Patent Publication Number: US-2004052203-A1

Title: Light enabled RFID in information disks

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] This invention relates to wireless communication systems. In particular, the invention relates to the implementation of radio frequency identification components in information media to prevent the unauthorized use of copyrighted or otherwise secured works.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002] Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been used for wireless automatic identification. An RFID system typically includes a transponder, also referred to as a tag, an antenna, and a transceiver with a decoder. The tag includes a radio frequency integrated circuit and the antenna serves as a pipeline between the circuit and the transceiver. Data transfer between the tag and transceiver is wireless. RFID systems may provide non-contact, non-line of sight communication.  
       [0003] RF tag “readers” utilize an antenna as well as a transceiver and decoder. When a tag passes through an electromagnetic zone of a reader, it is activated by the signal from the antenna. The transceiver decodes the data on the tag and this decoded information is forwarded to a host computer for processing. Readers or interrogators can be fixed or handheld devices, depending on the particular application.  
       [0004] Several different types of tags are utilized in RFID systems, including passive, semi-passive, and active tags. Each type of tag may be read only or read/write capable. Passive tags obtain operating power from the radio frequency signal of the reader that interrogates the tag. Semi-passive and active tags are powered by a battery, which generally results in greater read range. Semi-passive tags may operate on a timer and periodically transmit information to the reader. Tags may also be activated when they are read or interrogated by a reader. Tags may control their output, which allows them to activate or deactivate apparatus remotely. Active tags can initiate communication, whereas passive and semi-passive tags are activated only when they are read by another device first. Active tags can supply instructions to a machine such that the machine may report its performance to the tag. Multiple tags may be located in a radio frequency field and may be read individually or simultaneously.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0005] According to the invention, an information disk comprises a disk structure having a metalized data storage area and a short wavelength electromagnetic light activated radio frequency identification processor coupled to the disk structure.  
       [0006] The processor may be embedded in the disk structure. The disk structure may include a surface and a protective coating that covers at least a part of the surface, with the processor being coupled between the surface and the protective coating. A recess may be positioned on the surface of the disk. The recess is sized for receiving the processor.  
       [0007] The structure of the information disk has an outer periphery and a center. In one embodiment, the processor is positioned at the outer periphery. In another embodiment, the metalized data storage area is positioned adjacent the outer periphery, and the processor is positioned between the center and the metalized data storage area. In yet another embodiment, the processor is coupled to the disk structure between the outer periphery and the center. In this latter embodiment, the metalized data storage area may comprise a data free portion, and the processor is coupled to the disk structure in the data free portion.  
       [0008] The processor may have a photo-active side that is oriented on the disk structure in a direction to allow activation of the processor by short wavelength electromagnetic light. The processor may be coupled to the disk structure with an adhesive.  
       [0009] The disk structure may include two disk layers that are bonded together. The processor may be positioned between the two disk layers. The processor may alternatively be coupled to an exterior surface of one of the disk layers.  
       [0010] The processor is preferably responsive to short wavelength electromagnetic light having a wavelength between about 1 nanometers and about 25 micrometers. In a more preferred embodiment, the processor is responsive to short wavelength electromagnetic light having a wavelength between about 380 nanometers and 750 nanometers. The light may be laser light.  
       [0011] The information disk may be one of a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-R(G), a DVD-R(A), a DVD-RW, a DVD-RAM, a DVD+RW, and a DVD+R.  
       [0012] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, an information disk comprises a disk structure having a metalized data storage area and a radio frequency identification processor coupled to the disk structure. The processor is enabled by light having a frequency ranging from about 300 GHz to about 3×10 17  Hz. In another embodiment, the processor is activatable by a light from an external source. The light is in at least one of the ultra-violet, visible, and infrared light areas of the electromagnetic spectrum. The light may be laser light.  
       [0013] In another embodiment of the invention, an information disk comprises a disk structure having a metalized data storage area, a short wavelength electromagnetic light activated radio frequency identification processor coupled to the disk structure, and an antenna electrically coupled to the processor. The antenna may be internal to and integral with the processor. Alternatively, the antenna may be coupled to the disk structure.  
       [0014] The disk structure may include a disk surface and the processor and antenna are positioned on the disk surface. A protective coating may be positioned over the disk surface, processor, and antenna.  
       [0015] The disk structure may include a center and an outer periphery. In one embodiment, the metalized data storage area is positioned on the disk surface near the outer periphery, and the antenna and processor are positioned on the disk surface between the metalized data storage area and the center. An opening may be positioned in the center of the disk structure, and the antenna may be an annular ring of conductive material. The processor may be positioned between the annular ring of conductive material and the metalized data storage area. The antenna may be one of loop-shaped, dipole, or folded dipole. In another embodiment, the metalized data storage area is positioned on the disk surface near the outer periphery, and the antenna and processor are positioned between the metalized data storage area and the outer periphery. In yet another embodiment, the metalized data storage area is the antenna and the processor is positioned in the metalized data storage area.  
       [0016] According to another aspect of the invention, a process of enabling an information disk with an RFID processor comprises providing a disk structure having a metalized data storage area and positioning a short wavelength electromagnetic light activated radio frequency identification processor on the disk structure. The process may also include coating the disk structure with a coating to cover the processor and the metalized data storage area.  
       [0017] The providing step may include molding the disk structure to include a data storage area and metalizing a layer over the data storage area after the processor is positioned on the disk to create the metalized data storage area. Alternatively, the positioning step may include positioning the processor in the data storage area and the metalizing step includes metalizing in an area over the processor. The metalized layer may be shaped into a pattern in the area positioned over the processor. A non-conductive layer may be positioned over the processor prior to metalization.  
