism 14 at a random point without the 
destruction of data unread and remaining on media information storage 
mechanism 14. 
Additional alternatives for data layer 34 include the incorporation of a 
plurality of magnetoresistive memory cells, utilizing magnetoresistive 
random access memory (MRAM) technology in which data is stored in the form 
of magnetization vectors. During use, data is recorded in data layer 34, 
more particularly the memory cells utilizing magnetic fields. Data is read 
by reader 16 (FIGS. 1 and 2) that has incorporated as data access 
eliminator 17 (FIG. 2) the ability to exert magnetic fields sufficient to 
erase information recorded within the memory cells. This exertion of 
magnetic fields provides for the elimination of data, thus the disabling 
of access or use of information due to the predetermined use factor. More 
specifically, once information is accessed or read, this use produces the 
magnetic field that destroys the recorded data. Further information 
regarding the fabrication of a memory cell utilizing MRAM technology can 
be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,605, entitled "MULTI-LAYER MAGNETIC 
TUNNELING JUNCTION MEMORY CELLS", assigned to the same assignee, and 
incorporated by this reference. 
Additional information on the fabrication of a perishable information 
storage mechanism such as that utilized for perishable media information 
storage mechanism media information storage mechanism 14 can be found in 
copending U.S. patent application, entitled, "PERISHABLE MEDIA INFORMATION 
STORAGE MECHANISM AND METHOD OF FABRICATION", bearing attorney docket no. 
CR 98-078, filed simultaneously herewith, assigned to the same assignee 
and incorporated herein by this reference. 
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, perishable media system 10 further 
includes an interpretation mechanism 18 in electrical interface with 
reader 16 utilizing a wired interconnect 20. It should be understood that 
a wireless interconnect, such as a radio frequency (RF) interconnect or an 
infra-red (IR) interconnect are anticipated by this disclosure. In this 
particular embodiment, interpretation mechanism 18 is fabricated as a 
typical visual image screen, such as a television, etc., but is should be 
understood that interpretation mechanism 18 would include any type of 
visual or audio interface. During operation data recorded on perishable 
media information storage mechanism 14 is read by reader 16 and relayed to 
interpretation mechanism 18 for interpretation, generally either through 
visual or audio means. 
Thus, a new and improved perishable media system is disclosed. The system 
is intended for use when recorded information is not intended to last an 
extended period of time such as that found with durable medias. The 
elimination of recorded information is controlled by a predetermined use 
factor and specific materials included within a data layer that by 
interaction with a reader of the media system serves to eliminate access 
to data recorded thereon the media disc. 
While we have shown and described specific embodiments of the present 
invention, further modifications and improvement will occur to those 
skilled in the art. We desire it to be understood, therefore, that this 
invention is not limited to the particular forms shown and we intend in 
the appended claims to cover all modifications that do not depart from the 
spirit and scope of this invention.