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.

1 - 21 . (canceled)  
   
   
       22 . A medium, comprising: 
 an energy sensitive layer that changes appearance when energized to create a media label; and    pre-recorded data containing embedded information about the medium including printing characteristics of the energy sensitive layer to control creating the media label.    
   
   
       23 . The medium of  claim 22 , further comprising one or more alignment marks on the medium.  
   
   
       24 . The medium of  claim 23 , wherein the one or more alignment marks are preprinted on the medium.  
   
   
       25 . The medium of  claim 23  wherein the one or more alignment marks are pre-printed on the energy sensitive layer.  
   
   
       26 . The medium of  claim 23  wherein the one or more alignment marks are used to properly align a label to a predetermined orientation.  
   
   
       27 . The medium of  claim 22  wherein the energy sensitive layer is attached by an adhesive.  
   
   
       28 . The medium of  claim 22  wherein the energy sensitive layer is deposited on the medium.  
   
   
       29 . The medium of  claim 22  wherein the energy sensitive layer is arranged in a pattern in order to form a label composed of different colors.  
   
   
       30 . The medium of  claim 29  wherein the pattern is a series of substantially concentric rings of different colors.  
   
   
       31 . The medium of  claim 29  wherein the pattern is a series of substantially radial line patterns.  
   
   
       32 . The medium of  claim 29  wherein the energy sensitive layer includes multiple layers and one of the energy sensitive layer is configured to allow a laser to burn through to expose a color layer.  
   
   
       33 . The medium of  claim 29  wherein the pre-recorded data describes pattern of colors.  
   
   
       34 . (canceled)  
   
   
       35 . The medium of  claim 22  wherein the embedded information includes thermal media printing characteristics.  
   
   
       36 . The medium of  claim 22  wherein the embedded information includes licensing information.  
   
   
       37 . The medium of  claim 22  wherein the energy sensitive layer is erasable.  
   
   
       38 . The medium of  claim 22  wherein the energy sensitive layer is configured to allow a thermal writing head to write one or more spots to the energy sensitive layer.  
   
   
       39 . The medium of  claim 22  wherein the energy sensitive layer includes a test printing area.  
   
   
       40 . The medium of  claim 22  wherein the energy sensitive layer is configured to store a label data file.  
   
   
       41 . The medium of  claim 22  wherein the energy sensitive layer is removable.  
   
   
       42 . The medium of  claim 22  wherein the energy sensitive layer is sensitive to photon energy.  
   
   
       43 . The medium of  claim 22  wherein the energy sensitive layer is sensitive to thermal energy.