       [0018] The providing step may include molding a disk structure having a recess sized for receiving the processor and the positioning step includes positioning the processor in the recess. The process may also include depositing a coating in the recess over the processor. Alternatively, the positioning step may include pressing the processor into the disk structure. In another embodiment, the positioning step includes applying an adhesive to the disk structure in a predefined area, applying the processor to the disk structure in the predefined area, and curing the adhesive to affix the processor to the disk structure.  
       [0019] The disk structure may have a disk surface with the metalized data storage area positioned on the disk surface. The data storage area may comprise a plurality of pits corresponding to data and a data free area, both of which are covered by the metalized layer. The positioning step may comprise positioning the processor in the data free area of the data storage area. A non-conductive layer may be positioned over the processor. A pattern may be formed in the metalized layer in the data free area of the metalized data storage area by laser ablation, etching, or mechanical removal.  
       [0020] In another embodiment, the disk structure includes two disk layers that are bonded together and the positioning step comprises positioning the processor between the two disk layers. An exterior surface of the two disk layers may be covered with a protective coating. The positioning step may include coupling the processor to an exterior surface of one of the disk layers and covering the processor with a protective coating. The providing step may include forming a recess in one of the disk layers for receiving the processor and positioning the processor in the recess. A recess may be formed in both disk layers, and the processor may be positioned between the two disk layers within the recesses.  
       [0021] In an alternative embodiment, the process also includes coupling an antenna to the disk structure and coupling the processor to the antenna. The disk structure has a center and an outer periphery and the metalized data storage area is positioned in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the disk structure and spaced from the center. The antenna may be coupled to the disk structure between the center and the metalized data storage area. The positioning step may include positioning the processor between the metalized data storage area and the antenna on the disk structure. Alternatively, the antenna and processor may be coupled to the disk structure between the metalized data storage area and the outer periphery. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES  
     [0022]FIG. 1 is an elevated top view of a disk according to the claimed invention, showing a processor installed in an inner region of the disk structure;  
     [0023]FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a CD configuration of the disk of FIG. 1, taken along line  2 - 2 , showing the processor positioned on the disk surface;  
     [0024]FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the processor positioned in a recess on the disk surface;  
     [0025]FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the processor after it has been pressed into the disk surface;  
     [0026]FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a DVD configuration of the disk of FIG. 1, taken along line  2 - 2 , showing the processor positioned between the two disk layers of the disk;  
     [0027]FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5, but showing the processor embedded in the bonding material between the two disk layers of the disk;  
     [0028]FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5, but showing the processor positioned in a recess formed in one of the disk layers;  
     [0029]FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5, but showing the processor positioned in a recess defined in both of the disk layers;  
     [0030]FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5, but showing the processor embedded in a recess defined on an exterior surface of the disk layers;  
     [0031]FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9, but showing the processor positioned on an exterior surface of one of the disk layers with the disk layers being covered with a protective coating;  
     [0032]FIG. 11 is an elevated top view of an alternative embodiment of the disk showing the processor embedded in an outer peripheral ring of the disk structure;  
     [0033]FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the disk of FIG. 11, taken along line  12 - 12 , showing the processor positioned on the disk surface;  
     [0034]FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 12, showing the processor embedded in a recess defined on the disk surface;  
     [0035]FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 12, showing the processor after it has been pressed into the disk surface;  
     [0036]FIG. 15 is a top elevated view of an alternative embodiment of the disk showing the processor positioned in the metalized data storage area of the disk structure;  
     [0037]FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the processor of FIG. 15, taken at lines  16 - 16 , showing the processor positioned on the disk surface under the metal layer of the metalized data storage area;  
     [0038]FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 16, but showing the processor after it has been pressed into the surface of the disk;  
     [0039]FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 16, but showing the processor positioned in a recess defined on the surface of the disk;  
     [0040]FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 16, but showing the processor positioned in a recess defined on the surface of the disk with a pattern or shape cut into the metal layer of the metalized data storage area in the vicinity of the processor;  
     [0041]FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the disk, similar to that of FIG. 16, showing a pattern or shape cut into the metal layer of the metalized data storage area in the vicinity of the processor;  
     [0042]FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 16, but showing the processor covered by a non-conductive layer under the metal layer;  
     [0043]FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 16, but showing the processor covered by a non-conductive layer under the shaped metal layer;  
     [0044]FIG. 23 is a top elevated view of the disk showing several alternative embodiments when a processor utilizing a separate antenna is utilized;  
     [0045]FIG. 24 is a partial top view of the inner area of the disk showing a different type of antenna configuration;  
     [0046]FIG. 25 is a partial top view similar to FIG. 23, but showing a different type of antenna shape; and  
     [0047]FIG. 26 is a partial top view similar to FIG. 23, but showing a different type of antenna shape.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     [0048] The claimed invention concerns an information disk  10  having a substantially rigid structure with a surface  12  on which a radio frequency identification (RFID) processor  14  is positioned. The processor  14  may be associated with any type of information disk, such as a single disk, as in the case of a compact disk (“CD”), or multiple laminated disks, as in the case of a Digital Versatile Disk (“DVD”). Data is stored on the disk  10  in a metalized data storage area  16 . The processor  14  is activated or enabled by light of the ultraviolet radiation, visible spectrum, and infrared radiation segments of the electromagnetic spectrum. Light in these areas is generically termed herein as “short wavelength electromagnetic light,” as compared to microwave or radio waves. One type of light that is utilized to activate the processor  14  is laser light. Light from a laser in a player provides the processor  14  with power to transmit data stored in the processor  14  to an outside source via radio or microwaves.  
     [0049] CD and DVD players currently utilize laser light to read data stored in the metalized data storage area  16  of the disk  10 . Because the processors  14  utilized with the claimed invention are sensitive to light, when the disk  10  is positioned in a CD or DVD player, the laser light, in the normal course of player operation, can activate or enable the RFID processor  14  positioned on the disk  10 . This is dependent on whether the laser and processor are relatively positioned to interact with one another. Alternatively, a separate light source may be utilized to activate or enable the RFID processor  14  stored on the disk  10 . It may be desirable to have a separate light source in order to allow for greater flexibility in processor placement, or when light of a different frequency or wavelength is required to activate the processor or otherwise desired.  
     [0050] Once the processor  14  is enabled, it can send a radio or microwave signal to an outside source, including in the signal information that is stored in the processor  14 . This information can be used to determine the authenticity of the disk  10  positioned in the player. It can be used to prevent copying or playing of the disk  10  if it is found that the disk  10  is not an authorized or authentic copy. It can also be used to prevent unauthorized copying of copyrighted or otherwise secured information on the information disk  10 . Thus, the present invention can utilize an existing feature of a player—the laser light—to activate the RFID processor  14 . Other types of light may also be utilized to activate the processor  14 , including light in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared regions of the spectrum, the invention not being limited to activation by laser light.  
     [0051] The present design uses standard CD and DVD construction and positions a light activated processor  14  on the disk  10 . A CD has an annular disk structure approximately 12 centimeters in diameter and 1.2 millimeters thick, with an approximately 1.6 centimeter diameter central opening  18 . CDs are typically made from a polycarbonate base  20  in an injection molding process. During molding, data in the form of tiny pits in a spiral pattern  22  are pressed into the disk surface  12  of the base  20 , and the data portion on the surface of the CD is then coated with a thin layer of metal to form the metalized data storage area  16 . A typical metallic coating material is aluminum, copper, or gold. The data storage area  16  is typically a ring-shaped area that is concentric to the annular disk structure, with an inner diameter of approximately 4.125 centimeters and an outer diameter of approximately 11.75 centimeters. The data storage area  16  preferably does not extend to the outer periphery  24  of the disk  10 , leaving a thin non-metalized annular ring  26  at the outer periphery  24  and another annular non-conductive portion  28  at the center of the disk  10 .  
     [0052] The entire disk surface  12  of the base  20  is typically covered by a transparent protective coating  30 , such as acrylic or nitrocellulose, to protect the metalized data storage area  16 . The interior non-conductive portion  28  of the CD (between the data storage area  16  and the central opening  18 ), previously did not contain any information aside from occasional printed information. A light enabled processor  14  is now positioned on the disk  10  in the interior non-conductive portion  28 . In a preferred embodiment, the processor  14  includes an onboard antenna. Processors that do not have onboard antennas may also be utilized, as will be discussed in greater detail below. Once the processor  14  is activated by a light source, the processor  14  transmits data stored in the processor  14  to a reader positioned near the CD inside a player. The processor  14  may be positioned in a variety of positions on the disk surface  12 , which will each be discussed in connection with the respective figures.  
     [0053] DVDs have approximately the same physical dimensions as the CDs discussed above, but include multiple data storage areas, such as two disk layers  32  that are 0.6 millimeters thick. The metalized data storage areas  16  on each layer  32  of a DVD are parallel to each other and serve as reflective layers.  
     [0054] Like CDs, DVDs are formed using an injection molding process. In one such process, two molds are utilized to make a single DVD. Each mold produces a 0.6 mm disk layer  32 . A plastic, such as polycarbonate, is heated to a molten state and fed into the mold. The plastic layer  32  is compressed in the mold under several tons of pressure so that the pits  22  corresponding to the data are pressed into the disk layer  32 . The clear plastic layers  32  are then chilled and removed from the mold. After each layer  32  is pressed, the disk layers are coated with a metallic layer to cover the pits  22  and form the metalized data storage area  16 . A preferred coating technique is sputter coating and preferred materials are aluminum, copper, or gold. The two disk layers  32  are then bonded together with a bonding material  36 , such as lacquer, and UV light is applied as the disk layers  32  are squeezed together. The exterior surfaces  38  of the disk layers  32  may also be coated with a protective layer  30 . A processor  14  is positioned on the disk  10  between the two disk layers  32  or on an exterior surface  38  of the disk layers.  
     [0055] The term “processor” as used herein refers generally to a computer that processes or stores information, such as a computer chip that is enabled or activated by light, including ultraviolet, visible, and infrared. The processor has a semiconductor circuit with logic, memory and RF circuitry, as well as photocells or other light sensitive components for activating the circuit once exposed to light. The processor  14  may include a computer chip in conjunction with an interposer, a computer chip in conjunction with leads for attaching the computer chip to an antenna, a computer chip with terminals for electrical connection with an antenna, or a chip with an onboard antenna, among other configurations. The computer chip may be a silicon-based chip, a polymer based chip, or other chips that are known today or will be developed in the future. Thus, the term “processor” as used herein is meant to encompass a variety of embodiments and configurations.  
     [0056] In a preferred embodiment, the processor  14  is a chip manufactured by Pharmaseq of Princeton, N.J. The Pharmaseq chip is small in size, having dimensions of approximately 0.5 mm×0.5 mm×75 microns, and is low in cost. The small size is preferred because it is less noticeable to the user when positioned on a disk. It is activated by laser light, is read only, and has an onboard antenna that permits short read distances that are suitable for the close quarters within a CD or DVD player. Other types of processors are also contemplated for use with the present invention, as long as they are light activated.  
     [0057] The processor  14  utilized with the current design is enabled by short wavelength electromagnetic light in the ultraviolet, visible and infrared spectrums. The processor  14  is preferably enabled by light having a frequency ranging from about 3×10 17  Hz up to about 300 GHz, and a wavelength ranging from about 1 nanometer up to about 25 micrometers. A more preferred wavelength for activating the processor, generally corresponding to laser light, is about 380 nanometers to about 750 nanometers.  
     [0058] Referring to the figures, FIGS.  1 - 22  depict a disk  10  having a processor  14  with an onboard antenna and FIGS.  23 - 25  depict a disk  10  having a processor  14  that utilizes an antenna  34  that is positioned on the disk structure. FIGS.  1 - 22  depict several different positions for the processor  14  on the disk  10 , as well as numerous different constructions of the various layers of the disk  10 . The processor  14  may be embedded in the disk structure so that it is more covert. Alternatively, the processor may be positioned on the outer surface of the disk structure, in a potentially less covert manner.  
     [0059]FIG. 1 shows a disk  10  where the processor  14  is positioned in a non-conductive inner portion  28  of the disk base  20 . The processor  14  is positioned adjacent the metalized data storage area  16 , which is advantageous in that the path of the laser in the player may be utilized to activate the processor  14  as part of the normal path of operation that the laser uses to read data stored in the metalized data storage area  16 . The processor  14  may also be positioned at other positions within the inner non-conductive portion  28 , such as closer to the central opening  18 , if so desired.  
     [0060] FIGS.  2 - 4  show various configurations for a CD construction, where the processor  14  is associated with the disk surface  12  of the base  20 . In FIG. 2, the processor  14  is positioned on the disk surface  12 , and the surface  12 , processor  14 , and metalized data storage area  16  are coated with a protective coating  30 . The processor  14  may be positioned on the surface  12  utilizing an adhering medium, such as an adhesive or epoxy. In one embodiment, the processor  14  is connected to the surface using a UV curable adhesive. The adhesive is applied to either the disk surface or the processor  14 , the processor is positioned on the disk surface  12 , and the adhesive is cured to affix the processor  14  to the surface  12 .  
     [0061]FIG. 3 shows a processor  14  positioned in a recess  40  that is formed in the disk surface  12 . The recess  40  may be formed during the molding process of the disk base  20 , or after the disk base  20  has been molded. Where the recess  40  is formed after the disk base  20  is molded, it may be formed by any known technique, such as laser ablation, or chemical or mechanical removal, among other techniques known by those of skill in the art. The recess  40  is preferably sized to accept the entire size of the processor  14 . Small gaps  44  may be positioned around the processor  14  in the recess  40 . These gaps  44  may be filled in with the protective coating  30 , or with another filler. The processor  14  may be connected to the surface  12  in the recess  40  utilizing an adhesive  42  or other adhering material, although an adhesive is not always required.  
     [0062]FIG. 4 shows the processor  14  after it has been pressed into the surface  12  of the disk base  20  during the molding process. Pressing the processor  14  into the disk surface  12  is advantageous because the size of gaps  44  around the processor  14  is minimized. Any gaps  44  that are present after the processor  14  is pressed into the disk surface  12  may be filled in by the protective coating  30 , or by another filler is so desired.  
     [0063] FIGS.  5 - 10  depict a DVD construction corresponding to FIG. 1, where the processor  14  is positioned in the inner non-conductive area  28  of the disk base  20 . As discussed above, DVDs include two disk layers  32  that are bonded together using a lacquer, or other suitable bonding material  36 . In a preferred embodiment, the processor  14  is sandwiched between the disk layers  32 , as shown in FIGS.  5 - 8 . This is advantageous in that the processor may be made more covert than if the processor  14  were placed on an exterior surface of the DVD. Alternatively, the processor may be positioned on an exterior surface  38  of the disk layers  32 , as shown in FIG. 9- 10 . In each of FIGS.  5 - 9 , a bonding material  36  is positioned between the metalized data storage areas  16  and the disk layers  32 .  
     [0064] FIGS.  5 - 10  show the processor  14  positioned on the DVD in a variety of configurations. In FIG. 5, the processor  14  is positioned between the disk layers  32  with the bonding material  36  positioned around the sides of the processor  14  and between the metalized data storage areas  16 . The processor  14  may be bonded to the disk layers  32  utilizing a different, or the same bonding material  36  as utilized to bond the upper and lower layers  32  together. For instance, a separate adhesive  42  may be applied directly to the processor or surface so that the processor can be adhered to one of the disk surfaces  12 . Alternatively, the processor  14  may simply be held in position between the disk layers  32  by the surrounding bonding material  36 .  
     [0065]FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, but shows the processor  14  embedded within the bonding material  36  utilized to bond the upper and lower layers  32  together. The bonding material  36  fills the space between the layers  32  and completely surrounds the processor  14  so that the processor  14  is suspended in the bonding material  36 . Alternatively, one surface of the processor  14  may be attached to the disk surface and the remaining surfaces of the processor may be surrounded by the bonding material.  
     [0066]FIG. 7 shows the processor  14  embedded below the surface  12  of the lower disk layer  32  in a recess  40  formed in the surface  12 . The recess  40  may be formed in the surface  12  during the disk layer molding process. Alternatively, the recess  40  may be formed after the disk layer  32  is formed, as discussed above for the CD configurations. An adhesive  42  may be coupled to the processor  14  or to the recess  40  so that the processor  14  adheres to the recess  40  once it is placed in the recess  40 . The recess  40  is preferably sized to accept the entire size of the processor  14 . Gaps  44  may be formed between the processor  14  and the recess  40  due to differences in size between the processor  14  and the recess  40 . These gaps  44  can be filled in with a filler, or may be filled in by the bonding material  36  that is utilized to join the disk layers  32  together. The disk layers  32  are bonded together utilizing the bonding material  36 , which is shown positioned between the disk layers  32 . In this embodiment, the gap between the layers  32  may be smaller than in prior embodiments, since the processor  14  is embedded within the disk layer  32 .  
     [0067]FIG. 8 shows the processor  14  positioned within recesses  40  that are formed in both the upper and lower layers  32 . As with the prior embodiment, the recesses  40  may be formed during the molding process of the disk layers  32 , or after the disk  10  is molded. The recesses  40  are preferably precisely positioned on the disk layers  32  so that the processor seats within both recesses  40  when the disk layers are bonded together. Gaps  44  may be present in the recesses  40  around the processor  14 , and may be filled in by the bonding material  36  that is utilized to connect the two disk layers  32  together, or another filler material. An adhesive  42  may be positioned on the processor  14  or in the recesses  40  in order to adhere the processor  14  to the recesses  40 . This adhesive  42  may assist in filling the gaps  44  around the processor  14  in the recesses  40 .  
     [0068]FIG. 9 shows the processor  14  positioned on an exterior surface  38  of the upper layer  32  in a recess  40  that is formed in the exterior surface  38  by any of the techniques discussed above. The processor  14  may alternatively be pressed into the surface  38  during the disk layer molding process so that the processor  14  becomes embedded in the exterior surface  38 . Gaps  44  may be present around the processor  14  in the recess  40  or after it has been embedded in the exterior surface  38 . A filler may be used to fill in any gaps. The filler is utilized to entirely fill in any remaining space within the recess  40  so that the exterior surface  38  of the disk is smooth. A smooth exterior surface  38  will make the position of the processor  14  more covert than if the processor were simply placed on an exterior surface  38  of the disk layer  32 . The filler may be an adhesive or other material, such as bonding material  36 . An adhesive  42  or other adhering medium may also be utilized to attach the processor  14  within the recess  40 .  
     [0069]FIG. 10 shows the processor  14  positioned on an exterior surface  38  of the upper disk layer  32 . The processor  14  may be adhered to the surface  38  with an adhering material, such as adhesive or epoxy. In this embodiment, the exterior surfaces  38  are covered with a protective coating  30 , similar to the protective coating  30  utilized with the CD constructions. In order to maintain a DVD that has a standard thickness, with this embodiment it may be necessary to make the disk layers  32  slightly thinner than with prior embodiments in order to accommodate the thickness of the protective coating  30 . The protective coating  30  over the processor  14  is advantageous in that it is not necessary to provide a recess  40  in the exterior surface, and the protective coating  30  will provide a smooth exterior surface  38  for more covert positioning of the processor  14 .  
     [0070] While the processor  14  is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 positioned on the upper disk layer, the processor  14  may alternatively be positioned on either the upper or lower disk layer  32  utilizing any of the above placements. While a protective layer  30  is shown on the exterior surface  38  in FIG. 10, a protective layer  30  is not required in all cases. Where a covert processor is not required, the processor  14  could be directly bonded to the exterior surface  38  without any protective coating  30  surrounding the processor  14 . The protective layer may be selectively applied to the processor  14  in the vicinity of the processor only, if so desired, such as a small bubble of protective coating  30  surrounding the processor in order to protect the processor from damage. The gaps  44  around the processor  14  in recess  40  do not have to be filled in. If the processor  14  is positioned directly on the unrecessed surface  12  of the disk  10 , the processor  14  is preferably strongly bonded to the surface  12  so that it cannot be easily removed. Again, the disk layers  32  in FIGS.  9 - 10  are bonded together utilizing techniques known by those of skill in the art, some of which are discussed above.  
     [0071] FIGS.  11 - 14  show an alternative embodiment of the disk  10 , where the processor  14  is embedded in the outer non-conductive ring  26  of the disk base  20 . The processor  14  is preferably small enough so that it can be embedded within the outer non-conductive ring  26  without interfering with the data storage area  16 , or extending past the outer periphery  24  of the disk  10 . FIGS.  12 - 14  show different ways in which the processor  14  may be embedded in a CD.  
     [0072]FIG. 12 shows the processor  14  positioned on the disk surface  12 . The disk surface  12 , including the metalized data storage area  16  and processor  14  are covered by a thin protective layer  30 . The processor  14  may be adhered to the surface  12  with an adhering medium, such as epoxy or adhesive. Alternatively, the protective coating  30  may be utilized to hold the processor  14  in place on the surface  12 . The protective coating  30  preferably provides a smooth surface on the CD so that the processor is somewhat covert.  
     [0073]FIG. 13 shows the processor  14  embedded in a recess  40  on the disk surface  12  and then covered by the protective coating  30 . In this embodiment, the protective coating  30  preferably flows into any gaps  44  between the processor  14  and the walls of the recess  40 . FIG. 14 shows the processor  14  embedded in the disk surface  12 . As with prior embodiments, the processor  14  may alternatively be pressed into the disk surface  12  during the molding process. By pressing the processor  14  into the disk surface, the processor  14  may be held in position on the surface  12  without the need for additional adhering mediums. In addition, any gaps  44  that may surround the processor  14  are minimized.  
     [0074] While not shown, the processor  14  may alternatively be positioned on the exterior of the protective coating  30 , or embedded in a recess  40  defined in the protective coating  30 . These techniques are also applicable to a DVD, where the processor  14  may be embedded in either the disk surface  12  or the exterior surface  38 . Like FIGS.  5 - 10 , the processor  14  may be embedded between the disk layers  32  in the outer non-conductive ring  26 . The processor  14  may be embedded within a recess  40  defined in either or both of the disk layers  32 , or it may be positioned between the layers  32  and embedded in the bonding material  36 . In addition, the processor  14  may be positioned on an exterior surface  38  of the disk layers  32 , using any of the techniques described above in connection with FIGS.  5 - 10 , or any other techniques for applying a processor  14  to a surface, whether to the disk layer surface, or to the protective layer surface.  
     [0075] FIGS.  15 - 22  show an alternative embodiment of the disk  10  where the processor  14  is positioned in the metalized data storage area  16  on the disk surface  12 . In this embodiment, the processor  14  is preferably placed in a portion of the metalized data storage area  16  that is free of data. This data free area  46  may be provided by moving the data storage area on the disk surface  12 , by limiting the size of the data storage area  16 , or by extending the size of the metalized area  16 . Positioning the processor  14  under the metalized area  16  helps to camouflage the processor.  
     [0076] While the processor  14  is depicted in FIG. 15 as being positioned near the outer periphery  24  of the disk  10  in the metalized data storage area  16 , it may also be positioned at other locations on the disk surface  12 , such as near the inner non-conductive portion  28  in the metalized data storage area  16 , or at an intermediate position within the metalized data storage area  16 . It may be more advantageous to extend the metalized area  16  inwardly, because the inner area  28  is presently unused in CDs and DVDs. The processor  14  may be positioned under the metalized area  16  to help to augment the signal from the processor&#39;s onboard antenna. The metalized area  16  may assist in increasing the strength of the signal from the processor  14  by serving as an additional antenna for coupling with the processor&#39;s onboard antenna.  
     [0077]FIG. 16 shows the processor  14  positioned on the disk surface  12 , with the metalized area  16  extending over the processor  14 . As shown, the processor  14  does not interfere with the data pits  22  on the surface  12  of the processor  14 . The processor  14  is preferably positioned on the disk surface prior to metalization of the metalized data storage area  16  so that metal can be applied over the processor during the metalization process. The processor may be applied to the surface  12  utilizing an adhering medium, such as an adhesive or an epoxy. The disk surface  12 , including the metalized area  16 , is covered by a protective coating  30  after metalization.  
     [0078]FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 16, but shows the processor  14  embedded in the disk surface  12 . The processor  14  may be embedded in the disk surface  12  during the disk molding process by pressing the processor  14  into the disk surface  12 , as discussed above. The metalized area  16  is deposited on the surface  12  after the processor  14  has been pressed into the surface  12 . The metalized area  16  extends over the data pits  22  and processor  14 . The disk surface, including the metalized data storage area  16 , is then covered by the protective coating  30 .  
     [0079]FIG. 18 is similar to FIG. 17, but shows the processor  14  embedded in a recess  40  defined in the disk surface  12 . As discussed above, the recess  40  may be formed in the disk surface  12  by any known techniques, such as laser ablation, or chemical or mechanical removal. Alternatively, the recess  40  may be formed during the disk molding process. The recess  40  is preferably sized to accept the entire size of the processor  14 . The processor  14  may be positioned in the recess  40  with an adhesive  42 , or other adhering medium. The adhesive  42  can be applied to the processor  14 , or positioned in the recess  40  under the processor  14 . The adhesive  42  may form a layer under the processor  14 , or may surround the processor  14  once the processor  14  is positioned in the recess  40 , and assist in filling any gaps  44  that surround the processor  14  in the recess  40 . The metalized layer covers the processor  14  and the data pits  22 . If any gaps  44  are present around the processor  14  in the recess  40 , the metalized layer will flow into the gaps  44 . The disk surface  12 , including the metalized data storage area  16 , is coated with the protective coating  30 .  
     [0080]FIGS. 19 and 20 are views similar to prior views, but including a patterned area  48  of the metalized layer  16  positioned over the processor  14  while the processor  14  is positioned in a recess  40  (FIG. 19) or positioned on the disk surface  12  (FIG. 20). The patterned area  48  may assist in amplifying the signal from the processor  14  depending on the shape, size, and configuration of the pattern, and its coupling ability with the onboard antenna of the processor  14 . The patterned area  48  may be formed in the metalized area  16  in the data free region  46  utilizing known techniques. For example, the patterned area  48  may be plated or sputter coated on the surface  12 . A pattern  48  may be cut into the metalized surface  16  using such techniques as laser ablation, etching, or chemical or mechanical removal. Alternatively, the pattern  48  may be created by masking a portion of the disk surface  12  prior to metalization and removing the masking after metalization to reveal a shaped-pattern.  
     [0081] The patterned area  48  may take on numerous shapes, such as spiral, coil, or other loop configurations. Other shapes may be used, as known by those of skill in the art. The metalized layer on the data storage area  16  is typically a conductive material, such as aluminum or gold. These same materials may be coupled to the processor  14  in the data free area  46 . Alternatively, other types of material may be applied in the data free area  46  of the metalized data storage area  16  so that the data free area  46  includes one type of conductive material while the remainder of the metalized data storage area  16  includes a different type of conductive material (not shown).  
     [0082]FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 16, but including an additional non-conductive layer  50  positioned between the processor  14  and the metalized layer  16 . The non-conductive layer  50  may be any type of non-conductive material, such as an adhesive or a polymer. The non-conductive layer  50  may be applied to the disk surface using known depositing techniques. The metalized layer  16  is positioned over the non-conductive layer  50  and the protective coating  30  is positioned over the metalized layer  16 . The metalized layer  16  may capacitively couple to the processor  14  through the non-conductive layer  50 .  
     [0083]FIG. 22 is a view combining the aspects of FIGS. 20 and 21. It includes a processor  14  positioned on the disk surface  12  that is coated by a non-conductive layer  50 . The non-conductive layer  50  is covered by a metalized layer  16  that includes a patterned area  48  in order to assist in increasing the signal strength of the processor  14 . The patterned area  48  was previously discussed in connection with FIGS. 19 and 20. The non-conductive layer  50  may be any type of non-conductive material, such as an adhesive or polymer. A non-conductive layer  50  could be applied to other embodiments discussed above, such as those including an embedded or recessed processor  14 .  
     [0084] Each of the embodiments in FIGS.  15 - 22  are also applicable for DVD constructions. With DVD configurations, the processor  14  will be positioned under one of the metalized data storage areas  16  of one of the disk layers  32  in a data free area  46  on the disk surface  12 .  
     [0085] FIGS.  23 - 26  show an alternative embodiment of the invention, where the light enabled processor  14  does not include an onboard antenna and, instead, is coupled to a separate antenna  34  that is positioned on the disk  10 . All of the embodiments discussed above may be utilized with a processor  14  that does not include an onboard antenna, as long as provisions are made to couple an antenna  34  to the processor  14 .  
     [0086] FIGS.  23 - 26  show several different antenna configurations. The processor  14  will typically have two terminals, with the terminals being connected to poles of the antenna  34 . Each of the depicted antennas  34  could be used with the processor  14 , whether the processor  14  is embedded in the disk surface  12  or an exterior surface  38 , positioned in a recess  40  on the disk surface  12  or on an exterior surface  38 , positioned on or in the protective coating  30 , or otherwise attached to the disk surface  12  or disk layers  32 . The antenna  34  can take on various forms depending on the type of RFID processor used, including both capacitive and inductive antenna systems. In addition, the antenna  34  may be any type of conductive material, such as copper or gold. As shown in FIGS.  23 - 26 , several embodiments involve small parts of the inner area  28  to define a conductive area  34 . Other embodiments do not require that any part of the inner area  28  be metalized, such as one of the embodiments shown in FIG. 23. The antenna  34  may be preformed and positioned on the disk  10 , or it may be deposited directly on the disk  10  during the disk formation process.  
     [0087]FIG. 23 depicts a dipole antenna  52  coupled to a processor  14  at two different locations on the disk surface  12 —in the inner non-conductive area  28  and the outer non-conductive ring  26 . The processor  14  has two terminals and each of the terminals is connected to one of the arms  54  of the dipole antenna  52 . The processor  14  and dipole antenna  52  may be coupled to the disk surface  12  by either being positioned directly on the surface  12 , being embedded in the surface  12 , or being positioned in a recess  40  defined on the surface  12 . In each of these embodiments, the surface  12  is covered with a protective coating  30 . Alternatively, the processor  14  and antenna  34  may be positioned within the protective coating  30  or on top of the protective coating  30 . The size of the dipole antenna arms  54  may vary, depending upon the application requirements. The dipole antenna  52  and processor  14  may be positioned in a recess  40  defined on the disk surface  12 . Alternatively, they may be positioned on a tag, which can be adhesively, or otherwise applied to the surface  12 .  
     [0088] In the DVD configurations for FIG. 23, the processor and antenna may be positioned on one of the disk surfaces  12  of the disk layers  32  and then bonded to the other disk layer  32  with a bonding material  36 , as discussed above in connection with FIGS.  5 - 10 . Any of the positioning techniques discussed in FIGS.  5 - 10  may also be utilized to place the antenna  34  and the processor  14  on the disk  10 . For instance, the processor and antenna may be positioned in a recess  40  on the disk surface of one of the disk layers  32  or on an exterior surface  38  of one of the disk layers, among other placement locations discussed in connection with FIGS.  5 - 10 .  
     [0089] The antenna  34  may be deposited on the disk  10  using known depositing techniques, such as sputter coating or plating of metal, print depositing a conductive material, or hot foil stamping, among other techniques. In addition, the antenna may be preformed and positioned on a substrate, such as an adhesive layer, which may be applied directly to the disk  10 . In addition, the processor  14  and antenna  34  may be positioned together on a preformed tag (not shown). The tag may be positioned on the disk in any number of ways, as discussed for processor  14  placement in any of the above embodiments.  
     [0090]FIG. 24 show the processor  14  coupled to both an inner metalized area of the disk  10  and the metalized data storage area  16  in a capacitive antenna system. While the inner area  28  of the disk  10  is not normally metalized, FIG. 24 shows that the inner area  28  may be metalized so that it may be utilized as an antenna  34 . In another embodiment, the inner metalized area  56  may be shaped into an antenna pattern having two ends that may be connected to both terminals of the processor  14 , and the processor  14  is only connected to the inner metalized area  56 .  
     [0091]FIG. 25 shows a view similar to FIG. 23, but with a folded dipole antenna  58  positioned in the inner non-conductive area  28 .  
     [0092]FIG. 26 shows a spiral loop antenna  60  associated with the processor  14 . The spiral loop has two ends, one of which is coupled to one terminal of the processor  14  and the other of which is coupled to the other terminal of the processor  14 . A bridging connector  62  is shown coupling the inner end of the loop antenna  60  with the processor  14 . The bridging connector  62  may be electrically isolated from the inner antenna loops by an insulating dielectric, and the loops may be isolated from one another by the protective coating  26 , or a different non-conductive material positioned over the bridging connector  62 . The insulating dielectric may be the same material as the protective coating  26 . While the processor  14  is shown positioned between the antenna  60  and the metalized data storage area  16 , it may alternatively be positioned between the central opening  18  and the antenna  60 .  
     [0093] The antenna  34  may be coupled to the processor  14  by any number of ways. It may be capacitively coupled, so that a direct physical connection between the terminals of the processor and the antenna is not required. It may be coupled by leads, traces, or other connections that extend from the antenna to the processor terminals. Alternatively, the processor terminals may be directly connected to the antenna. While not shown, an interposer may also be used in conjunction with the processor  14  for providing a connection between the antenna  34  and the processor  14 .  
     [0094] The antenna may be positioned on the disk  10  in any number of ways. For instance, the antenna may be positioned on the disk surface  12  and covered by the protective coating  30 . Alternatively, the antenna may be positioned directly on top of the protective coating  30 . The antenna may also be embedded in either the disk surface  12  or protective coating  30 , along with the processor  14 . The antenna may be embedded while the processor  14  is not embedded, or vice versa.  
     [0095] In forming varied shapes for antenna  34 , such as a coil, loop, or spiral, the inner area  28  of the disk is metalized and the antenna pattern may be cut into the metalized area using etching, laser ablation, or mechanical or chemical removal. A shaped antenna may also be formed using sputter coating, hot foil stamping, plating or other known techniques for forming shaped patterns of materials on surface  12 . A shaped antenna  34  may also be formed by masking off parts of the disk surface  12 , depositing material over the maskings and surface, and removing the maskings. With each technique, the RFID components are preferably covered with a protective coating after they are applied to the surface. The coating may be acrylic, nitrocellulose, or another suitable material, as known by those of skill in the art.  
     [0096] Different antenna configurations are discussed in greater detail in applicant&#39;s copending patent application filed on the same day and entitled “RFID Enabled Information Disks,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.  
     [0097] With either the CD or DVD configurations discussed above, the orientation of the processor  14  may be important to effective operation. Since the light enabled processor  14  includes photocells or other sensors for determining if a light signal has been transmitted, it may be necessary to orient the processor  14  so that photocells face the light source to allow the light source to activate or enable the processor  14  at the desired time. In one embodiment, such as that utilizing a chip that has photocells on one side, it is necessary to position the processor so that the photocells face the light source. Installing the processor  14  prior to metalization of the data storage area or printing a conductive material also allows an antenna to be built over the processor  14  instead of under the processor  14 . It also eliminates the need for a conductive adhesive or solder to attach the processor  14  to the antenna in the embodiments where it is desired to couple the processor to an antenna. For the DVD application, the processor  14  could be positioned either on the upper or lower disk layer  32 , as long as the photocells face the light source. Other processors may not require that the photocells face a predetermined direction. Some of these processors may include photocells on multiple surfaces, which would make it unnecessary to be concerned about proper photocell orientation.  
     [0098] The antenna may be a single layer of conductive material that is positioned on the disk surface  12  or in a recess  40 . Alternatively, it may be a metallic layer, deposited by such techniques as hot foil stamping or sputter coating, or print depositing a layer of conductive material, such as a conductive ink, adhesive, or polymer. The antenna may be positioned above or below the protective coating  30 . Conductive leads may be utilized, as discussed above, to establish an electrical connection between the processor, antenna, and metalized data storage area  16 . These leads may be any type of conductive material known to those of skill in the art, such as conductive adhesive or solder.  
     [0099] While specific examples of CDs and DVDs are described above, the claimed invention is not limited to the specifically described embodiments. In particular, the dimensions provided above are for illustration purposes only. While the disks  10  are shown and discussed as being annular, non-annular disks may also be utilized. In addition to the types of CDs and DVDs described above, other types of CDs and DVDs are also contemplated to be used with the claimed invention, such as CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R(G), DVD-R(A), DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD+RW, and DVD+R, among others. Further, different DVD formats may be utilized with the claimed invention, in addition to those with dual layers, including DVD-5 (single side, single layer), DVD-9 (single side, dual layer), DVD-10 (double side, single layer), DVD-14 (DVD-5 single layer bonded to a DVD-9 dual layer) and DVD-18 (two bonded DVD-9 dual layer structures).  
     [0100] While disks  10  having certain layer thicknesses are shown in the figures, the various relative thicknesses are for illustration purposes only. The actual disk structures may vary from the sizes and dimensions shown herein.  
     [0101] It should be further noted that a reader is utilized to read the processor  14  once installed on the disk surface  12 . With some of the above-discussed embodiments, a reading of the processor  14  may require physical contact between the reader and the disk  10 . In other embodiments, physical contact between the reader and the disk  10  is not required. Whether direct contact is necessary will depend on a number of factors, including antenna strength, shape, and size, and processor positioning and characteristics, among other things.  
     [0102] While various features of the claimed invention are presented above, it should be understood that the features may be used singly or in any combination thereof. Therefore, the claimed invention is not to be limited to only the specific embodiments depicted herein.  
     [0103] Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. The embodiments described herein are exemplary of the claimed invention. The disclosure may enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments having alternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements of the invention recited in the claims. The intended scope of the invention may thus include other embodiments that do not differ or that insubstantially differ from the literal language of the claims. The scope of the present invention is accordingly defined as set forth in the appended claims.